Missionaries of the Blessed Sacrament

“In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, my God” (Ps 137:1).

“We must return to the Eucharist with a purified heart, with a renewed amazement, with an increased desire to meet the Lord, to be with him, to receive him and to bring him to our brothers and sisters with the witness of a life full of faith, love, and hope.” (“Let us return to the Eucharist with joy,” Robert Cardinal Sarah)

Visit the Blessed Sacrament and Pray the Rosary: Pope Leo XIII, on October 13, 1885, had a famous vision which caused him to faint. He saw Satan unleashed in all his fury to attack and to destroy the Church. Pope Leo knew our only recourse was to Our Lady and the Blessed Sacrament. He wrote nine encyclicals on the Holy Rosary telling of its importance for our time and was proclaimed “The Rosary Pope.” Of the Blessed Sacrament he said: “The present and future tribulations of the church and of nations is greater than at any other period. The devotion that God gives us for the succor of the Church and of nations is devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Preach it always; preach it everywhere.” (From Louis Kaczmarek’s book The Eucharist and The Rosary, available through us)

Enjoy the Friendship of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament: “To adore Me is to see My Face and to approach My heart, full of wonder and of holy fear, and above all, full of love, Adoration is the wordless confession of My divinity. Adoration proclaims that I am all and that all else is nought. …. When St. Francis repeated during the hours of the night, ‘my God and my all!’ he was offering Me the adoration in spirit and in truth that My Father desires.” “How I desire to see My churches open! Open the doors of My consecrated houses and trust Me to fill them with adorers in spirit and in truth! Come to Me in the Sacrament of My love and I will fill you with the sweetness of My friendship. Know that there is no companionship on earth that can be compared with Mine.” (In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart, The Journal of a Priest at Prayer, A Benedictine Monk)

Reflections

During these tumultuous and troubled times when the earth seems filled with the darkness of conflict and war, violence and unrest, natural disasters, scandal, uncertainty and division let us keep our eyes on the Light—Jesus Eucharistic, Savior, Prince of Peace!

Adoration of Our Eucharistic King Brings Peace: Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925, writing that: “Men must look for the peace of Christ in the Kingdom of Christ.” He explained in his encyclical On the Feast of Christ the King that “By sermons preached at meetings and in churches, by public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament exposed and by solemn processions, men unite in paying homage to Christ, whom God has given them for their King. It is by a divine inspiration that the people of Christ bring forth Jesus from his silent hiding-place in the church, and carry him in triumph through the streets of the city, so that he whom men refused to receive when he came unto his own, may now receive in full his kingly rights.”

 St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Carmelite, Church Doctor, Patroness of Missionaries, (1873-1897), France—Oct. 1:

Your Holy Hours will Convert the World! This is witnessed powerfully in the life of the Little Flower, St. Therese of Lisieux. Although she never left her convent, and only lived to the tender age of 24, St. Therese accomplished great things through the power of Eucharistic Adoration. The Church made her the patroness of Missionaries to emphasize this most important truth: one soul coming before the Blessed Sacrament can change the world!

The Holy Guardian Angels—Oct. 2:

“When you pass by the chapel and haven’t time to stop, tell your Guardian Angel to take your messages to Our Lord in the tabernacle. He will take them and then have time to catch up with you" (St. Bernadette Soubirous).

St. Theodore Guerin, Foundress of the Sisters of Providence, (1798-1856), France—Oct. 3:

“If we truly knew how to appreciate it [the Holy Eucharist], it alone would fortify and sustain us.” Mother Theodore founded the Sisters of St. Mary of the Woods, IN, and the first Catholic women’s liberal arts college in the U.S.

Respect Life Sunday—Oct. 4:

“Many problems darken the horizon of our time. We need but think of the urgent need to work for peace, to base relationships between peoples on solid premises of justice and solidarity, and to defend human life from conception to its natural end. And what should we say of the thousand inconsistencies of a “globalized” world where the weakest, the most powerless and the poorest appear to have so little hope! It is in this world that Christian hope must shine forth! For this reason too, the Lord wished to remain with us in the Eucharist, making his presence in meal and sacrifice the promise of a humanity renewed by his love” (Pope St. John Paul II, Ecclesia de Eucharistia, 20).

Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos, Redemptorist, missionary to US, Miracle worker (1819-1867), Bavaria—Oct. 5:
As a youth, Bl. Francis began frequent visits to the Blessed Sacrament. Bl. Francis brought Holy Communion to a lady who was ill. Her husband, a disbeliever, mocked her faith. He suffered with an ulcer on his face for a year. Bl. Francis placed his hands on his face and prayed for him. In a few days, he was healed and became Catholic.

