The Magnificat – also known as the Song of Mary or the Canticle of Mary – is one of the eight most ancient Christian hymns and possibly the earliest Marian hymn. The canticle’s text is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) where the Virgin Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant with the future John the Baptist. After Mary greets Elizabeth, the child moves within Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, and Mary in turn responds with what is now known as the Magnificat. (This scenario is also known as the Visitation, one of the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.)
Here is the Magnificat, in both English and Latin. I have also included the hymn in this post below.
The Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this … [Read More...]
Originally posted on April 16, 2011
I’ve noticed that when I Google the words Catholic Church Scandals 6,600 global monthly searches pop up. And yet, when I Google the words Protestant Church Scandals only 46 global monthly searches pop up. Jewish Synagogue Scandals gets 0 (zero) searches, and Muslim Mosque Scandals is also 0 (zero.) I never really stopped to think (until now) about the fact that the Catholic Church scandals are really the only scandals we hear about in anything religion-based. I mean, I suppose there must be other scandals involving other religions, but it’s so weird to me that the Catholic Church scandals are the only ones with an astronomical Google search count.
Catholics Are Creating Catholic Church Scandals
Another thing I’ve taken notice of since starting my blog last June is the way in which some Catholics (many of whom are bloggers) with a significant online presence think nothing of bashing other Catholics whenever something negative in … [Read More...]
Tomorrow, March 26th, is the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. (The Annunciation is typically celebrated on March 25th, unless that day falls on a Sunday during Lent.) On this day of the Annunciation, we celebrate the angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary when he announced that the Blessed Virgin was chosen by God to be the Mother of the Lord. We also celebrate Mary’s fiat, which was her willingness to accept God’s holy plan.
The Angelus (latin for “angel”) is a prayer that may be recited in memory of the Incarnation. It was traditionally recited in Roman Catholic churches, convents and monasteries three times a day at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Some Anglican and Lutheran churches also use this devotion.
The Angelus
V. The angel spoke God’s message to Mary,
R. and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail, Mary. . . .
V. ”I am the lowly servant of the … [Read More...]
Originally posted on March 2, 2011
The other day one of the readers suggested that I write about the Scapular. I have to admit, I probably should’ve covered this topic by now, and in fact had already received this suggestion from that same reader a few months ago. The Scapular is such an important element of our Catholic faith but unfortunately, it isn’t as popular as it once used to be.
What Is the Scapular?
Most Catholics have at least heard of the Scapular, even if they don’t choose to wear it. However, I’m guessing there are probably several others (maybe in the younger age groups) who have either never heard of it or who only have a vague idea of what it is and why it plays such a significant role in our salvation.
This is The Catholic Encyclopedia’s description, word for word, of what the Scapular is in terms of the actual physical definition:
It consists essentially of … [Read More...]
On February 11th, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This apparition was the first of a series that followed. On March 25th of that year, there was an apparition in which the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” You can read more about Our Lady of Lourdes here.
Today we remember Our Lady of Lourdes, and invoke her aid for all of the people we know who are suffering from bodily ills. We should also remember that St. Bernadette of Lourdes is the patron saint of bodily ills, and we can always turn to her when we need prayers for a sick loved one or for anyone suffering from any type of bodily ailment, including sickness in general. She is also the patron saint of poor people and people ridiculed for their piety.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge … [Read More...]
I’m sure by now all of you are aware that President Obama’s health care reform law is forcing Catholic universities, hospitals, and charities to provide insurance for their employees covering contraception, in spite of the fact that it is in direct violation of the Church’s teachings. You can read about it here.
I found this prayer that entrusts the Church to Mary and I thought that this would be the perfect time to post it. Part of the problem with the way the world is going is that there are too many complacent people just sitting back and allowing things to happen rather than standing for something, and speaking up against injustice and wrongdoing. And even if you don’t have the gift of speech, you certainly have the gift of prayer. Jesus told us that if man has faith the size of a mustard seed he can move mountains. Anyway, here’s the prayer:
Prayer of Entrusting the Church to … [Read More...]
This is the twelfth in a series of posts titled True Devotion to Mary which I started in a hopeful effort to promote the prophetic message of Saint Louis De Montfort in his book titled True Devotion to Mary. Please refer back to this post which will link you back to the previous ones. Everything written in burgundy font is quoted directly from Saint Louis De Montfort’s book.
What I’ve done in all the past True Devotion posts is add my own personal remarks and insights below De Montfort’s words. However, I thought it might be interesting this time to see what other people have to say. Please feel free to leave your comments below or, if you prefer, send me something via a private email and I’ll read it and then add it to this post either giving you credit, or keeping your name anonymous, whichever you prefer.
-THIRD TRUTH-
We Need Mary in Order to Die to … [Read More...]
I was watching Women of Grace the other night which airs on the EWTN network and is hosted by Johnnette Benkovic. She and her guests were discussing some morally adverse issues facing young girls and parents of young girls in today’s world. Much of the discussion was wrapped around the topic of sexualization and pornification of women, starting with little girls as young as three years old and even younger.
The show reminded me of a post I’d written a year ago about the breakdown of the family and the alarming state of decline society is sinking into as it allows and even promotes the pedophilia chic concept to take root in our culture, like a weed in an unattended garden. Why isn’t there more being done about this blatant danger? We scream and rage for more child protection laws and services, and yet the sexualization of children – girls and boys – that can be witnessed around the globe … [Read More...]
Originally posted on January 3, 2011
Yesterday I wrote a post called Fatima Story and indicated that I’d continue with the rest of it in the next few posts. I have become newly attracted to the Fatima story message and simply want to share my enthusiasm with the people (you) whom I care about. It isn’t as if I hadn’t been familiar with Our Lady of Fatima all along. But I guess it’s more like I’ve taken a sort of new interest in its significance in our lives today vs. simply appreciating its mysterious appeal as viewed through a Hollywood movie that was filmed over 50 years ago.
For me, the Fatima story has become a sort of wake-up call for the world of today. It is as if Our Lady is illuminating our lives with an old story being retold with modern day insight and appeal. I’m not sure I’m making any sense here, but hopefully if you read … [Read More...]
Originally posted on January 2, 2011
All Catholics probably have their own individual impression of the Fatima story. By that I mean that when we hear the word “Fatima” or reflect upon its mark in history where Our Lady is concerned, a certain thought, prayer, image, statue, movie, etc. most likely goes through our minds; we immediately associate the Fatima story with whatever it is that most impressed us about Our Lady of Fatima.
When I think of the Fatima story the first thing that comes to my mind is the three children: Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. My first exposure to the Fatima story was some time around the age of seven or eight. I saw an old movie (probably the first of the Fatima movies) that was filmed in 1952. Actually, I’m not sure there were any follow-ups, though I believe there is a new one soon to be released. I think what most interested me at that young … [Read More...]
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Hello, my name is Margo. When I was 23 years old and working as a part-time nanny in New York City I had the pleasure of caring for a little 5-year-old boy named Alexander. One day I had been overcome with sadness and in a weak moment, I found myself confiding to this little boy about a friend I couldn't find because he was lost. Alexander, quickly responded without missing a beat, “Follow a trail!” [