At the Tomb of St. John of the Cross

Fr. Robert Barron and Fr. Steve Grunow comment on St. John of the Cross. Segovia, Spain - 7/29/09

Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Priests

A prayer to say today, The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patronal Feastday of the United States of America.


Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Priests
By Pope John Paul II

O Mary,
Mother of Jesus Christ and Mother of priests,
accept this title which we bestow on you
to celebrate your motherhood
and to contemplate with you the priesthood
of, your Son and of your sons,
O holy Mother of God.

O Mother of Christ,
to the Messiah-priest you gave a body of flesh
through the anointing of the Holy Spirit
for the salvation of the poor and the contrite of heart;
guard priests in your heart and in the Church,
O Mother of the Savior.

O Mother of Faith,
you accompanied to the Temple the Son of Man,
the fulfillment of the promises given to the fathers;
give to the Father for his glory
the priests of your Son,
O Ark of the Covenant.

O Mother of the Church,
in the midst of the disciples in the upper room
you prayed to the Spirit
for the new people and their shepherds;
obtain for the Order of Presbyters
a full measure of gifts,
O Queen of the Apostles.

O Mother of Jesus Christ,
you were with him at the beginning
of his life and mission,
you sought the Master among the crowd,
you stood beside him when he was lifted up from the earth
consumed as the one eternal sacrifice,
and you had John, your son, near at hand;
accept from the beginning those who have been called,
protect their growth,
in their life ministry accompany your sons,
O Mother of Priests.
Amen.

Source: [John Paul II, conclusion of the Post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation "Pastores dabo vobis" on the formation of priests in the circumstances of the present day, March 25, 1992:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_25031992_pastores-dabo-vobis_en.html]
Congregation for the Clergy, Directory for the Ministry and Life of Priests
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cclergy/documents/rc_con_cclergy_doc_31011994_direct_en.html

Understanding the 3rd Edition of the Roman Missal

Another part of a video series from Wordonfire.org. Father Barron will be commenting on subjects from modern day culture. For more visit http://www.wordonfire.org/

"There is much richer theological density to it. You see it clearly in the Latin prayers; it's hard to miss. There is theological complexity in the language. It honors these great doctrinal truths of our tradition." --Fr. Barron

Promoting Ave Maria Press Webinars

Join Ave Maria Press online for a series of free, professional development webinars for parish ministers! Enjoy access to free presentations by experts in every area of parish ministry from the comfort of your home or office. Log in to the live webinars to participate in our question-and-answer sessions or watch the free recordings at your convenience.

Why Priests Are Happy
November 15
3:00 p.m. ET
Presented by: Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti

In partnership with the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership and the National Association for Lay Ministry, Ave Maria Press is pleased to present this FREE Webinar:

Why Priests Are Happy
Presented by
Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti
November 15, 2011
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. EST
(Show this in my timezone)
Register for the event here

Join Msgr. Stephen J. Rossetti, a psychologist, professor of pastoral studies, and frequently consulted expert on clergy and religious for a presentation on his groundbreaking study of the psychological and spiritual health of priests. From this survey of nearly 2,500 priests from twenty-three dioceses in the United States, Rossetti discovered that, contrary to popular media portrayals, American priests enjoy an extraordinarily high rate of happiness and satisfaction, among the highest of any profession.They like the priesthood and are committed to it. In fact, 92 percent say they are happy in their ministry, among the highest rate of satisfaction of any profession in the United States.

This webinar is a must-attend for every Catholic! Sign up today. Space is limited.

Visit Ave Maria Press for more details.

RIP, Msgr. Daniel J. Dever

November 2nd is a special day for priests and those who have been a part of the Catholic educational system in Hawai'i. Because it is All Souls Day, it makes it more special to celebrate the life of a good priest and a good man, Fr. Daniel Dever. On that day also, he would have celebrated in person his 86th birthday. The gathering of the faithful at the 6 p.m. funeral Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace celebrated -- as he probably looked on and was among those present -- his very life, a life well lived.

I didn't know Fr. Dever, but the homily of Fr. Gary Secor gave a wonderful image of what a beautiful priest he was. In a gist, Fr. Dever lived his life not for himself, but truly and wonderfully, for Christ.

About Fr. Daniel Dever by Patrick Downes, Editor of the Hawaii Catholic Herald.

