A very special gift: custom-made albs for seminarians returning to their home countries
One of the CARF Foundation's star volunteer activities consists of sewing and embroidering albs and liturgical linens, Sewing and singing, as they call it. "We have managed to create a very good group that, in addition to making the albs, we support each other and pray for the seminarians and priests," explains Maria Luisa, one of the coordinators who has been helping the CARF Foundation for 25 years.
Tailor-made albs for each seminarian
The albs are made to measure for each seminarian: when they arrive at their last course in Rome and Pamplona they are measured in detail. Neck, front height, waist, shoulders, back height, arms and shoulder to shoulder. In this way each of the future priests will be able to celebrate with dignity. And with all the love and prayers that accompany each stitch in the fabrics. Once they are finished, they are given to each seminarian inside his Sacred Vessel BackpackOn their return to their country of origin, when they are ordained priests, they will be able to celebrate Holy Mass and impart the sacraments with great dignity, regardless of their lack of adequate means.
The PAS has a team of seven volunteers who meet every Tuesday at the PAS headquarters. board of trustees. But, in addition, there are many other people who collaborate by embroidering from their homes. They also make the different cloths for the Mass vestments.
The fabrics used to make the albs are made of polyester, a fabric that does not wrinkle. Each alba takes about three and a half meters of material. Once embroidered, the skirt, sleeves and, finally, the collar are incorporated. For each of the albas to be made, about ten hours of work and prayers are spent in different batches, depending on the different parts of the piece.
Living Holy Mass in prison
This year they are already finishing the preparation of the 30 albs for the diocesan seminarians who will return to their countries at the end of the year to be ordained priests. It is a small class that coincided with the covid so the number of future priests decreased significantly because many could not travel to Rome and Pamplona to join the university and begin their academic, human and spiritual formation.
The future ordinands receive their Sacred Vessel Backpack, a bag containing the necessary elements to be able to celebrate Holy Mass with dignity and dispense the sacraments with dignity in any corner of the world. The bag contains everything from a portable altar in white silk, with its own crucifix holder and another central space for the crucifix, to the cruets for water and wine, or the hyssop for sprinkling holy water. It also contains vestments and stoles for each liturgical season.
As could not be otherwise, the seminarians, who are going to be ordained priests in their dioceses of origin, receive the backpack with great enthusiasm and gratitude. Hernando José Bello Rodríguez, of the Archdiocese of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, who recently wrote to us to convey to the Foundation's donors and benefactors the importance of this aid and the lasting memory it leaves in the priests, which is transformed into daily prayers of gratitude.
Don Hernando José, in addition to ministering in the parish where he is vicar, also collaborates as chaplain of the prison in his city. "As the prison does not have anything for the celebration of the Eucharist, every Tuesday I am accompanied by the backpack of the CARF Foundation in this mission. As an anecdote, I can tell you that one of the lay missionaries, the first time he saw the backpack and how everything was distributed, and the simplicity and dignity of the sacred vessels, was very surprised and immediately asked me where I had gotten it, because he would like to give one to a priest he knows".
And this story of spiritual care for the women in the Cartagena de Indias prison cannot be documented graphically, since "when we enter we have to leave the phones and any electronic device to safeguard the privacy of the inmates". Oh, if only the backpack could talk, the human experiences it must have lived through.
Marta SantínJournalist specializing in religious information.
10 messages of St. Teresa of Jesus to priests
Who was Saint Teresa of Jesus of Avila?
Also known as Saint Teresa of Avila, Saint Teresa of Jesus was an influential Spanish saint, writer and theologian of the 16th century. She was born on March 28, 1515 and died on October 4, 1582. She is one of the most outstanding women in the history of Catholicism.
Teresa of Jesus was the founder of the Discalced Carmelite order, a reformed branch of the Carmelite order. She is known for her spiritual and mystical experiences, which she documented in her writings, and for her efforts to reform religious life in her time.
St. Teresa of Jesus was canonized in 1614 and in 1970 she was proclaimed Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI. Her teachings are considered of great importance to the Catholic faith and her legacy endures to this day, being the object of study and admiration. St. John Paul II and St. Josemaría were devotees and readers of her and were very fond of her.
