BIG C CATHOLICS

The Heart of Jesus is an open heart. Spend your time there... It is not an ordinary school... It is a school of Jesus where you come to learn. What have we to learn? To be meek and humble; if we are meek and humble we will learn to pray. If we learn to pray we will belong to Jesus. If we belong to Jesus we will learn to believe and if we believe we will learn to love and if we love we will learn to serve. — St. Teresa of Calcutta ______________________________________________ Prayer for St. Teresa of Calcutta's Intercession Saint Teresa of Calcutta, you allowed the thirsting love of Jesus on the Cross to become a living flame within you, and so became the light of His love. Obtain from the Sacred Heart of Jesus the grace to do God's will. Teach your faithful to be holy and allow Jesus to penetrate and possess our whole being so completely that our lives too, may radiate His love to others in all that we say and do. Amen.

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost. We will begin praying this novena on Wednesday, June 14th. During this novena, we will reflect on Jesus' love for all of us as we pray for our hearts to be conformed to His Sacred Heart. By conforming ourselves to Christ's will we can live more perfectly in imitation of our Lord. This requires both conversion and reparation. When we say this novena together, we pray to transform ourselves to love as Jesus Christ does. In the words of Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque" "Since love makes lovers one in likeness, if we love, let us model our lives on His." The goal in praying this novena is to unite ourselves with Christ in all that we do, referring everything to His glory, and accepting all sufferings and difficulties as something to bring us even closer to the love He shares with us — with a real and physical heart, symbolizing his eternal charity. His Sacred Heart is now glorified in hea

Optional Memorial, May 29th  St. Madeleine Sophie Barat (1779 – 1865) was born a child of privilege in Joigny, France. She received an exemplary education, then went to Paris in 1795, at the height of the French Revolution, to enter the Carmelite Order. Her experience of Revolutionary violence in Joigny and Paris, however, caused a change of heart. In 1800, she founded the Society of the Sacred Heart whose mission was to make known the love of God revealed in the Heart of Christ, and to restore Catholicism in France through the education and catechesis of young women of every class. Madeleine was baptized on the Feast of Saint Lucia (whose name means light), on December 13th, 1779. Her godfather was her older brother Louis. According to her family, she had been born prematurely when her mother was frightened by a fire. Subsequently, when asked as a little girl what it was that brought her into the world, the future saint and foundress would invariably answer: "Fire."

February 15th is the feast of St. Claude de la Colombiere (1641-1682), the 17th century Jesuit priest, preacher and missionary to England. He is best known as the confessor and spiritual advisor to Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque to whom our Lord revealed the treasures of his Sacred Heart. In the course of Christ’s appearances to her, Margaret Mary was overcome with anguish and uncertainty. Jesus promised her "my faithful servant and perfect friend" to assist her in carrying out her divine mission. That "faithful servant" would arrive a short time later in the person of Father Colombiere. He would reassure Margaret Mary as to the vision’s authenticity. Due to his support, Margaret Mary’s superior came to believe, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was soon promulgated throughout France. Claude de la Colombière was born the third child of Bertrand and Margaret de la Colombière in in St. Symphorien d'Ozon, France. His family was pious and of high standin

I Thirst for You. (A meditation attributed to St. Mother Teresa, read by Fr. John Riccardo on "Christ is the Answer" ). "Behold, I stand at the door and knock ..." (Revelation 3:20) It is true. I stand at the door of your heart, day and night. Even when you are not listening, even when you doubt it could be me, I am there. I await even the smallest sign of your response, even the least whispered invitation that will allow Me to enter. And I want you to know that whenever you invite Me, I do come - always, without fail. Silent and unseen I come, but with infinite power and love, and bringing the many gifts of My Spirit. I come with My mercy, with My desire to forgive and heal you, and with a love for you beyond your comprehension - a love every bit as great as the love I have received from the Father ("As much as the Father has loved me, I have loved you.."[Jn. 15:10]). I come- longing to console you and give you strength, to lift you up and b

August 19th, the Church celebrates the Optional Memorial of Saint John Eudes, (1601-1680) the French priest and missionary who founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary and the Order of Our Lady of Charity. He was born in the village of Ri, in Normandy, France, the son of peasant farmers Isaac and Martha Eudes. At 14, he entered the Jesuit college at Caen. Despite his parents' hopes that he marry, Eudes joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France in 1623. Two years later, he was ordained to the priesthood. During this time, he studied the Christocentric spiritual thought of Cardinal de Bérulle whose desire was "restoring the priestly order to its full splendor". To that end, Eudes became an apostolic missionary, preaching over 100 parish missions, throughout Normandy, Ile-de-France, Burgundy and Brittany. His gifts as a preacher and confessor won him great renown. The founder of the Sulpicians, Father Jean-Jacques Olier called him, "the prodigy of his age&q

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, June 3, 2016  I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment. — Our Lord to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Only the Heart of Christ who knows the depths of his Father's love could reveal to us the abyss of his mercy in so simple and beautiful a way ( Catechism 1439 ). The prayer of the Church venerates and honors the Heart of Jesus just as it invokes his most holy name. It adores the incarnate Word and his Heart which, out of love for men, he allowed to be pierced by our sins. Christian prayer loves to follow the way of the cross in the Savior's steps ( Catechism 2669 ). The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Infinite Love of Christ The Chu

June 2, 2016 is Day 9 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray for more hopeful hearts so as to live in the imitation of Christ each day. That we may face every cross and all trials with confidence in the promises of Our Savior. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 9 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of ou

June 1, 2016 is Day 8 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray for more loving hearts so as to be like Christ in loving selflessly. This we ask in Christ's name; that we may love others as much as Christ loves us. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 8 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. G

May 31, 2016 is Day 7 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray that we may have more pure hearts like Christ. As disciples of Jesus and the children of God, such an aspiration is fitting. Let's pray that we may see and treat others with love while putting all judgement and malice aside. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 7 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary,

May 30, 2016 is Day 6 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray for more peace-filled hearts so as to be like Christ in welcoming the peace of the Holy Spirit into our hearts. May we approach all the trials in life with the peace that only Christ can give. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 6 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

May 29, 2016 is Day 5 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray for more joyful hearts so that we may show the joy that Jesus provides, and in so doing, approach even our crosses with joy. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 5 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Glory be to the Father, to the

May 28, 2016 is Day 4 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray for more generous hearts — that we may be like Christ in giving everything of ourselves to God and his people. That we may give to others not judging their worthiness, but instead, recognizing them as brothers and sisters in Christ. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 4 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Ma

May 27, 2016 is Day 3 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray that we may have more humble hearts in conformity with Christ's in humbling ourselves before others and before God. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 3 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.  And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Glory be to the Father, to the Son,

May 26, 2016 is Day 2 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Let us pray that we may have more faithful hearts; that we may be like Christ in remaining faithful to our Father in Heaven in our commitments, relationships and vocations. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 2 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our de

May 25, 2016 is Day 1 of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Today, we pray that we might have hearts that are conformed to Jesus'. Let us pray that we may have more forgiving hearts and that we may be like Christ in showing unlimited mercy to others. This version of the novena comes from Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque who is most commonly associated with the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus Novena Prayers, Day 1 O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of… (Mention your Intention Here) Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the L

Pope Benedict XVI speaking of the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus said: "In biblical language, 'heart' indicates the centre of the person where his sentiments and intentions dwell. In the Heart of the Redeemer we adore God's love for humanity, his will for universal salvation, his infinite mercy. Practising devotion to the Sacred Heart of Christ therefore means adoring that Heart which, after having loved us to the end, was pierced by a spear and from high on the Cross poured out blood and water, an inexhaustible source of new life" (Benedict XVI, Angelus, June 5, 2005). Christ's heart longs for us to know how much he loves us, and the extent of his endless care for his children who, blinded by selfishness and sin, are oblivious to the boundless love of their Creator. The Sacred Heart of Jesus is the source of Divine Mercy through the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Christ. Jesus made 12 promises to those who would honor His Sacred Heart:

The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was originated and made popular by Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque. She was inspired by visions of Jesus who instructed her to spread this devotion to the world. It has been a favorite devotion of many saints ever since, including Saint Padre Pio who prayed it every day. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is all about uniting our hearts with Christ's and devoting ourselves to Him. By conforming ourselves to Christ's will we can live more perfectly in the imitation of our Lord. When we say this novena together, we pray to transform ourselves to love as Jesus Christ does. In the words of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque wrote, "Since love makes lovers one in likeness, if we love, let us model our lives on His." The goal in praying this novena is to unite ourselves with Christ in all that we do — referring everything to His glory, and accepting all sufferings and difficulties as something to bring us even closer to the love He