January-March 2013
PRAYER TO THE ARCHANGEL MICHEAL Archangel Micheal, be our help and protection in all our struggles. Protect us from the attack and influence of the Evil One. Humbly we plead that God may rebuke him O’ Chief of the heavenly army drive satan and his allies that roam all over the world, working to destroy soul, into the fire of hell, Amen.
PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL Oh’ my guardian angel, protect me from all dangers today. Help me to be a sweet child of Jesus on this day. Guard me from all calamities and bad dreams during my sleep.
January-March 2013 Book-8 Volume-1
Trimonthly Patrons Bishop Mar.Raphel Thattil Chairman, KCBC Charismatic Commission
Rt.Rev.Dr.Joseph Karikkasseri Vice Chairman, KCBC Charismatic Commission
Bishop Samuel Mar.Eraneous Vice Chairman, KCBC Charismatic Commission
Spiritual Advisor Rev.Fr.Varghese Manavalan Advisory Board Rev.Fr.Justine Kaipparambadan Rev.Sr.Sergeus Dr.Edwered Edezhath Mr.Baby Chacko Mr. Boney Chellanam Animator Rev.Fr. Abraham Pallivathukkal SJ Printer & Publisher Mr. Mathew v.Manuel Editor Sunil Elias
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; Psalms 91.11
Executive Editor Mrs. Mary Martin Executive Manger Joby Thomas Editorial Board Rev.Fr. Cherian Nereveettil Mr.Renny Njarakulam Mr.Martin Jose Mrs.Alice Mathew
ANGELS ARMY Jesus Youth, Emmaus H.M.T.Colony P.O. Kalamassery-683503 Kochi, Kerala Ph: 0484 6444702 Email: angelsarmy04@gmail.com Website: www.angelsarmy.in
Angels Army is a spiritual initiative intended to guide children for their faith formation in Jesus and also to help parents to bring them up in holiness, right from the moment of conception. For mothers, pregnancy is a period when they should be spending time in deeper prayer and reliance on God. During this period whatever the mother is subjected to, will have an impact on the baby that is growing in the womb. For this very reason it is essential that mothers should be in the fullness of God’s love during pregnancy period. Angels’ Army motivates parents for this. Before children start their school , parents can instill faith in them by teaching them the basic truth about God by introducing Jesus, the word of God, and about heaven in a simple way. Angels’ Army equips them for this. As the children start their school they may struggle to choose the right values. There are many areas where parents can protect and guide them in the right track giving them the protection of the blood of Jesus. Children, as they become more familiar with God’s Word and the Word becomes flesh in them, discernment and decision about right and wrong become more clarified and definite. Angels’ Army aims at bringing up a new generation of youngsters who would love the Church deeply in union with our Divine Mother, Saints and Angels. To achieve this goal members of Angels’ Army maintain the following practices:
1. Meditate on Biblical Verses and ejaculatory prayers based on Word of God. 2. Praying the rosary with specific intentions 3. Perform acts of charity Intensions 1st Mystery for the Pope, Priests and the Religious 2nd Mystery Children and their parents around the world 3rd Mystery for Angels Army 4th Mystery the Souls in Purgatory 5th Mystery Missionaries, Babies subjected to abortion
A TEMPLE OF GOD Bishop Samuel Mar Iraneus Vice Chairman, Charismatic Commission
The Faith Year observation is an opportunity to evaluate our own faith life, to deepen it and also to perfect it. A life of faith is all the more challenging in our days. We encounter temptations against it in all areas of our life. The fragmentation of family is a terrible cause of anxiety. Family is the nucleus of faith formation. Families are domestic Churches. If families are to maintain the sanctity of the Church, they are to ensure that the Altar, the podium and the occasion for reconciliation are available in families. Praises of God should rise from homes. There has to be lively sacrificial offerings in each home. There should be sacrifice of love. There should be regular ministering of God’s word in every family. Reading and living the Word in daily life lead us to a life around sacraments. Practices like family prayer, scripture reading, observing the lent, sacramental life, works of
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charity etc lead us to a mature spirituality. This is what maintains and perfects families. We got to ensure that the sacrament of marriage is received with sufficient seriousness and preparations. If family life has to have a paradise experience, there should be a love in Trinitarian model. Only when the spirituality of the family members are deep enough, the relationship between the spouses, parents and children, will become strong and lively. There are many areas where more stress is to be given in order to make the faith of each person deep and witnessing.
