Larry Peterson's Blog, page 3
November 12, 2017
A Bit of History for the Younger Folks on Veteran’s Day; The Introduction of “God Bless America”
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
by Larry Peterson
Back in 1940, there were no televisions or laptops or iPads. The United States was on the brink of being brought into World War II. The word “cyber” was not even invented. But there was the radio and that was how the nation received its evening entertainment. Newspapers were trusted and that was the primary news source.
Frank Sinatra was the heartthrob of the teenage girls of the day and many of the young folk listened to him. Well, when Frank heard Miss Kate Smith sing the song, “God Bless America” for the first time on the radio he declared that Kate Smith was, without a doubt, the best singer of her time. In fact, it is said that when the song was heard for the first time most of the men in America were wiping tears from their eyes.
America was still in the throes of The Great Depression, Hitler had conquered Poland and was seemingly about to conquer all of Europe. Most Americans were afraid our boys would soon be fighting in that war. The nation was worried and financially struggling. After supper, the family would gather around the radio set and tune in their favorite serial or variety show. At that time no one was a bigger star than Kate Smith.
Kate was a patriotic woman as were most Americans of that time. She had a desire to do something to bolster the mood of the country. She turned to her friend, one of the great American songwriters of all time, Irving Berlin, and asked him if he could write a song to help “cheer the country up”. Mr. Berlin (so the story goes) smiled at her, went to his files and pulled out a song he had written 22 years earlier, in 1917. He handed it to her and said, “I have waited all these years for the right moment to release this. This is that moment.”
Both Kate and Irving Berlin had no idea how the song would be received but decided that if any money was made it would be given to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years millions of dollars in royalties have gone to the Boy Scouts.
Anyway, what follows is the actual presentation of Kate Smith introducing the great American song, “God Bless America”. This song still arouses patriotic feelings and pride about our country when we hear it. “Here is the link to the video of Kate Smith introducing for the very first time “God Bless America” (click on the highlighted words)“God Bless America”
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
by Larry Peterson
Back in 1940, there were no televisions or laptops or iPads. The United States was on the brink of being brought into World War II. The word “cyber” was not even invented. But there was the radio and that was how the nation received its evening entertainment. Newspapers were trusted and that was the primary news source.
Frank Sinatra was the heartthrob of the teenage girls of the day and many of the young folk listened to him. Well, when Frank heard Miss Kate Smith sing the song, “God Bless America” for the first time on the radio he declared that Kate Smith was, without a doubt, the best singer of her time. In fact, it is said that when the song was heard for the first time most of the men in America were wiping tears from their eyes.
America was still in the throes of The Great Depression, Hitler had conquered Poland and was seemingly about to conquer all of Europe. Most Americans were afraid our boys would soon be fighting in that war. The nation was worried and financially struggling. After supper, the family would gather around the radio set and tune in their favorite serial or variety show. At that time no one was a bigger star than Kate Smith.
Kate was a patriotic woman as were most Americans of that time. She had a desire to do something to bolster the mood of the country. She turned to her friend, one of the great American songwriters of all time, Irving Berlin, and asked him if he could write a song to help “cheer the country up”. Mr. Berlin (so the story goes) smiled at her, went to his files and pulled out a song he had written 22 years earlier, in 1917. He handed it to her and said, “I have waited all these years for the right moment to release this. This is that moment.”
Both Kate and Irving Berlin had no idea how the song would be received but decided that if any money was made it would be given to the Boy Scouts of America. Over the years millions of dollars in royalties have gone to the Boy Scouts.
Anyway, what follows is the actual presentation of Kate Smith introducing the great American song, “God Bless America”. This song still arouses patriotic feelings and pride about our country when we hear it. “Here is the link to the video of Kate Smith introducing for the very first time “God Bless America” (click on the highlighted words)“God Bless America”
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
November 11, 2017
The Knights of Columbus---On Veteran’s Day all Knights Proudly Count Among their Brothers these Medal of Honor Recipients
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
The Knights of Columbus officially became a fraternal Catholic society on March 29, 1882. Founded by Father Michael McGivney and some of the parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the organization was started for the purpose of providing aid, both spiritual and corporal, to members and their families. Most of them at the time were poor immigrants.
Today the Knights of Columbus has grown from a few members, who had their first meeting in the basement of St. Mary’s, to an organization that is the largest Catholic fraternal order in the world with 15,342 councils and almost 2 million members spread around the planet.
The four tenets of the Knights of Columbus are Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Since it is Veteran’s Day in America, this article will focus on Patriotism. Members of the Knights call each other “Brother”. We are all Brother Knights (myself included) and the following Brother Knights exemplified their Patriotism above and beyond the call of duty. They were all recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Congressional Medal(s) of Honor
Marine Sergeant; Daniel Joseph Daly: 1873-1937 Awarded the Medal of Honor TWICE; In 1900 he received his first Medal of Honor during the Boxer rebellion. He single-handedly repelled repeated attacks on his position while inflicting close to two hundred casualties on the enemy. His second Medal of Honor came during the Battle of Fort Dipite in Haiti as he led 35 of his men against a force of 400 rebels managing to get his men and himself to a nearby fort. Sergeant Daly was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #472 in Middle Village (Queens), N.Y.
Sgt. Daniel Joseph Daly*
Major Charles Watters*Father (Major) Charles J. Watters: 1927-1967 On November 19, 1967, during a battle near Dak To in Viet Nam, Chaplain Watters, unarmed and without regard to his own life, tended to the wounded and dying while in close combat with the enemy. He persevered in his mission until he lost his own life in the battle. Major Watters was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1638 in Rutherford, N.J.
Major General Patrick Brady*
Major General Patrick Brady: 1936—age 81 General Brady did two tours of duty in Viet Nam. The first was from 1964 thru 1965 when he piloted a Medical Helicopter Ambulance. During his second tour, from 1967 to 1968, Brady was second in command of the 54th Medical detachment. It was during this time that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Into thick fog and heavy enemy gunfire, Major Brady flew four separate times into the area to rescue seriously wounded men. He wound up using three different helicopters during the course of the day and rescued fifty-one wounded men many who would have died without medical attention. He retired as a Major General in 1993...The General is a member of Knights of Columbus Council #11948 in Tacoma, Washington.
Captain Gary Michael Rose*
Captain Gary Michel Rose: 1947—age 70 Captain Rose (at the time Sergeant Rose) was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). On September 11, 1970, Sergeant Rose and a company of soldiers were sent behind enemy lines in Laos. The men moved deeper into enemy territory and came under intense fire. Sergeant Rose, crawled from man to man treating the wounded and dying without regard for his own safety. Hit by shrapnel in his back legs and feet he continued on using a stick as a crutch while treating the wounded. Captain Gary Rose is a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 11672, Huntsville, Alabama.
Captain Emil Kapaun: 1916-1951 Emil Joseph Kapaun, was a Catholic priest who served as a chaplain in World War II and in Korea. He was declared a Servant of God by Pope St. John Paul II in 1993. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action in Korea in 1950.
