Saturday, November 30, 2013

Feast of St. Andrew: Saint of the Day for November 30th

Photo by Loci B. Lenar

Jesus Calls the First Disciples

And passing along by the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. (Mark 1:16-18)


Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O My God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His blessed Mother. Amen
 
It is piously believed that whoever recites the prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30th) until Christmas (December 25th) will obtain what is asked.
 
The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. 
 
(Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897.)
 
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Stained glass window photographed inside Saint Peter the Apostle Church, Parsippany, NJ, USA.

Read More: History of St. Andrew
 
Photograph Copyright Loci B. Lenar

Monday, November 25, 2013

Fatima and the Conversion of Russia: Pope Francis Meets President Putin



News excerpt from Catholic Online

By Deacon Keith Fournier

The return of Christianity to Russia should give us hope for our own Nation as we face the effects of moral relativism, secularism and the growing hostility toward Christianity. I want to suggest something which will raise many eyebrows. Is what is happening today in Russia today a partial fulfillment of the promised conversion of that Nation? President Putin exchanging icons of Mary with Pope Francis today was not simply a mere nicety. Accounts which have surfaced indicate that it was done with reverence and genuine Christian piety. Could this be a part of the promise of Fatima being fulfilled?

Read more: Fatima and the Conversion of Russia