“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory:

the glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring love.” (Jn 1:14)

“A God who draws near out of love . . . walks with His people, and this walk comes to an unimaginable point. We could never have imagined that the same Lord would become one of us and walk with us, be present with us, present in His Church, present in the Eucharist.” (Pope Francis)

On October 13, 2013, Pope Francis will consecrate the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as part of the Marian Day celebration with the statue of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima. Pope Francis, explained that he recites the 15 decade Rosary daily, because he was inspired by John Paul II: “One evening I went to recite the Holy Rosary that was being led by the Holy Father. He was in front of everybody, on his knees. The group was numerous; I saw the Holy Father from the back and, little by little, I got lost in prayer. I was not alone: I was praying in the middle of the people of God to which I and all those there belonged, led by our Pastor. In the middle of the prayer I became distracted, looking at the figure of the Pope: his pity, his devotion was a witness. And the time drifted away, and I began to imagine the young priest, the seminarian, the poet, the worker, the child from Wadowice in the same position in which knelt at that moment, reciting Ave Maria after Ave Maria. His witness struck me. I felt that this man, chosen to lead the Church, was following a path up to his Mother in the sky, a path set out on from his childhood. And I became aware of the density of the words of the Mother of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego: ‘Don’t be afraid, am I not perhaps your mother?’ I understood the presence of Mary in the life of the Pope.”

Christmas Reflections

“O God in swaddling clothes, “Divine Jesus, beauty supreme,

You delight the angels. I want to respond to Your love,

Word made Child, To witness how much I love You,

Trembling, I bow before You. I shall watch over You forever.”

Who then will comprehend this mystery, (From the play “The Angels at Jesus’ Manger,”

A God Who made Himself a little child?... by St. Therese of Lisieux)

He came to earthly exile,

The Eternal One the Almighty!

“The Holy Eucharist is the continuation of Christ’s incarnation on earth. The mystery of the Eucharist gives us the joy of having Christmas every day. When we come to the Blessed Sacrament we come to Bethlehem, a name which means ‘house of bread’. Jesus chose to be born in Bethlehem because He would dwell with us forever as the ‘Living Bread’ come down from heaven. When the shepherds and Magi came to adore Him, they brought Him so much joy with their humble visit to Bethlehem that their visit has been praised and retold down through the centuries. God has never stopped honoring them for honoring His Son in Bethlehem. So too, your humble visit to Jesus today in the Blessed Sacrament brings Him so much joy that it will be retold for all eternity and bring the world closer to His promise of peace on earth.” (Rosary Meditations from Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Loving Jesus With the Heart of Mary)

St. Therese of Lisieux, Carmelite, Church Doctor, Ptn. of Missionaries, (1873-1897), France—Oct. 1

“Divine Jesus, here is the ultimate extent of your love; having made visible to poor weak creatures that adorable Face of which even the seraphim cannot sustain the brilliance, You want to hide it behind a veil even thicker than human nature . But, Jesus in the host I see the splendor of Your face shine forth. Your ravishing charms are not at all hidden from me .. I see Your ineffable look penetrating poor souls, inviting them to receive You Like the dove that hides in the hollow of a rock, so shall Your spouses seek Your Face. I see their hearts turning toward You, coming to take refuge by the tabernacle of Your love!” (From the play “The Angels at Jesus’ Manger, St. Therese)

Feast of the Guardian Angels—Oct. 2 The angels “relation to Jesus is rooted in His Incarnation. While He was on earth, ‘from the Incarnation to the Ascension, the life of the Word incarnate is surrounded by the adoration and service of angels’ (CCC 333). They announced His coming, and when He had arrived, they adored Him. They protect Jesus in His infancy, serve Him in the desert, strengthen Him in His agony in the garden, when He could have been saved by them from the hands of His enemies as Israel had been (cf. Mt 1:20; etc.). (CCC 333) It was the angels who announced Christ’s Resurrection even as they had announced beforehand His birth (cf. Mk 16:5-7). ‘They will be present at Christ’s return, which they will announce (cf. Acts 1:10-11), to serve at His judgement (cf. Mt 13:41; 25:31; Lk 12:8-9)’ (CCC 333). No proof is required to show that these faithful servants of the Lord will never leave Him. For the grace of glory makes them immutable in their fidelity. Wherever He will be, there they will be with Him (cf. Jn 12:26; 17:24). If He is the same in heaven as on earth, if He is present ‘in His substance’ at the right hand of the Father as well as in the Blessed Sacrament, then they are with Him in heaven as on earth, and wherever He dwells under the Eucharistic species. They will adore and serve Him, announce and protect Him in the Holy Eucharist today as in His humanity 2000 years ago.” (Fr. Titus Kieninger, ORC)

St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Franciscan Founder, Stigmatist, (c. 1181-1226), Italy—Oct. 4

St. Francis was a fervent adorer of the Blessed Sacrament. He prostrated himself on the ground before every Catholic Church out of reverence for the Holy Eucharist! St. Francis wrote letters proclaiming Jesus’ real presence. “Most High, all powerful, good Lord, Yours are the praises, the glory, the honor, and all blessing. To You alone, Most High, do they belong...Praise and bless my Lord, and give Him thanks and serve Him with great humility.”

