Discerning Hearts

We discovered an incredible audio of a conference talk given in the late 70's by the Baroness herself, Servant of God, Catherine de Hueck Doherty. She is co-founder of the Madonna House Apostolate and one of our absolute favorite authors. We dare you not to be moved by her words! Catherine de Hueck Doherty speaks with the kind of prophetic fire that one imagines would have poured from the mouth of Isaiah or out of the minds of the early Church fathers. Her spirit and message are as thoroughly Catholic as any you have ever heard. With the kind of salty swagger of a woman who knew what it was to live with the poorest of the poor, she understood intimately what it meant to live the social teaching of the Church. “Service without prayer,” she says, “is paternalism, social service work, something that the poor do not accept.” “In order to do what we must do, in order to be what we must be we have to pray.” As she loudly asks why it is that our cities do not applaud and cry at the manifest love for the poor that should be there but isn’t, and demands that we pray for the souls of the owners of multi-million dollar corporations, and points out the “stupid” behavior of Church governors she can at the same time turn around and insist that we all have the faith of a St. Perpetua in order to renew the ancient Church. She demands that we pray for our priests who are manifestations of God’s love for us. “We don’t need psychiatrists from our priests. We don’t need counselors from our priests. We need priests to take us by the hand and lead us to sanctity.”

Episode 27- Regnum Novum: Bringing forth the New Evangelization through Catholic Social Teaching with Omar Gutierrez(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Omar-Gutierrez-1.bmp) - We continue the study of the "Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html)"  Chapter 4 Section 4 -6 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/procession_800x600.jpg) CHAPTER FOUR (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#CHAPTER FOUR) PRINCIPLES OF THE CHURCH'S SOCIAL DOCTRINE IV. THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY a. Origin and meaning (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Origin and meanin) b. Concrete indications (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Concrete indications) V. PARTICIPATION a. Meaning and value (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Meaning and value) b. Participation and democracy (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Participation and democracy) VI. THE PRINCIPLE OF SOLIDARITY a. Meaning and value (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#a. Meaning and value) b. Solidarity as a social principle and a moral virtue (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Solidarity as a social principle and a moral virtue) c. Solidarity and the common growth of mankind (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Solidarity and the common growth of mankind) d. Solidarity in the life and message of Jesus Christ (http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html#Solidarity in the life and message of Jesus Christ) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Compendium-195x300.jpg) We live at a very special time. The confluence of many things has brought forth the clear need to be able to articulate the Social Teaching of the Catholic Church in a way that is accessible and applicable. This is not to be an effort where high-minded theories are to be bandied about. Rather, this is a time of opportunity wherein we can apply the Social Doctrine to the concrete so as to bring about a New Kingdom, a Revolution. - Omar G. (http://www.regnumnovum.com/socialdoctrine/)   Also visit Omar's "Discerning Hearts" page Catholic Social Teaching 101 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=40)

"Do you not know I am your Mother?"  Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Great Mother of God, Mary Most Holy...Our Lady of Guadalupe.  First, (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Msgr.-John-Esseff2-256x300.jpg)he discusses the image itself that was left for all of us.  Then he talks about our relationship with her today!   Ps 1:1Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab God's temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant could be seen in the temple.A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was with child and wailed aloud in pain as she labored to give birth. Then another sign appeared in the sky; it was a huge red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven diadems. Its tail swept away a third of the stars in the sky and hurled them down to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman about to give birth,(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/olg-1.jpg) to devour her child when she gave birth. She gave birth to a son, a male child, destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod. Her child was caught up to God and his throne. The woman herself fled into the desert where she had a place prepared by God.Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have salvation and power come, and the Kingdom of our God and the authority of his Anointed."

A wonderful reenactment video on the experience of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Also a Prayer to Our Lady of Guadalupe text and Mp3 audio download

Episode 11 -The Way of Mystery: The Eucharist and Moral Living– The Liturgy of the Eucharist part 3 : The Eucharistic Prayer...God teaching us to pray. What are we doing in our participation and are we truly ready to receive the Body of Christ? Should we, in integrity, receive the Truth of Christ in Communion...do we really believe?

USCCA29  Chapter 23  Life In Jesus part 4 (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Archbisop-George-Lucas.jpg) Archbishop Lucas offers insights on the US Catholic Catechism for Adults Chapter 23: Conscience represents both the more general ability we have as human beings to know what is good and right and the concrete judgments we make in particular situations concerning what we should do or about what we have already done. Moral choices confront us with the decision to follow or depart from reason and the divine law. A good conscience makes judgments that conform to reason and the good that is willed by the Wisdom of God. A good conscience requires lifelong formation. Each baptized follower of Christ is obliged to form his or her conscience according to objective moral standards. The Word of God is a principal tool in the formation of conscience when it is assimilated by study, prayer, and practice. The prudent advice and good example of others support and enlighten our conscience. The authoritative teaching of the Church is an essential element in our conscience formation. Finally, the gifts of the Holy Spirit, combined with regular examination of our conscience, will help us develop a morally sensitive conscience. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) The Most Reverend George J. Lucas leads the Archdiocese of Omaha.  For other episodes in the visit our Archbishop George Luca (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=7136)s page This programs is based on: (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/United-States-Catechism-for.jpg) More information can be found here (http://www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-450). We wish to thank the USCCB for the permissions granted for use of  relevant material used in this series. Also we wish to thank Matt Wilkom  for his vocal talents in this episode.

