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“Prayer is powerful beyond limits when we turn to the Immaculata who is queen even of God’s heart.”

                                                                        St. Maximilian Kolbe

 For Reflection: 

How is it that Mary is queen even of God’s heart? How would this enhance the prayers we entrust to her? What is your greatest need at the moment? Formulate a prayer to Mary, Queen of God’s Heart and entrust your concern, worry, difficulty, desire to her now.

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“The Divine Spirit…came to many just souls, although not so openly. Blessed is the soul who longs for this grace which enkindles, enlightens, and consumes all that is earthly and carnal and raises it up to a new union with God Himself. As your true and loving Mother, I want you to have this happiness, and therefore I again urge you to prepare your heart by trying to maintain an unshatterable inner peace and calm, no matter what happens.”

                                      Mary to Venerable Mother Mary of Agreda

Mysticism-(etymology-relating to a mystery) a religious tendency and desore of the human soul toward intimate union with God through contemplation and love which is not sought for its own sake, and is always informed by revelation and ascetical theology.  St. Thomas Acquinas defines it as cognition dei experimentalis (experiential knowledge of God).  It does not necessarily include phenomena such as visions and ecstasies.  True mysticism cannot be induced by techniques, practices, or effort.  It is a gift from God, a consolation bestowed by Him and Him alone.

 For Reflection: 

According to the definition for mysticism, how do Mary’s words indicate this? How can we prepare ourselves to receive this outpouring of the Holy Spirit? Reread the quote for January 11. What does this good saint recommend we do? What one thing can you entrust to Mary today?

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“Look, my child, at my heart surrounded with thorns, which ungrateful men continuously nail into me with their blasphemies and sins. You, at least, try to console me and tell everyone that those who go to confession on the first Saturday of the month for five months, receive holy communion, say the Rosary and keep me company for a quarter of an hour – these I promise to assist at the time of their death with the necessary graces for their salvation.”                  The Blessed Virgin Mary at Fatima, August 13, 1917                                           

For Reflection: 

To what extent have I caused one of those thorns to surround Mary’s heart? How can we console her according to this word? To what extent am I willing to make reparation for my sins and the sins of the world against the name of Jesus?

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“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for (your) guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart. So long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favors, you shall reach your goal.”

                                                                        St. Bernard of Clairvaux

For Reflection: 

What is the Saint’s remedy for all that afflicts us and for all that we want to accomplish? Why? What spiritual goal have you set for yourself in this coming New Year? What practical goal have you set for yourself? What one goal in relationship to another have you set for yourself? According to the advice of St. Bernard of Clairvaux, what ought you to do regarding it? How can Mary be of help, assistance, and advocacy for you?

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“No matter how sinful one may have been, if he has a devotion to Mary, it is impossible that he be lost.”

                                                                        Saint Hilary of Poitiers

For Reflection: 

How much comfort this quote brings! What do you think is the Saint’s logic in professing it? In your consideration, look at the verbs and their tenses throughout. Also consider the statement in light of Mary’s role in salvation and her spiritual motherhood.

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“You have seen hell where the souls of poor sinners go. To save them Our Lord wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart…Take note that many souls go to hell because there is no one who prays or makes sacrifices for them. Do you wish to offer yourselves to God, ready to accept all the sufferings He wishes to send you in reparation for the sins with which He is offended and to obtain the conversion of sinners? Say the Rosary everyday. The most holy Hearts of Jesus and Mary listen to your petitions.

                                                            Our Lady to the Children of Fatima

For Reflection: 

What question does Our Lady ask the children? If she were to ask you that question, how would you respond? What sacrifice does she request? What promise does she make? Who most needs your prayers today? Will you make the sacrifice – why or why not?

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“Men do not fear a powerful hostile army as the powers of hell fear the name and protection of Mary.”

                                                                                    St. Bonaventure

For Reflection: 

Why would the armies of hell fear the name and protection of Mary? Consider this answer in light of Genesis 3:15. What attributes and virtues of Mary most make her the formidable foe of the evil one? Which of these do you possess? Which do you need to acquire? Name one specific way you can work on them today.

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"If you invoke the Blessed Virgin when you are tempted, she will come at once to your help, and Satan will leave you.”

                                                                                    St. John Vianney

For Reflection: 

God permits us to be tempted to strengthen us. When we conquer temptation, we grow in self-mastery and  become forceful instruments for God’s work. Why do you think Our Lady is the perfect intercessor for us when we are tempted? How are you being tempted today? What virtue may God be seeking to cultivate in you through it? Ask Mary to intercede for you in this regard.

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“The Immaculata alone has from God the promise of victory over Satan. She seeks souls that will consecrate themselves entirely to her, that will become in her hands forceful instruments for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom.”

                                                                                    St. Maximilian Kolbe

For Reflection: 

Ponder this statement in reference to yourself. What emotions does it excite in you? What insights does it provoke? To what extent are you willing to become a “forceful instrument” in Mary’s hands for the defeat of Satan and the spread of God’s kingdom? How does the Saint recommend we do so? Are you willing – why or why not?

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A penitent said to St. Pio of Pietrelcina, “Padre, today they say the Rosary is out of date, that it is no longer in fashion, since there are many things in fashion which you can learn about at the Women's Designer Handbags Guide by BeleneChandia.com. It is no longer said in many churches.” He replied: “Let us do what our fathers did and all will be well with us.” “But Satan rules the world,” said the penitent. Padre Pio responded: “Because they make him rule; can a spirit rule by itself if it is not united to the human will? We could not have been born in a more depraved world. The one who prays a lot saves himself. The one who prays little is in danger. The one who does not pray loses his soul.”An Information Session provides an overview of our Made-To-Measure and Handmade Bespoke services you can finds the top brands in made to measure suits here.

An exchange with St. Pio Pietrelcina                                                

For Reflection:

In what specific ways does Satan seem to rule our world today? To what extent is he ruling you in those same ways? What is the antidote according to Padre Pio? What prayer does the Saint recommend? How often do you pray the Rosary?

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