Respect Life Sunday—Oct. 6

Bishop Samuel Aquila of Fargo, ND speaks of the power of Eucharistic Adoration to promote life. “People come from all over to pray here [at the adoration chapel]. They see the chapel as a real witness to the dignity of the unborn.” “Certainly, with our belief in the Eucharist as the body, blood and divinity of Jesus Christ, we are putting our trust in the second Person of the Trinity to assist in the battle against the culture of death. Jesus is the one who gives life. We know that Our Lord is with us in this battle.”

St. Teresa of Avila, Carmelite, Doctor of the Church, Reformer, Mystic, (1515-1582), Spain—Oct. 15

O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! We thank Thee for the great gift of faith and of devotion to the Holy Sacrament, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits and by those of Thy faithful spouse, to grant us the gift of a lively faith, and of a fervent devotion toward the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; where Thou, O infinite Majesty! hast obliged Thyself to abide with us even to the end of the world, and wherein Thou didst so lovingly give Thy whole Self to us. (From the novena to St. Teresa of Avila by St. Alphonsus Liguori)

St. Margaret Mary, Apostle of the Sacred Heart, (d. 1690), France—Oct. 16 The Sacred Heart of Jesus appeared to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and requested the feast and devotion. Jesus’ messages to St. Margaret Mary were centered on the Blessed Sacrament. Jesus asked for thanksgiving, love, and reparation to His Eucharistic Heart, by visiting him in adoration.

Sts. Isaac Jogues (1607-1646), John de Brebeuf, & Companions, Jesuit Martyrs, France—Oct. 19

St. No.l Chabanel (North American martyr), you were so strong and persevering in the midst of disappointments and depression which the Lord permitted you to suffer in New France, teach us to draw from the Eucharist, as you did, the courage to persevere to the end of our service of the Lord. Amen.

Pope John Paul II, Apostle of the Eucharist and Youth, (1920-2005),—Oct. 22

A wheelchair was made for John Paul II so he could move around freely. The chair was level with the Tabernacle in his chapel. His secretary found the Pope embracing the Tabernacle. He asked the Pope why. The Pope replied:

“I just don’t know what else I can do to console Him.”

All Saints Day—November 1

“United with the angels and saints of the heavenly Church, let us adore the most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Prostrate, we adore this great mystery that contains God’s new and definitive covenant with humankind in Christ.”

(Pope John Paul II the Great)

All Souls Day—November 2

“I recommend to you the souls in Purgatory; but especially those who had the greatest devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament and to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. I also recommend to you all poor sinners.” (St. Alphonsus Liguori)

St. Charles Borromeo, Patron of Seminarians, Reformer, (1538-1584), Italy —Feast, Nov. 4

St. Charles was dedicated to the education of all youth. He promulgated 40 hours of Eucharistic Adoration and encouraged everyone to foster a fervent devotion to and love for the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Martin of Tours, Patron of Soldiers, (316-397), Italy—Nov. 11 As a soldier and catechumen, Martin was very charitable to beggars. Shortly after his departure from the military, Martin became a priest because of his great love for Jesus in the Eucharist. He was later named a bishop. Filled with great zeal for Jesus, Martin became a great educator and preacher! He is known for miracles.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Religious, Ptn. of Immigrants, Founder, (1850-1917), Italy —Nov. 13

“Remember that the Blessed Sacrament is like a pillar of fire that is our light and guide.” (St. Frances Xavier Cabrini) As foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who traveled the Americas and Europe founding schools, orphanages and hospitals, Mother Cabrini encouraged her sisters to find their strength in the Sacred Eucharistic Heart of Jesus through Mass and by starting Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Agnes of Assisi, Poor Clare Nun, Virgin, (1197-1253), Italy —Nov. 16

“I come, O Lord, unto Thy sanctuary to see the life and food of my soul. As I hope in Thee, O Lord, inspire me with that confidence which brings me to Thy holy mountain. Permit me, Divine Jesus, to come closer to Thee, that my whole soul may do homage to the greatness of Thy majesty; that my heart, with its tenderest affections, may acknowledge Thine infinite love; that my memory may dwell on the admirable mysteries here renewed every day, and that the sacrifice of my whole being may accompany Thine.” (St. Agnes of Assisi)

St. Gertrude the Great, Benedictine & Patroness of the West Indies, (1256-1302), Germany—Nov. 16

“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.” Our Lord told St. Gertrude the Great that this prayer would release 1000 souls from purgatory every time it is said. The prayer was extended to include living sinners as well. (St. Gertrude chaplet cards are available through us (#D-20). Help spread this powerful prayer for all souls!)

