Society of Saints
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Links
  • Resources - Prayer
  • Resources - Prayer 2
  • Resources - Study Group
  • Resources - FBC Group
  • Resources - Listening to God
  • Resources - Other
  • Could God be real?
  • Could Catholicism be true?
  • Publications
  • About Us
  • Contact us

Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary - Meditations with St Joseph

30/4/2019

0 Comments

 
St Joseph – Glorious Mysteries
In honour of St Joseph the Worker and the beginning of the month of May in Mary's honour - for the glory of God.

The first Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection
Can you imagine what it was like in the great place of waiting for the doors of Heaven to be opened? When Simeon came he encouraged everyone that the Messiah had begun His saving work. When I arrived I was able to tell everyone about the infancy, childhood and adolescence of my Jesus. Anyone who arrived with news of Jesus had our undivided attention. Then that amazing moment happened when Jesus Himself arrived, having conquered sin and death. In Him all our longings turned into joy and sweetness. With Jesus leading us we stood before the doors of Heaven and heard His precious Blood cry out, 'Here I am, with the children the Lord has given Me' (Is 8:18) and watched those doors be flung open by the angels. We went through with far more rejoicing than when Israel passed through the Red Sea dry shod. At last, to be with God forever and ever! To see our Jesus smile as Redeemer, Victor and King was worth every previous sorrow.

The second Glorious Mystery – The Ascension
The victory of Jesus was complete, but His work wasn't quite over. In His glorious risen body Jesus went and visited so many people in so many places bringing hope, comfort and joy. There were many teachings and instructions that His apostles and disciples could only be given after His resurrection. So many of His resurrection visits were visits of thanks to those who had helped Him on earth, but they were also 'farewell until Heaven' visits. When all was done to perfection, Jesus gathered them all together to bless them and commission them, and return to the Father in His gloriously risen body. What a wondrous homecoming for Jesus that was! So solemn, so majestic, so breathtakingly beautiful! All Heaven fell silent and prostrate at the sight of His royal wounds in adoration, and saw the Father confer sovereignty, kingship and authority upon Him. He in turn conveyed gifts, rewards and kingdom responsibilities upon the citizens of Heaven and then the place erupted in a rejoicing that has never ceased.

The third Glorious Mystery – The Coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
You don't think that only Mary, the Apostles and the disciples gathered in the upper room, were praying for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit do you? As soon as the Father outlined His great plan for the spread of the Kingdom of God, our prayers joined with theirs. In particular all of those holy ones who had been moved by the Holy Spirit were praying with particular gusto, myself, Moses, Elijah, David, Samuel, Esther, Gideon, Isaiah, Joshua, Daniel, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, Samson, Zechariah and Elizabeth, began praying not only for those in the upper room but also for everyone who would receive the Gospel message through them. How all of us had longed for the whole people of God to be moved by the Holy Spirit! And now God was graciously about to make that wonder happen! We can never praise Him enough! Be open to all that the Holy Spirit wants to do in you, and through you.

The fourth Glorious Mystery – The Assumption
What a big responsibility my Mary accepted at the foot of the Cross of Jesus! For the sake of Jesus she accepted each and every one of His disciples as her sons and daughters. During those post-Pentecost years so many disciples made their way to her, so many needy children seeing wisdom, guidance, comfort, strength, peace, prayers and knowing that the Mother of Jesus was the way to find it. But there came the long awaited day when the needs of Heaven outweighed the needs of earth. Slowly and gently her earthly strength faded until imperceptibly her beautiful soul moved from this life into the eternal life. O what a homecoming that was! Every soul that enters Heaven increases the joy of everyone within. But at Mary's arrival the joy of heaven completely doubled. Then the Father decreed something extraordinary, that Mary should enjoy Heaven in body and soul. Heaven's joy doubled again, and we formed a special procession to formally present her glorified body to the Father. At the front were the angels, then all the holy women whose lives recorded in scripture prefigured and inspired and encouraged her; then all those who had been a special part of her life on earth, including myself, Anne and Joachim, Stephen, James, were privileged to walk with her, and behind us followed the women who had dedicated themselves 100% to Jesus due to her example, and all of the people she had personally served and helped on earth.