During the Battle of Unsan in 1950, Chinese troops entered the war and overwhelmed the 3rd Battalion, 8thCavalry. The prisoners (including Father Kapaun), were marched 87 miles to a makeshift prison camp. He was the unifier and morale keeper at the camp. He would dig latrines, give away his meager rations, and talk to and counsel the prisoners doing his best to keep their spirits intact. He was also the one who insisted on ‘stealing’ tea and other scraps of food so the others would not get caught and executed. He even smuggled medicines to the doctor among them, Sidney Esensten.
Father Kapaun offering Mass in Korea, 1950
Captain Chaplain Emil Kapaun was a member of Knights of Columbus Council,#3423 in Pilsen, Kansas. In addition, Knights of Columbus Council # 14218 in Fort Riley, Kansas is named in his honor. Emil Kapaun; Knights of Columbus Assembly 2711 in Katy, Texas is also named after him as is Fourth Degree Assembly 3260 in Vail, Arizona.
Father Michael McGivney--Founder of the Knights of ColumbusFather McGivney died at the age of 38 when the K of C was only eight-years-old. In 1996 he was declared a Servant of God and his cause for sainthood was sent to Rome. In March of 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, declared Father McGivney, “Venerable”, in recognition of his “heroic virtue”. The next step in the process will be Beatification
To Brother Knight, Venerable Michael McGivney, please pray for us all.
To Brother Knight, Servant of God, Emil Kapaun, please pray for us also.
*All photos from Wikipedia commons.org
Copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
By Larry Peterson
The Knights of Columbus officially became a fraternal Catholic society on March 29, 1882. Founded by Father Michael McGivney and some of the parishioners at St. Mary’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut, the organization was started for the purpose of providing aid, both spiritual and corporal, to members and their families. Most of them at the time were poor immigrants.
Today the Knights of Columbus has grown from a few members, who had their first meeting in the basement of St. Mary’s, to an organization that is the largest Catholic fraternal order in the world with 15,342 councils and almost 2 million members spread around the planet.
The four tenets of the Knights of Columbus are Charity, Unity, Fraternity, and Patriotism. Since it is Veteran’s Day in America, this article will focus on Patriotism. Members of the Knights call each other “Brother”. We are all Brother Knights (myself included) and the following Brother Knights exemplified their Patriotism above and beyond the call of duty. They were all recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Congressional Medal(s) of HonorMarine Sergeant; Daniel Joseph Daly: 1873-1937 Awarded the Medal of Honor TWICE; In 1900 he received his first Medal of Honor during the Boxer rebellion. He single-handedly repelled repeated attacks on his position while inflicting close to two hundred casualties on the enemy. His second Medal of Honor came during the Battle of Fort Dipite in Haiti as he led 35 of his men against a force of 400 rebels managing to get his men and himself to a nearby fort. Sergeant Daly was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #472 in Middle Village (Queens), N.Y.
Sgt. Daniel Joseph Daly*
Major Charles Watters*Father (Major) Charles J. Watters: 1927-1967 On November 19, 1967, during a battle near Dak To in Viet Nam, Chaplain Watters, unarmed and without regard to his own life, tended to the wounded and dying while in close combat with the enemy. He persevered in his mission until he lost his own life in the battle. Major Watters was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #1638 in Rutherford, N.J. 
Major General Patrick Brady*Major General Patrick Brady: 1936—age 81 General Brady did two tours of duty in Viet Nam. The first was from 1964 thru 1965 when he piloted a Medical Helicopter Ambulance. During his second tour, from 1967 to 1968, Brady was second in command of the 54th Medical detachment. It was during this time that he was awarded the Medal of Honor. Into thick fog and heavy enemy gunfire, Major Brady flew four separate times into the area to rescue seriously wounded men. He wound up using three different helicopters during the course of the day and rescued fifty-one wounded men many who would have died without medical attention. He retired as a Major General in 1993...The General is a member of Knights of Columbus Council #11948 in Tacoma, Washington.
Captain Gary Michael Rose*Captain Gary Michel Rose: 1947—age 70 Captain Rose (at the time Sergeant Rose) was a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). On September 11, 1970, Sergeant Rose and a company of soldiers were sent behind enemy lines in Laos. The men moved deeper into enemy territory and came under intense fire. Sergeant Rose, crawled from man to man treating the wounded and dying without regard for his own safety. Hit by shrapnel in his back legs and feet he continued on using a stick as a crutch while treating the wounded. Captain Gary Rose is a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 11672, Huntsville, Alabama.
Captain Emil Kapaun: 1916-1951 Emil Joseph Kapaun, was a Catholic priest who served as a chaplain in World War II and in Korea. He was declared a Servant of God by Pope St. John Paul II in 1993. He was awarded the Medal of Honor for action in Korea in 1950.
During the Battle of Unsan in 1950, Chinese troops entered the war and overwhelmed the 3rd Battalion, 8thCavalry. The prisoners (including Father Kapaun), were marched 87 miles to a makeshift prison camp. He was the unifier and morale keeper at the camp. He would dig latrines, give away his meager rations, and talk to and counsel the prisoners doing his best to keep their spirits intact. He was also the one who insisted on ‘stealing’ tea and other scraps of food so the others would not get caught and executed. He even smuggled medicines to the doctor among them, Sidney Esensten.
Father Kapaun offering Mass in Korea, 1950Captain Chaplain Emil Kapaun was a member of Knights of Columbus Council,#3423 in Pilsen, Kansas. In addition, Knights of Columbus Council # 14218 in Fort Riley, Kansas is named in his honor. Emil Kapaun; Knights of Columbus Assembly 2711 in Katy, Texas is also named after him as is Fourth Degree Assembly 3260 in Vail, Arizona.
Father Michael McGivney--Founder of the Knights of ColumbusFather McGivney died at the age of 38 when the K of C was only eight-years-old. In 1996 he was declared a Servant of God and his cause for sainthood was sent to Rome. In March of 2008, Pope Benedict XVI, declared Father McGivney, “Venerable”, in recognition of his “heroic virtue”. The next step in the process will be BeatificationTo Brother Knight, Venerable Michael McGivney, please pray for us all.
To Brother Knight, Servant of God, Emil Kapaun, please pray for us also.
*All photos from Wikipedia commons.org
Copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
November 9, 2017
Within the Crowd I Watched in Awe as the Priest Stepped into the Sandals of Christ
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
Being Catholic has so many perks that non-Catholics will never understand. We have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we have the Real Presence, we have Benediction, May processions, The Blessed Virgin Mary, canonized saints, Eucharistic miracles. What binds and holds all of this together is the priesthood, this great, unfathomable gift given to us by Christ, Himself. Oh yes, did I forget to mention the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Oops--sorry. But that is, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing this side of heaven.
