May 25 - Day 4 of Novena for Pentecost

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

May 25 is the Monday after Ascension and there are three Memorials today in the celebration of Mass:

For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Bede the Venerable, please go here.

For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Gregory VII, please go here.

For the readings of the Optional Memorial of Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, please go here.

All three Saints were part of the ongoing “Renewal of the Church” in their time. There is much to ponder in the Scriptures for each as well as the scripture for today’s Mass especially this Gospel:

The disciples said to Jesus,
“Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech.
Now we realize that you know everything
and that you do not need to have anyone question you.
Because of this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you believe now?
Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived
when each of you will be scattered to his own home
and you will leave me alone.
But I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you this so that you might have peace in me.
In the world you will have trouble,
but take courage, I have conquered the world.” (Jn 16: 29-33)

From Novena for Pentecost, Day 4:

The Gift of Fortitude

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us. St. Bede, Pope St. Gregory VII and Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi, pray for us.

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear Stephie,

Thanks again for your faith-full and loving "heart’. I finished re-reading St. Edith’s Stein’s book “The Science of the Cross” and was greatly blessed by it…

I’ve now begun reading Bishop Athanasius Schneider’s Book: “Christus Vincit”: (Christ’s Triumph over the Darkness of the Age. and being equally blessed by it as well. Here’s a link to it from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Christus-Vincit-Christs-Triumph-Darkness/dp/1621384896. It is very helpful in understanding some things from the past history of the Church which can shed more light on the present.

Please let us continue to pray for one another, for the Universal Church and especially for those who may think they have no one to pray for them
Totud Tuus!