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Showing posts from September, 2011

St. Michael pray for us

Litany of St. Michael the Archangel Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Queen of the Angels, pray for us. St. Michael the Archangel, pray for us. Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity, etc. Standing at the right of the Altar of Incense, Ambassador of Paradise, Glorious Prince of the heavenly armies, Leader of the angelic hosts, Warrior who thrust Satan into Hell, Defender against the wickedness and snares of the devil, Standard-bearer of God’s armies, Defender of divine glory, First defender of the Kingship of Christ, Strength of God, Invincible prince and

Preview: From the the Franciscan Reflection: Peace be with you:Peace is an action

Peace is an action Peace is an action That soothes the soul Kind words may bind the hearts Love and friendship may prevail In the ways of peace In the Name of the Lord Peace is an action That guides the thoughts Service minded services might lift the broken hearted Values and purposes may prevail In the ways of peace In the Name of the Lord Peace is an action That drives from the divine plans Creative plans may build the rejected hearts Support and motivation may prevail In the ways of peace In the Name of the Lord Peace is an action That submits in God’s will Surrender of self may deliver oppressed hearts Rescue and Restoration may prevail In the nurturing ways of peace In the name of the Lord Peace is an action That seeks God’s presence Service rendered in the divine presence may bring light to the dark Guidance and protection may prevail In the light of peace In the name of the Lord Peace is an action That waits in God’s will Selfless ways of life may bring hope to the hearts of con

Preview: From the the Franciscan Reflection: Peace be with you: Lord make me an Instrument of Peace

Heavenly Father The giver of peace Son of God The prince of peace The Holy Spirit The presence of peace Have mercy on me Let thy peace Fill me - and Flow through me Heal my soul I pray Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace Lord I think of the times When I was surrounded In stresses where My heart was troubled My tongue was silenced In the burden of trials Unspeakable worries Un- sharable burdens Unknown stresses Seated in my soul Lord, I lost my peace Heavenly Father The giver of peace Have mercy on me Son of God The prince of peace Have mercy on me The Holy Spirit The healing peace Have mercy on me Lord I think of the times When I was in the situations – where I was cornered Nowhere to turn Nowhere to rest No one could help No one could share The times of restlessness Lord, I lost my peace Heavenly Father The giver of peace Have mercy on me Son of God The prince of peace Have mercy on me The Holy Spirit The healing peace Have mercy on me Let thy peace Fill me - and Flow through me

Preview: From the the Franciscan Reflection: Peace be with you

Prayer for peace From the core of my soul Dear Lord I pray for the peace From the bosom of thy mercy Lord grant me thy peace Peace that brings thy love Peace that brings thy friendship Peace that brings thy blessings Peace that brings thy healing Peace that brings thy will Lord let thy will be done From the core of my mind Dear Lord I cry for the peace From the bosom of thy mercy Lord grant me thy peace Lord, fill me with thy peace Peace that shines thy light Peace that spreads thy warmth Peace that spindles thy relation Peace that comes from thy salvation Lord let thy will be done From the core of my heart Dear Lord I cry for the peace From the bosom of thy mercy Lord grant me thy peace Lord, fill me with thy peace Peace that in tune with thy friendship Peace that resonates thy divine mercy Peace that reflects thy divine image Peace that comes from thy heart Lord let thy will be done Lord let thy will be done From the core of my body Dear Lord I search for the peace From the bosom of

Highlights of Irudhaya Annai Church( Immaculate Heart of Mary Church): Periyasamypuram

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Irudhaya Annai church is the heart of Periyasamypuram. In the photo attached here you will find the main altar of the church, which was photographed on our wedding.In the picture you will find the beautiful statue of Irudhaya Annai extending her both arms, to the beauty and comfort I am always attracted to, you will be also blessed by her appearance in this blog. The two priests in the photo are from left to right, the parish priest then Rev. Fr. Maria Dass, and Rev. Fr. Barnabas, my brother. September 8th, blessed virgin Mary birthday, is the annual festival of this church. Annual feast is celebrated for ten days.I am so thrilled and excited that I could finally upload this photo in the blog to welcome her appearance to the blog. This blog receives blessings from the special appearance of my heavenly mother, who is Immaculate Heart of Mary, who is in the hearts of all the children of Periyasamypuram, where ever they may be. The current parish priest is Rev. Fr. Joseph Xaviour. This y

Promises for deliverance

Ex 34:24a “For I will cast out the nations before you and enlarge your borders;” Lev 26:13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you go upright. Deut 28:1 “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth.” :13 “And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them and to do them.” Deut 33:27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He shall thrust out the enemy from before you; and will say, “Destroy them!” Josh 1:9 “Have not I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord y

New review from an American Journalist on books ( Tree of Life &Spirit of Life)

" A skillful expression of both love of nature and of God. Beautifully done by an inspired " Contemplative Soul"." An American Journalist

A Promise a Day

Ex 14:13,14 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

St. Francis Novena: Day 9

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DAY 9 The Lord will set me free and rescue me because He loves me. Prayer: Gracious Father, I will thank You each day for Your merciful goodness to me. With Your help I will ever praise Your kindness in my trouble. Please assist me now as I faithfully follow Christ, my Savior, and call upon the friendship and intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, by granting my petition (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: In gratitude, be good to others today. Conclude with the Prayer for Peace Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi

Highlights of Irudhaya Annai Church ( Immaculate Heart of Mary church): Periyasamypuram; Parents House

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Irudaya Annai church( Immaculate Heart of Mary Church) in Periyasamypuram is a divine blessing and gift for the village, which has been a channel of divine protection, guidance in keeping the people together in times of joy and struggles.This church is a constituent church of Tuticorin diocese. Some of the natural blessings of Periyasamypuram include natural salt fields in the banks of salty river and at the seashore delta areas, (the popular TATA company of India has a salt factory branch in this village), Dense palm trees groove, which produces palm juices and jaggery and sugar, and a plentiful bounty of sea and a river filled with shrimps in season, few vegetable gardens and few paddy fields around the village. Clean beach sand open clean air, short Karuvel trees forests, piny thorn bushes, Neem trees, and peacocks,goats, cows, and hens and cocks, cookoo birds, foxes,and of course many kinds of snakes cobra, viper, and green snakes are some of them ... etc.... are some of the highl

St. Francis Novena: Day 8

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DAY 8 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Prayer: Your goodness, Heavenly Father, responds speedily to our sorrow. In my distress I call upon You to hear and answer my prayers (mention your request). In You, O God, I will continue to trust despite everything. I ask this request in Christ's name and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi. Amen. Your offering today: Help someone you know who is in need of your friendship and support. Conclude with the Prayer for Peace Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena pr

A Promise a Day

Gen 28:15 "Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you."

Highlights of Irudhaya Annai Church ( Immaculate Heart of Mary church): Periyasamypuram; Parents House

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Periyasamypuram is a center pocket of catholic hamlet surrounded by many villages where authentic Hindus live. Periyasamypuram's center of attraction or (even we can call it as the heart of the village) is Irudaya Annai Church. It is a beautiful church built in late 1880s.The church is situated in the middle of the village and all the houses are built around the church in four directions. The main entrance of the church has a broad entrance steps, which enters in to the front mandapum the place where the married people sit, which leads to the huge ancient wooden main doors. There are three main doors including one big main door situated in the middle and two other doors at the each side of the center door all facing east. The main entrance of the church holds majestic three steeples which can be seen from far from neighboring villages. At the main entrance of the church there is a baptismal font located at the right side and the confessional seat is located at the left side. The m

Stories from my father Mr. Maria Packiam on Apostle Thomas in India: A oral tradition

Apostle Thomas was traveling and preaching gospel all over India. He allegedly had a special gift of languages. India is a place of multilingual and multicultural particularly in those days of Apostle Thomas, India was a vibrant trading center and contained the melting pots of multi-cultures. Apostle Thomas where ever he traveled He used to speak in the regional language without any preparation or learning process.People at that time were amazed at his lingual ability and the special gift of languages. Is this phenomenon is the part of gift of tongues? Unquestionably its was a phenomenal quality he had while he lived in India that helped in spreading good news in India.He was a orator everyday people came from everywhere to hear him speak. This story is a oral tradition from my father Mr. Mariapackiam, Periasamypuram, India

St. Francis Novena: Day 7

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DAY 7 The Lord is a stronghold in times of distress. Prayer: Father in Heaven, You never reject those who seek Your help and are ever ready to comfort the sorrowful. Through the intercession of Saint Francis and in Christ's name, I implore You to have pity on me in my needs (mention your request), and to rescue me from all afflictions. Amen. Your offering today: In imitation of Christ and St. Francis, do good to those who may dislike you. Conclude with the Prayer for Peace Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of th

A Promise a Day

" He who created you, O Jacob. He who formed you, O Israel: " Fear not for I have redeemed you;I have summoned you by name; you are mine" Isaiah/43/1

Highlights of Irudhaya Annai Church ( Immaculate Heart of Mary church): Periyasamypuram; Parents House

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My parents place is Periyasamypuram,which is a small village situated at the shore of bay of Mannar.This village houses about Thousand families. In the village all are related. The unique specialty of the demographic of this village is that you can call it a Catholic hamlet, where everybody is catholic. The people who live here are faith bounded, simple minded, and hardworking. The houses in the village are arranged around four streets naming east, west, north, and south.My father's house is situated in the west street, which I could locate through Google map. The sea shore and a line of coconut groove make the southern boundary, St. Anthony church at Kalaikudam and vaipar (a small seasonal river) make west boundary, Kunjayapuram a small hamlet makes the eastern boundary, and Our lady of Holy Rosary church in the woods makes the northern boundary. In the center of the village stands the majestic church Irudhaya Annai Church. To be continued....... faith filled stories will continu

A Promise a Day

"God holds victory in the store for the upright,he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and process the way of His faithful ones."Proverbs 2/7-8

St. Francis Novena: day 6

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DAY 6 O Lord, do not chastise me with Your anger. Prayer: Merciful Father, You know my weakness and disobedience. Yet, You are ever ready to forgive and be gracious to me in my trouble. In Christ's name and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi quickly come to help me (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: Banish from your mind and tongue unkind words and thoughts today. Conclude with the Prayer for Peace. Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady,

Our lady festival in my mother's place on 09/08/11: Ave Maria

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http://wikimapia.org/16349324/periasamypuram Annual Festival: 09/08/11 Immaculate Heart of Mary’s Church – Periasamypuram Immaculate heart of Mary Immaculate heart of Mary Address: Irudaya Annai Church, Periasamypuram, Tuticorin Dt Pin : 628 906. Ph.No : 04638-262515. Brief History: Periasamypuram had been one of the 25 substations of Vembar since 1873. It is said that a church existed in 1899 and we come to know that the present church was built in the time of Fr. T. Swaminather. Its substation Kalaikuttam (Kalaikoodam, Kalaignanapuram) used to be with the Mission of Vembar. Parish Priests: Fr. Deva Navamoni M. 1995-1997 Patron Saint : Immaculate Heart of Mary Feast of the : September 8 Side Chapel : Our Lady of Roasry Church Substations: Kalaikuttam Church constructed in: 1929 St. Antony of Padua Church

Velankanni Festival, 2011: Events log: Ave Maria!

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Vailankanni Feast 2011 Flag Procession On 29.08.2011 Blessing and Hoisting of Our Lady’s Flag by His Excellency Most Rev.Dr.M.Devadass Ambrose, D.D.,L.S.S.,S.T.D., Bishop of Thanjavur. Followed by Litany, Benediction and Mass in Tamil in the Shrine Auditorium (Litany will begin 10 minutes after the flag hoisting) at 06.00 p.m. Way of the Cross On 03.09.2011 : 03.00 p.m. Way of the Cross in Konkani 04.00 p.m. Way of the Cross in Tamil 05.00 p.m. Way of the Cross in English 05.30 p.m. Way of the Cross in Marathi Rosary in Tamil On 04.09.2010 Rosary in Tamil at 5.00 p.m Rosary, Litany, Novena Prayer On 07.09.2010 Rosary, Litany, Novena Prayer followed by Concelebrated Holy Mass presided over by His Excellency Most Rev.Dr.M.Devadass Ambrose, D.D.,L.S.S.,S.T.D., Bishop of Thanjavur at 05.15 p.m. . Birthday of Our Blessed Mother On 08.09.2010 Birthday of Our Blessed Mother Concelebrated Feast Mass On 08.09.2010 Concelebrated Feast Mass presided over by His Excellency Most Rev.Dr.M.Devadass A

