Homily #141106b ( 12min) Play – Fr. Elias continues on thoughts about the spiritual life and how we must prepare ourselves to fight the good fight. This includes developing a prayer life, receive the sacraments regularly and receive spiritual direction from a competent director.
Ave Maria!
Mass: Thursday in the 31st Week in Ordinary Time – Wkdy – Form: OF
Readings: 
1st: phi 3:3-8
Resp: psa 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Gsp: luk 15:1-10

Audio (MP3)

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Conferences #277 – ( 55min) >>> Play

Ave Maria!

Adult themes discussed, viewer discretion advised

At the 2015 Courage Conference at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Il.  Fr. John Waiss, Pastor of St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago titles his talk, “The Role of Relationships in Understanding Identity” using the insights of John Paul II’s personalism. He connects the relationship with God to that of people around us and that this should be how we identify ourselves. Where as today we have performance based identity, how much we make, how attractive we are and this is the cause of our moral decadence. By focusing on our relationships, God first and then our neighbors, we will be able to grow a healthy self-identity and avoid the escapism of various addictions including sex.  In this regard he discusses the different but complimentary roles of spiritual direction and psychological therapy and the importance of family.

Courage is a Roman Catholic Apostolate to those who experience same sex attraction, providing them moral and community support to help them live according to the teachings of the Church. http://couragerc.org/

Audio (MP3)

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A note to a spiritual directee who is despondent:

I noticed the tone of despondency in your letter, a yielding to that commonest of all the evil suggestions of the tempter. What is the use of all the struggling without any results and so much prayer followed by no apparent improvement? It is a very clever temptation, and a successful one with most souls, resulting in the giving up of the very things which are slowly but surely making them saints.

If only one could grasp this fact: every tiny thing, such as an aspiration, self denial, etc., makes us holier than we were. Just think of the thousands of tiny things done each day for God. For example each step we take when all is done for Him, every one of them has added to our merit, making us more pleasing in His site, and each moment holier.

No one can see this gradual spiritual growth, but sometimes when we have gained a big victory, we wondered where the strength came from to do it. I have watched your steady progress in perfection with the greatest joy and gratitude for your generosity and so I want to warn you not to listen to such a suggestion that your efforts have been in vain.

Your biggest fault at present, my child, is that you have not yet completely bent your will to God’s designs. I think it would please help immensely to have no wishes of our own, apart from holy ones, so that He could bend and twist and fashion us just as He pleases, knowing well that we will not even murmur. Remember this does not mean that our feelings will die also.

+Fr. Willie Doyle, S.J.

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In the homily for the Feast of St. Matthias, Apostle (May 14, 2019), Fr. Andre encourages the laity to promote vocations, and young men to respond to the call of ordained priesthood. “A man who is over 25 and still single is likely being called.”

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Matthias the Apostle – Feast
Readings: 
1st: Act 1:15-17, 20-26
Resp: Ps 113:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8
Gsp: John 15:9-17

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1072, http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/051419.cfm

Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/90378558559/videos/669752423446798
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/3csC4yAQ_aU

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The post Called, Not Yet Chosen: Encouraging Priestly Vocations – May 14 – Homily – Fr Andre first appeared on AirMaria.com.

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Feb 29, 2020, on how the account of St. Matthew’s call to be a disciple highlights the need to discern the will of God for our lives so that we can become holy, be with him for all eternity and help others to do the same. He outlines three ways that with prayer will enable :

1. God directly shows us a direction. i.e. St Paul and St. Matthew. Our will is clearly moved in a particular direction.
2. Process discernment where we pray and discern on the alternatives and see which gives us peace and consolation.
3. Discerning using our natural powers at a time of great tranquility, when we are not being swayed by passions and emotions and then weigh the pros and the cons.

All should be confirmed in prayer.

He recommends Fr. Timothy Galligher’s book Discerning God’s Will: https://www.amazon.com/Discerning-Will-God-Ignatian-Christian/dp/0824524896

Ave Maria!

Mass: Saturday after Ash Wednesday – Wkdy
Readings: 
1st: isa 58:9-14
Resp: psa 86:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 0
Gsp: luk 5:27-32

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1739

Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/90378558559/videos/555137728684716
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/hUia29amEZI

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Fr Ignatius gives the homily at Bloomington, IN on Sep 09, 2020, on how chastity is a gift that only some can accept but comes with many rewards both in this life and in eternity.

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Peter Claver – Opt Mem
Readings: Wednesday in the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/090920.cfm
1st: 1co 7:25-31
Resp: psa 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17
Gsp: luk 6:20-26

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1150&r=938

Also on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/90378558559/videos/368912500935207
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/AW4TSczZSpk

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0:00 – The life of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Confessor, First Order (1887-1968) for the September 23rd Franciscan Saint of the Day.

0:18 He was a priest who experienced almost constant mystical phenomena, culminating in the Stigmagta, the impression of the five wounds of the Crucified Christ on his body.
1:47 His sanctity was exhibited in many hours in the confessional, spiritual direction, his very devout masses, long hours of prayers
1:55 Biography details
2:50 Sensure, Stigmata Questioned, His obedience
3:19 Daily Schedule
5:40 Spiritual direction & Hospital – built the large hospital called “House for the Elevation of Suffering”.
7:04 Death in 1968
7:38 Seeing Christ in the poor and suffering
8:36 Spiritual Council
9:35 Prayer to be always united to Christ

Read by Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia, FI from Marion Habig’s “The Franciscan Book of Saints” Revised Edition, Franciscan Herald Press, ISBN: 978-0819907516

Playlist of Franciscan Saints: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxcAETrU_k&list=PLejh_e0-LN4wErRczZGry4TXytCZFiLCm

Ave Maria!

St. Padre Pio, Pietrelcina, Confessor, First Order, Italy, Stigmata, Hospital, Spiritual direction, Prayer, Fasting, Mystical phenomena, Confession, Mass, Obedience, Franciscan Saint of the day, Marion Habig, The Franciscan Book of Saints, Saints, Biography, Franciscan, Spiritual Reading, Fr. Ignatius Manfredonia,

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Ave Maria!

Fr. Terrance explains the simplicity of St Therese’s spirituality that characterized her Little Way. He starts with biblical references, that perfection consists in simplicity, just as God is simple and seeing all things in relation to our Creator. He relates this to prayer, including, distractions, intentions, mystical experiences, ecstasy, and to being childlike, being trusting children, also the darkness of faith, and persevering in faith when in spiritual darkness.

This is the first talk of four from his retreat on the Little Way of St Therese that focuses on her simplicity, love of neighbor, and love of God. It took place in August 2021 at the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center in Bloomington, IN: https://maryschildren.com/

Retreat Notes (PDFs):
Talks 1-2: https://airmaria.s3.amazonaws.com/conf/conf0564-Simplicity.pdf
Talk 3: https://airmaria.s3.amazonaws.com/conf/conf0567-Love%20of%20God.pdf
Talk 4: https://airmaria.s3.amazonaws.com/conf/conf0566-Love%20of%20neighbor.pdf

Also on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3UISSKH4aZ4

For more on this retreat:
AirMaria: http://dev.airmaria.com/tag/st-therese-retreat-2021/ and
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UISSKH4aZ4&list=PLejh_e0-LN4zxO5D3FlwNYWzSmG7-PMJ9

Previous Retreat on St. Therese, focusing on Confidence in God: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLejh_e0-LN4z6-gNFgBC47JBq4hsWvcwz or http://dev.airmaria.com/tag/st-therese-retreat-2020/

Source Books:

“The Complete Spiritual Doctrine of St. Therese” by Fr. Francois Jamart https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Spiritual-Doctrine-Therese-Lisieux/dp/0818903473