Bl. Miguel Agusten Pro, Priest, Martyr, (1891-1927), Mexico—Nov. 23 Despite his poor health, Bl. Miguel tirelessly risked his life to offer Holy Mass and the sacrament to the faithful in Mexico, when it was illegal to worship.Bl. Miguel spent many hours in adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and encouraged Eucharistic adoration. He was very devoted to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and died holding a rosary from Lourdes in one hand and a crucifix in the other. Due to false charges, Bl. Miguel was executed. He died as he lived, proclaiming: "May God have mercy on you! May God bless you! Lord, Thou knowest that I am innocent! With all my heart I forgive my enemies!" “Viva Cristo Rey!” Long live Christ the King!

St. Catherine Laboure, Religious Mystic and Visionary, (1806-1876), France—Nov. 28

St. Catherine often saw Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration on his feasts (e.g., Jesus as King on the Feast of Christ the King). Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal appeared to St. Catherine and entrusted her with the mission of constructing and promulgating the miraculous medal. Mother Mary promised that, although times were dark in the world, those who wore the medal would receive the blessings of conversion, great graces, and protection.

St. Francis Xavier, Jesuit Priest, Patron of Missionaries, (1506-1552), Spain—Dec. 3

“What shall we say of St. Francis Xavier who at times when distributing Holy Communion felt so carried away by a sense of adoration toward Our Lord Who was in his hands, that he got on his knees and in that position continued giving Holy Communion? Did that not present a witness of faith and love worthy of heaven?” (Fr. Stefano Manelli)

St. Nicholas, Bishop, Patron of Children and Russia, (4th century), Myra—Dec. 6 He brought the presence of Jesus to others by healing the sick, helping the poor, and reflecting God’s love for all.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception—December 9: Blessed be her holy & Immaculate Conception!

Feast of Our Lady of Loreto, Italy, December 10—Our Lady of Loreto, pray for us!

“At the Annunciation by her ‘Yes’ to God, Mary became the first tabernacle . In this instant, the Eternal Word leapt down from Heaven and ‘He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb, O Holy Mother of God’. Mary is the new Ark of the Covenant containing not just the Word of the Torah or Law, but the Eternal Word, Jesus Christ. And so the Litany of Loretto addresses her as the ‘Cause of our Joy, Spiritual Vessel, Vessel of Honor, Singular Vessel of Devotion’ and the ‘House of God.’ She is the ‘Seat of Wisdom’ because once born, Eternal Wisdom made her lap His throne.” (Fr. Giles Dimock, O.P.).

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas and the Unborn—December 12

O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living, to you do we entrust the cause of life: Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy. Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel of life with honesty and love to the people of our time. (Pope John Paul II) Mother Mary, keep us under your mantle of protection, help us to adore Your Son! St. Lucy, Virgin, Martyr and Patroness of Eye Patients, (d. 304), Italy—Dec. 13 St. Lucy is associated with light, both physical and spiritual. In many countries, the faithful first illuminate their Christmas lights on the feast of St. Lucy. St. Lucy’s intercession is invoked in the Eucharistic prayer at Mass. St. Lucy, enlighten all hearts to see Jesus truly present in the Holy Eucharist and adore Him!

St. John of the Cross, Priest, Carmelite Reformer, (1542-1591), Spain—December 14

“On arriving at a monastery he always made it a point first to greet the sick after his visit to the Blessed Sacrament” (p. 24). (From the preface of The Collected Works of St. John of The Cross).

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist, Patron of Theologians, Asia Minor, (d.100), Galilee—December 27 John, the beloved, consoled Jesus at the Last Supper and throughout His passion, by remaining with Him. He showed us by word and example how to love God, experience and proclaim His Real Presence.

Feast of the Holy Innocents—December 28

Called in the East “The Children killed by Herod.” “These have been ransomed for God and the Lamb as the first fruits of mankind; they follow the Lamb wherever he goes” (Rev 14:4).

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—December 29

Our Lady and St. Joseph lovingly cared for Jesus, offering Him their lives and love. What do we do to show our belief, devotion, love, and adoration of Him?