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More than three million Roman Catholics processed in Manila yesterday in honor of the feast day of the Black Nazarene in spite of government warnings that Islamic militants were threatening to attack the gathering.

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Commentary by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS

Questions continue to swirl around a lavish "Alice in Wonderland" children's costume ball that took place in the White House during the height of the recession in 2009 that the press was either prevented from covering or deliberately neglected to do so to protect the Obama's.

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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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During what could be his final year in office, President Barack Obama's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced new plans to improve the health and well-being of homosexuals by introducing a variety of initiatives to such as providing "cultural competency" training to health care workers and developing definitions of sexual orientation and gender identity.

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GOP presidential candidates took aim at the increasing anti-Christian bias in the news media and Obama administration policies and promised to put an end to the "war on religion" if conservatives regain the White House.

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A move to ban the popular women's magazine, Cosmopolitan, from store shelves due to its increasingly racy content picked up steam this week when the publication featured 17 year-old actress Dakota Fanning on its cover surrounded by titles such as "His Best Sex Ever" and "Too Naughty to Say Here: But You Have to Try This Sex Trick."

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JM asks: After looking up yoga stretches I discovered that many are the same as the ones the doctor gave me to stretch in the am. Do you have some safe (spiritually speaking) back stretches one could use? I'm lost.

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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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