Holy Hour of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Free Printable Download)
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Time Travelling Confirmed! Time Travel for Beginners (for Catholics only!)
By K.V. Turley (NC Register) Who has not dreamt of time travel? My version of this came one day in an out of the way bookstore some years back. Browsing the shelves of used books is always interesting. Often, the more shabby the emporium, the rarer the gems to be found there. Such was the case that day. I spied a book on the French Revolution – a set text at school, and taking it from the shelf, looked at the cover. It was the first time I’d set eyes upon the volume in decades. A host of memories flooded back. On opening it, I noticed a name written on the inside leaf: mine. To look at the writing of one’s younger self provokes a curious cavalcade of emotions. I ran my finger over the signature. Needless to say, I bought the book and took it home and placed it on a shelf. Unsurprisingly, I have never read it, or even glanced at the text since. I have opened it, though, just to look at the signature once more. And, every time I do, I am transported back in time to a day and year when all seemed possible. It’s time travel of a sort – emotionally at least. In 1895, two events related to time travel occurred — one in the realm of literary fiction, the other in the field of scientific theory. In London, the scientist-turned-novelist H.G. Wells was putting the finishing touches to what, in speculative fiction, was to become a seminal novel: The Time Machine. At the same time, in Switzerland, oblivious of Wells’ soon-to-be-published work, there was a daydreaming student who was struggling to complete his education. Later, while working as a clerk, he continued to daydream. His were no ordinary daydreams, however. They were what the young man termed ‘thought experiments’ and one of the subjects upon which he sat thinking was the nature of space and its relationship to time. Ten years later, to the consternation of the scientific establishment, his ‘thought experiments’ crystallized into a strange new theory that seemed to turn accepted Newtonian physics on its head. The clerk’s name was Albert Einstein; and his theory, published in 1905, was on special relativity. It appeared to make viable – theoretically at least – the concept of time travel. Soon, his ideas came to the notice of others, with the first practical experiments in relativity taking place as early as 1919. So too began, for some at least, the challenge to build the world’s first time machine. Of course, no such machine has yet appeared. What is deemed theoretically possible has, to date, proved elusive outside the world of fiction and the studios of Hollywood. In any event, in the 1960 film adaptation of Wells’ The Time Machine, we see all too clearly that the initial thrill of time travel is soon replaced by a morbid sense of where mankind’s future may lie. More 1960s than 1890s, the future as depicted in that film consisted of a post-apocalyptic netherworld inhabited by a divided and joyless bunch of humans and sub-humans. To be fair, when the film was made the world did appear to be only minutes away from atomic annihilation. Perhaps the thinking then was that knowing what the future held was not such a good idea after all. Wells was famously an atheist. It may have come as a surprise to him, therefore, to learn that Catholics take to the concept of time travel not only easily but readily. Wells’ hero time traveled endlessly, backward and forward, in a materialistic universe. We, however, have another set of ‘gears’; and they can take us upwards, inwards, as well as beyond. A form of this time travel, and one central to our faith, the ‘source and summit’ of all we hold dear, is the Holy Mass. By way of explanation, let me point to some interesting passages in the best place to begin any exploration of doctrinal matters: The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC). The CCC states that the Holy Mass is part of a future event: 1326… by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all. The CCC goes on to say that it also brings forth a past event: 1330 The Holy Sacrifice… makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Savior. 1362 The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the making present and the sacramental offering of his unique sacrifice, in the liturgy of the Church which is his Body. Returning to the beginnings of salvation history, the CCC then recalls the scriptural understanding of remembering the Passover: 1363 In the sense of Sacred Scripture the memorial is not merely the recollection of past events but the proclamation of the mighty works wrought by God for men. In the liturgical celebration of these events, they become in a certain way present and real. This is how Israel understands its liberation from Egypt: every time Passover is celebrated, the Exodus events are made present to the memory of believers so that they may conform their lives to them. The CCC adds that this recalling of the Passover assumes its full meaning in relation to Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary: 1364 In the New Testament, the memorial takes on new meaning. When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, she commemorates Christ’s Passover, and it is made present the sacrifice Christ offered once for all on the cross remains ever present. Read More…
Pray This 9-Hour Novena for an Urgent Need!