What follows is about a priest in a crowd, a famous poem, and a moment in time. The moment was like seeing a tiny flower growing out of a crack in a concrete sidewalk. That tiny flower is another example of God's creative beauty that surrounds us yet is barely noticed by anyone. The fate of that tiny flower is ominous. Even though no person anywhere at any time could ever create that fragile, work of living beauty, it more than likely will be ignored, stepped upon or sprayed with weed killer to get rid of it. Ah well, we "smarties" have no time for such trivialities and petty annoyances.
The poem I refer to is, "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer. Written in 1913, it has a timely message. There is a line in the poem that reads, "A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray: the tiny flower in the concrete is a smaller version, is it not? So what about the priest in the crowd?
Recently I was at a parish event which featured as speakers our Bishop, an author, a radio station personality, and our pastor. The Knights of Columbus (which included me) were the ones who prepared and served the free dinner to over 300 guests. The parish center was packed and when the final speaker had finished we began to serve the dessert. I sensed something special was going on nearby. I do not know if anyone else but me was paying attention but I was about to witness one of those special moments in time.
There were a number of local parish priests in attendance and one of them was the chaplain at the local VA hospital. I was working in the kitchen assisting getting the cake plates on trays and handing the trays to those serving the guests. Outside the kitchen and to my left against the wall was the drink table where coffee, tea, cold drinks etc were available. At any given time there were at least ten people standing in line. Five feet away from the drink table was the first row of dinner tables. Father was sitting at the end of the first table talking to a woman.
At this point, the chatter was quite loud and people were up and moving about visiting other tables saying "HI" to other folks they knew. I noticed Father looking at the young lady very intently and purposefully. I knew this priest had put his Jesus' sandals on.
I kept working and watching the two of them. They were at least twenty feet away from me and, with all the activity and noise and people milling about and all around them, they had managed to be alone. The priest listened and listened and listened some more. I watched as best I could because this was so awe-inspiring. I was witnessing Christ do His thing through His priest. This happens every time we attend Mass but how many of us think about what actually IS happening? We hear of this happening in other places but how often do we get to watch it happen? Hardly ever.
After a while, Father leaned his head to the right a bit and rested his chin on his upraised fist. He was not looking directly at the woman he was now sort of looking downward. He inconspicuously blessed her and, I assume, she was being given absolution. I was not positive because I had heard nothing and never even saw her face. But it did not matter. Whatever was happening between them was spiritual and beautiful.
Like the tiny flower popping its little lavender petal through a crack in concrete or Kilmer's magnificent tree looking at God all day lifting its "leafy arms to pray" this moment was those moments. Few people notice the stunning Oak tree standing majestically alongside a roadway or
a blade of grass pushing its way through a hairline crack in a slab of cement. Sadly, more and more people are losing sight of Christ in our midst and the hand of the Creator smiling down on His creations. I was blessed. I caught a glimpse the other night.
Joyce Kilmer's poem finishes up with the poignant words: "Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree." We need to remember that.
Artwork from SimpleMassingPriest.com
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
By Larry PetersonBeing Catholic has so many perks that non-Catholics will never understand. We have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, we have the Real Presence, we have Benediction, May processions, The Blessed Virgin Mary, canonized saints, Eucharistic miracles. What binds and holds all of this together is the priesthood, this great, unfathomable gift given to us by Christ, Himself. Oh yes, did I forget to mention the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass? Oops--sorry. But that is, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing this side of heaven.
What follows is about a priest in a crowd, a famous poem, and a moment in time. The moment was like seeing a tiny flower growing out of a crack in a concrete sidewalk. That tiny flower is another example of God's creative beauty that surrounds us yet is barely noticed by anyone. The fate of that tiny flower is ominous. Even though no person anywhere at any time could ever create that fragile, work of living beauty, it more than likely will be ignored, stepped upon or sprayed with weed killer to get rid of it. Ah well, we "smarties" have no time for such trivialities and petty annoyances.
The poem I refer to is, "Trees" by Joyce Kilmer. Written in 1913, it has a timely message. There is a line in the poem that reads, "A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray: the tiny flower in the concrete is a smaller version, is it not? So what about the priest in the crowd?
Recently I was at a parish event which featured as speakers our Bishop, an author, a radio station personality, and our pastor. The Knights of Columbus (which included me) were the ones who prepared and served the free dinner to over 300 guests. The parish center was packed and when the final speaker had finished we began to serve the dessert. I sensed something special was going on nearby. I do not know if anyone else but me was paying attention but I was about to witness one of those special moments in time.
There were a number of local parish priests in attendance and one of them was the chaplain at the local VA hospital. I was working in the kitchen assisting getting the cake plates on trays and handing the trays to those serving the guests. Outside the kitchen and to my left against the wall was the drink table where coffee, tea, cold drinks etc were available. At any given time there were at least ten people standing in line. Five feet away from the drink table was the first row of dinner tables. Father was sitting at the end of the first table talking to a woman.
At this point, the chatter was quite loud and people were up and moving about visiting other tables saying "HI" to other folks they knew. I noticed Father looking at the young lady very intently and purposefully. I knew this priest had put his Jesus' sandals on.
I kept working and watching the two of them. They were at least twenty feet away from me and, with all the activity and noise and people milling about and all around them, they had managed to be alone. The priest listened and listened and listened some more. I watched as best I could because this was so awe-inspiring. I was witnessing Christ do His thing through His priest. This happens every time we attend Mass but how many of us think about what actually IS happening? We hear of this happening in other places but how often do we get to watch it happen? Hardly ever.
After a while, Father leaned his head to the right a bit and rested his chin on his upraised fist. He was not looking directly at the woman he was now sort of looking downward. He inconspicuously blessed her and, I assume, she was being given absolution. I was not positive because I had heard nothing and never even saw her face. But it did not matter. Whatever was happening between them was spiritual and beautiful.
Like the tiny flower popping its little lavender petal through a crack in concrete or Kilmer's magnificent tree looking at God all day lifting its "leafy arms to pray" this moment was those moments. Few people notice the stunning Oak tree standing majestically alongside a roadway or
a blade of grass pushing its way through a hairline crack in a slab of cement. Sadly, more and more people are losing sight of Christ in our midst and the hand of the Creator smiling down on His creations. I was blessed. I caught a glimpse the other night.
Joyce Kilmer's poem finishes up with the poignant words: "Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree." We need to remember that.
Artwork from SimpleMassingPriest.com
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
October 31, 2017
Book Review: FATIMA--The Apparition That Changed The World by Jean Heimann
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
There are hundreds of stories and books about Our Lady of Fatima that are available. Honestly, I have read only a few of the books and probably filled my need with scores of shorter stories and news events. So when I was asked to review this book I never expected such a blessing to be coming my way. This book is absolutely sensational in its presentation, stunning to look at and just plain, for lack of a better word, wonderful to read.
Author, Jean Heimann, has managed to somehow transport us into a centennial celebration of this remarkable story. I found myself having an actual uplifting experience as I mentally joined so many others who were at Fatima during the centennial celebration. I'm not kidding folks.
