Thursday, June 28, 2012

Pope Recognizes 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen



Fulton Sheen declared venerable. Cause for beatification moves forward

The following excerpt is from RomeReports.com:

The Pope has formally recognized the 'heroic virtues' of late American Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He's mostly known for his work as a 'televangelist' during his 20 year career in radio and television. In fact, he was recognized with two EMMY awards for his work on the show. He also served as the Archbishop of New York and Rochester in the 50's and 60's.

The decree signed by the Pope, recognizes that Sheen exemplified Christian values in his life. It also furthers his cause for beatification. In the next step, the Vatican must acknowledge that a documented miracle happened through the intercession of Sheen. If it's approved by experts, theologians and the Pope, it could further his cause for beatification and eventually sainthood.

Sheen's cause for beatification was opened in 2002. He died at the age of 84 in 1979 after a lifetime of work in the Church.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Restless Heart, a New Motion Picture on the life of St. Augustine




Restless Heart – Maximus Newsroom Press Release

Ignatius Press brings exclusive film on beloved Saint to America

SAN FRANCISCO, June 20, 2012 – St. Augustine of Hippo is one of the Christian world’s most beloved and well-known saints. However, his amazing conversion and heroic life have not been told on the big screen … until now.

Ignatius Press announces the forthcoming release of RESTLESS HEART: The Confessions of Augustine. This major motion picture is available now for sponsored theatrical screenings across the country. Individuals, parishes, church groups or other organizations can bring this epic film to their towns beginning immediately.

“We are thrilled to bring RESTLESS HEART to the big screen,” said Ignatius Press President Mark Brumley. “St. Augustine is one of the first Doctors of the Church, along with St. Ambrose, St. Jerome and St. Gregory the Great – named in 1268 by Pope Boniface VIII. His story is inspiring and compelling, and his writings are among the most respected in the world even today.

“RESTLESS HEART is amazing,” he added. “It is the most moving story of conversion and reconciliation ever brought to the big screen, and Ignatius Press is honored to offer this film to America.”

“RESTLESS HEART offers a soul-stirring portrait of a great sinner who became one of the Church’s greatest saints,” said National Catholic Register writer Tim Drake. “It’s a timeless conversion story for our age – a testament to the power of Truth.”

Unlike many faith-based films that open in limited release around the country and often don’t make it to cities and towns with significant interest, RESTLESS HEART is available for showing anywhere. Interested groups and individuals work with local theaters and other venues to rent a screen, and Ignatius provides a copy of the film with a complete promotional kit for an affordable fee.

“RESTLESS HEART tells St. Augustine’s story with superb production values, and it features an outstanding cast,” Brumley added. “We look forward to working with parishes, other organizations, and individuals across the country to bring St. Augustine’s life to as many people as possible. This is a tremendous opportunity to launch the Year of Faith and engage in the New Evangelization.”

An exclusive, extended trailer of the film is available online now at www.RestlessHeartFilm.com. For more information or interviews, please contact Tim Lilley (678-990-9032 or email TLilley@MaximusMG.com) or Kevin Wandra (678-990-9032 or email TLilley@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.

To bring RESTLESS HEART to a theater in your area, please contact Victor Pap (678-990-9032 or email VPap@MaximusMG.com) or Brandon Duncan (678-990-9032 or email BDuncan@MaximusMG.com) of The Maximus Group.

About the Film

RESTLESS HEART provides a historic backdrop and one of the Church’s most beloved and well-known saints – Augustine of Hippo – as its central character to tell a familiar story – as timely today as it was only a few generations after Jesus walked on Earth. It is the story of one who pursues fame and fortune without a moral compass – and the changes that occur when events lead him to see the light. It also chronicles the collapse of the Roman world and how Augustine laid the intellectual foundations of what became Europe.

Filmed in Europe, this major new epic film on the life of St. Augustine is the first full-length feature movie on the story of this incredible man.

RESTLESS HEART is directed by Christian Duguay (“Joan of Arc,” “Pius XII”). The $20-million project runs 127 minutes. The cast includes Allesandro Presiosi, Monica Guerritore, Johannes Brandrup, Serena Rossi and Franco Nero.

