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MyCatholicSource.com Newsletter - November, 2016
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IN THIS ISSUE:
* Greetings
* MCS News & Notes
* The Month of November: Dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory
* Some Prayers for the Deceased
* 'Graces will be imparted to us in larger measure this Advent if we are more fervently purified and prepared...'
* Liturgical Feasts in November
* 'Catholic Trivia'
* Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - How Can Jesus be God Since Jesus Said the Father is Greater Than He is and Since Christ Admitted to Not Knowing Something? What About the Other Indications That Christ Was Human or That He Had a Separate Will Than God?
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Dear Friend,
"May the God of peace himself make you perfectly holy and may you entirely, spirit, soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it." (St. Paul, 1 Thes. 5:23-24)
We hope you are doing well and are enjoying good health and nice weather. We are happy to report that our Eighth Annual Rosary Week held at the end of last month was a success, with signups received from around half the states in the U.S. and from a total of four continents. Considering God's goodness & mercy, we hope these modest efforts may result abundant blessings. We would also like to thank you for your support of MyCatholicSource.com as we celebrated our 8th anniversary at the end of last month. It's been a joy to be able to hang on, even despite the many challenges we've encountered.
This busy month of November starts with All Saints & All Souls, it also offers opportunities for special indulgences, and ends with the Feast of Christ the King (Novus Ordo Calendar) and the beginning of Advent (on November 27th). We hope your upcoming preparations for Christmas will be especially holy and will worthily prepare you to joyously celebrate the anniversary of Christ's birth. [Note: See below for information on indulgences and also for resources for Advent]
We thank you for your support & wish you God's blessings,
Your Friends at MyCatholicSource.com
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Prayer of Thanksgiving: "We thank you, holy Father, for your holy name, which you have caused to dwell in our hearts; and for the knowledge and faith and immortality which you have made known to us through Jesus your Son." (Didache, c. 140 A.D.)
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MCS News & Notes
* Rosary Week: We send our thanks to all who participated in our Eighth Annual Rosary Week. You helped make this event a success. As an expression of our appreciation, all Rosary Week participants will be remembered in a Traditional Latin ('Tridentine') Mass to be said by the Priestly Fraternity St. Peter. Please note that the Priestly Fraternity was erected as an institute of pontifical right by the Holy See in October of 1988 (their twofold mission is "the formation and sanctification of priests in the cadre of the traditional liturgy of the Roman rite, and secondly, the pastoral deployment of the priests in the service of the Church"). Again, we thank you for your participation and hope you will join us again next year.
* Great app news! As indicated previously, Apple was planning to pull our iOS apps from the App Store starting in October 2016. Most of these apps (all but one) have now been updated and are no longer under threat of removal. Please see 'MyCatholicSource.com App News' below for additional information.
* For information on indulgences available in November, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm . For additional information on indulgences, please try here http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-indulgences.htm
* If you joined the Purgatory Release Project effort and plan to submit your form, please do so as soon as possible. For more information, and to start a new form for next year, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/PRP . Thank you for helping the poor souls! Did you know? The Purgatory Release Project has been recommended on a Junior Legion of Mary blog. Why not join in too?
* To request prayers for your deceased loved ones, please visit the Prayer Requests section at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayer_requests.htm
* We thank all who joined us for a special day of prayer for the U.S.A. last month. We hope you will continue praying for this nation (try here for some prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-prayers_for_the_United_States.htm ). May God bless you & may He also bless this nation with strong leaders who will be faithful to our Lord Jesus Christ.
* For Advent resources (including 'Make Your Own Advent Calendar', Advent Prayers, Advent Practices, Reflections, Coloring Pages, etc.), please see http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-advent.htm [Reminder: Advent begins on 11/27/16]
* Resolved issue with AT&T e-mail blocking: We just received a notice from the AT&T Postmaster that our IP number will be removed from their block list. We had unfortunately been blocked by them for a couple/few months now and our requests for rectification of the error went unanswered. Finally, it appears that they will be correcting the situation. We apologize to any affected subscribers and thank all person(s) who may have contacted them for assistance in resolving this error.
* Resolved issue with mailing list signup form: As mentioned previously, the third party service we use for our mailing list subscription form changed and no longer permitted a period in the name field (e.g. for Mr., Jr., etc.). We contacted the third party service and the issue has now been resolved. If you would like to change how your name appears (e.g. add a missing period, change capitalization, add Mr./Mrs., omit a last name, use a nickname), we will try to honor your request. To request a change, please reply to this newsletter from the subscribed e-mail address and clearly indicate the requested change. [Please Note: No requests deemed inappropriate. All requests must conform to our standards for posting. We reserve the right to refuse name changes or to change name to initials only. We will try to make changes as soon as possible, but please allow a few weeks for changes to be made. Sorry, we cannot promise to make any particular change(s). Limit one request per subscriber, please]
* Service Delays: Due to medical reasons, please continue to expect some sporadic delays in all correspondence & services (including processing of posts) for the foreseeable future. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for any prayers.
