Catholic News World : Tuesday July 1, 2014 - Share!

 2014

Today's Mass Readings Online : Tues. July 1, 2014

Attacks Against Churches in Ukraine - Please Pray

Christians in Danger as Terrorists Proclaim Caliphate in Iraq and Syria - Please PRAY

Attacks in Nigeria Kill over 50 - Churches Burned Down - Please Pray

Saint July 1 : Bl. Junípero Serra : Missionary

New King and Queen of Spain meet with Pope Francis at Vatican

Powerful Prayers to the Precious Blood of Jesus - Novena - Litany - Chaplet

Pope Francis "There are many martyrs today, in the Church, many persecuted Christians."

Tuesday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 378

Reading 1AM 3:1-8; 4:11-12

Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the LORD pronounces over you,
over the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt:

You alone have I favored,
more than all the families of the earth;
Therefore I will punish you
for all your crimes.

Do two walk together
unless they have agreed?
Does a lion roar in the forest
when it has no prey?
Does a young lion cry out from its den
unless it has seized something?
Is a bird brought to earth by a snare
when there is no lure for it?
Does a snare spring up from the ground
without catching anything?
If the trumpet sounds in a city,
will the people not be frightened?
If evil befalls a city,
has not the LORD caused it?
Indeed, the Lord GOD does nothing
without revealing his plan
to his servants, the prophets.

The lion roars—
who will not be afraid!
The Lord GOD speaks—
who will not prophesy!

I brought upon you such upheaval
as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah:
you were like a brand plucked from the fire;
Yet you returned not to me,
says the LORD.

So now I will deal with you in my own way, O Israel!
and since I will deal thus with you,
prepare to meet your God, O Israel.

Responsorial Psalm PS 5:4B-6A, 6B-7, 8

R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord.
At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You hate all evildoers;
you destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But I, because of your abundant mercy,
will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
in fear of you, O LORD.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Gospel MT 8:23-27

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him.
Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by waves;
but he was asleep.
They came and woke him, saying,
“Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”
Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea,
and there was great calm.
The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this,
whom even the winds and the sea obey?”

Attacks Against Churches in Ukraine - Please Pray

ASIA NEWS Release: In eastern Ukraine, Slavyansk cathedral shelled 
According to the local diocese, the attack occurred at the end of President Poroshenko's ceasefire. It was the seventh attack against local churches in the pro-Russian stronghold, Russian sources report.


Moscow (AsiaNews) - St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Slavyansk, eastern Ukraine, was hit by Ukrainian shelling on Sunday, shortly before the end of President Petro Poroshenko's unilateral ceasefire, the local diocese reported, as quoted by the Interfax agency.
The 30-minute shelling took place during Sunday liturgy. About a thousand people were in the area; many of them had come for the regular distribution of humanitarian help. No one was injured or killed.
"After the shooting began everyone rushed to the church. The cathedral was filled, people prayed to God with tears. The shelling wave broke several stained glass windows, people started praying even more ardently. The shelling lasted about half an hour. The Artyom District and the central market were also shelled," the priest said. Civilians were hit.
This is the seventh time that Slavyansk churches were shelled, Interfax reported.
On 26 May, a mine killed a woman near the Church of the Derzhavnaya Icon of the Mother of God when the Artyom District was shelled. Pieces of the mine broke windows in the church, damaged its facade and destroyed the church fence
On 8 June, the day of the Holy Trinity, the downtown Church of the Holy Spirit was heavily shelled.
Overnight on 16 June, St Seraphim Church in Cherevkovka was also shelled. The ward house and canteen were fully destroyed. The same day, St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was hit.
On 19 June, the 18^th century Church of the Resurrection was caught in the crossfire. On 21 June, the cathedral was hit again.

Slavyansk is a stronghold of pro-Russian militias. Kyiv's military operation against the breakaway region resumed officially after Poroshenko decided not to extend the ceasefire he declared on 20 June, later extended until 22.00 (local time) on 30 June. (N.A.)
SHARED FROM ASIANEWSIT

Christians in Danger as Terrorists Proclaim Caliphate in Iraq and Syria - Please PRAY

ASIA NEWS REPORT: In the conquered territories of Syria and Iraq, ISIS crucifies its enemies, proclaims Caliphate
Islamist militia is using the cross, a Christian symbol, to terrorise Islamist rivals and enemies. Over the weekend, an Islamic state is proclaimed with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi as caliph, rejects "democracy and other garbage from the West". Synod of bishops calls for peace and national unity.


Baghdad (AsiaNews/Agencies) - The latest terrible news from the war zones of the Middle East clearly show that Islamist militant group ISIS is pursuing a strategy of terror, and that it is doing so by using the cross, a Christian symbol, to terrorise its internal and external enemies in order to establish a new Islamic state, the Caliphate, and assert control over the territories of Syria and Iraq it controls.
Over the weekend, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), a Jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda, proclaimed the Caliphate in the territories it occupies in Syria and Iraq. The leader of the Islamist movement, Abu Bakr al-Baghdad, will become 'Caliph' and "leader of Muslims around the world."
 The announcement was preceded by the crucifixion of nine people. The victims include eight men belonging to more moderate groups, crucified in the town square of Deir Hafer in eastern Aleppo, an area under ISIS control. ISIL also crucified another man in the province in al-Bab town near the Turkish border, as a punishment for giving false testimony.
As the international Jihadist movement pursues its plans to set up a "Caliphate" based on a strict application of Sharia or Islamic Law, it is creating a new entity that would radically alter the territorial arrangements created by Great Britain and France in 20^th century, after the fall of the Ottoman Empire.
The new state would stretch from Aleppo, in north-western Syria, to the province of Diyala in eastern Iraq.
Calling himself Caliph Ibrahim, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi named himself supreme leader of the new state, rejecting "democracy and other garbage from the West."
For their part, Iraqi forces have launched an offensive to regain control of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, which has been held by Islamists since 11 June.
Russia has sent a first batch of fighter jets to help the Baghdad government in the fight against militants.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the creation of an independent Kurdish state in response to gains made by Sunni insurgents in Iraq.
Earlier, Iraqi Kurd leader Massoud Barzani had told US media that "the time is here for the Kurdistan people to determine their future".
In the context of war and deeper divisions marked by bloodshed, the Iraqi Chaldean Church held its Synod on 24-28 June in Erbil, northern Iraq.
The meeting was initially scheduled to take place in Baghdad, but was moved to a more secure and protected location, at least so far, far from possible Islamist attacks.
At the end of their assembly, the prelates released an official statement in which they called on Iraqi leaders to preserve national unity between all of the country's regions.
They also called for "dialogue" as the only way to bring the country out of its "long tunnel" and avert civil war or internal divisions.
The bishops also turned their thoughts to the thousands of Christian and non-Christian families displaced from towns and villages, and now living in a perilous situation.
Given the situation, they urged Iraq's political leaders to set up a national unity government that would achieve stability and security as well as provide basic services at this crucial juncture, which coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting and prayer.
The prelates also called on the international community to help Iraq find a "political solution" to the crisis and prevent the country's implosion.

They equally made a plea to God to "save Iraq and the Iraqi people."
Asia News Report

Attacks in Nigeria Kill over 50 - Churches Burned Down - Please Pray

VANGUARD BY HENRY UMORU AND NDAHI MARAMA, 30 JUNE 2014

Photo: Premium Times

Boko Haram attacks (file photo).

Maiduguri — Gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram Islamic sect, yesterday, attacked some communities in Chibok and Biu local government areas of Borno State, killing no fewer than 51 people.

Those killed were mostly Christian worshippers. Five churches including Cocin, EYN and Deeper Life Bible Church in Kwada village, about 10 kilometres from Chibok were also burnt down when the gunmen laid ambush on them during church service.

The attacks were carried out on a day the Federal Government said last week's bomb attack on Abuja was meant to intimidate the government and that it is a struggle for power.

File Photo: A car burns at the scene of a bomb explosion at St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla, Suleja, on December 25, 2011.

It was in Chibok town that 276 female students of Government Girls Secondary School were abducted by terrorists on April 14 this year.

Boko Haram had two weeks ago written to Chibok communities threatening to carry out further attacks.

The attackers, according to report from locals in Chibok, made good their threat at a time the people were all in Church for the Sunday worship. A resident of one of the affected communities, Amos Bulus told Vanguard that, "the attackers killed and burnt houses after attacking worshippers in five churches in Kwada, before moving to Kautikari less than 8 kilometres to Chibok town, killing and burning down people's houses and property. The security operatives were not on ground to defend us. In fact, those who ran into the bush were pursued and killed by the murderers."

It was gathered from another source that the people living in Chibok town have fled their homes following the news of the attacks in Kwada and Kautikari.

A police officer, Peter Maina said he was called out from a Church service in Maiduguri, only to be informed that his brother was killed at Kwada when the insurgents attacked the village during church service.

Tears flow from Chibok natives

Vanguard also gathered that Chibok natives resident in Maiduguri could not hold back tears, yesterday, when they learnt that some of their villages came under deadly attacks .

At Chikwarkir village in Biu Local Government Area, a resident, Mallam Audu Zira told Vanguard on phone that the terrorists came in pick up vehicles and motorcycles and opened fire on people before setting houses, and other property ablaze.

He said after killing one person, the terrorists carted away foodstuffs and motorcycles before they fled into the bush.

All efforts to reach spokesman of the Borno State police command, DSP Gideon Jibrin proved abortive as his line was switched off at the time of this report.

Sen. Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District also confirmed the multiple attacks on Chibok villages, yesterday, in a telephone interview in Maiduguri. He said the Federal Government should do more by deploying more troops to the affected areas of Chibok to secure other villages from being attacked by Boko Haram insurgents.

"The military and other security agencies should do more by not only deploying more personnel, but cooperating fully with members of the Local Vigilante Group in fighting terrorism and insurgency in this part of the state. They know the terrains of Sambisa Forest and can track insurgents in their hideouts.

"The two should work as a team to end this Boko Haram insurgency that will clock five years by July 29, 2014", Ndume said.

Chibok girls: US reduces surveillance flights

Meanwhile, the United States said weekend that it had reduced its surveillance flights in the search for more than 200 schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram members on April 14 this year but added that the overall effort was unchanged due to more flights by other countries.

"We don't have any better idea today than we did before about where these girls are, but there has been no let up of the effort itself", Pentagon spokesman Rear Admiral John Kirby told reporters. Kirby said the same level of effort was being sustained now through international involvement.

A U S defence official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters that US flights had been reduced only after a body of intelligence had been gathered and that the cuts had been offset by British and French support
.Shared from ALLAFRICA/VANGUARD

Saint July 1 : Bl. Junípero Serra : Missionary

Bl. Junípero Serra

MISSIONARY

Feast: July 1

Information: Feast Day: July 1 Born: 24 November 1713 at Petra, Spanish Majorca Died: 28 August 1784 Beatified: 25 September 1988 by Pope John Paul II