1) Becoming lovers of Church by active participation in the life of the Church Each family should consciously take initiative to participate in the liturgy and Parish activities. They have to develop deeper love and relationship with Jesus and the Church. 2) Forming a genuine conscience Conscience is the voice within a person. We are bound to listen to this voice. Parents and teachers have important role to play in the formation of conscience in children. 3) A zeal of holiness Only one who grows in virtues can conquer evil and do good for them. Such people can see the goodness in others, desire good for them and work for their welfare. 4) Developing missionary zeal Younger generation acquires God experience and God reliance from home. Thus they are led to the depth of Faith. It is in the families that the dignity of life is proclaimed. The power of this spirituality has to be spread to the neighbourhood too. 5) Developing healthy attitude towards sufferings Sufferings are stumbling blocks in our faith journey. We can rejoice in the Lord and experience His peace even amidst deep pain, if we have genuine love for God and attitude of submission to God’s will. In common we come across the following types of sufferings:a) The suffering due to our unwarranted anxiety and tension. This is not a meaningful suffering. We can overcome it by trusting in Lord. b) Suffering due to our sinfulness. We should learn to turn to God in repentance like the “good thief ” and seek God’s forgiveness.
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c) Sufferings that we get due to wrong doing of others. Accept them in the love of God and convert them salvific. d) Sufferings that is permitted by God like sickness, death etc. Bear them with Jesus and convert them salvific. We all need to get training from our home to convert our suffering salvific.
FAITH FORMATION
In Our Homes
Faith formation begins in early childhood. Many of us do that in various ways. As practiced in some families:• Passage from the Bible, read during the family prayers is explained to the children in their style and pattern. • Sunday Mass readings are read and explained to the children on Saturday evening. • Attending daily Mass along with the children. • Children recite the “Sapra” prayers in the early morning. • Two/ three families come together for Bible study. • Displaying Word of God on chart paper where children can see and read. • Occasionally, after the family prayers, mention the positives of family members and thank God for them. • Recite the “Apostolic Creed” before study. • Once in a month, the whole family participates in the Holy Adoration together. • Inspire the children to give the tithe from the gifts that they receive. • Visiting orphanages/old people/sick on Sundays along with the children 8
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THANK YOU… A THOUSAND TIMES Fr. Stephen Emmatty (Asst.Parish Priest,St.Raphel’s Cathedral,Palakkad)
It is my mother who introduced me to Jesus and Mother Mary. It is she alone who helped me to grow up strong enough to hold Jesus in my hands. As far as I can remember my mother’s day used to start with the Rosary. She would prepare breakfast and pack lunch for me and my brothers, and hurry to the church for 6:15 Holy Mass.
Once I received my Holy Communion, she would take me to the church for the Holy Mass. From that time I haven’t broken this habit except when I was seriously sick. At times when I used to be lazy, my mother compelled me and took me to the church. It was by her inspiration that I joined the altar boys. JAN-MAR 2013
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Our Parish church was small and hence only the boys who reached early got the chance to serve. My mother wanted me to get the chance every day. Whether it was snow or rain, she would hold my hand and hurry to the church. She believed that the altar boys are in the place of angels. On special festive days like Christmas and Easter she would ensure that I reach the church at least one hour in advance. At times my mother would wait in front of the church which was not even opened. When I disclosed my
THE WORD AND PRAYER RESPONSE
desire to join the priesthood it was my mother who rejoiced most. Only after 6 years I came to know that from that day she was fasting for my sake every Friday even without drinking water. It hurt me to learn that I was unaware of it for the past 6 years. Even now she continues this practice for my sake. It is her sacrificial prayers that support me to move on untiringly along. O dear mother, how can I thank you enough! Thank you!... Thank you a thousand times‌.!
JANUARY 2013
Find out for yourself how good the Lord is. Happy are those who find safety with him. (Psalm 34:8) Jesus,I love you! because every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. (1 Jn 5:4) Jesus,I trust you! And so, my dear friends, if our conscience does not condemn us, we have courage in God’s presence. (1 Jn 3:21) Jesus,I hope in you! Happy is the person who honours the Lord, who takes pleasure in obeying his commands. (Psalm 112:1) Jesus, I rejoice in you! 10
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Hail, Queen of Priests! Angels’ Army expressed its love for the Holy Mother in October, by a chain Rosary. People all over the world joined in this. They kept apart half an hour at a particular time for this. Many woke up in night by keeping alarm or by phone reminders. For many, this was a thrilling experience. ‘Angels’ Army mothers’ wing’ was praying about what they could contribute in the Faith year. And the Lord answered them by asking them to pray for the priests taking some sacrifices. So, each one of them have adopted the priests all over the world. One sacrifice was to avoid eating sweets in the Faith year. Also to recite “Remborare…”.When they renounce the taste of the sweets, they pray that all priests in the world might taste the love of God in a deeper way. JAN-MAR 2013
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The ‘mothers’ wing’ now wishes that this fire be spread to all mothers in the whole world. Now they are convinced that the chain Rosary should continue. The Holy Spirit inspired them to offer it for the priests and other consecrated people. The chain Rosary continues now, day and night, without any break. What you need to do? 1. Recite Psalm 91. 2. Recite the prayer to St.Michael. 3. Read Sirach 45:12 followed by, 4.Rosary intentions:1st mystery: For the Holy Father, His intentions, the Cardinals, the Bishops nd 2 mystery: Priests, religious..(remember the old priests and religious specially) 3rd mystery: Priests and religious in the purgatory 4th mystery: The seminarians, deacons religious in formation th 5 mystery: For an abundance of vocations If you desire to join in this Rosary chain by keeping apart half an hour daily at a fixed time, please call 9496131921. The answers to these prayers with sacrifices will come soon. There are going to be many vocations from our families. In the previous centuries, there used to be one vocation from every home. Mothers recited “Jesus, Mary..” during their pregnancy period, expressing their deep trust in God. Because they had many children, they had to trust God for their well-being. The zealous priests and sisters around us are the fruit of the prayer of these mothers. Hence, let us mothers contain them in our hearts and pray earnestly. May God bless our land by giving us plenty of vocations in the future.
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TEACHER, WILL YOU GIVE ME JESUS?! Every new born baby is a sign of God’s continuing hope in humanity. The responsibility of parents is to bring up children keeping them close to Jesus. It is the teachers who can assist them the most. If there are teachers who are open to the will of God, the whole area will be blessed. A teacher who loved her students as her own children was
suddenly transferred to another school. There she was shocked to see that the Xth class students were hated and uncared for, by the other teachers. She found it hard to handle them. She couldn’t find a way out. She turned to God, Jesus, what can I do here?”.Jesus answered, “I have entrusted my children in your hands. Pray hopefully and love without measure and you JAN-MAR 2013
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will see the result.”She was inspired. Each day, before starting the class she would stand quietly. The students started enquiring,” Teacher, can you teach us also to pray?”Happily she taught them the Apostolic Creed. They recited it together every day. The result was soon to come. The whole batch improved in discipline, study and character. The other teachers were inspired and started reciting the Creed in their classes too. The Catholic students joined in. The nonCatholics were not forced to do the same. The final year student of a P.G class seemed to be sad and gloomy. She was from a broken non-Christian family. One teacher sensed the disturbance in her life and enquired about it. After sometime she burst out and said,”Teacher, I am thinking of
ending my life. I don’t want to live anymore.”The teacher pacified her. With the permission from parents, she sent her to a retreat centre to attend a 5 day retreat. After 5 days she returned to the college with a beaming face. She questioned the teacher, ”I have studied in a Catholic school right from L.K.G. Why didn’t you give me Jesus in all these years?!”The teacher was shocked and had no answer to give. There are many schools that have started reciting the Creed during the school assembly. Catechism classes starts with the Creed.”Teacher, will you give me Jesus?”is a genuine and crying question in the hearts of many children. May God bless all teachers to discern this hunger in their hearts and to respond to it in this Faith year. A Teacher
For Families (A VIRTUE FOR THE NEW YEAR)
We all pray before we commence a journey. In this month, we shall recite the Creed before starting the journey.
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CIA TIO N TH EA
NN
UN
Hail Mary, full of grace!
Do not be afraid. I am Gabriel, the Arch Angel. You have found favour in God’s presence.
He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High.
You will conceive and give birth to a boy and you shall name him Jesus.
How can this be?
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Hence the child to be born shall be called the son of God.
The Holy Spirit will come upon you. The power of the Most High shall descend on you.
Your cousin Elizabeth who is old and barren has also conceived a child. This is 6th month for her. Nothing is impossible for God.
Here I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be fulfilled according to your Word.
As the angel hears the consent of Mary, he bows down to her. He sees the Spirit of God descending on her.
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(The Feast of the Annunciation is on March 25)
QUITE DIFFERENT Most of us wish for variety and newness. Many things that are attractive to our eyes and feeding our curiosity can make an impression in our lives. But by the time we realize the trap behind it, we may be too late to avoid it. Jesus himself commanded us to be different. It is not a difference that the world can make, but being different from the world.”Do not be conformed to the world.”Saints are those who accepted this challenge seriously. They lived their lives with a difference. When we analyze their lives and walk in their path, we could recognize this difference. Let us examine some of the events from the life of St.Magdeline, the foundress of Canossian Congregation. Magdeline was born in a royal family of Canossa in North Italy. She was inspired to renounce all her wealth and
social status and to live as a servant of the poor. She worked for the poor. At home she had all the privileges of the affluence of the royal background. When she joined the convent, she practiced total poverty. An inscription discovered from her room says, ”I need to use only the bare minimum things that are necessary for me and for my community.”Expressions like, ”This is mine”, ”I brought it from my home”, ”I bought this” never escaped their mouths. Everything was for all people. No one would say, ”my room”, JAN-MAR 2013
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but only say, ”the room where I sleep”. Being the foundress of the Congregation, she had the right to use any room or demand more comforts. Yet she used only the simple room. There were only minimum facilities like a cot and bare essential furniture in the room. Even in extreme winter when warm quilt or blankets were needed, she used only ordinary sheets. This is called difference-to say “enough”. We live in a world where comforts and fashions of the latest attract us. We are driven to possess the latest and the best. Saints are people who lived with a difference even amidst such trends, and many live it even today. Simplicity is something that we can identify ourselves. How is our life style today? What are the comforts that we have? Do we desire for more of the latest? Are we slipping more into the trends of the world? If it is so, learn a truth. Closer you walk with God, you will divert from the world. The more you deviate from God, you will draw closer to the world. Closer 18
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your walk with God, you will renounce more. When you deviate from God, you will find renouncing hard and painful. Not only in the past but also even today we have such people who live such lives of holiness and who make a difference. THE FOUR Xth STANDARDS I met them when I was in their school in Ernakulam to give a retreat. The four Xth standard students who were different. They attended a retreat when they were in IXth standard. All the four had deep God experience in the retreat. They made a resolution to pray four rosaries kneeling on rubble. The intention was the conversion of their schoolmates. And when I met them they were still continuing it without any break. Conviction! And they are people with a difference. Think of the children of their age when everyone else is pursuing their own worldly greeds, here are the four, living life with a difference. REENA’S BIRTHDAY GIFT Reena is the only daughter of her parents. She is a plus two
student. Her daddy wanted to give her a churidar set on her birthday and asked her to accompany him to the shop. But she said, ”Daddy, I don’t want any gift for this birthday. Instead when I ask please give me the money.””Why?” “That I will tell you later.” It was the Christmas week. Reena approached her dad .”Dad, can you give me the money that you kept for my birthday gift?”He said, ”Yes”.”Then can you come with me to the cloth shop?”,Reena asked. They reached the big shop in the town. Reena selected two beautiful dresses
THE WORD AND PRAYER RESPONSE
for small girls. She led her dad to the home of a poor family and gave the gifts to the two small girls there. Dad was literally weeping when they were returning home. How can he avoid it? Here is a girl with a difference. Let us resolve to be a little more different. To say NO to many things. Let us be able to say ENOUGH. Then we can win over the world. Jesus reminds us once again, ”Do not be conformed to this world”(Rom 12:2). With love, Boney Chellanam
FEBRUARY 2013
If you will only obey me,you will eat the good things the land produces.Isaiah 1:19 “O Holy Spirit, come and fill me.!” Jesus said to them all, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Lk 8:21 “O Holy Spirit, hold my hand and lead me.” The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:5 “O Lord, grant me light!” Whoever does not love does not know God ,for God is love. 1John 4:8 “God, fill me with love.” JAN-MAR 2013
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A\p-`hw Renny Njarakulum
CONFESSION It’s almost a month since I had gone for the Sacrament of Confession. The thought came as I was sitting in a bus for home. No! Let me make it today itself. I changed my plan and decided to get down at the monastery. I started my preparation sitting in the bus. But I couldn’t remember anything serious enough to confess. Yet God’s Word was disturbing me. “If you say that you have no sin, you are a liar”. Am I not sinning at all? Conscience doesn’t approve it. Father was available and he asked me to spend some time in the chapel, preparing. I kept pleading to the Holy Spirit for a sense of sin and repentance. After a few minutes of praising, the memory of a serious failure on my part came to my mind. I was shocked to realize how could I think that I was sinless when this serious failure was right there. Immediately I noted it on a piece of paper. By the time the priest came I had a sheet full of my inner dirt, revealing this stinking state of my being. Tears of repentance welled up in my eyes and in my heart. After years, even today I have the evergreen memory of the confession and the anointing that followed. Whenever I feel a struggle or disinterest to make a confession, the Holy Spirit brings this event to my mind and immediately I turn to Him for help. 20
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THE BOLD WARRIOR It was 4th February 1691.The event was in Marwa, a North Indian kingdom. A missionary monk was being led through the street by the soldiers. A prayer book was hung around his neck. People were watching this with tears breathlessly. Their dear Swamiji was being led for execution. The journey ended on a high platform. The prayer book was pulled out and burned. The executioner was ready with drawn sword. The monk had perfect peace and courage glowing on his face. He told to the executioner, �I have completed my job. Now you complete yours!�The sword was raised and brought down heavily. His head rolled on the floor. His soul was escorted by the angels to its owner, Jesus. Who was that monk who boldly welcomed martyrdom? He was the Portuguese youth John Britto who worked as a missionary in India.
John Britto was the fourth son of a high official in the ministry of the king of Portugal. He lost his father when he was very young. His mother was very keen to bring up her children in Christian virtues. Her zeal for God and life witnessing influenced John deeply. He was ordained a priest in 1673 and was sent to India as a missionary. He had longed for it and was praying for it. As he reached Goa in India, he visited the Basilica of Infant Jesus there. He was filled with joy as he stood before the uncorrupted body of St.Francis Xavier. From his childhood he had heard a lot JAN-MAR 2013
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about this missionary. With deep reverence and faith Father John sought the intercession of the saint for his mission in India. Soon Father John was sent to Kerala. In Kerala Fr.John adopted the local cultural way of dressing and adopted a new name Swami Arulanandam. Next he was sent to Madurai accompanied by another missionary. They walked hundreds of kilometers through thick forests. They did not feel the burden of it. The zeal for proclaiming God’s kingdom and the readiness to take up any challenge for the sake of Gospel led them on. In Madurai, they learned Tamil. They taught Catechism in Tamil language. The children in turn became zealous missionaries and they spread the good news to the neighbouring villages. They brought many people to the missionaries who were instructed in Faith and were baptized. God gave physical healing to many who received baptism from Swami Arulanandam. By 22
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using the ash blessed on the Holy Wednesday, many were healed of their sickness. Many were freed from satanic oppressions. Farms were freed from pests and crops flourished. At the same time, persecution was growing strong against missionaries. They escaped many attempts of murder miraculously. Many were forced to reject their faith by torture and threatening. Many responded boldly that they wouldn’t worship any god other than
the living God who created the heaven and the earth. Missionaries were tortured by tying them to trees for hours and immersing them in water. None of these could affect their inner strength. They were comforted when they meditated on the everlasting joy waiting for them in heaven. Many of the new converts were also thrown into prisons. The words of Swami Arulanandam comforted and strengthened them. Prisons became prayer
centers. Swamiji continued his devotion to Mother Mary which he had received from his childhood. That was a source of great strength for him. Those were days when they experienced the protection and comfort from Mother Mary. Soon they were sent out of prison. John Britto had the great strength of prayer experience and the ability to bear persecutions. He knew that he received it from the loving training of his beloved mother.
TIPS FROM THE
LITTLE FLOWER There is one sister in the convent. She has a special skill to irritate me. It was very hard for me to bear with her behavior, character and peculiar nature. At the same time, I thought that she being a chosen instrument of God, she must be very dear to Him. So instead of harbouring resentment against her I started doing everything I can as if I am doing for the most beloved friend of mine. Whenever I met her, I offered all her virtues and qualities to God and prayed for her. I felt that it would be pleasing to God. There is no artist who doesn’t like to be praised for his art work.