* Do something good for the price of a cup of coffee! Help MyCatholicSource.com remain online - donate any amount (from $1+) at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/donate.htm [note that we do NOT sell donor information to third parties and we do NOT contact you about your donation unless it is necessary (e.g. processing problems)]. Thank you for your much needed support!
* Please invite your friends to visit MyCatholicSource.com. For our "easy to use" invite-a-friend page, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/invite_a_friend.htm . Please invite some friends today! Your support helps keep us going!
* We love to hear from you! Please submit comments at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/newsletter_feedback.htm
* Have friends or family that might benefit from our newsletter? Please invite them to subscribe at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/fdb/mail_list.htm . Thank you!
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MyCatholicSource.com App News...
* Update Regarding iOS App Updates: First the good news - As we mentioned last month, our apps were under threat of removal from the App Store until such time as were able to release updated versions (as mentioned previously, Apple informed developers on 9/1/16 that they would be pulling apps that had not been updated "for a long time"). We are happy to report that we have released updates for four of our five apps. All four updates have been approved by the App Store and are available for sale without any need for app reinstatement. These updates proceeded much faster than we had hoped.
And now for the not good news: Since the last app, Speedy Dial!, requires far more extensive coding changes to implement Apple's new methods, we were not able to complete this update in time. Most likely, this app will be removed from the App Store by the time this newsletter is sent. We do not yet have a time frame for completion for this possible update (we are hopeful we will be able to update this app, but we cannot make any guarantees). Please note that for this app, we appealed Apple's decision to pull it from the App Store (or at least delay the process), but our appeal was summarily denied. This was the case despite the fact that we made a 'compelling' case to Apple [e.g. that the app still works perfectly; that we received notices for 3 apps in 10 days and there wasn't enough time to fix and test in that time frame; that customers might be frustrated when existing ads/links wouldn't work if they pulled the app; that the extra time was necessary to re-code because of their (NOT our) changes]. In response, we basically received a 'tough luck' response with no consideration at all of the points we mentioned. We admit that we find it ironic that we regularly encounter issues with Apple software / apps / products / websites (including out-of-date coding samples which still appear on their website) yet our PERFECTLY FUNCTIONING app will be removed from their store for no other reason than that it hasn't been updated (at our expense) for a while. Unfortunately, we are unable to do anything about the situation, but we do apologize for any inconvenience.
Lastly, concerning the apps that were updated, please note the following...
- All updates now require a higher version of the iOS than previously, however, the older version(s) of the apps may still be available for those with lower versions of the iOS.
- All updates now contain URLs that may be used with a launcher (i.e. cathbiblerefs://, istationsofthecross://, saints4u://, justcheckinin://). Note that you must have the new version of the app for these URLs to work in a launcher.
- All apps may now contain a launch image ('splash screen') as is now required.
- Icons may appear higher quality than before (this was 'out of our control' years ago with the older technology when the apps were first released)
- All app updates involved some coding and UI changes. For the most part, we tried to keep the UI changes to a minimum where possible.
And about each update specifically...
- iStations: The most recent version is now a universal app. Also, we made changes to auto lock (rather than using the device auto-lock settings, the screen may now stay awake while viewing a station/disable auto lock) and trimmed some (silent) audio from the beginning of Stations 5 & 6. Resolves issue with extraneous text appearing on main screen since iOS7. This beautiful & inspiring Stations of the Cross app is available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istations/id457131446?ls=1&mt=8
- Catholic Bible References: Resolves iOS7+ issue with small amount of initial screen showing through at bottom of the search page. Also, the app has been discounted for a while and is now just $2.99 (25% off!). This 'must have' app is available at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/catholic-bible-references/id450589859?ls=1&mt=8
- Saints4U: Resolves iOS7+ issue with small amount of initial screen showing through at bottom of the search page. Should also resolve issues with search feature since iOS7. Note that we were planning to discontinue this app at some point in the future (and we may still do this), but there is at least a temporary reprieve for now. However, please note that there have been NO updates to the database and NO updates to the database are planned (this means that newly canonized saints/feasts are NOT included). Great for All Saints Day! Still discount priced at only $0.99! This convenient reference for patron saints, saint names & feasts is available at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/saints4u/id453922297?ls=1&mt=8
- Just Checkin' In: Added confirmation message on save, added additional connection verification upon initial app launch. Also, the app has been discounted for a while and is now just $0.99 (50% off!). This handy, time-saving app is available at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/just-checkin-in/id502561339?ls=1&mt=8
If you enjoy any of our apps, we implore you to leave a review. All the positive reviews we previously received no longer appear for the current version of the app. Your positive review (or even just a 5 star rating without a review) would be a great favor.
Reminder: As indicated previously, we are trying to devote all the time we can to app development, therefore we are not presently updating our sites concerning recent app updates/app availability changes. In the future, we may create a separate page for each app to cover update(s), but we do not have a time frame for this project. For current information about our iOS apps and their availability, please visit the App Store. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
* Android Apps Reminder: The above does NOT affect our existing Android apps, as Android has remained a more stable platform in terms of compatibility. For information on currently available Android apps, please visit www.MyCatholicSource.com/Android
* 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
* We send our thanks to all who have purchased & rated our apps. Your support has helped to keep us online!
