October: Awareness Month

This morning while driving to work, I was made aware (by a story of a woman being charged with domestic violence for throwing muffins at her husband) that this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As any follower of football has noticed, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. My priest has told us that October is the Month of the Rosary. Searching in wikipedia also reveals that October is National Pork Month, Fair Trade Month, Dwarfism Awareness, Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss Awareness, and many others. This is apparently the month for being aware of... well, everything.

I became painfully aware of how fragile these vessels of our spirit are by the news that one of my sister's friends had died today. A letter from Benjamin Franklin to his young stepdaughter after the death of her father sums up what we should be most aware of at all times.

DEAR CHILD, PHILADELPHIA, February 22, 1756.

I condole with you, we have lost a most dear and valuable relation, but it is the will of God and Nature that these mortal bodies be laid aside, when the soul is to enter into real life; 'tis rather an embrio state, a preparation for living; a man is not completely born until he be dead: Why then should we grieve that a new child is born among the immortals? A new member added to their happy society? We are spirits. That bodies should be lent us, while they can afford us pleasure, assist us in acquiring knowledge, or doing good to our fellow creatures, is a kind and benevolent act of God -- when they become unfit for these purposes and afford us pain instead of pleasure -- instead of an aid, become an incumbrance and answer none of the intentions for which they were given, it is equally kind and benevolent that a way is provided by which we may get rid of them. Death is that way. We ourselves prudently choose a partial death. In some cases a mangled painful limb, which cannot be restored, we willingly cut off -- He who plucks out a tooth, parts with it freely since the pain goes with it, and he that quits the whole body, parts at once with all pains and possibilities of pains and diseases it was liable to, or capable of making him suffer.

Our friend and we are invited abroad on a party of pleasure -- that is to last forever -- His chair was first ready and he is gone before us -- we could not all conveniently start together, and why should you and I be grieved at this, since we are soon to follow, and we know where to find him. Adieu,

May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Amen

October 4th: Cher Ami, The Little Pigeon that Could

On October 4th, 1918, the Lost Battalion of the 77th Division was stuck behind enemy lines without ammunition or food. To make matters worse, their own side had started unknowingly to shell their position. This was during World War I and homing pigeons were still being used for communications. The first pigeon was sent back with the message "Many wounded. Cannot evacuate." It was shot down. A second pigeon was sent back with the message "Men are suffering. Can support be sent." It was also shot down. That left one pigeon, Cher Ami (meaning 'dear friend' in French). He was dispatched with the message, "We are along the road parallel 276.4. Our own artillery is dropping a barrage directly on us. For heaven's sake, stop it!"

As the pigeon took off, the Germans immediately saw him and openned fire. The pigeon was shot down, but miraculously managed to retake flight. He arrived back at headquarters, 25 miles, in 25 minutes, saving 194 lives. He was shot through the breast, blinded in one eye, and one leg had to be amputated. He became the hero of the 77th infantry division. When his condition improved, he was seen off by a general back to America. He died a year later from his injuries. He is now on display as part of the "Price of Freedom" exhibit at the Smithsonian (With Sergeant Stubby)

St. Francis Preaches to the Birds

Father Francis and his companions were making a trip through the Spoleto Valley near the town of Bevagna. Suddenly, Francis spotted a great number of birds of all varieties. There were doves, crows and all sorts of birds. Swept up in the moment, Francis left his friends in the road and ran after the birds, who patiently waited for him. He greeted them in his usual way, expecting them to scurry off into the air as he spoke. But they moved not.

Filled with awe, he asked them if they would stay awhile and listen to the Word of God. He said to them: “My brother and sister birds, you should praise your Creator and always love him: He gave you feathers for clothes, wings to fly and all other things that you need. It is God who made you noble among all creatures, making your home in thin, pure air. Without sowing or reaping, you receive God’s guidance and protection.”

At this the birds began to spread their wings, stretch their necks and gaze at Francis, rejoicing and praising God in a wonderful way according to their nature. Francis then walked right through the middle of them, turned around and came back, touching their heads and bodies with his tunic.

Then he gave them his blessing, making the sign of the cross over them. At that they flew off and Francis, rejoicing and giving thanks to God, went on his way.

Later, Francis wondered aloud to his companions why he had never preached to birds before. And from that day on, Francis made it his habit to solicitously invoke all birds, all animals and reptiles to praise and love their Creator. And many times during Francis’ life there were remarkable events of Francis speaking to the animals.

Sep. 21:Death of Nathan Hale, Captain in the American Army

During the war for American Independence, the Battle of Long Island was the first battle after the Declaration of Independence, first battle of the army of America, the largest battle in the whole war, and was won only in that we successfully fled. This is the world in which Nathan Hale gave his one life for our country.

After the evacuation of Long Island, George Washington expressed a desire to Colonel Knowlton that he wished to learn about the British situation, strength, and future movements. This was communicated to a Captain Nathan Hale of Connecticut. Being animated by a sense of duty and considering this an opportunity to serve his country, he at once offered himself as a volunteer for this service. He successfully passed in disguise to Long Island but was apprehended during his return. Once the proof of his object was shown clearly, he openly and frankly expressed his purpose and views. Sir William Howe at once gave the order to have him executed the next morn.

The next morning he asked for a clergyman; he was denied. He asked for a Bible; he was denied. He asked that two letters he had written be delivered to his mother and sister; he was denied and his letters destroyed. "Unknown to all around him, without a single friend to offer him the least consolation, thus fell as amiable and worthy a young man as America could boast, with this as his dying observation, that 'he only lamented that he had but one life to lose for his country.'"

My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

You only get just one time around
You only get one shot at this
One chance, to find out
The one thing that you don't wanna miss
One day when it's all said and done
I hope you see that it was enough, this
One ride, one try, one life...
To love....

-33miles, One Life to Love

September 14: Triumph of the Holy Cross

When the Sacred Body of Christ was taken down from the Cross, the Cross itself was buried to prevent the the followers of Christ from finding it. In 312, Constantine, not yet a Christian, was doing battle for the throne. He prayed to the Christian God to aid him in his struggle. In answer to his prayers, a cross appeared in the heavens bearing the inscription: "In This Sign You Will Conquer." In gratitude for the victory over his foe, Constantine had the Sign of Christianity placed on the Roman standards and shields.

When the Edict of Milan was issued (granting freedom of worship to

Christians), Constantine's mother, St. Helena, gladly converted. According to tradition, she is credited with finding the true cross in 326. She engineered a dig around its burial place. The wood was declared the true cross when a woman experienced a cure when she touched it. The wood was enshrined in a silver casket and placed within a church on that spot. This event is celebrated on May 3 on the "The Invention of the Cross." (Invention in Latin means 'to come upon, to discover')

In the year 614, the king of Persia, invaded, sacked Jerusalem, and carried off the relics of the True Cross. The Emperor of Constantinople, Heraclius, in response, invaded Persia and forced them to sue for peace. Part of the deal was to restore the True Cross. Heraclius piosuly brought the the relics back to Jerusalem. When he reached the city gate to Calvary, he laid aside every robe and mark of royalty and, wearing only sackcloth, carried the relics back to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (burial place). These events are celebrated on September 14 in the feast of the Triumph of the Holy Cross.

Let us ever glory in the cross of Christ,
our salvation and our hope.
Let us bow in homage to the Lord of Life,
who was broken to make us whole.
There is no greater love, as blessed as this:
to lay down one's life for a friend.
Let us ever glory in the cross of Christ
and the triumph of God's great love.

Glory in the Cross -Dan Schutte

September 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos

September 8: Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8th. Nine months later (funny how that works out), we celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8th.

Theotokos is the Greek title for Mary. It means God-bearer or one who gives birth to God. Nativity just means birth. I have to admit I was kinda disappointed there was not more meaning behind it...

When I love I give it all I can

Like my mother does.

When I'm scared I bow my head and pray

Like my mother does.

When I feel weak and un-pretty

I know I am beautiful and strong

Because I see myself

Like my mother does.

Like My Mother Does -Lauren Alaina

Lyrics worth know (Pg. 1)

So... I like music (and by like I mean I could not live without). Here are a bunch of lyrics I think are worth knowing, songs worth hearing. If I don't post which song it is from, google it. If you can't find it, post and ask. I will answer as best I can. If you have any suggestions of lyrics that should be added, let me know.

Chains He shall break for the slave is our brother

Give to your brother if he is in need

Offer up thanks for the gifts you receive

There's treasure in heaven for the generous few

That was the gospel according to Luke

I celebrate the day that you were born to die so I could one day pray for you to save my life.

And by his wounds we are healed

What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus

Sickness and healing are in every heart. Death and deliverance are in every hand.

Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

I have been there

Here I am, Lord send me

This one ride, One try, One life, To love.

I wonder what life would be like if we let Jesus live through you and me

Why are you trying to earn grace?

I don't have a thing that I got on my own
I don't have a care that I carry alone
But I have a God who's carrying me

Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free

Yahweh! Ancient of days, Yahweh!

I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously
Who is like You, oh Lord, among the celestial
Who is like You, majestic in holiness
In Your love, You lead the people You redeemed
I will sing, I will sing, I will sing

Here I am, Lord send me
All of my life, I make an offering,
Here I am, Lord send me
Somehow my story is a part of Your plan,
Here I am

May 24: Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians

By the year 1597, the the Litany of Loreto contained the title of Mary "Advocata Christianorum" (Help of Christians). The phrase was used largely after the battle of Lepanto, where a coalition of fleets which formed the "Holy League" defeated the main Ottoman fleet which was sailing from Lepanto, Greece. The defeat of the Turks was attributed to Divine Will (as the Ottomans had not lost a major naval battle for a century).

The Feast day of Our Lady, Help of Christians did not come until 1816. On July 5, 1808, Napoleon Bonaparte had Pope Pius VII arrested and taken to a prison outside Paris. It was not until 1814 (after the battle of Leipzig) that he was released. On March 17, he was set free in Savona, Italy, on the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Mercy. The pontiff attributed this victory to Our Lady and on his march back to Rome, he entered every sanctuary to Our Mother and crown her images. People crowded the streets to catch a glimpse of the pontiff who had stood up to Napoleon himself. He re-entered Rome on May 24th and assigned that day as the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Chrstians.

-Litany of Loreto

V. Lord, have mercy.
R. Christ have mercy.
V. Lord have mercy. Christ hear us.
R. Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of Virgins, [etc.]
Mother of Christ,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good Counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace,

V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
R. Spare us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
R. Graciously hear us, O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.