Thankful 2 b Catholic!

Sibna l-Messija!!

2012-01-14T14:31:00.000+01:00

2nd sunday in ordinary time (year B)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Rajna l-kewba Tiegħu u ġejn nqimuH!

2012-01-07T15:51:00.004+01:00

Epifanija Qari Sena B

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Nota: Dan il-qari ghalkemm HUWA ta' l-Epifanija, jintuza biss meta l-Hadd tal-Epifanija jinserta is-6 ta' Jannar. B'hekk il-qari propja li se jintuza fil-knisja dan il-Hadd huwa differenti minn dan imtella' hawn.

Il-Mulej Fil-Qrib!

2011-12-11T12:28:00.003+01:00

A friend sent this video to me (the link) this morning and i think it's beautiful. It's not just the song really - i like the pictures/film too - i think it's done REALLY nicely.

It-2 Ħadd ta' l-Avvent

2011-12-03T20:19:00.000+01:00

2nd Sunday of Advent

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

L-1 Ħadd ta' l-Avvent

2011-11-27T12:42:00.003+01:00

1st Sunday of Advent

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Aghfas hawn biex tara u tisma
l-Pastorali ta' l-Isqof ghall-Avvent

Mulej għallimna nħobbu 'l proxxmu!

2011-10-22T23:08:00.002+02:00

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

fuq nota separata, il-Ħadd li ġej (30 t'Ottubbru) ser ikun hemm mixja favur il-ħajja. Din tibda Bieb il-Belt fid-9:30am sharp u kulħadd mħeġġeġ jipparteċipa. Għal aktar informazzjoni jekk jogħġbok agħfas hawn.

Grazzi :-)

Invited for a feast: Let us not refuse!

2011-10-08T23:36:00.000+02:00

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

and i went, and i'm back and this was one of the greatest moments of the whole experience

2011-09-05T23:12:00.001+02:00

(wow that was 2 weeks ago today! :-(
- i think i'd rather i was still there ;-)

no use running away

2011-08-18T22:12:00.000+02:00

God must have had it in His Books for ages because despite the fact that i REALLY wanted to go yet then i've also tried my best to run away from it. By God's Grace though, it doesn't look like i've managed

For this i am thankful to God.

Lord I am not worthy,

Please Increase My Faith.

Corpus Christi

2011-06-26T12:21:00.001+02:00

"Nutriti dall'Eucaristia,

uniti alla Chiesa,

accettando le proprie croci,

fate esplodere nel mondo

la vostra carica di fede

e annunciate a tutti

la misericordia divina!"

(Blessed JP2 to the Youth
on the 4th of April 2004, Rome.)

Kelma ta' L-Isqof f'Mument ta' Prova ghall-Kattolici Maltin

2011-06-12T02:02:00.002+02:00

Il-Kattolici VERI ta' Malta ghaddejjin minn zmien ta' prova kbira - l-Isqof ukoll jammettiha - u f'dan il-mument, l-Isqof qalilna li irridu nghelbu kemm il-dizzappunt kif ukoll ir-rabja u NGHIXU l-Fidi taghna. Qal illi MA NISTGHUX iktar nghixu l-Fidi "b'mod komdu u t-telqa".

Se nibnu – jew aħjar INKISSRU - l-futur ta’ Malta fuq il-bażi tal-IRresponsabbilta?

2011-06-01T18:10:00.000+02:00

Iva, ir-riżultati tar-Referendum huma ċari: l-Maltin għażlu d-divorzju pero din, kemm hija deċizjoni responsabbli?

Il-Partit Laburista ħanbaq fuq li ħanbaq li “vot le, vot għal Gonzi”. ĦAFNA nies – anke Nazzjonalisti - xebgħu min-Nazzjonalisti u riedu “juruhom” u oħrajn – fosthom bosta li jsejjħu lilhom infushom "Kattoliċi" - qalu li l-knisja missha qatt ma “ndaħlet” u għax “indaħlet”, jien IVA wkoll ħa nivvotta “ħa titgħallem”.*

ĦADD ma jiġi jbellaħielna li din ma kienetx għażla bażata fuq l-irresponsabbilta minn-naħa tal-maġġorranza ta’ dawk li vvottaw “iva”.

Ngħid li minn-naħa tal-maġġorranza u mhux kulħadd għaliex kien hemm fost dawk li vvottaw iva min kien ingannat.

Xi ħadd/persuni mexxewha lill-anzjani li “fil-kaxxa s-safra” kellhom jivvottaw “għax tal-Papa” u kien hemm anzjani li kienu ĊERTI li tassew fl-isfar kellhom jivvottaw jekk kienu kontra! (Min kien b’xortiħ sab min ifehmu, min ma kienx tefa' l-vot kontra l-għażla personali tiegħu/tagħha.)

113,000** persuna ma vvutawx u fosthom bosta Laburisti li ma riedux jagħtu l-vot “lill-Gonzi” u persuni li qalu “Jien personalment kontra d-divorzju imma nidħol bejn ħaltejn minħabba f’dawk li msieken iż-żwieġ tagħhom ma jnexxiex.”

Qalu illi l-Knisja “intimidat” lill-dawk li kienu favur id-divorzju. Il-Knisja ma ntimidat lill-ħadd. Min ried jivvota “iva” IVA ivvota, b’aktar ħeġġa u dawk li qagħdu lura milli jivvottaw “iva” għamlu hekk BISS għax il-kuxjenza tagħhom ma ppermettitilhom jivvuttaw xejn għajr “LE” – jew jastjenu.

Min prova jbellaħielna li l-“Knisja” kienet qed tbeżża n-nies kellu kampanja SĦIĦA favur id-divorzju bl-iskuża tal-“miskin” u kienu DAWN li intimidaw mhux il-Knisja. Għajru lill-dawk ta’ kontra “egoisti” għax kontra l-“imsieken”.

Jien Kattolika imma mhux se niddejjaq ngħid li l-Knisja f’Malta, fl-opinjoni tiegħi, baqgħet ferm lura fil-kampanja tagħha kontra. Kienu l-isforzi ta’ persuni lajċi li VERAMENT irrsistew kontra d-divorzju. L-Isqfijiet ġew jagħmlu apoloġija f’każ li weġġgħu lill-xi ħadd. L-iktar persuni li weġġgħu, bla dubju ta’ xejn kienu dawk ta’ KONTRA d-divorzju għaliex flok appoġġat bis-sħiħ lill dawk li rsistew favur il-familja maqgħuda, l-Knisja f'Malta qgħadet b’seba’ għajnejn, tikkoreġġi u tiċċensura lill dawk li tkellmu!

Ħafna minn dawk li jridu id-divorzju, iriduħ għax qalbuha lill-mara jew lir-raġel jew għax ħadu grazzja ma xi ħadd li MHUX tagħhom u bosta mill-kumplament żgur illi vvottaw iva għax emmnuha li “ħeqq imsieken l-imsawwtin” u “ħeqq imsieken min iż-żwieġ tiegħu/tagħha tkisser” – mingħajr ma fehmu li:

1. Min issawwat lill-mara issa se jingħata d-dritt JARMI lill-martu u jiżżewweġ oħra: BIL-BARKA TA’ L-ISTAT

2. Min iż-żwieġ tiegħu/tagħha tkisser u ħabb verament, mhux id-divorzju jfittex imma l-għaqda mill-ġdid u/jew li jreġġa lura l-arloġġ għall-GĦAQDA!

Dawk ta’ kontra d-divorzju m’għandhom ebda nteress jaqilbuha lill-żewġghom jew marthom biex “jiżżewwġu” mara/raġel ieħor u ĦADD minnhom m’għandhom interess IKISSER l-familji – iristew għall-għaqda u waqajnihom għaċ-ċajt u r-redikolu.

Missiriejitna bnew u ftaħru bil-familji u s-soċjeta tagħna u aħna irridu nkissruha. Da x’ġenn hu??

Dawk favur id-divorzju mxew b’mod irressponsabbli. Ingannaw lill-poplu Malti u bnew il-kampanja tagħhom fuq il-gideb. Għamlu dan ir-referendum ħaġa politika u dan kollu għad-dannu tal-familji u s-soċjeta Maltija.

Fuq it-tkissir u din l-irresponsabbilita ser nibnu – jew inkissru – is-soċjeta tagħna? Il-politiċi qegħdin hemm biex jiddefendu is-soċjeta Maltija. Sa issa kienu bosta dawk li farfru u ħaslu jdejhom - se jkomplu sejrin hekk? Nittama li le. Nittama li lkoll ikunu kuraġġużi biżżejjed biex jaqdu dmirijiethom b'mod responsabbli minflok: jekk ma jagħmlux dan, min ser ibati jekk mhux il-poplu Malti - aħna!

-------------

*Dawn KOLLHA affarjiet li qrajna fil-gażżetti, rajna fix-xandir, u/jew smajna b’widnejna stess. Min irid il-provi għax ma rax/sema' x’aktarx li ma kienx qed jgħix f’Malta. Jekk pero idur ftit jifittex u jistaqsi jagħraf li dan kollu minnu.

**Madwar

Malta votes Yes for Divorce - The day we make st.Paul, Apostle of Malta, blush with embarrassment

2011-05-29T14:04:00.002+02:00

“Beware of false prophets: they come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inside they are wild wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7: 15,16)

Malta’s not been hit by a tornado, a tsunami or an earthquake – not physically but yes our land’s been shaken, our values swept and the permanence of marriage has been blown away.

We have called ourselves “Catholic” but now the truth has been revealed and made clear: the REAL Catholics are the minority in Malta.

Friday night felt like Maundy Thursday to me – the night we would betray Christ with a kiss.

A few days ago we walked after Our Lady of Sorrows and went to the Good Friday Celebration. We supposedly wept for our sins and vowed to never betray God again ...then we betray and flee at the hour of our trial.

Our Kiss of Betrayal: “I am Catholic, I agree with divorce. I will vote YES for divorce”

Some of us are consoled because we weren’t all Judases. Some of us were regular apostles – people who walked with Christ but fled during the hour of the trial. They are those of us who chose to abstain. Why? Because what our political leader said is valued more than what Christ says.

Now we have decided and our decision goes before the authorities – no longer a Roman Governor.

Our Prime Minister has spoken saying that he personally is upset at the results of this referendum but added that of course he has to respect the decision the Maltese people have taken.

“Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified” (John 19:16)

So now it’s official and darkness is falling on the land. No physical earthquake shakes our land but a greater one shakes and divides it.

It is the greatest disaster Malta will ever endure: the earthquake who’s epicentre is marriage.

So much for being “a light for Europe” and an “art ħelwa” (sweet/beautiful land)! We have caused St.Paul, Apostle of Malta, to blush with shame!

Many of us say that Malta will never accept abortion but let us wait a few years and we will do - just as we have accepted and chosen divorce. Then too we might boast of being "Catholic" and our land will be as bitter as all the other lands in the world.

What hypocrites we all are – us as a Maltese people!

A Pastoral Letter From Our Bishops.

2011-05-22T12:05:00.002+02:00

OPTING IN FAVOUR OF
PERMANENT MARRIAGE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On this fifth Sunday of Easter, God has offered us the gift of his Word in order that it may enlighten us, at a moment when, as Catholics, we are called upon to make a choice in favour of our Lord Jesus Christ: “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life; No one comes to the Father, except through me” (John 14, 6).

Our Lord is telling us that our desire to go to God the Father must be intrinsically bound to the person of Our Lord Jesus Christ. For the Christian, there can be no other road which leads to the Father. Each and every one of us must choose Jesus as the Truth: His words bear the real value of everything that surrounds us. We must look through His eyes. We must choose Jesus as the Path which leads us to this Truth. Other paths will not lead us there! Once we make such choices, we come to realize that we are savouring the true Life which is intended for mankind.

We hope that even with regard to the Divorce Referendum, which is actually a referendum on marriage, we will be guided by the words of Jesus.

In this respect, prior to the Referendum, we wish to offer you this Pastoral Letter.

Through the Referendum which will take place in a few days’ time, we are being called upon as citizens, to express – through our vote – our convictions with regard to marriage.

This call should not fall upon deaf ears. We cannot remain indifferent. The Referendum deals with a very important matter and any person who may decide not to participate will show a lack of civil and religious maturity.

Marriage and the family are very close to our hearts and, in our society, there is a general consensus on the need to invest further so that these may be strengthened. Marriage and the family form the natural core which is essential for a person to live and grow within an atmosphere of genuine love, as well as for the building of a strong society. Experience has shown us that this is what is required in order for human dignity to be upheld.

For this reason, Jesus Christ teaches us that marriage, which goes hand in hand with the dignity of mankind, should, by its very nature, be a permanent bond.

When the experience of love in marriage and the family fails, wounds are opened up: such wounds take a long time to heal. We all know of people who are wounded because their marriages have failed. As your Spiritual Shepherds, we can assure you that we feel these cries within our hearts, just as God feels them within his own heart. At the same time, one must acknowledge that when these separated persons speak about their experience, they admit that they feel extremely saddened that their marriage has failed. These people, who are wounded and hurt, show us that, as a nation, we should continue to cherish true marriage. As a gesture of love towards those who are suffering, and towards future generations, we must together try and improve the conditions of marriage and the family in order that these hurts may be diminished.

The question posed by the Referendum – whether we desire for divorce legislation to be introduced in our country – is a question which shall have a direct effect upon marriage itself and which impinges upon our conduct as citizens, as well as on the common good of our country. The citizen is called upon to respond to this question in the light of reason.

Within this context, the Catholic citizen has a particular contribution to make. The teachings of Jesus Christ, expressed through the moral law of the Church, leave no doubt that divorce is the wrong solution – a solution upon which a stable society cannot be built. A society which builds upon a foundation of stable marriage means there will be less people who suffer in the future; it is a sign of love towards future generations. Hence our Christian beliefs shed further light upon the truth surrounding the true nature of marriage.

In the light of all this, therefore, it is our duty as your Spiritual Shepherds to remind the people of God and all people of good will that every time the citizen is called upon to express his opinion, through his vote, as in the case of the Referendum, it is his moral obligation to fulfill his duty. This moral obligation becomes greater when the decision involves values which we cannot refute, as in the case of permanent marriage.

Our choice in the Referendum demands much reflection because it carries a great responsibility. It is a decision which will affect not only the present, but also the future. By his vote, the citizen will either build or destroy. A choice in favour of permanent marriage is an act of faith in the family, built upon a bond of love which cannot be severed; whereas a choice in favour of divorce leads to the further destruction of marriage and the family and, as a consequence, the destruction of values and the quality of life. We all shoulder the responsibility for the consequences of our decision.

Faced with this Referendum, the Christian cannot avoid posing some fundamental questions that he or she needs to take into consideration when making important decisions, and this with reference to our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Baptism, the Christian belongs to Jesus and chooses to follow Him. Therefore:

The Christian must always act with reference to our Lord Jesus Christ and his teachings. In taking his decision on how to vote, he must bear in mind that he shall be accountable to Jesus for his choice;

The Christian must always act in the light of the mission he has embraced, together with other Christians, and which was given by the Lord Jesus: “Go to the ends of the earth and spread the Good News” Every action of the Christian should serve as an opportunity to offer his or her contribution in order that the teachings of Jesus may inspire the society of mankind which God so loves. Therefore, each and every Christian is called upon to view his or her vote as an occasion to participate in the mission of Jesus Christ with respect to marriage and the family. We should not miss this opportunity because we are uninterested or due to lack of enthusiasm.

We recommend that every Christian prays for divine inspiration. We pray for the intercession of the Blessed Virgin, Queen of the Family, so that in this important hour, during which we are called upon to consolidate the future of marriage and the family, we shall make our choice in accordance with the will of the God.

We impart upon you God’s blessings.

+ PAUL CREMONA O.P.
Archbishop of Malta

+ MARIO GRECH
Bishop of Gozo

+ ANNETTO DEPASQUALE
Titular Bishop of Aradi

Feast of St. George Preca

2011-05-09T14:47:00.000+02:00

...the ONLY declared Maltese saint!!!!!

I will not be writing much i'll just say a few things namely that:

This priest was expected to die about three times before he was ordained a priest! As a young boy, one time, he almost drowned. Another time, a young man - to prove how strong he was - arms outstretched held little George in air: from the "San Gejtanu" bell tower!!!

Few days before his Ordination, George was sooo sick that the doctor told his parents to prepare his clothes for burial rather than those required for the Ordination!

So: physically he was never the strongest. As a child NOT ONLY wouldn't the children choose him for games they'd give him "free" to other teams!!

...but well God uses the little! :-)

St. George Preca (1880-1962) lived and loved Christ with all his heart. Because he KNEW Christ he wanted to share Him and His teachings with everyone! He would speak with men about God at the "dockyards", he would teach in the streets, train people to be Catechists, gather children for catechism and work unceasingly to bring people to God!

It was THIS saint who started the M.U.S.E.U.M. ie: the society which, for the past decades has been the main/primary "agent" in Malta - concerning in the catechesis of children, young people and all those wanting to learn about God.

He was a humble priest but one who would not stutter where Truth was concerned. He knew Truth and would not compromise it ...he was firm and would shout if need be too ;-)

A Museum is a place where valuable and priceless items/artefacts are kept and treasured. St.George named this society such because it's aim was - and is - to share the Word of God with all people and he would say that there is nothing more precious than the Word of God. :-) For this reason he spoke to the people about this Living Word of God and had all those teaching wear a badge with the words: "Verbum Dei Caro Factum Est" ("the Word of God took on flesh" - John 1:14) ...which they do unto this very day! :-)

Malta is very small but God never forgot the smallest of people. He would not allow st.Paul to have his own way (see Acts 27:10) and so he was made to come here! (see Acts 28)

Now centuries later He had sent to us another "apostle" to remind us of God's love and proclaim His Word yet again only this time it will not be JUST for us but also for others!

Today the Society is spread all over the world! Its members have opened schools and Museums (of Catechesis) practically everywhere! They go to most countries spreading the Word of God and serving - Christians and non-Christians alike and continue to serve even the poorest of people in third world countries.

This holy priest's wish and prayer had come true:

M.U.S.E.U.M.

Magister Utinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus!

(Master, oh that the whole world may follow the Gospel!)

(St. George Preca)

I am thankful to be a Maltese Catholic and

thankful to God for this declared MALTESE Saint! :-)

------------

St.George Preca was beatified (ie: declared "Blessed")
by Pope John Paul II, in Malta, on the 9th May 2001

and was declared a saint

by Pope Benedict XVI, in Rome, on June 3rd 2007.

You can read more about him by clicking HERE :-)

Press Release from the St.Machael the Archangel Organisation.

2011-05-04T21:17:00.000+02:00

MULTINATIONAL ROSARY FOR

UNBORN BABIES BEGINS MAY 6TH

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE [U.S.A.] - (May 4th, 2011) - The 3-day ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES prayer event is set to begin May 6th(Friday) and continue through May 8th(Sunday). Presently, more than 40,000 Rosaries are registered to be prayed for an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn human persons.

The Saint Michael the Archangel Organization, coordinator of the ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES, is reporting that one or more registration forms have been received from each of the following nations:

Mexico, Netherlands, Ukraine, Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Portugal, New Zealand, Philippines, India, Romania, Poland, Spain, Australia, Columbia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Italy, France, Canada, Kuwait, Argentina, U.S.A., Sweden, Malta, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, Namibia, Moldova, Venezuela, and Mauritius.

[ Malta's in there!!!

- Tiny Nation, but we can and do pray! ;-) ]

A few of the many communications received by the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization reveal the following:

• People will gather at a parish in the Philippines on Saturday, May 7th to pray more than 600 Rosaries;

• People were signed-up after Masses at a parish in Minnesota. The result: More than 400 Rosaries have now been registered;

• A great number of people have been registered to be participants through the work of many members of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas;

• 7th graders from a school in Tennessee will be praying more than 100 Rosaries; a school in Michigan will be praying over 500 Rosaries; an elementary school and a high school in the Archdiocese of Omaha have registered 380 Rosaries;

• A registration form from Romania stated that 150 Rosaries would be prayed;

There is still time to register and promote the ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES prayer event. Information about both registering and promoting the prayer event is available at www.SaintMichaelTheArchangelOrganization.org (The mailing address for the Saint Michael the Archangel Organization is P. O. Box 41257; Memphis, Tennessee 38174; U.S.A.)

Non dimenticheremo mai!

2011-05-01T14:06:00.000+02:00

What was it about this Pope? His face? His character? His charisma? His Spirituality? ...His holiness?

Whatever it was, old and young alike, Catholics and non-Catholics - even non-Christian people - actually loved him!

It's hard to imagine the world without having ever had this Pope. All of us over the age of 10 are bound to remember him well and whether we followed his pilgrimages and speeches or not, we've been effected - in whichever way.

Some of us love him like he was our friend or father, some of us love him like though he was our grandfather, some of us keep him as a saint or inspirational role model but few if any are completely passive.

Some would criticize him of course because that is how the world goes and some people just like to be "special" and/or "unique" perhaps but those who are honest would have to admit that he was one great man - outspoken against drug dealers and crime, welcoming to the poor, a friend of prisoners, a visitor of the sick and host of the homeless, a preacher of Truth, apostle of God's Mercy and above all a joyful servant of God - despite his sufferring.

He was also the man who forgave the person who shot him and who through his deeds and words brought hope to the sufferring and encouraged those facing ilness or hard times.

He came to Malta twice, knelt down and prayed in the Grotto of St.Paul here and declared our FIRST maltese saint.

He also spoke to us about being a light to the rest of Europe and holding fast to our faith and the values our fathers have kept, treasured and cherished for centuries - values we are sadly letting go of.

He was old and young at the same time - young with the young, staying up late and laughing with them ...recorded a cd too with music and prayer!

He proclaimed God's mercy for all (click here to read his beautiful encyclical about the Divine Mercy of God), and established the feast of the Divine Mercy making it a solemn and international feast to be celebrated in all Catholic Churches. He proclaimed the Polish nun who spread this devotion the first saint of the new millenium to remind us all of God's mercy for us and died on the feast of the Divine Mercy.

If there is a Pope who can be called great it must be him - and now, on this day when we celebrate the Divine Mercy of God, the Church has presented him to us formally declaring him Blessed :-)

Easter at Our Parish

2011-04-24T14:13:00.001+02:00

The 9:30 am Mass is a Children's and Families Mass and this year (2011), after the Mass, children released red and white balloons to signify the risen Christ. Red for the Blood God shed for us, White for His Glorious Victory over Death. Though it is not very audible in the video yet the song "Jesus Christ you are my life" was playing in the background and children carried the statue while their "figolli" were being blessed and amidst the joyous atmosphere.

A blessed Easter to all!

Qam kif kien qal!

2011-04-23T23:25:00.001+02:00

Qam Kif Kien Qal!! (He is Risen!)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Good Friday from my parish

2011-04-22T17:19:00.000+02:00

Sacro Cuor Church Malta, Good Friday 2011

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Waslu l-Eżerċizzi!!

2011-03-26T15:16:00.003+01:00

Jum it-Tnejn 28 ta’ Marzu
sa jum il-Ġimgħa 1 t’ April.

Niltaqgħu is-Savoy fis-7:15pm
biex minn hemm nimxuha
sal-Knisja ta’ San Ġiljan.

TILTILFUHOMX!!

Those who die in Christ shall Rise with Christ.

2011-03-18T21:04:00.001+01:00

What do you feel when you see a white coffin carried by children
– sisters and cousins – into a church?

And what do you feel when you hear the crying of children, parents and friends of the child being brought in?

What do you feel when you see that death has claimed the life of a child – someone younger than yourself?

I felt nothing and a whole lot of things.

Nothing because i tried to block out everything

A whole lot of things because it makes no sense

- Or does it?

If I said it made no sense i’d be making no sense

And if i said it made sense i’d be insane and wouldn’t be making sense either.

How do you make sense of such?

Can you even make sense of it?

Can one make sense at the death of a child?

I can’t.

Why does a child, loved by her family and friends, die so young?

Some people would say “because God wanted her to be with Him” but even so – WHY would God want her to be with him when her family is still here and would miss her so much? WHY would God do such a thing – leaving parents and siblings to mourn and cry for her? WHY would a loving God do that?

To me it makes no sense that a girl would die so young and NO ONE can actually make sense of it or understand why but what i do know, with certainty, is that despite the fact that i cannot understand why, I KNOW, WITHOUT A DOUBT, that she is with God in heaven – praying for her family and watching over her siblings and parents.

The funeral was beautiful – a church PACKED with people and a most prayerful atmosphere.

Everyone was in shock or tears and those who weren't were choking on the emotions they were holding back – yet even despite this sadness of a parting so painful, faith is victorious.

As sisters and cousins carried the girl out, the church was filled with a joyous song whose words echoed this faith:

“and i will run to You

...yes i will run the race,

till i see your face,

OH LET ME LIVE IN

THE GLORY OF YOUR GRACE!”

It is no wonder that Kristie was led out amidst so much clapping.

Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your sting?

I know that Kristie’s family isn’t reading this blog – or certainly not at this time anyway – however i have written this post in prayer for Kirstie’s family as they go through this hard time of physically parting with their loved one. They know, as we know, that though she has joined God and the saints in heaven, she remains in thoughts and hearts, never to be forgotten.

Kristie was a happy 16-year old child whose innocence remained despite her age. She was a joy to her parents, siblings, relatives, teachers and friends. Sometimes she needed some extra medical care and attention but all of that she repaid through her friendly, loving and caring personality. The choir of children singing at Mass was in tears – and they weren’t the only ones: the whole congregation was.

But at that moment a new voice in heaven joined with that of the angels, singing praises to God, smiling as He embraced her in His Arms. Glad in heaven, she didn't think of herself though, for from that moment on she whispered prayers for her family as she will continue to do, unceasingly.

Natalie and Brian, Jade, Gail and Zak, those who go before us to God are saints: you have a beautiful saint in heaven.

2011-03-13T16:00:00.001+01:00

l-1 Hadd tar-Randan (Sena Liturgika A)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Ara f'hiex wasalna ta!