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THE ROSE OF POLAND Sr.Faustina was born in a small village in Poland. She was third out of the nine children of their parents. At home,her name was Helen. Sr.Faustina is known as “the Apostle of God’s mercy”. Her father Stanislaus worked hard to provide for the large family. He worked on his farm and also as a carpenter so hard that most days he slept very late. Yet he rose up early in the morning for prayer. During lent, he had special prayers of the passion and the way of the Cross additionally. He was very keen to bring up his children in prayer.”First God”, he would say ”rest all afterwords.” Helen used to rise up much early in the morning on Sundays. She would help out her parents so that all could go for Mass in right time. Her dad used to say,” It is hard to mind even one cow, yet she would manage three cows on one rope!”They wouldn’t take meat on Wednesdays and Fridays. In lent they avoided meat, fish 24
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and milk products. Their dad used to read stories of saints to the children. As she grew up, Helen wanted to join a convent. But because of their poverty the parents didn’t pay attention to it. But gradually she got stronger conviction about this call through prayer. And she joined the convent of the sisters of the Mother of Mercy. She was taken as a support sister and not as a regular member. The role of the support sisters was to support other sisters with prayers, sacrifices and domestic work. Within three weeks of her convent life, she had very strong temptation to return to home. In her concept, the convent had more work and
less prayer. She prayed but no answer came. She decided to leave the convent next day. When all others slept, she was lying on the floor and praying, “O God, reveal your Holy will to me!” Suddenly she saw the sorrowful face of Jesus on the curtain of her room. The face was deeply wounded.” What does it mean?” she asked the Lord. Jesus answered, “If you leave the convent you will be hurting me like this. I have called you into this place. I have reserved many graces for you.” She asked His forgiveness and changed her decision. One day Faustina had a strange experience. She wrote like this in the diary.”My guardian angel asked me to follow him. Within a second, I was in a fiery place. Plenty of suffering souls were in the fire. I asked to the angel what their suffering was?” The thirst for God is the greatest suffering”, he said. I saw the Holy Virgin visiting that place frequently. I heard a voice from within, “My mercy doesn’t desire this. But my justice does”. From that day, Faustina had deeper love and closeness for the souls in purgatory. She prayed for them constantly.
Faustina’s work was in the kitchen. Many vessels in the kitchen were very heavy to turn or to lift. Potatoes used to fall out of the vessels when they were turned. After sometime she found it easier to turn and lift the vessels. Once when she lifted the lid instead of potatoes she found beautiful roses in the vessel. She asked the Lord what the meaning of the vision was. The Lord answered, “I am converting all your heavy works into beautiful bunches of roses and its fragrance rises upto my thrown”(Sirach 35:8-9).Then onwards she started doing all the tasks with more joy. Additionally, she used to take up the task of others too. She realized that it was very pleasing to the Lord. She was allotted kitchen work and gardening alternatively. Even though this was hard, she saw the will of God in all these. Mother General once commented that Faustina was the only one who accepted the transfers without complaints. In this time, she was transferred to a new place. It was here that she received many of her revelations from JAN-MAR 2013
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God. She wrote,”Jesus appeared to me in my room wearing a full white dress. His right hand was in the gesture of blessing and the left hand was touching his heart. From his heart, two streams of light was flowing out, one in red and other in white. The Lord said to me, ”Get this picture drawn out. In the bottom write, ”Jesus, I trust in you.”I assure you that any soul which honours this picture will not be lost. When she shared all these visions to the authorities, they mocked her telling that she is a hysterical visionary. They ignored her. She wished that she could run away from all these tortures. She complained to the Lord, “This is too much for me. What will I do?” She was desperately disappointed. Jesus told her, “Do not be afraid of sufferings. If only you knew the value of sufferings! It hurts me deeply when my chosen ones are ungrateful to me. At the same time, a few of my special chosen ones, through their sufferings keep the balance of the world.” She realized that even small sufferings accepted without complaints comfort the Lord greatly. She resolved to remain faithful to the end. When insults and humiliations 26
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came, she clung on to the heart of Jesus. His love filled her heart. Gradually she learned to rejoice over any sort of sufferings. She realized that on her own no one could accomplish anything and yet with the Lord she can achieve anything. One day a sister asked Faustina, “You seemed to be much comfortable now. There is a lot of grace on your face. I t seems that you don’t have much sufferings.” She answered, “Not that way, sister. When I suffer more I rejoice more. When I suffer less my joy is also lessen. When our sufferings are joined to the suffering of Jesus, many souls are being saved.”
IMPORTANT PARTS OF REVELATIONS THAT FAUSTINA RECEIVED ABOUT THE DEVOTION TO THE HOLY MERCY OF GOD 1.The Hour Of Mercy “Plead for my mercy at 3’O’Clock especially for all sinners. Meditate about my passion at least for some time. In that hour, pray the way of the cross or adore my merciful heart in the Blessed Sacrament. If none of these are possible, pray wherever you are at that time.”
2.The Rosary Of The Divine Mercy “I will richly bless everyone who pray this rosary. My daughter, tell the world about my mercy. Let the world knew about my infinite mercy. Whoever prays this rosary will receive my mercy, especially at the time of his death.” This was one of the rich promises from Jesus. 3.The Festival Of Mercy “The Sunday after Easter is to be celebrated as the feast of Divine Mercy. Those who confess and receive Holy Communion on that day will be delivered from all sins and ensuing punishments. All the doors of grace will be kept open on this day. Even if the sins are awefully severe, let no one be afraid to come to me. The Novena of the Divine Mercy is prayed from Good Friday to the Sunday after the Easter Sunday”. To Faustina the Lord said, “If you will pray this prayer with faith and repentance for the sake of a sinner, he will get the grace of conversion: O Holy Blood and Holy Water
that flow from the heart of Jesus, the source of mercy for us, I trust in you.” One day Faustina asked Jesus to teach her about inner life. And Jesus answered, “Make your heart meek and humble like my heart. Do not ask for your rights. Accept all that happens with great patience and calmness. Even when you are innocent, when you are insulted, do not justify yourself. Let the others win. Even when you feel that others are exploiting your goodness, do not stop being good to them. When it is necessary, I will intervene. Be grateful to me for even for the least of my graces. When you are grateful, I am happy to shower more graces.” Let us also pray along with St.Faustina, “Lord Jesus, transform my heart into your heart. In that way, may I realize the needs of all those who are troubled and suffering.” (OBLIGATION: "Sisirathil Oru Vasantham")
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EXPERIENCE
I WILL HELP YOU I was preparing for my final degree exam. Because of my eye sickness, I couldn’t read for a long time, which would result in severe pain. My routine was to readpray-read intermittently. I was resolved that what may come I would not copy or ask for answers from anyone. I didn’t want to do anything which was displeasing to Jesus. When I attended a retreat in preparation for my exam, the Bible verse that touched me most was Isaiah 41:13 which says, ”I am the Lord, yours God. Do not be afraid. I have held your right hand. I will help you.” I believed in those words and prayed. On the day of exam, I did not know the answer of the first question. I felt that all my courage and strength was oozing out. All of a sudden, Isaiah 41:13 came to my mind. Putting the question paper down, I repeated the verse. Immediately I felt that someone was holding my right hand and I started writing. In the end, there was the main question for 20marks.Since it was the Accountancy exam calculations were to be made on both sides of the paper. When I practiced it during my revision, I couldn’t get it many times. But, here I was doing this with God. And finally, the result came same for both sides. I couldn’t stop telling loud, ”PRAISE THE LORD!” After the exam, I enquired with others about their performance. Out of more than 200 students, only a very few got the correct answer. His Word never fails! (Stephen Titus)
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JAN-MAR 2013
THE HOLY FAMILY OF NAZARETH Jesus, what are you making there?
Father, did you see this? The boat has to cross from this side to the other. But the water doesn’t stop.
That jar is broken. We will make a new jar. Also we shall make a boat with wood.
Father, I am making the Lake of Gennesaret.
Come here son. Let me tell you.
We will make it tomorrow. I will help you.
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“Surely Father.” Oh, I can help you too.
Look son, this is the wooden saw.
Son,do you want to know how to make a wooden boat?
Hey! You did it very well.
Mother, shall I make a chair for you?
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JAN-MAR 2013
For Families
How happy is the life of Holy Family! They love work. They teach us that evil will not take root in the hearts and home of those who work. Though Jesus was very young, Joseph was teaching Jesus how to work. And Jesus was keen to make his parents happy. Don't we need to practice this style in our home too? FOR CHILDREN: Dear children, how about helping your parents in their daily tasks? You can be helpful even in a small way. We shouldn't allow even a single day to skip by without work. Infant Jesus will rejoice in it. FOR PARENTS: Involve your children in your work along with you. As St. Joseph, the patron saint of workers, trained Jesus in work let us train our children helping them to develop their capacity and thus remain confident.
THE WORD AND PRAYER RESPONSE
MARCH 2013
I will thank you, O Lord, among the nations. I will praise you among the peoples. Ps 108:3 “Make my heart grateful, O God!” Do for others what you want them to do for you Mt 7:12 “Lord Jesus! Teach me to be selfless.” One blind man cannot lead another one, if he does both will fall into a ditch. Lk 6:39 Master, open my eyes! JAN-MAR 2013
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CCC THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH This is the document of all that the Church has been teaching over centuries right from the Apostolic times. The Church has faithfully carried these truths of faith which are based on the Word of God and traditions of the Church. Questions like what does the Church believe, what should we believe, how can we live in Christ, which are the essential truth for a Christian, are dealt in C.C.C.
YOUCAT Youth Catechism is an adaptation of C.C.C prepared and presented in a youthful style. This is presented in question-answer model. It is to help the youth to understand the importance of it in their lives and to get answers to all their questions.
C.C.C and YOUCAT are the two books that should be in every home along with the Bible. Family members should study and discuss these documents along with the Bible. 32
JAN-MAR 2013
THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB: A GIFT
BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB
Pregnancy period is the most important and blessed time in a woman’s life. She carries her baby in her womb. This period has to be handled with extreme care and prayer. See the hand of God in all crisis in this period like our Holy Mother Mary. This will be the best time to teach the baby to cling on to Jesus. From the moment you confirmed that a baby is growing within you, you could join your womb to the heart of Mother Mary. Then the presence of Jesus will be there as a support in our weakness, troubles and sorrows. The more you are weak, the more you can trust Him. Being with the Holy Family, you can take resolutions and enjoin you to the plans of Heaven. Meditate on Psalms and Word of God and fill the baby with abundance of God’s love. “BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THE WOMB” is a leaflet prepared by Angels Army which helps in the preparation of pregnant mothers to bring forth the child prayerfully. Contact Phone Number: 0484 6444702, for copies
An Idea Jessymol was full of zeal. She was taking food with mom. As soon as she saw me, she ran to me and said, ”Daddy, we have an idea!”When mom shared her concern about so many hungry people, I was wondering how could I help them. Then I remembered that I carry some snacks everyday to eat in the break time. I don’t want to carry the snacks from tomorrow. When we save a good amount that way, we could help somebody in need. I was very happy to hear that. We went to the shop and bought a piggy box and she started putting her savings into it. We praised the God for her attitude of mercy. (Sunil)
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YOU TOO CAN BE A LINK Why doesn’t Angels Army ask for a fixed subscription? How long will this run like this? If people think that it is absolutely free, won’t they feel it as a cheap stuff? These are the questions many people ask. Though all the questions cannot be answered her, God has been supplying all our needs out of his richness, thus far (Philippians 4:16). Some people send their tithing to Angels Army as they are inspired to do. Some children send the monetary presents that they receive on their birth day or first communion sacrificially to Angels Army. Though the amount is small, it is precious! You too can contribute to Angels Army if you feel inspired. Your tithes or the saving from a sacrifice….anything is welcome! Angels Army started its first edition with one thousand copies. It stands at 20,000 just through the sharing and caring of generous people. There are many families where Angels Army has yet to reach. There is tremendous possibility of this becoming a guide for both, children and parents. You too can be a link in this chain of God’s providence. For More details contact Tel : 8891585850, 9895923705 Email: angelsarmy04@gmail.com
THE ROSARY CHAIN Let us build a fortress around our children by prayer defending them from a deceptive and fraudulent world. No doubt this rosary chain will act us a fortress for our children. If you are interested to join in, find a fixed time on everyday for half an hour. Before reciting the rosary read psalms 91 and Mark 6:1-20 Give us your name and prayer time. Ph: 9846273731, 9995914040, 9895923705
INTERCESSORY PRAYER Venue: Emmaus, Kalamassery. All who are interested to join in, are welcome! Those who cannot reach Emmaus, can join us being in your own place. Please forward all your prayer requests to Angels Army through letter/phone/ e-mail. We shall pray for you. Ph: 9995914040 Email: angelsarmy04@gmail.com
1 Reg. No. 56365/05
AngelsAngels Army Quarterly
www.angelsarmy.in
January-March 2013