Born at Petra, Island of Majorca, 24 November, 1713; died at Monterey, California, 28 August, 1784. On 14 September, 1730, he entered the Franciscan Order. For his proficiency in studies he was appointed lector of philosophy before his ordination to the priesthood. Later he received the degree of Doctor of Theology from the Lullian University at Palma, where he also occupied the Duns Scotus chair of philosophy until he joined the missionary college of San Fernando, Mexico (1749). While traveling on foot from Vera Cruz to the capital, he injured his leg in such a way that he suffered from it throughout his life, though he continued to make his journeys on foot whenever possible. At his own request he was assigned to theSierra Gorda Indian Missions some thirty leagues north of Querétaro. He served there for nine years, part of the time as superior, learned the language of the Pame Indians, and translated the catechism into their language. Recalled to Mexico, he became famous as a most fervent and effective preacher of missions. His zeal frequently led him to employ extraordinary means in order to move the people to penance. He would pound his breast with a stone while in the pulpit, scourge himself, or apply a lighted torch to his bare chest. In 1767 he was appointed superior of a band of fifteen Franciscans for the Indian Missions of Lower California. Early in 1769 he accompanied Portolá's land expedition to Upper California. On the way (14 May) he established the Mission San Fernando de Velicatá, Lower California. He arrived at San Diego on 1 July, and on 16 July founded the first of the twenty-one California missions which accomplished the conversions of all the natives on the coast as far as Sonoma in the north. Those established by Father Serra or during his administration were San Carlos (3 June, 1770); San Antonio (14 July, 1771); San Gabriel (8 September, 1771); San Luis Obispo (1 September, 1772); San Francisco de Asis (8 October, 1776); San Juan Capistrano (1 Nov. 1776); Santa Clara (12 January, 1777); San Buenaventura (31 March, 1782). He was also present at the founding of the presidio of Santa Barbara (21 April, 1782), and was prevented from locating the mission there at the time only through the animosity of Governor Philipe de Neve. Difficulties with Pedro Fages, the military commander, compelled Father Serra in 1773 to lay the case before Viceroy Bucareli. At the capital of Mexico, by order of the viceroy, he drew up his "Representación" in thirty-two articles. Everything save two minor points was decided in his favour; he then returned to California, late in 1774. In 1778 he received the faculty to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation. After he had exercised his privilege for a year, Governor Neve directed him to suspend administering the sacrament until he could present the papal Brief. For nearly two years Father Serra refrained, and then Viceroy Majorga gave instructions to the effect that Father Serra was within his rights. During the remaining three years of his life he once more visited the missions from San Diego to San Francisco, six hundred miles, in order to confirm all who had been baptized. He suffered intensely from his crippled leg and from his chest, yet he would use no remedies. He confirmed 5309 persons, who, with but few exceptions, were Indians converted during the fourteen years from 1770. Besides extraordinary fortitude, his most conspicuous virtues were insatiable zeal, love of mortification, self-denial, and absolute confidence in God. His executive abilities has been especially noted by non-Catholic writers. The esteem in which his memory is held by all classes in California may be gathered from the fact that Mrs. Stanford, not a Catholic, had a granite monument erected to him at Monterey. A bronze statute of heroic size represents him as the apostolic preacher in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. In 1884 the Legislature of California passed a concurrent resolution making 29 August of that year, the centennial of Father Serra's burial, a legal holiday. Of his writings many letters and other documentation are extant. The principal ones are his "Diario" of the journey from Loreto to San Diego, which was published in "Out West" (March to June, 1902), and the "Representación" before mentioned.

SOURCE: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/J/bljuniperoserra.asp#ixzz1QuB07aKZ

Monday, June 30, 2014

New King and Queen of Spain meet with Pope Francis at Vatican

(Vatican Radio) Today, Monday 30 June 2014, in the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis received in audience Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, who subsequently met with His Eminence Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Mgsr. Antoine Camilleri, under-secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions, satisfaction was expressed for today’s visit, their first trip abroad as reigning monarchs, which follows the recent visit by King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia on 28 April. It is hoped that this may mark the strengthening of the existing good relations between the Holy See and Spain.

The conversation focused on themes of common interest and the importance of promoting dialogue and collaboration between the Church and the State for the good of all Spanish society. Finally, mention was made of various problems of an international and regional nature, paying particular attention to areas of conflict. Shared from Radio Vaticana

2014

Powerful Prayers to the Precious Blood of Jesus - Novena - Litany - Chaplet

These Prayers are Especially Powerful in July the Month of the Precious Blood of JesusOFFICIAL LITANY OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Jesus, hear us. God, the Father of Heaven, God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, God, the Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, One God, Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness. Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, Blood of Christ, victor over demons, Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world. Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, You have redeemed us, O Lord, in your Blood.

Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy Jesus, graciously hear us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Have mercy on us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Save us. Spare us, O Lord Graciously hear us, O Lord. have mercy on us. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray, ---  Almighty and eternal God, you have appointed your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by his Blood. Grant we beg of you, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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OFFICIAL CHAPLET OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD FROM RACCOLTA  V. Deus in adjutorium meum intende. R. Domine ad adiuvandum me festina. V. Gloria Patri, &c. R. Sicut erat, &c. FIRST MYSTERY. The first time our loving Saviour shed His Precious Blood for its was on the eighth day after His birth, when He was circumcised in order to accomplish the law of Moses. While, then, we reflect that Jesus did this to satisfy the justice of God for our dissolute lives, let us excite ourselves to true sorrow for them, and promise, with the help of his all-powerful grace, to be henceforth truly chaste in body and in soul. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus tuis famulis subveni, quos pretioso Sanguine redemisti. We beseech Thee, therefore, help Thy servants, whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. SECOND MYSTERY. Next, in the Garden of Olives, Jesus shed His Blood for us in such quantity that it bathed the earth around. Thus took place at the sight of the ingratitude with which men would meet His love. O, let us, then, repent sincerely because we have hitherto corresponded so ill with the innumerable benefits of our God, and resolve to make good use of His graces and holy inspirations. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. THIRD MYSTERY. Next, in His cruel scourging, Jesus shed His Blood, when His flesh was so torn that rivers of Blood flowed from His body in every part, all of which He offered all the time to His Eternal Father in payment of our impatience and our delicacy. How is it, then, we do not curb our anger and our self-love?  Henceforth we will indeed try our very best to bear our troubles well, and, despising ourselves, to take peacefully the injuries which men may do us. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. FOURTH MYSTERY. Again, from the sacred Head of Jesus Blood poured down when it was crowned with thorns, in punishment of our pride and evil thoughts. Shall we, then, continue to nurture haughtiness, foster foul imaginations, and feed the wayward will in our minds?  Henceforth let there be ever before our eyes our utter nothingness, our misery, and our weakness; and with generous hearts let its resist all the wicked suggestions of the devil. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. FIFTH MYSTERY. But O! how much of His Precious Blood did our loving Lord pour forth from His veins when laden with the heavy wood of the cross.  He made His mournful way to Calvary, so that the streets and ways of Jerusalem, through which He passed, were watered with it! this was done in satisfaction for the scandals and the bad examples by which His own creatures had led others astray on the way to ruin.  Who can tell how many of us are of this unhappy number?  Who knows how many he himself alone has by his own bad example brought down to hell?  And have we done anything to remedy this evil? L et us henceforth at least endeavour all we can to save souls by word and by example, making ourselves a pattern to all of good and holy life. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. SIXTH MYSTERY. Still more copiously the Redeemer of mankind shed Blood in His barbarous Crucifixion; when His veins being rent and arteries burst, there gushed forth in a torrent, from His hands and His feet, that saving balm of life eternal, to pay for all the crimes and enormities of the universe. Who ever after this would continue in sin, and so renew the cruel crucifixion of the Son of God?  Let us weep bitterly for our bad deeds, and let us detest them at the feet of the sacred minister of God; let us amend our evil ways, and henceforth begin a truly Christian life, with the thought ever in our hearts of all the Blood which our eternal salvation cost the Saviour of men. Five Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. SEVENTH MYSTERY. Last of all, after His death, when His sacred Side was opened by the lance and His loving Heart was wounded, Jesus shed Blood, and with the Blood there came forth water, to show us how the Blood was all poured out to the last drop for our salvation. O the infinite goodness of our Redeemer!  Who will not love Thee, my Saviour?  What heart will not consume itself away for love of Thee, who hast done all this for our redemption?  The tongue wants words to praise Thee: let us, then, invite all creatures upon earth, all angels and all saints in Paradise, and, most of all, our dear Mother Mary, to bless, to praise, and to celebrate Thy most Precious Blood.  Glory to the Blood of Jesus! Glory to the Blood of Jesus now and ever throughout all ages.  Amen. At this last Mystery three Pater noster's and one Gloria Patri are to be said, to make up the number of thirty-three. V. Te ergo quaesumus, &c. Then say the following PRAYER. Most Precious Blood of life eternal! price and ransom of the whole universe! drink and bath of the soul! ever pleading the cause of man before the throne of heavenly Mercy; I adore Thee most profoundly: I would, if I were able, make Thee some compensation for the outrages and wrongs Thou dost ever suffer from men, and especially from those who in their rashness dare to blaspheme Thee. Who will not bless this Blood of value infinite? who does not feel himself inflamed with the love of Jesus, who shed it all for us? What should I be but for this Blood, which hath redeemed me? And who drew it out of the veins of my Lord, even unto the last drop? It was love. O immense love, which gave to us this saving Balsam! O Balsam beyond all price, streaming forth from the Fount of immeasurable love! Give to all hearts, all tongues, power to praise, celebrate, and thank Thee, now and ever, and throughout all eternity. Amen. V. Redemisti nos, Domine, in Sanguine tuo. R. Et fecisti nos Deo nostro regnum. Oremus. Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui Unigenitum Filium tuum mundi Redemptorem constituisti, ac ejus Sanguine placari voluisti: concede nobis, quaesumus, salutis nostrae pretium ita venerari, atque praesentis vitae malis ejus virtute defendi in terris, ut fructu perpetuo laetemur in coelis. Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate, &c. Amen. TRANSLATION. V. Then hast redeemed us, O Lord, with Thy Blood. R. And hast made us a kingdom to our God. Let us pray. Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Saviour of the world, and hast willed to be appeased with His Blood; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate this Blood, the price of our salvation, and so to be defended by its power upon earth from the evils of this present life, that in heaven we may enjoy its everlasting fruit. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen. NOVENA TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD  By the Voice of your Blood, O Jesus, I would press you, solicit you, importune you. Though you seem to reject my supplications I will not leave your bleeding feet until you hear me. Too many graces, too many mercies flow from your Blood for me not to hope in its efficacy.  Then, O Jesus, by the Precious Blood seven times shed for the welfare of all, by each drop of that sacred price of our redemption, by the tears of your immaculate mother,  I implore you, hear my earnest prayer. (here specify your request)  O Jesus, during all the days of your mortal life you consoled so many sufferers, healed so many infirmities, raised so often a sinking courage, you will not fail to have pity on one who cries to you from the depths of anguish. Oh! No, it is impossible. Another profound sigh from my heart, and from the wound in your own there will flow to me upon a wave of your merciful Blood the grace so ardently desired. O Jesus, Jesus, hasten the moment when you will change my tears into joy, my sighs into thanksgiving. Holy Mary, source of the divine Blood, I implore you not to lose this occasion of glorifying the Blood which made you immaculate. Amen.

Pope Francis "There are many martyrs today, in the Church, many persecuted Christians."

Pope Francis

30/06/2014

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis said on Monday that there are more persecuted Christians in the world today than there were in the first centuries of Christianity. The Pope’s words came as he celebrated Mass at the Casa Santa Marta on the day in which the Church remembers the first Roman martyrs who were martyred during Nero's persecution in 64.

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The prayer at the beginning of the Mass recalls that “the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church”. We speak of the growth of a plant – the Pope said in his homily – and this makes us think of what Jesus used to say: "The kingdom of heaven is like a seed. Someone took the seed and planted it in the ground and then went home – and whether he slept or was awake – the seed grew and blossomed”. This seed is the Word of God that grows and becomes the Kingdom of Heaven; it becomes Church thanks to the strength of the Holy Spirit and to the witness of Christians.

“We know that there is no growth without the Spirit: it is He who is Church, it is He who makes the Church grow, it is He who convokes the Church’s community. But the witness of Christians is necessary too. And when historical situations require a strong witness, there are martyrs, the greatest witnesses. And the Church grows thanks to the blood of the martyrs. This is the beauty of martyrdom. It begins with witness, day after day, and it can end like Jesus, the first martyr, the first witness, the faithful witness: with blood”.

But there is one condition that is necessary for a true witness  – Pope Francis pointed out – and that is “there must be no conditions”.

“In the Gospel reading of the day one of Jesus’s disciples said that he would follow Him, but only after having buried his father… and the Lord replied: ‘No! Follow me without conditions’. Your witness must be firm; you must use the same strong language that Jesus used: ‘Your words must be yes, yes, or no, no’. This is the language of testimony”.

“Today – Pope Francis said – we look upon the Church of Rome that grows, fed by the blood of martyrs. So it is right – he continued – that our thoughts turn to the many martyrs of today, the many martyrs who give their lives for faith. It is true that during the times of Nero many Christians were persecuted, and today – he said – there are just as many”.

"There are many martyrs today, in the Church, many persecuted Christians. Think of the Middle East where Christians must flee persecution, where Christians are killed. Even those Christians who are forced away in an ‘elegant’ way, with ‘white gloves’: that too is persecution. There are more witnesses, more martyrs in the Church today than there were in the first centuries. So during this Mass, remembering our glorious ancestors, let us think also to our brothers who are persecuted, who suffer and who, with their blood are nurturing the seed of so many little Churches that are born. Let us pray for them and for us”.

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