Priests for St. Teresa of Jesus
Priests played a fundamental role in the life and work of St. Teresa of Jesus. The saint sought spiritual direction, the counsel of priests and the grace of the sacraments throughout her life. These relationships were crucial to her spiritual growth and her understanding of the spiritual experiences she recounts in her writings.
Many priests, especially St. John of the Cross and St. John of Avila, played a crucial role in her spiritual development and in the founding of Carmelite convents. They supported her in the task of establishing religious communities that followed a more austere and contemplative lifestyle, and helped her to establish the new Discalced Carmelite convents.
Ten messages of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests
These 10 brief messages reflect the deep spirituality and pastoral commitment of St. Teresa of Jesus to priests and the Church. They are non-textual messages drawn from her teachings and principles. They represent ideas and values that are present in the teachings and writings of St. Teresa of Jesus throughout her life.
God's treasures
1- Priests are the dispensers of God's treasures: let them love, honor and venerate this immense treasure of grace that God has placed in their hands.
St. Teresa of Jesus always emphasized the role and power that priests receive by being able to act in the person of Christ. In doing so, they are mediators of divine grace through the sacraments. She always urged them to recognize and appreciate the immense spiritual wealth they have in their hands and to treat it with the greatest reverence and love. This implies living their ministry with seriousness, devotion and a deep awareness of the grace they dispose of in God's name.
2- Priests, always seek the glory of God and the good of souls; always live in the presence of God and bring others into his presence..
According to the teachings of St. Teresa, priests should orient their actions and decisions towards two main objectives: the glory of God and the good of souls. By committing themselves to put the glory of God first in all their actions, and to ensure that their works are aligned with the values and teachings of the Catholic faith.
She emphasizes the importance of a life of deep spirituality and connection with God. St. Teresa suggests that priests should cultivate an intimate and constant relationship with God through prayer, spiritual reflection and worship. They should lead, teach, preach and serve as a model of Christian life for the community. Facilitate people's encounter with God by helping them grow in their faith.
The greatest glory we can give to God is the salvation of souls. Priests are privileged instruments for this purpose.
St. Teresa of Jesus focuses on the supreme importance of the salvation of souls and on the central role of priests in this process. She stresses that the greatest way to honor God will be to work for the salvation of souls. Priests are considered privileged instruments in this process, as they are entrusted with carrying out the sacraments and guiding people in their spiritual life.
This perspective reflects the profound pastoral and spiritual vocation that St. Teresa attributes to priests in the Church.
The pillars of the inner life
4- Humility is the most necessary virtue for a priest.
The importance of humility in the life and service of a priest. St. Teresa of Jesus urges them to recognize their dependence on God and to consider themselves as the least worthy to serve in ministry. Humility allows them to serve with authenticity, love and compassion, and prevents them from falling into arrogance or self-sufficiency.
5- Love and compassion are the most powerful weapons in the hands of a priest. Be compassionate to those who suffer and love everyone equally.
How important love and compassion are in the life and ministry of a priest. Thus St. Teresa of Jesus emphasizes that priests must be compassionate to those who suffer and show love to all people equally. These qualities are essential to reflect God's love in the world, and to be authentic agents of consolation and spiritual support.
6- Prayer is the breath of the soul. Priests should be men of deep prayer life, in order to be effective channels of God's grace.
St. Teresa of Jesus continually stresses the importance of prayer in the life of a priest and its role as a channel of divine grace. Prayer is essential to the spiritual well-being and effectiveness of priestly ministry. By cultivating a deep prayer life, priests become more effective channels of God's grace, enabling them to be more effective spiritual guides for the community they serve.
Obedience and purity
7- Obedience and fidelity to the Church, cornerstones in the life of a priest. Let them always be docile to the Magisterium and faithful to the Gospel.
Why is it important to St. Teresa of Jesus that priests be obedient to the authority of the Church and faithful to the teachings of the Gospel? Because this ensures that their service and ministry are in line with the doctrine and tradition of the Church, and that they are consistent and reliable spiritual guides for the community of faithful Catholics.
8- Priests should be models of purity and chastity, to reflect God's holiness in the world.
St. Teresa of Jesus treats the virtues of purity and chastity as fundamental to priestly life. They are meant to reflect the holiness and purity of God in the world. They enable the priestly ministry to be carried out with greater integrity and effectiveness, while witnessing to the total commitment that the priesthood entails.
An intimate encounter with Jesus Christ
9- May the Eucharist be the center and source of your lives; celebrate Mass with fervor and make Communion an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ.
In her writings, the saint exhorts priests to make the Eucharist the focal point and main source of their spiritual life and ministry. The Eucharist is the heart of sacramental life and the source of spiritual grace.
In presiding at the Eucharist, priests act in the person of Christ and make present the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus. Therefore, they should celebrate Holy Mass with fervor and live Communion as an intimate encounter with Jesus Christ.
10- Priests, be loving and compassionate shepherds, guide and support your flock. Be light in the midst of darkness and living witnesses of God's love.
Saint Teresa of Jesus recommends that priests live as spiritual guides who exemplify the love and compassion of Christ. They should care for and protect with tenderness and affection, showing empathy for people's needs and difficulties. To be loving and compassionate shepherds, a source of spiritual light in moments of darkness and living witnesses of God's love.
The enduring legacy of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests
In summary, the messages of St. Teresa of Jesus for priests offer valuable guidance for strengthening pastoral service. The humility, love, prayer and faithfulness are the fundamental pillars that this venerated saint highlights for men dedicated to priestly ministry. Her life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for priests today.
St. Teresa of Jesus left a lasting legacy as one of the most prominent women in the history of the Church. Foundress of the Discalced Carmelite order, her spiritual experiences documented in her writings and her efforts at reforming religious life have left an indelible mark on the Church.
St. Teresa's relationship with priests was fundamental in her life. She sought spiritual direction, counsel and the sacraments along her spiritual journey with priests such as St. John of the Cross and St. John of Avila, playing crucial roles in her development and in the founding of the new Carmelite convents.
Summary
The ten messages for priests, drawn from the teachings of St. Teresa, emphasize the importance of to recognize the immense spiritual wealth that priests hold in their hands as dispensers of God's treasures. The glory of God and the good of souls must be the central objectives; to live always in the presence of God and to guide others towards it.
The salvation of souls is seen as the greatest glory that can be given to God, and priests are considered privileged instruments for this purpose. Humility, love and compassion stand out as the most powerful weapons in the hands of a priest, while prayer gives the soul encouragement essential to effectively channel divine grace.
The obedience and fidelity to the Church, purity and chastityThe Eucharist, as well as making the Eucharist the center of their lives, must become the fundamental principles that St. Teresa underlines for priests. Her call to be loving and compassionate shepherds, light in the midst of darkness and living witnesses of God's love, will reflect the profound pastoral and spiritual vocation she attributes to these consecrated men.
In conclusion, the life and teachings of St. Teresa of Jesus are a source of wisdom and inspiration for priests today. Her legacy lives on, not only in the pages of her writings, but also in the hearts of those who seek a more intimate encounter with God. Her influence continues to illuminate the spiritual journey of countless faithful around the world, reminding them of the importance of humility, love, prayer and fidelity in religious service.
Eight ways to help your pastor
The pastor and the priests who collaborate with him have a great pastoral responsibility, not to mention that today they are asked to care for more souls and assume more responsibilities and more functions than ever before. Therefore, any support given to them can ease their workload, and enable them to focus on the spiritual needs of their community. If each of the faithful would do just one thing to help in the life of the Church, then the work of the parish priest would be much easier.
What are the pastoral responsibilities of a pastor and how can the community help?
If you have never asked yourself how you can help, here are eight ways to do it. But keep in mind that the first recommendation is to encourage you to offer your help. Don't wait to be asked if you can do something, offer to help! Volunteering your time to the parish is a sign of support and service.
1 - Commitment awakens your sense of responsibility!
Before the Vatican Council IIIn the past, all the responsibility and management of the parish depended solely on the parish priest. Thanks to Vatican II, we no longer have excuses to engage in the task of spreading the Word of God.
From Baptism we are incorporated into Christ and participate in our own way in the three ministries, priestly, prophetic and royal. Thus our presence and vocation are constitutive of the People of God, together with that of priests. Our communal participation in the life of the Church is indispensable for its existence, as well as, at the same time, for our own identity and Christian mission.
It is necessary, therefore, to participate actively in the celebration of the sacraments, to welcome with an obedient heart the apostolic proclamation of the faith and to bear witness to it. Live one's gifts and tasks in the full communion of the Church. This not only prepares us to discover a deeper relationship with Christ, but also confers on us a greater responsibility as laity toward our Church and the community in which we live.
2 - Why is active participation in the liturgy important to support priests?
The Second Vatican Council also teaches us that the Holy Mass must be the center and root of Christian life. In every Eucharist the presence of the Risen Christ becomes a sacrament of communion, and shared faith is transformed into a fraternal banquet and nourishment of life. To this end, we must undertake paths and actions that will help us to go through all the parts of our celebrations. In this way we will fulfill Jesus' command to "do as he did" and we will ensure that the whole assembly "takes part" in the Eucharist.
"Holy Mother Church ardently desires that all the faithful be led to that full, conscious and active participation in liturgical celebrations which the nature of the liturgy itself demands, and to which the Christian people have the right and obligation, by virtue of baptism."
Documents of Vatican II, Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (SC), 14.
To promote active participation you can respond strongly, be a lector, altar server or also a cantor at the celebrations. This lightens the priest's load in Spain and helps the liturgy flow smoothly.
3 - How can I contribute to the welfare of my pastor in Spain?
We must take care of our parish priest and his priest collaborators, since they are few in number and the need for their ministry is great. The overwork and misunderstanding of many can lead them to exhaustion or frustration. prayer and friendly accompaniment is a service that we must provide by opening the doors of our families and activities, in such a way as to give them rest and closeness, which will result in a better service for the entire community.
4 - Pray for the parish priest and priests.
Priests need your prayers to continue their pastoral work. Let them know they are not alone. Take time to pray for the pastor and the priests. priests of your parish, praying for their well-being, wisdom and strength in their ministry.
Although they don't ask for it, they need your prayers to comfort them and to continue their mission. Let them know, through prayer, that they are counting on you and that they are not alone. May our prayers give them the strength to overcome obstacles, fidelity to the magisterium and courage to push for change throughout the world. Do you know when your pastor's birthday is? His anniversary of ordination to the priesthood?
5 - What is the impact of the participation of parish groups in the life of the community?
Parish groups are associations formed by members of a parish who share common interests, objectives or activities. These groups are oriented toward the practice and living out of the faith, and usually have the purpose of fostering community, spiritual growth and active participation of the faithful in the life of the parish.
The Parish Pastoral Council, chaired by the pastor, studies all matters pertaining to the pastoral work of the parish and in communion with the diocesan Church. Each group and the different pastoral roles are represented in this Council, and its main mission is to cooperate with the pastor in the programming of activities. Its activity begins a little before the beginning of the school year, in September, and ends after the last official act of the school year, in June.
People who are interested in developing their specific vocation in the Church can join the parish group that is closest to their human or Christian concerns. Ask your pastor.
6 - How can I collaborate effectively in the catechesis of my parish?
As Pope Francis writes, the Lord calls us so that "each of us, with our spiritual and intellectual resources, with our professional skills or life experience, and also with our limits and defects, may strive to see ways to collaborate more and better in the immense task of placing Christ at the summit of all human activities" (Christus Vivit, 162).
The lay ministry of the catechist is a vocation, a mission. To be a catechist means that one is a catechistnot that works as a catechist. It is a whole way of being, and we need good catechists who are both companions and pedagogues.
We need creative people who proclaim the Gospel, but who proclaim it with their lives, with gentleness, with a new language and opening new paths. And in so many dioceses, in so many continents, evangelization is fundamentally in the hands of a catechist.
7 - Be part of the Caritas group of your parish.
The exercise of charity is part of our mission as Catholics. Parish Caritas is run by a group of volunteers who are responsible for identifying cases of need in the parish community.
Once needs have been identified and resources have been collected, this assistance is distributed directly to the people in need. This can be in the form of food, hygiene items, clothing, financial aid, among others.
The importance of diocesan and parish Caritas and its efforts to guarantee access to basic rights such as food, housing, health and education for the most vulnerable people must be taken into account.
Parish Caritas can also provide assistance in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or sudden economic crises. It collaborates with other local organizations and agencies that offer complementary services, such as emergency shelters, employment centers, health services, among others.
8 - Fundraising
You can also help financially. With a lot or a little. Sporadically or monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually. In addition, donations made to foundations or entities under the Patronage Law entail tax deductions for the donors. The cost of the amount actually contributed is much less than the amount received by the institution. The same applies, of course, to donations you make to the parish and diocese.
It also happens with organizations such as the CARF Foundation that support the work of priests and promote their formation. Because the need to be formed and to take care of the permanent updating in the teachings of the Church and in the ways of taking care of people is also necessary for priests.
Remember that your help to the parish and your support of your pastor and priests can make a big difference in the life of the parish and in the life of the pastor. It is always good to talk to the pastor or parish staff to find out their specific needs and how you can best contribute.
St. Expeditus, 3 prayers: money, urgent causes and love
Due to its name Expedito, which in Latin means fast, This saint is considered the patron of emergencies, of just and noble causes. He is also the defender of impossible causes and the mediator of conflicts or trials. In addition, he is patron and protector of the military, students, young people, the sick and travelers. And he is prayed for those who are undergoing trials and for the success of these processes.
Although he does not appear in the Roman Martyrology, his figure and devotion grow year after year and he is one of the most popular saints. He is a traditional saint with many followers.
Life of Saint Expeditus
San Expedito was a commander of the Roman legions, who was in charge of thousands of men and served the emperor Diocletian, between the third and fourth centuries. Those who studied his life believe that he fought the barbarians in the East of the Roman Empire.
In the midst of his task, Expedito began to have more and more devotion to the Christian faith, and after some hesitation he finally decided to convert. It is said that when St. Expeditus was converted, a raven appeared to him and told him "cras" (in Latin, tomorrow). However, Expedito replied "hodie" (today), referring to the fact that he would not let any more time pass before adopting Christianity.
After all that had happened, his doubts were dispelled and he decided to leave the army of men to join the army of heaven. It was his conversion to Christianity that triggered the persecution of his own Roman compatriots. Expeditus was martyred and then beheaded on April 19, 303, according to historians, in the city of Melitene. Along with him, other legionaries also died. martyrs they had become. Their remains were never found.
Today, he is depicted dressed as a Roman soldier stepping on the raven that cries out "cras". He holds a cross in his right hand raised to the height of his head that reads ".hodie". In some cases, he also carries with him a palm leaf expressing his martyrdom. His helmet usually rests beside him as a sign that the martyr abandoned his earthly and human victories for the love of God. Although this cost him his life, his courage, commitment and fortitude in the face of adversity, sustained by his faith, are an example for his devotees.
Perform the family prayer to ask for the intercession of St. Expeditus can be beneficial. Since he is a saint who sacrificed his life to spread Christianity, it is good to gather to pray to him. Part of his mission is to bring more people to the glory of God.
There are several good times to turn to St. Expeditus, the following are the most popular prayers. Praying gives us tranquility and peace to our Christian soul. It is also important to remember that we can pray to give thanks for what has been granted or to ask to understand God's will. Ask him to help many priests to be trained to be holy, learned, joyful and sporting.
Prayer to Saint Expedite for an urgent cause
San Expedito is characterized by interceding before God to meet urgent situations. So when we need a prompt response. We pray this prayer in petition of trust and devotion to the saint.
"Jesus Christ, my Lord, I come to your help! Most Holy Immaculate Virgin, help me!
St. Expeditus, you, who were armed with courage and opened your heart to God and did not accede to the temptations exposed so that your heart would not be approved by the Almighty, I ask you to help me to do today what I will need tomorrow, that the acts that I need today, tomorrow I will use them, all done for and for the love of Jesus.
Give me your heavenly help, to no longer depend on vices and addictions, keep them away from me with the power that God has given you. I want to be a militant, honorary and of great prestige for the Lord, to only serve and praise his name, and do not be afraid of the trials that will come my way.
You who are the Holy One of justice and needs, I present to you today my request. (To petition with great devotion).
Above all and above all things that I can demand, I ask you to intercede in me, so that faith may be the greatest virtue of my being, and thus lead me to the kingdom of God, with the Virgin Mary, the angels and archangels. Amen."
St. Expeditus prayer card to attend to emergency situations.
St. Expeditus prayer for money
Many people go to Saint Expeditus to ask for an improvement in their economic life. Others wish for a good job or the resolution of a situation of injustice.
"St. Expeditus, our blessed protector: warrior and martyr who now enjoys the Eternal Paradise, today I kneel before you to ask for your assistance, I claim you with urgency and fervor to come to my aid.
The urgent needs in my life do not allow me to rest, I live in a state of worry and continuous depression. I feel alone and desperate, despondency accompanies me, bewilderment guides me, and suffering has taken hold of me. You who are the patron saint of just and urgent causes, help me, glorious saint, to rise up.
I ask you to come quickly and pour over me courage, energy and hope, to alleviate my hardships and miseries, so that through your mediation I may be able to solve my distressing needs, the economic problems that are pressing me and the ruin from which I do not know how to get out, I ask you to grant me with your charity: (Mention now the request).
Help me to use my courage, to develop my strength and strengthen my will, so that the terrible situation I am going through now, is resolved soon and everything remains a memory, that everything is an experience that I had to go through to learn and improve, and that once the obstacles are solved, my doors open to a future of success and prosperity.
Glorious Saint Expeditus, hear my plea, I beg you to attend to my prayers with urgency. Thank you Saint Expeditus, benevolent saint, for I know that you are here with me, listening to me, and that my improvement will begin at this very moment, I will thank you for the rest of my life and I will take your name to whoever needs it. Amen.
At the end, pray three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glory Glories.
Parroquia de San José, Calle Alcalá, contains the most venerated image of San Expedito in Madrid.
A very special place to pray to Saint Expedito is the chapel built in his honor. It is located on the side of the parish church of St. Joseph, at 43 Alcalá Street in Madrid.
Prayer to St. Expeditus, three days
This triduum to St. Expeditus consists of a first prayer to be prayed every day, plus a different prayer to be prayed on each of the three consecutive days.
At the end of each day's prayer, we must pray with faith and devotion a Our Father and a Hail Mary.
Prayer to St. Expeditus to repeat the 3 days
"Saint Expeditus, you who are a great intercessor, who have the power that you received from God to hear our prayers, we seek you and we take refuge in you, to solve our problems, to lessen our hardships, those that we are not able to bear, and we need to be able to solve them urgently. I come to you for help, I no longer have the strength to continue, so I direct my prayers to you, in the hope that you give me a quick solution, come to my aid. St. Expeditus, you who achieves even the impossible, I leave my supplications in your hands. Amen.
Prayer for the first day of triduum
"My soul begs for your help, I have no more strength to go on. I turn to you Saint Expeditus, I beg you to take away this pain as soon as possible, I trust you completely, make my heart full of hope and faith, and always follow the path of good, I know that you always protect me and guide me. Amen.
Prayer for the second day of triduum
"Today is a very gray day, I cannot see clearly, my enemies are stalking me, they want to hurt me without mercy. That is why today I turn to you, Saint Expeditus, I can no longer bear this burden I carry, the betrayal, the falsehood, the lack of tolerance, that there is at this time in my life, do not let me move forward, but if you, Saint Expeditus, are at my side, none of this can hurt me, or slow me down. Cover me and protect me from all my enemies, who only want to hurt me. Give me your protection urgently. Amen.
Prayer for the third day of triduum
"Your courage can be felt, Saint Expeditus, that is why God chose you as his servant, no evil can defeat you. You are stronger than any hurricane, you have emerged victorious from the hardest storms, and among the most inhuman and merciless men, you put an end to evil and hatred, you managed to make love flourish in the most merciless and cold souls, because only you, Saint Expeditus, can do everything. And with you at my side anything is possible, O Glorious St. Expeditus, pray for me, for my family and for world peace. Amen.
At the end of each day's prayer, we should pray an Our Father and an Our Father. Ave Mariawith great faith and devotion.
St. Expeditus prayer for love
"St. Expeditus, you who hear and help the lament and despair of your faithful, I would like you to give me the satisfaction of recovering my great love. He/she, (state your name)I don't know why he has abandoned me, and I don't know why he has abandoned me.
Make him/her understand that by my side he/she will have the happiness he/she is looking for. Calm the sadness I have in my heart, I feel that without him/her I will not make all my dreams come true.
Come back to my side, love of my life, come back to my life. (say the name of the person we love seven times). And let us be happy . And let's be happy as we were before. My dream is that we walk together this path of love with much humility. Glorious St. Expeditus, put an end to this pain that I feel, I beg you from the bottom of my heart. Amen.
Novena to Saint Expeditus
You can also pray a ninth to the saint. You can do it as many times as you wish, especially the days before the feast (April 10 to 18).
To do so, we will pray one of the above prayers and we can follow the following steps every day.
Make the sign of the cross.
Pray an act of contrition.
Make the prayer to San Expedito for every day.
Silently ask for the grace you wish to obtain.
We read the meditation for each day.
Pray an Our Father, three Hail Mary's and a Glory Be.
Midnight Mass: history, meaning and how it is celebrated in some places
This celebration is linked to the relic of the manger that is kept at the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore of Rome and its origin is very ancient, probably dating back to Pope Sixtus III in the 5th century.
What day is the Midnight Mass celebrated?
Nowadays, the Midnight Mass is not necessarily celebrated at midnight, but the Vatican has changed its schedule, and it is generally celebrated before midnight on Christmas Eve. In any case, the time at which the Midnight Mass is celebrated does not detract from its value, as long as we keep the prayers and the meaning of the Christian Christmas.
What is the Midnight Mass?
The Midnight Mass is one of the most cherished traditions of the liturgy. It takes place in an atmosphere of joy and hope. The liturgy highlights the importance of the birth of Christ as the Savior, bringing with him the promise of redemption and the reconciliation of humanity with God.
During the celebration we read the Gospel of Luke 2:1-14, the passage that narrates the birth in Bethlehem of the Son of God and the announcement to the shepherds, which, together with Matthew's narration, inspired the representation of the Nativity scenes.
In the Midnight Mass we emphasize the symbolism of light in the darkness. The candles that are lit during the celebration represent the light of Christ that dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance. This symbolism reflects our belief in Jesus as the Light of the World.
Also introduced at Mass, celebrated by the Pope at the Vatican and elsewhere, is the custom of singing or reading, in the manner of a Christmas proclamation, the text of the Martyrology for Christmas Day, entitled The song of the Calenda. It traces all of history from the creation of the world to that moment, in the fullness of time, when the Word made his dwelling among us.
In addition to celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Midnight Mass is also a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of the Savior. That is why it is advisable to participate in the Sacramental Confession as part of the preparation for receiving the Eucharist during Mass.
Finally, another very important detail, both in the Midnight Mass and in all Christmas celebrations, is the importance of the word today, which underlines that our celebration is a living and present event, and not a mere memory of the past.
Origin of the Midnight Mass
The history of the Midnight Mass goes back to Catholic tradition and has its roots in the liturgy of the Church. Most historians agree that it was Pope Sixtus III who, during the 5th century, instituted the custom of celebrating a midnight vigil Mass at midnight on the day of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem. The celebration began with a midnight prayer, mox ut gallus cantaveritThe cock crowing, as this was the time of the beginning of the day for the ancient Romans.
On the other hand, the name of this celebration can also be related to the figure of the rooster, which in the Christian tradition symbolizes vigilance and the light that announces the new day. It is associated with the fact that the rooster crows at dawn, marking the beginning of a new day. In the context of the Mass of the Rooster, this symbolizes the arrival of Jesus as the Light of the World.
During the Middle Ages, the Mass of the Rooster was consolidated as a common practice in the liturgy of the Church. The connection between the rooster and the announcement of Jesus' birth was strengthened, and the Mass was traditionally scheduled in the early morning hours, representing the idea of light entering the darkness.
Over time, the Midnight Mass also became a popular tradition, and Christian communities began to participate in it as part of the Christmas celebrations. It became an opportunity for Christians to gather as a community to celebrate Christmas and reflect on the meaning of Christ's birth.
Today, the Midnight Mass is a fundamental part of Christmas celebrations for many of us. Pope Francis continues to celebrate this Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, just as Sixtus III did, while local churches and parishes maintain the tradition as well.
How is the Midnight Mass celebrated in other countries?
This celebration in Spain and around the world brings together entire communities. It is a time when we come together to collectively celebrate what the Holy Family represents for all Christians. Although the Midnight Mass varies in different places, and local traditions often influence the way it is carried out.
In Spain, the Misa del Gallo is also known as the Christmas Eve Mass. The offering is accompanied by family celebrations and community activities. After Mass, it is common for people to share a special Christmas Eve dinner with family and friends. Others also have dinner before and celebrate Mass at midnight.
In Mexico, to celebrate the Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass), churches are usually beautifully decorated for the occasion. After Mass, people participate in the Posada, a procession that represents Mary and Joseph's search for an inn. The procession is followed by festive celebrations with music, dancing and food.
In Italy, the Midnight Mass is known as the "Misa del Gallo". la Messa di Mezzanotte (Midnight Mass). The celebration includes traditional music and singing. After the Mass, many Italian families gather for a festive dinner known as la Vigil Dinner which often includes fish dishes.
In Poland, the Midnight Mass is known as the Pasterka. Many people attend Mass in the hope of experiencing a moment of tranquility and reflection. After the Mass, Polish families share the WigiliaThe Christmas Eve dinner begins with the appearance of the first star in the sky.
These are just a few examples, and the Midnight Mass may have variations and particularities in different regions and cultures. The diversity of these celebrations reflects the richness of Christmas traditions around the world.
In case we cannot attend the Midnight Mass, but we do not want to miss it, it can be followed live on the Vatican's official channel and at Vatican Newswhich broadcasts it live from St. Peter's Basilica.
How to live Christmas?
The meaning of Christmas He brought the truth, the good, the light and the peace that the world needs. He came to free all men and women from the tyrannies that sin brings with it. He offered his life also for his persecutors and for those who hated him, so that they too could attain salvation. So that they could have a happy and lasting life.
That is why today's Christian Christmas
It is party It is a feast of love and freedom, of speaking freely and confidently of the good things that bubble up in the heart, without flinching in the face of adverse environments. A good time to recognize how good and joyful is the reality of marriage and family, how beautiful the smile of a child, how tender the affectionate gaze of a sick grandfather who barely babbles. An opportunity to look at the society in which we live with realism and joy: although there is no lack of difficulties, there is much that can be done to build, with the efforts of all, a world worth living in.
"Jesus, You, lying in a manger, are the bread of my life."
Pope Francis Homily Christmas Mass 2018
Christian Christmas
Bring a invitation to all men of good will so that we may reconsider, so that, respecting the differences, opinions and ways of being of each one of us, let's look for decidedly the important thing: the true good of every human being, above personal selfishness. It is a feast of optimism, light, reconciliation, joy and peace.
"Christmas is you when you illuminate with your life the path of kindness, patience, joy and generosity."
Pope Francis
A few tips
And such optimism, joy and peace will be real if let Jesus be born in our heartsto enlighten them.
These tips are: a) Put on the nativity scene and explain it to the children, and pray there, reliving the scene. b) Go to the Midnight Massor take special care of the Mass of that day. Preparing well with a good confession c) Give something of ourselves to those in need, especially of our time and affection for our family and those close to us.
Mr. Francisco Varo Pineda Research Director University of Navarra Faculty of Theology Professor of Sacred Scripture