The fifth Glorious Mystery – The Coronation of Mary as Queen
When this amazing procession ended, Jesus embraced her as His mother, the Father embraced her as His daughter and the Holy Spirit embraced her as His spouse. 'The throng wild with joy' is a very mild description of what happened. As the high spirits calmed down, expectancy grew. What gifts, rewards and kingdom responsibilities would Mary be given? All Heaven waited for the Father's decree. 'Mary, I have already declared that all generations will call you blessed. That is not enough! You are from this day forth the Queen of Heaven, the Queen of earth, and the Queen of My Heart. Come and share in My happiness. All I have is yours.' Each and every citizen of Heaven immediately knelt and with one heart-felt voice echoed, 'All we have is yours, too!' In profound silence they waited for Mary's response. She slowly began to sing her Magnificat, and then all of Heaven took up her song in melodies and harmonies in praise and thanksgiving to God.

.........................................................................

And a printer friendly version below:
stjoseph_gloriousmysteries_rosarymeditations_pdf.pdf
File Size: 76 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

0 Comments

Meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary with Pope Francis

2/7/2017

0 Comments

 
During His pontificate Pope Francis has been giving us fresh insights into the Gospel, right, left and centre.

These meditations on the Mysteries of the Rosary have been gleaned from his writings and speeches, and then edited down so that each set of meditations (Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful and Glorious) fits onto 2 x A4 pages of text.

That makes them about the right length for meditating on these Mysteries on First Saturdays of the month, while praying the rosary, as requested by Our Lady to Sr Lucia of Fatima in late 1925.

But they are also a very good summary of what God has been teaching us through Pope Francis as well.
rosarymeditationspopefrancispdf.pdf
File Size: 113 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

0 Comments

St Joseph in the Joyful Mysteries

18/3/2016

0 Comments

 
Today is the feast day of St Joseph, to whom God chose to entrust the earthly welfare of Jesus and Mary. It is only right that we honour him, for all he did to serve these holy ones and for his faithful response to whatever God asked of him.

So here are some rosary meditations you might like to use in prayer to ponder the life and ministry of St Joseph with:
stjosephjoyfulmysterymeditationspdf.pdf
File Size: 38 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

We thank You today Lord God for all of the prayers you have answered through the intercession of St Joseph, and for all the Saints who have attained sanctity with his special help.

St Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
St Joseph, protector of the holy Church, pray for us.
​St Joseph, chaste spouse of Mary, pray for us.
0 Comments

Joyful Mysteries of the Immaculate Heart

10/6/2015

0 Comments

 
In honour of this year's feast day of the Immaculate Heart of Mary here are some meditations on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary:

The Annunciation

What does the Annunciation teach us about Mary's heart?

It teaches us that her heart was lowly, because she was disturbed by the lofty greeting of the angel. It teaches us that her heart was used to listening because she didn't interrupt the angel's long message. It teaches us that Mary's heart was full of faith because she did not doubt that God could make her a mother. Her only question related to what God required of her to make it happen. This indicates that her heart was willing to follow God's will even if it meant setting aside her virginity. Her answer tells us that she considered herself completely at God's disposal, showing a depth of trust, and her heart's desire that God's plan be fulfilled in her fully according to His wishes and without any desire that she be consulted about the details.

The Visitation

What does the Visitation teach us about Mary's heart?

It teaches us that God only had to make her aware of a situation for her to act upon it. She must have pondered why God told her that her cousin was pregnant, beyond giving her an example of His power to do the seemingly impossible. God left her free to act, and her generous heart decided to do whatever it took to go and assist her cousin. Mary didn't go to Elizabeth with a high and mighty heart, but with a servant's heart willing to all she could to help her cousin in the most awkward months of her pregnancy. When Mary finally arrived she didn't grumble and complain about the journey, but she expressed her praise and thanks to God for His mercy.