This book is a hardcover gem of 126 pages. It is only six inches wide by eight inches high and is perfect for a child's hands. This book drags you in and moves you along through stunning pictures (over 75 of them) and simple to read content. You do not even realize it but you go to Fatima.
When you flip open the book you are greeted by facing pages of the statue of the Pilgrim Virgin, standing on a mound of white roses with hundreds of lit candles spread in front of you, candles held aloft by thousands upon thousands of people. You are welcomed in for the journey.
The book begins with a timeline which takes us from 1916 (when the Angel of Peace visits the children) across the century finishing on October 13, 2017, the 100th Anniversary of the final apparition and the Miracle of the Sun. Accessing this timeline as you go through the book is a wonderful and easy way to keep on top of significant reference points as you travel through the book and makes it much easier to explain to small children.
Short biographies and photos of the three seers take you with them into the Cova da Iria. We stand behind them during the apparitions brought into the scene by magnificent paintings and photographs. We suffer along with Francisco and Jacinta as influenza takes them to heaven while still children. We journey with Lucia as she enters the convent at the age of 18. In December, Our Lady and the Child Jesus appeared to her. I will let you have the pleasure of reading what They said to her for yourself.
There is even a history of the Popes who were involved with Fatima starting with Pope Pius XI. It is interesting to note that Pius XI was not the pope at the time of the apparitions but the children knew of him. Pope Benedict XV was pope at the time. The children knew of Pius XI (who did not become pope until 1922) because our Lady had told them of him.
I am going to stop here. This book is too beautiful for me to keep giving away its context. But I will share one more tidbit that I personally fell in love with. On page 84 is a picture of Pope St. John Paul II. In the picture, he is standing in front of a statue of the Pilgrim Virgin. He is obviously praying. But he has his hand extended seemingly touching her on her right arm. His right hand is covering his heart. His head leans forward as if he is speaking to her. The statue's head is leaning forward as if Our Lady is intently listening to him. I love this picture. You might get a copy of the book just for that one page.
Well done Jean Heiman. You hit it "out of the park" with this. I'm sure Mother Mary is smiling at you from ear to ear.
Book: FATIMA: The Apparition That Changed The World
By Jean Heimann; http://www.jeanmheimann.com
Publisher: TAN Books
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
By Larry Peterson
There are hundreds of stories and books about Our Lady of Fatima that are available. Honestly, I have read only a few of the books and probably filled my need with scores of shorter stories and news events. So when I was asked to review this book I never expected such a blessing to be coming my way. This book is absolutely sensational in its presentation, stunning to look at and just plain, for lack of a better word, wonderful to read.
Author, Jean Heimann, has managed to somehow transport us into a centennial celebration of this remarkable story. I found myself having an actual uplifting experience as I mentally joined so many others who were at Fatima during the centennial celebration. I'm not kidding folks.
This book is a hardcover gem of 126 pages. It is only six inches wide by eight inches high and is perfect for a child's hands. This book drags you in and moves you along through stunning pictures (over 75 of them) and simple to read content. You do not even realize it but you go to Fatima.
When you flip open the book you are greeted by facing pages of the statue of the Pilgrim Virgin, standing on a mound of white roses with hundreds of lit candles spread in front of you, candles held aloft by thousands upon thousands of people. You are welcomed in for the journey.
The book begins with a timeline which takes us from 1916 (when the Angel of Peace visits the children) across the century finishing on October 13, 2017, the 100th Anniversary of the final apparition and the Miracle of the Sun. Accessing this timeline as you go through the book is a wonderful and easy way to keep on top of significant reference points as you travel through the book and makes it much easier to explain to small children.
Short biographies and photos of the three seers take you with them into the Cova da Iria. We stand behind them during the apparitions brought into the scene by magnificent paintings and photographs. We suffer along with Francisco and Jacinta as influenza takes them to heaven while still children. We journey with Lucia as she enters the convent at the age of 18. In December, Our Lady and the Child Jesus appeared to her. I will let you have the pleasure of reading what They said to her for yourself.
There is even a history of the Popes who were involved with Fatima starting with Pope Pius XI. It is interesting to note that Pius XI was not the pope at the time of the apparitions but the children knew of him. Pope Benedict XV was pope at the time. The children knew of Pius XI (who did not become pope until 1922) because our Lady had told them of him.
I am going to stop here. This book is too beautiful for me to keep giving away its context. But I will share one more tidbit that I personally fell in love with. On page 84 is a picture of Pope St. John Paul II. In the picture, he is standing in front of a statue of the Pilgrim Virgin. He is obviously praying. But he has his hand extended seemingly touching her on her right arm. His right hand is covering his heart. His head leans forward as if he is speaking to her. The statue's head is leaning forward as if Our Lady is intently listening to him. I love this picture. You might get a copy of the book just for that one page.
Well done Jean Heiman. You hit it "out of the park" with this. I'm sure Mother Mary is smiling at you from ear to ear.
Book: FATIMA: The Apparition That Changed The World
By Jean Heimann; http://www.jeanmheimann.com
Publisher: TAN Books
copyright©Larry Peterson 2017
October 27, 2017
Mary of Egypt: The Journey from a Life of Sin to Redemption to Sainthood
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
St. Mary of Egypt en.wikipedia.orgIn his "Essay on Man", Alexander Pope penned three words that became immortalized; "Hope springs eternal". Nowhere do these words fit better than into the Catholic Church. For the Church of Christ is the home of forgiveness, mercy and, of course, redemption. Meet, Mary of Egypt.
Mary was born somewhere in Egypt in 344 A.D., and, for unknown reasons, left home at the age of 12, settling in Alexandria. (Why she ran away from home is unknown.). She became a prostitute, not for the money, but because her carnal desires controlled her (today she might be diagnosed as a sex-addict and have treatment available). She quickly became adept at using her body to get what she needed; food, clothing, a place to sleep. She never accepted money.
Mary lived this way for 17 years. One day she saw a large group of people and discovered that they were headed to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. She decided to join the pilgrimage with every intention of using her skills as a seducer to take care of her needs. Her "skills" even aided her in acquiring the required boat fare that was needed to complete the journey.
On the actual feast day, she joined the crowd as it paraded to the Church to honor the relic of the True Cross. As she attempted to follow the other people into the church, something strange and inexplicable happened. She could not enter. Something was holding her back. No matter how hard she tried she could not get past the entrance. Mary walked to the side of the church, fell down on her knees and began to cry.
Mary looked to her side and saw a statue of the Blessed Virgin. As she looked at it the realization of her sinful life impacted her. Remorse overwhelmed her. She prayed to the Blessed Virgin to help her, pleading for forgiveness. When she tried to walk into the church again, she entered without a problem. She kissed the relic of the True Cross and begged the Virgin Mary to not forsake her.
As she left the church a stranger stopped her saying, "Please, take these." and handed Mary three coins. Mary purchased three loaves of bread and headed for the desert. She did this because the Virgin Mary had told her that was where she would find peace. Along the way, she stopped at a church alongside the Jordan River.