* 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 ), or visit the applicable app store
Note: Any prices included herein are in U.S. dollars, excluding any applicable tax.
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* Please see our Notices page at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm for dates of anticipated service delays through January 2017
* To shop at Amazon.com in support of MyCatholicSource.com, please use this link: http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=mycathcom-20 (shortcut MyCatholicSource.com/ShopAmazon ). You can shop here for books, household & office products, Catholic items, electronics, and much more. Already shop at Amazon.com? It doesn't cost any extra to shop at Amazon using this link, yet we can benefit from your purchases. Thank you for your support!
* Reminder: To help ensure delivery of your newsletter, please put our e-mail address in your 'trusted senders' list - or use other applicable options your e-mail provider may offer to let them know that our e-mail is wanted. Thank you.
* Please visit our Notices page for timely news and other important information regarding MyCatholicSource.com - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/notices.htm
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The Month of November: Dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory
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"Those are punished for a time in purgatory who die in the state of grace but are guilty of venial sin, or have not fully satisfied for the temporal punishment due to their sins." (Baltimore Catechism)
"If anyone shall say that after the reception of the grace of justification, to every penitent sinner the guilt is so remitted and the penalty of eternal punishment so blotted out that no penalty of temporal punishment remains to be discharged either in this world or in the world to come in purgatory before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened: let him be anathema." (Council of Trent)
"According to the holy Doctors, for every mortal sin a man is obliged by God to seven years of penance in this world, or the equivalent in purgatory; the reason being that every mortal sin is an offense against the seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost." (St. Vincent Ferrer)
"Someone says: 'It is nothing to me to know how long I stay in purgatory, so long as I go on finally to eternal life. Let no one say that, beloved brethren, because that purgatorial fire itself will be more difficult than any punishments that can be seen or imagined or felt in this life." (St. Caesarius of Arles)
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Related Resources...
* Purgatory (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-purgatory.htm
* Purgatory Information / Purgatory Release Project - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_activities_purgatory_release_project.htm
* Prayers For the Dead - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_deceased.htm
* Indulgences - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/indulgences.htm
* Purgatory (Reflections) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/catholic_basics_reflections_purgatory.htm
* Purgatory (Apologetics) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__purgatory.htm
* Purgatory (Topical Scripture) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/pcst/topical_scripture_P24.htm
* Purgatory (Biblical References) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__biblical_references.htm
Also Try...
* Death (Topic Page) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-death.htm
* Suffering / Death (Incl. When a Loved One Has Died) - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_life/cathlife_suffering.htm
* Request Prayers - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/prayer_requests.htm
Looking For Something Else? Try Our Various Indexes For 15,000+ Entries - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/help.htm
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"One of the holiest works, one of the best exercises of piety that we can practice in this world is to offer sacrifices, alms, and prayer for the dead." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church)
"Suffrages for the dead are more agreeable to God than suffrages for the living; because the former stand in more need thereof, not being able to assist themselves, as are the living." (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"'He shall be saved, but as if by fire.' And because it is said that he shall be saved, little is thought of that fire. Yet plainly, though we be saved by fire, that fire will be more severe than anything a man can suffer in this life." (St. Augustine, Doctor of the Church, 5th century A.D.)
"The pains of Purgatory are more grievous than all the pains of this world" (St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church and "greatest theologian in the history of the Church")
"Purgatory is a crucible where the dross of sin is burnt away, until every debt is cancelled. When its flames have effaced every stain and every wrinkle that marred the soul's beauty, then she flees away to her Spouse, truly a blessed one and sure of offering no obstacle to the complacent love of her Lord. Yet to what a sad length her exile is prolonged! True, she is united by charity to the inhabitants of heaven: but the fire which torments her is of the same nature as that of hell" (Liturgical Year)
"Day and night I am pursued by the same thought: One does not pray enough for the dead. Eighty thousand people die in this nation every day." (Bl. Eugenie Smet)
"Christian families, which possess a spirit of lively faith, make it their duty, according to their rank and means, to have a large number of Masses celebrated for the dead." (Fr. Schouppe)
"[I]f you assign, on the average, as St. Frances of Rome says, seven years for the expiation of one mortal sin, remitted as to the guilt, who does not see that we arrive at an appalling duration [in Purgatory] and that the expiation may especially be prolonged for many years, and even for centuries? Years and centuries of torments! Oh! if we only thought of it, with what care should we not avoid the least faults! with what fervor should we not practice penance to make satisfaction in this world!" (Fr. Schouppe)
"To assist the souls in Purgatory is to perform the most excellent of the works of mercy, or rather it is to practice in a sublime manner all the works of mercy together: it is to visit the sick; it is to give drink to those who thirst for the vision of God; it is to feed the hungry, to ransom prisoners, to clothe the naked, to procure for poor exiles the hospitality of the Heavenly Jerusalem; it is to comfort the afflicted, to instruct the ignorant - in fine, to practice all works of mercy in one." (St. Francis de Sales, Doctor of the Church)
"There is no doubt that the pains of Purgatory are not limited to ten and twenty years, and that they last in some cases entire centuries. But allowing to be true that their duration did not exceed ten or twenty years, can we account it as nothing to have to endure for ten or twenty years the most excruciating sufferings without the least alleviation? If a man was assured that he should suffer some violent pain in his feet, or his head, or teeth for the space of twenty years, and that without ever sleeping or taking the least repose, would he not a thousand times rather die than live in such a state? And if the choice were given to him between a life thus miserable and the loss of all his temporal goods, would he hesitate to make the sacrifice of his fortune to be delivered from such a torment? Shall we then find any difficulty in embracing labor and penance to free ourselves from the sufferings of Purgatory? Shall we fear to practice the most painful exercises: vigils, fasts, almsgiving, long prayers, and especially contrition, accompanied with signs and tears?" (St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor of the Church)
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Some Prayers for the Deceased
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Prayer for the Departed
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. (Latin: Fidelium animae per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace. Amen.)
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Prayer of St. Gertrude for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal Church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.
[Note: It is said that Our Lord will release 1,000 souls from Purgatory for each recitation of this prayer.]
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Prayer to Guardian Angels for the Souls in Purgatory
O Holy Guardian Angels of the poor souls, you who accompanied them so faithfully during life, who so lovingly guarded them from error, misfortune, and sin, help them now when, having escaped from the dangers of the world, they are so near to heaven. Obtain for them from the Most Holy Trinity a full remission of their indebtedness and lead them without delay to the joys of heaven. Amen.
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Prayer for Deceased Parent(s)
O God, who dost command us to honor our parents; in Thy mercy have pity on the souls of my (father and/or mother). Do Thou forgive (him/her/them) their trespasses and look favorably upon any good (he/she/they) may have accomplished. And when my hour shall come to pass from this life, grant me to see (him/her/them) again in the joy of everlasting brightness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer for Loved Ones in Purgatory
My dearest Jesus, whose loving Heart was ever touched by the sorrows of others, look with compassion on the souls of our dear ones in purgatory. O You Who 'loved Your own', hear our cry for mercy and grant that those whom You called from our homes and hearts, may soon enjoy everlasting rest in the home of Thy love in heaven. Amen.
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Prayer for a Deceased Person
Incline Thine ear, O Lord, unto our prayers, wherein we humbly pray Thee to show Thy mercy upon the soul of Thy servant N., whom Thou hast commanded to pass out of this world, that Thou wouldst place him in the region of peace and light, and bid him be partaker with Thy Saints. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. (Raccolta)
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Prayer for a Deceased Priest
O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant (N.) to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy holy presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer for the Departed
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (Latin: Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.)
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Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in Your judgments, but let some drops of Your Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And, Merciful Savior, send Your angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light, and peace. Amen.
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Mass Prayer For the Souls in Purgatory
Dear Jesus! Let the happiness of this thy visit extend to every portion of thy Church. Thy face gladdens the elect in the holy city; even our mortal eyes can see thee beneath the veil of our delighted faith; ah! Hide not thyself from those brethren of ours, who are imprisoned in the abode of expiation. Be thou refreshment to them in their flames, light in their darkness, and peace in their agonies of torment. Amen. (Liturgical Year)
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Prayer for the Deceased
Receive in tranquility and peace, O Lord, the souls of your servants who have departed this present life to come to you. Grant them rest and place them in the habitations of light, the abodes of blessed spirits. Give them the life that will not age, good things that will not pass away, delights that have no end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory (Esp. Nearest to Heaven)
O Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee by the Precious Blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and among them all, especially that soul which is nearest to its entrance into Thy glory, that it may soon begin to praise Thee and bless Thee for ever. Amen. (Raccolta)
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Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
Most loving Jesus, I humbly beseech Thee, that Thou Thyself wouldst offer to Thine eternal Father in behalf of the Holy Souls in purgatory, the Most Precious Blood which poured forth from the sacred wounds of Thine adorable Body, together with Thine agony and death. And do thou likewise O sorrowful Virgin Mary, present unto Him, together with the dolorous Passion of Thy dear Son, thine own sighs and tears, and all the sorrows thou didst suffer in His suffering, in order that, through the merits of the same, refreshment may be granted to the souls now suffering in the fiery torments of purgatory, so that, being delivered from that painful prison, they may be clothed with glory in heaven, there to sing the mercies of God for ever and ever. Amen.
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Prayer for the Departed
Immortal God, Holy Lord, Father and protector of everything Thou hast created, we raise our hearts to Thee today for those who have passed out of this mortal life. In Thy loving mercy, Father of men, be pleased to receive them into Thy Heavenly company, and forgive them the failings and faults of human frailty. Thy only Son, Christ, our Savior, suffered cruelly that He might deliver them from the second death. By His merits may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death. We pray for all the faithful who have died, but in particular for those dear to us - parents, relatives and friends. Nor do we forget those who did us good while on earth, who helped us by their prayers, sacrifices, and example. We pray also for any who have done us harm and stand in need of Thy special forgiveness. May the merits of Our Virgin Mother Mary, and those of all Thy Angels and Saints, speak for us and assist them now. This we ask in Christ's name. Amen.
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Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary for the Souls in Purgatory
Most holy Mary, our Lady of Intercession, whose maternal tenderness gathers in one embrace all the souls redeemed by the Precious Blood of thy Son Jesus, we come before thy royal throne with sadness in our hearts as we remember those who have gone before us, but also with unlimited confidence in thine intercession. Death, which burst asunder the bonds of earth, has not destroyed the affection which binds us to those who lived in the same faith as we do. O Mary, countless souls await with unutterable anxiety the assistance of our prayers, and the merits of our good works in that place of expiation. Urged by the charity of Jesus Christ, we raise our countenance and heart in supplication to thee, the compassionate Mother of all believers, in favor of those suffering souls. Make our prayers of good effect, O Mary; obtain for them the power to move the Heart of Jesus our Redeemer through thy motherly intercession. Let thine incomparable holiness supply the defects of our misery, thy love make good our languid affection, thy power strengthen our weakness. Grant, O Queen of heaven, that the ardent desire of the souls of the departed to be admitted to the Beatific Vision may soon be satisfied. We pray to thee, O Mother, especially for the souls of our relations, of priests, of those who were zealous in honoring thee, of those who did good to the souls of others, of those who wept with them and for them and finally, for those souls of those who are forgotten. Grant that one day, when we are all reunited in heaven, we may be able to rejoice in the possession of God, in the happiness of thy dear presence, in the fellowship of all the Saints, thanking thee forever for all the blessings thou hast obtained for us, O Mother, who art our unfailing comfort. Amen. Hail Mary... Hail Mary... Hail Mary... Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen (Raccolta)
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Ref. http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pr/prayers_and_hymns_deceased.htm
Note: For more Catholic prayers, please try here - http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-catholic_prayers.htm
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'Graces will be imparted to us in larger measure this Advent if we are more fervently purified and prepared...'
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Note: The following is taken from an 18th century publication entitled "The moveable feasts, fasts and other annual observances of the Catholic Church". The publication is a posthumous work of Fr. Alban Butler [author of 'Butler's Lives' ("The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints")]. Please note that we have made some changes to the original work (e.g. capitalization, punctuation & spelling changes, shortening/remove footnote).
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Advent is a time of penance and devotion before Christmas, appointed by the Church, to serve as a preparation to that great solemnity of the birth of Christ. Festivals were commanded by God himself in the old law to commemorate His principal benefits and mercies, that men might be more perfectly instructed in them, bear them always in mind, be always thankful for them, and stirred up to dispose themselves to receive the fruits of these wonderful mysteries. The festivals of the new law of grace ought to be celebrated with so much the greater preparation and devotion, as the mysteries which we commemorate transcend those of the old law, which, how wonderful soever, were no more than weak types and figures, and empty shadows of them. We must present ourselves before God in the spotless robes of purity and sanctity, and in the spirit and dispositions of the most ardent devotion, especially on these days which are emblems of the eternal Sabbath of the heavenly Jerusalem, which we shall celebrate with all the elect in uninterrupted hymns of adoration and praise. On these solemnities the whole people of God on earth unite their tears, prayers and sacrifices of adoration and thanksgiving to glorify God, for His unspeakable mercies. With what fervor ought we, their fellow members, who have the happiness to share so plentifully in these blessings, to join them in this solemn duty and tribute: the immense treasure of divine graces, purchased for us, and offered to us by these sacred mysteries, will be imparted to us in so much larger measures, as we shall present ourselves on them more fervently purified and prepared; and shall more earnestly implore the divine mercy, and offer purer homages of thanksgiving, adoration, and praise, in acknowledgment of these incomprehensible heavenly favors.
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Note: For Advent resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/tp/topic_page-advent.htm
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Liturgical Feasts in November
The following is a listing of all liturgical feast dates for November 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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November 1 - All Saints (T) *
November 1 - All Saints (N) *
November 2 - All Souls (T)
November 2 - All Souls (N)
November 3 - St. Martin de Porres (N)
November 4 - St. Charles Borromeo (T)
November 4 - Sts. Vitalis & Agricola (T)
November 4 - St. Charles Borromeo (N)
November 5 - Feast of Holy Relics (T)
November 6 - St. Leonard (T)
November 8 - Four Holy Crowned Martyrs (T)
November 9 - Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Saviour (T)
November 9 - St. Theodore the Recruit (T)
November 9 - Dedication of St. John Lateran (Lateran Basilica in Rome) (N)
November 10 - St. Andrew Avellino (T)
November 10 - Sts. Tryphon, Respicius & Nympha (T)
November 10 - St. Leo the Great, pope (N)
November 11 - St. Martin of Tours (T)
November 11 - St. Mennas (T)
November 11 - St. Martin of Tours (N)
November 12 - St. Martin I, pope (T)
November 12 - St. Josaphat (N)
November 13 - St. Didacus (T)
November 13 - St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (N)
November 14 - St. Josaphat (T)
November 15 - St. Albert the Great (T)
November 15 - St. Albert the Great (N)
November 16 - St. Gertrude (T)
November 16 - St. Gertrude the Great (N)
November 16 - St. Margaret of Scotland (N)
November 17 - St. Gregory Thaumaturgus (T)
November 17 - St. Elizabeth of Hungary (N)
November 18 - Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter & Paul (T)
November 18 - Dedication of the Basilicas of Sts. Peter & Paul, apostles (N)
November 19 - St. Elizabeth of Hungary (T)
November 19 - St. Pontianus, pope (T)
November 20 - St. Felix of Valois (T)
November 21 - Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (T)
November 21 - The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (N)
November 22 - St. Cecilia (T)
November 22 - St. Cecilia (N)
November 23 - St. Clement I, pope (T)
November 23 - St. Felicitas (T)
November 23 - St. Clement I, pope (N)
November 23 - St. Columban (N)
November 24 - St. Chrysogonus (T)
November 24 - St. John of the Cross (T)
November 24 - St. Andrew Dung-Lac & companions (N)
November 25 - St. Catherine of Alexandria (T)
November 25 - St. Catherine of Alexandria (N)
November 26 - St. Peter of Alexandria (T)
November 26 - St. Sylvester (T)
November 27 - Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (T)
November 27 - St. Virgilius (T)
November 29 - St. Saturninus (T)
November 30 - St. Andrew, apostle (T)
November 30 - St. Andrew, apostle (N)
* Holy Day of Obligation (as applicable)
Please Note: Above may exclude moveable feasts. For moveable feasts, see below and 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...
11/20/2016 - Feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ (N)
11/27/2016 - First Sunday in Advent (T/N)
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'Catholic Trivia'
1. What does St. Elizabeth Ann Seton recommend when one is excited to impatience?
2. According to Sr. Lucy of Fatima, the Blessed Virgin Mary indicated that Lucy's young friend would remain in purgatory until when?
3. When is a general confession necessary? Useful? Hurtful?
4. What is it called when someone offers their entire life's worth of indulgences and works for souls in Purgatory?
5. In the Traditional Latin Mass, when is the Gloria omitted?
6. What does Dom Gueranger say is the first duty of the flock when a shepherd becomes a wolf?
7. When observing religious continence, how many days does the Catechism of the Council of Trent indicate abstinence from the marriage debt prior to receiving Communion?
8. What does St. Thomas More say happens when men are slow to do good?
9. What is it called when workers exact full wages from those whom they have not given just and due labor?
10. Is it true that priests must have the intention of doing what the Church does when administering the sacraments?
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Answers:
1. "When you are excited to impatience, think for a moment how much more reason God has to be angry with you than you can have for anger against any human being; and yet how constant is His patience and forbearance." (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton)
2. "[S]he will be in Purgatory until the end of the world." (Our Lady of Fatima to Sister Lucy, in response to whether or not Lucy's young friend was in heaven, early 20th century)
3. "A general confession (1) is necessary when we are certain that our past confessions were bad; (2) it is useful on special occasions in our lives when some change in our way of living is about to take place; (3) it is hurtful and must not be made when persons are scrupulous." (Baltimore Catechism)
4. It is called an heroic act of charity when someone offers their entire life's worth of indulgences and works for souls in Purgatory.
5. In the Traditional Latin Mass, the Gloria is omitted when the priest's vestments are black or violet (Lent, Advent, Masses for the Dead).
6. "When the shepherd becomes a wolf, the first duty of the flock is to defend itself." (Dom Gueranger)
7. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "But as every blessing is to be obtained from God by holy prayer, the faithful are also to be taught sometimes to abstain from the marriage debt in order to devote themselves to prayer. Let the faithful understand that (this religious continence), according to the proper and holy injunction of our predecessors, is particular to be observed for at least three days before Communion, and oftener during the solemn fast of Lent." (Note: Also see 1 Sam. 21:5, 1 Cor. 7:5)
8. "When men are slow to do good, they fast lose both faith and grace." (St. Thomas More)
9. According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, "It is, also, a downright theft, when laborers and artisans exact full wages from those to whom they have not given just and due labor... Persons charged with offices of public or private trust, who altogether neglect, or but indifferently perform their duties, while they enjoy the salary and emoluments of such offices, are also said to be reckoned in the number of thieves."
10. Yes. The Council of Trent states: "If anyone says that the intention, at least that of doing what the Church does, is not required in ministers when they are effecting and conferring the sacraments: let him be anathema."
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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
Like trivia? You might enjoy our crossword puzzles located at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pc/catholic_activities/catholic_fun_crossword_puzzles.htm
You might also be interested in the Q & A and historical information which may be found each day on the MCS Daily Digest at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/cg/mcs_daily_digest.asp
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Defending the Faith: "Apologetics Brief" - How Can Jesus be God Since Jesus Said the Father is Greater Than He is and Since Christ Admitted to Not Knowing Something? What About the Other Indications That Christ Was Human or That He Had a Separate Will Than God?
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__Divinity_of_Christ.htm
The following may be used as discussion points when discoursing with those outside the Church (or even among Catholics).
Topic: How Can Jesus be God Since Jesus Said the Father is Greater Than He is and Since Christ Admitted to Not Knowing Something? What About the Other Indications That Christ Was Human or That He Had a Separate Will Than God? (Note: Topic is directed at certain Protestants)
Consider:
* Since Jesus took on our human nature while remaining God, He is rightly said to have two natures - one divine and one human. Speaking from the perspective of His divine nature, Christ was able to say that "The Father and I are one" (Jn. 10:30). Speaking from the perspective of His human nature, Christ said that "the Father is greater than I" (Jn. 14:28). Even though the statements appear contradictory, each is equally true. Christ clearly referred to his divine nature on various occasions [See: 'Do You Wonder If (or Doubt That) Jesus Is Really God?' at: http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/nc/non_catholics__Divinity_of_Christ.htm ] in the Bible, and Scripture also clearly shows his human nature. "Jesus has two kinds of knowledge - divine and human - some things he answered with one, some things in another." Why is it that some non-Catholic 'Christian' sects see apparently contradictory statements in Scripture - all of which was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit - and simply choose one set of statements over the other? Should one not attempt to see how all statements are equally true? Why do some sects attempt to make a liar out of Holy Scripture?
* When Christ said that he didn't know the day or the hour (see Mk. 13:32), it should be noted that He is not saying that He doesn't know absolutely, but only in His human nature. In His human nature, it is unknown to Him, but in His divine nature, He knows the day that He is to return. It is clear from Scripture that Christ knows all things about that day and the time which will proceed it, therefore he must know when this will occur. And, clearly, a diversity of knowledge in the undivided Trinity makes no sense. It has also been explained that Christ's manner of speech may be taken to mean not that He is ignorant, but that it is "not expedient" to tell us this since we would not then be watchful, which is the entire point of the passage (see Mk. 13:32-37). One may also have to allow for a particular manner of speaking. For example, do you suppose that the omnipotent God really didn't know where Adam was after the fall because He inquired where Adam was in Gen. 3:9? Some additional relevant quotations appear below...
"How indeed could he know so accurately those things which are to proceed that hour and which are to take place at the end, but be ignorant of the hour itself? This thing would be like a riddle, as if one were to say that he knows accurately everything that is in front of a wall, but does not know the wall itself; or that he knows well the end of the day but knows not the beginning of the night, whereas knowledge of the one necessarily brings with it knowledge of the other. If, then, we may proceed from the example of what is seen to what is known, is it not perfectly plain to everyone that He does know as God, but says that, as man, he knows not?" (St. Gregory of Nazianz, Doctor of the Church, c. 380 A.D.)
"For how could anyone who confesses that the Wisdom Itself of God is incarnate say that there is anything of which the Wisdom of God is ignorant? Is it written? 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was, in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him.' If all things, then without a doubt even the day and hour of judgement. Who, then, is so foolish as to presume to say that the Word of the Father made that of which He was ignorant? It is also written, 'Jesus, knowing that the Father had given Him all things into His hands.' If all things, certainly the day of judgment and the hour. Who, then, is so stupid as to say that the Son received into His hands what He did not know?" (Pope St. Gregory I the Great, Doctor of the Church, c. 600 A.D.)
"Certainly, then, it is plain that as the Word He knows also the hour and the end of all things, although as man He is ignorant of it; for ignorance is proper to man, and especially in these matters. This, moreover, pertains to the Savior's love of man; for, inasmuch as He was made man, He is not ashamed, because of the ignorant flesh, to say, 'I do not know,' - so that He may demonstrate that, although as God He knows, according to the flesh He is ignorant. This, then, is why He did not say, 'nor does the Son of God know': lest the Godhead appear to be ignorant; but simply, 'nor the Son': so that the ignorance may be of the Son as born of man." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
"(But) concerning that which has been written: That neither the Son, nor the angels know the day and the hour [cf. Mark 13:32], indeed, your holiness has perceived rightly, that since it most certainly should be referred not to the same son according to that which is the head, but according to his body which we are... He [Augustine] also says...that this can be understood of the same son, because omnipotent God sometimes speaks in a human way, as he said to Abraham: Now I know that thou fearest God [Gen. 22:12], not because God then knew that He was feared, but because at that time He caused Abraham to know that he feared God. For, just as we say a day is happy not because the day itself is happy, but because it makes us happy, so the omnipotent Son says He does not know the day which He causes not to be known, not because He himself is ignorant of it, but because He does not permit it to be known at all. Thus also the Father alone is said to know, because the Son (being) consubstantial with Him, on account of His nature, by which He is above the angels, has knowledge of that, of which the angels are unaware. Thus, also, this can be the more precisely understood because the Only-begotten having been incarnate, and made perfect man for us, in His human nature indeed did know the day and the hour of judgment, but nevertheless He did not know this from His human nature." (Pope St. Gregory the Great, Doctor of the Church, 600 A.D.)
* The fact that Scripture indicates that Christ is fully human does not mean that Christ is not also fully divine. In fact, Scripture even says that "in him dwells the whole fullness of the deity bodily" (Col. 2:9). Therefore, it is to be expected that Scripture sometimes refers to His divinity, and sometimes to his humanity. For example, we see that Christ performed great miracles, including raising people from the dead, yet he shed tears over the death of his friend. We see that Christ was troubled by his upcoming trials, yet we know he could have escaped them if He wished to do so. Since Christ is both God and Man, He can simultaneously be troubled as a Man, but not troubled in His divinity.
"In writing of the human attributes of the Word, one must know also what concerns His divinity... When, therefore, he speaks of His weeping, he knows that the Lord, having become man, exhibited His humanity by His weeping, while as God He raised Lazarus and he knows that the Lord hungered and thirsted physically, while divinely He fed five thousand with five loaves" (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, c. 350 A.D.)
* The fact that Christ referred to His will independently of His Father's will (e.g. Lk. 22:42, Jn. 5:30) does not prove that Christ is not God. Rather, in such passages, Christ is speaking of His human will. Certainly, the divine will is always one and the same, with no division whatsoever. Some additional relevant quotations appear below:
"If then there is but one will of the Father and Son, how is it that He says, 'Only not as I will, but as You will'? Were this saying to be attributed to the Divinity it would result in a certain contradiction and it would give birth to numerous absurdities. But if it is attributed to the flesh the words will have such consistency that no complaint will be possible." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, c. 387 A.D.)
"The Lord says, 'The Father and I are one;' and again, it is written of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, 'And the three are one.' Does anyone believe that in the Church this unity which proceeds from the divine stability and which is welded together after the heavenly patterns, can be divided, and can be separated by parting asunder of opposing wills? Whoever holds not fast to this unity holds not to the law of God; neither does he keep faith with the Father and the Son, nor does he have life and salvation. This sacrament of unity, this bond of an inseparably cohering harmony, is indicated in the Gospel when the tunic of the Lord Jesus Christ is in no way divided nor cut apart." (St. Cyprian of Carthage, c. 251 A.D.)
"And when [our Lord Christ] says, 'Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me; yet, not My will be done, but Yours;' and 'the spirit is ready, but the flesh is weak,' He gives evidence therein of two wills, the one human, which is of the flesh, and the other divine, which is of God. That which is human, because of the weakness of the flesh, shrinks from suffering. That, however, which is divine is ready. Then too, Peter, hearing about the passion says, 'Cheer up, Lord;' but the Lord, chiding him, says 'Get behind Me, Satan; you are a scandal to Me, because you are mindful not of the things of God but of the things of men.' This, too, then is to be understood in the same way: for, having been made in the likeness of men, as a man He shrinks from suffering; but being God and, in according with the divine substance, really not being subject to suffering, He readily accepts suffering and death." (St. Athanasius, Doctor of the Church, 4th century A.D.)
* The fact that Christ said that no one has ever seen God (Jn.1:18, 1 Jn.4:12) does not mean that Christ is not God, but rather refers to a "perfect comprehension" of God. This may be made more clear by the fact that Christ also says that whoever sees Him sees the Father (cf. Jn. 12:45, Jn. 14:8-12).
"Whenever God appears not as He is, but shows Himself in such a way as to enable Himself to be seen, measuring Himself to the weak vision of those seeing Him, that display of Himself is an accommodation... Why does John say, 'No one has ever seen God'? So that you might learn that he is speaking about the perfect comprehension of God and about the precise knowledge of Him." (St. John Chrysostom, Doctor of the Church, c. 386 A.D.)
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"The Father and I are one." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 10:30)
"[T]he Father is in me and I am in the Father." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 10:38)
"Whoever has seen me has seen the Father." (Our Lord Jesus Christ, Jn. 14:9)
"Thomas answered and said to him, 'My Lord and my God!' Jesus said to him, 'Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed.'" (Jn. 20:28-29)
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be... And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." (Jn. 1:1-3, 14)
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Also See: 'Who Jesus Is & Why You Should Believe' at http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/pcs/who_jesus_is_and_why_you_should_believe.htm
For more apologetics resources, please visit http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/non-catholics.htm
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In Closing...
"Christians who wish to escape the rigors of Purgatory must love the mortification of their Divine Master, and beware of being delicate members under a Head crowned with thorns." (Fr. Schouppe)
"Those who seek to perfect themselves in every aspect of virtue should look to the lives of the saints, which are like living and breathing works of art, and thus by imitation try to reproduce their virtues in their own life." (St. Basil the Great, Doctor of the Church)
"Let us also remember to be charitable to our neighbors who are dead. We should endeavor to help them either by having Masses said for them...by giving alms, or at least by praying and applying indulgences (on) their behalf." (St. Alphonsus Liguori, Doctor of the Church)
"Oh! If it were but known how great is the power of the good souls in Purgatory with the Heart of God, and if we know all the graces we can obtain through their intercession, they would not be so much forgotten. We must, therefore, pray much for them, that they may pray much for us." (St. John Vianney)
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. (Latin: Requiem aeternam dona eis Domine; et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace. Amen.)
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