“The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology”, by Fr. Adolphe Tanquerey – Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Spiritual-Life-Treatise-Ascetical-Mystical/dp/1626540888

Online version here but it is in several sections (completeness uncertain):

Sect 1 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12628
Sect 2 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12629
Sect 3 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12630
Sect 4 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12631
Sect 5 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12632
Sect 6 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12633
Sect 7 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12634
Sect 8 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12635
Sect 9 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12636
Sect 10 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12637
Sect 11 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12638
Sect 12 – https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/spiritual-life-12639

“The Theology of Christian Perfection” by Antonio Royo Marin:

Sect 1 –  http://thecatholicarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/147a.pdf
Sect 2 – https://thecatholicarchive.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/147b.pdf

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Consultation with Mary:  Errors to Avoid

 consultation is important but easy to fall into errors

0:00 – Interior obstacles

0:46 – 1 – Spiritual sloth, horror of effort

Mary will not do our thinking for us we need always to put the effort forth and not retreat from them

1:50 – 2 – Haste and mechanical routine

To be too quick at assuming what Mary wants to do

must be willing to consult with Mary

2:34 – 3 – Attachment to what we want to do

We need to place ourselves in holy indifference

we imagine that Mary wants us to do what pleases us

so we will not look for Our Lady’s input

3:26 – 4 – Neglecting Spiritual Direction and or confession

 consultation is not a replacement for spiritual direction or confession or any other second cause

 consultation does not replace but augments enable us to confession and direction better

 4:20 – 5 – Feelings and Imagination

Confusing our own thoughts and feelings with those of Mary

 strong feelings are not necessarily Our Ladies will

 consultation with Mary will often induce us to work against our own feelings

5:14 – Importance of Making a Habit of Consultation 

To do it often and do it well.

Ave Maria!

These first episodes are based on the Book – Life of Union with Mary by Fr. Emile Neubert https://academyoftheimmaculate.com/products/life-of-union-with-mary-print

Playlist for Series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBNpjXOa-eo&list=PLejh_e0-LN4wey3YziX70SumRdJifoxc9

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The post Consultation with Mary:  Errors to Avoid – SCMA 10 first appeared on AirMaria.com.

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Jan 20, 2023, where he continues with his series on how to assess private revelation, covering how we should discern whether a supposed apparition or message from God is from the seer’s own human imagination.

Notes:

Tanqueray, Spiritual life: Natural qualities – Are they psychologically sound? Do they have common sense? Are they overly emotional? Physical health? Too much fasting? Overly active imagination? All these thing help but are not definitive.

Supernatural qualities – Virtues and Vices, prideful, willing to go to a spiritual director, God prefers simple souls, Again not definitive but signs, and can help bring out lies and misconception – The Spiritual Life: A Treatise on Ascetical and Mystical Theology – https://tanbooks.com/products/books/catholic-tradition/church-teachings/the-spiritual-life-a-treatise-on-ascetical-and-mystical-theology/

Summary – It is not easy, needs prudence and  caution

Lumen Gentium 12 – http://www.clerus.org/bibliaclerusonline/en/gh4.htm

Preference or exclusive focus on private revelation is a bad sign that can lead us away from authoritative public revelations. But should not discard them altogether.

Don’t need to hold to approved apparitions exclusively, sometimes need to look at unapproved if friends or parishioners are starting to follow it.

Playlist on this series on Private Revelation – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NapQHzx7uV0&list=PLejh_e0-LN4y42myKti-7trU4m_CAZLn1 

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Sebastian – Opt Mem
Readings: Friday 2nd Week of Ordinary Time – http://usccb.org/bible/readings/012023.cfm
1st: heb 8:6-13
Resp: psa 85:8, 10-14
Gsp: mar 3:13-19

More on the Readings: http://dev.airmaria.com/r?m=1901&r=1369

Also on Facebook: https://fb.watch/iaryAPfOUR/
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/aMxLekI77l8

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