The Birth of Jesus

What does the Birth of Jesus teach us about Mary's heart?

In this mystery we have no words of Mary, only her actions. In the face of the rejection and abject poverty which caused her to give birth in a rough stable, Mary does not complain, nor does she make a scene. Her heart accepts whatever God gives her. How happy her heart must have been to see the face of Jesus for the first time! When she gets unexpected guests in the form of smelly shepherds she does not turn them away, but invites them to gaze with her upon the promise of the Father, now made visible. From this we learn how welcoming and hospitable her heart is. Her heart listens carefully to the story they tell and she carefully ponders over it seeking to comprehend all the messages from God it contains.

The Presentation in the Temple

What does the Presentation in the Temple teach us about Mary's heart?

Travelling with a new born baby is inconvenient at the best of times, but Mary goes to the Temple to offer her thanks to God as well as her heart in obedience to His law. At the same time that she offers her Son to God through the Jewish ritual of redeeming first born sons from sacrifice, Mary dedicates her whole heart and her whole life to the mission of Jesus. To indicate that her offering is acceptable to God, He sends her Simeon as a messenger, who confirms that the road ahead is full of unimaginable suffering. Yet from her compassionate heart comes no complaint because to not be united with the sufferings of her Son is unthinkable.

The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

What does the Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple teach us about Mary's heart?

To search for a lost child for even an hour is a most horrible experience. To go through that worry for three days would put any mother's sanity to the test. Here the patient heart of Mary is seen, going from person to person, asking the same questions over and over again, describing the appearance of her Son. We see her heart trusting in God's plan despite the darkness of not knowing why and the searing pain of loss. When she sees Him at last in the Temple, she has control of her heart, she doesn't make a scene, but she does ask 'Why?'. Her heart accepts the answer Jesus gives, even though she does not understand it. But she takes this too as a message from God and ponders it in her heart, trusting that with time and prayer some understanding will come. Despite the sorrows she went through and her inability to understand the reason for it, Mary's heart forgives and doesn't retain any bitterness.

​.................................................................................

For a print friendly version, click on the document link below:
rosaryimmaculateheartpdf.pdf
File Size: 37 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

0 Comments

The Agony in the Garden

31/3/2015

0 Comments

 
Holy Thursday night is the night above all nights when we recall with love and devotion the agony of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane. This was where the battle of obedience was won. This is where Jesus looked squarely at each one of us, and at all of our sins and said 'Yes, Father, I will undergo suffering to obtain forgiveness for this soul'.

We also recall the agony of Jesus in the first decade of the sorrowful mysteries of the rosary, and on the eve of each first Friday of the month.

When we recall what Jesus endured on this night before His sorrowful Passion it is natural for us to want to do something in return for such great love. An easy way to do this is to remain in prayer at the Altar of Repose at the conclusion of the Holy Thursday night Mass. Staying for at least an hour in prayer can be our personal way of responding to the sad words of Jesus to Peter in Matt 26:40, 'So you had not the strength to keep awake with Me one hour?'.

St Padre Pio had a particular devotion to the Agony of Jesus in the Garden, as had St Gemma Galgani and Blessed Elena Guerra. There are some spiritual gifts and graces that only come from meditating upon this part of the passion of Jesus. 

You might find this little booklet (downloadable below) useful in your prayers and meditations on the Agony of Jesus. It will take 3 sheets of double-sided A4 paper in booklet fold to print.
theagonyofjesuspdf2.pdf
File Size: 283 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

It contains scripture passages alternating with passages from the Saints and mystics of the Church, and then a few prayers at the end. 

One way of using it is to read one line at a time, and then talk to Jesus in your heart about it. Another way is to read a full passage or paragraph, and then to slowly pray a few Glory Bes or Hail Marys between them.

But the main thing is to pray.

St Peter, St John and St James, Apostles, please pray for us, that our love for Jesus in His Agony may grow.

St Padre Pio, St Gemma Galgani, Bl Elena Guerra, pray for us that we may develop a true devotion to the Agony of Jesus in our lives.

  
0 Comments

Resources for 24 Hours For The Lord and for Lent

8/3/2015

0 Comments

 
In Rome, and in many diocesan cathedrals around the world - and hopefully some parish churches as well - preparations are being made for 24 Hours For The Lord at the end of this week (13/14 Mar 2015). It is a wonderful initiative of Pope Francis, to keep the lights on and the doors open for a full 24 hours, and to invite people to come and pray and to return to the Sacrament of Penance. Many generous priests will be giving up sleep over those 24 hours to be used by Jesus to bring His Mercy to all those who seek it. May they be richly rewarded for such service.

In many other churches there will be opportunities to attend the sacrament of Penance under the 2nd Rite of Reconciliation in these final weeks before Good Friday. At those times the community gathers, prays, listens to Scripture and has an opportunity to think about those areas of their lives that are not in harmony with God's love before going up individually to one of the several priests available to confess their sins, followed by a time of prayer and communal thanksgiving.

The big question is: How can we make it easier for people who haven't experienced God's personal Mercy in a long time to take that daunting step into the confessional?

For starters you need a team of well-prepared parishioners outside the doors of the church building. People need a friendly face on the outside of a church as they do the 'Will I or won't I go in?' battle. The courage it takes to get over a church threshold is formidable, and the battle happens outside not inside. They become a visual reminder of the Father waiting for the prodigal child to return home.

You need people outside, so that someone can come up and ask, 'What's going on inside?' 'Why are there lights on at 2am?' and so an answer can be given, 'Pope Francis has asked us to have open house for 24 hours so that people can pray and so they can experience God's Mercy in the sacrament of Penance. If you wanted to go inside, you would be most welcome.'

Then if someone says, 'But I don't know how to pray' or 'I have forgotten how to go to confession' or 'Can you tell me what sin is, so that I know what I need to confess?' your team can help them.

If you can have a similar team on the inside of the church as well, that's even better. You need people on the alert for those who have become emotional before and especially after the sacrament of penance. Do you have a ready supply of tissues? Do you have people on alert for those going through the 'Will I or won't I risk going through the confessional door?' battle who can pray silently, and can encourage when appropriate. Do you have people ready to listen to those who have just experienced God's Mercy? Do you have people who can get up to a microphone every hour or so and give testimony to how prayer and the sacrament of Penance have changed their lives?

In the confessionals themselves, have the priests been supplied with printed material to hand out to penitents? Things like Parish Welcome kits (with information on parish groups, how to contact the parish office, Mass times, Reconciliation times, RCIA and how to enroll a child in a Catholic school etc), How to Pray pamphlets, small booklets of the Compendium of the Catechism and Gospels. Anything that will assist a penitent to keep going forward in the grace they have received help from God's Mercy.

Person to person interaction is best, but even that needs paperwork support, so here are some resources to download:

Sin is when we do not love God and others as Jesus taught us to. That's the answer our children going through sacramental initiation receive. Pondering our lives in the light of the Ten Commandments is valuable when preparing for the Sacrament of Penance. These documents are A4 size, one for adults and one for children.

commandmentsadultw7pdf.pdf
File Size: 77 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

commandmentschildw7pdf.pdf
File Size: 77 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

An A4 page with four panels, with each one containing three options for the Act of Contrition. Useful for anyone who needs help remembering them or who doesn't feel confident in using their own words to ask for Mercy.

ogfactcontritionpdf.pdf
File Size: 50 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

A double sided A4 pamphlet entitled 'When was the last time you met Jesus in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?' for those approaching the Sacrament after an absence.

ogfpenancepdf.pdf
File Size: 80 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

A double sided A4 pamphlet entitled 'My Mercy is for you, meet Me in the Sacrament of Reconciliation' containing excerpts from the Diary of St Faustina about how much Jesus desires us to return to Him in this Sacrament in order to receive His Mercy.

ogfmymercyisforyoupdf.pdf
File Size: 167 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

A double sided A4 pamphlet entitled 'A gift for you from the heart of a Mother' about how to begin to pray the Rosary. (This one may need your edge to edge printing option turned on.)

rosarycrusadew7pdf.pdf
File Size: 147 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

Between now and the beginning of 24 Hours For The Lord, let us pray that God draws souls to Himself through the open doors of our churches and the open doors of the confessionals. That is the spring rain of prayer softening the soil of the soul. Then let us not stop praying for those who came, and for those who didn't quite get over the threshold, that those graces given by God take firm root and grow. That is the autumn rain assisting the growth of the newly planted seeds and young seedlings.

May the holy Mother of Jesus, the holy Apostles, and all those Saints who dedicated their lives to proclaiming the Mercy of Jesus, obtain from Him all the graces needed for 24 Hours For The Lord to be extraordinarily fruitful in His sight.

0 Comments
    Picture

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    October 2013
    September 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Categories

    All
    10 Commandments
    24 Hours For The Lord
    2nd Rite Of Reconciliation
    Abortion
    Active Participation
    Act Of Contrition
    Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament
    Advent
    Agony Of Jesus In The Garden
    Anniversaries
    Apologetics
    Apostolic Nuncio
    Apparitions Of Our Lady
    Archbishop Porteous
    Archbishop Prowse
    Ark And Dove Week 2019
    Aussie Pilgrims
    Baptism
    Be Prepared
    Berthe Petit
    Betty Cavanagh
    Book Review
    Broken Bay Diocese
    Building The Kingdom
    Burnout
    Cardinal Pell
    Catechumenate
    Catholic Charismatic Renewal
    Catholic Church
    Catholic Newcomers
    Catholics Returning Home
    Catholic Tertiary Education
    Catholic Universities & Colleges
    Cautionary Tale
    CCR
    Charisms
    Christian Book Publishing
    Christian Unity
    Church Fees
    Comensoli Homily
    Communication
    Conference Design
    Conference/Summer School
    Confession
    Confirmation
    Consecration Prayer
    Consequences Of Rejecting God
    Conversation Answers
    Corruption
    Covenant Communities
    Creative Lectio Divina
    Culture
    Death
    Devotion
    Diocesan Plan
    Disabilities
    Discernment
    Divine Mercy Sunday
    Divine Office
    Divine Renovation Conference DR16
    Divine Renovation Conference DR18
    Doctor Of The Church
    Dying
    Dying Process
    Easter
    Ecumenical
    Ecumenism
    Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
    Elder Technology
    Employment
    Encounter Jesus
    End Of Life Stories
    Engagement
    Eucharist
    Eucharistic Adoration
    Evangelii Gaudium
    Evangelisation
    Ewtn
    Exodus 90
    Facilitating Connections
    Families In Sorrow
    Family
    Fatima
    Federal Plebiscite
    Feminism
    First Communion
    First Line Welcomers
    Four Last Things
    Fr Bill Meacham
    Free Speech
    Fr George Kosicki
    Fr Hugh Thomas CSsR
    Gift Of Tongues
    G.K.Chesterton
    Glorious Mysteries
    God's Love
    Golden Jubilee
    Gospel Reflection
    Guest Blog
    Happy Meetings
    Hashtags
    Healing
    Helping Young People
    Holiness / Character
