BIG C CATHOLICS

The Blessed Virgin Mary helped Saint Joseph become the great leader and protector of his family that he was. He needed her prayers, love and support. Today, let us pray for all mothers, wives, and future wives, that they will love, respect, support and pray for their husbands or future spouses. Finally, let us pray that all families to grow in holiness. May they know and reflect God's love forever like the Holy Family in emulation of the Trinity. Day 9 - St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena (For an audio/video version of this prayer go here .) Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life

Little is known about Cyril's early life prior to his episcopacy. He was born in c. 313 to a Christian family and spent his formative years in Jerusalem. Later, he belonged to a group of men called the Solitaries, who resided independently, but adhered to a strict practice of chastity, asceticism and service. Cyril was ordained a deacon by Bishop St. Macarius of Jerusalem in about 335 and a priest some eight years later by Bishop St. Maximus. At the end of 350 he succeeded St. Maximus to the See of Jerusalem. With St. Athanasius and others, he belongs to the great champions of faith in the fight against Arianism. Famous as a teacher and preacher, he left a series of catechetical instructions that are among the greatest writings of Christian antiquity. Cyril died in 386, at the age of seventy-three. In 1883, he was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII. The Life of St. Cyril of Jerusalem Cyril of Jerusalem was given to the study of the Holy Scriptures from childho

In a much awaited decision, the State Department has finally declared that the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria is committing genocide against Christians. For a detailed report on the persecution see, " Genocide against Christians in the Middle East ", compiled by  In Defense of Christians and the Knights of Columbus . It offers irrefutable evidence of the ongoing atrocities at the hands of militant Islamic extremists. Our persecuted brothers and sisters in faith face intimidation, torture and death for being disciples of Christ. We must assist them any way we can, even if only in prayer. Our prayers are always efficacious no matter how desperate the situation or the fact that God does not always grant our petitions. To help, visit ChristiansAtRisk.org and Nasarean.org .

The Divine Mercy Image At three o'clock on Friday we solemnly remember Christ's death on the cross. In that moment, the redeeming ministry of our Savior culminated in the sacrificial offering of the Lamb of God for our sins. Three o'clock on Friday is, therefore, an hour of abundant grace and mercy, especially for sinners. Christ told Saint Faustina that: At three o'clock implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy for the whole world. I will allow you to enter into My mortal sorrow. In this hour, I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion... (Diary 1320). The Lord asked Sister Faustina to pray especially for sinners at three o'clock in the afternoon, the moment of His death on the cross. This is the hour of great mercy for the world, and can be a moment of reflection on

Saint Joseph was courageous. When he discovered that Mary was pregnant with Jesus, he didn't abandon her, shame her or allow anyone else to hurt her. Joseph stood by Mary and protected both her and our unborn Savior. We are called to do the same – to protect and defend the sanctity of every human life, from the moment of conception until natural death. Let us pray for a greater respect for human life worldwide. Day 8 - St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena (For an audio/video version of this prayer go here .) Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love and venerate you. You know that I have confidence in you and that, after Jesus and Mary, I come to you as an example for holiness, for you are especially close with God. Therefore, I humbly commend myself, with all who are dear to me and all that belong to me, to your intercession. I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary, not to abandon me during life and to assist me at the hour of my de

Saint Patrick was a Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland, along with saints Brigit of Kildare and Columba. Little definite is known about his life, but according to tradition, Patrick was active as a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century. Later, he served as the first bishop of Armagh, Primate of Ireland. St. Patrick is credited with saying "No one should ever say that it was my ignorance if I did or showed forth anything however small according to God's good pleasure; but let this be your conclusion and let it so be thought that – as is the perfect truth – it was the gift of God." Legends about Patrick are numerous, however, one thing is certain; he exuded humility and courage in abundance. The determination to accept suffering and success with equal indifference guided the life of this saint in winning most of Ireland for Christ.

As we continue venerating Saint Joseph, guardian of the Redeemer and protector of the Holy Family , here are two more prayers beseeching his powerful intercession. The first is an ancient invocation discovered in the year 50 AD. According to popular piety, reciting this prayer protects one from an unexpected or unprovided for death, as well as other bodily or spiritual misfortunes. The second is Pope St. Pius X’s prayer to St. Joseph for success in work and fidelity to one's labors. An Ancient Prayer to St. Joseph O St Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not