The church was actually the Monastery of St. John the Baptist. It was here she was baptized into the faith and received the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. She then moved into the desert and was not seen by anyone for forty-seven years. This is when a priest by the name of Father Zosimas came into her life.
Father Zosimas was out in the desert because it was the custom for him and his brethren to spend forty days of Lent fasting and praying, returning home on Palm Sunday. He was stunned when he came across this dirty, unkempt, raggedy woman. She was naked, deeply tanned and somewhat shriveled. Her hair was pure white, the years in the desert having taken their toll on her emaciated body. She begged him to give her a cloak to cover herself. Father Zosimas did as she asked and the woman hurriedly tired to garner some dignity.
The priest asked her if she would tell him why she was in the desert and share what had happened to her. Slowly but surely, Mary began to open up and before long had told Father about her life as a "prostitute" and how hard life had been for her, alone in the desert. Father Zosimas cried. He realized that the woman, who told him her name was Mary, had achieved a level of holiness all the greater because of her previous sinful life.
Mary asked Father Zosimas if he would return the following Holy Thursday with Communion for her. He agreed and, one year later, came to meet her again. She asked him once more to come again the following year. He agreed.
A year later, when Zosimus returned again, he found Mary's body. Next to it was a note stating that she had died in 421 A.D., on the same night she had received Holy Communion. Father buried her incorrupt body where he had found it. That was her wish. Upon returning to the monastery he shared his story with his brethren who preserved it through oral tradition until St. Sophronius wrote it down.
St. Mary of Egypt is honored in the Roman Catholic Church (April 1), the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodoxy (April 5). She is the patroness of chastity, temptations of the flesh and skin diseases.
St. Mary of Egypt, pray for us all especially today as sins of the flesh are so prevalent.
copyright©LarryPeterson 2017
By Larry Peterson
St. Mary of Egypt en.wikipedia.orgIn his "Essay on Man", Alexander Pope penned three words that became immortalized; "Hope springs eternal". Nowhere do these words fit better than into the Catholic Church. For the Church of Christ is the home of forgiveness, mercy and, of course, redemption. Meet, Mary of Egypt.Mary was born somewhere in Egypt in 344 A.D., and, for unknown reasons, left home at the age of 12, settling in Alexandria. (Why she ran away from home is unknown.). She became a prostitute, not for the money, but because her carnal desires controlled her (today she might be diagnosed as a sex-addict and have treatment available). She quickly became adept at using her body to get what she needed; food, clothing, a place to sleep. She never accepted money.
Mary lived this way for 17 years. One day she saw a large group of people and discovered that they were headed to Jerusalem on a pilgrimage for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. She decided to join the pilgrimage with every intention of using her skills as a seducer to take care of her needs. Her "skills" even aided her in acquiring the required boat fare that was needed to complete the journey.
On the actual feast day, she joined the crowd as it paraded to the Church to honor the relic of the True Cross. As she attempted to follow the other people into the church, something strange and inexplicable happened. She could not enter. Something was holding her back. No matter how hard she tried she could not get past the entrance. Mary walked to the side of the church, fell down on her knees and began to cry.
Mary looked to her side and saw a statue of the Blessed Virgin. As she looked at it the realization of her sinful life impacted her. Remorse overwhelmed her. She prayed to the Blessed Virgin to help her, pleading for forgiveness. When she tried to walk into the church again, she entered without a problem. She kissed the relic of the True Cross and begged the Virgin Mary to not forsake her.
As she left the church a stranger stopped her saying, "Please, take these." and handed Mary three coins. Mary purchased three loaves of bread and headed for the desert. She did this because the Virgin Mary had told her that was where she would find peace. Along the way, she stopped at a church alongside the Jordan River.
The church was actually the Monastery of St. John the Baptist. It was here she was baptized into the faith and received the sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist. She then moved into the desert and was not seen by anyone for forty-seven years. This is when a priest by the name of Father Zosimas came into her life.
Father Zosimas was out in the desert because it was the custom for him and his brethren to spend forty days of Lent fasting and praying, returning home on Palm Sunday. He was stunned when he came across this dirty, unkempt, raggedy woman. She was naked, deeply tanned and somewhat shriveled. Her hair was pure white, the years in the desert having taken their toll on her emaciated body. She begged him to give her a cloak to cover herself. Father Zosimas did as she asked and the woman hurriedly tired to garner some dignity.
The priest asked her if she would tell him why she was in the desert and share what had happened to her. Slowly but surely, Mary began to open up and before long had told Father about her life as a "prostitute" and how hard life had been for her, alone in the desert. Father Zosimas cried. He realized that the woman, who told him her name was Mary, had achieved a level of holiness all the greater because of her previous sinful life.
Mary asked Father Zosimas if he would return the following Holy Thursday with Communion for her. He agreed and, one year later, came to meet her again. She asked him once more to come again the following year. He agreed.
A year later, when Zosimus returned again, he found Mary's body. Next to it was a note stating that she had died in 421 A.D., on the same night she had received Holy Communion. Father buried her incorrupt body where he had found it. That was her wish. Upon returning to the monastery he shared his story with his brethren who preserved it through oral tradition until St. Sophronius wrote it down.
St. Mary of Egypt is honored in the Roman Catholic Church (April 1), the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Oriental Orthodoxy (April 5). She is the patroness of chastity, temptations of the flesh and skin diseases.
St. Mary of Egypt, pray for us all especially today as sins of the flesh are so prevalent.
copyright©LarryPeterson 2017
October 25, 2017
Horizon Homeless: A Book Review by Jean Heimann of Catholic Fire
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
What follows is a review recently published by Jean Heimann who is a Catholic wife, author, freelance writer, blogger and speaker. Fourteen years ago she left her job as a psychologist and returned to her first love, writing. I am honored that she has taken the time to read and review my latest novel, Horizon Homeless. The link that follows will direct you to her site and the review I am quite proud of. Please click on the link, see her review, and learn a bit about Jean also.
By Larry Peterson
What follows is a review recently published by Jean Heimann who is a Catholic wife, author, freelance writer, blogger and speaker. Fourteen years ago she left her job as a psychologist and returned to her first love, writing. I am honored that she has taken the time to read and review my latest novel, Horizon Homeless. The link that follows will direct you to her site and the review I am quite proud of. Please click on the link, see her review, and learn a bit about Jean also.
October 20, 2017
A Mother's Prayers are answered giving us Two Great Saints and a new Marian Feast Day
Our Lady of Consolation---Grinsted, Gr BritainBy Larry PetersonMost of us know the story of St. Augustine. He was born in North Africa in the year 354. His father, Patricius, wasa pagan landowner and his mother, Monica, a Christian. Monica prayed fervently for her wayward boy to become a Christian too. Eventually, her prayers were answered and her boy did embrace Christianity becoming a great Doctor of the Church.
However, many of us do not know of the influence of the Blessed Virgin in this transformation. It is because of the conversion of St. Augustine that one of the many titles she is venerated under is Our Lady of Consolation, a title she is known by in many places around the world. And this never would have happened without his mom faithfully praying for her boy, a woman who would one day be known as St. Monica.
Monica is honored for her unyielding Christian virtues which included; dealing with the pain and suffering brought on by her husband's chronic acts of adultery and her own son's immoral ways. It was said she cried herself to sleep virtually every night. But she did not despair. Rather, she turned her heartache over to the Blessed Virgin asking for her help. And help she received. Our Lady appeared to Monica and gave her the sash she was wearing. The Virgin assured Monica that whoever wore the sash would receive her special consolation and protection. It was given to her son and became part of the Augustinian habit.
Eventually, the Augustinian monks founded the Confraternity of the Holy Cincture (belt) of Our Lady of Consolation. The statues of Mary as Our Lady of Consolation depict her and the Christ child dressed in elaborate vestments. Mary's halo has twelve, small stars and her tunic is held in place by a black cincture. The three patrons of the Augustinians are St. Augustine, St. Monica and Our Lady of Consolation. In addition, the devotion to Our Lady of Consolation inspired what is known as the "Augustinian Rosary" which is sometimes called the "Corona of Our Mother of Consolation."
During the early 1700s, the devotion to Our Lady of Consolation was introduced to Malta. It was here that people began asking for a special blessing invoking Our Lady of Consolation for the dying. It became such a popular custom that monks could leave the monastery without asking permission to confer this blessing. Eventually, devotion to Our Lady of Consolation spread all over the world.
In the United States, the Basilica and National Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation are located in Carey, Ohio. The church was first built in 1868 and named St. Edward. When Father Joseph Growden was given the responsibility of caring for the church he asked the faithful in Carey to pray to Mary, Our Lady of Consolation for her help in getting a new church built. He promised to name the church "Our Lady of Consolation".
On May 24, 1875, a statue of Our Lady of Consolation, having been procured by Father Joseph from the Cathedral of Luxembourg, was carried from St. Nicholas church to the new church in Carey. News reports tell of the tremendous rains that fell that day and, during the seven-mile procession, not a drop fell on the statue or the people bringing the statue to its new home. Upon arriving in the new church the rain fell once again---everywhere.
Today devotion to Our Lady of Consolation is of great importance in such places as Luxembourg, England, France, Japan, Manila, Turin, Malta, Australia, Venezuela and other places. Pope St. John Paul II visited the shrine in Germany. Our Lady of Consolation has certainly made herself available in many places so her children can quickly come to her if need be. You just have to love being Catholic.
St. Augustine, pray for us; St. Monica, pray for us; and
Our Lady of Consolation, please pray for us all.
Feast Days for Our Lady of Consolation are varied. The Augustinians celebrate it on September 4; the Benedictines on July 7. In the USA it is usually on October 22 or the last Sunday in October.
Copyright© Larry Peterson 2017
The First Apparition of the Blessed Mother took place while she was still Alive. The year was 40AD.
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
Our Lady of Pillar---catholic.comBy Larry Peterson
Only seven years after Jesus death and Resurrection, on October 12, 40 A.D., an incredible event took place. That was the day the very first Marian apparition ever recorded took place. And yes, Our Lady was still alive at the time. This apparition occurred in Spain and it was Jesus' apostle, St. James the Great, brother of St. John, who the Blessed Virgin appeared to. This apparition is known as Our Lady of Pillar.
During the very early days of Christianity, James had traveled to a pagan land called Zaragoza, in the Roman province of Hispania which today is better known as Spain or Espana. Zaragoza was a foreboding place and James was having a very difficult time evangelizing the people in the area. They just did not seem to care and they did not even like this strange man from a different country.
Legend has it that James, despondent and dejected had fallen into (what we call today), a terrible "funk". No matter how much he tried he could not seem to lift his own spirits. One night, James was praying by the banks of the Ebro river. Suddenly a great light engulfed him. James knelt, staring into the light, and what he saw was beyond description. In the light was the Virgin Mary and she was surrounded by thousands of angels.
She told James that he should persevere because, ultimately, his work for Jesus would have great results and many would turn to the Faith. She asked that a church be built on the place where she appeared and left behind a pillar of "Jasper" to mark the spot where she had been. The Virgin Mary also left a small statue of herself holding the infant Jesus in her arms. The statue was sitting atop the Jasper pillar. Since the Blessed Virgin was still alive and living in Jerusalem, her appearance is considered an act of bilocation.
James immediately gathered some of his new followers and began work on a chapel on the designated site. The chapel is the first church ever dedicated to Mary and today, after many renovations, is known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It is located in the exact place Our Lady appeared 2000 years ago.
James participated in the dedication of the small church and returned to Jerusalem. Ironically, he was the first apostle to die for the faith. In 44 A.D., Herod Agrippa, had James beheaded. The disciples of James took his body back to Spain for final burial. The statue and pillar were taken under the protection of the people of Zorogaza.
The many miracles surrounding the relic can attest to its heavenly origin. For example, in almost 2000 years the statue has never needed dusting. In 1936, the Catholic-hating "Reds" bombed the shrine but the bombs that hit the church never exploded. No one is allowed to touch the statue except for the four priests assigned to its care and newborn infants can be lifted up to touch the image of their heavenly Mom.
Popes from the earliest times have attested to the authenticity of Our lady's appearance at the shrine. Pope Calixtus III issued a Papal bull in 1456 encouraging people to make pilgrimages to Our Lady of Pillar. The miracle of the shrine's foundation was even acknowledged.
The most prominent miracle occurred in the 17th century. A beggar named Miguel Pellicer from the town of Calanda, could not work due to having an amputated leg. He was constantly praying at the shrine for the Blessed Mother's help. She answered his prayers for sure because his leg was restored. When word of this spread, pilgrimages greatly increased to the shrine and it has been so ever since.
Over the centuries many controversial stories arose concerning the authenticity of this shrine. Pope Innocent III, answering an appeal from Spain, had twelve cardinals investigate all the data available. On August 7, 1723, the Sacred Congregation of Rites, affirmed the original. In 1730, Pope Clement XII, allowed the feat of Our Lady of Pillar to be celebrated throughout the Spanish empire. Eventually she was declared Patroness of the Hispanic World. Our Lady of Pillar's feast day is October 12.
One final thought. As a young seminarian, St. Josemaria Escriva, made daily visits to the shrine of Our Lady of Pillar. He always prayed for guidance and eventually founded Opus Dei. The members honor her feast day each year.
Our Lady of Pillar, pray for us.
copyright©Larry peterson 2017
Our Lady of Pillar---catholic.comBy Larry PetersonOnly seven years after Jesus death and Resurrection, on October 12, 40 A.D., an incredible event took place. That was the day the very first Marian apparition ever recorded took place. And yes, Our Lady was still alive at the time. This apparition occurred in Spain and it was Jesus' apostle, St. James the Great, brother of St. John, who the Blessed Virgin appeared to. This apparition is known as Our Lady of Pillar.
During the very early days of Christianity, James had traveled to a pagan land called Zaragoza, in the Roman province of Hispania which today is better known as Spain or Espana. Zaragoza was a foreboding place and James was having a very difficult time evangelizing the people in the area. They just did not seem to care and they did not even like this strange man from a different country.
Legend has it that James, despondent and dejected had fallen into (what we call today), a terrible "funk". No matter how much he tried he could not seem to lift his own spirits. One night, James was praying by the banks of the Ebro river. Suddenly a great light engulfed him. James knelt, staring into the light, and what he saw was beyond description. In the light was the Virgin Mary and she was surrounded by thousands of angels.
She told James that he should persevere because, ultimately, his work for Jesus would have great results and many would turn to the Faith. She asked that a church be built on the place where she appeared and left behind a pillar of "Jasper" to mark the spot where she had been. The Virgin Mary also left a small statue of herself holding the infant Jesus in her arms. The statue was sitting atop the Jasper pillar. Since the Blessed Virgin was still alive and living in Jerusalem, her appearance is considered an act of bilocation.
James immediately gathered some of his new followers and began work on a chapel on the designated site. The chapel is the first church ever dedicated to Mary and today, after many renovations, is known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar. It is located in the exact place Our Lady appeared 2000 years ago.
James participated in the dedication of the small church and returned to Jerusalem. Ironically, he was the first apostle to die for the faith. In 44 A.D., Herod Agrippa, had James beheaded. The disciples of James took his body back to Spain for final burial. The statue and pillar were taken under the protection of the people of Zorogaza.
The many miracles surrounding the relic can attest to its heavenly origin. For example, in almost 2000 years the statue has never needed dusting. In 1936, the Catholic-hating "Reds" bombed the shrine but the bombs that hit the church never exploded. No one is allowed to touch the statue except for the four priests assigned to its care and newborn infants can be lifted up to touch the image of their heavenly Mom.
Popes from the earliest times have attested to the authenticity of Our lady's appearance at the shrine. Pope Calixtus III issued a Papal bull in 1456 encouraging people to make pilgrimages to Our Lady of Pillar. The miracle of the shrine's foundation was even acknowledged.
The most prominent miracle occurred in the 17th century. A beggar named Miguel Pellicer from the town of Calanda, could not work due to having an amputated leg. He was constantly praying at the shrine for the Blessed Mother's help. She answered his prayers for sure because his leg was restored. When word of this spread, pilgrimages greatly increased to the shrine and it has been so ever since.
Over the centuries many controversial stories arose concerning the authenticity of this shrine. Pope Innocent III, answering an appeal from Spain, had twelve cardinals investigate all the data available. On August 7, 1723, the Sacred Congregation of Rites, affirmed the original. In 1730, Pope Clement XII, allowed the feat of Our Lady of Pillar to be celebrated throughout the Spanish empire. Eventually she was declared Patroness of the Hispanic World. Our Lady of Pillar's feast day is October 12.
One final thought. As a young seminarian, St. Josemaria Escriva, made daily visits to the shrine of Our Lady of Pillar. He always prayed for guidance and eventually founded Opus Dei. The members honor her feast day each year.
Our Lady of Pillar, pray for us.
copyright©Larry peterson 2017
October 16, 2017
* “A Different Love Story: Remembering “The Prison Angel”; Mother Antonia Brenner
Mother Antonia Brenner praying with convict at La Mesa Prison articles-latimes .com
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
by Larry Peterson
**This article is an update of one published on the 2nd and 3rd anniversary of Mother Antonia's passing.
This is a love story. No, it is not about romantic love. Rather, it is about the love ofChrist exploding in the soul of a woman who ran with her God-given gift and did her best to shower it upon some of the meanest and worst criminals in Mexico.
This is about Mother Antonia Brenner, who was born in Beverly Hills, CA, was married and divorced twice, had seven children and ultimately became known as the "Prison Angel" of La Mesa Prison, the worst and most dangerous prison in all of Mexico. Mother Antonia died four years ago on October 17. On the anniversary of her passing, I just thought I would remember her with a few words.
Mary Clarke was born in Beverly Hills, Calif.on December 1, 1926. Her dad, Joe Clarke, was a successful businessman and Mary and her two siblings grew up surrounded with affluence and the glitz of the movie world. One thing was certain about Papa Joe. No matter how good life was for his family he made sure his kids were always taught to help the less fortunate. The desire to help others would blossom in Mary and was one day destined to explode. However, before the "explosion" Mary embarked on a circuitous life journey.
Mary married at 18 and had three children. The first died shortly after birth. That marriage ended in divorce and then Mary married again. The wedding took place in Las Vegas and it was to a man named Carl Brenner. She and Carl had five children together but ultimately, that marriage also ended in divorce. Mary had somehow distanced herself from her strict Catholic upbringing. No matter, it seems that the Holy Spirit had his eye on Mary Clarke her entire life. It was time for Him to shower His grace on His daughter.
Mary became more and more involved in charity work and has her seven children got older she began to visit La Mesa Penitentiary to deliver donations such as food, medicine, and clothing to the prisoners. The plight of the prisoners at La Mesa began to impact her greatly and as time went by her growing compassion and love of neighbor would become focused on these people. They would become her specialty, her ministry, her purpose in life.
In 1977, after her kids were grown and her second divorce was final, Mary gave away her expensive belongings, moved out of her home in Ventura and headed to La Mesa. She had received permission to move there. Her new home was to be a 10' by 10' cell. She would live as any other inmate, sleeping in her concrete cell and having only cold water and prison food. The amenities in her room included a Crucifix on the wall, a Bible and Spanish dictionary nearby and a hard, prison bed. In the morning she lined up with the other prisoners for roll call. This was to be her home for the next thirty years.
The story of how this twice divorced woman and mother of seven kids from two marriages was accepted by the Catholic Church as a Sister and founder of a new order can be found at the links provided. Suffice it to say that as time went by Sister Antonia became "La Mama" (Mother Antonia) aka The Prison Angel,
Mother Antonia Brenner praying with prisoners.. courtesy eudistssisters.orgShe walked freely among the drug traffickers, thieves, murderers, rapists, and others touching cheeks and offering prayers. Many of these people were among the most violent and desperate of men. Yet she happily walked with them and comforted and consoled them and held their heads between her hands as they were dying.
Mother Antonia Brenner truly saw the face of Christ in each and every prisoner she came in contact with. She loved them all. Why else would hardened criminals, some who had never loved or been loved, call the diminutive woman who hailed from Beverly Hills, "La Mama"? They loved her in return.
I believe that one day Mother Antonia Brenner will be canonized a saint and inducted into the "Catholic Hall of Fame". She was an example for each and every one of us showing us how to selflessly "love our neighbor" no matter who they might be.
N.B. Mother Antonia founded the order known as The Eudist Servants of the 11th Hour. The word, Eudist, is taken from St. John Eudes, a 17th-century priest, and founder of the Eudists Order and the Order of Our Lady of Charity. The 11th Hour indicates that the Eudists sisters accept women in life having a second calling. They must be at least 45 years-old to enter the order.
October 14, 2017
Our Lady of Good Remedy---Her Intercession saved Countless Christian Slaves
IT MAKES SENSE TO ME
By Larry Peterson
wikimedia.commonsMatthew 25: 37-40
"Then the Righteous will answer Him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Those gospel passages from Matthew's gospel give us Jesus' teachings on what is commonly known as the Corporal Works of Mercy. Who could have ever thought at the time of Christ that 1200 years later these simple directives from our Lord would not only lead to the founding of two religious orders, the Trinitarians and the Mercedarians, but also to a special devotion to the Blessed Mother where she is known as Our Lady of Good Remedy.
The Christian societies of southern Europe and the Muslim tribes of North Africa waged war with each other intermittently from the eighth through the fifteenth centuries. During these times Muslim bandits continually raided Sicily, Southern France and parts of Spain, kidnapping Christians and dragging them into slavery and/or holding them for ransom. The time had come for a man by the name of John of Matha to appear on the scene. He was destined to save and rescue the kidnapped and imprisoned and they numbered in the thousands.
John was born in southern France in 1169. Born to noble parents of high standing, John, had the best education available at the time but never became self-indulged. On the contrary, John always had an affinity for the downtrodden and always saw fit to give most of the monies his parents sent him to the sick and the poor. In fact, it is known that John visited the hospital every Friday to assist in taking care of the sick.
Acknowledging his calling to the priesthood, John of Matha, was enrolled at the University of Paris, learned theology and was ordained a priest in 1193. As he celebrated his first Mass he saw a vision of Christ holding two chained captives by their hands. One was a Moor (Muslim) and the other a Christian. The Christian held a staff emblazoned with a red and blue cross. It was this moment in time when John decided his mission in life was to rescue Christians from the Moors.
Realizing he needed time to plan, reflect and pray about his new calling, John sought out the hermit known as, Felix of Valois, for his guidance and mentoring. Felix, already 70-years-old, readily agreed and joined forces with John. Together they headed to Rome to ask Pope Innocent III, for permission to start a new order dedicated in honor of the Blessed Trinity. On December 17, 1198, this permission was granted and so was born the Order of the Most Holy Trinity aka Trinitarians.
When Father John began his ministry of rescuing and ransoming, he had no idea that those captured and imprisoned numbered in the thousands. John needed money...lots of money...to begin "buying" enslaved Christians back from the Moors. He knew in his heart there would be only one way he might have success. He turned his money quest over to the Blessed Virgin.
Our dearest Mother Mary apparently heard John's call for help and she answered him without hesitation. In fact, over the following centuries, thousands upon thousands of Christians were saved and returned home. John of Matha, in thanksgiving and in appreciation of our Lady's intercession bestowed on her the title of "Our Lady of Good Remedy".
Devotion to Mary under this title is well known throughout Europe and Latin America. Her feast day is October 8 and she is depicted as the Blessed Virgin handing a bag of money to John of Matha. We should all remember that whenever we are having a difficult time obtaining help with something, no matter how complicated it may seem, we can invoke Our Lady of Good Remedy. She is simply waiting to hear from you.
John of Matha was canonized a saint by Pope Alexander VII in 1666. His feast day is December 17. His partner, Felix of Valois, was canonized a saint by Pope Urban IV in 1262. His feast day is November 4.
We ask both St. John of Matha and St. Felix of Valois to pray for us all.
And last but not least, we ask Our Lady of Good Remedy to PLEASE pray for us.
copyright©LarryPeterson 2017
By Larry Peterson
wikimedia.commonsMatthew 25: 37-40"Then the Righteous will answer Him and say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? When did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison, and visit you?
And the king will say to them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."
Those gospel passages from Matthew's gospel give us Jesus' teachings on what is commonly known as the Corporal Works of Mercy. Who could have ever thought at the time of Christ that 1200 years later these simple directives from our Lord would not only lead to the founding of two religious orders, the Trinitarians and the Mercedarians, but also to a special devotion to the Blessed Mother where she is known as Our Lady of Good Remedy.
The Christian societies of southern Europe and the Muslim tribes of North Africa waged war with each other intermittently from the eighth through the fifteenth centuries. During these times Muslim bandits continually raided Sicily, Southern France and parts of Spain, kidnapping Christians and dragging them into slavery and/or holding them for ransom. The time had come for a man by the name of John of Matha to appear on the scene. He was destined to save and rescue the kidnapped and imprisoned and they numbered in the thousands.
John was born in southern France in 1169. Born to noble parents of high standing, John, had the best education available at the time but never became self-indulged. On the contrary, John always had an affinity for the downtrodden and always saw fit to give most of the monies his parents sent him to the sick and the poor. In fact, it is known that John visited the hospital every Friday to assist in taking care of the sick.
Acknowledging his calling to the priesthood, John of Matha, was enrolled at the University of Paris, learned theology and was ordained a priest in 1193. As he celebrated his first Mass he saw a vision of Christ holding two chained captives by their hands. One was a Moor (Muslim) and the other a Christian. The Christian held a staff emblazoned with a red and blue cross. It was this moment in time when John decided his mission in life was to rescue Christians from the Moors.
Realizing he needed time to plan, reflect and pray about his new calling, John sought out the hermit known as, Felix of Valois, for his guidance and mentoring. Felix, already 70-years-old, readily agreed and joined forces with John. Together they headed to Rome to ask Pope Innocent III, for permission to start a new order dedicated in honor of the Blessed Trinity. On December 17, 1198, this permission was granted and so was born the Order of the Most Holy Trinity aka Trinitarians.
When Father John began his ministry of rescuing and ransoming, he had no idea that those captured and imprisoned numbered in the thousands. John needed money...lots of money...to begin "buying" enslaved Christians back from the Moors. He knew in his heart there would be only one way he might have success. He turned his money quest over to the Blessed Virgin.
Our dearest Mother Mary apparently heard John's call for help and she answered him without hesitation. In fact, over the following centuries, thousands upon thousands of Christians were saved and returned home. John of Matha, in thanksgiving and in appreciation of our Lady's intercession bestowed on her the title of "Our Lady of Good Remedy".
Devotion to Mary under this title is well known throughout Europe and Latin America. Her feast day is October 8 and she is depicted as the Blessed Virgin handing a bag of money to John of Matha. We should all remember that whenever we are having a difficult time obtaining help with something, no matter how complicated it may seem, we can invoke Our Lady of Good Remedy. She is simply waiting to hear from you.
John of Matha was canonized a saint by Pope Alexander VII in 1666. His feast day is December 17. His partner, Felix of Valois, was canonized a saint by Pope Urban IV in 1262. His feast day is November 4.
We ask both St. John of Matha and St. Felix of Valois to pray for us all.
And last but not least, we ask Our Lady of Good Remedy to PLEASE pray for us.
copyright©LarryPeterson 2017
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