Many Catholics are familiar with the concept of a novena, which involves praying for nine consecutive days for a particular intention. While this is often very effective, some are in need of a more urgent response from God, and turn to a 9-hour novena prayed in a single day. The novena can also be prayed for nine consecutive days, but most pray this for nine hours. There is no guarantee you will get exactly what you are praying for, but God always answers our prayers. It may not be what we expect, but we always receive a response. The key is to pray the 9-hour novena with faith and trust in God, letting God decide how best to respond to your prayer. 9-Hour Novena Prayer O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened,” through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “All that you ask of the Father in My Name, He will grant you,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your name that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) O Jesus, Who has said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away but My word shall not pass away,” through the intercession of Mary Your Most Holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted. (Make your request) PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING Divine Infant Jesus, I know You love me and would never leave me. I thank You for Your close Presence in my life. Miraculous Infant, I believe in Your promise of peace, blessings, and freedom from want. I place every need and care in Your hands. Lord Jesus, may I always trust in Your generous mercy and love. I want to honor and praise You, now and forever. Amen. Read More with Aleteia
Catholic Man Protected His Home From L.A Wildfire Through Epiphany House Blessing
“A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.” Psalm 91:7 This Bible verse emphasizes God’s protection and care for those who trust in Him. Amen Catholic man’s house in Altadena miraculously spared from fire. He gives credit to God through the gace received from the Epiphany House Blessing. A Catholic man, who is both a lawyer and a movie producer, blessed his home with Epiphany Chalk and Blessing When a wildfire struck, he evacuated with his family. The following day, he returned to his property to find that his house was the only one spared, standing untouched amidst the surrounding homes that had burned to the ground. This is a Catholic miracle. There are many people who wrongly believe that many of our traditions and prayers are just wishful thinking or even superstition. But faithful Catholics know that there is tremendous supernatural power in these prayers and traditions. Please know that this in no way implies that everyone whose house burnt is without faith because even Catholic churches were destroyed. However, it also doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t celebrate this miracle. Read More… https://youtu.be/Ksl_YQR8ekk?si=8WEnTQvcfctDJqH3
Miracle! St. Padre Pio Provides Long Distance Assistance: St. Padre Pio’s Bilocation Helps a Family
The Holiness of St. Padre Pio There are a number of reasons for this. Many might cite the fact that he received many extraordinary graces including visions, the stigmata, bilocation, and even miracles attributed to his intercession. However, it should always be noted that Holy Mother Church never raises a man or woman to the altar for extraordinary graces. As proof of that, there are countless saints who were never known to have received any of these extraordinary gifts. Instead, the Church confirms the sanctity of the saints by examining the way that the lived their lives. The primary question which is to be verified during the process of canonization is whether the man or woman lived a life of heroic virtue. In the case, of St. Pio, he certainly lived such a life. Although he spent almost his entire adult life at his friary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy, he was able to impact the lives of his fellow friars, his community, and indeed the world through the ministry of his priesthood. In fact, it is through his faithfulness as a priest that St. Pio lived out his life of heroic virtue. First and foremost, he had a deep devotion to the Holy Eucharist which was the center of his day. Then, he gave himself to others through administering the sacrament of Penance. Like, St. John Vianney, he might spend double digit hours a day hearing confessions and providing wise spiritual counsel. Similar to the French saint, he was able to read souls, and he used that gift to help the penitents make good confessions. The long hours in the confessional were due to the crowds that would come to this remote monastery in order to confess their sins to the Lord through St. Pio. St. Pio