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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - September, 2015
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of September: Dedicated to the Seven Dolors of Mary / The Sorrowful Mother
* The Key of the Divine Treasures: "It's Necessity Is So Great That Nothing Else Can Supply Its Omission"
* Litany Of The Dolorous Virgin Mary (Pope Pius VII)
* Liturgical Feasts in September
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Think Religious Truths Can Change Over Time?
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Dear Friend,
Greetings & best wishes! We hope this newsletter finds you and your loved ones doing well. May you be rested and refreshed as Summer gives way to Fall.
We thank all who have signed up to participate in our Seventh Annual Rosary Week (to be held from 10/25/15-10/31/15). We look forward to your participation. If you haven't already signed up, please sign up now at http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/RosaryWeek
Also, we are happy to report that we have (finally!) just released the Android version of our Saints4U app. Saints4U is a handy tool for quickly locating patron saints, saint names & feast days. With over 6,400 listings, including 1,000+ patronages, it's easy to find patron saints, feasts, baby names, baptismal & confirmation names. Search for male or female saint names, feasts falling on particular days or months, patronages, liturgical feasts, and more... Great for those times when you'd prefer not to wade through an entire encyclopedia (or fill up your device with one) to locate a patron saint, feast day, or saint name! For more information and screenshots, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android
Thanks again for your support of our site, newsletter and apps.
May God bless you & keep you,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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Marian Prayer of St. Bernard of Clairvaux: "Through thee, O most blessed one, finder of grace, mother of life, mother of salvation, through thee let us have access to thy Son, so that through thee He may receive us Who was given us through thee."
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MCS News & Notes
* Rosary Week: We cordially invite all subscribers and their loved ones to participate on our upcoming Seventh Annual Rosary Week to be held from 10/25/15-10/31/15. Participation is FREE & easy and can be done from any appropriate location - simply say a 5 decade Rosary each day that week (or for as many days as you can) for the indicated intentions. If you like, we can send you daily reminders so you won't forget. We hope you will join us in this 'spiritually rewarding' event. Please also invite your family, friends, and fellow parishioners to join in! Sign up now at www.MyCatholicSource.com/RosaryWeek
* Service Interruption / Next Month's Newsletter: Our October 2015 newsletter may arrive a bit earlier - OR later - than usual due to vacations. If possible, we may send it out a bit early (e.g. 9/28, 9/29). Otherwise, the newsletter may arrive a bit late (e.g. 10/2, 10/3). Also, there will be an interruption in many of our services early next month (early October) due to vacations. Services affected may include: lending library, live chat, post / ad / order processing, subscription processing, correspondence, site/blog updates, etc. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. For dates of service interruption, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm . Please note that although you may notice delays in the above services, access to the MyCatholicSource.com website itself should NOT be affected.
* Do you like to get involved? You might be interested in knowing that there are over two dozen fliers on our site that may be printed and handed out at no charge. There are free fliers on various topics such as: modesty, reasons for priestly celibacy, proper conduct in church, biblical references for Catholic beliefs, liturgical practices, necessity of being Catholic, challenges for non-Catholics, Latin Mass postures (based on the user submitted article), why women can't be priests, liturgical calendars, etc. Why not print some out today and keep them on hand?