Festival special Travel arrangements by Indian railways

"The most important festival here is the Feast of Our Lady. The festival always Commences on 29th of August every year, this 10-day grand festival commemorating the Feast of Our Lady is celebrated at the Velankanni Church. Once the Holy Mother saved a few Portuguese merchant sailors from a powerful storm, which wrecked their ship. The merchants safely reached the shore of Velankanni. On their return trip the merchants built a small permanent chapel to give thanks and pay tribute to Our Lady. On succeeding visits they improved on it. Those Portuguese merchants dedicated the chapel to Holy Mother on September 8th to celebrate the feast of her nativity and to mark the date of their safe landing to Velankanni. Today, the celebration of this feast is an annual festival which lasts for 10 days and draws more than 1.5 million pilgrims." ( Indian News) The following special trains have been arranged to clear rush due to the pilgrimage of Velankanni Festival (1.) Dadar – Velankanni –

St. Francis Novena day 5

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DAY 5 O Lord grant safety to those who long for it. Prayer: In You Heavenly Father, I confidently place my trust. In your hands, I leave all my anxieties with faith in Your care for me. From You, and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, I await relief from my present distress (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: For God's sake, help some person whom you may not like. Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady, Most holy Queen, Mary, Mother of God

A Promise a day

"Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The Sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; " Revelation 7/16-17

The festival of our Lady of velankanni: Ave Maria! Ave Maria! Ave Maria!

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to ask for me whateve

St. Francis Novena : day 4

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DAY 4 Make Your ways known to me, O Lord. Prayer: Father Almighty, Your ways and purpose are often hidden from us. Guide me now and through the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi, I beg You, in my sorrow, and by Your power, to let me know Your will regarding my special need (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: Consider today how you can do God's will. Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady, Most holy Queen, Mary, Mother of God, Virgin made Church; Chose

A Promise a day

"The Lord takes delight in his people;he crowns the humble with salvation" Psalm 149/4

Ave Maria! Our Lady of Velankanni feast: 9th day

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to ask for me whateve

St. Francis novena : Day 3

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DAY 3 Lord, be not far from me. Prayer: Loving Father, You are not far from any of us since in You we live, move and have our being. Increase my awareness of Your presence and through the intercession of Saint Francis take care of my pressing need (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: Throughout the day, give your cares to the Lord. Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady, Most holy Queen, Mary, Mother of God, Virgin made Church; Chosen by the most Holy Father in

A promise a day

" I will heal my people and let them enjoy abundant peace and security" Jeramiah 33/6

Our lady of velankanni novena Day 8th

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to ask

St. Francis Novena day Day 2

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DAY 2 Hear me O Lord, and have pity on me. Prayer: Father in heaven, Your love for us never falters in spite of our transgressions and failures. Please show Your mercy for me in my difficulty (mention your request). Through the intercession of St. Francis and for the sake of Christ, Our Savior, have pity on me. Amen. Your offering today: See the suffering Christ in someone around you. Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady, Most holy Queen, Mar

A promise a day

Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

St. Francis of Assisi Novena : Day 1

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DAY 1 O God, come to my assistance. Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know all things and nothing is hidden from You. In Your mercy and kindness, and through the intercession of Saint Francis, come to my aid in my present distress and grant my humble petition (mention your request). Amen. Your offering today: Show your humility by doing a good deed for someone today. peace prayer: Lord, make me an instrument of 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; 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. St Francis of Assisi Novena prayer of the Immaculate Conception. Hail, holy Lady, Most holy Queen, Mary

Our Lady of Velankanni novena; Day 7

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to a

Stories from my father Mr. Maria Packiam: A oral tradition

Stories from my father Mr. Maria Packiam: A oral tradition Stories about St. Thomas the Apostle who brought the good news to India St. Thomas went to India as a worker. He was placed among the workers in king's palace at Kerala. Kerala is a south Indian state, where natural beauty is plentiful. The king who ruled Kerala at that time had a younger brother, whom he was very fond of. The king will do anything at the brother's request.In this background, the king was planning to build a new palace for his brother. While he was planning he came to know that St. Thomas was an expert in buildings.So he commanded St. Thomas to build the palace and gave him the access to the treasury. St. Thomas received the order but did he build the palace? Instead, He spent his time in preaching gospel to all the workers and the people. So the king's brother was very angry and got St. Thomas arrested and that resulted in imprisonment of St. Thomas. There St. Thomas was continuing his preach

A promise a day

"All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your children's peace" Isaiah 54/13

Stories from my father Mr. Maria Packiam: A oral tradition

Parents are same and they never stop being the parents through out their life. My parents are one example for that statement. Weekly conversation with my father reveals lots of oral traditions, which I enjoy hearing during our conversations. He just waits for me to ask questions, when I do he teaches me like a learned theologian, although his exposure, opportunities, and environments are limited. His favorite reading interests include Holy Bible, and saints bibliographies. He loves reading bible and he used to narrate stories for us when we were growing up. Particularly, he paid much attention to me in teaching the church stories in my tender age and that continues through out my journey.The fascinating thing about our conversations is that he enriches me with deeper understandings of the Bible, church, and Church traditions.One such conversations happened yesterday in which he laid out precious explanations for my questions, which blew my mind. Then I thought I will interview my fathe

A promise a day

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him" Psalm 103: 13

Our Lady of velankanni novena: Day 6

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to a

A promise a day

" I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name" Psalm 91

Novena to St. Anthony for family intentions: day 9

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DAY NINE Saint Anthony, servant of Mary, glory of the Church, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests, our Religious Orders, that, through their pious zeal and apostolic labors, all may be united in faith and give greater glory to God. St. Anthony, helper of all who invoke you, pray for me and intercede for me before the throne of Almighty God that I be granted the favor I so earnestly see in this novena (State your intention). One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony. Saint Anthony, pray for us! May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. O God, may the votive commemoration of blessed Anthony, your confessor, be a source of joy to your Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Read more: http://www.ewt

Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Day 5

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to a

A promise a day

" Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know" Jeremiah 33:3

Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Day 4

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Our Lady of Velankanni Novena: Oh Most Holy Virgin! You were chosen by the Most Adorable Trinity from all eternity to be the most pure Mother of Jesus. Permit me, your humble and devoted servant, to remind you of the joy received in the instant of the Most Sacred Incarnation of our Divine Lord and during the nine months you carried Him in your chaste womb. I wish most sincerely that I could renew, or even increase that joy, by the fervour of my Prayers. Oh! Tender Mother of the afflicted! Grant me under my present necessities that special protection You have promised to those who devoutly commemorate this ineffable joy. Relying on the infinite mercies of your Divine Son, trusting in the promise which He has made that those who ask should receive, and penetrated with confidence in your powerful prayers, I most humbly entreat you intercede for me. I beg you to obtain for me the favours which I petition for in this novena, if it be the Holy Will of God to grant them; to a

Novena to St. Anthony: Day 8

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DAY EIGHT O holy St. Anthony, you have shown yourself so powerful in your intercession, so tender and so compassionate towards those who honor you and invoke you in suffering and distress. I beseech you most humbly and earnestly to take me under your protection in my present necessities and to obtain for me the favor I desire (State your intention). Recommend my request to the merciful Queen of Heaven, that she may plead my cause with you before the throne of her Divine Son. One Our Father, one Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father, in honor of Saint Anthony. Saint Anthony, pray for us!