was also known for his devotion to Our Lady and the Holy Rosary and his concern for the poor. Many, many rosaries were prayed by the saint, and he encouraged his spiritual children to do the same. Through his efforts, a hospital was built in the small town of San Giovanni Rotondo to help the ill and suffering with whom St. Pio was especially close as one who suffered poor health for most of his life. Two Places at Once: Padre Pio’s Bilocation However, St. Padre Pio’s miracles have spread his repution, and I would like to share a story that demonstrates the awesome gifts that God gave him and he used for the saving of souls. The story begins when Pio was 17 years old and a student in Sant’Elia a Pianisi. At around 11:00 p.m. on the night of January 18, 1905, Pio was in choir at the seminary when he at once found himself in a distant home he had neither visited nor seen. The home was the home of a wealthy man who was dying while the wife was about to give birth. Then the Virgin Mary appeared to him and told him that she was entrusting to him the care of the child to be born. The Blessed Virgin Mary requested that Pio polish her to transform her from a diamond in the rough to be a brilliant gem. Pio replied, “How is this possible, since I am still a mere divinity student and do not yet know whether I will one day have the fortune and joy of being a priest? And even if I become a priest, how can I take care of this child, since I am so far away?” The Blessed Virgin Mary reassured him saying, “Do not doubt. She will come to you, but first you will meet her at St. Peter’s in Rome.” Then, Pio found himself back in the choir. Within three weeks of the event, Pio wrote down the details of his bilocation and gave the document to his superiors. They kept it locked away and spoke to no one about it. The actual copy of his document is preserved in the friary of Santa Marie delle Grazie. Death, Birth, and a Surprise Visitor On that same January night over 350 miles away in Udine, there was a wealthy man, Giovanni Rizanni, who was dying and whose wife, Leonilde, was in the eighth month of her pregnancy. About the time that she had become pregnant with their sixth child, her husband had become terminally ill. The man was a fervent Mason and he wanted nothing to do with the Catholic Church despite his wife’s strong Catholic faith and her imploring him to allow a priest to visit with him before he passed away. Little did she know how her prayers would be answered. When she was in the room with her husband, she looked up to see a Capuchin friar. When the friar saw her, he quickly left the room. Leonilde followed him out of the room but did not seen him again. While trying to locate the friar, she heard the family dog begin to bay which she understood as a sign that her husband’s death was nigh. Because the dog continue to bay, she decided to go outside and untie the dog. Before she could get outside she went into labor. Fortunately, she was able to call the family’s business manager who was at the home, and he helped her deliver a baby girl. As soon as she could, the wife took the baby upstairs to the nursery where she placed the child in the crib and then rejoined her husband who was indeed nearing the end. Meanwhile the business manager went outside and confronted the group of Masons who were physically preventing any priest from entering the home. Appealing to them, he convinced them to let the priest enter if not for the husband than to baptize the child who had been born a month early. The men blocking the entrance to the home stepped aside, and a priest who had been waiting patiently in the street went immediately…
A JUBILEE PRAYER BASED ON SCRIPTURE AND THE POPE FRANCIS BULL OF INDICTION OF THE ORDINARY JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2025 By Fr Emil Milat
Powered By EmbedPress A JUBILEE PRAYER BASED ON SCRIPTURE AND THE POPE FRANCIS BULL OF INDICTION OF THE ORDINARY JUBILEE OF THE YEAR 2025 By Fr Emil Milat Heavenly Father Thank you for this Sacred Jubilee Year of Hope. A time of greater intensity in the life of Grace where liberation is proclaimed according to your Word Jesus. (Leviticus 25:1-22). Where you command we return to our ancestral property. Jesus became incarnate to raise this grace (Isaiah 61:1-3), to the level of Spirit, so we can all return not to a physical inheritance but our true homeland- that life of grace as Sons and Daughters of God. The life lost by Adam and Eve in the ancient Garden. We pray for this return. Thank you for this year of rest (Matt 11:28-30), Jesus said come to me all you who are burdened, we ask for a year of rest. The Jubilee multiplies past prayers, where the prayers sown in the field of grace can produce abundance for the next two years (or more). We ask that the prayers of our Holy Catholic Church in the Eucharistic become an outpouring of Grace for this year and next. A flood drawing and sweeping us in the Ark of Peter to a full return into the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We repent of our debts of sin- where we have exploited others or neglected our own inner life with the Holy Spirit. We forgive anyone who is debt to us. As the Holy Door was opened in Rome, by the Pope who has the keys of Peter, may our wills open to the Holy Door of your Divine Will being done on earth as in heaven, by the Redemptive merits of Jesus Christ’s death on the Cross; which this Jubilee recalls. For Jesus is the true “door” (Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation. We were reconciled to God through his death and saved by his life” (Rom 5:19). As we set out on a deeper Pilgrimage of faith this year. We have already crossed the threshold of two millennia from the birth of Jesus Christ in the year 2000, and received the grace of mercy from the Extraordinary Jubilee in 2016. Now in this new Jubilee, may this Holy Year guide our steps towards the 2033 anniversary of the redemption won by the passion, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The Jubilee is a new freedom from slavery, may we be free from worldly strongholds that keep our eyes on empty desires. May this 1700 anniversary of the Council of Nicaea (which preserved the Church’s unity, in proclaiming the full divinity of Jesus Christ and his consubstantiality with you His the Father) release a new encounter with the divinity of Christ. Finally may the Immaculate Heart of Mary triumph in a deeper way, as she brings to birth a deeper fullness in the Body of Christ through the Holy Spirit. We unite with all the Rosaries and prayer in the Marian shrines this year. Maybe we experience a harbinger of new heavens and a new earth (cf. 2 Pet 3:13), where men and women will dwell in justice and harmony, in joyful expectation of the fulfilment of the Lord’s promises. Let us even now be drawn to this hope! May the way we live our lives say to others: “Hope in the Lord! Hold firm, take heart and hope in the Lord!” (Ps 27:14).
How We Know Jesus Was Actually Born On 25th December?
How We Know Jesus Was Born on December 25 Introduction The Catholic Church, since at least the second century, has celebrated the birth of Christ on December 25. However, some argue that Jesus was not born on this date. Let us examine the usual objections to December 25 as Christ’s birthday and provide theological, historical, and scriptural responses to uphold this sacred tradition. Objection 1: December 25 Was Chosen to Replace the Pagan Festival of Saturnalia Claim: Saturnalia, a popular Roman winter festival, was replaced by Christmas to encourage conversions to Christianity. Reply: While Saturnalia celebrated the winter solstice, it was held from December 17 to December 23. The dates do not align with December 25. Thus, the claim that Christmas replaced Saturnalia is not supported by historical evidence. Objection 2: December 25 Was Chosen to Replace the Pagan Holiday Natalis Solis Invicti Claim: December 25 marks the pagan “Birthday of the Unconquered Sun,” established by Emperor Aurelian in AD 274. Reply: Historical records show that Natalis Solis Invicti is not mentioned on December 25 before AD 354, and the same manuscript also lists December 25 as the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Emperor Julian the Apostate later tried to establish December 25 as a pagan holiday to rival the Christian celebration. Thus, Christmas predates the so-called pagan holiday, and the attempt to replace it came from anti-Christian efforts, not the Church. Objection 3: Shepherds Would Not Be Herding in Winter Claim: Luke’s Gospel describes shepherds in the fields of Bethlehem, which would be unlikely in the cold of winter. Reply: Bethlehem’s climate is mild during December, comparable to modern-day Dallas, Texas, which is still comfortable for outdoor activities. Historical accounts, such as those of Cornelius a Lapide, confirm that shepherds tended their flocks in the fields during late December. Why December 25? I. Scriptural Evidence Using the Bible, we can approximate Christ’s birth date by first determining the birth of John the Baptist. Priestly Courses in the Temple Zechariah, John’s father, served during the “course of Abias” (Luke 1:5). Historical records place this service in late September. John the Baptist was conceived shortly thereafter, around late September. Adding nine months brings John’s birth to late June, aligning with the Church’s celebration on June 24. Jesus’ Birth in Relation to John The Angel Gabriel