    Holy Communion
    Holy Door
    Holy Spirit
    Holy Thursday
    Holy Wounds
    Homelessness
    Hour Of Grace
    Hypocrisy
    ICCRS Charism School
    Ideas
    Immaculate Heart
    Inclusion
    Inculturation
    Indigenous Peoples
    Indulgence
    Integrating Newcomers Into Parish Life
    Intercession
    Intercessory Prayer
    Interpretation
    Interpreting These Times
    Jim Murphy
    Joseph Chircop
    Joyful Mysteries
    Kerygma
    Kingdom Wishlist
    Larry Sparks
    Leadership
    Leadership Structure
    Learning From Other Churches
    Lent
    LetUsPray2017
    Life Regrets
    Linda's House Of Hope
    Litany
    Liturgy
    Liturgy Of The Hours
    Love In Action
    Making Disciples
    Marriage
    Marriage Preparation
    Married Spirituality
    Mary Queen Of Apostles
    Mass
    Mass Homily
    McCarrick Report
    Mental Health
    Mercy
    Message / Homily
    Ministry To Divorced Catholics
    Miracles
    Misery
    Mission
    Monthly Recollection Day
    Movements Of Grace
    Music
    Napoleon
    National Church Life Survey
    New Evangelisation
    Novena
    Obituary
    Obscure Saints
    Open Letter
    Open To Conversion
    Open To Reform
    Open To Renewal
    Opposition To God's Work
    Ordination
    Our Lady
    Our Lady Help Of Christians
    Our Lady Star Of The Sea
    Palliative Care
    Pandemic
    Parables
    Parents
    Parish Life
    Parish Meetings
    Parish Ministries
    Participant Guide
    Paschal Candle
    Patron Saint For The New Year
    Pentecost
    Personal Log
    Pilgrimage
    Plenary Council
    Plenary Council 2020
    Plenary Council Process
    Plenary Council Theme 6
    Political Leaders
    Pope Benedict XVI
    Pope Francis
    Praise And Worship
    Prayer For A New Bishop
    Prayer Groups
    Prayer Of The Heart
    Prayer Request
    Prayers
    Preaching
    Preparation For Holy Mass
    Pre-Synod Youth 2018
    Priests
    Proclaim 2014
    Proclaim 2014 Conference
    Proclaim 2016
    Proclaim 2016 Conference
    Prophecy
    Prophetic Intercession
    RCIA Rite Of Christian Initiation For Adults
    Rebuilt
    Reddit
    Renewal And Reform
    Reparation
    Repentance
    Resources
    Responding To God
    Rest
    Retaining New Catholics
    Revival
    Rosary
    Rosary Meditations
    Sacramental Preparation
    Sacrament Of Penance
    Sacraments
    Sacred Heart
    Sacrifice
    Salvation
    Scientists
    Signs Of Hope
    Silence
    Sin
    Social Distancing
    Social Media
    Social Media Apostolate
    Soft Evangelisation
    Spiritual Communion
    Spiritual Life
    Sr Margaret Wall Rsj
    St Anicetus
    StartupAusCC
    Stations Of The Resurrection
    Statistics
    St Augustine Zhao Rong
    Stewardship
    St Faustina
    St Francis Of Assisi
    St Gregory Of Narek
    St John The Baptist
    St Joseph
    St Raphael
    Strengths
    StrengthsFinder
    Summer Camp
    Summer School
    Surrender
    Synod On The Family
    Synod Process
    #TakeTheAdventChallenge
    Teaching
    Teams Of Our Lady
    Teamwork
    Tertiary Study
    Testimonies
    Thanksgiving
    The Body Of Christ
    The Fight Back Plan
    Topics Of Controversy
    Tsunami Of Grace
    Unity
    Unity In Diversity
    Via Lucis
    Virtual Pilgrimage
    Vision Casting
    Vocation
    Waiting On God
    Welcomers
    Welcoming Via Websites
    What Ordinary Holiness Looks Like
    #WhyRemainCatholic
    Wisdom
    WNFIN Challenge
    World Youth Day
    Worthwhile Charity
    Writing Christian Non-Fiction
    WYD Krakow
    Year Of Mercy
    Young Parents
    Youth Group
    Youth Synod 2018

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly