Pope Francis, Sacred Heart of Jesus, the feast that sets the tone for the whole month

Sunset - silhouettes, reflections, mirrors, shadows.

Nunraw - South Cloister - sunset silhouettes   

Pope Francis reflects on the Sacred Heart of Jesus  Posted: Sunday, June 9, 2013 9:21 pm Sacred Heart of Jesus - José María Ibarrarán -Wiki image Pope Francis reflected on the Sacred Heart of Jesus during his audience with pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square for the Angelus on Sunday. The text follows: Dear brothers and sisters! The month of June is traditionally dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the highest human expression of divine love. Just this past Friday, in fact, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: the feast that sets the tone for the whole month. Popular piety highly prizes symbols, and the Heart of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of God's mercy – but it is not an imaginary symbol, it is a real symbol, which represents the center, the source from which salvation for all humanity gushed forth. In the Gospels we find several references to the Heart of Jesus, for example, in the passage where Christ says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart. (Mt 11:28-29)” Then there is the key story of the death of Christ according to John. This evangelist in fact testifies to what he saw on Calvary: that a soldier, when Jesus was already dead, pierced his side with a spear, and from the wound flowed blood and water (cf. Jn 19.33-34). John recognized in that – apparently random – sign, the fulfillment of prophecies: from the heart of Jesus, the Lamb slain on the cross, flow forgiveness and life for all men. But the mercy of Jesus is not just sentiment: indeed it is a force that gives life, that raises man up! [This Sunday]’s Gospel tells us this as well, in the episode of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-17). Jesus, with his disciples, is just arrived in Nain, a village in Galilee, at the very moment in which a funeral is taking place. a boy is buried, the only son of a widow. Jesus’ gaze immediately fixes itself on the weeping mother. The evangelist Luke says: “Seeing her, the Lord was moved with great compassion for her (v. 13).” This “compassion” is the love of God for man, it is mercy, i.e. the attitude of God in contact with human misery, with our poverty, our suffering, our anguish. The biblical term “compassion” recalls the maternal viscera: a mother, in fact, experiences a reaction all her own, to the pain of her children. In this way does God love us, the Scripture says. And what is the fruit of this love? It is life! Jesus said to the widow of Nain, “Do not weep,” and then called the dead boy and awoke him as from a sleep (cf. vv. 13-15). The mercy of God gives life to man, it raises him from the dead. The Lord is always watching us with mercy, [always] awaits us with mercy. Let us be not afraid to approach him! He has a merciful heart! If we show our inner wounds, our sins, He always forgives us. He is pure mercy! Let us never forget this: He is pure mercy! Let us go to Jesus! Let us turn to the Virgin Mary: her immaculate heart – a mother’s heart – has shared the “compassion” of God to the full, especially at the hour of the passion and death of Jesus. May Mary help us to be meek, humble and compassionate with our brethren. After the Angelus, Pope Francis said: Dear brothers and sisters! Today in Krakow are proclaimed Blessed two Polish women religious: Zofia Czeska Maciejowska, who, in the first half of the 17th century, founded the Congregation of the Virgins of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Margaret Lucia Szewczyk, who in the 19th century founded the Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Sorrows. With the Church in Krakow we give thanks to the Lord! I affectionately greet all the pilgrims present today: church groups, families, schools, associations, movements. I greet the faithful from Mumbai, India. I greet the Family Love Movement of Rome, the confraternities and volunteers of the Sanctuary of Mongiovino, near Perugia, Umbria, the Young Franciscans of Umbria, the "House of Charity" in Lecce, the faithful of the province of Modena, whom I encourage [in their work of] reconstruction [the region was hard-hit by an earthquake in 2012], and those of Ceprano. I greet the pilgrims of Ortona, where we venerate the relics of the Apostle Thomas, who made a journey “from Thomas to Peter”! Thank you! I wish you all a good Sunday, and a good lunch! Source: Vatican Radio/VIS

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Tags: Congregation of the Daughters of Our Lady of Sorrows., Congregation of the Virgins of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; Marg, Pope Francis, Sacred Heart of Jesus,Zofia Czeska Maciejowska

St Columba - 1450th Anniversary of the arrival of St Columba on Iona

The Apostolic Nuncio in Great Britain,
Archbishop Antonio Mennini

St Columba 1450th Anniversary Celebrations

• Written By: Website Editor
• 21-11-2012
• Categorized in: Year of Faith

During the Year of Faith the Catholic Church in Scotland will celebrate the 1450th Anniversary of the arrival of St Columba on Iona. The celebration will include

Mass on the Solemnity of St. Columba

Sunday 9th June 2013

St. Columba’s Cathedral, Oban at 5pm

Pilgrimage to Iona

Monday 10th June 2013

led by

His Excellency

Archbishop Antonio Mennini

Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain

Rt. Rev. Joseph Toal, (Bishop of Argyll & the Isles)

and the Bishops of Scotland

Iona

Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Breviary  

Cloister ICON donated by Sacred Heart Convent, Craiglockart.

  

Saturday, 8 June 2013 

The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

SECOND READING

From a sermon by Saint Laurence Justinian, bishop
(Sermo 8, in festo Purificationis B.M.V.: Opera, 2, Venetiis 1751, 38-39)

Mary stored up all these things in her heart

While Mary contemplated all she had come to know through reading, listening and observing, she grew in faith, increased in merits, and was more illuminated by wisdom and more consumed by the fire of charity. The heavenly mysteries were opened to her, and she was filled with joy; she became fruitful by the Spirit, was being directed toward God, and watched over protectively while on earth.

So remarkable are the divine graces that they elevate one from the lowest depths to the highest summit, and transform one to a greater holiness. How entirely blessed was the mind of the Virgin which, through the indwelling and guidance of the Spirit, was always and in every way open to the power of the Word of God. She was not led by her own senses, nor by her own will; thus she accomplished outwardly through her body what wisdom from within gave to her faith.

It was fitting for divine Wisdom, which created itself a home in the Church, to use the intervention of the most blessed Mary in guarding the law, purifying the mind, giving an example of humility and providing a spiritual sacrifice.

Imitate her, O faithful soul. Enter into the deep recesses of your heart so that you may be purified spiritually and cleansed from your sins. God places more value on good will in all we do than on the works themselves.

Therefore, whether we give ourselves to God in the work of contemplation or whether we serve the needs of our neighbor by good works, we accomplish these things because the love of Christ urges us on. The acceptable offering of the spiritual purification is accomplished not in a man-made temple but in the recesses of the heart where the Lord Jesus freely enters.

RESPONSORY

O pure and holy virgin,
how can I find words to praise your beauty?
– The highest heavens cannot contain God whom you carried in your womb.

Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb.
– The highest heavens cannot contain God whom you carried in your womb.

CONCLUDING PRAYER  

Nunraw, Icon on west cloister

  

Let us pray.

Father,
you prepared the heart of the Virgin Mary
to be a fitting home for your Holy Spirit.
By her prayers
may we become a more worthy temple of your glory.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
– Amen.

The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - Solemnity - Year C

Byzantine/Icon painting for the Sacred Heart Convent, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh - later a bequest to Nunraw Abbey. 
as from: Jesus Christ Pantocrator, Detail from deesis mosaic from Hagia Sophia Jesus-Christ-from-Hagia-Sophia

Friday, 07 June 2013

The Solemnity
Of the Sacred Heart

(Community evening Chapter Sermon by Fr. Hugh).

Although the Feast of the Sacred Heart is not an ancient feast, it was established in 1856, the significance of the heart in biblical thought is well established. The Jews conceived: the heart as the centre of a persons whole being, his deepest self, including his intellect, will and emotions. Our Lord himself said: "A man’s words flow out from what fills his heart" (Mt.12 v. 35) It is the preoccupations of the heart which determine one's attitude to God and to other people.

So in honouring the Sacred Heart we are contemplating Christ's deepest self the well-spring of all his redeeming activity. This could: be summed up in one word; love.

In some monasteries, a statue of the Sacred Heart is placed in the centre of the cloister garth, in the middle of the monastery. In this way it is seen as a symbol of the love of Christ which should keep the whole place ticking over. The stimulant of all a monastery’s activity and the feature which characterises its life. Although at Nunraw we have no statue in the cloister garth we have a large painting of the Sacred Heart in the cloister which could surely be seen as serving a similar purpose, portraying Christ's love as the driving force of the monastery and of each of its members.

This picture, painted in the Byzantine/Icon tradition was given to us when the Sacred Heart. Convent, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, closed down some years ago. It was in fact specially painted for them in honour of their dedication to the Sacred Heart and hung in the entrance hall. Like most icons it is traditional rather than original and shows Christ as the Pantocrator, the Ruler of' the Universe. The only new feature is the discreet outline of the heart of Jesus in the centre of Christ's body.

The connection of Christ as Lord! and His; Sacred: Heart is surely significant. To the Jews; of Our Lord’s time the title ‘Lord’ indicated divinity and by implication blasphemous. 

The oldest known icon of Christ Pantocrator, encaustic on panel (Saint Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai). The two different facial expressions on either side may emphasize Christ's two natures as fully God and fully human.^{[4][5] Wikipedia}

to continue....

Corpus Christi - Sr. Jo. Holyland Journal

Many thanks.
Looking to your possible Sacred Heart Solemnity,
before flight to home Mission.
domdonald.org.uk 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jo Mc...Sent: Sunday, 2 June 2013.
Subject: Corpus Christi

Dear all, Happy  Feast  of  Corpus Christi! It is great to know that you will soon be on your way. I leave for the airport at 3.30 am on Tues. and will arrive in Dublin at 4.35pm ( 3 hours stop over in Paris). The Lord gave me two feasts of Corpus Christi!  On Thursday, I participated in a Solemn High Mass at the Holy Sepulchre followed by a very impressive Procession with the Blessed Sacrament. The rest of the Churches celebrate it today. This afternoon, Emmanuella, my guardian angel, and I will go to the OFM Church ad COENACULUM  for a special Mass at 3.30pm. This will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament  The Chapel of St. Francis Ad Coenaculum  until 7pm to allow people to make the Holy Hour requested by Pope Francis.  The blessings continue and blessings received are blessings shared. Thanks be to God. Three very kind people have shared their photos with me because they knew that I had no camera, so I now have an abundance! I can just here you saying, "Is she sleeping again or is she trying to be recollected as they prepare for Mass (in Pilgerhouse, Galilee )? Love to all, Jo. fmm ps  Please let me know if the photos come through.

Heaven of heavens, Chrysostom and Leonardo's Last Supper, details

COMMENTS:  

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Donald ...
To: William W....
Sent: Tuesday, 4 June 2013, 15:37
Subject: Re: [Blog] the heaven of heavens - at home

Edith garden

Dear William,

Lovely.

Amazing is the 'shrine' of Edith, such embrace of flowers, the rewards of loving care.

On the other hand, Saturday the eve of Corpus Christi, it was too late for shopping. 

I tried for the usual sides of gorse on the roads. Nothing in site until beyond the Gravel-pit on the banks. It looks as if the road sides had been sprayed earlier near the monastery.

At last, back to the Guest House, RHODODENDRONS could be found, the lilac colour in abundance. But next near the avenue Archway, I was able to pirate the glorious crimson rhododendrons. 

Corpus Christi flowers

Under the altar, see the display of your 7 red roses still alive blending with the lilacs.

(Next?  How to plant a Rhododendron - Millais Nurseries

1. www.rhododendrons.co.uk/Page/43/Advice.aspx‎Choose a position with enough room for the plant to grow
    – the height we give at 10 years is also a guide for your plant spacing. Most Rhododendrons need to ...)  

Leonardo. Last Supper, details

Your Bookcase terra cotta Last Supper is all part of 'the heaven of heavens' melding into the total scenario of Chrysostom and Leonardo, having me in might turmoils between the theologian and the artist. 

Last Supper

 Sacristy Tapestry of Last Supper

My tapestry of Last Supper and your little terra cotta cannot get to the details of the Judas and Christ's nearest hands. Detail of hand of Judas reaching to towards Christ's right side.   

Leonardo must have learned from the writing of St. John Chrysostom, and they both had the fertile imagination creativeness. 

st-john-chrysostom
-the-golden-mouth

Happily we have the title of LEONARDO  alone. are at least four of the quality art books in our shelves. 

I had better pause for later browsing.

Thank you and Edith.

In Dno.

Donald

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From: William W....
To: Fr Donald ......
Sent: Monday, 3 June 2013,

Bookcase - shrine

13:04
Subject: Re: [Blog] the heaven of heavens

Dear Father Donald,

 

Your Corpus Christi Adoration photograph I will treasure - thank you! I could be standing there....

 

Meanwhile, I attach photos of the little sanctuary in my room. When -your- sanctuary candle is not lighted, the little red gemstone glows in the little shrine on the top shelf of my bookcase.

 

And in our little back garden, there is a photo of the Edith's sanctuary!

 

It is such a delight for me to share in your JOY that comes from the 'heaven of heavens'.

 

... in Our Lord,

William

 

Worldwide Holy Hour with Pope Francis

This sacrament earth - the heaven of heavens - St. John Chrysostom

----- Forwarded Message -----

From: Donald ...
To: retrieve...
Sent: Sunday, 2 June 2013, 21:50
Subject: [Dom Donald's Blog] This sacrament earth - the heaven of heavens - St. John Chrysostom

Corpus Christi - Eucharistic Adoration

June 2013, C.    Solemnity
The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ


Night Office - Second ReadingExordium Books 1981  
Further thought on the , it is rewarding to find the details of the correct resource;   http://www.liturgy.slu.edu/BodyBloodC060213/theword_journey.html     
Meanwhile, an exciting thread of Chrysostom's thoughts of Corpus Christi evolves and embraces the prayer and adoration;
"But why do I speak of the next world? Because of this sacrament earth becomes heaven for you. Throw open the gates of heaven - or rather, not of heaven but of the heaven of heavens - look through and you will see the proof of what I say. What is heaven's most precious possession? I will show you it here on earth. I do not show you angels or archangels, heaven or the heaven of heavens, but I show you the very Lord of all these...." (Chrysostom)

From the homilies on the First Letter to the Corinthians by Saint John Chrysostom 

St. John Chrysostom
-the-golden-mouth

(Hom. 24, 4: PG 61, 204-205)

Chrysostom's homilies on First and Second Corinthians are among the best examples of his thought and teaching. They were written at Antioch, but the date is unknown. The theme of this reading is the reverence with which the Eucharist should be celebrated and received.

Heaven of the Heavens- sacrament.

Thoughts from the Early Church The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ  June 2, 2013 Reading I: Genesis 14:18-20 Responsorial Psalm: 110:1, 2, 3, 4 Reading II:1 Corinthians 11:23-26  Gospel: Luke 9:11b-17 Commentary by John Chrysostom

They all ate and were filled. Christ gave us his flesh to eat in order to deepen our love for him. When we approach him, then, there should be burning within us a fire of love and longing. Otherwise the punishment awaiting us will be in proportion to the magnitude of the graces we have received and of which we have shown ourselves unworthy. The wise men paid homage to Christ’s body even when it was lying in a manger. Foreigners who did not worship the true God left their homes and their native land, set out on a long journey, and on reaching its end, worshiped in great fear and trembling. Let us, the citizens of heaven, at least imitate these foreigners. They only saw Christ in a manger, they saw nothing of what you now see, and yet they approached him with profound awe and reverence. You see him, not in a manger but on an altar, not carried by a woman but offered by a priest; and you see the Spirit bountifully poured out upon the offerings of bread and wine. Unlike the wise men, you do not merely see Christ’s body: you know his power as well, and whole divine plan for our salvation. Having been carefully instructed, you are ignorant of none of the marvels he has performed. Let us then awaken in ourselves a feeling of awe and let us show a far greater reverence than did those foreigners, for we shall bring down fire upon our heads if we approach this sacrament casually, without thinking of what we do. By saying this I do not mean that we should not approach it, but simply that we should not do so thoughtlessly. Just as coming to it in a casual way is perilous, so failing to share in this sacramental meal is hunger and death. This food strengthens us; it emboldens us to speak freely to our God: it is our hope our salvation our light and our life. If we go to the next world fortified by this sacrifice, we shall enter its sacred portals with perfect confidence, as though protected all over by armor of gold. But why do I speak of the next world? Because of this sacrament earth becomes heaven for you. Throw open the gates of heaven—or rather, not of heaven but of the heaven of heavens—look through and you will see the proof of what I say. What is heaven’s most precious possession? I will show you it here on earth. I do not show you angels or archangels, heaven or the heaven of heavens, but I show you the very Lord of all these. Do you not see how you gaze, here on earth, upon what is most precious of all? You not only gaze on it, but touch it as well. You not only touch it, but even eat it, and take it away with you to your homes. It is essential therefore when you wish to receive this sacrament to cleanse your soul from sin and to prepare your mind. (Homilies on the First Letter to the Corinthians 24, 4: PG 61, 204-205) John Chrysostom (c.347-407) was born at Antioch and studied under Diodore of Tarsus, the leader of the Antiochene school of theology. After a period of great austerity as a hermit, he returned to Antioch where he was ordained deacon in 381 and priest in 386. From 386 to 397 it was his duty to preach in the principal church of the city, and his best homilies, which earned him the title “Chrysostomos” or “the golden-mouthed,” were preached at this time. In 397 Chrysostom became patriarch of Constantinople, where his efforts to reform the court, clergy, and people led to his exile in 404 and finally to his death from the hardships imposed on him. Chrysostom stressed the divinity of Christ against the Arians and his full humanity against the Apollinarians, but he had no speculative bent. He was above all a pastor of souls, and was one of the most attractive personalities of the early Church.

Edith Barnecut, O. S. B. As a consultant for the International Committee for English in the Liturgy, Sr. Edith was responsible for the final version of many of the readings in the Liturgy of the Hours. Copyright © 1994, New City Press. All Rights Reserved. Journey with the Fathers Commentaries on the Sunday Gospels - Year C, pp. 67-69.Edith Barnecut, O. S. B., ed. To purchase or learn more about this published work and its companion volumes, go to http://www.newcitypress.com/ Art by Martin Erspamer, O.S.B. from Religious Clip Art for the Liturgical Year (A, B, and C). Used by permission of Liturgy Training Publications. This art may be reproduced only by parishes who purchase the collection in book or CD-ROM form. For more information go to: http://www.ltp.org/ Back to Word

Solemnity - Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi)

  Sunday, 02 June 2013

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) - Solemnity - Year C

After 1st Vespers

Websites

By recognizing Jesus in the “breaking of the bread,” (cf. Lk 24: 30-31), believers feel themselves urged on to announce his death and resurrection, and to become joyful and courageous witnesses of his Kingdom (cf. Lk 24:35). Thanks to the Redemption, the communicative capacity of believers is healed and renewed. The encounter with Christ makes them new creatures, and permits them to become part of that people which he, dying on the Cross, has won through his blood, and introduces them into the intimate life of the Trinity, which is continuous and circular communication of perfect and infinite love among the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. (Excerpted from Rapid Development by John Paul II.) ·  The Real Presence Association  ·  The Real Presence, by Father F Mangan, SJ ·  The Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist ·  Apostolate for the Eucharistic Life    ·  Savior.org

Pope Francis will lead a worldwide hour of Eucharistic

Worldwide Holy Hour with Pope Francis

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, gave it to them, and said, "Take it; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, "This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many."

Where the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ is not observed as a holy day, it is assigned to the Sunday after Trinity Sunday, which is then considered its proper day in the calendar.

Please see this special section on Corpus Christi.

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Worldwide Holy Hour

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 2, Pope Francis will lead a worldwide hour of Eucharistic adoration the Vatican has announced.

On that date, cathedrals all across the world will hold an hour of Eucharistic adoration at the same time, inviting the faithful to pray for the Pope's intentions. The worldwide session of adoration will take place from 5 to 6 Sunday afternoon in Rome, and cathedrals worldwide will synchronize their vigils to match that time. The Pope has asked the universal Church to pray for two intentions during the hour of adoration:

1.    For the Church spread throughout the world and united today in the adoration of the Most Holy Eucharist as a sign of unity. May the Lord make her ever more obedient to hearing his Word in order to stand before the world `ever more beautiful, without stain or blemish, but holy and blameless.' That through her faithful announcement, the Word that saves may still resonate as the bearer of mercy and may increase love to give full meaning to pain and suffering, giving back joy and serenity.

2.    For those around the world who still suffer slavery and who are victims of war, human trafficking, drug running, and slave labour. For the children and women who are suffering from every type of violence. May their silent scream for help be heard by a vigilant Church so that, gazing upon the crucified Christ, she may not forget the many brothers and sisters who are left at the mercy of violence. Also, for all those who find themselves in economically precarious situations, above all for the unemployed, the elderly, migrants, the homeless, prisoners, and those who experience marginalization. That the Church's prayer and its active nearness give them comfort and assistance in hope and strength and courage in defending human dignity.

The worldwide hour of Eucharistic adoration is one of two initiatives for the Year of Faith, announced on May 28 by the Pontifical Council for the New Evangelization.

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June 2013 Month of the Sacred Heart

The month of June is dedicated to The Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

The entire month falls within the liturgical season of Ordinary Time, which is represented by the liturgical color green. This symbol of hope is the color of the sprouting seed and arouses in the faithful the hope of reaping the eternal harvest of heaven, especially the hope of a glorious resurrection. It is used in the offices and Masses of Ordinary Time. The last portion of the liturgical year represents the time of our pilgrimage to heaven during which we hope for reward.

The Holy Father's Intentions for the Month of June 2013

General: That a culture of dialogue, listening, and mutual respect may prevail among peoples.

Missionary: That where secularization is strongest, Christian communities may effectively promote a new evangelization. (See also www.apostleshipofprayer.org/2012english.html)