"The Seven Big Myths About the Catholic Church: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction about Catholicism" by Dr. Christopher Kaczor is a must have resource for Catholics! The misconceptions about our faith are so prevalent in today's society that is almost guaranteed that you will encounter at least one of these myths in daily conversations with friends, co-workers, and sadly to say, family members. To have the peace of mind, in order to answer the objection, is invaluable, especially when we are called to the New Evangelization. But even more than that, Dr. Kaczor helps us to give a reason for our hope...the presence of Jesus Christ and His saving grace and mercy found in our Roman Catholic faith.

Fr. Mitch Pacwa, a leader on the front line of the New Evangelization, once again provides a tremendous resource to enter more deeply into this Year of Faith! Steeped in the Divine Wisdom found in our Sacred Scriptures and enlightened by the teachings of the Church, and in particular the insights of Pope Benedict XVI, this is a book not to be missed. This is a great resource that can be used by individuals, as well as study groups. In this particular discussion, Fr. Pacwa also expands on the events of history that have brought us to this point in our culturally challenge era. He shares the importance of the examples found in the lives of the saints, and the call we all have to grow in holiness.

Now is not a time of gloom and despair...it is a time of anticipation and glory! Msgr. Esseff shares his experience at a prayer service that took place at 12 Step retreat. He speaks of a woman named Helen who witnessed to a healing miracle that occurred 17 years earlier at Lourdes, but it turn of the story is more about a miracle that flowed more from love rather than need. From this Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Word of God found in the readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.

As feast days go, this is one of the best...the creation of the New Ark of the Covenant! (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/n1394190246_54042.jpg) Teresa Monaghen, of Pro Sanctity and Fr. John Sianchuck, C.Ss.R., a Ukranian Byzantine priest do a great job of explaining the Western and Eastern understanding of this great mystery. Take a listen to the discussion posted above, that Bruce and I had with Teresa Monaghen, from Pro Sanctity and Fr. John Sianchuk, C.Ss.R., a Ukrainian Redemptorist priest discuss the difference and similarities of Western and Eastern understanding of the Immaculate  Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary From the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Immaculate Conception,  (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Immaculate-Conception-2.jpg)"490 (javascript:openWindow('cr/490.htm');) To become the mother of the Savior, Mary "was enriched by God with gifts appropriate to such a role."132 The angel Gabriel at the moment of the annunciation salutes her as "full of grace".133 In fact, in order for Mary to be able to give the free assent of her faith to the announcement of her vocation, it was necessary that she be wholly borne by God's grace. 491 Through the centuries the Church has become ever more aware that Mary, "full of grace" through God,134 was redeemed from the moment of her conception. That is what the dogma of the Immaculate Conception confesses, as Pope Pius IX proclaimed in 1854: The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.135  492 The "splendor of an entirely unique holiness" by which Mary is "enriched from the first instant of her conception" comes wholly from Christ: she is "redeemed, in a more exalted fashion, by reason of the merits of her Son".136 The Father blessed Mary more than any other created person "in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places" and chose her "in Christ before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless before him in love".137 493 The Fathers of the Eastern tradition call the Mother of God "the All-Holy" (Panagia), and celebrate her as "free from any stain of sin, as though fashioned by the Holy Spirit and formed as a new creature".138 By the grace of God Mary remained free of every personal sin her whole life long. "   This video does a nice job of tracking the history of the dogma

"For with God nothing will be impossible" an excerpt from today's reflection by Don Schwager:(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Immaculate-Conception.jpg) What is the key that can unlock the power and grace of God’s kingdom in our personal lives? Faith and obedience for sure! When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, they immediately experienced the consequence of their action – separation from the God who loved them. God in his mercy promised them a Redeemer who would pay the price for their sin and the sin of the world. We see the marvelous unfolding of God's plan of redemption in the events leading up to the Incarnation, the birth of the Messiah. Mary's prompt response of "yes" to the divine message is a model of faith for all believers. Mary believed God's promises even when they seemed impossible. She was full of grace because she trusted that what God said was true and would be fulfilled. She was willing and eager to do God's will, even if it seemed difficult or costly. God gives us grace and he expects us to respond with the same willingness, obedience, and heart-felt trust as Mary did. When God commands he also gives the grace, strength, and means to respond. We can either yield to his grace or resist and go our own way. Do you believe in God's promises and do you yield to his grace? "Heavenly Father, you offer us abundant grace, mercy, and forgiveness through your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Help me to live a grace-filled life as Mary did by believing in your promises and by giving you my unqualified "yes" to your will and to your plan for my life." for the full reflection visit : Daily Reading and Meditation (http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/dec8.htm)

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You.(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Immaculate-Conception-El-Gr.jpg) Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen. O Mother of the King of the Universe, most perfect member of the human race, "our tainted nature’s solitary boast," we turn to you as mother, advocate, and mediatrix. O Holy Mary, assist us in our present necessity. By your Immaculate Conception, O Mary conceived without sin, we humbly beseech you from the bottom of our heart to intercede for us with your Divine Son and ask that we be granted the favor for which we now plead... (State your intention here...) O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen. On the last day of this Novena, recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=2992)

"Remember always...a tranquil conscience and an assured innocence produce a(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/St.-Ambrose-197x300.jpg) blessed life" Saint Ambrose (c. between 337 and 340 – 4 April 397), was a bishop of Milan who became one of the most influential Church figures of the 4th century. Mariologist, heresy buster, emperor tamer, lover of hymns, an answer to a mother's prayer (ask St. Monica), you name it, St. Ambrose fills the bill... Did you know that St. Ambrose was one of the first recorded instances of someone reading silently?  Interesting... (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/mikeaquilina-300x231.jpg)Did you know that he received, essentially, the sacramental Grand Slam all at once?  Wonder what that is? ...well let's ask Mike Aquilina.  Take a listen For a fuller a rendering of his life, visit New Advent (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01383c.htm) So, so much from St. Ambrose!  First, better to hear from the man himself (sort of...) On Holy Mary Next on Holy Repentance A prayer of St. Ambrose Lord Jesus Christ, I approach your banquet table in fear and trembling, for I am a sinner, and dare not rely on my own worth but only on your goodness and mercy. I am defiled by many sins in body and soul, and by my unguarded thoughts and words. Gracious God of majesty and awe, I seek your protection, I look for your healing. Poor troubled sinner that I am, I appeal to You, the fountain of all mercy. I cannot bear your judgment, but I trust in your salvation. Lord, I show my wounds to You and uncover my shame before You. I know my sins are many and great, and they will fill me with fear, but I hope in Your Mercies, for they cannot be numbered. Lord Jesus Christ, eternal king, God and man, crucified for mankind, look upon me with mercy and hear my prayer, for I trust in You. Have mercy on me, full of sorrow and sin, for the depth of your compassion never ends. Praise to You, saving sacrifice, offered on the wood of the cross for me and for all mankind. Praise to the noble and precious blood, flowing from the wounds of my crucified Lord Jesus Christ and washing away the sins of the whole world. Remember, Lord, your creature, whom You have redeemed with Your Blood. I repent my sins, and I long to put right what I have done. Merciful Father, take away all my offenses and sins; purify me in body and soul, and make me worthy to taste the holy of holies. May Your Body and Blood, which I intend to receive, although I am unworthy, be for me the remission of my sins, the washing away of my guilt, the end of my evil thoughts, and the rebirth of my better instincts. May it incite meto do the works pleasing to You and profitable to my health in body andsoul, and be a firm defense against the wiles of my enemies.

Episode 5 Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making w/Fr. (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Fr_Timothy.jpg)Timothy Gallagher. This episode offers a continuing look at the importance of the disposition of heart and the means which help us to be open to God's will.  Then Fr. Gallagher begins the opening conversation on the vocation God may be calling us to. For other episodes in the series visit The Discerning Hearts "Discerning the Will of God" page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=9007) Father Timothy M. Gallagher, O.M.V., was ordained in 1979 as a member of the Oblates of the Virgin Mary, a religious community dedicated to retreats and spiritual formation according to the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.  Fr. Gallagher is featured on the EWTN series "Living the Discerning Life:  The Spiritual Teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola".   (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Discerning-the-Will-of-God-185x300.jpg)"Discerning the Will of God: An Ignatian Guide to Christian Decision Making"  is the book on which this series is based.  It is published by Crossroads Books. (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0824524896/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=disceheart-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=0824524896&adid=1K1155F01YFVJNAP3576) (http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Oblates-of-the-Virgin-Mary.bmp) For more information on the “Oblates of the Virgin Mary" (http://www.omvusa.org/)   For the other episodes in this series check out Fr. Timothy Gallagher's “Discerning Hearts” page (http://www.discerninghearts.com/?page_id=1146)  

O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, did prepare a worthy dwelling place for Your Son, we beseech You that, as by the foreseen death of this, Your Son, You did preserve Her from all stain, so too You would permit us, purified through Her intercession, to come unto You. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, world without end. Amen. O Most gracious Virgin Mary,(http://www.discerninghearts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Immaculate-Conception.-by-M.jpg) beloved Mother of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, intercede with him for us that we be granted the favor which we petition for so earnestly in this novena... (State your intention here...) O Mother of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God. O Glorious Mother of God, in memory of your joyous Immaculate Conception, hear our prayers and obtain for us our petitions. O Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your Divine Son while upon this earth; you have the same influence now in heaven. Pray for us and obtain for us from him the granting of my petition if it be the Divine Will. Amen.