"Love the Blessed Mother and make her loved.  Always recite the Rosary."

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief look at a happy death associated with The Fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption.

A happy death and eternal life are our final goals for this life.  We can trust in these words, “And this is what he promised us, eternal life.” (1 John 2:25)

A happy death is one that is immersed in the mercy and peace of Christ.  It is one filled with grace and light.  A happy death would be one in which you are greeted by Jesus, Mary, the angels or the saints and escorted to everlasting life.  It may be one in which you are surrounded by those you love, being encouraged to let go of this life and enter into the next.  It may be one in which the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has been received.  It is a joyous occasion and yet an occasion that will bring sorrow.  It is a time of thanksgiving for a life well lived, one in which God’s love was made manifest.  “Keep yourselves in the love of God; look forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 1:21)

Jesus has promised eternal life to those who love Him and obey his commandments.  “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)  And He also said, “This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.” (John 6:40)

"When the Holy Rosary is said well, it gives Jesus and Mary more glory and is mre meritorious than any other prayer."

St. Louis de Montfort

 

From a new prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available late November/early December.

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin."

Pope Pious XI

"The Rosary belongs among the finest and most praiseworthy traditions of Christian contemplation."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a look at the virtue of faith associated with The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection.

Faith is defined as complete belief, trust or confidence in someone or something for which there is no tangible truth.  It is conviction, a confident assurance deep within the heart, mind and soul that propels one forward toward an invisible being or goal.   “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Faith is a grace freely given by God to anyone who chooses to embrace it.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)  We can do nothing to earn faith.  Faith is freely given and must be freely received.  But we can do works that strengthen our faith: our belief that God loves us; our understanding that God wills for us to obey His commandments; our belief in His Son and dedication to following His teachings; and, our acceptance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  “And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrew 11:6)

God wants us to rely upon Him, to trust Him in everything, to confidently believe that He will fulfill His promises to us.  He does not want us to worry or be afraid.  He has promised to take care of our every need.  We need the grace of faith to embrace these truths.  “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” (Galatians 3:26)

"To recite the Rosary is nothing other than to contemplate with Mary the face of Christ."

Pope Pious XII

"The ultimate purpose of devotion to the Blessed Virgin is to glorify God and to lead Christians to commit themselves to a life which is in absolute conformity to His will."

Pope Paul VI

From a prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available late November/early December.

"The Holy Rosary is the storehouse of countless blessings."

Blessed Alan de la Roche

Love of Enemies from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a look at the virtue of love of enemies associated with The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion.

Jesus said, “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5:44-46) And, “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.” (Luke 6:28)

It is crucial to understand that love is not a feeling.  Love is an act of the will. To love another is to have their welfare and well being at heart.  It is to will them goodness and good things always. 

Loving our enemies is blessing them with mercy and forgiveness even if they hate us, desire to harm us or wish evil upon us.  It is striving to go against our natural inclination to become angry or vengeful, bitter, resentful or spiteful and choosing to be life giving and merciful, loving even when it feels like it is impossible to do so.  Love of enemies is not an ideal we strive for, but rather a way of life that we choose because we are commanded to it.   Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27)

A large part of loving our enemies is forgiving them and choosing not to harbor hatred or resentment against them.  Jesus chose to forgive His enemies when he said, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)  We can choose to forgive, too.  That doesn’t mean we will forget what has been done to us, but that we have chosen to love and not bear anger or resentment against another.  Remember, “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)

Forgiveness can begin with saying within our hearts and minds, “I choose to forgive _____ for _____.”  Later, it may become words spoken directly to that person, a phone call, or a letter written to them extending forgiveness.  How far you go with forgiving depends on you.  There may be circumstances that make it impossible or dangerous for you to physically forgive someone.  In those situations write a letter, read it to yourself, offer it to God then burn it.  When choosing how far you are willing to go to forgive, remember how far Jesus went to forgive you.

And what if you are your own worst enemy?  Are you willing to love yourself and forgive yourself as God loves and forgives you, completely?

"O my God and my Father, may I know You and make You known; love You and make You loved; serve You and make You served; praise You and make creatures praise You."

St. Anthony Mary Claret

"Recite your Rosary with faith, with humility, with confidence, and with perseverance."

St. Louis de Montfort

"The future starts today, not tomorrow."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

"Life with Christ is a wonderful adventure."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

 

"What really matters in life is that we are loved by Christ and that we love Him in return.  In comparison to the love of Jesus, everything else is secondary.  And, without the love of Jesus, everything is useless."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

Patience from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a look at the virtue of patience associated with The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery – The Carrying of the Cross.

Patience is having quiet, steady perseverance in the face of adversity or trial.   It is remaining calm, composed, and self-controlled in trying circumstances.   It is bearing pain, misfortune or delays with courage and strength.  “For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) 

When undergoing temptation, trials, and difficulties we sometimes wonder if God is with us, if He is there to help us.  We can lose sight of the reality that He cares for us, is ever-present, and desires for us to be whole, peace-filled, loving children. “God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress.” (Psalm 46:1 NAB)  When faced with our daily struggles it is hard to be patient.  It is easy to become frustrated and impatient when things are not turning out our way, in our time.  But, “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) 

Minor irritations, little annoyances, and setbacks are all a part of life.  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.” (Psalm 34:19)  In light of eternity these irritations, annoyances and setbacks are insignificant.  Remember, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Peter 5:10) 

God, our Father, will give us the ability to be kind, thoughtful, compassionate, generous, and loving no matter what difficulties we face.  For He calls us to be as patient with others as He has been with us, to bear with one another and forgive each other as He has forgiven us.  “As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

In adversity it is easy to become angry, frustrated, anxious, bitter, unkind, agitated, intolerant and/or unforgiving.  To be patient and accept what is happening in our lives, whether we like it or not, is far more difficult.  We lose sight of the opportunity to join our suffering to Jesus’ suffering for our sanctification and that of others.  It’s not that we are to go looking for opportunities to suffer, but when they arise we are called to embrace them lovingly.  “But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:13) 

"The Rosary is a 'weapon' for these times."

St. Pio of Pietrelcina

"Let us throw ourselves into the ocean of His goodness, where every failing will be cancelled and anxiety turned to love."

St. Paul of the Cross

"If you say the Holy Rosary every day, with a spirit of faith and love, our Lady will make sure to lead you very far along her Son's path."

St. Josemaria Escriva

From a new prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available late November/early December.

"The holy Rosary is a powerful weapon.  Use it with confidence and you'll be amazed at the results."

St. Josemaria Escriva

Conversion from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief look at conversion associated with The Fourth Luminous Mystery – The Transfiguration.

Conversion in this context is not changing from one faith community to another or finding religion (although it can be a pivotal moment of grace when one is drawn to join the Church) it is changing the mind and heart so that the soul matures, bringing about a noticeable change in behavior, thinking, and/or way of living.  This change can be the result of a deeply personal encounter with God, after a moving spiritual experience or the result of deep personal conviction that change is needed.  It entails the realization that you are a loved, beautiful, child of God who is cared for.  “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!”(2 Corinthians 5:17) 

The new self seeks union with God, continues to transform, is drawn more deeply into prayer, scripture and the sacraments, and chooses to live a holier life.  “You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)

Conversion is not just an event it is an ongoing process.  It signifies the Holy Spirit at work within us, purifying us, teaching us, and leading us to a deeper relationship with Jesus and God, Our Father.  “May he draw our hearts to himself, that we may walk in his ways and keep his commands, statues, and ordinances.” (1 Kings 8:58)

"The Rosary is a priceless treasure inspired by God."

St. Louis de Montfort

"I need nothing but God, and to lose myself in the heart of God."

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

"When something unpleasant comes your way, remember Christ crucified and be silent."

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

"May the beads of the Rosary be in the hands of all."

Pope Pious XII

"Who except God can give you peace?"

St. Gerard Majella

"The Rosary is the scourge of the devil."

Pope Adrian VI

Reflection on Forgiveness from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief reflection on the virtue of forgiveness associated with The Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom.

Forgiveness is an act of the will, not an emotion.  It is a choice made to have mercy on another or on oneself.  It is imperative that we forgive in order to receive forgiveness.  “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

Forgiveness does not mean we forget the wrongs that have been done to us, but it does mean we let go of the anger, bitterness, hatred, or resentment we carry towards those who have hurt us.   “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32) 

Forgiving doesn’t deny the other person’s responsibility, minimize or justify the wrongs done, but it can bring peace, hope and healing.  Instead of holding grudges you might find you can have compassion on and understanding towards those who have hurt you.  

We must treat ourselves and others as God has treated us.  Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:15,34)

"God dwells within you, and there you should dwell with Him."

St. Teresa of Avila

"The Rosary helps us be confirmed ever more closely to Christ until we attain true holiness."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

"The Rosary, when it is prayed in an authentic way, mot mechanical and superficial but profoundly, it brings, in fact, peace and reconciliation.  It contains within itself the healing power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, invoked with faith and love at the centre of each Hail Mary."

Pope Benedict XVI

"When reciting the Rosary, the important and meaningful moments of salvation history are relived."

Pope Benedict XVI

Reflection on Trust from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief reflection on the virtue of trust in God associated with The Second Luminous Mystery – The Wedding at Cana.

Trusting the Lord with all our plans, our hopes, and our dreams can be difficult.  We can believe in our minds that He cares for us and desires for us to know Him, love Him and serve Him so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven.  But believing with our heart and soul, completely, with utter conviction, that’s the hard part.  We know that He has promised us eternal life if we love Him above all and love our neighbor as ourselves.  “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself…do this and you will live.” (Luke 10:27-28)

Trusting is just not easy.  It means letting go of our best laid plans, control over how our life is going to be, and letting God choose what will happen and when, believing that He always has our highest and best interest at heart.  “In God I trust without fear.” (Psalm 56:5) 

Sometimes it feels like we are falling, falling, falling and we are afraid no one will be there to catch us.  But the truth is, God is there and will catch us.  He will not only catch us but also hold us close to His heart and protect us, even from ourselves.  “Cast all your worries upon him because he cares for you,” (1 Peter 5:7) and, “Trust in the kindness of God forever and ever.” (Psalm 52:10)

Remember, trust is a gift and a grace.  It grows with use.  So put it to good use for there is no one we can trust in more than God.  “Guard this rich trust with the help of the holy Spirit that dwells within us.” (2 Timothy 1:14)

"The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection."

Blessed Pope John XXIII

From a new prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available in late November/early December.

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin."

Pope Pious XI

"This prayer (the Rosary) is well-suited to the devotion of the People of God, most pleasing to the Mother of God and most effective in gaining heaven's blessings."

Pope Paul VI

Obedience to God's Will from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief look at the virtue of obedience to God’s will traditionally associated with The Fifth Joyful Mystery – The Finding in the Temple.

Obedience to God’s will is an inward and outward expression of our love for God, Who is love.  Very simply, if we love Him, we will obey Him.  Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you forever.  This is the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15-17)  Obedience is the true test of our love for Christ and the secret to discovering God's will for our lives in the wisdom of the Holy Spirit. 

God is all-powerful and all knowing.  His will is perfect and always best.  It is written, “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11) God in His love always wants what is best for us, that which will bring us closer to Him that which will bring peace and joy to our lives.

But what exactly are we to obey?  Jesus makes that clear for us; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the greatest and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) 

In a world where we are taught that we are free to live as we choose, that no one has the right to tell us what to do, and that we are to be our own boss it is challenging to be obedient to God’s will for us.  Jesus encountered similar challenges, but he made the choice to walk in obedience to Our Father’s will, and said, “I do not seek my own will but the will of the one who sent me.” (John 5:30) 

"We are convinced that the Rosary, if devotely used is bound to benefit not only the individual but society at large."

Pope Leo XIII

"The Rosary offers an easy way to present the chief mysteries of the Christian religion and to impress then upon the mind."

Pope Leo XIII

From a new prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available late November/early December.

Charity from A Healing Rosary

From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief look at the virtue of charity traditionally associated with The Second Joyful Mystery – The Visitation.

Charity has two parts, love of God and love of man.  It begins with allowing ourselves to be loved by God Our Father as His children and by Jesus as His brothers and sisters.  It then manifests itself in outward displays of love for others just as God has loved us.  When we act in charity towards another there is no desire for reciprocity or reward.  The act is done as if it is being done by God, through us, towards Himself in others.  We are transparent and God’s love flows through us to Himself in others.  As God gives selflessly to us we choose by charity to selflessly give to others.  At times this will require sacrifice.  But isn’t this exactly the kind of love we are called to in Christ, a sacrificial love that removes all reward for us and implies that we desire what is best for another above ourselves? 

Charity is not always giving to others.  It is also allowing others the joy of giving to us, humbly accepting what others wish to do for us.  It is also loving ourselves as God loves us, completely.

"The Rosary is my favorite prayer.  A marvelous prayer!  Marvelous in its simplicity and in its depth."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

"Among all the devotions approved by the Church none has been so favored by so many miracles as the devotion of the most holy Rosary."

Blessed Pope Pious IX

"If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.

St. Francis of Assisi

"The Rosary is a treasure of graces."

Pope Paul V

From a new prayer book I am writing.  Hopefully, it will be available late November/early December.

"The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection."

Blessed Pope John Paul II

"All I wish is to love until I die of love."

St. Therese of Lisieux

"All I wish is to love until I die of love."

St. Therese of Lisieux

"The Rosary is the most beautiful and richest of all prayers to the Mediatrix of all grace; it is the prayer that touches most the heart of the Mother of God.  Say it each day."

Pope St. Pious X