Divine Mercy

We are entering special days of grace and blessing.

During Holy Week we can unite ourselves with Jesus as He gives Himself to us in the Eucharist and through his passion and death. Then we can rise with Him in the Resurrection.

Through these events the mystery of Divine Mercy unfolds. They continue through the Easter Octave -- one glorious day God extends into eight, ending with Divine Mercy Sunday on April 27.

One way to partake more fully in our Lord's merciful love is through a Divine Mercy novena -- nine days of prayer -- which many people begin on Good Friday. We can meet Jesus in the confessional during this time for a more complete outpouring of His mercy.

More information on the Divine Mercy devotion, including its history and some prayers, can be found online or in Catholic bookstores.

This year, on Divine Mercy Sunday, we'll have a bonus gift of two new saints, Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, who, fittingly, will be canonized that day.

We truly have been blessed through God's mercy.

All praise Him!

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

Blessings via Pope Francis

Every day we receive countless blessings from God, but last Friday we got a couple of bonuses, by way of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

First off, we learned that we will have two new saints to help us to Heaven when Popes John XXIII and John Paul II are canonized, possibly before the end of the year. These popes have led at least two generations by their teaching and example. Soon the Church will be able to spotlight their lives for even more generations.

Secondly, we have a new encyclical, Lumen Fidei  (The Light of Faith). This encyclical was mostly written by Pope Benedict XVI, with Pope Francis adding some of his own touches and releasing it to the faithful. The collaboration highlights the greatness of both men: Pope Benedict's brilliant, deep faith and Pope Francis' profound humility in allowing another pope's unfinished work to become his first encyclical. Some have said that Pope Francis' contributions to the encyclical can be seen in his practical, down-to-earth style in sharing the faith.

Lumen Fidei caps off two previous encyclicals by Pope Benedict. Together they teach us about the divine virtues of faith, hope and love. Lumen Fidei celebrates our current Year of Faith and should top our reading lists. 

I'll admit that when I first learned about the encyclical I was reluctant to begin reading it. I felt obliged to read it but thought I might get bored by a scholarly work. But my homework quickly turned into joyful prayer as I heard God speaking through the words and teaching. Apparently I wasn't the only one to have that experience. One priest-blogger remarked that a portion of chapter three "leaped off the page and into my heart."

I haven't finished reading Lumen Fidei yet. I have decided to continue to savor the encyclical by reading it prayerfully and slowly through lectio divina. I would encourage everyone to be enriched in the same way.

Inspired by this Year of Faith we will be posting columns like this from Susan Szalewski about exploring and/or deepening our faith. Watch for it on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.

The Pope Started It

Fifty years ago today Pope John XXIII

 convened the Second Vatican Council.

This morning Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the Year of Faith as an invitation for for all of us to deepen our faith over the next year. Of the 70 living Bishops who were part of the Council, 15 were able to come to Rome and participate in the procession.

After Mass, Pope Benedict re-enacted the way Pope Paul VI concluded the Second Vatican Council by issuing a series of "Messages to the People of God." These include messages for rulers, for men of thought and science, for artists, for women, for the poor, sick and suffering, for workers and for youth. Archbishop Rino Fisichella said this ceremony was done to "indicate that the teachings of the Council retain all their validity and deserve to be better known and studied."

 

In preparation for the Year of Faith, students at St. Columbkille Catholic School have been gathering prayer intentions. Each week after the all school Masses they have been praying for the intentions received.

This morning Fr. Vogel spoke to all of the students as he led a rosary as the school prayed together for all of the intentions.

 

 

 

 

We pray that you will find the

Year of Faith a time of

 renewal and strengthening

of your faith.