About Ignatius Press

Ignatius Press is among the largest U.S. publishers and distributors of Catholic books, magazines, videos, DVDs, and music. It is the primary English-language publisher of Pope Benedict XVI’s books.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Pray for Christian Unity and Healing of Divisions

Prince of Peace - Photo by Loci B. Lenar

By Loci B. Lenar

Through prayerful discernment, Our Lord Jesus is calling everyone to pray for Christian unity and healing between religious denominations by reconciling differences. This goal will be accomplished with the power of prayer and through the Holy Spirit.

"Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, listen to the house of Israel saying, 'The vision he sees is a long way off; he prophesies of the distant future!' Say to them therefore: Thus says the Lord God; None of my words shall be delayed any longer; whatever I speak is final, and it shall be done, says the Lord God."  Ezekiel 12:26-28

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Sacred Heart of Jesus - Photo by Loci B. Lenar


Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.

Visit with Jesus

I will pay a visit to Jesus at least once each day. In my own words I will tell Jesus that I believe that He is truly present in the tabernacle and that I adore Him, as He is my God. I will talk to Him about any joy or trouble I have had since my last visit. I will say a short prayer, for instance: "Jesus, my God, I adore Thee here truly present in the Sacrament of Thy love." Amen.

Devotional Prayers

Monday, June 11, 2012

Monks Are Anxious as Icon Begins to Shed Holy Ointment in Maniavskyi Monastery

Ikona_myrotochyt.jpg
Icon


Icon Begins to Shed Holy Ointment in Maniavskyi Monastery

The photo and following excerpt is from RISU.org

In the Maniavskyi Monastery in western Ukraine, which is called the "Ukrainian Athos," an Icon of the Mother of God began to shed the holy ointment, reported TSN.

It is as if the icon is crying, as the ointment trickles down the right eye. According to the monks, the “trickle” is getting longer with each day. They have no doubt that it is a wonder. “There is no humidity, but cold and frost, everything is frozen and it sheds the holy ointment,” said Metropolitan Ioasaf of Ivano-Frankivsk and Halych of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church-Kyivan Patriarchate.

Read more: Icon Sheds Holy Ointment

Saturday, June 09, 2012

St. Mary's Church Holding Monthly Prayer Service on June 21

John the Babtist - Photo By Loci B. Lenar


St. Mary's Catholic Church holds a monthly service for prayer with Fr. Richard Tartaglia including special prayer intentions which are submitted through the website of Christian-Miracles.com.

Previous services have included prayer for Christian Unity. However, prayers for world peace are always included.

The prayer service is held every third Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM with a new theme. The next monthly service will be held on June 21, 2012 and focus on John the Babtist.

If you live in the area or plan on visiting New Jersey, please consider attending and joining in the evening prayer service with Fr. Richard Tartaglia. The service begins with singing of hymns followed with psalm prayers and then reading of the gospels. After the reading, Fr. Tartaglia gives his homily which is followed with a prayer of intercession for Special Prayer Intentions (prayer requests). The Lord's Prayer is recited and after that there is a closing prayer with a blessing given by Fr. Tartaglia. The prayer service is concluded with a closing song.

St. Mary's Catholic Church is located on 15 Myers Avenue in Denville, New Jersey. Father Martin Glynn is the head pastor of the church.  

For directions to St. Mary's Church, please visit the following link: http://www.stmarys-denville.org/directions.htm

However, if you cannot attend St. Mary's prayer service, you can still join in by praying in unity with St. Mary’s Church for all special prayer intentions.

Regarding prayer, Jesus said, “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Email your prayer requests to PrayerRequest@Christian-Miracles.com


Monthly Prayer Schedule with Related Topics for 2012

John the Babtist - Thursday, June 21 at 7:30 P.M.

St. Joachim and St. Ann - Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 P.M.

Assumption - Thursday, August 16 at 7:30 P.M.

Michaelmas (Feast of St. Michael) - Thursday, September 20 at 7:30 P.M.

Halloween (Story on its Origin) - This service actually focuses on All Saints Day and All Souls Day - Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 P.M.

Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 15 at 7:30 P.M.

Advent and Christmas - Thursday, December 20 at 7:30 P.M.

St. Mary's Weekly Mass Schedule

Sunday: 7:00, 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 AM

Saturday: 5:00 PM

Weekdays: 8:00 AM and 12:05 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

First Fridays: 8:00 AM, 12:05 PM, 8:00 PM - (Except June ~ Labor Day - No 12:05 PM)

Holy Days: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 12:00 noon, 7:00 PM

Eve of Holy Days: 5:00 PM