Catholic Prayers » Inspirational

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

admin — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 14:15:20 +0000

Today, September 8th is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today the Church remembers the Birth of Mary, our dear Mother. The Nativity of Mary is celebrated nine months after the Solemnity of her Immaculate Conception (Dec 8th). Let us celebrate with joy the birth of the Virgin Mary of whom was born our Lord Jesus Christ. What joy it must have been to Saints Joachim and Anne on the birth of their beloved daughter Mary. Yes this is the day the Mother of Our Lord was born, this is the day the Mother of the Whole Universe was born. Let us offer all our joys and sorrows to her on her birthday. Let us commend our souls and bodies to our Heavenly Mother. Her maternal intercession will lead us to her beloved Son. When we entrust our lives to Mary, we can be assured that her holy intercession will take care of all our spiritual needs.

Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

When you follow her; you will not go astray;
When you pray to her, You will not despair;
When you think of her, You will not err;
When she holds you up, You will not fail;
When she protects you, You will not fear;
When she leads you, You will not be fatigued;
When she favors you, You will arrive safely.
She keeps her Son from striking us;
She keeps the devil from hurting us;
She keeps our virtues from escaping us;
She keeps our merits from being destroyed;
She keeps our graces from being lost.
(St Bernard)

Happy Birthday Mother Mary!!!

I Said a Prayer For You Today

admin — Mon, 09 May 2011 14:05:11 +0000

Here is beautiful prayer/poem which is inspiring.

I said a prayer for you today…
And know God must have heard

I felt the answer in my heart….
Although HE spoke not a word!

I didn’t ask for wealth or fame…
I knew you wouldn’t mind.

I asked for priceless treasures…
Of a far more lasting kind.

I prayed that He’d be near you…
At the start of each new day

To grant you health and blessings….
And friends to share your way!

I asked for happiness for you…
In all things great and small

But that you’d know His loving care…
I prayed the most of all.

- Margaret Gould

Life Begins at Conception

admin — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 19:01:02 +0000

Life Begins at Conception. When life is conceived in the mother’s womb, it is not just the physical form that has been created but a Soul has been created by our Heavenly Father. This Soul is eternal. It doesn’t cease to exist when life on earth ends.

Then God said, “Let us make human kind in our image, according to our likeness…..” – Genesis 1:26

“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1: 27

Isn’t it wonderful how God created mankind in his own image to share his love with us. God created mankind and blessed him to be fruitful. He blessed man with the gift to become co-creators of life through human procreation.

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it.” – Genesis 1: 28

We are called to be faithful to God’s design. Human Life is sacred and from its very inception, it reveals the creating hand of God.

If life begins at conception, have we prevented this life at any stage? Have we destroyed a life which was created by God alone and not by our own abilities? Abortion may be a raging topic but what about Contraception?

Human Embryo - Approximately 6 weeks from conception

The Catholic Church has always opposed contraception. Never has the Church wavered on its stance on Contraception unlike the other Christian denominations. Artificial contraception is considered a mortal sin. This has been explained and expressed by Pope Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae in 1968. Some methods of natural family planning are morally permissible, as they do not oppose the natural way of conception.

Natural family planning (NFP) refers to the family planning methods approved by the Roman Catholic Church, which keeps the dignity of the human person, and excludes the use of other methods of birth control. It emphasizes the Principles of Married Love & Responsible Parenthood. NFP methods can be used to achieve and avoid pregnancy. NFP is the most effective method of Family Planning when followed correctly.

Birth Control Pills have become the norm in the Western World. Women often chose from the numerous forms of Birth Control available – be it The Pill, The Patch, Implantable Rods, Intrauterine Devices or even Emergency Contraception such as the “Morning After Pill” or “Plan B”. Men often choose Barrier Methods, Vasectomy or Sterilization. All these forms of Artificial Contraception hamper the dignity of human life and destroy the whole moral law of marriage.

How often are we ashamed as Catholics to practice Natural Family Planning. We may be devout Catholics who attend mass without fail on every Sunday, we may be reciting our Morning & Evening Prayers faithfully, we may be going for Confession regularly, we may be sending our children to Catholic Schools, but are we Open to Life? Have we failed when it comes to the Church’s Teaching on NFP? Have we ignored NFP as an impractical method? Have we ridiculed the Church for promoting NFP? Have we proudly practiced Contraception in one form or the other? Do we believe that NFP is difficult to follow and is prone to failure?

There are many Catholics who firmly believe that Abortion is a sin but completely support Artificial Contraception. Abortion and Contraception are mortal sins. They can be seen as two sides of the same coin. There are many people who do not practice NFP as they have never heard about it - specially in the Developing countries.

Sometimes, it is heart-breaking to see friends and family practicing Contraception as if it’s the most natural thing to do. They talk about Copper T and Mirena IUDs as if it’s part of your human body. Many Catholics happily avoid Catholic hospitals and seek out Secular hospitals for undergoing contraceptive medical procedures.

Whom are we deceiving? Are we defying the Catholic Church or are we defying our Lord Jesus Christ? It’s time to wake up and realize the gravity of the sin we are committing. Let us take time to learn more about the Catholic Church’s teachings on Life, Abortion and Contraception. Let us try whole-heartedly to explore Natural Family Planning and its benefits rather than ridiculing it.

Food for Thought

Have I opposed the Church’s teaching which is Christ’s teaching on Abortion & Contraception?
Have I practiced Artificial Contraception thus becoming selfish and not open to life?
Have I taken steps to know more about Natural family Planning and it’s dignity?
Have I mistreated by body by loading it with hormones and other contraceptive devices?
Have I respected my Spouse and treated him/her with dignity?
Have I seen my children as a blessing from God or do I take them for granted?

Catholic Resources

Natural Family Planning – United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
Couple-to-Couple League – An international, Catholic, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching fertility awareness (natural family planning)
Billings Ovulation Method
Natural Family Planning – Key to Intimacy
What does the Church teach about Birth Control? – on EWTN

A Prayer for Life

Father and maker of all,
you adorn all creation
with splendor and beauty,
and fashion human lives
in your image and likeness.
Awaken in every heart
reverence for the work of your hands,
and renew among your people
a readiness to nurture and sustain
your precious gift of life.

Grant this through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in
the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

A Baby’s Prayer – Kathy Troccoli

admin — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 15:24:10 +0000

For all those who support abortion, please spend a few minutes to watch this video. This will change your heart and renew you.

Every baby is God’s gift and a blessing from heaven. No one has the right to take the life of an innocent unborn baby. Abortion is a sin just like any other sin!

Our God is merciful. If you have seeked abortion, please ask our Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness. May the Lord give strength and peace to all those who are going through an emotional struggle over abortion !!!

When You Long For a Child

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:19:12 +0000

I know friends and relatives who have been waiting for God to bless them with children. I know the pain and agony they have been through while waiting for God’s perfect timing. I have seen God working miracles in the lives of childless couples. They all had to wait patiently for God to work his divine plan in their lives. They had to accept God’s Holy will and surrender their lives to God.

“God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” Hebrews 11:40

The Almighty Lord is all powerful and merciful. There is no limit to what he can do. If we pray wholeheartedly with faith, he will bless us.

The Lord said to Abraham,”Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, in the spring, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:13-14
“By faith Abraham, even though he was past age—and Sarah herself was barren—was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.” Hebrews 11:11
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5

The Bible has been such an inspiration. Here are a few Bible verses which you can repeat often. These will encourage you and give you strength and fill you with hope. All those who have faced the trauma of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, still births or infertility can pray these verses from the Holy Bible and the Lord will surely answer your prayers.

“He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 113:9
“No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days.” Exodus 23:26
“For this child I prayed; and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:27
“Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? says the Lord; shall I, who cause to bring forth, shut the womb? says your God.” Isaiah 66:9

Here is a Daily Prayer for all those who long for a child. Both Husband and Wife should hold hands and say this prayer daily.

When Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife Rebekah, the Lord granted his prayer. All husbands need to pray for their wives. This is the best gift a husband can give his wife.

“And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” Genesis 25: 21

The Little Boy and his sister

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:51:11 +0000

Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister.

I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I’ll do it if it will save her.” As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, “Will I start to die right away”.

Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.

Giving When it Counts is what matters. Extending a helping hand to a person in need truly matters.

“Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, and dance like you do when nobody’s watching.”

My Two Cents

Don’t we think twice or thrice before doing a favor for a friend or even our own parents or siblings? We are often selfish and self centric and choose to do things only if they are beneficial to us. Small things matter a lot. Taking care of our parents, helping our friends or siblings when they have a financial need, giving moral support to a friend who had a bad day – these are the least we can do for others. Jesus Christ gave his life for mankind. He didn’t have to think twice about sacrificing his life for saving Mankind.

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

Pickup in the Rain

admin — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:47:00 +0000

Disclaimer : I don’t know the author/source of these stories. These are collections from the email forwards I receive from friends. If this is copyrighted, please let me know and I will be happy to remove it.

One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway
trying to endure a lashing rain storm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960′s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.

She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man’s door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached. It read:
“Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband’s bedside just before he passed away… God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others.

Sincerely,
Mrs Nat King Cole.”

My 2 cents

We are so involved in our lives that we often forget to help others. We become selfish and uncaring and are too busy to extend a helping hand.

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’‘ Matthew 25:39-41

The Obstacle in the Path

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:27:48 +0000

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king’s wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.

Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!

My 2 cents

Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our present condition. We often fail to see beyond the obstacle. Problems are there in every person’s life but the way we look at the problem is what matters. We can make a mess of our lives or we can chose to handle our problem. We need to go beyond the problem to get the solution. Trials make us stronger. Life is full of challenges but God will help us to face these challenges and make us bold.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance.” Romans 5:3

The little boy and the waitress

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:08:34 +0000

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and
sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.

“How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “Fifty cents,” replied the waitress.

The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.

“Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired.

By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.

“Thirty-five cents,” she brusquely replied. The little boy again counted his coins.

“I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.

You see, he couldn’t have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

My 2 cents: We often forget people around us, those who help us or serve us. Somtimes, it just costs us a smile or a polite word to bring happiness into another person’s life. Always remember those who serve us at restaurants, the cashiers at grocery stores, the newpaper boy and so on. A “ThankYou” or a Smile can change our lives.

“For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:2

“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’‘ Matthew 25:39-41

The Cleaning Lady

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:14:39 +0000

During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:

“What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?”
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50′s, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

“Absolutely, ” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say “hello.”

I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.

My two cents : The Bible tells us that all are equal in the eyes of God. We are sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We may be sinners but the Lord loves us. Every person is important irrespective of his/her color, cast, creed, job, nationality and so on.

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37

“Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.’ ” Mark 9:35