Welcome to Apostleship of Prayer

The Promises Of Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary
for Souls devoted to His Heart

1. I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
2. I will establish peace in their homes.
3. I will comfort them in their afflictions.
4. I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all in death.
5. I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
9. I will bless every place in which an image of my heart shall be exposed and honored.
10. I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
11. Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart, never to be effaced.
12. I promise thee in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the First Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in my disgrace nor without receiving their Sacraments.

Oh Jesus, Let your warm love Enliven our hearts as the spring rain renews the earth and brings forth new life to our wounded nation.
Let your nourishing love Birth within us a desire for justice and peace to serve you and the nations of the world.
We humbly thank you for giving us your Blessing of love so that we may find hope and courage as a people.
We are your servant willing to find the Strength to persevere in finding the solutions for a peaceful earth.
In you, Sacred Heart of Jesus, we put our trust.
My Divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

Year Of The Eucharist, October 2004 ~ October 2005

THEME: "The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church."

'I am pleased to announce a special Year of the Eucharist'
"As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Cor H;26).
“With these words St. Paul reminds the Christians of Corinth that the "Lord's Supper" is not only a convivial meeting but also, and above all, the memorial of the redeeming sacrifice of Christ. Those who take part in it, the Apostle explains, arc united with the mystery of the death of the Lord, and indeed, "proclaim" Him.
Thus, there is a very close relationship between "building the Eucharist" and proclaiming Christ. At the same time, entering into communion with Him in the memorial of Easter also means becoming missionaries of the event which that rite actualizes; in a certain sense, it means making it contemporary with every epoch, until the Lord comes again Dear brothers and sisters, we are reliving this wonderful reality in today's Solemnity of Corpus Christi, during which the Church docs not only celebrate the Eucharist but solemnly bears it in procession, publicly proclaiming that the Sacrifice of Christ is for the salvation of the whole world.
Grateful for this immense gift, her members gather round the Blessed Sacrament, for that is the source and summit of her being and action.
Ecclesia de Eucharistia vivit! The Church draws her life from the Eucharist and knows that this truth does not simply express a daily experience of faith, but recapitulates the heart of the mystery in which she consists (cf. Encyclical Fetter Ecclesia de Eucaristia, n. 1).
Ever since Pentecost, when the Church, the People of the New Covenant, "began her pilgrim journey towards her heavenly homeland, the Divine Sacrament has continued to mark the passing of her days, filling them with confident hope" (ibid.). Thinking precisely of this, I wanted to dedicate the first Encyclical of the new millennium to the Eucharist and I am now pleased to announce a special Year of the Eucharist.
It will begin with the World Eucharistic Congress, from 10 to 17 October 2004 in Guadalajara, Mexico, and will end with the next Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, that will be held in the Vatican from 2 to 29 October 2005 and whose theme will be: “The Eucharist: source and summit of the life and mission of the Church”. Through the Eucharist, the Ecclesial Community is built up as a new Jerusalem, a principle of unity in Christ among different persons and peoples.
“You give them something to eat” (Lk 9:13). This Gospel passage offers us a vivid image of the close bond that exists between the Eucharist and this universal mission of the Church. Christ, “the living bread which came down from heaven” (Jn 6:51; cf. Gospel Acclamation), is the only one who can appease the hunger of human beings of every time and in every corner of the earth.
However, He does not want to do this on his own, so He involves the disciples, as He did in the multiplication of the loaves: “Taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd” (Lk 9:16).
This miraculous sign is the symbol of the greatest mystery of love which is renewed every day at Holy Mass: through the ordained ministers, Christ gives His Body and His Blood for the life of humanity. And all those who partake of His Banquet with dignity become living instruments of His presence of love, mercy and peace.
“Lauda, Sion, Salvatorem!... - Sion, praise the Saviour / your guide, your pastor / with hymns and canticles”.
With untold emotion, we hear this invitation to praise and joy echoing in our hearts. At the end of Holy Mass we will carry the Divine Sacrament in procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Looking at Mary, we will understand better the transforming power that the Eucharist possesses. Listening to her, we will find in the Eucharistic mystery the courage and energy to follow Christ, the Good Shepherd, and to serve Him in the brethren.”

Reflections on the movie "The Passion of the Christ"

Reflections on the movie "The Passion of the Christ"
“It is likely that more has been said and written about the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” than any other movie ever. The professional movie critics and other writers and pundits mostly gave unfavorable critiques of this movie. As one local writer expressed it, “Passion bashin' is in fashion.”
Not only were many of these critics opposed to the presentation, but they were violently opposed. One could be led to believe that this movie should be banned forever if these particular critics had their way.
On the other hand. Catholic and Christian published reviews were mostly highly laudatory and almost ecstatic at times. Moreover, ticket sales quickly moved this movie into the category of one of the best sellers of all times, even before it had been shown outside of North America and Australia. For example, Italy was not scheduled for showing until June. Perhaps by now it is “the biggest hit in movie history” as the writer quoted above conjectured.
That same writer analyzed the widely divergent reaction to the movie as follows: “The real rift over The Passion is not between the Christians and the Jews. It's between certain devout Christians and all the rest of us, especially those of little or no faith. Virtually everyone who mongers opinions in the mainstream media, including me, belong to the latter category.”
Would it not be right to conclude that if the opinion-makers could be so wrong and even biased about this movie, why should we have any confidence that their opinions on other matters are worthwhile? In other words, have they not lost their credibility?
I lowever, we can hope that our overwhelming vote of confidence in the movie will result in good. As our writer put it in her conclusion: “Something's happening here, and we ought to find out what it is.”
In reflecting on the sufferings of Christ, especially as portrayed in the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” it can be helpful to know what St. Claude La Colombiere understood about the inner sufferings of Christ. Father Colombiere was the spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary when he was stationed at Paray-le-Monial. She recorded what Christ said about St. Claude in one of His revelations to her: “Father Claude is my faithful servant and perfect friend.”
This is what St. Claude wrote in his annual retreat notes for 1674: “The love of Our Lord's Heart was in no way diminished by the treason of Judas, the flight of the apostles, and the persecution of His enemies. Jesus was only grieved at the harm they did themselves; His sufferings helped to assuage His grief because He saw in them a remedy for the sins committed by His enemies. The Sacred Heart was full of most tender love; there was no bitterness in it; no cruelty and injustice that He received moved it to feelings other than those of compassion and affection.””

Pope Benedict XVI´s
General And Mission Intentions For 2010

JANUARY
* Young People and Media. That young people may learn to use social communication media for their personal growth and in preparation to serve society.
* Christian Unity. That every believer in Christ may understand that unity among all Christians is necessary for effective proclamation of the gospel.

FEBRUARY
* Scholars. That scholars and intellectuals, by sincere search for the truth, may come to know the one true God.
* The Church's Missionary Identity. That the Church, aware of its missionary identity, may strive to follow Christ faithfully and to proclaim his gospel to all peoples.

MARCH
* World Economy. That the world economy may be managed according to the principles of justice and equality, taking into account the real needs of peoples, especially the poorest.
* Churches in Africa. That the Churches throughout Africa may be signs and instruments of reconciliation and justice.

APRIL
* Fundamentalism and Extremism. That every tendency to fundamentalism and extremism may be countered by respect, tolerance, and dialogue among believers.
* Persecuted Christians. That persecuted Christians may persevere, sustained by the Holy Spirit, in witnessing to the love of God for all, even for those who persecute them.

MAY
* Human Trafficking. That the shameful and monstrous trafficking in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may stop.
* Priests, Religious, and Committed Lay People. That priests, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to bring missionary enthusiasm to the communities they serve.

JUNE
* Respect for Human Life. That every national and international institution may strive to guarantee respect for human life from conception to natural death.
* Churches in Asia. That the Churches in Asia, a "little flock" among non-Christian populations, may communicate the gospel well and give joyful witness to their faith.

JULY * Justice in Elections. That elections in every nation may be carried out with justice, transparency, and honesty, respecting the free decisions of citizens.
* Urban Culture. That Christians may strive to promote everywhere, but especially in our cities, education, justice, solidarity, and peace.

AUGUST
* The Unemployed and the Homeless. That those who are unemployed, homeless, or in any serious need may find welcome, understanding, and help in overcoming their difficulties.
* Victims of Discrimination, Hunger, and Forced Emigration. That the Church may be a home for all people in need, opening its doors to any who suffer from racial or religious discrimination, hunger, or wars forcing their emigration.

SEPTEMBER
* The Word of God as Incentive for Social Development. That the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people's hearts, encouraging them to work toward authentic social progress.
* End of War. That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.

OCTOBER
* Catholic Universities. That Catholic Universities may increasingly become places where, in may increasingly become places where, in light of the gospel, people may experience the unity of faith and reason.
* World Mission Day. That World Mission Day may help Christians realize that the task of proclaiming Christ is a necessary service to which the Church is called for the benefit of humanity.

NOVEMBER
* Victims of Addiction. That through the support of the Christian community, all victims of addiction may find in the power of our saving God strength for a radical life change.
* Mission in Latin America. That the Latin-American Churches may move forward with the continent-wide mission proposed by their bishops, assuming their share of the universal missionary task of God's people.

DECEMBER
* Personal Suffering as a Help to Others who Suffer. That our experience of suffering may help us better understand the pain of the many people who are alone, sick, or aged, and stir us to generous help.
* Opening our Doors to Christ. That the peoples of the earth may open their doors to Christ and to his gospel of peace, brotherhood, and justice.

GENERAL INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2010

MISSION INTENTION FOR FEBRUARY 2010

1. “How do you show others your joy and gratitude for the gifts that God has given you?”

Closing Prayer of the
2002-2003 St. Peter Choir Season in Kirkwood

It helps, now and then,
to step back and take the long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime
only a tiny fraction of the magnificent enterprise
that is God's work. Nothing we do is complete,
which is another way of saying
that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that should be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church's mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
knowing that they hold future promise.
We lay foundations
that will need further development.
We provide yeast that produces effects
far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything,
and there is a sense of liberation
in realizing that. This enables us to do something,
and to do it very well.
It may be incomplete,
but it is a beginning,
a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace
to enter and do the rest.
We may never see the end results,
but that is the difference
between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders,
ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future
that is not our own. Amen.
- Archbishop Oscar Romero

Lord Teach Us to Pray

Theology for
a God-centered Life

The Pearl of Great Price: The Kingdom of God – The search for the will of our God who loves us. This leads us to look always for the greatest possible good which is the will of God who loves us... a life-long pursuit. The Kingdom of God is not the church which needs to lead us to the will of God... to assist us in remembering God's presence in Christ and His Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

Prayer For Peace
To Mary, The Light of Hope
Pope John Paul II

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, help us to conquer the menace of evil, which so easily takes root in the hearts of the people of today, and whose immeasurable effects already weigh down upon our modern world and seem to block the paths toward the future.
From famine and war, deliver us.
From nuclear war, from incalculable self-destruction, from every kind of war, deliver us.
From sins against human life from its very beginning, deliver us.
From hatred and from the demeaning of the dignity of the children of God, deliver us.
From every kind of injustice in the life of society, both national and international, deliver us.
From readiness to trample on the commandments of God, deliver us.
From attempts to stifle in human hearts the very truth of God, deliver us.
From the loss of awareness of good and evil, deliver us.
From sins against the Holy Spirit, deliver us.
Accept, 0 Mother of Christ,
this cry laden with the sufferings of all individual human beings, laden with the sufferings of whole societies.
Help us with the power of the Holy Spirit conquer all sin: individual sin and the "sin of the world," sin in all its manifestations.
Let there be revealed once more in the history of the world the infinite saving power of the redemption:
the power of merciful love.
May it put a stop to evil.
May it transform consciences.
May your Immaculate Heart reveal for all the light of hope. Amen.”

Muslim, Jewish, Christian Prayer for Peace

O God, you are the. Source of life and peace.
Praised be your name forever.
We know it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace.
Hear our grayer in this time of war.
Your power changes hearts.
Muslims, Christians, and Jews remember, and profoundly affirm,
that they are followers of the one God,
children of Abraham, brothers and sisters;
enemies begin to speak to one another;
those who were estranged join hands in friendship;
nations seek the way of peace together.
Strengthen our resolve to give witness to these truths
by the way we live. Give to us:
Understanding that puts an end to strife;
Mercy that quenches hatred, and
Forgiveness that overcomes vengeance.
Empower all people to live in your law of Love. Amen.”

Prayer of John XXIII, Vatican II

From the Document, Laity In The Church, Fromthe Second Vatican Council:

No matter what your condition of life,
no matter who you are
or what you do,
Christ is calling you to be holy.
In fact, the Spirit is even now
moving you interiorly
to love God more deeply
and serve God more fully.
We have been made sons and daughters of God
through baptism
and now we share in the divine life.
This means that we are truly made holy,
we are truly called to live accordingly.
We are among the saints,
God's chosen ones,
beloved of God,
called to be meek,
to be kind,
and to be loving.
God's mercy is upon us. Amen. (Article 40)

Prayer to Christ the Healer

“In the comfort of your love,
I pour out to you, my Savior, The memories that haunt me,
The anxieties that perplex me, The fears that stifle me,
The sickness that prevails upon me,
And the frustration of all the pain that weaves about within me.
Lord, help me to see your peace in my turmoil,
your compassion in my sorrow,
your forgiveness in my weakness,
And, your love in my need.
Touch me, 0 Lord, with your healing power and strength.”

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