Feast of the archangels
Adoration, tonight (9/29), 7-8 pm, SAA Church. All are welcome!!
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. They are the greatest angels because they have been entrusted the greatest tasks as God's messengers. Michael (which means "Who is like God?") is the archangel who battled Satan and drove him and his angels out of Heaven. We implore his intercession in the battle against evil spirits. At the end of the 19th century, Pope Leo XIII had a vision of Hell that was so alarming that he initiated a prayer* to St. Michael that we say today.
Gabriel ("the strength of God") announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and the birth of Jesus to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We turn to him to help us know the Will of God in our own lives. Raphael ("the healer of God") helped Tobit be healed of his blindness. Raphael is a powerful intercessor, invoking the healing power of Christ for those who ask him for it.
Sacred Scripture gives us many images of angels. Jesus describes "angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (Jn 1:51) in today's Gospel. Elsewhere, Christ points out that each one of us has an angel assigned to us who we refer to as our guardian angel. Angels serve Christ in Heaven and on Earth, mainly by protecting us. They are great helpers and guardians, and we should pray to them regularly for their assistance.
We also know from Scripture, mainly in the Book of Revelation, that angels worship the Lamb of God in the heavenly feast. We have a preview of that feast in the Eucharistic celebration, Holy Mass. The Eucharist is where Heaven and Earth meet. In the Eucharist, there is Christ. Where there is the Son, there is the Father, Holy Spirit, and all the saints and angels. So, whenever we come to Mass, we are in the presence of all the angels, even though we can't see them. We have our guardian angel with us always, but when we enter a chamber of Heaven at Mass, we have the entire heavenly court of angels and archangels with us.
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* St. Michael the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
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Today the Church celebrates the feast of the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. They are the greatest angels because they have been entrusted the greatest tasks as God's messengers. Michael (which means "Who is like God?") is the archangel who battled Satan and drove him and his angels out of Heaven. We implore his intercession in the battle against evil spirits. At the end of the 19th century, Pope Leo XIII had a vision of Hell that was so alarming that he initiated a prayer* to St. Michael that we say today.
Gabriel ("the strength of God") announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and the birth of Jesus to the Blessed Virgin Mary. We turn to him to help us know the Will of God in our own lives. Raphael ("the healer of God") helped Tobit be healed of his blindness. Raphael is a powerful intercessor, invoking the healing power of Christ for those who ask him for it.
Sacred Scripture gives us many images of angels. Jesus describes "angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (Jn 1:51) in today's Gospel. Elsewhere, Christ points out that each one of us has an angel assigned to us who we refer to as our guardian angel. Angels serve Christ in Heaven and on Earth, mainly by protecting us. They are great helpers and guardians, and we should pray to them regularly for their assistance.
We also know from Scripture, mainly in the Book of Revelation, that angels worship the Lamb of God in the heavenly feast. We have a preview of that feast in the Eucharistic celebration, Holy Mass. The Eucharist is where Heaven and Earth meet. In the Eucharist, there is Christ. Where there is the Son, there is the Father, Holy Spirit, and all the saints and angels. So, whenever we come to Mass, we are in the presence of all the angels, even though we can't see them. We have our guardian angel with us always, but when we enter a chamber of Heaven at Mass, we have the entire heavenly court of angels and archangels with us.
-----------------------------
* St. Michael the archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
posted by Fr Greg at
11:04 AM
4 Comments:
October 1 - October 10 An Invitation to Prayer and Fasting
This year the Week (actually 10 days) takes place from Sunday, October 1 through Monday, October 10, 2006. The goals of the International Week of Prayer and Fasting are the conversion of nations, an end to abortion, and to build a culture of Life . We ask people to participate by doing the following:
Fasting
Daily Masses
Holy Hours of Eucharistic Adoration
Daily Rosary
Divine Mercy Chaplet
Attend Mass
Promote Eucharistic Adoration
PRESS RELEASE
Maureen Flynn, Coordinator
14th International Week of Prayer and Fasting Committee
(703)707-0799
www.internationalweekofprayerandfasting.org
Washington, D.C. As the world faces the continual threat of global terrorism, natural disasters, major conflicts in the Middle East, a Coalition of Catholic and Christian organizations worldwide have mobilized to pray and fast in October, imploring God’s Mercy. This Coalition is coordinating the 14th Annual International Week of Prayer and Fasting and to promote a Culture of Life with special events planned for the Washington, DC region.
The goals of the International Week of Prayer and Fasting are: the Conversion of Nations, an end to abortion and to build a Culture of Life. The Coalition is asking for people to participate as individuals, families and parishes by organizing and offering the following: Fasting, Daily Masses, Prayer to include: Holy Hours, Rosaries, and Divine Mercy Chaplets and Confession. The International Week of Prayer and Fasting will begin with Life Chains and Prayer Rallies around the world on October 1, 2006, Respect Life Sunday.
Two special events are planned for our nation’s capitol. The first, on Sat. Oct. 7, 2006 is a Youth and Family Conference titled, “To Build a Culture of Life”. This daylong event will be held at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Herndon, VA from 8am to 9pm. Guest speakers will include prominent Catholic speakers including Brandi Swindell, Jason Jones, Lisa Epperson of LIFETEEN, and Fr. Clement Machado, S.O.L.T., and Fr. Bryan Belli. There will be live music throughout the day. The second event is planned for Mon. Oct. 9, 2006 and will be an All Day Prayer Vigil, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Basilica of the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This Vigil features Catholic religious and lay speakers, Rosary, Divine Mercy Chaplet, Confessions and Eucharistic Adoration throughout the day. The event will feature dynamic speakers including: Fr. Frank Pavone; Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor; Fr. Emmanuel McCarthy; Dan Lynch; Dir., Missionary Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe; Bud McFarlane, Sr.; and Steve McDonald, on Stem Cell Research. Mass Celebrant: Fr. Clement Machado, S.O.L.T. There is no charge for the Vigil. For information and to register for the Youth and Family Conference please register online at: www.internationalweekofprayerandfasting.org or call (703)707-0799. Group discounts are available.
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Anonymous, at 5:03 PM
LORDS’S TABLE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Do you want to become more involved in feeding the hungry? St. Francis needs a coordinator for our work with Our Lord's Table, a soup kitchen. Perfect for a husband and wife team. Call Charles McCarthy, (301) 840-1407 if interested.
By
Anonymous, at 6:57 PM
Charlie Eames is back to teach "Sacraments" beginning this Thursday, October 5th, and continuing for 6 Thursday nights. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the Sacraments we celebrate. The class takes place from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. in the Assisi Room. The cost is $10. Please call the Office of Religious Education to enroll at (301) 258-9193
By
Anonymous, at 7:00 PM
The above will be taught at St. Francis church.
By
Anonymous, at 7:00 PM
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