Thank you Lord for the month of January, as we welcome February, be our guide Oh Lord, enlighten our thoughts, actions and deeds and be our sole master.
Console those mourning , restore the health of the sick, give company the lonely, give hope to those lost and help those seeking you devotely and in prayer.
Thank you Lord for your love and care.
Amen.
Saint John Bosco, father and teacher of the young, did not shut himself up in the sacristy. He went out into the streets to look for young people, with the creativity that was his hallmark.
Ephesians is the great Pauline letter about the church. It deals, however, not so much with a congregation in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor as with the worldwide church, the head of which is Christ (Eph 4:15), the purpose of which is to be the instrument for making God’s plan of salvation known throughout the universe (Eph 3:9–10). Yet this ecclesiology is anchored in God’s saving love, shown in Jesus Christ (Eph 2:4–10), and the whole of redemption is rooted in the plan and accomplishment of the triune God (Eph 1:3–14). The language is often that of doxology (Eph 1:3–14) and prayer (cf. Eph 1:15–23; 3:14–19), indeed of liturgy and hymns (Eph 3:20–21; 5:14).
The majestic chapters of Ephesians emphasize the unity in the church of Christ that has come about for both Jews and Gentiles within God’s household (Eph 1:15–2:22, especially Eph 2:11–22) and indeed the “seven unities” of church, Spirit, hope; one Lord, faith, and baptism; and the one God (Eph 4:4–6). Yet the concern is not with the church for its own sake but rather as the means for mission in the world (Eph 3:1–4:24). The gifts Christ gives its members are to lead to growth and renewal (Eph 4:7–24). Ethical admonition is not lacking either; all aspects of human life and relationships are illumined by the light of Christ (Eph 4:25–6:20).
The letter is seemingly addressed by Paul to Christians in Ephesus (Eph 1:1), a place where the apostle labored for well over two years (Acts 19:10). Yet there is a curiously impersonal tone to the writing for a community with which Paul was so intimately acquainted (cf. Eph 3:2 and Eph 4:21). There are no personal greetings (cf. Eph 6:23). More significantly, important early manuscripts omit the words “in Ephesus” (see note on Eph 1:1). Many therefore regard the letter as an encyclical or “circular letter” sent to a number of churches in Asia Minor, the addressees to be designated in each place by its bearer, Tychicus (Eph 6:21–22). Others think that Ephesians is the letter referred to in Col 4:16 as “to the Laodiceans.”
Paul, who is designated as the sole author at Eph 1:1, is described in almost unparalleled terms with regard to the significant role he has in God’s plan for bringing the Gentiles to faith in Christ (Eph 3:1–12). Yet at the time of writing he is clearly in prison (Eph 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), suffering afflictions (Eph 3:13). Traditionally this “Captivity Epistle” has, along with Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon, been dated to an imprisonment in Rome, likely in A.D. 61–63. Others appeal to an earlier imprisonment, perhaps in Caesarea (Acts 23:27–27:2). Since the early nineteenth century, however, much of critical scholarship has considered the letter’s style and use of words (especially when compared with Colossians), its concept of the church, and other points of doctrine put forward by the writer as grounds for serious doubt about authorship by Paul. The letter may then be the work of a secretary writing at the apostle’s direction or of a later disciple who sought to develop Paul’s ideas for a new situation around A.D. 80–100.
The principal divisions of the Letter to the Ephesians are the following:
I. Address (1:1–14)
II. Unity of the Church in Christ (1:15–2:22)
III. World Mission of the Church (3:1–4:24)
IV. Daily Conduct, an Expression of Unity (4:25–6:20)
V. Conclusion (6:21–24).
The collection of writings that constitutes the New Testament begins with four gospels. Next comes the Acts of the Apostles, followed by twenty-one letters that are attributed to Paul, James, Peter, John, and Jude. Finally, at the end of the early church’s scriptures stands the Revelation to John. Virtually all Christians agree that these twenty-seven books constitute the “canon,” a term that means “rule” and designates the list of writings that are regarded as authoritative for Christian faith and life.
It is the purpose of this Introduction to describe those features that are common to the four gospels. A similar treatment of the letters of the New Testament is provided in the two Introductions that appear before the Letter to the Romans and before the Letter of James, respectively. The Acts of the Apostles, a work that is both historical and theological, and Revelation, an apocalyptic work, have no counterparts in the New Testament; the special Introductions prefixed to these books treat of the literary characteristics proper to each of them.
While the New Testament contains four writings called “gospels,” there is in reality only one gospel running through all of the Christian scriptures, the gospel of and about Jesus Christ. Our English word “gospel” translates the Greek term euangelion, meaning “good news.” This noun was used in the plural by the Greek translators of the Old Testament to render the Hebrew term for “good news” (2 Sm 4:10; possibly also 2 Sm 18:20, 25). But it is the corresponding verb euangelizomai, “to proclaim good news,” that was especially significant in preparing for the New Testament idea of “gospel,” since this term is used by Deutero-Isaiah of announcing the great victory of God that was to establish his universal kingship and inaugurate the new age (Is 40:9; 52:7; 61:1).
Paul used the word euangelion to designate the message that he and the other apostles proclaimed, the “gospel of God” (Rom 1:1; 15:16; 2 Cor 11:7; 1 Thes 2:2, 8, 9). He often referred to it simply as “the gospel” (Rom 1:16; 10:16; 11:28; etc) or, because of its content and origin, as “the gospel of Christ” (Rom 15:19; 1 Cor 9:12; 1 Thes 3:2; etc). Because of its personal meaning for him and his own particular manner of telling the story about Jesus Christ and of explaining the significance of his cross and resurrection, Paul also referred to this message as “my gospel” (Rom 2:16; cf. Gal 1:11; 2:2) or “our gospel” (2 Cor 4:3; 1 Thes 1:5; 2 Thes 2:14).
It was Mark, as far as we know, who first applied the term “gospel” to a book telling the story of Jesus; see Mk 1:1 and the note there. This form of presenting Jesus’ life, works, teachings, passion, and resurrection was developed further by the other evangelists; see the Introduction to each gospel. The first three of the canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, and Luke, are so similar at many points when viewed together, particularly when arranged in parallel columns or lines, that they are called “synoptic” gospels, from the Greek word for such a general view. The fourth gospel, John, often differs significantly from the synoptics in outline and approach. This work never uses the word “gospel” or its corresponding verb; nevertheless, its message concerns the same Jesus, and the reader is urged to believe in him as the Messiah, “that through this belief you may have life in his name” (Jn 20:31).
From the second century onward, the practice arose of designating each of these four books as a “gospel,” understood as a title, and of adding a phrase with a name that identified the traditional author, e.g., “The Gospel according to Matthew.” The arrangement of the canon that was adopted, with the four gospels grouped together at the beginning followed by Acts, provides a massive focus upon Jesus and allows Acts to serve as a framework for the letters of the New Testament. This order, however, conceals the fact that Luke’s two volumes, a gospel and Acts, were intended by their author to go together. It further obscures the point that Paul’s letters were written before any of our gospels, though the sayings and deeds of Jesus stand behind all the New Testament writings.
Novena is a traditional Catholic method of prayer.
They are a series of prayers that are recited for 9 days straight or 9 hours straight.
Significance: A novena is offered as a sacrifice to God because it is a sign of devotion. And during this prayer devotion, the person saying the novena asks a specific request or intention.
Nine days of public or private prayer for some special occasion or intention.
Etymology of Novena : Its origin goes back to the 9 days that the Disciples and Mary spent together in prayer between Ascension and Pentecost Sunday.
Novenas are an ancient tradition that goes back to the days of the Apostles. Jesus told His disciples to pray together after His ascension into heaven, so they went to an upper room along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, (Acts 1:14) and joined constantly in prayer for nine days. These nine days of constant prayer by the Apostles at the direction of Jesus led up to Pentecost. This is when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples as “tongues of fire” (Acts 2:1-4). This pattern of 9 days of prayer is the basis the novenas we pray today.
Novenas should not be seen as magical incantations that guarantee desired results. God controls the universe and we certainly do not control God. He is a loving Father in heaven. This means that whatever good intentions we pray for, we must accept the fact that God knows what’s best for us, whether we understand His divine intention or not. “Thy will be done” is the proper posture of all Christian prayer
Dear Lord, thank You that You are near. I need You. I long for Your presence.
Descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams. Teach me to have a childlike trust in You, to live in the knowledge that You will never abandon me.
I dedicate my self and this day to You, mighty God. I pray that Your Spirit will lift me up this day, and that Your face may shine upon me all the day long, that I might do your will and lead a new life in Christ, reborn in the Spirit. In Christ name, I pray.
Amen
Patron saint for human trafficking and Sudan
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Heavenly Father, you gave us the great example of St. Josephine Bakhita and blessed her with an open heart full of charity. Help me to be forgiving to others as she was.
St. Josephine Bakhita, you were a slave and you didn’t have any rights. Intercede for victims of human trafficking and those suffering silently in any kind of slavery. May their captors free them and may this evil be erased from the face of the Earth.
Help us to be thankful for our freedom and to know that we are only truly free through our faith in the Lord. St. Josephine Bakhita, please pray for us and ask God to grant these our intentions.
(State your intentions here…)
Holy St. Josephine Bakhita, you lived an extraordinary life of pain, suffering and slavery but you did not allow your trials to define your life. You chose to have an open and joyful heart and follow the truth of Jesus Christ. Intercede for us so that Christ may live joyfully in our hearts as he lived in yours. It is through your extraordinary witness that many people have overcome obstacles and have come to the Christian faith. May your intercession continue to transform the faith of people forever.
Hail Mary…
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear Lord, when I work for You, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I might be committed and enthusiastic in Your service. Let me live in Your presence, and not get so wrapped up in my life that I forget about you. And may I be patient when difficulties arise and not give way to frustration and anger, knowing always that the result belongs to You.
You have commanded us to love one another, but sometimes even when I am pleasant to another person it is not sincere. Help me, I pray, to be sincere in choosing good over evil. Let my love and concern for others not be a sham.
Let me not take offense at others, let me not be thin-skinned; but shielded by the power of Your Spirit, let me not hear insult where none is intended, and shrug off even the most intentional. Pour Your love into my heart, that I may love you above all things, and my neighbors as myself. In Christ’s name, I pray this.
Amen.
Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; and when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow; the same understanding Father who cares for you today will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering or will give you unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations
Who Was St. Josephine Bakhita?
Patron saint of human trafficking
St. Josephine Bakhita was born in Sudan in 1869. She was kidnapped and sold into slavery, suffering tremendously in body and soul.
She was eventually bought by an Italian consul and after some years gained her freedom. She put her faith in Christ and was baptized in 1890.
She discerned the call to religious life and became a Canossian Daughter of Charity. Her life was marked by joyful, heroic virtue. She died in 1947.
She was beatified on May 17, 1992 by Pope John Paul II, and canonized October 1, 2000, also by Pope John Paul II.
In 1877, when she was 7–8 years old, she was seized by Arab slave traders, who had abducted her elder sister two years earlier. She was forced to walk barefoot about 960 kilometres (600 mi) to El-Obeid and was sold and bought twice before she arrived there. Over the course of twelve years (1877–1889) she was sold three more times and then she was finally given her freedom
‘Bakhita’ was not the name she received from her parents at birth. It is said that the trauma of her abduction caused her to forget her original name; she took one given to her by the slavers, bakhīta (بخيتة), Arabic for ‘lucky’ or ‘fortunate’. She was also forcibly converted to Islam.
In El-Obeid, Bakhita was bought by a rich Arab who used her as a maid for his two daughters. They treated her relatively well, until after offending one of her owner’s sons, wherein the son lashed and kicked her so severely that she spent more than a month unable to move from her straw bed. Her fourth owner was a Turkish general, and she had to serve his mother-in-law and his wife, who were cruel to their slaves. Bakhita says: “During all the years I stayed in that house, I do not recall a day that passed without some wound or other. When a wound from the whip began to heal, other blows would pour down on me.”
She says that the most terrifying of all of her memories there was when she (along with other slaves) was marked by a process resembling both scarification and tattooing, which was a traditional practice throughout Sudan. As her mistress was watching her with a whip in her hand, a dish of white flour, a dish of salt and a razor were brought by a woman. She used the flour to draw patterns on her skin and then she cut deeply along the lines before filling the wounds with salt to ensure permanent scarring. A total of 114 intricate patterns were cut into her breasts, belly and into her right arm.
FIRST READING
Jer 1:4-5, 17-19
A prophet to the nations I appointed you.
A reading from the Book of the Prophet Jeremiah.
The word of the LORD came to me, saying:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I dedicated you,
a prophet to the nations I appointed you.
But do you gird your loins;
stand up and tell them
all that I command you.
Be not crushed on their account,
as though I would leave you crushed before them;
for it is I this day
who have made you a fortified city,
a pillar of iron, a wall of brass,
against the whole land:
against Judah’s kings and princes,
against its priests and people.
They will fight against you but not prevail over you,
for I am with you to deliver you, says the LORD.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Ps 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17
℟. (cf. 15ab) I will sing of your salvation.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me, and deliver me;
incline your ear to me, and save me.
℟. I will sing of your salvation.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety,
for you are my rock and my fortress.
O my God, rescue me from the hand of the wicked.
℟. I will sing of your salvation.
For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength.
℟. I will sing of your salvation.
My mouth shall declare your justice,
day by day your salvation.
O God, you have taught me from my youth,
and till the present I proclaim your wondrous deeds.
℟. I will sing of your salvation.
SECOND READING
1 Cor 12:31-13:13 or 13:4-13
So faith, hope, love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
A reading from the first Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians
Brothers and sisters:
Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.
But I shall show you a still more excellent way.
If I speak in human and angelic tongues,
but do not have love,
I am a resounding gong or a clashing cymbal.
And if I have the gift of prophecy,
and comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge;
if I have all faith so as to move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing.
If I give away everything I own,
and if I hand my body over so that I may boast,
but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;
if tongues, they will cease;
if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child;
when I became a man, I put aside childish things.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
At present I know partially;
then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
Or: [Shorter Form]
Brothers and sisters:
Love is patient, love is kind.
It is not jealous, it is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things,
hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
If there are prophecies, they will be brought to nothing;
if tongues, they will cease;
if knowledge, it will be brought to nothing.
For we know partially and we prophesy partially,
but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.
When I was a child, I used to talk as a child,
think as a child, reason as a child;
when I became a man, I put aside childish things.
At present we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
At present I know partially;
then I shall know fully, as I am fully known.
So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.
ACCLAMATION BEFORE THE GOSPEL
Lk 4:18
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
The Lord sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor,
to proclaim liberty to captives.
℟. Alleluia, alleluia.
GOSPEL
Lk 4:21-30
Like Elijah and Elisha, Jesus was not sent only to the Jews.
✠ A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Jesus began speaking in the synagogue, saying:
“Today this Scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.”
And all spoke highly of him
and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.
They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?”
He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb,
‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say,
‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’”
And he said, “Amen, I say to you,
no prophet is accepted in his own native place.
Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah
when the sky was closed for three and a half years
and a severe famine spread over the entire land.
It was to none of these that Elijah was sent,
but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon.
Again, there were many lepers in Israel
during the time of Elisha the prophet;
yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.”
When the people in the synagogue heard this,
they were all filled with fury.
They rose up, drove him out of the town,
and led him to the brow of the hill
on which their town had been built,
to hurl him down headlong.
But Jesus passed through the midst of them and went away.
At the end of the Gospel, the Deacon, or the Priest, acclaims:
The Gospel of the Lord.
All reply:
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
Dear Lord, let all who take refuge in You rejoice. Let us ever sing for joy. Let those who confess Your name raise up their voice, filling the air with glorious noise.
Spread Your protection over us, mighty God, that we who love your name may exalt you before all the people of the earth. Let the quiet and the shy find their courage so that they may sing and shout to the sky, “There is one great God who rules over us all, and Jesus Christ of Nazareth is His only Son”. May I be blessed to help the blind see Your glory and the deaf hear Your praise, lest they surely die.
The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant; Make me perfect in every good work to do Your will, working in me that which is well pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.
Against Error
O God, you who have established the foundations of your Church upon the holy mountains: Grant that she may not be moved by any wiles of error which would fain compass her overthrow, nor may she be shaken by any earthly disquietude, but ever stand firmly upon the ordinances of the Apostles, and by their help, be kept in safety.
Happy Feast day to a man of great inspiration of missions, missionary to China and other parts.
As we celebrate this day, we thank you for inspiration that led to the formation of Thriving In Holiness website and social media groups, that Love is the language of all and understood by all. May your light shine on us to guide us reach many in spreading the word of God.
Happy Feast day and bless all religions all over the word and especially missionaries for their work, the SVD, SSP and Ssps
Dear Lord, may I have peace within, this day. May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
Forgive me for making my life all about what I expect and not about glorifying You regardless of my circumstances. May Your love, mercy, and justice be magnified through me today. Help me to see You in the fleeting moments of possibility and be filled with Your courage and Your word
In the daily round from sunrise to sunset and to sunrise again, remind me again and again of Your holy presence hovering near me and in me. Free me from shame and self-doubt in expressing my faith. In Christ’s name, I pray.
Amen.
Dear Lord, may I have peace within, this day. May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
Forgive me for making my life all about what I expect and not about glorifying You regardless of my circumstances. May Your love, mercy, and justice be magnified through me today. Help me to see You in the fleeting moments of possibility and be filled with Your courage and Your word
In the daily round from sunrise to sunset and to sunrise again, remind me again and again of Your holy presence hovering near me and in me. Free me from shame and self-doubt in expressing my faith. In Christ’s name, I pray.
Amen.
Dear Lord, help me to be open to You for this time as I put aside the cares of this world. Fill my thoughts with Your peace and Your love. Create and make me a new and contrite heart, that I may begin this season of fasting and remembrance of Your suffering, by truly lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness.
There is a time and place for everything, as the saying goes. Grant that I may always desire to spend time in Your presence. Help me to hear Your call always.
May it please You, my good Lord, that there may come a day when I can repay a little of my great debt to you. O Jesus, strengthen my soul, You who are good above all good; and since You have inclined my soul in this way, show me how I may act for You, whatever it may cost, O Lord. Here is my life, my honor, and my will; I have given them all to You and they are Yours: use me to do whatever You want.
Amen.
Day 9. No greater love: Commitment to the
People of China
Hymn
Inspiration
L. About the middle of 1907 a severe outbreak of typhus occurred. It affected especially the orphanage and the girls’ school. The schools had to be closed, and a number of SSpS Sisters who were taking care of the sick, fell victim themselves
to the disease and died. Joseph had to make a long tour, visiting the missionaries scattered throughout the region. It was a journey filled with much physical discomfort, and during it a number
of accidents also occurred. On account of the general poor state of his health he too fell victim to typhus. He was forced to interrupt his tour and return to the central mission house. In spite of his high fever, he continued to be concerned about the others who were suffering. His health
continued to deteriorate day by day. When no hope remained that he would recover, the missionaries living closest to him gathered around their dying companion and superior. The oldest priest in the group thanked Joseph for the good example that he had given them. He told Joseph that they would always remember it, and then
asked for his blessing for themselves and for the Church in China. He added: “Fr. Joseph, we promise that we will continue to work with the same spirit as you.” “According to my spirit…?”
Joseph managed to repeat. Then he continued in a whisper: “I haven’t done everything well.”
On Tuesday, 28 January 1908, at 6.00 pm without any struggle he began his journey towards eternal life.
Let us ask God that through the intercession of St. Joseph we may commit ourselves completely to the cause of spreading the kingdom of God.
R. Reading from the Gospel according to Luke 4:14-30
14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news of him spread throughout the whole region. 15He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.
16He came to Nazareth, where he had grown up, and went according to his custom into the synagogue on the sabbath day. He stood up to read 17and was handed a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. He unrolled the scroll and found the passage where it was written:
18“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to bring glad tidings to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free,
19and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord.”
20Rolling up the scroll, he handed it back to the attendant and sat down, and the eyes of all in the synagogue looked intently at him. 21He said to them, “Today this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” 22And all spoke highly of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They also asked, “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” 23He said to them, “Surely you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, cure yourself,’ and say, ‘Do here in your native place the things that we heard were done in Capernaum.’” 24And he said, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. 25 Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. 26 It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. 27Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” 28When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. 29They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. 30But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
L. Reflecting on the death of Joseph Freinademetz, let us recall some of the statements of his contemporaries:
From Holland Arnold Janssen wrote: “The Lord has taken the second founder of the missions; this good and holy soul who has gained everlasting life in the service of the missions in China… He worked with generous zeal and total commitment.
Now he rejoices in heaven from where he
continues to be our intercessor before the throne of God.” (pause)
The bishop of the mission territory stated: “He never received from the Chinese authorities any official recognition, no sign of distinction, or any kind of medal, though at that time the government was very generous in handing out such honors.
This was rather surprising for those who knew the situation here in China. Yet at the same time, this helps us to appreciate how Fr. Joseph liked to avoid such external honors. He wanted to be no more than a simple foot-soldier who fulfilled his
duty faithfully.” (pause)
Sr. Blandina SSpS affirmed: “Already now we can invoke as a saint our venerable Fr. Superior Joseph. And there is one consolation left to us poor orphans now: in him we have an intercessor who can intercede for us in the most effective way. The future will prove this.” (pause)
Intercessions
L. These days we have celebrated some aspects of the life and work of this holy missionary, Joseph Freinademetz. Once more we call on him with trust and humility seeking consolation, support,
strength and inspiration so that his example will encourage us in our own religious and missionary commitment.
To each petition we respond: R/ We give thanks to you, O Lord.
L. For the poor and humble of heart who evangelize us with their lives, let us pray. R/ We give thanks to you, O Lord.
L. For the gentle in spirit who inspire us by their example, let us pray. R/ We give thanks to you, O Lord.
L. For the lowly, those most dear to Jesus, who teach us how to trust in God, let us pray. R/ We give thanks to you, O Lord.
L. For St. Joseph Freinademetz and the witness of his life; who became poor, humble, gentle and lowly among the people of China, that he may strengthen our own Christian and missionary
commitment, let us pray. R/ We give thanks to you, O Lord.
(Other prayers of your own may be added.)
L. Let us now pray with one voice:
Our Father…
Concluding Prayer
L. Almighty God, Father, Son and Spirit,
A. We thank you:
Hymn
THRIVING IN HOLINESS 