* During this 'back to school' season, visitors may be interested in the user-submitted article "Attention: Read this if you love your children". It can be found at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/ua/user_article-attention_read_this_if_you_love_your_children.htm
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* We are happy to announce that we have just released the Android version of our Saints4U app. Saints4U is a handy tool for quickly locating patron saints, saint names & feast days. With over 6,400 listings, including 1,000+ patronages, it's easy to find patron saints, feasts, baby names, baptismal & confirmation names. Search for male or female saints, feasts falling on particular days or months, patronages, liturgical feasts, and more... Great for those times when you'd prefer not to wade through an entire encyclopedia (or fill up your device with one) to locate a patron saint, feast day, or saint name! This handy app features: Listings for patron saints, liturgical feasts (both traditional & new calendars), other feasts (Roman Martyrology); Two convenient search options ('Quick Search' & 'Advanced Search'); Handy A-Z index; Quick, easy-to-use interface, Offline content (yet the app has a small 'footprint' - unlike some encyclopedia type apps, Saints4U is a relatively small sized app); And in-app e-mail. And, unlike some alternatives that focus on secular sources, Saints4U relies on Catholic sources - including the pre-1970 Roman Martyrology & the General Roman Calendar! Download your copy today at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bfsnet.saints4u or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014K30SOU [Note: An iOS version may still be available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saints4u/id453922297?ls=1&mt=8 , however we plan to discontinue this version of the app]. For more information & screenshots for the Android version of Saints4U, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android
* We are happy to report that our newly released Speedy Dial! app (mentioned in last month's newsletter) ranked #5 on Amazon's 'Hot New Releases in Productivity Apps' chart and is still (at the time of this writing) on the list in position #22. Unfortunately the app has not sold as well on Google Play, but there have nevertheless been a couple of +'s even the few sales that were received. To download Speedy Dial!, please visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bfsnet.speedydial or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011ZBYNUU [an iOS version is still available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/speedy-dial!/id527029746?ls=1&mt=8 ]. For more information & screenshots, please visit http://www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android
* Since all of our original apps now have Android versions, we have changed the Android apps waiting list page cover our new apps. If you would like to be notified of our new Android apps, please submit your e-mail address at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/app-wl.htm . After we have completed our first 'Android only' app, we may start a similar waiting list for iOS versions in the event we return to iOS development sometime in the future.
* Great for any time of year! Our Stations of the Cross app is perfect for Lent and beyond. Reviewers have called the app "Great", "wonderful", "excellent", "Penetrating and profound", and "Beautifully done". Comments have included references to "beautiful pictures" and "beautifully written" prayers which are "perfect for a meaningful way to remember and reflect on the death and rising of Jesus." The app was also called "Beautifully sublime", "a great app for meditation", and "a joy to use". One reviewer said that the app "brought tears to [their] eyes", while another said "This app is a must!". Why not get your copy of this great app today? Download it today at https://market.android.com/details?id=com.bfsnet.istations or http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007014CYM [an iOS version is presently available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8 ].
* Reviews: If you've purchased any of our apps, we encourage you to please leave a review at your place of purchase. Favorable reviews really help us out! To view selected reviews, please visit http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/selected_reviews.htm
* If you have any thoughts to share regarding our apps, please contact us using the e-mail address provided in the app or online at http://www.bfsnet.com/bfsapps/bfsapps-feedback.htm
* For more information concerning currently available apps, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/comrc/apps.htm (shortcut: www.MyCatholicSource.com/Apps )
Note: Any prices included herein are in U.S. dollars, excluding any applicable tax.
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The Month of September: Dedicated to the Seven Dolors of Mary / The Sorrowful Mother
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"And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary his mother: Behold this child is set for the fall, and for the resurrection of many in Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; And thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that, out of many hearts, thoughts may be revealed." (Lk. 2:34-35)
"[W]hat anguish unutterable must have filled the soul of this Mother, when raising up her eyes, she sees the mangled Body of her Son, stretched upon the cross, with His face all covered with blood, and His head wreathed with a crown of thorns!" (Gueranger)
"Nor was Mary less than was befitting the Mother of Christ. When the apostles fled, she stood before the Cross and with reverent gaze beheld her Son's wounds, for she waited not for her Child's death, but the world's salvation." (St. Ambrose, Doctor of the Church, 396 A.D.)
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Related Resources...
* Devotion to the Seven Sorrows - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/popular_marian_devotions.htm
* Mary / The Passion & Death of Jesus Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/mary_our_mother_reflections_passion_and_death_of_Jesus.htm
* Scapulars (Incl. Black Scapular of the Seven Dolours of Mary) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/scapulars.htm
* Marian Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_Marian.htm
* Marian Facts - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/facts.htm
* Blessed Virgin Mary Reflections - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/mary_our_mother_reflections.htm
* Blessed Virgin Mary (Papal Writings) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pd/classic_encyclicals_by_category.htm
* Marian Scriptural References - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/the_Blessed_Virgin/marian_scriptural_references.htm
* Blessed Virgin Mary (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-Blessed_Virgin_Mary.htm
* Mary, Our Mother Section - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/mary_our_mother.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"As the sun surpasses all the stars in luster, so the sorrows of Mary surpass all the tortures of the martyrs." (St. Basil)
"When she professed herself the handmaid of the Lord for the mother's office, and when, at the foot of the altar, she offered up her whole self with her Child Jesus - then and thereafter she took her part in the laborious expiation made by her Son for the sins of the world. It is certain, therefore, that she suffered in the very depths of her soul with His most bitter sufferings and with His torments. Moreover, it was before the eyes of Mary that was to be finished the Divine Sacrifice for which she had borne and brought up the Victim. As we contemplate Him in the last and most piteous of those Mysteries, there stood by the Cross of Jesus His Mother, who, in a miracle of charity, so that she might receive us as her sons, offered generously to Divine Justice her own Son, and died in her heart with Him, stabbed with the sword of sorrow." (Pope Leo XIII, "Iucunda Semper Expectatione", 1894 A.D.)
Prayer of Veneration of the Sorrowful Mother: "O God, in whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of sorrow pierced the most sweet soul of the glorious Mary, Mother and Virgin: grant in thy mercy, that we who call to mind her sorrows with veneration, may obtain the happy effect of thy Passion. Who livest." (Collect)
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The Key of the Divine Treasures: "It's Necessity Is So Great That Nothing Else Can Supply Its Omission"
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The following is taken from a 19th century publication entitled 'St. Joseph's Manual: Containing a Selection of Prayers for Public and Private Devotion...' The original work says it was compiled from approved sources. [Please Note: We have made some changes to the text below (e.g. capitalization & punctuation changes).]
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It is of faith...that man, without the grace of God, cannot do the least thing towards his eternal salvation. In the natural order, man can, by his natural faculties and powers, acquire a certain proficiency, and even arrive at some degree of perfection. But not so in the supernatural order; for every thing bearing reference to eternal life is above his natural power, and consequently requires the aid of divine grace. "Without me," says our blessed Lord, "you can do nothing." (cf. Jn. 15:5) Let the action be ever so insignificant, says St. Augustine, it is impossible to perform it without the help of Him without whom nothing can be done.
Now, if it be certain that the help of divine grace is absolutely necessary to enable a man to perform any good work towards obtaining eternal life, it is equally certain that the ordinary means by which the grace of God is to be attained is that of prayer; for prayer is the key, as the holy fathers call it, of the divine treasures, and, generally speaking, God confers his supernatural blessings only on those who pray for them. The earth gives its fruits only when tilled and cultivated according to the appointment of Providence; and, that we may succeed in human arts and sciences, it is requisite to employ such means as are ordained by God for the attainment of that end; and so, that we may obtain from Almighty God that aid and assistance which we stand in need of to secure our eternal salvation, we must have recourse to prayer, that means which he has appointed for us to obtain his supernatural blessings. "Ask," says your blessed Lord, "and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." He, therefore, says St. Terese "who does not ask shall not receive; he who does not seek shall not find; and to him who does not knock it shall not be opened." This saint compares the man who neglects the important duty of prayer to a paralytic, who has hands, but cannot use them, and feet, but cannot move them. So the person who neglects prayer is afflicted with a spiritual palsy; for, although he has a will and understanding, yet he cannot make use of them, nor guide them towards the attainment of eternal life.
The necessity of prayer is so great that nothing else can supply its omission. The want of actual baptism may be supplied by martyrdom [i.e. legitimate cases of 'baptism of blood']; the want of the sacrament of penance may be supplied by perfect contrition [However, note that "(perfect contrition) blots out sin; but who does not know that to effect this it must be so intense, so ardent, so vehement, as to bear a proportion to the magnitude of the crimes which it effaces? This is a degree of contrition which few reach" (Catechism of the Council of Trent) - and "with the perfect contrition we must have the intention of going to confession as soon as possible, if we again have the opportunity." (Baltimore Catechism)]; those who are unable to fast may [where permitted] make up for this by almsdeeds; and those whose poverty prevents them from relieving the poor may supply this deficiency by bearing patiently the crosses and afflictions which God sends them; but the omission of prayer can be supplied by nothing else, because the person who neglects prayer thereby cuts away the channel of divine blessing; for prayer is, in the ordinary course of Providence, the means through which they are bestowed. "You have not," says St. James, "because you ask not." Hence the angelic doctor, St. Thomas, writes thus: "Every man is bound to pray, by the very reason of his being obliged to procure for himself spiritual blessings, which can only be obtained from God by the means of prayer."
This doctrine is confirmed by the teaching and practice of all the saints, who evince in the strongest terms their belief in the necessity of prayer. Some compare the man who neglects prayer to a tree without roots, which quickly withers and dies, and is only fit to be cast into the fire; others compare him to a fortress without walls, which is continually exposed to the attacks of the enemy...others say that he is like a body without a soul - a corpse, deprived of life and motion.
Since, then, prayer is absolutely necessary for the attainment of eternal life, apply yourself with all diligence, O Christian soul, to this holy exercise, and take all possible care to perform it with fervor and devotion. Whatever your condition may be - whether you are in honor or abjection, in abundance or poverty - "Let nothing hinder you from praying always; and be not afraid to be justified even to death." (Ecclus. 18:22) "Pray without ceasing. In all things give thanks; for this is the will of God concerning you." (1 Thes. 5:17-18) "Take unto you the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, by all prayer and supplication, praying at all times in the Spirit." (Eph. 6:17-18)
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"There is, in fact, such a necessary link between holiness and prayer that the one cannot exist without the other." (Pope St. Pius X, "Haerent Animo", 1908 A.D.)
"There is no duty which Christ and His Apostles more emphatically urged by both precept and example than that of prayer and supplication to Almighty God. The Fathers and Doctors in subsequent times have taught that this is a matter of such grave necessity, that if men neglect it they hope in vain for eternal salvation." (Pope Leo XIII, "Fidentem Piumque Animum", 1896 A.D.)
"All spiritual writers in their books, all preachers in their sermons, all confessors in their instructions to their penitents, should not inculcate anything more strongly than continual prayer; they should always admonish, exclaim, and continually repeat: Pray, pray, never case to pray; for if you pray, your salvation will be secure; but if you leave off praying, your damnation will be certain. All preachers and directors ought to do this, because, according to the opinion of every Catholic school, there is no doubt of this truth, that he who prays obtains grace and is saved; but those who practice it are too few, and this is why so few are saved." (St. Alphonsus, Doctor of the Church)
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For more reflections on prayer, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/prayers_and_devotions_reflections.htm
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Litany Of The Dolorous Virgin Mary (Pope Pius VII)
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The following litany was authored by Pope Pius VII. He granted a plenary indulgence every Friday to all who recited it with a contrite heart.+
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LORD, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, 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, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Crucified Mother, pray for us.
Sorrowful Mother, pray for us.
Tearful Mother, pray for us.
Afflicted Mother, pray for us.
Forsaken Mother, pray for us.
Desolate Mother, pray for us.
Mother bereft of thy Son, pray for us.
Mother transfixed with the sword, pray for us.
Mother consumed with grief, pray for us.
Mother filled with anguish, pray for us.
Mother crucified in heart, pray for us.
Mother most sad, pray for us.
Fountain of tears, pray for us.
Sea of suffering, pray for us.
Mirror of patience, pray for us.
Rock of constancy, pray for us.
Author of confidence, pray for us.
Refuge of the forsaken, pray for us.
Shield of the oppressed, pray for us.
Subduer of the unbelieving, pray for us.
Comfort of the wretched, pray for us.
Medicine of the sick, pray for us.
Strength of the weak, pray for us.
Harbor of the shipwrecked, pray for us.
Allayer of tempests, pray for us.
Resource of mourners, pray for us.
Terror of the treacherous, pray for us.
Treasure of the faithful, pray for us.
Eye of Prophets, pray for us.
Staff of Apostles, pray for us.
Crown of Martyrs, pray for us.
Light of Confessors, pray for us.
Pearl of Virgins, pray for us.
Consolation of Widows, pray for us.
Joy of all saints, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare, us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Jesus.
Look down upon us, free us, and deliver us from all trouble, by the power of Jesus Christ. Amen.
O most holy Virgin, imprint thy wounds in my heart, that I may read therein sorrow and love: sorrow, to endure every sorrow for thee; love, to despise every love for thee.
Say the Apostles' Creed, Hail Holy Queen, and three Hail Marys, in honor of the most holy Heart of Mary.
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For more prayers, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
+ Note: For more on indulgences (including changes made to indulgences in the wake of Vatican II), please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
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Liturgical Feasts in September
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for September as they appear at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/saints/feasts.htm
Note: (T) = Traditional, (N) = New (Novus Ordo)
Reminder: Feasts may be superseded / transferred / etc.
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September 1 - St. Giles (T)
September 1 - Twelve Holy Brothers (T)
September 2 - St. Stephen, king of Hungary (T)
September 3 - St. Pius X, pope (T)
September 3 - St. Gregory the Great, pope (N)
September 5 - St. Laurence Justinian (T)
September 7 - St. Cloud (T)
September 8 - Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
September 8 - St. Adrian (T)
September 8 - The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (N)
September 9 - St. Gorgonius (T)
September 9 - St. Peter Claver (T)
September 9 - St. Peter Claver (N)
September 10 - St. Nicholas of Tolentino (T)
September 11 - Sts. Protus & Hyacinth (T)
September 12 - The Most Holy Name of Mary (T)
September 12 - The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary (N)
September 13 - St. John Chrysostom (N)
September 14 - Exaltation of the Holy Cross (T)
September 14 - The Exaltation of the Holy Cross (N)
September 15 - Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
September 15 - St. Nicomedes (T)
September 15 - Our Lady of Sorrows (N)
September 16 - Sts. Cornelius (pope) & Cyprian (T)
September 16 - Sts. Euphemia, Lucy & Geminianus (T)
September 16 - Sts. Cornelius (pope) & Cyprian (N)
September 17 - Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi (T)
September 17 - St. Robert Bellarmine (N)
September 18 - St. Joseph of Cupertino (T)
September 19 - St. Januarius & others (T)
September 19 - St. Januarius (N)
September 20 - St. Eustace & others (T)
September 20 - Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang & companions (N)
September 21 - St. Matthew, apostle & evangelist (T)
September 21 - St. Matthew, apostle & evangelist (N)
September 22 - St. Maurice & others (T)
September 22 - St. Thomas of Villanova (T)
September 23 - St. Linus, pope (T)
September 23 - St. Thecla (T)
September 23 - St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio) (N)
September 24 - Our Lady of Ransom (T)
September 26 - Sts. Cyprian & Justina (T)
September 26 - Sts. John de Brebeuf, Isaac Jogues & companions (T)
September 26 - Sts. Cosmas & Damian (N)
September 27 - Sts. Cosmas & Damian (T)
September 27 - St. Vincent de Paul (N)
September 28 - St. Wenceslaus (T)
September 28 - St. Lawrence Ruiz & companions (N)
September 28 - St. Wenceslaus (N)
September 29 - Dedication of the Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (T)
September 29 - Sts. Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, archangels (N)
September 30 - St. Jerome (T)
September 30 - St. Jerome (N)
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, try here: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/latin_mass_and_tradition/traditional_liturgical_calendar.htm . For other feasts, try the MCS Daily Digest each day at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
Also...
9/16/15 - Ember Wednesday (T)
9/18/15 - Ember Friday (T)
9/19/15 - Ember Saturday (T)
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'Catholic Trivia'
1. Which two authors have been considered as the first Christians to write in Latin?
2. Is the following statement true or false - "For the preservation of himself man can dispense himself from that law which God established for his use" ?
3. Which saint lived to the age of 112, is called "the first hermit", and died in the cloak of St. Athanasius around the year 342 A.D.?
4. How does St. Augustine divide the human race in 'The City of God'?
5. Which apostle shares a name with another apostle, is the brother of the Apostle John, and is a son of Zebedee?
6. According to St. Augustine, when is it a lie to call yourself a Christian?
7. Why does St. Thomas Aquinas say praying to "lesser saints" is sometimes more profitable?
8. According to St. John Vianney, what is "the most terrible weapon against the Devil"?
9. When sin reaches maturity it gives birth to what?
10. What does St. John Vianney say that love of our neighbor consists of?
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Answers:
1. Minucius Felix and Tertullian (c. 155-250 A.D.) have been considered as the first Christians to write in Latin.
2. The statement "For the preservation of himself man can
dispense himself from that law which God established for his use" is
false. It is an error of Paschasius Quesnel which was condemned in the
dogmatic Constitution, "Unigenitus" on Sept. 8, 1715 A.D.
[Note: Correct year s/b 1713]
3. St. Paul, father of hermits, lived to the age of 112, is called "the first hermit", and died in the cloak of St. Athanasius around the year 342 A.D.
4. In 'The City of God', St. Augustine writes, "We distribute the human race into two kinds of men, one living according to man, the other living according to God. Mystically, we call them the two cities, or two societies of men: the one of which is predestined to reign eternally with God, the other to suffer eternal punishment with the devil."
5. James (the greater) shares a name with another apostle [James (the lesser)], is the brother of the Apostle John, and is a son of Zebedee.
6. "The sin of lying is not solely committed by word of mouth, but by deeds designedly carried out for the purpose of deceiving. It is a lie to call yourself a Christian when you do not practice the works of Jesus Christ." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
7. "Although the greater saints are more acceptable to God than the lesser, it is sometimes profitable to pray to the lesser; and this for five reasons. First, because sometimes one has greater devotion for a lesser saint than for a greater, and the effect of prayer depends very much on one's devotion. Secondly, in order to avoid tediousness, for continual attention to one thing makes a person weary; whereas by praying to different saints, the fervor of our devotion is aroused anew as it were. Thirdly, because it is granted to some saints to exercise their patronage in certain special cases, for instance to Saint Anthony against the fire of hell. Fourthly, that due honor be given by us to all. Fifthly, because the prayers of several sometimes obtain that which would not have been obtained by the prayers of one." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
8. "The sign of the cross is the most terrible weapon against the Devil. Thus the Church wishes not only that we should have it continually in front of our minds to recall to us just what our souls are worth and what they cost Jesus Christ, but also that we should make it at every juncture ourselves: when we go to bed, when we awaken during the night, when we get up, when we begin any action, and above all, when we are tempted." (St. John Vianney)
9. "...when sin reaches maturity it gives birth to death." (Jms. 1:15)
10. "Love for our neighbor consists of three things: To desire the greater good of everyone; to do what good we can when we can; to bear, excuse, and hide others' faults." (St. John Vianney)
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For more information concerning the topics above, try our General A-Z Index at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - Do You Think Religious Truths Can Change Over Time?
It is good for Catholics to be able to defend their faith against attacks (or even simple questions) from those outside the Church. We therefore hope you may find the following "apologetics brief" helpful.
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Note: Text below is taken from http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__unchanging_doctrine.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: Do You Think Religious Truths Can Change Over Time? (Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants)
Consider:
* Since God is perfect, and therefore unchangeable, how can you imagine that His truths can change?
"God is not man that he should speak falsely, nor human, that he should change his mind. Is he one to speak and not act, to decree and not fulfill?" (Num. 23:19)
"Of old you laid the earth's foundations; the heavens are the work of your hands. They perish, but you remain; they all wear out like a garment; Like clothing you change them and they are changed, but you are the same, your years have no end." (Ps. 102:26-28)
"He plumbs the depths and penetrates the heart; their innermost being he understands. The Most High possesses all knowledge, and sees from of old the things that are to come: He makes known the past and the future, and reveals the deepest secrets. No understanding does he lack; no single thing escapes him. Perennial is his almighty wisdom; he is from all eternity one and the same, with nothing added, nothing taken away; no need of a counselor for him!" (Sirach 42:18-22)
"Even to your old age I am the same, even when your hair is gray I will bear you; It is I who have done this, I who will continue, and I who will carry you to safety." (Isa. 46:4)
"Surely I, the LORD, do not change, nor do you cease to be sons of Jacob." (Mal. 3:6)
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8)
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers: all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change." (Jms. 1:16-17)
* The dogmas of faith are God's revealed truths. How do you suspect mere persons on earth could ever have the power or authority to change them?
* Why does Scripture specifically tell us to guard what has been received if religious truths are subject to change?
"Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life. I write you these things about those who would deceive you." (1 Jn. 2:24-26)
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him in your house or even greet him; for whoever greets him shares in his evil works." (2 Jn. 1:10-11)
"Anyone who is so 'progressive' as not to remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God; whoever remains in the teaching has the Father and the Son." (2 Jn. 1:9)
"Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teaching." (Heb. 13:7-9)
"Whoever teaches something different and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the religious teaching is conceited, understanding nothing, and has a morbid disposition for arguments and verbal disputes. From these come envy, rivalry, insults, evil suspicions, and mutual friction among people with corrupted minds, who are deprived of the truth, supposing religion to be a means of gain." (1 Tm. 6:3-5)
"O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid profane babbling and the absurdities of so-called knowledge. By professing it, some people have deviated from the faith. Grace be with all of you." (1 Tm. 6:20-21)
"I am amazed that you are so quickly forsaking the one who called you by (the) grace (of Christ) for a different gospel (not that there is another). But there are some who are disturbing you and wish to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach (to you) a gospel other than the one that we preached to you, let that one be accursed! As we have said before, and now I say again, if anyone preaches to you a gospel other than the one that you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now currying favor with human beings or God? Or am I seeking to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a slave of Christ. Now I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel preached by me is not of human origin. For I did not receive it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it, and progressed in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my race, since I was even more a zealot for my ancestral traditions." (Gal. 1:6-14)
* Where did you get the idea that religious truths can change over time?
* Considering that "continuity with the apostolic witness is the safeguard of right belief", why are you not troubled by changes in doctrine (e.g. by those outside the Church)?
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"Truth...cannot change from day to day." (Pope Pius XII)
"Those who wage war against the truth are powerless to win; rather, they wound themselves, like those who kick against spikes." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church)
"There is only one way of standing in the truth; many and various of not standing in it." [Origen ("the greatest scholar of Christian antiquity" - although he would eventually be excommunicated and be regarded as a heretic), 3rd century A.D.]
"Eternity itself is the substance of God, which has nothing that is changeable. There is nothing there that is past, as if it were no longer; nothing there is future, as if it not yet were. There is nothing there except 'is'." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, c. 5th century A.D.)
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For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Is there one who would not weep, Whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ's dear Mother to behold? Can the human heart refrain From partaking in her pain, In that Mother's pain untold?" (From the Stabat Mater)
"Here learn the science of the saints: All is to be found in the Passion of Jesus." (St. Paul of the Cross)
"Can we say that we are walking in His footsteps if we are not on the road to Calvary?" (Liturgical Year)
"The silence is again broken: Jesus speaks His third word, and it is to His Mother; but He does not call her by that dear name, for it would redouble her pain: 'Woman!' He says, 'behold thy son!' Then looking upon John, He says to him: 'Son! Behold thy Mother!' What an exchange was here for Mary! But oh! What a blessing it brought upon John, and through him to all mankind: The Mother of God was made our Mother!...[L]et us, today, gratefully receive this last testament of our Jesus, who, having by His Incarnation made us the adopted children of His heavenly Father, now, in His dying moments, makes us children of His own blessed Mother." (Gueranger)
Virgo dolorosíssima, ora pro nobis. [Latin for: Virgin most sorrowful, pray for us.]
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