#Apostolic Youth Book

[mostlyfrommemory]

Apostolic Youth Ministry

I never really think about who may read whatever you want to call what I write, until I meet them in person and they tell me. If you are in Youth Ministry today I want to speak directly to you.

Sarah and I drove from Alabama to Virginia this last weekend to attend the funeral of a man who had been a young person while we were leading youth ministry. Being there and seeing the teenagers-now grown people with families-whom we spent nearly every Friday night of our 20s with brought back a flood of memories. I love those people. And I still recognize a familiar connection that is not easily…

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT JOHN BOSCO (aka Don Bosco) The Apostle, Father and Teacher of the Youth Feast Day: January 31

"Enjoy yourself as much as you like - if only you keep from sin."

The founder of the Society of Saint Francis de Sales (popularly known as the Salesians of Don Bosco) was born Giovanni Melchiorre Bosco, to a peasant family in Castelnuovo d'Asti (Castelnuovo Don Bosco), Piedmont, Kingdom of Sardinia, twelve miles near Turin, Italy on the feast of the Assumption of Mary - August 15, 1815. He was the youngest son of Francesco Bosco and Margherita Occhiena, and had two older brothers, Antonio, and Giuseppe.

The Boscos of Becchi were farmhands of the Moglian Family, and John was born into a time of great shortage and famine in the Piedmontese countryside, following the devastation wrought by the Napoleonic Wars and drought in 1817.

In 1825, when he was nine years old, he dreamed of an army of youngsters, who turned from ferocious animals into gentle lambs. The Blessed Virgin Mary, with her hands on his head, said: 'What you have seen happen to these animals, you will have to do with my children.'

John started gathering the children of his town, teaching them catechism and bringing them to church. He would often delight them with acrobatic and circus tricks.

John was sixteen when he entered the seminary at Chieri, next to the Church of the Immacolata Concezione (San Fillippo). His parish priest was convinced of his vocation because John was able to repeat word by word all his homilies. After six years of study, he has ordained a priest on the eve of Trinity Sunday by Archbishop Franzoni of Turin in 1841 at the age of twenty-six.

John was assigned to Turin, where he energetically worked for the prisoners, the youth, and the street children. For them, he opened the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales, where they could learn a trade and the basics of Christian life. He chose this patron saint for his gentleness, and because in the hall of the house donated by a rich woman for his oratory, there was his portrait.

In his tireless apostolate, Don Bosco was constantly supported by his mother. In his effort to make honest citizens and good Christians, he opened workshops for shoemaking, tailoring, and printing. Don Bosco was so convinced of the power of the mass-media that he usually spent half of the night writing books and magazines. His motto was: 'Give me the souls and keep all the rest.'

In 1859, he founded the Salesian Society for the education of the boys; and in 1872, he founded the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco) together with St. Maria Domenica Mazzarello, for the education of the girls. In order to support the work of both congregations, John organized the Association of Salesian Cooperators in 1876, who followed in their homes and state of life of the Salesian spirituality.

Don Bosco died on January 31, 1888 in Turin at the age of 72 due to bronchitis, and his funeral was attended by thousands. He is beatified on June 2, 1929 and is canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI on April 1, 1934 - Easter Sunday. His major shrine can be found at the Basilica of Our Lady Help of Christians in Turin, Italy.

In 2002, Pope St. John Paul II was petitioned to declare Don Bosco the Patron of Stage Magicians. John Bosco had pioneered the art of what is today called 'Gospel Magic,' using magic and other feats to attract attention and engage the youth.

[thesynaxarium]

On the second Sunday of Great Lent, we celebrate our Venerable Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica. Saint Gregory, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359. His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today. May he intercede for us always + Source: https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=1055&PCode=2LENTS&D=S&date=03/28/2021 (at Thessalonikki, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CpqMCbzLR_Q/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2024

august 25_september 7

RETURN OF THE RELICS OF THE APOSTLE BARTHOLOMEW FROM ANASTASIOPOLIS TO LIPARI (6th.c.)

The Transfer of the Relics of the Apostle Bartholomew took place at the end of the sixth century. His apostolic activity and martyr’s end are remembered by the Church on June 11. The Apostle Bartholomew suffered for Christ in Armenian Albanus (now Baku_ Azerbaijan) in 71, where his holy relics were. Numerous miracles occurred from the relics of the holy Apostle, and many of the unbelieving were converted to Christ. Under the emperor Anastasius (491-518) the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew were transferred into the newly constructed city of Anastasiopolis (or Dura) and remained there until the end of the sixth century.

When the city of Anastasiopolis was captured by the Persian emperor Chozroes, Christians took up the chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew and fled with it to the shores of the Black Sea. Having overtaken them, pagan priests threw the chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew into the sea. Four other chests containing the relics of the holy Martyrs Papian, Lucian, Gregory and Acacius were also thrown into the sea.

By the power of God the chests did not sink into the depths of the sea, but miraculously floated upon the waves and reached Italy. The chest with the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew came to land at the island of Lipari, and the remaining chests continued their journey and came to land at various places in Italy. The chest with the relics of the Martyr Papian halted at Sicily, the Martyr Lucian at Messina, the Martyr Gregory at Calabria, and the Martyr Acacius at Askalon.

The arrival of the relics of the holy Apostle Bartholomew was revealed to Bishop Agathon of the island of Lipari, who went with clergy to the shores of the sea, took the chest from the waters and solemnly transferred it to church.

Myrrh flowed from the relics of the Apostle Bartholomew, healing people of various illnesses. The holy relics remained in the church of the island of Lipari until the middle of the ninth century, when the island was captured by pagans. Christian merchants took up the holy relics of the Apostle Bartholomew. They transferred them to Beneventum, near Naples, where they were received with great veneration and placed in the city's main church.

APOSTLE TITUS OF THE SEVENTY AND BISHOP OF CRETE ( 1st. c.)

Saint Titus, Apostle of the Seventy was a native of the island of Crete, the son of an illustrious pagan. In his youth he studied Hellenistic philosophy and the ancient poets. Preoccupied by the sciences, Titus led a virtuous life, not devoting himself to the vices and passions characteristic of the majority of pagans. He preserved his virginity, as the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer (December 20) testifies of him.

For such a manner of life the Lord did not leave him without His help. At age twenty Saint Titus heard a voice in a dream, suggesting that he abandon Hellenistic wisdom, which could not provide salvation for his soul, but rather to seek that which would save him. After this dream, Saint Titus waited yet another year, since it was not actually a command, but it did guide him to familiarize himself with the teachings of the prophets of God. The first that he happened to read was the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. Having opened it to the 47th Chapter, he was struck by the words, speaking as it were about his own spiritual condition.

When news reached Crete about the appearance of a Great Prophet in Palestine, and about the great miracles He worked, the governor of the island of Crete (an uncle of Titus) sent him there. This Prophet was the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, incarnate of the Most Holy Virgin Mary Who came into the world for the redemption of the race of mankind from the oppression of ancestral sin.

At Jerusalem, Saint Titus saw the Lord. He heard His preaching and believed in Him. He witnessed the suffering and death of the Savior on the Cross, His glorious Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven. On the day of Pentecost the future apostle heard how the Twelve Apostles, after the descent of the Holy Spirit, spoke in various languages, among which was the Cretan language (Acts 2: 11).

Saint Titus accepted Baptism from the Apostle Paul and became his closest disciple. He accompanied Saint Paul on his missionary journeys, fulfilling the tasks entrusted to him. He was involved in establishing new churches, and was with Paul in Jerusalem.

Saint Titus was numbered among the Seventy Apostles and was made Bishop of Crete by the Apostle Paul. Around the year 65, not long before his second imprisonment, the Apostle Paul sent a pastoral epistle to his son in the Faith (Tit. 1: 4).

When the Apostle Paul was taken like a criminal to Rome to stand trial before Caesar, Saint Titus left his flock in Crete for a time and went to Rome to be of service to his spiritual Father. After Saint Paul’s death by martyrdom, Titus returned to Gortyna, the chief city of Crete.

Saint Titus peacefully guided his flock and toiled at enlightening the pagans with the light of faith in Christ. He was granted the gift of wonderworking by the Lord. During one of the pagan feasts in honor of the goddess Diana, Titus preached to a crowd of pagans.

When he saw that they would not listen to him, he prayed to the Lord, so that the Lord Himself would show to the mistaken people the falseness of idols. By the prayer of Saint Titus, the idol of Diana fell down and shattered before the eyes of all. Another time Saint Titus prayed that the Lord would not permit the completion of a temple of Zeus, and it collapsed.

By such miracles Saint Titus brought many to faith in Christ. After bringing the light of faith to the surrounding regions, Saint Titus died peacefully at the age of 97. At the time of his death, his face shone like the sun.

Source all texts: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

1 Corinthians 1:3-9

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Matthew 5:14-19

14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 17 Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

[noeticprayer]

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

Reading from the Synaxarion:

This divine Father, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncr eated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359.

His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today.

Apolytikion of Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone

O Gregory the Miracle Worker, light of Orthodoxy, support and teacher of the Church, comeliness of Monastics, invincible defender of theologians, the pride of Thessalonica, and preacher of grace, intercede forever that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion of Sun. of St. Gregory Palamas in the Fourth Tone

Holy and Divine instrument of wisdom, bright and harmonious trumpet of theology, with one voice, we praise you, O Gregory, preacher of God. Since your mind now stands before the First Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, that we may cry to You, "Hail Herald of Grace."

[coghive]

[Download] Holy Ghost Sound - Raphael Agadama Ft. Caleb David

Raphael Agadama is a Nigerian, a preacher, and a worshipper with an apostolic ministry accompanied by sporadic outbursts of the supernatural, signs, and wonders. He is an astute teacher of the word of God whose infallible passion lies in his desire for ‘restoring the order of true worship and provoking Spontaneous Spiritual Revival’. Through his ministry,  God shakes,  Shifts,  and Lifts many into victory. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Benin and the Author of the book, Youth with fire. He anchors an online daily podcast themed FIRE FOR TODAY which has been a blessing to many on and outside the shores of the country. He is the visionary of TRAILS OF FIRE INTERNATIONAL, an apostolic ministry. He is also the Team Lead of The 300 Tribe, a mentorship, equipping, and outreach tribe. He takes no credit for all the mighty works done by God through his ministry as he always affirms “My name is Raphael Agadama and I am nothing without the Holy Spirit. He is happily married and together with his dear wife Onyebuchi, he fulfils destiny In Apostle Raphael’s words: I was in the place of prayer one day battling with a thick cloud, I felt darkness approaching and a feeling of despair, doubt, fear, and uncertainty when suddenly the Lord reminded me of the story of Elisha and His servant.  Elisha’s servant was in fear because he lacked the necessary revelation, when His eyes were opened to see how heavily surrounded He was by God’s angels and chariots, his confession changed. From my inside, a cry arose and the song ‘HOLY GHOST SOUND’ was birthed. This song changed my life and brought me to a new level of victory. We send the sounds forth as arrows of fire and floods of light to fulfil divine purpose. Watch "Holy Ghost Sound" Video Below; https://youtu.be/D3hovx_pZ00?list=OLAK5uy_ns2JER80UQcIwb5Ugc_3x7PBtugVFgpCM https://archive.org/download/holy-ghost-sound/HolyGhostSound.mp3 Read the full article

[isobelleposts]

A Unique Perspective into the Marcos Regime from Gina Apostol

Cover of 'Gun Dealer's Daughter' by Gina Apostol

Gun Dealer’s Daughter by Gina Apostol is one of the first Filipino novels I’ve read and has pushed me to further explore and support local writers. As someone who is young and has never witnessed the Marcos regime with my own eyes or lived through those dreadful times—and thankfully so—getting an unusual perspective of the era through the deranged mind of Soledad Soliman immediately hooked me to purchase the book.

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. alongside his wife, Imelda Marcos

THE RICH

Soledad Soliman, as regarded through the book’s title, is a gun dealer’s daughter with close ties to the dictator and easy access to privilege and wealth. What struck me most aside from the fractured consciousness of the main character, which author Gina Apostol puts us through to witness this story, was the privilege that was often pointed out and openly stated for the readers to interpret.

From the spoils of those bloody times, my parents purchased this gilded womb.

Page 45 of ‘Gun Dealer’s Daughter’

Although Sol was only a baby when the bloody times of the Martial Law first broke out, this line alone proves the sheer privilege she and her family has—able to escape and avoid these crimes while others less privileged were given no other choice than to live under the unjust ruling of the dictator, with some even left to be wrongfully arrested and killed.

“We’ll always have our wealth, we will always have our names. There is something suspicious, dishonest, in playacting revolt. We’re cockroaches. We’ll outlast even our crimes.”

Page 139 of ‘Gun Dealer’s Daughter’

Even Sol herself acknowledges this privilege during a talk with Jed in one of the book’s pages.

Victims of the Martial Law

THE TORTURED

This book is unfortunately slow-paced, and although I adore Gina Apostol’s efforts and talent to write so precisely in the blurred mind of the main character, it took me a while to get to a chapter that would push me to read what else may follow. The plot of the book, I would say, arrives near the end wherein Sol’s vision of her past gradually becomes clearer and concise.

It was the severed head of a child. — Her skirt a clump over her waist. A private army aimed at her parts.

Page 193 of ‘Gun Dealer’s Daughter’

It was at this point that the story started taking up its pace as my stomach lurched in disgust and fright over the images that popped into my head with the author’s description of these tortures that similarly took place in real life not so long ago, to innocent civilians and activists fighting for the country’s freedom.

“That corner there, Sol. See that line, that shadow?” Edwin said. I nodded, looking. “That’s a gun, an automatic.”

Page 194 of ‘Gun Dealer’s Daughter’

It was disappointing, that I, along with Sol, only then was struck with the seriousness of her father’s business and her close association with these horrid crimes. To think that she had been so closely linked with giving way for these tortures to take place was something only the most cruel people could ignore.

THE ENDING

Gina Apostol’s writing is one of the most unique ones I’ve encountered and the structure of this story was interesting enough to keep me reading. Yet despite this, it felt as though the story from the very beginning was leading up to a major revelation that never met or come close to exceeding my expectations.

“Why, the Colonel had to go, of course,” my mother exclaimed. “One way or the other, Gianni said, he had to go. He was not following the plan.”

Page 272 of Gun Dealer’s Daughter

The book shares an interesting view into the Marcos regime through the eyes of the privileged youth, and though it may not be the most educational book there is to learn about our sadly almost-forgotten and widely disregarded history based on recent election results, it is a well-written story that has you applauding the author for her clear execution.

[traumacatholic]

do you have any resources for catholics who are lgbt?

I hope you don't mind that I'm going to answer this generally, because I don't know specifically what kind of resources you're looking for, and I'm not part of any LGBT Catholic spaces.

I think it's a good idea to hear from a wide range of views on the subject, more specifically from the people that are actually impacted by these viewpoints. So to that end, I do recommend looking out both Side A and Side B people to hear about their lives, their faith, the things that have been meaningful to them. You can find a lot of people from various 'camps' as it were on Tumblr by just doing various searches - these people would also probably be in a much better position to offer you specific resources, as I don't read much on LGBT issues with regards to Catholicism or faith more generally.

@blessedarethebinarybreakers has resources that cater to Side A and Side B perspectives. It might be good to check those resources out as a starting point. Some people do choose to reject the labels of Side A and Side B - but I do still believe this terminology can be useful when it comes to finding resources for specific perspectives as well as finding community. You can do a search on Tumblr for things like 'Side B Catholic’ 'Side B Christian’ etc and find people to connect with that way.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation in 2015 created a leaflet called 'Coming Home to Catholicism and to Self', that might be worth checking out. The leaflet also contains various links to different organisations as well as resource recommendations. It's a fairly accessible leaflet, and probably worth checking out as a starting point.

Quest - Pastoral Support for LGBT Catholics (UK Based but they do offer a lot of recommended readings etc).

Courage is a Catholic apostolate for persons with same-sex attraction. Another organisation that's pretty similar is https://www.edeninvitation.com/sexuality-resources, you can find a range of organisation and resource recommendations at this link.

Not a resource as such, but there is a subreddit for LGBT Catholics. It might be worth having a look here: https://www.reddit.com/r/LGBTCatholic/ and seeing what kind of resources and viewpoints are being shared and discussed. A slightly more active sub is https://www.reddit.com/r/GayChristians/

Some general resources:

https://www.hrc.org/resources/stances-of-faiths-on-lgbt-issues-roman-catholic-church

https://www.lgbtcatholicsyag.org.uk/resources

https://www.usccb.org/committees/laity-marriage-family-life-youth/homosexuality

https://fortunatefamilies.com/resources-and-website-links

https://lgbtcatholics.org/recommended-books/

I'd also recommend for any books that you come across that sound interesting, to do a search of them on Goodreads. You can often find that Goodreads will categorise books on a similar topic together, so you can often find more books on the same topic easily this way.

If any of my followers have any resource recommendations that'd be great too!

[tinyshe]

Ember Days: The 1st Wednesday, Friday & Saturday after ‘Lucy, Ashes, Dove and Cross’

The term ‘Ember Days‘ find its origin in the Latin Quatuor Tempora (‘four times’). Ember Days are observed  on the successive Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the beginning of the four seasons of the year and are an ancient practise instituted by the Church to thank God for blessings received and to implore further graces for the season ahead. They are intended to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation and to assist those in need.

Ember Days are days of fasting and abstinence and fall annually after “Lucy, Ashes, Dove, and Cross“:

• December 13 (St. Lucia, V.M.) • Ash Wednesday • Whitsunday (Pentecost) • September 14 (Exaltation of the Holy Cross)

From Blessed be God: A Complete Catholic Prayer Book (pp.234-5): “Wednesday, Friday and Saturday were days of particular devotion in the early Church: Wednesday as recalling the betrayal of our Lord, and Friday in memory of His Passion, Saturday was later added to these days of prayer and penance as a continuation of Friday, and as far back as the second century they were set apart as Stational days, that is, as days of special religious service and fasting.”

The origins of Ember Days date from the ancient Church (at least the fifth century) and the modern format was arranged and prescribed by Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085).

As the dismantling, deconstruction and open disregard for the practise of the authentic, orthodox Catholic Faith took hold after Vatican II, veiled in stratagems of ambiguity and seeded generationally, the observance of Ember and Rogation Days were among the early casualties.

And on that note, and bearing in mind that God sends His people the priests that they deserve – some say on a personal, rather than purely societal, basis – following the extract from Jeremiah 3: 14-15 below, are some prayers for Ember Days.

“Return, O ye revolting children, saith the Lord: for I am your husband: and I will take you, one of a city, and two of a kindred, … I will give you pastors according to my own heart, and they shall feed you with knowledge and doctrine.” (Jeremiah 3: 14-15)

Ember Day Prayers

ANT. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He hath done for thee.

V/. Lord, Thou hast been our refuge. R/. From generation to generation.

Let us pray. GRANT, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that as year by year we devoutly keep these holy observances, we may be pleasing to Thee both in body and soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Honour of Christ’s Betrayal and Passion

O GOD, Who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected by the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter; Who didst suffer Thyself to be shamelessly exposed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphus, Pilate and Herod; to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges and insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows, defiled with spittings, to have Thy divine countenance covered, to be struck with a reed, to be stripped of Thy clothes, nailed to and raised high upon a Cross between two thieves, to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and then pierced with a lance; do Thou, O LORD, by these most sacred sufferings, which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to contemplate, by Thy holy Cross and by Thy bitter Death, free me from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me to Paradise, whither Thou didst lead the thief who was crucified with Thee, my Jesus, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, God forever and ever. Amen.

5x Pater Noster … Ave Maria … Gloria Patri … (Pre-1968 Indulgence of 3 years)

Prayer for God’s Blessing on Our Labours

O LORD, graciously look down upon Thy servants and upon the work of their hands, and do Thou, Who givest food to every creature, bless and preserve the fruits of the earth, that the needy may be filled with good things and that all may praise the glory of Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Vocations to the Priesthood

ANT. Why stand ye all the day idle, go ye into my vineyard.

V/. Ask the Lord of the harvest. R/. That He send labourers into His vineyard.

Let us pray. GOD, Who willest not the death of the sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; grant, by the intercession of blessed Mary Ever-Virgin and of all the saints, labourers for Thy Church, fellow labourers with Christ, to spend and consume themselves for souls. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. (Pre-1968 Indulgence of 3 years)

•••••••

Psalm 102

Benedic, anima. Thanksgiving to God for His mercies. [1] FOR DAVID himself.

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and let all that is within me bless his holy name. [2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all he hath done for thee. [3] Who forgiveth all thy iniquities: who healeth all thy diseases. [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction: who crowneth thee with mercy and compassion. [5] Who satisfieth thy desire with good things: thy youth shall be renewed like the eagle’s.

.[6] The Lord doth mercies, and judgment for all that suffer wrong. [7] He hath made his ways known to Moses: his wills to the children of Israel. [8] The Lord is compassionate and merciful: longsuffering and plenteous in mercy. [9] He will not always be angry: nor will he threaten for ever. [10] He hath not dealt with us according to our sins: nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.

.[11] For according to the height of the heaven above the earth: he hath strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him. [12] As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our iniquities from us. [13] As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him: [14] For he knoweth our frame. He remembereth that we are dust: [15] Man’s days are as grass, as the flower of the field so shall he flourish.

.[16] For the spirit shall pass in him, and he shall not be: and he shall know his place no more. [17] But the mercy of the Lord is from eternity and unto eternity upon them that fear him: And his justice unto children’s children, [18] To such as keep his covenant, And are mindful of his commandments to do them. [19] The Lord hath prepared his throne in heaven: and his kingdom shall rule over all. [20] Bless the Lord, all ye his angels: you that are mighty in strength, and execute his word, hearkening to the voice of his orders.

.[21] Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts: you ministers of his that do his will. [22] Bless the Lord, all his works: in every place of his dominion, O my soul, bless thou the Lord.

Gloria Patri …  

•••••••

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord have mercy on us.) Christ, have mercy on us. (Christ have mercy on us.) Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord, have mercy on us.)

Christ, hear us. (Christ, hear us.) Christ, graciously hear us. (Christ, graciously hear us.)

God the Father of heaven, (have mercy on us.) God the Son, Redeemer of the world, (have mercy on us.) God the Holy Ghost, (have mercy on us.) Holy Trinity, one God, (have mercy on us.)

Holy Mary, (* pray for us) Holy Mother of God, (*) Holy Virgin of virgins, (*)

St. Michael, (*) St. Gabriel, (*) St. Raphael, (*) All ye holy Angels and Archangels, (*) All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, (*)

St. John the Baptist, (*) St. Joseph, (*) All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, (*)

St. Peter, (*) St. Paul, (*) St. Andrew, (*) St. James, (*) St. John, (*) St. Thomas, (*) St. James, (*) St. Philip, (*) St. Bartholomew, (*) St. Matthew, (*) St. Simon, (*) St. Thaddeus, (*) St. Matthias, (*) St. Barnabas, (*) St. Luke, (*) St. Mark, (*) All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, (*) All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, (*)

All ye holy Innocents, (*) St. Stephen, (*) St. Lawrence, (*) St. Vincent, (*) SS. Fabian and Sebastian, (*) SS. John and Paul, (*) SS. Cosmas and Damian, (*) SS. Gervase and Protase, (*) All ye holy Martyrs, (*)

St. Sylvester, (*) St. Gregory, (*) St. Ambrose, (*) St. Augustine, (*) St. Jerome, (*) St. Martin, (*) St. Nicholas, (*) All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, (*) All ye holy Doctors, (*)

St. Anthony, (*) St. Benedict, (*) St. Bernard, (*) St. Dominic, (*) St. Francis, (*) All ye holy Priests and Levites, (*) All ye holy Monks and Hermits, (*)

St. Mary Magdalen, (*) St. Agatha, (*) St. Lucy, (*) St. Agnes, (*) St. Cecilia, (*) St. Catherine, (*) St. Anastasia, (*) All ye holy Virgins and Widows, (*) [Other Saints may be added]

All ye holy Saints of God, (Make intercession for us.) Be merciful, (Spare us, O Lord.) Be merciful, (Graciously hear us, O Lord.)

From all evil, (^ O Lord, deliver us) From all sin, (^) From Thy wrath, (^) From sudden and unlooked for death, (^) From the snares of the devil, (^) From anger, and hatred, and every evil will, (^) From the spirit of fornication, (^) From lightning and tempest, (^) From the scourge of earthquakes, (^) From plague, famine and war, (^) From everlasting death, (^) Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, (^) Through Thy Coming, (^) Through Thy Birth, (^) Through Thy Baptism and holy Fasting, (^) Through Thy Cross and Passion, (^) Through Thy Death and Burial, (^) Through Thy holy Resurrection, (^) Through Thine admirable Ascension, (^) Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete. (^) In the day of judgment. (^)

We sinners, (~ we beseech Thee, hear us) That Thou wouldst spare us, (~) That Thou wouldst pardon us, (~) That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to govern and preserve Thy holy Church, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve our Apostolic Prelate, and all orders of the Church in holy religion, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to humble the enemies of holy Church, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to the whole Christian world, (~) That Thou wouldst call back to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from her fold, and to guide all unbelievers into the light of the Gospel, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service, (~) That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires, (~) That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings to all our benefactors, (~) That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, from eternal damnation, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give and preserve the fruits of the earth, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, (~) That Thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to hear us, (~) Son of God, (~)

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, (spare us, O Lord.) Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, (graciously hear us, O Lord.) Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, (have mercy on us.)

Christ, (hear us.) Christ, (graciously hear us.) Lord, have mercy, (Lord, have mercy.) Christ, have mercy, (Christ, have mercy.) Lord, have mercy, (Lord, have mercy.) . [Our Father, inaudibly until] … And lead us not into temptation (but deliver us from evil. Amen.)

(Partial Indulgence, 1968; taken from Fisheaters.com)

~~~ +++++++ ~~~ Rogation Day Prayer

All we can do is worth nothing Unless God blesses the deed; Vainly we hope for the harvest-tide Till God gives life to the seed; Yet nearer and nearer draws the time, The time that shall surely be When the earth shall be filled with the glory of God As the waters cover the sea.

(source)

[lady-plantagenet]

On the Codes that Bound Medieval Scholars

R., servant of the cross of Christ, by the divine mercy cardinal priest with the title of St. Stephen in Monte Celio and legate of the apostolic seat, to all the masters and scholars at Paris - eternal safety in the Lord. Let all know, that having been especially commanded by the lord pope to devote our energy effectively to the betterment of the condition of the students at Paris, and wishing by the advice of good men to provide for the tranquility of the students in the future, we have ordered and prescribed the following rules:

No one is to lecture at Paris in arts before he is twenty years old. He is to listen in arts at least six years, before he begins to lecture.

He is to promise that he will lecture for at least two years, unless he is prevented by some good reason, which be ought to prove either in public or before the examiners.

He must not be smirched by any infamy.

When he is ready to lecture, each one is to be examined according to the form contained in the letter of lord P. bishop of Paris (in which is contained the peace established between the chancellor and the students by the judges appointed by the lord pope, approved and confirmed namely by the bishop and deacon of Troyes and by P. the bishop, and J. the chancellor of Paris).

[He shall read] The treatises of Aristotle, on logic, both the old and the new, to be read in the schools in the regular and not in the extraordinary courses. The two Priscians, or at least the second, are to be read in the schools in the regular courses.

On the feast-days [about 100 a year] nothing is to be read except philosophy, rhetoric, quadrivialia [books relating to the "quadrivium" -arithmetic, geomtry, music and astronomy], the Barbarisms, [The third book of the Ars major of Donatus], the Ethics [Nichomichean Ethics of Aristotle], if one so chooses, and the fourth book of the Topics [of Boethius]. The books of Aristotle on Metaphysics or Natural Philosophy, or the abridgements of these works, are not to be read, nor "the doctrine" of master David de Dinant, of the heretic Almaric, or of Maurice of Spain.

In the inceptions and meetings of the masters and in the confutations or arguments of the boys or youths there are to be no festivities. But they may call in some friends or associates, but only a few.

We also advise that donations of garments and other things be made, as is customary or even to a greater extent and especially to the poor.

No master lecturer in arts is too wear anything except a cope, round and black and reaching to the heels-at least, when it is new. But he may well wear a pallium [proper garment for a monk]. He is not to wear under the round cope embroidered shoes and never any with long bands.

If any one of the students in arts or theology dies, half of the masters of arts are to go the funeral, and the other half to the next funeral. They are not to withdraw until the burial is completed, unless they have some good reason.

If any master of arts or theology dies, all the masters are to be present at the vigils, each one is to read the psalter or have it read. Each one is to remain in the church, where the vigils are celebrated, until midnight or later, unless prevented by some good reason. On the day when the master is buried, no one is to lecture or dispute.

[Regarding the deceased and their burial]. We fully confirm to them the meadow of St. Germain in the condition in which it was adjudged to them.

Each master is to have jurisdiction over his scholars. (Hear that @nebylitsa XD?)

No one is to receive either schools or a house without the consent of the occupant, if he is able to obtain it. No one is to receive a license from the chancellor or any one else through a gift of money, or furnishing a pledge or making an agreement.

Also, the masters and students can make among themselves or with others agreements and regulations, confirmed by a pledge, penalty or oath, about the following matters: namely, if a student is killed, mutilated or receives some outrageous injury and if justice is not done; for taxing the rent of Hospitia; concerning the dress, burial, lectures and disputations; in such a manner, however, that the university is not scattered nor destroyed on this account.

We decide concerning the theologians, that no one shall lecture at Paris before he is thirty-five years old, and not unless he has studied at least eight years, [later prolonged to 14 years] and has heard the books faithfully and in the schools. He is to listen in theology for five years, be he reads his own lectures in public. No one of them is to lecture before the third hour on the days when the masters lecture.

No one is to be received at Paris for the important lectures or sermons unless he is of approved character and learning. There is to be no student at Paris who does not have a regular master.

In order moreover that these may be inviolably observed, all who presume contumaciously to violate these our statutes, unless within fifteen days from the date of the transgression take care, to correct their presumption in the presence of the university masters and scholars, or in the presence of some appointed by the university, by the authority of the legation with which we are entrusted, we bind with the bond of excommunication. “

- Robert de Coucon, Statutes for the University of Paris, 1215, Internet Medieval Sourcebook

[presidialista]

Servant of God María de la Luz Camacho, martyr of Christ the King

The Cristero War ended in 1929, when two bishops signed “Los arreglos” with the Mexican government, thus betraying the Cristeros that gave their lives in the battlefield. The Vatican, trusting what this couple of bishops reported on the situation in Mexico, believed that if the Church made a pact with the government the persecution would end. This grave error doomed our country and all militant catholics.

María de la Luz received the glory of martyrdom at the age of 27 in these post-war times, in which the Cristero leaders were being hunted and killed in cold blood.

The martyr was born in a very pious family that was very active in parrochial life: her father and brothers worked in the Catholic Action, while she, her step-mother and sisters served in many parrochial activities and apostolates.

Among many other social works, María de la Luz founded a catechesis center in her home and a library full of pious books; always worried about the needy, she gave clothes and food to the poor and destitutes.

She was not only worried about the material well-being of the poor but also she cared for their spiritual health, and making use of her great acting skills, started a theater group that performed plays for the poor, not only to entertain them, but to keep them away from immoral places and activities, such as the cinema, dance clubs, and other centers of vice. The social hall of the Coyoacán parish was crowded when she performed with her company.

Her spiritual life was as constant and active as her work in the World. She attended Holy Mass and received Our Lord in communion daily, and organized Holy Mass and Eucharistic Adoration centers in the homes of the neighbourhood, as the persecution made difficult celebrations in the temples.

In imitation of the great saints, she sanctified her life through her daily chores, and by having feminine, constructive hobbies like singing, embroidering, painting, sewing, and playing music.

In 1934, the new president of the republic, Lázaro Cárdenas, began a new chapter in the long history of religious persecution in the country, imposing an openly socialist education in schools and sorrounding himself with notorious anti-catholics, the most savage and ruthless being Tomás Garrido Canabal. Garrido virtually destroyed all catholic temples and expelled all priests in his native Tabasco when he was governor, and also formed the Red Shirts, a youth wing of socialist and fiercely anti-catholic values.

December 30, 1934, an armed group of these Red Shirts marched to attack the church of San Juan Bautista in Coyoacán, María de la Luz’ parish. The parish priest summoned the faithful to defend the XVI century temple, and of course María de la Luz and her family answered the call.

Once there, the Red Shirts started the hostilities: a young socialist climbed the church to fly the red and black flag. María de la Luz then shouted valiantly  “¡Viva Cristo Rey!” and the other catholics that stood their ground protecting the church doors followed her in praising Our Lord with loud voices. The socialists did not flinch, but furiously responded “¡Viva la Revolución!”, pulled their pistols on the catholics, and began shooting both the temple and the faithful.

María de la Luz fell, fatally wounded of several shots to the chest, her heart pierced by expanding bullets; 4 other martyrs also died in the attack. Merciful God granted her a few minutes of life, just enough to receive the Sacrament of Extreme Unction from her confessor and spiritual director, Fr. Alejandro Torres.

A multitude attended the funeral, and her mortal remains were protected by an armed guard of honor. Her body awaits the resurrection of the flesh in San Juan Bautista, the parish she protected with her life.

¡Viva Cristo Rey y sus mártires!

[etakeh]

So I’ve been ordained for a couple years, I think I need to pick a title.

I’m partial to these two, but I don’t even know.  I’m trying to stay away from any that are associate with a particular religion, since I am attached to no particular religion.

And I’ll take suggestions not on the list - I was browsing through Star Trek belief systems earlier for inspiration.  No luck though, they’re all a little *too*religiousy.

Colporteur -  a peddler of books, newspapers, and similar literature.

Thaumaturge - a worker of wonders and performer of miracles; a magician.

(list also in the read-more, I still haven’t figured out how to do alt-text on desktop)

OH ALSO if you want to get ordained, it’s fast and free.  Any physical paraphernalia with the info on it costs, but the actual ordination is free. 

You can legitimately marry people, bless things, all the good stuff.

Abbe

Abbess

Abbot

Ananda

Angel

Angelic Healer

Angelic Messenger

Angelic Minister

Apostle of Humility

Apostle

Apostolic Reverend

Archangel

Archbishop

Archcardinal

Archdeacon

Archmandrite

Archpriest

Archpriestess

Art Missionary

Ascetic Gnostic

Astrotheologian

Avatar

Bible Historian

Bishop

Brahman

Brother

Buddhist Monk

Buddhist Priest

Canon

Cantor

Cardinal

Chaplain

Chief

Christian Apostolic Scribe

Christian Clerical Teacher

Christian Financial Preceptor

Christian Taoist Priest

Cleric

Colonel

Colporteur

Curé

Deacon

Deaconess

Dervish

Director

Directress

Disciple

Druid

Druidess

Elder

Emissary

Evangelist

Evangelizing Pastoral Counselor

Existcreatologist

Faithkeeper

Father

Field Missionary

Flying Missionary

Free Thinker

Friar

Goddess

Godhi

Guru

Hadji

Healing Minister

High Priest

High Priestess

Imam

Interfaith Minister

Kahuna

Lama

Lay Minister

Lay Sister

Learned Theologian

Life Facilitator

Litterarum Doctor

Magus

Man of the Cloth

Master

Martyr

Matriarch

Messenger

Messianic Judeo-Christian

Messianic Rabbi

Metaphysical Teacher

Metropolitan

Minister of Dance

Minister of Music

Minister of Peace

Minister of Sacred Environment

Minister of Sacred Light

Minister of Well Being

Minister

Missionary Doctor

Missionary Healer

Missionary of Music

Missionary Pastor

Missionary Priest

Missionary

Monk

Monsignor

Most Reverend

Mother Superior

Mystic Warrior

Mystic

Mystical Philosopher

Nun

Officiant

Oracle

Orthodox Monk

Padre

Pagan Minister

Parochial Educator

Pastor General

Pastor

Pastoral Counselor

Patriarch

Peace Counselor

Philosopher

Preacher

Prebendary

Preceptor

Priest

Priestess

Prince of Faith

Professor Emeritus

Prophet

Prophetess

Qoheleth

Rabbi

Rector

Religious Preacher

Revelator

Reverend Doctor

Reverend Father

Reverend

Reverend Mother

Reverend

Right Reverend

Sacred Minister

Sadhu

Sage

Saint

Saintly Healer

Scribe

Seer

Sensei

Spiritual Priest

Shaman

Shepherd

Sister

Soul Therapist

Spiritual Counselor

Spiritual Healer

Spiritual Minister

Spiritual Missionary

Spiritual Priestess

Spiritual Therapist

Spiritual Warrior

Starets

Swami

Teller

Thanatologist

The Very Esteemed

Thaumaturge

Unitarian Universalist of the Sacred Light

Universal Monk

Universal Philosopher of Absolute Reality

Universal Priest

Universal Rabbi

Universal Religious Philosopher

Venerable

Vicar

Wiccan Minister

Wiccan

Wizard

Yogi

Youth Pastor

Zen Master

[thesynaxarium]

On the second Sunday of Great Lent, we celebrate our Venerable Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica. Saint Gregory, who was from Asia Minor, was from childhood reared in the royal court of Constantinople, where he was instructed in both religious and secular wisdom. Later, while still a youth, he left the imperial court and struggled in asceticism on Mount Athos, and in the Skete at Beroea. He spent some time in Thessalonica being treated for an illness that came from his harsh manner of life. He was present in Constantinople at the Council that was convened in 1341 against Barlaam of Calabria, and at the Council of 1347 against Acindynus, who was of like mind with Barlaam; Barlaam and Acindynus claimed that the grace of God is created. At both these Councils, the Saint contended courageously for the true dogmas of the Church of Christ, teaching in particular that divine grace is not created, but is the uncreated energies of God which are poured forth throughout creation: otherwise it would be impossible, if grace were created, for man to have genuine communion with the uncreated God. In 1347 he was appointed Metropolitan of Thessalonica. He tended his flock in an apostolic manner for some twelve years, and wrote many books and treatises on the most exalted doctrines of our Faith; and having lived for a total of sixty-three years, he reposed in the Lord in 1359. His holy relics are kept in the Cathedral of Thessalonica. A full service was composed for his feast day by the Patriarch Philotheus in 1368, when it was established that his feast be celebrated on this day. Since works without right faith avail nothing, we set Orthodoxy of faith as the foundation of all that we accomplish during the Fast, by celebrating the Triumph of Orthodoxy the Sunday before, and the great defender of the teachings of the holy Fathers today. May he intercede for us always + Source: https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=1055&PCode=2LENTS&D=S&date=03/28/2021 (at Thessaloniki, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CbS_idIvO_m/?utm_medium=tumblr

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Saturday, June 29, 2024

june 16_june 29

SAINT TIKHON, BISHOP OF AMAPHUNTUM (Cyprus,425)

Saint Tikhon, Bishop of Amathus, was born in the city Amathus on the island of Cyprus. His parents raised their son in Christian piety, and taught him the reading of sacred books. It is said that the gift of wonderworking appeared in Saint Tikhon at quite a young age.

His father was the owner of a bakery, and whenever he left his son alone in the shop, the holy youth would give free bread to those in need. Learning of this, his father became angry, but the son said that he had read in the Scriptures, that in giving to God one receives back a hundredfold. “I" said the youth, “gave to God the bread which was taken,” and he persuaded his father to go to the place where the grain was stored. With astonishment, the father saw that the granary, formerly empty, was now overflowing with wheat. From that time the father did not hinder his son from distributing bread to the poor.

A certain gardener brought the dried prunings of vines from the vineyard. Saint Tikhon gathered them, planted them in his garden and besought the Lord that these branches might take root and yield fruit for the health of people. The Lord did so through the faith of the holy youth. The branches took root, and their fruit had a particular and very pleasant taste. It was used during the lifetime of the saint and after his death for making wine for the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist.

They accepted the pious youth into the church clergy, made him a reader. Later, Mnemonios, the Bishop of Amathus ordained him a deacon. After the death of Bishop Mnemonios, Saint Tikhon by universal agreement was chosen as Bishop of Amathus. Saint Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus (May 12), presided at the service.

Saint Tikhon labored zealously to eradicate the remnants of paganism on Cyprus; he destroyed a pagan temple and spread the Christian Faith. The holy bishop was generous, his doors were open to all, and he listened to and lovingly fulfilled the request of each person who came to him. Fearing neither threats nor tortures, he firmly and fearlessly confessed his faith before pagans.

In the service to Saint Tikhon it is stated that he foresaw the time of his death, which occurred in the year 425.

The name of Saint Tikhon of Amathus was greatly honored in Russia. Temples dedicated to the saint were constructed at Moscow, at Nizhni Novgorod, at Kazan and other cities. But he was particularly venerated in the Voronezh diocese, where there were three archpastors in succession sharing the name with the holy hierarch of Amathus: Saint Tikhon I (Sokolov) (+ 1783, August 13), Tikhon II (Yakubovsky, until 1785) and Tikhon III (Malinin, until 1788).

ST MARK OF APOLLONIAS, NEPHEW OF THE APOSTLE BARNABAS

This Mark is usually identified with Mark the cousin of the Apostle Barnabas. According to Hippolytus, in his work On the Seventy Apostles, Mark the cousin of Barnabas (Col 4:10; Phlm. 24) is distinct from John Mark the Bishop of Byblos (Acts 12:12, 25; 13:5, 13; 15:37) and Mark the Evangelist (2 Tim. 4:11). They all belonged to the Seventy Apostles of Christ (ranked #56, #65, and #14, respectively), who were sent out by Jesus to saturate Judea with the gospel not long before His crucifixion (Luke 10:1). Hippolytus says that Mark the cousin of Barnabas was a leader of the apostolic Church and the Bishop of Apollonia. (There are various possible sites for this place, including some in Greece, some in Italy, one in Thrace, one in Bithynia and one in Cyrenaica.)

Ancient sources in fact consistently distinguish the apparent three Marks of the New Testament. Medieval sources, on the other hand, increasingly regarded all New Testament references to Mark as Mark the Evangelist, and many modern scholars have agreed in seeing a single Mark. The very fact that various writings could refer simply to Mark without further qualification has been seen as pointing to a single Mark.

Mark the cousin of Barnabas is mentioned by Paul as a "fellow worker" in the closings of three Pauline epistles. In antiquity he was regarded as a distinct Mark, Bishop of Apollonia. If, on the other hand, the Marks are to be identified, the fact that these epistles were written after the departure of John Mark with Barnabas in Acts must suppose some later reconciliation. But a majority of scholars, noting the close association of the Marks with Paul and Barnabas, indeed regard them as likely the same person.

Mark the Evangelist, however, is known only from the patristic tradition, which associates him only with Peter and makes no mention of Paul. Jerome alone suggests that the Mark of whom Paul speaks may be the Evangelist. But modern scholars have noted that as Peter fled to the house of John Mark's mother, the two men may have had a longstanding association.

According to the Synaxarion of Constantinople, Bishop Mark of Apollonia suffered a martyric death by being hanged upside down, tying boulders to his hands, and leaving him to hang there in the void.

Source: Orthodox Christianity then and Now

ROMANS 1:7-12

7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers, 10 making request if, by some means, now at last I may find a way in the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established- 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

MATTHEW 5:42-48

42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?47 And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

[joyful--love]

Since I'm sharing my journey through my faith on this blog, I figure I should establish a background.

I grew up Christian, attending various churches. The ones I remember are two Baptist churches and one United church, plus a few that my family "tested out" before settling on one. I'll share my thoughts on that in a later post.

Certain things about secular culture have never made sense to me. The main one being the existence of Santa Claus and the Easter bunny. Having grown up in church, and having a fairly logical thought process as a child, the concept of Santa never made sense to me, and the Easter bunny was very far fetched (in was 90% sure they were both my parents as far back as I can remember questioning such things). Disregarding being raised in church, I never understood how I could receive a gift delivered by a fat man in a red coat if every gift had a "from mom and dad" or "from grandma and grandpa" sticker on it.

Proverbs 22:6 says : "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (KJV)

My current pastor quotes this verse often, and I can't help but feel a little bit neglected in this command. While I know my parents are believers, they didn't foster faith in every aspect of my life. Yes, we went to church every week, prayed over our meals, and had a nightly bedtime prayer. But as I got older, attending church regularly wasn't valued as much in my home. I can't help but wonder why.

I did attend my youth group for most of my high school years, although I stopped going when my friends moved away and my youth pastor changed.

During my junior high and high school years, I felt a pressure to fit in and be like my peers. My mom mostly listened to music from her teenage years, and as such, I didn't know most of what was recent. We talked, she let me buy some new music. I soon discovered I preferred worship music and 70s soft rock better than that top 100 charts. That's another story for another time.

In high school, I was also trying to figure out who I was. I think I was pretty comfortable with my interests to not go out and do stupid things, however, I had a deep hunger for something.

I was super into nerd culture at the time. Specifically, Harry Potter (I read all the books between second and fourth grade), Doctor Who, and The Lord of the Rings. Now, I'm not saying there's anything inherently wrong about enjoying fictitious stories, but I let them take over. I had a friend who sought out every last detail about the "fandoms" she was in, and that was infectious. I felt the need to keep up with her, but it was so exhausting.

Fast forward to researching universities and attending open houses. Each of the schools I had my eye on where not in my hometown, and as such, one of my criteria was seeking out a church I could easily get to from campus. I needed a church. I had neglected my faith for far too long.

I did find a church. I now attend an apostolic pentecostal church, and have a deeper understanding of the bible than I ever had before, and a better understanding of who I am in Christ. I am so grateful to have an understanding and loving pastor and wonderful friends.

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 1 April – Saint Lodovico Pavoni FMI (1784-1849) Priest, Founder of the Sons of Mary Immaculate which came to be known also as the “Pavoniani, “ Pioneer in vocational schools, known as the “Forerunner of St John Bosco” – born on 11 September 1784 at Brescia, Italy and died on Palm Sunday, 1 April 1849 at Saianco, Italy of natural causes.   The figure of Pavoni is of a Saint who made a great impact by his work on behalf of youth and persons most in need of support (deaf, disabled, orphans and the poor) while also contributing to the renewal of contemplative life.    Patronages – Sons of Mary Immaculate, Vocational and Trade schools.

Blessed Lodovico Pavoni was born in Brescia on 11 September 1784 and, after 30 years of service to young people, died in Saiano, outside Brescia, on 1 April 1849.  For 30 years he followed his inspiration to serve the needs of the young boys on the streets with positive methods of education.   He began by opening his own oratory (catechetical and recreation centre) that in 1821 he expanded it into a hostel for their shelter and a school to teach them a trade.   In 1825 he founded a religious congregation of priests and brothers to run the educational and industrial activities that grew out of his intuition.

Lodovico was a lively and bright child, interested in the world around him and quick to grasp the social problems of his day.   He prepared for the priesthood by receiving his theological formation at the home of the Dominican, Fr Carlo Domenico Ferrari, future Bishop of Brescia.   During the Napoleonic era in Italy (1799-1814), the French Emperor closed seminaries.   In Brescia, in 1807, he was Ordained a Priest and first launched the oratory.   A book by Pietro Schedoni, Moral Influences, listed the reasons for the “rebellion” of young boys – leaving inadequate schooling for a job, bad influences of adult workers, poverty and peer pressure.   The author confirmed Lodovico in his personalist approach – to concentrate on the personal and social formation of the young, with a positive and preventative approach.

In 1812 when appointed secretary to Bishop Gabrio Nava, he received permission to continue with his “oratory”.   In 1818, he was named rector of the Church of St Barnabas with permission to found an orphanage and a vocational school that in 1821 became the “Institute of St Barnabas.”   Lodovico decided that the first trade would be book publishin, to this end, in 1823 he set up “The Publishing House of the Institute of St Barnabas,” the precursor of today’s Ancora press.   The boys could also choose to be carpenters, silversmiths, blacksmiths, shoemakers, experts in tool and dye making.   In 1823, Fr Pavoni welcomed the first deaf mutes to the school.   He purchased a farm to set up an Agricultural School.

In 1825 he established a religious institute to continue his work.   In 1843 Pope Gregory XVI authorised it for Brescia.   On 11 August 1847, the Brescia Vicar Capitular, Msgr Luchi, established the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate or “Pavoniani.”   On 8 December 1847, Lodovico and the first members made their religious profession.

On 24 March 1849, during the “Ten-Days” when Brescia rebelled against the Austrians and both sides were ready to pillage the city, Bl Lodovico, who had taken care of citizens during a cholera epidemic, performed his last heroic act of charity when he led his boys to safety, to the novitiate on the hill of Saiano, 12 kilometres away.   A week later he died at the dawn of Palm Sunday, 1 April 1849 as Brescia was in flames.   Lodovico’s ideal of education was a broad one, to dispose a person in his wholeness to be good.   Fifty years before “Rerum novarum”, he grasped the religious significance of social justice and set an example by his own dealings with his employees.

Like St John Bosco after him, Pavoni’s used encouraging and preventative methods – he preferred gentleness to severity.   He used to say, “Rigorism keeps Heaven empty”.

His Congregation numbers 210 members in six nations:  Brazil, Colombia, Eritrea, Germany, Italy and Spain.   They still publish books  . In Rome they run the Ancora bookstore outside St Peter’s Square.   As of 2008 there were 34 houses and out of the 210 religious there were 107 of them being Priests…. Vatican.va

There are many reasons why Pavoni can be considered a precursor.   Long before Don Bosco or Don Murialdo, Pavoni saw in the phenomenon of juvenile neglect, one of the great dramas that characterised the age of transition, between the old regime and industrialised society.   He understood, that the only way of redemption, was through holistic education of the person.   Religious education was his fundamental objective but Pavoni saw professional training, as the way that best covers all aspects of the person.

Pavoni was not an teacher but he had a real educational method, which is characterised by an emphasis on prevention.   There are many modern congregations that consider it a point of reference.

The centrality of the Christian faith, love for each person, the importance of work as an instrument of human and social development, clear rules within an organisation but implemented as in a family, attention to personal relationship and recourse to reason, rather than imposition, – these are the components of a plan that aims to equip young people with the necessary tools to develop a balanced personality and to recognise their social role, before the impact of the social situation drives them, inexorably to the margins.

In the decree of 5 June 1947 Pope Pius XII described Pavoni as “another Philip Neri, the precursor of St John Bosco and the perfect emulator of St Joseph Cottolengo.”   This authoritative judgement has now received the most solemn approval and recognition of a second miracle with the Canonisation of St Lodovico Pavoni on 16 October 2016 by Pope Francis.

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“This Jesus,God has raised Him up and of that we are all witnesses” (Acts 2:32).   The interior consciousness, that became a burning and invincible faith, guided the spiritual and Priestly experience of Lodovico Pavoni, Priest, Founder of the Congregation of the Sons of Mary Immaculate.   Gifted with a particularly sensitive spirit, he was totally comitted to the care of poor and abandoned youngsters and even deaf-mutes.   His activity branched out in many directions, from that of education to the publishing sector, with original apostolic intuitions and courageous innovations.   At the basis of everything, there was a solid spirituality.   By his example, he exhorts us to place our confidence in Jesus and to be, ever more immersed, in the mystery of His love. “– from the Beatification homily by St Pope John Paul II on Sunday, 14 April 2002.

Saint of the Day – 1 April – Saint Lodovico Pavoni FMI (1784-1849) Saint of the Day - 1 April - Saint Lodovico Pavoni FMI (1784-1849) Priest, Founder of the…