Monthly Archives: September 2024

St. Jerome Emiliani

St. Jerome Emiliani

St. Jerome Emiliani

Feast dayJuly 9
Birth1872
Death1900
Beatified24 November 1946 by Pope Pius XII
Cannonized October 1, 2000 by Pope John Paul II

St. Jerome Emiliani, a remarkable saint who dedicated his life to caring for the vulnerable and abandoned. 🌟

  • Birth and Early Life:
  • St. Jerome Emiliani, also known as Gerolamo Emiliani, was born in Venice around 1486.
  • Initially, he led a careless and irreligious life as a soldier for the city-state of Venice. However, his path took an unexpected turn.
  • Conversion and New Calling:
  • Captured during a skirmish, Jerome was imprisoned and chained in a dungeon. In that dark place, he found solace in prayer and gradually learned to seek God.
  • Upon escaping, he returned to Venice, where he took charge of his nephews’ education and began his own studies for the priesthood.
  • Compassion in Action:
  • Plague and famine struck northern Italy, and Jerome responded by caring for the sick and feeding the hungry at his own expense.
  • His heart turned toward abandoned children, and he founded three orphanages, a shelter for penitent prostitutes, and a hospital.
  • Founding the Clerks Regular of Somasca:
  • Around 1532, Jerome, along with two other priests, established the Clerks Regular of Somasca. This congregation was dedicated to the care of orphans and the education of youth.
  • Their mission was to serve those in need, especially abandoned children.
  • Legacy and Canonization:
  • St. Jerome Emiliani died in 1537 from a disease he contracted while tending to the sick.
  • He was canonized in 1767.
  • In 1928, Pope Pius XI declared him the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children.
  • Reflection:
  • Jerome’s life teaches us that sometimes it takes a form of “imprisonment” to free us from self-centeredness. When we’re caught in challenging situations, we discover the liberating power of God.
  • Let us learn from St. Jerome Emiliani’s example—to become a source of compassion and care for those around us.

St. Jerome Emiliani, pray for us! 🙏🌟

¹: Franciscan Media
²: Saint for a Minute
³: Wikipedia
⁴: Catholicireland.net

Source: Conversation with Copilot, 03/09/2024
(1) Saint Jerome Emiliani | Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-jerome-emiliani/.
(2) Saint Jerome Emiliani – Catholic Saint | Saint for a Minute: Saints …. https://www.saintforaminute.com/saints/saint_jerome_emiliani.
(3) Gerolamo Emiliani – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerolamo_Emiliani.
(4) Feb 8 – St Jerome Emiliani (1481-1537) – Catholicireland.net. https://www.catholicireland.net/saintoftheday/st-jerome-emiliani/.

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Daily mass readings Sept 11, 2024

Daily mass readings : Wednesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : 1 Cor 7:25-31

Brothers and sisters:
In regard to virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord,
but I give my opinion as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.
So this is what I think best because of the present distress:
that it is a good thing for a person to remain as he is.
Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek a separation.
Are you free of a wife? Then do not look for a wife.
If you marry, however, you do not sin,
nor does an unmarried woman sin if she marries;
but such people will experience affliction in their earthly life,
and I would like to spare you that.

I tell you, brothers, the time is running out.
From now on, let those having wives act as not having them,
those weeping as not weeping,
those rejoicing as not rejoicing,
those buying as not owning,
those using the world as not using it fully.
For the world in its present form is passing away.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 45:11-12, 14-15, 16-17

R. (11) Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear,
forget your people and your father’s house.
So shall the king desire your beauty;
for he is your lord, and you must worship him.
R. Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
All glorious is the king’s daughter as she enters;
her raiment is threaded with spun gold.
In embroidered apparel she is borne in to the king;
behind her the virgins of her train are brought to you.
R. Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.
They are borne in with gladness and joy;
they enter the palace of the king.
The place of your fathers your sons shall have;
you shall make them princes through all the land.
R. Listen to me, daughter; see and bend your ear.

Alleluia : Lk 6:23ab

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Rejoice and leap for joy!
Your reward will be great in heaven.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 6:20-26

Raising his eyes toward his disciples Jesus said:

“Blessed are you who are poor,
for the Kingdom of God is yours.
Blessed are you who are now hungry,
for you will be satisfied.
Blessed are you who are now weeping,
for you will laugh.
Blessed are you when people hate you,
and when they exclude and insult you,
and denounce your name as evil
on account of the Son of Man.

Rejoice and leap for joy on that day!
Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.
For their ancestors treated the prophets
in the same way.

But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your consolation.
But woe to you who are filled now,
for you will be hungry.
Woe to you who laugh now,
for you will grieve and weep.
Woe to you when all speak well of you,
for their ancestors treated the false
prophets in this way.”

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 7 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children This School Year

 7 Scriptures to Pray Over Your Children This School Year

As a new school year begins in a week, we as parents often have mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety for their children.  While new opportunities for learning and growth abound, so do potential challenges and uncertainties. 

In these moments, prayer becomes one of the most powerful ways to support your children. Here are 7 scriptures to pray over your children in this academic year , seeking god’s guidance , protection and blessing for them.

1. Wisdom and  Understanding

Scripture :   “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God , who gives to all liberally and without reapproach, and it will be given to him

James  1:5

As children face academic challenges and navigate , social complexities, praying for wisdom is crucial. Ask God to grant them the wisdom to make sound decisions, the understanding to grasp new concepts, and the ability to choose the right path in the difficult situations.

The wisdom from God will equip them to excel not only in their studies but all aspects of life.

Prayer :

Lord please bless our children with wisdom and understanding, help them to learn and grow in their studies , and guide them in making wise decisions. Grant them the ability to comprehend new concepts and apply their knowledge in a meaningful ways.

2. Protection from Harm:

Scripture  : ” The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life, the Lord will   watchover your coming and going both now and forever more

Psalm 121:7-8

In today’s world  Safety is a top most concern for parents . This scripture serves as a reminder that God watches over our children’s every step.  Let us pray for his divine protection to surround them at school, on the bus & wherever they go. And also ask the lord that may be sheilded from physical harm, bullying and negative influnces.

Prayer :

Heavenly Father, I pray for your protection over our children. Command you angels to guard them in all their ways and keep them safe from any harm. Protect them from physical , emotional, and spiritual dangers and surround them with your loving presence.

3. Strong friendships

Scripture  : “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

Proverbs 17:17

Friendships play a significant role in a child’s school experience. Pray for your children to form strong, healthy friendships with peers who will encourage them, uplift them, and walk alongside them through both good times and bad. Ask God to help them be good friends to others, showing kindness, empathy, and love.

Prayer :

Heavenly Father, I pray for my children’s friendships. Please bring kind, loving friends into their lives who will support and encourage them. Help them to be good friends in return, showing love and kindness at all times.

4.Peace

Scripture  :

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus.”

 Philippians 4:6-7

Pray that your children experience the peace of God amidst the stresses and
pressures of school life. Ask that their hearts and minds be guarded by His
peace, helping them to remain calm and focused.

Prayer :

Lord, I lift up my children to You and ask that You fill their hearts and minds with
Your peace. Help them to not be anxious about anything, but to bring their
worries to You in prayer. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, and
grant them peace that transcends all understanding.

 5. Strength and Courage

Scripture  : “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

 Joshua 1:9

Pray for strength and courage for your children as they face new challenges and opportunities. Ask God to help them overcome fear and discouragement, reminding them that He is always with them.

Prayer:

Lord, please grant my children the strength and courage they need to face the challenges and opportunities of this school year. Help them to overcome fear and discouragement, and remind them that You are always with them wherever they go.

6. Integrity

Scripture  : “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.”

Proverbs 10:9

Pray for your children to walk in integrity and honesty. Ask God to guide them in making ethical choices and to stand firm in their values, even when faced with peer pressure.

Prayer: 

Lord, I pray that my children will walk in integrity and honesty. Guide them in making ethical choices and help them to stand firm in their values, even when faced with peer pressure. Let their actions reflect Your righteousness.

7. Love for Learning

Scripture  : “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

Proverbs 1:5

Pray that your children develop a love for learning and a desire to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Ask God to instill in them a curiosity and enthusiasm for their studies.

Prayer: 

Heavenly Father, please instill in my children a love for learning and a desire to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Help them to be curious and enthusiastic about their studies, always seeking to add to their understanding.

 Conclusion:

As you pray these scriptures over your children, trust that God hears your prayers and is working in their lives. By lifting them up in prayer, you are covering them with His grace, protection, and blessings, setting them on a path for a successful and spiritually enriched school year.





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Daily mass readings for Sept 10, 2024

Daily mass readings : Tuesday of the Twenty-third Week in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 : 1 Cor 6:1-11

Brothers and sisters:
How can any one of you with a case against another
dare to bring it to the unjust for judgment
instead of to the holy ones?
Do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world?
If the world is to be judged by you,
are you unqualified for the lowest law courts?
Do you not know that we will judge angels?
Then why not everyday matters?
If, therefore, you have courts for everyday matters,
do you seat as judges people of no standing in the Church?
I say this to shame you.
Can it be that there is not one among you wise enough
to be able to settle a case between brothers?
But rather brother goes to court against brother,
and that before unbelievers?

Now indeed then it is, in any case,
a failure on your part that you have lawsuits against one another.
Why not rather put up with injustice?
Why not rather let yourselves be cheated?
Instead, you inflict injustice and cheat, and this to brothers.
Do you not know that the unjust will not inherit the Kingdom of God?
Do not be deceived;
neither fornicators nor idolaters nor adulterers
nor boy prostitutes nor sodomites nor thieves
nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor robbers
will inherit the Kingdom of God.
That is what some of you used to be;
but now you have had yourselves washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
and in the Spirit of our God.

Responsorial Psalm : Ps 149:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6a and 9b

R. (see 4) The Lord takes delight in his people.
Sing to the LORD a new song
of praise in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Israel be glad in their maker,
let the children of Zion rejoice in their king.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let them praise his name in the festive dance,
let them sing praise to him with timbrel and harp.
For the LORD loves his people,
and he adorns the lowly with victory.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.
Let the faithful exult in glory;
let them sing for joy upon their couches;
Let the high praises of God be in their throats.
This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia.
R. The Lord takes delight in his people.

Alleluia : See Jn 15:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
I chose you from the world,
That you may go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 6:12-19

Jesus departed to the mountain to pray,
and he spent the night in prayer to God.
When day came, he called his disciples to himself,
and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles:
Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew,
James, John, Philip, Bartholomew,
Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon who was called a Zealot,
and Judas the son of James,
and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

And he came down with them and stood on a stretch of level ground.
A great crowd of his disciples and a large number of the people
from all Judea and Jerusalem
and the coastal region of Tyre and Sidon
came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases;
and even those who were tormented by unclean spirits were cured.
Everyone in the crowd sought to touch him
because power came forth from him and healed them all.

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Daily mass readings for Sept 9, 2024

Daily mass readings : Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

Reading 1 : 1 COR 5:1-8

Brothers and sisters:
It is widely reported that there is immorality among you,
and immorality of a kind not found even among pagans–
a man living with his father’s wife.
And you are inflated with pride.
Should you not rather have been sorrowful?
The one who did this deed should be expelled from your midst.
I, for my part, although absent in body but present in spirit,
have already, as if present,
pronounced judgment on the one who has committed this deed,
in the name of our Lord Jesus:
when you have gathered together and I am with you in spirit
with the power of the Lord Jesus,
you are to deliver this man to Satan
for the destruction of his flesh,
so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

Your boasting is not appropriate. 
Do you not know that a little yeast leavens all the dough?
Clear out the old yeast, so that you may become a fresh batch of dough,
inasmuch as you are unleavened.
For our Paschal Lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed.
Therefore, let us celebrate the feast,
not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness,
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Responsorial Psalm : PS 5:5-6, 7, 12

R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
You hate all evildoers.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
But let all who take refuge in you
be glad and exult forever.
Protect them, that you may be the joy
of those who love your name.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

Alleluia : Jn 10:27

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel : Lk 6:6-11

On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught,
and there was a man there whose right hand was withered.
The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely
to see if he would cure on the sabbath
so that they might discover a reason to accuse him.
But he realized their intentions
and said to the man with the withered hand,
“Come up and stand before us.”
And he rose and stood there.
Then Jesus said to them,
“I ask you, is it lawful to do good on the sabbath
rather than to do evil,
to save life rather than to destroy it?”
Looking around at them all, he then said to him,
“Stretch out your hand.”
He did so and his hand was restored.
But they became enraged
and discussed together what they might do to Jesus.

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