informed Mary that Elizabeth was six months pregnant at the time of the Annunciation (Luke 1:36). If John was born in late June, adding six months places Christ’s birth in late December. II. Biological Calculations From John the Baptist’s conception in late September to his birth in late June (nine months), and from June to December (another six months), the timeline confirms a late December birth for Christ. The Annunciation on March 25, nine months before December 25, further supports this calculation. III. Testimony from the Blessed Virgin Mary Sacred Tradition asserts that Mary herself provided the date of Christ’s birth. Mothers never forget the details of their children’s births, and the Virgin Mary, knowing her Son was the Messiah, would surely have shared this with the Apostles. IV. Early Church Fathers Pope St. Telesphorus (AD 126–137) established the tradition of Midnight Mass on December 25. St. Hippolytus (AD 170–240) explicitly stated: “The First Advent of our Lord in the flesh occurred…on December 25.” Church Fathers connected March 25 (Annunciation and Crucifixion) to Christ’s birth, affirming the sacred tradition. Conclusion December 25 as Christ’s birthday is rooted in Scripture, tradition, and historical evidence. The Church’s observance of this date predates any pagan celebrations, and early Christians, guided by Mary and the Apostles, commemorated it with devotion. Ultimately, whether or not Christ was born on December 25, the celebration affirms the profound mystery of God becoming man. Let us rejoice in the Light of the World! Read More…
I met a miracle : the story of John Traynor, miraculously cured at Lourdes
The Astonishing Miracle of John Traynor: From Broken Veteran to Lourdes Pilgrim On September 10, 1937, Reverend Patrick O’Connor, a missionary of St. Columban, found himself face-to-face with a miracle in the bustling railway station of a French town. That miracle had a name—John Traynor. Towering at five feet ten, with a strong ruddy face and a burly frame, Traynor’s presence stood out. Yet, his mere ability to stand and move, let alone his robust health, was nothing short of miraculous. Years earlier, medical science had written him off as an incurable wreck, destined to remain paralyzed, epileptic, and riddled with unhealing wounds. But by God’s grace, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, John Traynor defied the laws of nature. His story, painstakingly verified by newspaper accounts, official medical reports, and eyewitness testimonies, is a testament to faith, perseverance, and the miraculous power of Lourdes. John Traynor’s Early Life and Military Service Born in Liverpool to Irish parents, John Traynor grew up in a home steeped in Catholic faith. His mother, a devout daily communicant, left him a legacy of deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. When World War I erupted in 1914, Traynor was mobilized with the Royal Naval Reserve. During the ill-fated Antwerp expedition, he was severely injured, suffering a head wound from shrapnel. Although he miraculously recovered and returned to duty, his service took him to Gallipoli in 1915, where his life would change forever. At Gallipoli, Traynor faced one of the deadliest battles of the war. Leading men through relentless gunfire, he was struck by machine-gun bullets that wounded his chest, head, and right arm. Despite the bravery that earned him the respect of his comrades, these injuries left him permanently disabled. His right arm was paralyzed, his legs partly immobile, and his skull bore a gaping hole where shrapnel had damaged his brain. Frequent epileptic fits compounded his suffering. By 1923, eight years after Gallipoli, he was declared incurably incapacitated by no less than ten doctors. A Pilgrimage of Faith In July 1923, news of a diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes reached Traynor. Despite his critical condition, he resolved to make the journey, trusting in the Blessed Virgin’s intercession. His decision faced stiff resistance. Doctors warned he would likely die en route, and even the priest organizing the pilgrimage begged him to reconsider. Traynor, however, remained steadfast. “If I die, I’ll die in a good cause,” he said. With the help of neighbors, Traynor scraped together the funds for the trip, even pawning his wife’s few pieces of jewelry. Against all odds, and amid protests from family, friends, and doctors, he embarked on the arduous journey to Lourdes. The pilgrimage itself was grueling. Traynor, severely weakened, suffered multiple epileptic fits and hemorrhages along the way. At several points, attendants feared he wouldn’t survive the journey. Upon arrival in Lourdes, his condition remained critical. Yet, despite the odds, Traynor insisted on participating in all devotions, including being bathed in the waters of the Grotto spring. The Miracle at Lourdes On July 25, 1923, Traynor was wheeled to the baths for what seemed to be his final attempt at healing. His legs, long paralyzed, suddenly began to move violently. Those attending him feared another epileptic seizure. When he was placed in the bath, Traynor experienced a surge of strength. Later that day, during the Blessed Sacrament procession, Archbishop of Rheims blessed him with the monstrance. At that moment, Traynor realized something extraordinary. His right arm, paralyzed since 1915, began to move. The atrophied muscles regained life, and he was able to make the sign of the cross for the first time in years. He stood up, walked unaided, and felt his body restored. His wounds healed, his strength returned, and the epileptic fits ceased completely. The paralytic, the man declared incurable by doctors, was whole again. Medical Verification and the Testimony of Faith Traynor’s healing wasn’t just a matter of personal testimony. His case was thoroughly examined by six doctors, including specialists from England, France, and Belgium. Their official report confirmed the permanence of his cure. The Catholic Medical Bureau in Lourdes declared it a genuine miracle, attributing his recovery to divine intervention through the intercession of Our Lady. What makes Traynor’s story even more compelling is his character. Far from seeking fame, he remained humble, deeply devoted to his faith, and committed to living as a fearless Catholic. His miraculous healing inspired countless others, becoming a beacon of hope for those who suffer and a testament to the power of prayer. Legacy of a Miracle John Traynor’s journey from a broken veteran to a living miracle is a story of unwavering faith and God’s boundless mercy. It reminds us of the Blessed Virgin Mary’s loving intercession and the grace available through the sacraments and devotions of the Church. Today, Traynor’s story continues to inspire Catholics worldwide, a powerful reminder that no matter how dire our circumstances, God’s healing hand can work wonders when we trust in Him. As the Reverend Patrick O’Connor, who documented Traynor’s story, aptly said: “It was a grace to hear and a duty to recall.” Indeed, the miracle of John Traynor remains a profound testament to the enduring power of faith.
The Divine Origin of the Human Soul:Exploring Why DNA Reflects Parental Traits in God’s Creation?
From a Catholic perspective, the origin of the human soul is rooted in God’s creative act. The Catholic Church teaches the following about the soul: Direct Creation by God: The soul of each human being is individually and directly created by God. It does not come from the parents or any material process. This is based on the understanding that the soul is spiritual and immaterial. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 366) states:“The Church teaches that every spiritual soul is created immediately by God—it is not ‘produced’ by the parents—and also that it is immortal: it does not perish when it separates from the body at death, and it will be reunited with the body at the final Resurrection.” At the Moment of Conception: The soul is infused into the body at the moment of conception. This belief underscores the Church’s teaching on the sanctity of human life from conception. Made in God’s Image: The soul reflects the image and likeness of God. This gives every person an inherent dignity and the capacity for reason, love, and a relationship with God. Genesis 1:27 supports this: “God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Immortal and Unique: Each soul is unique and immortal, meaning it will not cease to exist but will live eternally, either in communion with God or separated from Him, depending on one’s choices in life. To explore the Catholic understanding of the soul more deeply, let’s break it down into key themes and expand on each: 1. The Nature of the Soul Spiritual and Immaterial: The soul is not physical. It cannot be seen or touched because it belongs to the spiritual realm, which transcends the material universe. Immortality: The soul does not die. When the body ceases to function at death, the soul continues to exist and awaits the resurrection at the end of time (CCC 1020–1060). Scriptural Basis: “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36) 2. The Soul’s Origin Direct Creation by God: Each soul is a unique act of creation, emphasizing its dignity and purpose. This personal creation distinguishes humans from other creatures and highlights their role as stewards of creation (Genesis 1:28–30). Theological Reflection:St. Thomas Aquinas described the soul as the “form of the body,” meaning it animates and gives life to the physical body. Without the soul, the body is lifeless. 3. The Soul’s Purpose Union with God: The soul’s ultimate purpose is to know, love, and serve God in this life and enjoy eternal communion with Him in Heaven. Moral Responsibility: Since the soul is the seat of intellect and will, humans can freely choose good or evil. These choices affect the soul’s eternal destiny. Catechetical Teaching: “The desire for God is written in the human heart, because man is created by God and for God; and God never ceases to draw man to himself.” (CCC 27) 4. The Soul After Death Particular Judgment: At the moment of death, the soul faces a personal judgment based on its choices during life. The soul can enter Heaven (possibly via Purgatory), Hell, or await the resurrection of the body at the Last Judgment. Eternal Destiny: The soul’s eternal fate—whether in union with God or separation—reflects its alignment with God’s will. Scriptural Basis: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:46) 5. Practical Implications for Catholics Sanctity of Life: Belief in the soul’s origin and dignity underpins Catholic teaching against abortion, euthanasia, and any act that devalues human life. Sacraments: Baptism cleanses the soul from original sin, and the Eucharist nourishes it. Reconciliation restores it when damaged by sin. Prayer and Virtue: A healthy soul is cultivated through prayer, acts of charity, and the pursuit of virtue. So why DNA build certain characteristics of our parents if soul come from God? Are such characteristics relating to body or soul? Or to behavior? This is a profound question, touching on the relationship between the physical body (shaped by genetics) and the spiritual soul (created by God). Let’s explore this from a Catholic perspective: 1. The Body and DNA: Physical Inheritance DNA is the biological blueprint inherited from parents. It determines physical characteristics (like eye color, height, and even some predispositions to behaviors or abilities). These traits relate entirely to the body, which is formed through the union of the parents’ genetic material. While DNA can influence tendencies in behavior (such as temperament or certain predispositions), these are not deterministic. Human behavior involves choices, which are guided by intellect and free will—faculties of the soul. 2. The Soul: Unique and Created by God The soul is immaterial and not a product of DNA. It is directly created by God at the moment of conception. The soul includes: Intellect (the capacity to reason and understand). Will (the capacity to choose freely between good and evil). These faculties give humans the ability to rise above purely biological or genetic influences. 3. Interaction Between Body and Soul The body and soul are deeply united in the human person, forming a single nature. The soul animates the body and allows it to think, feel, and act. The body expresses the soul. For example, a smile reveals joy, and tears express sorrow. Certain traits may seem to bridge the gap: Temperament and personality: Influenced by genetics and environment but shaped by the soul’s intellect and will. For instance, someone may inherit a short temper but learn to practice patience through moral effort. Talents and inclinations: Physical traits (like dexterity for music) come from DNA, but their cultivation and purpose depend on the soul’s choices. 4. Behavior: Body, Soul, and Free…
St. Andrew Christmas Novena | Prepare Your Heart!
The feast of St. Andrew has always been closely associated with the beginning of Advent as it usually falls shortly after the First Sunday of Advent. In light of that fact, for at least the past century a prayer was developed as a daily preparation for Christmas and took November 30 as its starting point. It is sometimes called the Christmas Novena, St. Andrew’s Novena, St. Andrew’s Christmas Prayer, or the Christmas Anticipation Prayer. It is a beautiful prayer that focuses on the moment of Christ’s birth and can act as a great meditation for Advent. The prayer is customarily prayed 15 times a day, but in reality it can be prayed once a day or whenever you remember throughout the next month. If you are looking for a prayer to pray each day of Advent to prepare your heart to receive Christ, try the “Christmas Novena.” St. Andrew Christmas Novena Hail and blessed be the hour and momentIn which the Son of God was bornOf the most pure Virgin Mary,at midnight,in Bethlehem,in the piercing cold.In that hour vouchsafe, O my God,to hear my prayer and grant my desires,[here mention your request]through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,and of His blessed Mother. Amen. Read More with Aleteia