Anniversary of Our Lady’s Apparition at Fatima and the Miracle of the Sun (1917)—Oct. 13:

Pardon Prayer: “My God, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee! I beg pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust, and do not love Thee.”

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

“I know a person with serious illnesses, who often experiences great pain, who through this Bread [of the Eucharist] had them taken away as though by a gesture of the hand and was made completely well. This is a common experience” (St. Teresa of Avila).

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Apostle of the Sacred Heart, (1647-1690), France—Oct. 16: 

“His Sacred Heart is an inexhaustible fountain of mercy . . . . And it is still the same every day in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.” (St. Margaret Mary)

St. Gerard Majella, Religious, Patron of Expectant Mothers (1726-1755), Italy—Oct. 16:

“Lord, make my faith in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar especially alive” (St. Gerard).

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

“The only external sign of our holy religion that we have is the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. To its marvels we must open the eyes of our faith without the aid of any sensible mark of grandeur, like the Magi of old in the stable. It seems, moreover, that God supplies what we lack and rewards us with grace for having transported the Holy Sacrament beyond so many seas and having found an abode for it in these poor cabins.” (St. John de Brebeuf)

Pope St. John Paul II, Apostle of the Eucharist, (1920-2005), Poland—Oct. 22:

“Jesus Christ is truly Emmanuel, God-with-us from his Incarnation until the end of time. And he is this in a particular intense and hidden way in the mystery of his continual presence in the Eucharist. What vital strength, what consolation, what firm hope is discovered in contemplating the mystery of the Eucharist! It is God-with-us that enables us to share his life and impels us to go out to evangelize the world, to sanctify it!” (St. John Paul II)

St. Luigi Guanella, Founder of the Servants of Charity, (1842-1915), Italy—Oct. 23:

“Jesus awaits your adoration in the Eucharist.” “A community of adorers becomes a family of love.” “The Holy Eucharist is the Sun of the earth, the Life of the world, and true Paradise on earth for all who believe.”

St. Jude Thaddeus, Apostle, Martyr, Patron of Impossible Cases (d. 67)—Oct. 28: 

Jesus chose this holy man, his cousin, for his devoted love of His Real Presence and missionary zeal. He died in Persia.

All Souls Day: Offer Masses, Holy Hours, Rosaries and other prayers for the Holy Souls!—Nov. 2: 

 “From the beginning, the Church has honored the memory of the dead and offered prayers in suffrage for them, above all the Eucharistic sacrifice, so that, thus purified, they may attain the beatific vision of God.” (CCC, 1032)

St. Martin de Porres, Patron of South America, Surgeon, Miracle Worker, (1579-1639), Peru—Nov. 3: 

Miracle Worker, Healer, Mystic, and Friend of the Poor, St. Martin drew his strength from Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. He spent many hours a day in Adoration, in the midst of routine tasks.

St. Charles Borromeo, Bishop, Patron of Catechists, (1538-1584), Italy—Nov. 4:

St. Charles promoted the 40 hours of Eucharistic Adoration devotion and began a Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, ensuring that the Jesus Eucharistic received the highest honor. During the plague, he helped set up altars in the streets so that people could assist at Mass from their windows. At one point, St. Charles bought food for over 60,000 a day! St. Charles brought the faithful the Holy Eucharist and invited them to pray in his chapel with him.

St. Martin of Tours, Priest, Bishop, Patron of Soldiers, (316-397), Italy—Nov. 11:

St. Martin bore a great love for the Blessed Sacrament, the faith and the poor. He was a soldier, prior to becoming a priest and bishop. A great educator and preacher, St. Martin was known for miracles even during his life.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Religious, Missionary, Patroness of Immigrants, (1850-1917), Italy—Nov. 13:

“In the shadow of your tabernacle where I can enjoy that intimate union with you which is paradise on earth.” St. Frances founded houses for her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, schools, orphanages and hospitals globally. She started Adoration and her sisters made Holy Hours every day, despite their demanding schedule.

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

Prayer for the Holy Souls: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with all 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.” (Jesus told St. Gertrude that offering this prayer will release 1,000 souls from Purgatory. A St. Gertrude prayer card is available through us.)

St. Margaret of Scotland, wife, mother, Patroness of those with large families (1045-1093)—Nov. 16: 

Margaret, of England, reluctantly married Malcolm III, King of Scotland. They had 8 children. Margaret loved Jesus Eucharistic and devoted herself to prayer, the sick and poor. Her love won the hearts of all of Scotland. Her husband and eldest son were killed in battle, and she died 4 days later. She is patroness of those grieving the loss of a child.

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Nov. 21:

 “There never was, and never will be, an offering on the part of a creature greater or more perfect than that which Mary made to God when, at the age of three, she presented herself in the Temple. She offered him not aromatic spices, nor calves, nor gold, but her entire self, consecrating herself as a perpetual victim in his honor.” (St. Alphonsus Liguori) Mother Mary was the first tabernacle of God. Our Lady, Ark of the Covenant, pray for us!

Bl. Miguel Agusten Pro, Priest, Martyr, (1891-1927), Mexico—Nov. 23: 

Despite poor health, Bl. Miguel tirelessly risked his life to offer Holy Mass and the sacraments to the faithful in Mexico, when it was illegal. Bl. Miguel spent hours in Eucharistic Adoration and encouraged others to as well. He was 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: “Viva Cristo Rey!” 

Feast of Christ the King: “All the nations shall come to adore you.” (Ps 86:9) —Nov. 24:

 “Serve our Lord [in the Holy Eucharist] . . . work at the establishment of His reign of love.” (St. Peter Julian Eymard)

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, France—Nov. 27:
Our Lady appeared to St. Catherine before the Blessed Sacrament and entrusted her with the mission of constructing and promulgating the miraculous medal. Mary promised that, although times were dark, those who adored the Holy Eucharist and wore the medal would receive the blessings of conversion, great graces, and protection.

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

“When I go to the chapel, I put myself before the good God and say to Him, ‘Lord, here I am, give me what You wish’. . . Then I tell Him all that comes into my mind.” (St. Catherine, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal visionary)

First Sunday of Advent: O Come Let Us Adore Him in The Holy Eucharist!—November 29:

Advent Prayer (to be prayed daily): O Jesus, little child, come into my heart on Christmas morn, to wash away my sins and remain there in eternally. O Mary, Mother of my Savior, prepare for Jesus a cradle in my heart. Amen.

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

 St. Francis Xavier spent long days baptizing souls and bringing them the sacraments. At night, he drew strength from hours in prayer before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.

St. Nicholas, Bishop, Patron of Children and Russia, (4th century), Myra—Dec. 6:

St. Nicholas is remembered for his holiness, great generosity with the poor and miracles. These fruits were sown by his deep prayer life, grounded in the Holy Eucharist.

St. Ambrose of Milan, Bishop, Doctor, Pt. of Candlemakers, (c. 340-397), Italy—December 7:

“If it is ‘daily bread,’ why do you take it once a year? . . . Take daily what is to profit you daily.” (St. Ambrose)

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception!—Dec. 9:

“Mary, give me your Heart: so beautiful, so pure, so immaculate; your Heart so full of love and humility that I may be able to receive Jesus in the Bread of Life and love Him as you love Him.” (St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta)

Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Unborn, (Apparition 1531), Mexico—Dec. 12:
Our Lady told Juan Diego her request that a Church be built so that Jesus, her Eucharistic Son, could be known, received, loved and adored by her children. She comforted Juan Diego with these words: “Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother?”

St. John of the Cross, Carmelite Priest and Doctor, (c. 1542-1591), Spain—Dec. 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. Stephen, Deacon, Martyr, Patron of Deacons and Stonemasons, (d. 35)—Dec. 26:

St. Stephen was the first martyr who gave his life in witness to Christ. “O God, you accept our ministry and allow us to serve at your altar; grant that while serving you we follow the example of our patron, St. Stephen, the martyr, and that we may like him, come to see Jesus standing at your right hand in the Kingdom of Heaven.” (Prayer)

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—Dec. 27:
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?

Feast of the Holy Innocents—Dec. 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).

St. Thomas Becket, Archbishop and Martyr, (1118-1170), England—December 29:

St. Thomas refused to give King Henry II authority over the Church and was murdered in his cathedral. St. Thomas often prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, and wrote in a letter to a friend, “harken to me who have been wont to pray for you in an abundance of tears and with groanings not a few before the Majesty of the Body of Christ.”

We wish everyone a Blessed Christmas Season & a very Happy and Holy New Year!!!

Prayer Intentions: Send us the names and intentions of those you would like us to pray for before Jesus, Our Eucharistic King, Our Savior, Our Emmanuel & Prince of Peace!

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M.B.S., P.O. Box 1701, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-8193 www.ACFP2000.com

O Come let us Adore Him! Start Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in your parish & community today!

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