Whether we are beginning our personal prayer time, settling in to reading Scripture, or coming before the Lord at Mass, it’s always a good idea to take a few moments to focus our hearts. We can take our cue from the desert fathers or the long line of monks and nuns who have spent hours in prayer.
Step 1. Close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.… Read more
Reflections
CHRISTIAN LIFE—A CALL TO HOLINESS
Our daily lives are constantly filled with many struggles. These struggles sometimes pose a difficulty to whoever is facing them. There are many things that can be seen as examples of these struggles being talked about. Those who excel in these struggles do not just attain that height; they do that through a sincere and untiring effort. It is not just the case of bread and cheese; rather it is built on hard work.… Read more
SAINTS & HEROES Remembering Pope St. John Paul II A personal recollection of the drawing and converting power of Karol Wojtyla’s relationship with God BY LOUISE PERROTTA
What is it like to pray with a saint? I never expected to know. But as the banners went up in St. Peter’s Square calling for the speedy canonization of Karol Wojtyla [at his funeral in April 2005], my thoughts gratefully turned to a few occasions when I had the opportunity to pray in the presence of Pope John Paul II.… Read more
Prayer for Evangelisation
PRAYER FOR EVANGELISATION
Lord Jesus Christ, you gave us the mandate to evangelise.
We need your power for we cannot do it on our own.
Give us the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim and witness
God’s unconditional love, forgiveness and compassion for all people.
We ask you to renew your Church for this purpose.
Renew us and grant us the experience of your love, forgiveness and compassion.… Read more
Solitude and Loneliness
(By Bishop V. Phalana)
(Psalm 46:10; Mk 6:46-47, 46-47; Jn 16:32-33)
Lonely people are at times desperate, angry and passionate.
Their passion at times lacks compassion.
Lonely people want to fill their emptiness with anything, anywhere and anyhow.
Lonely people have no boundaries;
They use people and love things.
Lonely people are not in control,
They lack objectivity and cannot see things as they are.… Read more