Communion of Saints

Catechism of the Catholic Church
Communion of Saints

957
Communion with the saints. "It is not merely by the title of example that we cherish the memory of those in heaven; we seek, rather, that by this devotion to the exercise of fraternal charity the union of the whole Church in the Spirit may be strengthened. Exactly as Christian communion among our fellow pilgrims brings us closer to Christ, so our communion with the saints joins us to Christ, from whom as from its fountain and head issues all grace, and the life of the People of God itself"498:

We worship Christ as God's Son; we love the martyrs as the Lord's disciples and imitators, and rightly so because of their matchless devotion towards their king and master. May we also be their companions and fellow disciples!499


958
Communion with the dead. "In full consciousness of this communion of the whole Mystical Body of Jesus Christ, the Church in its pilgrim members, from the very earliest days of the Christian religion, has honored with great respect the memory of the dead; and ‘because it is a holy and a wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins' she offers her suffrages for them."500 Our prayer for them is capable not only of helping them, but also of making their intercession for us effective.

959
In the one family of God. "For if we continue to love one another and to join in praising the Most Holy Trinity—all of us who are sons of God and form one family in Christ—we will be faithful to the deepest vocation of the Church."501

== == == == == == == ==

Let us, therefore, love one another in the spirit of prayer by continuing to pray for one another.

We pray for our priests: the deceased, the living who continue to minister to God's people, those in formation or sabbatical leave, and those who are sick or dying.

Lay Fast for Priests this Saturday, Oct. 22

The Sixth annual, worldwide Lay Fast for Priests will take place on Saturday, 22 October 2011. Every lay member of the Body of Christ is invited to join the global fasters from all corners of the Universal Church who want to lift up our priests to Almighty God for their protection, divine substenance and fidelity to the ministry of Holy Orders.

Info

Fr. Donald Calloway's Journey to Home

Fr. Donald Calloway has been to the Diocese of Honolulu as a guest speaker at least twice for Divine Mercy conferences. We certainly hope to have him again.

Where to Take a Haole Priest

When you have known a haole priest-friend for awhile now, years actually, good things happen each time he comes to Hawai'i. The unfolding of his character, including likes and dislikes, all become familiar and you learn and understand that meetings do not have to be in the same usual places and that activities can be variant.

Paddling! That's something new to experience for this haole priest-friend -- not just to me but to many locals who have embraced him as one of their own. His name is Fr. Daren Zehnle and he hails from Springfield, Illinois.

To the beach...

Paddling, it is!









































































































A Hui Hou, Fr. Daren! Yes, til we meet again.

In Adoration

Red roses on the front left situated beside the altar

where the Monstrance sits, was my inspiration

Adoration is a great way of praying for our priests.
Any type of prayer will do, even a poem such as this...

In Adoration
By Easter Almuena

Wine-colored contours
In graceful stand
Elegant and poised
Yet soft and dainty

Bordered by flowerets
Looking like angels
Lime blades akin to guards
Held by vintage vase

All in pursuit
Of the Beloved’s gaze
In the quiet of a corner
While adoring

I sit in the same nook
To get a glimpse
Of the peaceful Bread
With its life beating in me

Red roses with entourage
Their beauty their prayer
And mine this poem
For Jesus in adoration

All Rights Reserved.

Video: Seven Priests Cause Abortion Mill To Close!

Original post by Margie Sullivan, Jul 15, 2011

Last year seven Catholic Priests gathered around the Rockford abortion mill and prayed prayers of exorcism. On that day two mothers choose life; the number of abortions fell by two thirds, and the abortion mill landlord was so unsettled that he stayed outside his abortion mill while the Priests were praying.

This year the powers that be inside the mill were taking no chances. Instead of trying to remain open in the face of such spiritual power, they found it easier to close their doors for the day. Thanks be to God because of these seven Priests, the Poor Clare Nuns who in the Corpus Christi Monastery in Rockford where uniting their prayers with the Priests, and every Christian who prayed this morning, not one child was killed in Rockford today.

More here, by Margie Sullivan

Poem: A Tribute to Our Priests

St. Thomas More, pray for all our priests!

I have been, for days now, engaged in contemplation and process of discernment of bringing this blog to a close. The more I find myself, however, of facing a greater possibility of writing a farewell message to those who come for a visit, a peek, or to read an article, I notice a distinct change on its sidebar. Today is more difficult than yesterday. For as I check an initial post done at the time of conception of this blog, which is over four years ago, I am caught off guard to find a poem I vaguely remember writing. Perhaps, though busier my life has become, I just need to recognize more fully or embrace with greater appreciation surprises that have a divine element to them. I am thankful for those! So, yes, it's not time to say goodbye.



Always for Others
By Easter Almuena

You are the image and likeness of God
But with you the morning awakens
With the call to rise
Not for you
But always for others.

God handpicked you from a myriad of souls
Molded you since you were a babe
To prepare you for a journey
Not for you
But always for others.

God blessed you with wisdom
To use to give form to his plans
And love to carry them out
Not for you
But always for others.

Mary walks with you
Guiding and loving you
For to her you are a Christ
Not for you
But always for others.

You hold the Body of Christ
Embrace his name and proclaim it
And a father and counselor you have become
Not for you
But always for others.

God forever bless you
Walk and carry you when your feet are weary
Bring peace and joy to your heart
For though your life is never for you
It is Christ’s and he delights in you.

November 19, 2007
4:07 a.m.
All Rights Reserved.

Copyright © 2013 Easter Almuena


Notice to readers: You may copy this poem, but you have to include all: Full title, Full name of author, Full poem with no edits on your part, and include Copyright © 2013 Easter Almuena. Thank you. Easter Almuena, author and owner of Easter Publications, LLC

Quotes for Meditation by St. John Vianney

"Prayer is nothing else but union with God. When one has a heart that is pure and united with God, he is given a kind of serenity and sweetness that makes him ecstatic, a light that surrounds him with marvelous brightness. In this intimate union, God and the soul are fused together like two bits of wax that no one can ever pull apart. This union of God with a tiny creature is a lovely thing. It is a happiness beyond understanding."

"When our hands have touched spices, they give fragrance to all they handle. Let us make our prayers pass through the hands of the Blessed Virgin. She will make them fragrant."

- St. John Vianney, patron of parish priests

Novena to St. John Vianney Starts July 27

We continue to pray for our priests and seminarians, and for an increase of priestly vocations.

St. John Vianney Novena at EWTN.

Importance of Web to Priesthood Ministry

Thanks to Esther Gefroh at Spiritual Moms Ministry in the Diocese of Honolulu.

Our Pope: The Church Depends on Christ...

It is becoming a more urgent call and need to stand up for our faith, as diversity in cultures and beliefs have become more fluid, interrelated yet out of proportion, and diffused in many ways that God seems to have lost his place as its core.

God is core and should be core. How can he not be when he built the basics of our existence out of love and in love for us his children? He is there present, and each one of us has the responsibility of making it known to those who have lost the ability to understand. For though many are not aware of his presence, He is there in their midst, loving them anyway, providing for them, and waiting to be noticed and acknowledged.

The role is ours to make it happen, one step at a time.

Published on Jul 2, 2011 by vatican

"The Church is not a social organization or a charitable institute: It is the Community of God, it is the community that believes, loves and worships the Lord Jesus and opens its "sails" to the breath of the Holy Spirit."

With these words, Pope Benedict XVI today greeted the faithful of the Diocese of Altamura-Gravina-Acquaviva delle Fonti at the Vatican. The meeting gave the Pope the opportunity to reflect on the highlights and darker aspects of our time. "We are seeing complex attitudes" - he explained -- "withdrawing into oneself, narcissism, desire for possession and consumption, with feelings disconnected from responsibility." Faced with this confusion, and the denial of the transcendent dimension of man, it is essential therefore that Christian communities promote good and challenging paths of faith... pastoral action should aim to train people with mature faith who can bring the light of Christ into the society.

Music: You are my God

This song, You are my God, has this wonderful quality of pulling its listener into the presence of God.

Certainly great for meditation, enjoy its simplicity. The melody is soft, and it touches the heart with a sense of joy.

You are my God
Sang by Tony Melendez
Priest is Fr. Stan Fortuna


You are my God and the rock on which i stand.
I have found my place in your arms of grace.
Oh, oh. you are my God.


Lord of heaven, king of all the universe,
Architect and poet of eternity,
Abba father, breath of life. creation s dawn,
Ever-living, one who knows and loves me.


First forgiver, ever present "God with us",
Lamb of love, who died triumphant over sin.
Risen savior, brilliant bright and morning star,
Shining in me. light of glory lives within.

A journey with a priest

On Father’s Day, Grateful for a Priest Who Changed my Life

He patiently walked me through scriptures related to suffering, and provided books that explored the issue from every possible angle.

Most of all, he assured me that God was not punishing me with this disease, because, he insisted, God is merciful. As he put it, “He is always gazing at you with love.”

I was unschooled in my faith, having never studied Catholicism formally, and I had many confused snippets that I’d carried along from childhood.

He never belittled me about my beliefs, but carefully explained what actual Church teachings were. We explored suffering, sin, the incarnation and the resurrection, and then went on to moral issues.

This priest was a father in the best sense of the word, gently pointing me toward the light. And as the years went on, I wept less and laughed more in his presence.

Read more here.

God forever bless our priests

Dedicated to all priests...

Pope Benedict XVI Urges Us to Pray

Pope Benedict XVI urges us to continue the catechesis of prayer where man is in communion with God. He includes places and special intentions where prayer will serve to be of a greater need.

May 18, 2011. (Romereports.com) (-ONLY VIDEO-) During the general audience, the pope explained how the faithful prayed in the Old Testament. To highlight this point, the pope made reference to Abraham by stating the following "his intercession is based on the certainty that the Lord listens with patience to our prayers."

Feastday of St. Damien of Moloka'i

Mass in honor of Fr. Damien of Moloka'i
Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu

May 10, 2011

About St. Damien of Moloka'i

Who Can Preach in Church?

Can. 764 Without prejudice to the prescript of can. 765, presbyters (priests) and deacons possess the faculty of preaching everywhere; this faculty is to be exercised with at least the presumed consent of the rector of the church, unless the competent ordinary (bishop of the local diocese) has restricted or taken away the faculty or particular law requires express permission.

Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church (proper term for Roman Catholic Church)

Are the lay allowed to preach in the Latin Church?

If necessity requires it in certain circumstances or it seems useful in particular cases, the diocesan bishop can admit lay faithful to preach, to offer spiritual conferences or give instructions in churches, oratories or other sacred places within his diocese, when he judges it to be to the spiritual advantage of the faithful.

In order to assist the diocesan bishop in making an appropriate pastoral decision (Interdicasterial Instruction, Ecclesiae de Mysterio, Article 2 §3), the following circumstances and cases are illustrative: the absence or shortage of clergy, particular language requirements, or the demonstrated expertise or experience of the lay faithful concerned.

The lay faithful who are to be admitted to preach in a church or oratory must be orthodox in faith, and well-qualified, both by the witness of their lives as Christians and by a preparation for preaching appropriate to the circumstances.

The diocesan bishop will determine the appropriate situations in accord with canon 772§1. In providing for preaching by the lay faithful the diocesan bishop may never dispense from the norm which reserves the homily to the sacred ministers (c. 767§1; cfr. Pontifical Commission for the Authentic Interpretation of the Code of Canon Law, 26 May 1987, in AAS 79 [1987], 1249). Preaching by the lay faithful may not take place within the Celebration of the Eucharist at the moment reserved for the homily.

As President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I hereby decree that the effective date of this decree for all the dioceses of the Latin Church in the United States will be January 15, 2002.

Given at the offices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC, on December 13, 2001.


Most Reverend Wilton D. Gregory
Bishop of Belleville
President, USCCB
Reverend Monsignor William P. Fay

Movie: Of Gods and Men

Good movies come by rarely these days, but when they are in the theaters we shouldn’t think twice about going. If we spend money on coffee or clothes, we sure can spend what we earn into something that goes beyond personal satisfaction: We invest our resources into creative works meant to stir hearts that seek God for the grace he freely gives -- to be active, to be a part of, and to be passionately involved in his dynamic plan that points to common good.

What a powerful movie Of Gods and Men is! Shared by a good priest and friend of mine, I didn’t hesitate to hold my daughter’s hand so we could run to the theater to catch the first evening show. Thank you, Fr. Paul.

Enjoy the trailer.

Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.

Easter Vigil at Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace

The Easter Vigil is the most significant moment in the church for me. We re-live Jesus' death, and most importantly, his resurrection that is an on-going process of salvation. They resonate joy and hope in my heart. Having been born on Easter day may have given it more significance. On that special day, I anticipate the witnessing of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation being conferred upon our new brothers and sisters, in addition to receiving in full the promise of salvation of our Lord. What a joyous time of fulfillment! A true Easter moment.

Look for the joy in the faces of our new brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Happy Easter from Easter this Easter!

Easter Vigil 2011 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu, Hawai'i: