O Immaculate Virgin Mary,
Mother of Mercy,
you are the refuge of sinners,
the health of the sick,
and the comfort of the afflicted.
You know my wants,
my troubles, my sufferings.
By your appearance at the Grotto of Lourdes
you made it a privileged sanctuary
where your favors are given to people
streaming to it from the whole world.
February 11, 2021
February 10, 2021
Granny MaHong is the aunt of Vesu the parish catechist here in the mountains of central Taiwan where I work among the indigenous Tayal people. She is the wife of Vesu’s father’s older brother, and when I came to the parish almost 15 years ago, she still lived in her husband’s house next door to Vesu, his wife Vinai who is parish secretary/ social worker and their daughter Zoe.
February 10, 2021
O God, to show us where innocence leads,
you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica
soar to heaven like a dove in flight.
Grant through her merits and prayers
that we may so live in innocence
and attain joys everlasting.
This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
February 9, 2021
May God, who loves us all,
give you his choicest blessings,
and fill your life with joy.
May He guide you in His ways,
and lead you to His glory.
May Almighty God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
give His blessing to you for ever and ever.
Amen.
February 8, 2021
Since childhood, Holy Thursday for me meant the washing of the feet. I missed it in 2019 when in accordance with the directives from Rome it was left aside due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, its absence provoked a moment of reflection on the Gospel message. It was an opportunity to remember previous Holy Thursdays. I was taken back to my FMA experience in Peru in 2018.
February 8, 2021
St. Josephine Bakhita, you were sold into slavery as a child
and endured untold hardship and suffering.
Once liberated from your physical enslavement,
you found true redemption in your encounter with Christ and his Church.
O St. Bakhita, assist all those who are trapped in a state of slavery;
Intercede with God on their behalf
February 7, 2021
You are all fair, O Mary.
And the original stain is not in you.
You are the glory of Jerusalem.
You are the joy of Israel.
You are the honor of our people.
You are the advocate of sinners.
O Mary, virgin most prudent,
mother most tender, pray for us.
Intercede for us with Jesus Christ our Lord.
February 6, 2021
We honor you, O Mary,
Mother of God,
treasure of the universe,
inextinguishable flame,
crown of virginity,
scepter of the true faith,
indestructible temple,
Tabernacle of the one whom
the world cannot contain,
and Mother and Virgin.
In your womb you enclosed
the immense and incomprehensible One.
February 5, 2021
Oh, Saint Agatha,
who withstood the unwelcome advances
from unwanted suitors,
and suffered pain and torture
for her devotion to our Lord,
we celebrate your faith, dignity, and martyrdom.
Protect us against persoanl violations,
guard us against breast cancer
and other afflictions of women,
and inspire us to overcome adversity.
February 4, 2021
The Kachin State is located in the northernmost region of Myanmar and is covered with natural resources and thousands of mountains. Every morning begins with waking up to the chirping of birds and to sounds of a variety of creatures. To me, Kachin land is the most beautiful place in the world.
The Columbans are a society of missionaries, including priests and lay people, who minister to people of various cultures as a way of witnessing to the universal love of God.