2011-03-03T10:02:00.000+01:00

Il-Ġimgħa l-oħra, is-Sur Mahony bgħatli vidjo li jien kont rajt darba iżda li kont insejt. Kien jisma “no God in schools” u jibda jsemmi ħaġa wara l-oħra l-ħażen li qed nwettqu u l-konsegwenzi li qed inġibu fuqna nfusna. Illum, dalgħodu, żort il-Catholic Online u hemm artiklu li m’għamel xejn ħlief ġegħlni naħseb ARA F’HIEX WASALNA TA!

Lis-Sur Mahony, rigward il-vidjo, jien kont irrispondejtu “tal-biża għax kollu veru” imma meta qrajt dan l-artiklu MHUX BISS tal-biża imma tal-waħx – is-soċjeta tagħna diġa ġibniha globu u ma ħsibtx li nistgħu mmorru agħar – kemm jien żbaljata!

Kemm kien korrett Ġesu meta qal: “la tibkux lili iżda ibku lilkom u lill-uliedkom”.

Aqra l-artiklu hawn

The Lord Provides

2011-02-27T09:10:00.000+01:00

8th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Liturgical Year A)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta)

Indeed God with us!

2010-12-26T23:47:00.000+01:00

Yesterday my computer decided to go on strike. It turned itself off - and on again - 6 times before it decided that it wanted to work properly, at which point i had gone down to use Chris' computer, which she kindly let me borrow for a while.

At church on Christmas morning - when it was still empty - i took some photos, hoping to put them on the blog but my sister's computer refused to accept them/their format and decided to give me a further fright by indicating that my sd card was corrupted ...noooo i had my last photos from Egypt in there!!! :-(

My external drive, attached to Chris' computer for that short while, stopped working too and at this point i was CONVINCED that "technology" was trying to drive me crazy - that thing has a whole lot of photos videos, ppts, documents and what not in there!

I decided to try my computer again and THANK GOD - after another few times of turning itself off and on again - it stayed ON. I tried the drive and the sd card and both were working HAMDU LILL-E!

I emptied the sd card onto the drive and decided i would not blog until today.

...but today there was no time so only now i'm blogging a bit ...or a lot...

Without Christ, there is no Christmas ...no REAL Christmas anyway. Yeah there's commerce and feasts and gifts and lights and christmas trees, wine perhaps and lots of laughing (i don't drink - the wine's not for me) but it would be empty, literally X-mas.

In our family, as with many families in Malta and round the world, thank God, we celebrate the birth of Christ - the child God who left heaven to dwell among us.

The photo at the top of the page is that of the baby Jesus in our home - very much like what many Maltese families would have - and below are some more photos of the real Christmas - that at the centre of which is Christ :-)

The heart of the "Presepju" (crib)
which dad makes in our home each year

In church:

The church during midnight Mass

The altar

The Presepju (crib)

The Baby Jesus in the crib

- it appears all white in the other photos!

"The Nativity"

Children's drawings in church for everyone to see

The Christmas Tree decorated with angels,

below it are the cribs which the children made this year

And as each year, we had the "Priedka tat-Tifel" (The Boy's Sermon). This year, the "sermon" was given by 7-year old Luca - with a little introduction by his "guardian angel" played by his sister. They were both extremely well prepared, speaking clearly and making it one great homily which all of us enjoyed :-) Below are two pictures of both children during the "Priedka".

And if you'd like to listen to it, CLICK HERE.

Although this has been a LOOOONG post, i am posting one last thing for today. Whilst grateful to God for His blessings, I ask that He continues to bless all those i know, love or care about and to bless especially those who feel alone, are in hospitals and in prisons, and those persecuted because of the Gospel. I pray especially for a friend that God may strengthen and give peace, hope and joy - especially in times of trials.

This is what i wanted to post - it is what God desires of us:

This below is a translation of the words:

Look at him waiting in the terrible cold of night

Looking for a place far from cold and darkness
Everywhere he knocks he finds full houses (and no place for him)
It is as though the heart of man no longer knows how to show mercy!

Look at him passing through streets all lit up
Each house has a crib and statues
From the inside comes hymns and cheerful songs
But this music and these hymns have no meaning:

He does not want to hear the nice music of the angels
Nor see a bright shining star
He wants to live among people who live in harmony
He wants to find your heart capable of loving!
He wants to find your heart capable of loving!

The cold he feels is not the cold of winter
The darkness around him is not that of night
The cold comes from hearts as cold as marble
The darkness is the lack of light caused by sin.

He does not want to hear the nice music of the angels
Nor see a bright shining star
He wants to live among people who live in harmony
He wants to find your heart capable of loving!
He wants to find your heart capable of loving!

Do not fear! Let him find shelter in your heart!
Make a fire in your heart that he may be warm
Let him shine as the stars shine
Sing with your brothers: PEACE ON EARTH!

He does not want to hear the nice music of the angels
Nor see a bright shining star
He wants to live among people who live in harmony
He wants to find your heart capable of loving!
He wants to find your heart capable of loving! (x2)

Words and Music Fr.Karm Debattista MSSP, Malta.

A blessed New Year

to you and your loved ones :-)

Jesus Christ Our Hope - Last Day of Christmas Novena

2010-12-23T11:38:00.000+01:00

Today's reflection is really nice - click the picture to listen to it.

God bless you!

Getting closer to Christmas - 8th Day of Novena.

2010-12-22T12:16:00.000+01:00

Click the picture for today's reflection :-)

God bless you.

God with us - Now and Always - 6th Day of Christmas Novena

2010-12-20T13:06:00.001+01:00

Click the picture for today's reflection :-)

I do not really like the introductory singing in today's reflection - it sounds a bit sad to me (sad literally - nothing to do with quality at all) - but the reflection is really nice and worth listening to ...so i think anyway :-)

Click the picture to listen :-)

God bless you.

Accepting God and Doing His Will - Weekend Reflection

2010-12-18T11:03:00.000+01:00

Click picture to go to the reflection :-)

3rd day of Christmas Novena

2010-12-17T09:14:00.001+01:00

Click picture to go to today's reflection :-)

2nd day of Christmas Novena

2010-12-16T09:55:00.001+01:00

Click picture to listen to a reflection :-)

9 days to Christmas

2010-12-15T11:23:00.002+01:00

...and hence the Christmas Novena begins :-)

A novena is 9 days of prayer or greater preparation

for something that is coming.

The picture above links to a reflection which i have enjoyed listening to and which might help us prepare our minds and hearts better for Christmas.

Advertising - the MALTESE way...

2010-12-14T22:04:00.000+01:00

They're nice to look at but it's NOT the angel that caught my eye - more the way it's "price-tagged"?!

(no wonder he's got that look on his face!)

click to enlarge the picture if you can't see it properly ;-)

I've missed blogging

2010-12-13T15:47:00.002+01:00

I've missed blogging and i'm not sure i'll be able to keep blogging - would need to get myself back into the "habit" of blogging in order for me to continue that BUT for the time being i'm just going to give it a try again.

Back from Egypt, it's been kind of ok i guess. My family was DEFINALTELY waiting for me

(they had a landing countdown lol)

and had prepared some decorations and a little party.

I too am glad to see them again of course - but until i get completely used to it again well...

Malta, IS beautiful but as beautiful as it is, still it's different from what i was used to in the past few months and though i love my family and country, well, i ALSO loved the people in Egypt and had gotten pretty used to it there...

So, after all that - which sounds like i am complaining - but really i'm not, i'll just put a few pictures and comments about the past few days here in Malta.

Back here, the first night was a bit odd - as my family and friends have already heard.

I am not particularly keen on hearing loud cracking horse whips and tedious car horns, "Allah hu akbar" calls, the grumbling and laughter of some birds and the crowing of a rooster BUT i must admit that i had gotten used to them and it DID feel a bit odd to wake up to a growling dog instead.

This is panda.

She's quite quiet and we've had her for several years now BUT before, she and Jolly (a dalmation) would sleep in a room upstairs. NOW, after Jolly's death, my brother thought she'd be lonely and hence, since she's a "girl" she's been assigned OUR room. (my sisters' and my room)

Bottom line is that Panda didn't recognise me and hence she was growling at me the first morning i woke up here after those months away.

Panda aside - who is finally getting used to me - i have discovered that my sister Faith - besides being a whole lot taller - God bless her, has become something close to a sweet maker over here.

She can cook lots of really good stuff and does that REALLY fast too!

...now doesn't that look nice? (It tasted better than it looks too :-)

Christabel is still drawing and painting

- and just getting better at it - God bless her too :-)

Mum is fine but she must have made a promise to herself that she's going to make me gain all, any and MORE weight/fat that i MIGHT have lost in the past few months. All day she is asking me if i want something to eat and making stuff even when i say "no thank you" and "ma, if i were hungry i can make something for myself don't worry."

Talitha is singing as usual - it's nice to hear her again - and Matthew is still picking on her and teasing her because some things never change ;-)

Talitha singing - click here to listen to a little bit of it

(sorry Tal, couldn't resist putting JUST a little piece on here)

Dad is pretty much the same, still coming to wake everyone up, telling us to go to Mass and ending his day with his popular litany: "people, i have an important announcement to make, i'm going up to sleep. Goodnight shut up i love you go to sleep" (said with no pauses)

------------------

Yesterday, we went out (Bugibba) and on the way we saw the "window of the Divine Mercy" - as i call it - BUT because it's Christmas time, the person who takes care of that decorated it for the season. Having my camera i took a photo of it and it can be seen below. I love the way that "crib" is made :-) ...i should try to refresh my memory on knitting - things like that are really nice if you ask me.

(double click picture for a larger version)

I hope to blog again before Christmas - and i think i will - but just in case not: a very blessed Christmas to anyone who is reading these words :-)

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace - Feast of St.Francis.

2010-10-03T10:51:00.000+02:00

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek

to be consoled as to console;

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life,

Amen.

Apology

2010-06-20T17:44:00.002+02:00

Whilst i would have loved to continue blogging, yet for the time being it has become virtually impossible. For family/friends/readers who do not know, i am currently in Egypt for a few months with the Jesuits volunteering in a centre for children. It's been fine so far - and God willing it will remain so - but internet is extremely slow and there's always other things to do... For the time being i think i will pause blogging...

God bless you and keep you safe.

Come Holy Spirit!

2010-05-23T10:00:00.007+02:00

Happy Mother's Day Mary Most Holy!

2010-05-09T11:00:00.002+02:00

Yes, this is what Jesus is telling us in today's Gospel...

2010-05-02T08:55:00.002+02:00

...and those words apply for everybody - be they children, be they adolescents, be they youths, adults or old people. They are not exclusive to anyone for what God asks of us he asks of ALLLL of us: whether one is taking orders or bossing people around, it's my duty to treat others with love and respect. ...i'd add though that the people at the top have MORE of a responsability and duty to show kindness and respect because as someone once said "with great power comes great responsability" and Jesus had said "Whoever wants to be the first among you must be the servant of all" (Mt 20:27) and in humility Christ, GOD HIMSELF, went on his knees, washing our feet, saying "If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, so too must you do that to one another for I have given you example." (Jn 13:14,15)

UFF TELAQ :-(

2010-04-19T18:00:00.002+02:00

Issa telaq pero ZGUR illi l-merhba li tajnih KULL fejn mar INKLUZ it-tislima fejn l-ajruport kienu hwejjeg li ma jinsa qatt!

Il-merhba li tajnih fil-waterfront kienet INKREDIBBLI! Il-biljetti KOLLHA li kellhom il-KDZ - b'kollox 10,000 marru, is-swar KOLLHA kienu IPPAKKJATI bin-nies - bil-barrakka ta' fuq b'kollox. Kull fejn thares NIES BIEX ISELLMU LILL-PAPA!!!!! Dghajjes mxew warajh u nies sellmulhu mill-kull kantuniera!

Dan huwa filmat zghir li gibdet Faith bl-mp4 taghha. (Ma kienx hemm terrimot imma rassa kien hemm kemm trid u darba minnhom xi hadd sahansitra nehhilha idejha biex dahhal il-kamera tieghu b'hekk dak ic-caqliq mhux kollu tort taghha.)

Thank you Faith :-)

Il-Papa telaq :-( imma l-migja tieghu u l-verita li wasslilna tibqa' f'qalbna :-)

...dik hija t-tbissima li tiswa mitqlu deheb.

(Grazzi Chri tar-ritratt :-)

VIVA L-PAPA!!!!!!!!

WASAL WASAL!!!!

2010-04-17T19:00:00.002+02:00

That is just about 1hr ago - thank you Faith for the video! :-)

(Wasal Wasal means - HE'S HERE HE'S HERE!!)

EWTN is streaming the event too and it can be viewed online by clicking HERE

HE'S HERE!!!!!!!!!

2010-04-17T14:58:00.002+02:00

The Pope is in Malta!!!!

The whole event is being streamed live - click HERE and choose TVM or one of the other channels to see. TVM is the National Channel - it is most likely to be giving the best coverage.

EWTN is streaming the event too and it can be viewed online by clicking HERE

- the President's speech - just ending now was beautiful - may we indeed live what he said :-)

The final countdown!!!

2010-04-15T00:30:00.001+02:00

With less than 60hrs for the Pope to arrive here, it's HIGH TIME i posted something on the blog eh! Well, i do not have the energy or brains to blog right now so i will simply paste here something MUCH better than i could ever say - it is the English Version of what our bishops are telling us at this time... :-)

...do i have to be coming here to change the 60hrs to 50hrs and 40hrs and 30hrs etc etc?

PASTORAL LETTER ON THE OCCASSION OF THE FIRST
VISIT TO MALTA OF POPE BENEDICT XVI

“Nevertheless we must run aground on some island” (Acts 27,26)

Beloved Sons and Daughters,

It has always been our firm conviction that the shipwreck which caused the apostle Paul to be washed ashore on our islands did not happen merely by coincidence. In much the same way,today, we feel that it is indeed providential that His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has chosen to make this pastoral visit to our country.

Two thousand years ago, during his short stay among us, and through his preaching of the Gospel, Paul introduced the Maltese and Gozitan people to Jesus Christ; as they came to know Him, Christian hope was instilled in their hearts. In anticipation of the visit of His Holiness the Pope, and in order that this visit will not simply be a matter of ceremony, it would be appropriate to pause for a moment and ask: Where do we stand at present with respect to our faith and what are the fruits of the Gospel which we received so many years ago and which has shaped our identity and traditions? We have no doubt that if we open up our hearts to embrace this occasion, it could be for us a moment of grace which will serve to encourage and fortify us in our faith.

The choices that stand before us Lately, as your Bishops, we have asked you to take a moment to discern the choices which today lie ahead of us, both as a society and as a Church. Peter asked that the first Christians would be “always ready to give an answer to every man who asks for the reason for the hope” that is to be found in them (1Peter 3,15). There is no doubt that the successor of Peter, during his forthcoming visit, will ask of us something similar, more so in this day and age, when we live in a world which often demands that we substantiate our beliefs by practical reasoning.

We are convinced that the Pope, not only by the words which he will express to us, but also through his spirituality, will raise many questions about Christ and his message. We encourage everyone – not only those who are walking in the path of faith, but also those who feel burdened by the doubts of faith – to heed the Pope’s message. We are not to be fearful of the challenges he will present us with; rather we should continue to seek and to raise questions regarding Christ’s message.

A Pauline Church

Embedded in the culture of our people are the foundations of the Church of Jesus Church, as laid down by Paul. Our ancestors continued to build upon those foundations. The history of our people is a testimonial to the fact that this Pauline Church has rendered great services for the benefit of Maltese society. Nobody can deny that by conveying the Gospel to us, the Church has greatly enriched our culture. Today, at a time when we feel we are at crossroads in so many areas of our life and our faith, we are all called upon to renew and rejuvinate our Church in order that it may be as God ordained it: a Church which bears resemblance to the first Christian communities; a Church built, first and foremost, upon the Word of God and the Eucharist, particularly the Sunday Eucharist. We do not wish to be a fearful Church, a Church behind closed doors. In spite of what some may think, neither do we wish to be a Church which imposes itself upon society and upon others. We wish to be a Church which acquires its strength through the Word of God and through the testimony of those who are thoroughly convinced of their faith. We wish to be a Church that is not reluctant to enter into dialogue with the world and with all human beings, irrespective of their beliefs.

A Moment of Grace

We reiterate that this is a moment of grace for us all. Just as Paul’s visit gave new life to the social set-up of that time, so too, this short stay of Pope Benedict among us, can provide the impetus required for us to focus once again upon the core of our faith, which in spite of having always been close to our hearts, is certainly in need of renewal. The Pope’s profound personality, as well as his prophetic knowledge of our times – traits which emerge clearly upon reading his first Encyclicals – will enable usto open our eyes to our current situation. We may expect the Pope to guide us in the proper direction in order that our country may continue to have a vision for the future which is not misleading, but rather to continue to embrace the Christian faith as a treasure which enhances, and not lowers, the dignity of the human person and its nation.

In the face of the tragedy of the shipwreck, the Maltese people welcomed Paul, supported him in his time of need and loved him. Today the Church – and most especially, the Pope, is also in troubled waters. There are those who are trying to silence his prophetic voice. We feel that, like our forefathers, we are called upon to show our love for the Pope and ally ourselves with him. In this respect, during the forthcoming weekend, we invite the people of Malta and Gozo to welcome warmly the Pope, who will be visiting us in the name of the Lord! We encourage you to participate in all the encounters which are being organized to celebrate the two days during which His Holiness will be among us.

This visit is indeed a moment of grace, and we entrust it to Our Mother Mary and the Apostle Paul.

We impart upon you our Apostolic Blessing.

PAUL CREMONA O.P.
Archbishop of Malta
MARIO GRECH
Bishop of Gozo

A book to read - for anyone interested of course :-)

2010-04-11T13:29:00.003+02:00

Click the picture
and you can read it online if you would like to :-)

May the Divine Mercy, whose Feast we celebrate today, bless each one of us and our loved ones. May the same Divine Mercy bring back our brothers and sisters who think that their sins are beyond what God will forgive: may He help them see that they are always loved - so dearly!

...as for the rest of us who are blessed to frequent the Sacraments - Confession especially - may we always approach so that we too may continue receiving this Mercy which we need so much.

May the Divine Mercy bless you and your loved ones :-)

Qam kif kien qal!! (He rose as he had said!!)

2010-04-04T03:30:00.001+02:00

May the peace of Christ fill each one this Easter day - let us also remember to give a HUGE WELCOME to Cathecumens and/or people who have become Catholic this Easter whilst giving a hand to our brothers and sisters who are coming towards or coming back to the Catholic Church.

Il-Mulej Qam Tassew!
- Christ has indeed risen!

The 7 Visits to the 7 Churches

2010-04-01T23:05:00.003+02:00

7 VISITS

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

i think the ppt is better in full screen - click MENU and then VIEW FULL SCREEN especially if you like to read/pray the text :-)

Jesus in the Eucharist

2010-04-01T09:00:00.000+02:00

This is a reflection i had written last year - it's long but i might as well give the link for it for anyone interested :-)

May Jesus in the Holy Eucharist ALWAYS be loved and adored. May He continue to bless and watch over all Priests and fill each one with more zeal and holiness.

Our Lady of Sorrows

2010-03-26T07:50:00.000+01:00

For a little reflection please click HERE.

Neither will i condemn you!

2010-03-21T10:55:00.002+01:00

When i was at Mass this morning, i was thinking that the bidding prayers were soooooo beautiful! They were all about God's mercy and us to approach, they were about us not being the judges of our brothers and sisters and about us called to welcome and love one another even - i'd say especially though - especially those who need to be loved more becase they have been away from God for a while and they were just so nice! -i prayed them of course: said a heartfelt "Lord graciously hear us" at the end of each one but i also thought i'd put them over here on the blog because they really were so nice that i would like whoever reads this to pray them too - but anyway:

Faith had to read at church today SO she took my "Jum il-Mulej" (Day of the Lord) paper - the one i get from church to use for preparing ppts - and which also has the bidding prayers on it. She left it there, forgot to get it back and HENCE when i came back home i could NOT find it! Bottom like is that i cannot put those prayers up because the paper is at church - oh well...

Today's Gospel was beautiful - it always is - but today's more :-) (but i always say that anyway - they're all beautiful eh...)

I like it most when Jesus speaks to the woman and says - "oh woman? no one stayed to condemn you? they all left?". I like it because i think Jesus was really nice and friendly when He said that. I imagine that she had been so ashamed and humiliated! She was brought to Him and accused of what she had done before Him. She would not dare look up at him and then Jesus says that and - to me - it sounds like he was in a way trying to console her too saying: "ah ha! you see lady, even they, who have judged you, and brought you here, and were willing to stone you to death, even they have sin but come on now - you're even better than they are because whereas they have gone home in ANGER and without repentance YOU are still here: to receive mercy ;-)"

Jesus did not condemn her instead He gives her mercy and sends her home with what to me sounds not so much a warning as much as a blessing: "Go and sin no more" - i think God said that firmly enough yes but with SO MUCH LOVE that it would have been a blessing not a warning - something which would echo in her heart to remind her that God's love for her was so great that she does NOT want to offend or hurt Him anymore. - It is like when the priest tells us, in Confession, "Go my child and sin no more" - and we are blessed with the Grace of God, strengthened so that we can fight sin better.

Below is the powerpoint with just the Gospel - not all the readings - but at the end of it is a song.

That song is one which we have been singing at the Lenten Talks this week and although i do not quite like the way the singer is singing when he sings it on his own, i love the words. The words speak of Grace which is "enough for us and the whole human race"

God never ceases to love His Children - and we all are. Some of us - maybe some of our relatives or friends too - may leave God for a while but no matter who or why we leave God it does not change the fact that we remain loved and precious in His eyes. He would not condemn us but simply look at us, give us His Mercy and give us His Grace.

Neither will i condemn you!

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

These are the words of the song found at the end of the ppt:

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

From the full streams

Of Your care

All who come

Begin again

Hard or friend

Rich or poor

All who need

Need fear no more

Such a thing to give away!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

All regrets

Let go, forget

There's something that

Mends all of that

Such a thing to give away!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

Oh happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

Sound the church bells

Let 'em ring

For everything can be redeemed

We can be redeemed

All of us!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

Oh, happiness!

There's Grace enough for us

and the whole human race!

- and oh yes there is!

THANK GOD!!! :-)

Holy St.Joseph

2010-03-19T07:30:00.000+01:00

We (rightly) place lots of importance on Mary but sometimes Joseph gets a little bit of a side bench: he is sooooooo very quiet that it’s quite easy to “forget” him – I often do anyway – and it takes a day like this to actually stop and think and go: OH YES ... ST. JOSEPH WAS A GREAT SAINT!

The Gospels do not record a SINGLE word of what Joseph ever said and yet I doubt he was mute! (…it’s just that his lines never made it to the final text I guess ;-)

Joking apart though, we can, from the Gospels conclude that st.Jospeh was a good worker for people identified Jesus as the son of “the carpenter”:

" Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? "

(Mt 13:55a)

He isn’t much spoken of in the Gospel but when he is he's one portrayed as an obedient child of God:

He is the one who "plans" to leave Mary “in all secrecy” because "in no way did he want to discredit her" (Mt 1:19) ...let alone have her stoned!

He is the one who furthermore accepts her lovingly and humbly when asked by the angel to do so. (Mt 1:24)

He is the one who accompanies Mary and the (unborn) child Jesus to Betlehem. (Lk 2:4,5)

He is the one who is caring for the both when this Holy Family is fleeing from Betlehem. (Mt 2:14)

He is the one who comforts Mary as they look for the missing boy Jesus. (Lk 2:41-45)

Indeed st.Joseph must have been a great worker but he was a GREATER worker in that he sought and did his very best to love and serve God. He is one spoken of as "an upright man" (Mt 1:19) in the Gospel...

…and sure enough he is “the carpenter” (Mt 13:55a) who works silently in his little workshop providing for his family!!

------

This here is a video which i enjoyed watching and hence am embedding in this post:

Here's a little prayer:

Holy Saint Joseph,
husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary
and foster-father of Christ Jesus,
you are now with God in heaven.
Please obtain for me
and those whom i love,
a pure, humble, charitable heart
and a perfect desire to
love, obey and serve God.
As you guided Christ, so too:
guide and teach us to be just
that God may be pleased
and that one day we too
may be with Jesus in heaven.

St. Joseph patron saint and
protector of the Catholic Church
please pray for us!

a MUST-read.

2010-03-14T12:08:00.001+01:00

I just came across this and i think it is so good that it's not to be missed: i dare call it a must-read :-)

That aside, this below is NOT a must read but i'm putting it up anyway. It's an old post and my own reflection of the Parable of the Merciful Father. I could have added/changed it but i left it as it was. It was originally posted on the 21st June of last year - it was Father's Day i believe - and written for anyone who will read it but in particular in thought was - and is - a friend for whom i pray daily that he may truly come to know the love of Jesus for him.

and one last thing before that writing, this is a beautiful song about this Gospel :-)

A beautiful day to you who is reading this :-)

-------------------------

(this below was the text and no i did not re-type it all: i just copied the html of it!)

Have you ever come across someone who says to you “What? You actually read the Bible? Howcome? It’s so boring!” Some would add “But why would you want to read it? It’s always the same stories!”

They’re right: if one goes through the Bible without imagining, thinking, praying and listening they’re absolutely right. But if one “reads” the Bible properly then it’s no longer the “same stories” and it’s anything but “boring”.

I truly can’t seem to read anything without imagining it. For this reason I don’t find the Bible to be “boring” at all – and if they’re just “stories” they come alive everytime! Furthermore I know who wrote it and why. I know that God wrote it with the language and fingers of man ...for us. ...to tell each of us of His infinate love!

This day, when we celebrate Father’s Day I am continuosly reminded of that parable in Luke 15. Many people call it the story of “The Prodigal Son” but the main figure is actually the Father! The sons are secondary figures:

“There was a man with two sons.”
(Luke 15:11)

It is the story of
The Merciful Father.

-----

The Bible is alive and every word has meaning. Every story or fact conveys truth and one cannot just skim through/fly over a story and/or fact ...unless he/she is planning to miss most of these truths.

I can never read anything without imagining ...have you ever tried imagining this story?

Jesus continued, “There was a man with two sons. The younger said to his father: ‘Give me my share of the estate.’ So the father divided his property between them. Some days later, the younger son gathered all his belongings and started off for a distant land where he squandered his wealth in loose living. Having spent everything, he was hard pressed when a severe famine broke out in that land. So he hired himself out to a well-to-do citizen of that place and was sent to work on a pig farm. So famished was he that he longed to fill his stomach even with the food given to the pigs, but no one offered him anything. Finally coming to his senses, he said: ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Treat me then as one of your hired servants.’ With that thought in mind he set off for his father’s house. He was still a long way off when his father caught sight of him. His father was so deeply moved with compassion that he ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. The son said: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son…’ But the father turned to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and kill it. We shall celebrate and have a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.’ And the celebration began. Meanwhile, the elder son had been working in the fields. As he returned and was near the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what it was all about. The servant answered: ‘Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father is so happy about it that he has ordered this celebration and killed the fattened calf.’ The elder son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and pleaded with him. The indignant son said: ‘Look, I have slaved for you all these years. Never have I disobeyed your orders. Yet you have never given me even a young goat to celebrate with my friends. Then when this son of yours returns after squandering your property with loose women, you kill the fattened calf for him.’ The father said: ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But this brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost and is found. And for that we had to rejoice and be glad.’” (Lk 15: 11-32)

I won’t do the imagining for you – I can’t do that ...not even if I wanted to... so you do that ...if you like to... but the bit I like best is when the boy starts to think about going home. You’ve read the story and that’s how it is but I’ll write it putting emphasis and my own lines in ...as I imagine it.

Finally coming to his senses, he said: ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! Boy I’m REALLY stupid! I had it all – even the servants have it all – and yet here I am – a rich man’s son starving to death! Tatterred clothes, pigs food ...but how could it be that I’m this stupid?! (and it’s not fair either that I’m here ...sure I left but I AM his son ...i shouldn’t be starving here!) But what will I do? What can I do? I will get up and go back to my father that’s hard but still I’m his son I know I can do it. I’ll apologise sincerely. I’ll say to him: "Father, I have sinned against God and before you. (I know I have.) I no longer deserve to be called your son. (I REALLY don’t) Treat me then as one of your hired servants." It’s enough for me – I’ve done wrong and I know it but if he can keep me as a servant even that is enough ...it’s certainly better than this! With that thought in mind he set off for his father’s house.

We don’t see much of him along the road nor do we have his thoughts but can’t you see him and can’t you imagine what might have gone through his head?

A man walking, on his own towards his father’s house. He’s filthy and stinking (come on pigs DON’T smell nice and this man HAD BEEN feeding the pigs!) But if his appearance is miserable then look at his heart and see what goes through his head: “Boy look at me: I’m stinking with pigs, I’m filthy and dirty ...oh man what am I thinking? I left my father, embarrassing him before the other people. I spent all that he gave me ...well actually more like wasted it... oh man! But why was I so stupid? I know he’s kind and that he loves me but ...oh my what am I thinking? “love me”?? I’m lucky IF he accepts me! Love me??? ...i'd be lucky if I’m accepted – as a servant! ...what will the other people say? What will my brother say? Oh man what am I doing?”

and yet he keeps walking ...he looks like he’s on “auto pilot” or something, his feet practically dragging him home ...what’s there to lose anyway? He’s already lost everything! How much lower can he get? He keeps walking ...walking and wondering...

And then there’s the other side of the story: a father waiting for his son. A father who cared and kept waiting for him to return. (The boy didn’t know his father too well!)

"He was still a long way off when his father caught sight of him."

Poor dad! And now you tell me: how could this father have “caught sight of him” unless he was on the roof of his house watching out for him? He most certainly was watching out for him – day and night! And then LOL when he sees this figure coming he’s straining his eyes to make sure it’s him! He looks like his son but he’s still a long way off. He’s been gone from home for some time now, his clothes are no longer nice and rich, his head is not high, his pace is not brisk – he looks different! ...But he IS his son! This is his son! The father has recognised him!

Before going to the next line, can you imagine his joy? Can you read his thoughts? “My son! My son! He’s coming home!!!” His heart is leaping with joy! His heart about to explode with happiness! This son is coming home! He’s coming home!!!!!!

His father was so deeply moved with compassion that he ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him.

“deeply moved with compassion”, “ran”, “hugged”, “kissed”. The boy probably just stood there thinking that he was either dreaming or else that his father was going nuts!

How can my father be "deeply moved with compassion" when he looks at me? Howcome he ran to welcome me after what I’ve done? And he’s an old man – old men don’t run!!!! ...much less to welcome a son like this! ...He’s hugging me?!!? Can’t he see how filthy I am ...can’t he smell this nasty smell? What’s he hugging me for?! Why is he doing this? Why’s he kissing me?!

Then when he’s kind of "recovering" from this "shock" he starts: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son…’

The father lets him express his sorrow for he knows it burdens him but that is enough. He won't have more of it. He’s estatic with joy and won't let him finish his words! He turns to his servants and with a tone full of excitement he says: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and kill it. (poor calf) We shall celebrate and have a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found!’

I imagine the boy going “but dad... dad?” and the father just continuosly welcoming, hugging and kissing ...such that the son can no longer go on with his “buts”.

The father has called his servants to clothe and serve his son but I bet this father won’t even allow them to do it themselves! I imagine it is he himself who’s clothing the son, restoring dignity. I imagine him putting the ring in his fingers and kissing his hand. Tears of joy fill his eyes and he is pleased to bend down to put sandals on his son’s feet! (He'd have to wash his dirty feet first though - just like Jesus did with His friends!)

And the son stands there trying to understand. He’s been welcomed. He knows he does not deserve it but what can he do? And as he stands wondering, this confusion is transformed into joy: his father is overjoyed to have him home! His father loves him! What does it matter if he cannot understand his father’s reaction and love? He just knows it and is willing to accept ...what more could he ask for? What better thing can he ever have than such love?

"the celebration began."

God said there’d be a great feast everytime a sinner repents and God does that with each one of us. (Luke 15:7) He’s Our Father! Our Merciful Father! He’ll watch out for us, run to welcome us, hug, kiss, clothe and celebrate! He’d call His mother and the saints to celebrate with Him. He’d call all his angels and have a feast like no other!

He’d do that with each one of us - He’d do that each time I go back home. He’d do that each time I go to Confession – because He cares! Because He is a Father who wants only the very best for His children.

On this day, it being Father’s day I am grateful to God for Him being such a Father. On this day, it being Father’s day in the Year of the Priest, I am thankful to God for priests – men who serve God and His people, who are spiritual fathers. ...fathers to whom God gives authority to forgive our sins:

Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” After saying this he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (Jn 20: 21-23)

May each one be abundantly blessed!
-----

i think this is a lovely video:

Be with me Lord in my sorrow!

2010-02-20T21:51:00.001+01:00

Lord be with me in my sorrow!

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

The Bishops have spoken yet again :-)

2010-02-14T09:30:00.004+01:00

These below are You tubes with the Bishop reading the Pastoral Letter he has given us. They are in Maltese yet THIS IS A LINK for the text - a translation of what is being read - in English.

It's a beautiful letter and i pray that all of us who will listen to or read it may know that the love of Christ for each and everyone of us is truly infinite and everlasting.

May the peace of Christ reign always in the hearts of those who love Him, may it also reign in the hearts of those who seek and long to know Him.

- thank you to the people who posted these videos on You Tube :-)

Malta, Malta!

2010-02-10T11:45:00.003+01:00

Malta, Malta! You have received so much through the ministry of Saint Paul and the witness of Blessed Dun Gorg, Blessed Nazju Falzon and Blessed Adeodata. As you move into the future, be faithful to the legacy they have left! Follow Christ with undivided heart, and never be afraid to speak up for the truth that saves and the values that lead to life! May the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Word Incarnate, accompany and protect you always, so that you will never fail to "give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds" (Ps 107:15).

John Paul II in the homily given at the Floriana Granaries, Malta on the 9th of May 2001.

For the full homily CLICK HERE

St Paul's Shipwreck in Malta

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

We are One Body

2010-01-23T17:53:00.006+01:00

We are One Body! - 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

Lord Jesus we are all your children and You love us all. But some of us are far and no longer come to listen to Your Word, nor do they receive the Sacraments. Take their fears, open their ears and give sight to their eyes. Show them Jesus how much You love them! Help them to approach You and fill them your joy and peace. Amen.

This below is a "You Tube" which helps us reflect on the Truth that Christ loves and unites us in Himself - may all those who seek come to know Christ in His Church :-)

We are Children of God!

2010-01-09T23:20:00.000+01:00

The Baptism of Our Lord - Year C

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

Are you wise? ;-)

2010-01-03T09:53:00.000+01:00

Take Advantage!

2010-01-01T14:30:00.000+01:00

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God.

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

I am not capable of remembering the homily at yesterday’s Mass – thanksgiving for 2009 – but I know that the priest started by mentioning what we look for: we seek first and formost to have peace. Then he went on to speaking about how many times we lack it because we look for it in the wrong places. And then he spoke about dreams – how many people long to do something or wish for something but don’t really strive for it or give up before actually attaining whatever they long for. And then he kind of linked both and spoke also of Mary our Mother. He said something along the lines of:

We seek peace but often we look for it in the wrong places and sometimes we think we can do without God but in truth we can’t. We want joy but we try to have this joy in earthly things and sometimes we forget to look to Christ and the joy He gives – following Him. OF COURSE it is hard to follow Jesus sometimes but those who do, know peace in their hearts - despite trials.

…and some of us dream of doing this and that but then we don’t really try to attain that – we stop before we even start, or half-way or just before we get there… - and well God is giving us a new year and this year TAKE ADVANTAGE – if it is family, if it is work, if you need to speak more with Jesus - do that! If you need to rediscover your faith DO THAT! But most importantly TAKE ADVANTAGE of this new year – to grow and be more like Jesus – He comes for us. And remember also that Mary is our mother - the Church is giving us Mary at the start of a new year so that we turn to her because she will lead us to Jesus.

- and maybe we should just try to do that this year: take advantage!

God is giving us a new year: let us strive to know, love and serve Him better – He loves us. …and when we doubt His love for us, let us pray: “Lord increase our faith!” …If the apostles prayed that how much more can we who have never seen Christ in person? ;-) (Luke 17:5)

A blessed New Year

to you and your

loved ones :-)

and here is a great song:

http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/57500

- about Mary Our Mother :-)

L-Ideal Possibbli!

2009-12-27T07:15:00.000+01:00

Feast of the Holy Family

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

Christmas Novena Day 9

2009-12-24T08:29:00.000+01:00

As I was reading today's reflection, I couldn't help thinking it how beautiful it is. It speaks of God who is inviting us to His manger. I - and anyone who prays - will, through this Novena, be asking God to forgive us as we kneel at the feet of the Infant Jesus. We are blessed in that - whether we believe it or not - God loves us so much! :-)

Novena Day 9:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

O Adorable Infant Jesus, I would not have the boldness to cast myself at Your feet if I did not know that You Yourself invite me to draw near You. But you have come on earth to pardon repentant sinners!! My Saviour and My God, You who are so good have loved - and you continue to love - me so much!

My God, who became an infant for my sake - help me love You always!

Mary Mother of Jesus and my own mother - pray to Jesus for me!

Prayer/Reflection:

O Adorable Infant Jesus! I would not have the boldness to cast myself at Your feet, if I did not know that You Yourself invite me to draw near You. By my sins I have made You shed so many tears in the stable of Bethlehem but You have come on earth to pardon repentant sinners! Forgive me also, now that I am heartily sorry for having spurned You, my Savior and my God, who are so good and who has loved - and continues to love - me so much.

In this night, in which You bestow great graces on so many souls, grant Your heavenly consolation to this poor soul of mine also. All that I ask of You is the grace to love You always, from this day forward, with all my heart. Set me all on fire with Your holy love.

I love You, O my God, who has become a Babe for love of me. Never let me cease from loving You!

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and my Mother, you can obtain everything from your Son by your prayers. This is the only favor I ask of you: pray to Jesus for me! Amen.

Lord Jesus in this night and time, You bestow graces on so many souls. I beg of you: fill this soul with Grace. Fill me with an unending love for You. Let me also know your peace so that I may share it with those around me!

My God, who became an infant for my sake - thank You! - Help me love You always! Mary Mother of Jesus and my own mother - thank You! - pray to Jesus for me!

Today was the last day of the Novena - if you have prayed this too then: thank you for praying with me!

And whether you have prayed or not: God bless you and fill you with His peace and Joy this Christmas :-)

This Novena was prepared by the "America needs Fatima" website - i am grateful they have shared it! :-)

------

Christmas Novena Day 8

2009-12-23T07:59:00.001+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 8:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Jesus, my Saviour, what are all the treasures of this world compared to You and Your love for me? When I consider how, for love of me, You were born in a stable and spent thirty years of Your life hidden and unknown in a poor workshop I can only pray and desire to renounce worldly riches and sinful desires so that i may one day be able to enjoy Your companionship in heaven.

Infant Jesus help me!

Mary my hope, refuge of sinners - pray to Jesus for me!

Prayer/Reflection:

O Jesus, my Saviour! When I consider how, for love of me, You spent thirty years of Your life hidden and unknown in a poor workshop, how can I desire the pleasures and honors and riches of the world? Gladly do I renounce all these things, since I wish to be Your companion on this earth, poor as You were, mortified and humble as You were, so that I may hope to be able one day to enjoy Your companionship in heaven.
What are all the treasures and kingdoms of this world? You, O Jesus, are my Only Treasure, my Only Good!
I keenly regret the many times in the past when I spurned Your friendship in order to satisfy my foolish whims. I am sorry for them with all my heart.
For the future I would rather lose my life a thousand times than lose Your grace by sin. I wish never to offend You again, but always to love You. Help me to be faithful to You until death.

O Mary, You are the refuge of sinners, You are my hope - please pray for me! Amen.

Lord Jesus you are my Only Treasure, my Only Good. I regret the many times in the past when I have sinned and offended You. I am sorry with all my heart - let me now love and serve You!

Infant Jesus help me!

Mary my hope, refuge of sinners - pray to Jesus for me!

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

------

i think this you tube is great:

Note: The Icon above the prayer, was written by Kiko Arguello, founder of the Neo-Cathecumenal Way. Mary and Jesus are often portrayed looking to the right but Arguello presents Mary and Jesus looking to the left. The left is considered the place where sinners are. Mary and Jesus look to each one of us who needs God’s mercy – Mary our hope leads us to Jesus, Jesus our Lord fills us with His mercy. :-)

Christmas Novena Day 7

2009-12-22T07:51:00.000+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 7:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Dear Infant Jesus, crying so bitterly, do not cry any longer. Yes I have persecuted you through my sins and yes I still do but now I long to love you. I want to love you dear Infant. Give me strength so that I may resist temptations and keep you forever in my heart.

Mary my hope pray to Jesus for me - that i may live serving and loving Him in all the remaining days and years of my life.

Prayer/Reflection:

Dear Infant Jesus, crying so bitterly! Well have You reason to weep in seeing Yourself persecuted by men whom You love so much.

I, too, O God, have once persecuted You by my sins [i still do because i still sin actually] but You know that now I love You more than myself, and that nothing pains me more than the thought that I have so often spurned You, my Sovereign Good.

Forgive me, O Jesus, and let me keep You with me in my heart in all the rest of the journey that I have still to make through life, so that together with You I may enter into eternity.

So often have I driven You from my soul by my sins but now I love You above all things, and I regret above other misfortunes that I have offended You.

I wish to leave You no more, my beloved Lord. Give me the strength to resist temptations. Never permit me to be separated from You again. Let me rather die than ever again lose Your good grace. (i'm not too sure about that: my prayer is that if and when i DO lose God's Grace - because i would have put it aside or refused it - then God will bring me back again to It - He has FULL PERMISSION to do so :-)

O Mary my hope, make me always live in God's love and then die in loving Him. Amen.

Dear Infant Jesus, do not cry any longer. I long to love you. I want to love you dear Infant. Give me strength so that I may resist temptations and keep you forever in my heart.

Mary, my hope pray to Jesus for me - that I may live serving and loving Him in all the remaining days and years of my life.

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

-----

This below is a traditional Maltese Christmas Carol which says: "Sleep and do not cry baby Jesus..."

Christmas Novena Day 6

2009-12-21T08:02:00.000+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 6:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

O my Dear Redeemer! Where should I be now, if You had not borne with me so patiently, and hadn't called me for life while I was in the state of sin? You have waited for me till now, forgive me quickly O Jesus!

I am sorry for having vilely despised You, my God but You cannot abandon a soul that seeks You. Lord I want to love You - help me!

Prayer/Reflection:

O my Dear Redeemer! Where should I be now, if You had not borne with me so patiently, and hadn't called me for life while I was in the state of sin? Since You have waited for me till now, forgive me quickly, O my Jesus, before death finds me still guilty of so many offenses that I have committed against You. I am so sorry for having vilely despised You, my Sovereign Good, that I could die of grief. But You cannot abandon a soul that seeks You. [ lucky for us - how blessed we are!!! ;-) ]

If thus far I have forsaken You, I now seek You and love You. Yes, my God, I love You above all else; I love You more than myself! Help me, Lord, to love You always during the rest of my life. Nothing else do I seek of You but this I beg of You, this I hope to receive from You.

Mary, my hope, do pray for me! If you pray for me, I am sure of Grace. Amen.

My Lord, You cannot abandon a soul that seeks You. If thus far I have forsaken You, I now seek You and love You. Yes, my God, I love You and want to love You above all else - Help me! Lord, nothing else do I seek of You but this I beg of You, this I hope to receive from You.

Mary, my hope, do pray for me. If you pray for me, I am sure of Grace.

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

Christmas Novena Day 5

2009-12-19T23:11:00.005+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 5:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.

That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.

Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Lord, I feel a great desire to love You and since it is You who has given me this desire, give me O God the strength to love You exceedingly.

Lord, always remind me of the love You borne for me so that my soul may ever burn with love of You and long to please You alone!

Prayer/Reflection:

O Jesus, my sweet Love! I too have kept You suffering through all Your life. Tell me, then, what I must do in order to win Your forgiveness. I am ready to do all You ask of me.

I am sorry, O Sovereign Good, for all the offenses I have committed against You. I love You more than myself, or a least I feel a great desire to love You. Since it is You who has given me this desire, give me O God the strength to love You exceedingly. It is only right that I, who have offended You so much, should love You very much.

Always remind me of the love You have borne me, in order that my soul may ever burn with love of You and long to please You alone.

O God of love, I, who was once a slave of hell, now give myself all to You. Graciously accept me and bind me to You with the bonds of Your love. My Jesus, from this day and forever in loving You will I live, and in loving You will I die.

O Mary, my Mother and my hope, help me to love Your dear God and mine. This is the only favor I ask of you, and through you I hope to receive it, Amen.

My Jesus, I give you my all, bind me to You! Always remind me of the love you borne for me so that my soul may ever burn for love of You and strive to please You alone.

My Jesus from this day forth I want to love with all my heart. Mary, my Mother and my hope help me to love Your dear God and mine.

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

Christmas Novena Day 4

2009-12-19T11:00:00.000+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 4:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Jesus, I am ashamed to appear before You, sinful as I am. Yet You have said that You will not cast away a contrite and humbled heart: do not drive me from Your presence, O Lord!

Jesus, who was despised for love of me, forgive me! I love You above every other good!

Prayer/Reflection:

O Dearest Savior, You have embraced so many outrages for love of me, yet I have not been able to bear one word of insult without at once being filled with resentful thought, I who have so often deserved to be trodden under foot by the demons in hell!

I am ashamed to appear before You, sinful and proud as I am. Yet do not drive me from Your presence, O Lord, even though that is what I deserve.

You have said that You will not cast away a contrite and humbled heart. I am sorry for the offenses I have committed against You. Forgive me, O Jesus. I do not want to offend You again.

For love of me, You have borne so many injuries! For love of You I want to bear all the injuries that are done to me.

I love You, Jesus, who was despised for love of me. I love You above every other good. Give me the grace to love You always and to bear every insult for love of You.O Mary, recommend me to Your Son; pray to Jesus for me.

Amen.

Jesus, I am sorry for the offenses I have committed against You. Forgive me, I do not want to offend You again.

Jesus, who was despised for love of me, I love You above every other good! Lord, give me the grace to love You always, Mary recommend me to your Son; pray to Jesus for me!

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

*some text slightly changed eg: "i will not offend You" has been changed to "i do not want to offend you" because in my case (as probably with many of us) i WILL offend God but i do not want to so....

Christmas Novena Day 3

2009-12-18T07:31:00.000+01:00

This Christmas Novena is found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too, yet DO add and pray your own intentions as well!

Novena Day 3:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.
At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:
That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.
That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.
That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.
Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

These tears which You shed, this poverty which You embrace for love of me, make me hope for the pardon of all the offenses I have committed against You.

My Jesus, I am sorry for having so often turned my back on You. But now I love You above all else! "My God and my all!" From now on You, O my God, shall be my only treasure and my only good.

Prayer/Reflection:

O Dear Infant Jesus, how could I be so ungrateful and offend You so often, if I realized how much You have suffered for me? But these tears which You shed, this poverty which You embrace for love of me, make me hope for the pardon of all the offenses I have committed against You.

My Jesus, I am sorry for having so often turned my back on You. But now I love You above all else! "My God and my all!" From now on You, O my God, shall be my only treasure and my only good.

With Saint Ignatius of Loyola I will say to You, "Give me the grace to love You; that is enough for me." I long for nothing else; I want nothing else. You alone are enough for me, my Jesus, my life, my love.

O Mary, my Mother, obtain for me the grace that I may always love Jesus and help me believe that I am always loved by Him*. Amen.

"My God and my all!" From now on You, O my God, shall be my only treasure and my only good.
O Mary, my Mother, obtain for me the grace that I may always love Jesus and help me believe that I am always loved by Him.

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

* the words of this sentence have been slightly changed - God ALWAYS loves us (we need to believe - and ACCEPT - His love :-)

Christmas Novena Day 2

2009-12-17T06:57:00.000+01:00

This below is the 2nd Day of the Christmas Novena found at the "America needs Fatima" website. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too BUT add and pray your own intentions too!

Novena Day 2:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.

At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:

That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.

That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.

That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.

Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Oh dearest Infant! Tell me, what have You come on earth to do? Tell me, whom are you seeking?

Ah You have come to seek me, the lost sheep, so that, instead of fleeing from You any more, I may rest in Your loving arms! Oh my Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love and my all! Whom will I love, if not You?

Prayer/reflection:

O Dearest Infant! Tell me, what have You come on earth to do? Tell me, whom are You seeking?Yes, I already know. You have come to die for me, in order to save me from hell. You have come to seek me, the lost sheep, so that, instead of fleeing from You any more, I may rest in Your loving arms. Ah my Jesus, my treasure, my life, my love and my all! Whom will I love, if not You? Where can I find a father, a friend, a spouse more loving and lovable than You are?

I love You, my dear God; I love You, my only good.

I regret the many years when I have not loved You, but rather spurned and offended You. Forgive me, O my beloved Redeemer; for I am sorry that I have thus treated You, and I regret it with all my heart.

Pardon me, and give me the grace never more to withdraw from You, but constantly to love You in all the years that still lie before me in this life. My love, I give myself entirely to You; accept me, and do not reject me as I deserve.

O Mary, You are my advocate. By thy prayers You do obtain whatever You want from Your Son. Pray Him then to forgive me, and to grant me holy perseverance until death. Amen.

You have come to seek me, the lost sheep, so that, instead of fleeing from You any more, I may rest in Your loving arms!

Oh my Jesus, give me the grace never more to withdraw from You, but constantly to love You in all the years that still lie before me in this life.

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

Christmas Novena Day 1

2009-12-16T10:33:00.000+01:00

This below is the 1st Day of the Christmas Novena found at the "America needs Fatima" website, which starts today. The presentation here is slightly different to that on the site but it is otherwise the same.

The intentions in the prayer are my own and given that you are currently on this page, i'd be grateful if you prayed for those too BUT having said that, praying for these intentions does not mean one cannot add his/her own :-) Add and pray your own intentions too!

- and (especially for friends who are doubting it) remember that God loves you :-) ...if He did not then WHY was He born to DIE for you ...and me?

Novena Day 1:

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment

at which the Son of God was born

of a most pure Virgin at a stable at midnight

in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.

At that hour vouchsafe,

I beseech You to hear my prayers

and grant my requests:

That we may all draw near to You

strengthened to receive your mercy,

that our lives may be filled with hope, peace and joy.

That we may all believe in Your love for us

and may trust in You – no matter how hard it gets.

That those who cry or feel alone

may know that You are with them.

Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother,

Amen.

Your Passion is my hope. For the sake of that love which led You to take upon Yourself human nature and to die for me on the cross, forgive me all the offenses I have committed against You.

I love You, O Word Incarnate!

Prayer/reflection:

O Great Son of God, You have become man in order to make Yourself loved by men. But where is the love that men give You in return? You have given Your life blood to save our souls.

Why then are we so unappreciative that, instead of repaying You with love, we spurn You with ingratitude? And I, Lord, I myself more than others have thus ill treated You.

But Your Passion is my hope. For the sake of that love which led You to take upon Yourself human nature and to die for me on the cross, forgive me all the offenses I have committed against You.

I love You, O Word Incarnate; I love You, O infinite goodness. Out of love for You, I could die of grief for these offenses.

Give me, O Jesus, Your love. Let me no longer live in ungrateful forgetfulness of the love You bearest me. I wish to love You always. Grant that I may always preserve in this holy desire.

O Mary, Mother of God and my Mother, pray for me that Your Son may give me the grace to love Him always, unto death. Amen.

Your Passion is my hope. For the sake of that love which led You to take upon Yourself human nature and to die for me on the cross, forgive me all the offenses I have committed against You.

I love You, O Word Incarnate!

Thank you to the people at the "America needs Fatima" website for sharing this Novena.

Mum, why is the priest wearing pink?

2009-12-12T22:40:00.002+01:00

- i bet that if you go to Mass you will hear a boy or girl asking that!

Pink, in the Catholic Church, is the colour of "joy" - This Sunday we rejoice that Christ is near.

3rd Sunday of Advent - Sunday of Joy

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

May He fill you with His peace and joy.

here's a prayer - in the form of a song - for you who are reading this post:

http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/68114

Avvent 2009: Ikellmuna l-Isqfijiet! (Advent 2009 - The Bishops speak to us!)

2009-11-29T17:47:00.001+01:00

For an English version of the (Advent 09) Pastoral Letter click >>HERE<<

Christ Our King

2009-11-22T11:30:00.000+01:00

Christ the King!

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

I wish i could write what i am thinking but no time right now.

The above is a presentation of the Gospel proclaimed in church today :-)

- and this below is a great video uploaded by "chemmad" about OUR KING:

Blessed! (Mt 5: 1-12)

2009-11-01T09:48:00.006+01:00

We are all children of God and His love for us never changes: truly we are blessed!

Yet God asks of us that we share and give of what we have. In so doing we are further blessed - we are blessed with the joy of knowing that by God's grace we have brought a smile to others.

This "you tube" below is a favourite - presenting today's Gospel in a lovely manner. It was uploaded by "seestaernli" :-)

...it's a great thing that some people dedicate time to make such videos and are using the internet to share them with others. Through their work they proclaim God's message: blessing others :-)

Int tallab? (Are you a beggar?)

2009-10-25T13:07:00.003+01:00

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

One of the very first posts I wrote on this blog was about a similar miracle. Then, however, it was two blind beggars whom Jesus healed. (You can read it by clicking >HERE<)

This event as narrated by St.Mark is pretty similar but - if we listen - the Word of God will impact us differently each time it is announced to us.

When this Gospel was being proclaimed today I kept thinking – “int tallab?” (Are you a beggar?). I was listening but i kept “hearing” the words “int tallab? …int tallab?”

This man was a beggar.
And he was sitting on the side of the road: outcast.

He was a REAL beggar!
He was one who would beg no matter how much people told him to be quiet!

And then I was thinking "are you a beggar?"
And IF you were a beggar, what would you beg for?

This man was begging God and people were trying to silence him but he kept at it – refusing to stop before God answered.

…IF I were a beggar would I be like him?
…would I be that good at it:
Patient? Humble? Determined? Tusting enough?

And IF I were to beg God for something – what would I beg Him for?
- if I begged would I continue despite voices that try to silence me?

Look around you and you’ll see:
There are voices all around us - sometimes even within us - trying to silence what is good and holy! (…worse still these voices often times actually promote the very opposite!)

> you believe in God? Come on its 2009!!
> you pray?! Are you like 5 years old?
> what you actually go to Mass?!?! Get a life!?

Not to mention other things which are not exactly about God:

> Sex within marriage only? Are you ok?
…and who needs Marriage anyway? – just cohabitate!
(odd thing is that people with same-sex attraction actually WANT “marriage”!)

So all around us - sometimes within us too - are voices which try to silence us but a real beggar would keep begging!

When this beggar was being scolded and told to be quiet he only got louder! Repeating his cry – shouting it out so that Jesus would answer him:

Jesus,

Son of David,

have mercy on me!

Sometimes we give up.
Sometimes we think it is all in vain – but this beggar did not!

He kept shouting till Jesus answered Him.

…and I kept thinking – would I do that?
Would I be that kind of beggar?

His begging DID pay!
He got healed! His sight was restored!

That man begged for sight because he was blind
- he did not need sight of faith for he had that:
his begging reflected his faith and it healed him!

I have eye-sight but do I need God to restore my faith?
Would I beg Him as this man did – beg Him till He answers?

If I beg, God will stop, call me and say:

“What do you want Me to do for you?”

Maybe I should consider the Apostles’ prayer:
“Lord increase our faith!”

(Luke 17:5)

You remember at the start it said that this man sat on the roadside? Did you notice that by the end of the reading this man was no longer sitting there? He was following Jesus!

And if at the start he was an outcast – sitting on the roadside - he was certainly no longer that by the end of the Gospel! God Himself called Him and, given that he answered this call and proceeded to follow Jesus, he was certainly a friend now: of Jesus!

Lord increase our Faith!

Mission Sunday.

2009-10-18T09:50:00.003+02:00

Servant God!

View more presentations from ruth (Malta).

Mother Teresa used to say: "Charity begins at home" and indeed it does BUT if charity begins at home then it just might continue elsewhere - wherever we are with whomever we are at whichever time.

It is today Mission Sunday and one way of doing charity "elsewhere" would be by praying for the people living in situations of poverty, abuse or war. The next step would be to waste less and give more - if i have internet then SURELY i can give/donate something ...the ocean is made of many many many drops of water: every little given bit counts and contributes to a better world ;-)

...we all know some organisation which works with the poor and begs for donations so that it can help make the lives of these people better.

The Word of God

2009-10-11T15:40:00.000+02:00

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

View more presentations from ruth .

Make me a channel of Your Peace (St.Francis)

2009-10-04T14:09:00.000+02:00

The Year of the Priest,

800 years since St.Francis founded the Franciscans,

and the Feast of St.Francis:

this is certainly one HUGE feast! :-)

-----

Look Francis My church is falling to ruins!

Go and rebuild My House!

...these were the words spoken to St.Francis whilst he was praying in the Chapel of St.Damien. Lol at first Francis took them literally - rebuilding the little chapel with his own hands (and God let him because it was a task which made him strong and increased his love for Jesus) but this rebuilding was kind of just the foundation stone ;-)

St.Paul said the WE are the Church of God, that we are "living stones" ...and when, after rebuilding the church it was empty, then St.Francis knew what God meant ...he was to rebuild the people of God ;-) ...and he set out doing just that. Francis, despite ilness and hardships, set out to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus with a heart full of joy and zeal - rebuilding the real Church of God.

Like Francis - especially this year - NOW - we are called to rebuild God's Church! ...to pray for ourselves and our brothers and sisters: Lord in increase our Faith! ...to work to rebuild this Church: with our deeds! ...to proclaim the joy of Jesus humbly but full of zeal - just as St.Francis. May God strengthen us and each one to do so. :-)

These below are two grrrrreat songs: both the prayer of St.Francis. The first is in Italian and i just love it, the second is in English and though a different style, just as lovely. :-)

Hail Mary full of Grace! (Luke 1:28)

2009-10-01T11:38:00.005+02:00

Mary is our Mother - Jesus gave Mary to us while He was on the cross - dying because of His love for us, dying so that we may live. She was given to us so because she leads us to Jesus and so that that we may love her and ask for her prayers. She is Jesus' Mother and besides Jesus as Queen in heaven - surely her wishes are the King's Command!

When we pray to Mary we ask her to pray for us to Jesus and she willingly does - for all she wants is that one day we too will be with her in heaven: that would give her and Jesus SO MUCH joy!

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy please hear and answer me.
Amen.

Today's Gospel in Song

2009-09-27T13:17:00.001+02:00

God Alone is Enough

by Tom Booth.

(click title above or go to the link below to listen)

http://www.spiritandsong.com/compositions/80425

A question

2009-09-13T12:07:00.000+02:00

Who do you say i am?

View more presentations from ruth .

Efetah! (Mk 7:34)

2009-09-06T01:37:00.001+02:00

The Maltese word is pactically the same :-) "Infetaħ!" and well at this point i'm sleep-typing BUT having read the readings this morning, throughout the day i had one prayer: Let God open our ears so that each one of us may listen to Him speaking in our hearts ...so that each one of us may hear the truth of

"I LOVE YOU MY CHILD!"

From Psalm 145

2009-09-05T19:48:00.000+02:00

Psalm 145 - Psalm for the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

View more presentations from ruth .

Be doers of the Word (James 1:22)

2009-08-30T09:58:00.003+02:00

She took his teddy bear
He took her mp3.

Love one another:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

She gossiped about him
He hit her.
Love your neighbour as yourself:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

He argued and fought
She left him.
Forgive one another:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

They wanted to divorce
They were encouraged.
If someone is mistaken correct him gently:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

She was raped
She aborted the child.
Thou shalt not kill:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

He was abused
He abused his children
Do not do to others what you
do not want them to do to you:
Two wrongs don’t make a right.

He killed
They gave him the death penalty.
Love your enemies:

Two wrongs don’t make a right.

We killed the Son of God.
We sinned and continue to sin.
Father forgive them for

they know not what they do!

Faith without works is dead!

Tridux titilqu intom ukoll? (Jn 6:67)

2009-08-23T11:50:00.002+02:00

Tridux Titilqu Intom Ukoll?

View more presentations from ruth .

but Peter said:

"Lord to whom shall we go?!
YOU have the words of Eternal Life
and we have recognised that

You are the Holy One of God!"

(John 6:68)

Maybe sometimes we have doubts and SO MANY questions - why God? - and i think often we do not understand.

Maybe sometimes we think that God has forgotten us or that He does NOT love us - but even when we think that: it doesn't change the fact that God DOES love us with an unending and immeasurable love!

Sometimes we won't understand and maybe sometimes we are afraid but when we are, then like Peter we need to believe and like John we need to rest our heads on Jesus' shoulders:

Peter didn't understand Jesus' words and John had a heart full of sorrow and questions when he learnt that Jesus would soon die - but both believed and both found comfort in God: despite their lack of understanding.

During today's Mass we prayed the following - and i'm putting it on the blog because it has been my prayer - as i am certain that of many others - and i will continue to pray it with the Church:

We pray for all those people who, feel unwelcome in the Church. We pray for them so that they may see that God has a special love for those who feel rejected and we pray that these brothers and sisters may listen to God’s call and return to His Fold. (2nd Prayer of the Faithful for the 21st Sunday of ordinary Time, Cycle B – Malta Diocese.)

Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus,

please lead each one of us to God in the Holy Catholic Church.

St.Michael, Brave Archangel

please defend us against the wickedness and snares of the devil.

Santa Marija!

2009-08-15T13:50:00.002+02:00

Our Parish is dedicated to Our Lady, Queen of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and so the church is full of paintings depicting moments or events in the life of Mary. Although there are several paintings depicting Mary on the clouds and/or in heaven, only one is actually "The Assumption"

This would be the one found on the ceiling of the main altar. Below it - ie on the wall of the main Altar - is a picture of Mary in heaven but that is the "Immaculate Conception". And yet below that is a huge "frame" which portrays Mary holding Baby Jesus. Mary is depicted sitting on her throne and wearing a crown: Our Lady, Queen of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The other two paintings, seen above and found on the side-chapels of the Main alter of the church too represent Mary: in one Mary is portrayed as the New Eve and in the other Mary is depicted as Mother of the Church.

In all of these pictures Mary is in heaven or on the clouds: reminding us of the Assumption.

...Clouds apart, today is a big feast for us Catholics but especially for Maltese Catholics.

In our church is a piece of a bomb which fell during the war. Besides it is a marble slate with a long list of names of the people who died whilst at Mass, during the war.

Near the police station is another marble slate - with another list of names of people who died.

At the strand is a monument - with i would say a few hundreds of names of other people who died during the war.

As one goes into Valletta one sees what is now simply "remains" of the majestic theatre/opera house which the British people had built.

...and on and on: all over Malta are reminders of the war...

The Maltese people suffered a lot especially during the 2nd World War yet they - we - kept the faith: perhaps even strengthened it. Despite so many hardships, the Maltese people trusted God. They would go to Mass and pray each day. They would pray Rosary after Rosary in the shelters they had dug and kept believing.

Malta always had a devotion to Our Lady

- and in turn Our Lady never stopped caring for us.

The 8th September is the day whereby Catholics celebrate the birth of Our Lady. On this day of the year 1565 Malta won the Great Siege against the Turks - who had they conquered us - would have used this country to invade the rest of Europe, persecuting Christians and/or forcing them to become Muslims.

In 1942, during World War Two, most resources were depleted and Malta would have had to surrender. On the 15th of August, feast of Our Lady's Assumption, 1942, the Ohio (see picture below) came in providing supplies! For the Maltese it meant life - they would not have survived without these supplies. Once again Mary had defended us and today, so many years later, we still refer to it as "Il-Konvoy ta' Santa Marija".

The picture links to a great site which provides a brief audio history of the Convoy.

WWII ended on the 8th September 1943 in Malta:

again a feast of Mary! :-)

...so, very simply today is a HUGE feast for the Maltese. 7 Parishes have their parish feast today and every practicing Catholic - and many non-practicing people too probably - thanks Mary for Her intercession.

-------

All of that aside...

This is a ppt of today's readings:

this is a beautiful you tube on Mary:

and these are the words of a beautiful Maltese hymn:

(below the Maltese words is my translation of them in English)

Ħallini llum, ħelwa Marija,
Nersaq f’riġlejk sabiex nitolbok
Titlob għalija ‘l Ġesu’ Ibnek.
Għax jien naf żgur li jisma’ minnek!

Jien naf ukoll li Inti tħobbni,
Għax għażlek Hu sabiex tkun Ommi.
Għalhekk bil-qalb ser intennilek,
Ave Marija!

Kull fejn ħarsti ddur,
lilek nilmaħ żgur.
Fuq l-art u s-smewwiet,
jidwu l-innijiet.
Biex nurik il-ferħ kbir
Li bih il-qalb tkun trid ittir
Infaħħruk u inqimuk,
bħala Sultana!

----------------

Let me today, sweet Mary,
Come near your feet so as to ask you
To pray for me to your son Jesus
For I know for sure that He will hear you!

I also know that You love me,
For He chose you to be my Mother!
So from my heart I shall sing
Ave Maria!

Wherever I look,
there you shall I see.
On earth and in heaven,
songs echo (your praise)
To show you this great joy
With which our heart now wants to soar:
We praise and honour you,
as Our Queen!

:-)

The Jews Complained (Jn 6:41)

2009-08-09T09:31:00.001+02:00

...what about us?

The Living Bread - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)

View more presentations from Ruth .

...how will we react to God's Words?

Does this disturb you? (Jn 6:61)

2009-08-02T20:22:00.000+02:00

Stevesilvia has made another lovely you tube and it is very appropriate for these days when we think about and thank God for the Holy Eucharist. I think it's marvellous - as are all his videos of course!

This is another video i love (i believe i had embedded in some other post - it's a favourite of mine too:

On a "harsher" (but true) note:

And the last for today:
(i love this one)

if you have liked this last then you may like to check out

THIS PAGE .

There's a number of EXCELLENT talks about the Holy Eucharist!

Many thanks to all those who
use the internet to bring the Good News

to all of us who seek it! :-)

Give us this day our daily bread (Mt 6:11)

2009-07-26T14:33:00.002+02:00

17th Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B

View more presentations from Ruth .

Last Friday, upon clearing up my desk - which incidentally is a task i hate doing - i came across a book titled “Images of Jesus", John Bowden's translation of the book "Bilder von Jesus" by a German Benedictine monk called Fr. Anselm Grűn. I remember buying it few months back but had never actually sat down to read it... I kept on clearing up but made it a point that just after i finish that i'd read a bit of it - i don't care which bit but i was just going to read something out of it.

I have a habit of going through stuff before actually reading anything - and when i read i do not neccessarily start from the beginning nor finish at the end (...but i'm sure many other people do that too ;-) I just flipped through the pages and stopped on a chapter - not bothering much which it was. I liked it sooo much that i am putting it on here. Not solely because i truly loved it but more so because it kind of relates to today's Gospel :-)

-----

"Jesus the Bread.

In his novel “And Never Said A Word”, Heinrich Bőll tells of the poverty of the Bogner family, who live with their three children in one room. Their poverty is contrasted with the wealth of the childless Franke couple. Mrs Franke is a leading light in the church circles. Every morning she goes to Communion and receives the Body of Christ. But that doesn’t make her sensitive to the poverty of Katy and Fred Bogner. On the contrary she lords it over them. Frau Franke receiving the Body of Christ is contrasted with the reverent way in which the Bogners treat bread. In the poverty of the post war period, Katy Bogner knows the value of the bread that feeds her and her children. For Bőll bread is a symbol with almost magical connotations. In the daily bread something becomes clear of Jesus, whose words touch Katy’s heart and feed her in the midst of her poverty.

Bread stands for all that we hunger for; it stands for what feeds us, what we can live on. Bread strenghtens us for every day life. When wandering through the wilderness, the Israelites hungered for bread. And God Himself gave them bread to eat. He made manna fall from heaven. The Israelites satisfied their hunger with manna on the way through the wilderness. Jesus was bold enough to call Himself the Bread that satisfies our hunger: “I am the Bread of Life: whoever comes to me will never hunger.” (Jn 6:35) This claim was a provocation for the Jews. Jesus uses the term ‘bread’ of His own person. He claims that He can satisfy our deepest hunger. A woman like Katy Bogner in Bőll’s novel understands this saying. She has an idea that something goes out from this Jesus from which He can draw hope in her poverty. Whereas the watery homilies preached in church leave her cold, her heart is touched by the ‘husky song of a Negro’ which penetrates everything ... and he never said a mumbling word ... and never said a word’.

Jesus compares the bread that He is with the manna that the Israelites ate in the wilderness. They ate the manna, yet they died. “But this is the bread which comes down from heaven: if anyone eats it he will not die. The bread that I shall give is my Flesh, for the life of the world.” (Jn 8:50f.). In the midst of the wilderness, Jesus claims that He can feed us. In the wilderness of poverty, in the wilderness of inner emptiness, in the chaos of feelings, a word of Jesus can be nourishment that allows us to travel on. Katy Bogner experienced that. “When I lie awake at night and weep, when everything is finally silent, I often feel that I get through. Then nothing matters to me, house and dirt, even the poverty; even the fact that you’re away doesn’t matter to me.” When Jesus’ word touches her, when she senses Jesus’ presence, she is fed in the midst in the wilderness, she experiences life in the midst of death.

Jesus identifies the bread that He distributes with the Flesh that He gives for the life of the world. He becomes the bread that feeds us precisely where He hangs helplessly on the cross. It’s a provocative paradox: the dying man becomes food for the living. And yet this paradox matches our experience. If someone gives Himself for us unconditionally, as Jesus did on the cross, we can live by it; then it’s food for us which supports us in all the distress in our life. On the cross Jesus is as it were baked for us in the fiery oven of suffering. It’s love that makes Him the Bread that feeds us. In the end of the day our longing is always to love and be loved. Jesus who loves us to the end of the cross – as John puts it in his Gospel – satisfies our longing. In His unconditional love for us, He becomes the Bread that feeds us with our lack of the experience of love.

Many people stuff themselves with food so as not to feel their lack of love, in order to supress their annoyance and their disappointment. But they find out this never works. The hunger for life and love keeps announcing itself again. Jesus says of Himself that whoever comes to Him and follows will never hunger again. Those who know that thy’re loved unconditionally by Jesus stop filling their bellies in order to conceal their emptiness. Jesus didn’t just claim to be the bread that feeds us. He also gave us the Eucharist as a sign of this statement. There in the Bread He gives us His own Body, which He sacrificed for us. So the Bread in the Eucharist becomes a sign of the love with which He loved us to the end on the cross. By eating this Love Incarnate in the Eucharist Bread, we discover that Jesus Himself is the Bread that satisfies our hunger. Jesus says: “He who eats my Flesh and drinks My Blood has eternal life.” (Jn 6:54). Eternal life doesn’t primarily mean life after death, but a life in which time and enternity already coincide now, in which heaven and earth touch each other and God and human beings are reconciled with one another. Sometimes on receiving the Eucharistic bread I’ve had the experience of everything coming to gether as one. I sense that now in the middle of my journey I’m already at the end. Now God’s infinate love flows through my body. Now there’s real life in me, eternal life, which can’t be destroyed even by death, because it is seeped in the Divine Life and the Divine Love."

(From Images of Jesus, John Bowden's translation of the book "Bilder von Jesus" by a German Benedictine monk called Fr. Anselm Grűn.)

i LOVE this song and you tube:

The Lord is My Shepherd (Ps 23)

2009-07-19T17:31:00.000+02:00

...so did we say at Mass today. These videos below are two of my favourite with the same theme :-)

Oħloq Tbissima!

2009-07-10T15:01:00.003+02:00

This short phrase - which means “Create a Smile!” - carries special meaning for Maltese people – not solely because of its simple and yet beautiful message but more so because it is the “slogan” of an annual marathon organised by the Missionary Society of St.Paul (MSSP) – a Maltese Society founded by Mons. Joseph De Piro, himself a Maltese Priest.

There is much to say but very simply this expression is a summary of what the Priests of this Society, along with lay people who help them, are trying to do: Share the Good News and Joy of Christ with others …Create a Smile. ;-)

In Malta they serve the Church as a regular faithful priests do: administering the Sacraments to the people and supporting us (i'm Catholic too! ;-) in our spiritual lives yet the Missonaries of St.Paul also serve in other areas.

These priests - with the help of lay and other professional people, run St.Joseph’s Home – where they care for boys who for various reasons cannot live with their families. They also produce …and continue to produce… professional Catholic programs in Malta shown on local television stations. Through these two works too they accomplish their mission: that of bringing the Good News and Joy of Christ to others. (click HERE to read ther mission statement and more) Needless to say they do serve in other ways locally eg: they organise courses to help people grow in their faith, they train those people who aspire to serve in poorer countries etc etc…

Yet these priests serve God and His people not solely in Malta but in other countries too including the Phillippines, Pakistan and Peru. They help the poor in whatever ways they can: helping them build better lives for themselves, providing meals and shelter for those who are too small or too weak to care for themselves, building schools and teaching children and young people, providing medical assistance, sharing the Good News of Christ and creating communities of solidarity wherever they go.

For the 7th year this Society is asking us (Maltese) to participate in this, their mission and work, primarily through our prayers. They are inviting us to support their work through a donation – each one as he/she is able to.

Malta is very very small and practically invisible on the map BUT we are one of those very few countries who - despite many shortcomings - seem to care about each other and others.

Here in Malta, people - young and old alike - from all walks of life dedicate a lot of time and effort VOLUNTARILY to create events with the aim of supporting these marvellous and blessed works. The general public - Maltese people - on the other hand unite and give genorously.

We’re small yet great in that - by God’s Grace - we are capable of uniting to help others …and this in a spirit of solidarity.

…it is a marathon which truly brings a smile – not just to those who receive but also to those who give.

…but perhaps more importantly it is a

marathon which brings a smile to GOD! :-)

Please pray for us!

2009-07-06T11:42:00.001+02:00

As i saw this statue pass under our balcony and took the photo during yesterday's feast i thought that sure i -for several valid reasons- DON'T like the feast yet still i had a prayer. I pray that i - and all of us - may come to TRULY honour and love Mary and let Her lead us to Christ. :-)

The BEST you tube ever!!!

2009-06-30T17:06:00.002+02:00

My sister Faith was - for some strange reason - on my blog and after clicking that picture of the baby on the right she asked:

"Ru whatever happened to that you tube? ...the one with the baby dancing?"

Em... it's there you just click that picture Faith...

um i don't think so ru ...it's gone look...

:-(

It was the BEST you tube i've ever seen but i cannot seem to find the link for it now :-(

I had saved the video but i cannot remember the name of the channel either :-(

this was it:

Talitha Qum! (Mk 5:41)

2009-06-28T11:48:00.000+02:00

My third sister's name is Talitha so:
Talitha din għalik :-)

This Gospel was proclaimed to us in church a couple of months ago. I didn't write a reflection this time yet i had written one then... if you'd like to read it you can click HERE :-)

(i'm Maltese so yeah that ppt is in Maltese.

Eventually i'll make/upload the English equivalent ...i hope... :-)

See what Love! (Jn 3:1)

2009-06-21T15:33:00.003+02:00

“There was a man with two sons.”
(Luke 15:11)

It is the story of
The Merciful Father.

-----

Jesus continued, “There was a man with two sons. The younger said to his father: ‘Give me my share of the estate.’ So the father divided his property between them. Some days later, the younger son gathered all his belongings and started off for a distant land where he squandered his wealth in loose living. Having spent everything, he was hard pressed when a severe famine broke out in that land. So he hired himself out to a well-to-do citizen of that place and was sent to work on a pig farm. So famished was he that he longed to fill his stomach even with the food given to the pigs, but no one offered him anything. Finally coming to his senses, he said: ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will get up and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against God and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son. Treat me then as one of your hired servants.’ With that thought in mind he set off for his father’s house. He was still a long way off when his father caught sight of him. His father was so deeply moved with compassion that he ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. The son said: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before you. I no longer deserve to be called your son…’ But the father turned to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring out the finest robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Take the fattened calf and kill it. We shall celebrate and have a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has come back to life. He was lost and is found.’ And the celebration began. Meanwhile, the elder son had been working in the fields. As he returned and was near the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing. He called one of the servants and asked what it was all about. The servant answered: ‘Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father is so happy about it that he has ordered this celebration and killed the fattened calf.’ The elder son became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and pleaded with him. The indignant son said: ‘Look, I have slaved for you all these years. Never have I disobeyed your orders. Yet you have never given me even a young goat to celebrate with my friends. Then when this son of yours returns after squandering your property with loose women, you kill the fattened calf for him.’ The father said: ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But this brother of yours was dead, and has come back to life. He was lost and is found. And for that we had to rejoice and be glad.’” (Lk 15: 11-32)

We don’t see much of him along the road nor do we have his thoughts but can’t you see him and can’t you imagine what might have gone through his head?

And then there’s the other side of the story: a father waiting for his son. A father who cared and kept waiting for him to return. (The boy didn’t know his father too well!)

"He was still a long way off when his father caught sight of him."

His father was so deeply moved with compassion that he ran out to meet him, threw his arms around his neck and kissed him.

I imagine the boy going “but dad... dad?” and the father just continuosly welcoming, hugging and kissing ...such that the son can no longer go on with his “buts”.

"the celebration began."

Jesus said to them, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” After saying this he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit; for those whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven; for those whose sins you retain, they are retained.” (Jn 20: 21-23)

May each one be abundantly blessed!
-----

i think this is a lovely video: