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AUGUST 2010 - Overview for the Month The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of August 2010 General: That those who are without work or homes or who are otherwise in serious need may find understanding and welcome, as well as concrete help in overcoming their difficulties. Feasts for August The feasts on the General Roman Calendar celebrated during the month of August are: Focus of the Liturgy August 1st - 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time Jesus tells the parable of the rich man. Highlights of the Month The other main feasts of this month are, St. John Mary Vianney (August 4), Dedication of St. Mary Major (August 5), Transfiguration of the Lord (August 6), St. Sixtus II and Companions and St. Cajetan (August 7), St. Teresa Benedicta (August 9), St. Lawrence (August 10), St. Clare (August 11), Jane Frances de Chantal (August 12), Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus (August 13), St. Maximilian Kolbe (August 14), St. Stephen of Hungary (August 16), St. John Eudes (August 19), St. Bernard (August 20), St. Pius X (August 21), St. Bartholomew (August 24), St. Louis of France (August 25), St. Monica (August 27), and St. Augustine (August 28). The feasts of St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1), St. Dominic (August 8), the Queenship of Mary (August 22), and the Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist (August 29) fall on a Sunday so they are suppressed this year. A Time to Persevere It is never too late to begin — as the life of the reformed sinner, St. Augustine teaches us — nor too difficult to begin again, as demonstrated by the conversion of the martyr, St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein). We present-daymembers of the Mystical Body are certain of the reward to which we are called, for Christ’s Transfigured body(August 6) is a preview of that glory. Moreover, in the Assumption of his Mother (August 15), Our Lord has demonstrated his fidelity to his promise. Her privilege is "the highest fruit of the Redemption" and "our consoling assurance of the coming of our final hope — the glorification which is Christ’s" (Enchiridion on Indulgences). The Blessed Virgin Mary is the most perfect example of Christian perseverance, but she is also our advocate in heaven where she is crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth (August 22). Mary is the "Mother of Perpetual Help", the patroness of the Congregation founded by St. Alphonsus Ligouri (August 1). "No one who has fled to her protection is left unaided" is the claim of the Memorare of St. Bernard (August 20). Heretics have returned to the faith by the prayers of her Rosary, first preached by St. Dominic (August 8) in the twelfth Century, and hearts have been converted by the graces received while wearing her Miraculous Medal, promoted by St. Maximillian Kolbe (August 14) and adopted as the "badge" for the Pious Union he founded. Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hop taken from http://www.catholicculture.org/
May, 2010 - Overview for the Month
The month of May is dedicated to The Blessed Virgin Mary. The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Easter, which is represented by the liturgical color white — the color of light, a symbol of joy, purity and innocence (absolute or restored). The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of May 2010 General: That the shameful and monstrous commerce in human beings, which sadly involves millions of women and children, may be ended. Missionary: That ordained ministers, religious women and men, and lay people involved in apostolic work may understand how to infuse missionary enthusiasm into the communities entrusted to their care. (See also www.apostleshipofprayer.net) Feasts for May The feasts on the General Roman Calendar celebrated during the month of May are: 1. Joseph the Worker, Opt. Mem. 2. Fifth Sunday of Easter, Sunday 3. Philip and James, Feast 9. Sixth Sunday of Easter, Sunday 10. Bl. Damien Joseph de Veuster, priest, Opt. Mem. 13. Solemnity of the Ascension; Our Lady of Fatima, Solemnity 14. Matthias, Feast 15. Isidore the Farmer (USA), Opt. Mem. 16. Solemnity of the Ascension, Sunday 18. John I, Opt. Mem. 20. Bernardine of Siena, Opt. Mem. 21. Christopher Magallanes and companions; Eugene de Mazenod (Canada), Opt. Mem. 22. Rita of Cascia, Opt. Mem. 23. Pentecost; Whitsunday, Sunday 25. Bede the Venerable; Gregory VII; Mary Magdalene de Pazzi, Opt. Mem. 26. Philip Neri, Memorial 27. Augustine of Canterbury, Opt. Mem. 30. Trinity Sunday, Solemnity 31. Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Feast Focus of the Liturgy The Gospel readings for all the Sundays in May are taken from St. John and St. Luke and are from Year C, Cycle 2. May 2nd - 5th Sunday of Easter This Gospel is taken from Christ's discourse at the Last Supper. May 9th - 6th Sunday of Easter In this Gospel Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit. May 16th - Ascension This Gospel relates Christ's Ascension into heaven. May 23rd - Pentecost In this Gospel Jesus gives His disciples the power to forgive sins. May 30th - Trinity Sunday Jesus says the Spirit of truth will come and that everything the Father has is His. Highlights of the Month As Spring blossoms forth and we are surrounded by new life, we spend this month full of the joy of our Easter celebration and in anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit, our Consoler and Advocate. The saints that we will focus on this month — those who have already shared in the rewards of the Resurrection — are St. Joseph the Worker (May 1), Sts. Philip and James (May 3), Our Lady of Fatima (May 13), St. Matthias (May 14), St. Isidore the Farmer (May 15), St. Bernadine of Siena (May 20), St. Christopher Magallanes (May 21), St. Rita of Cascia (May 22), St. Bede, St. Gregory VII and St. Mary Magdalene de Pazzi (May 25), St. Philip Neri (May 26) and St. Augustine of Canterbury (May 27) and the Visitation (May 31). The feast of St. Athanasius (May 2), falls on a Sunday, so it is suppressed this year. The Solemnity of the Ascension (May 13) is celebrated on May 16 (Sunday) in most dioceses in the United States. A Time of Grace The world is resplendent with Spring's increased light and new growth. It is Mary’s month in the Easter season and all of nature rejoices with the Queen of heaven at the Resurrection of the Son she was worthy to bear. During the remainder of Easter time, let us endeavor through the prayers of the Holy Liturgy and the Holy Rosary to deepen our gratitude for the mystery of our Baptismal rebirth in Christ. Pentecost, the birth of the Church, is also among the celebrations of May. Though sprung from the side of Christ on the Cross, the Church marks as her birthday the descent of the Holy Spirit on Mary and the Apostles. At the 'birth' of the world, the Holy Spirit — the Breath of God — was the "mighty wind [that] swept over the waters" (Gen 1:2); at the birth of the Church He is present again "like the rush of a mighty wind" to recreate the world in the image of Christ through His Church (Acts 2:2). We, the members of Christ’s Mystical Body, are the present-day disciples sent by the Holy Spirit to bring Christ to the world. May we go forth as did Mary, who set out in haste to assist St. Elizabeth (feast of the Visitation, May 31). Come upon us, O Holy Spirit, so that, with Mary, we may proclaim the greatness of the Lord who has done great things for us — for his mercy endures forever! "In the hierarchy of holiness it is precisely the 'woman', Mary of Nazareth, who is the 'figure' of the Church. She 'precedes' everyone on the path to holiness; in her person 'the Church has already reached that perfection whereby she exists without spot or wrinkle'". — JOHN PAUL II Mulieris Dignitatem, 1988
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