BIG C CATHOLICS

March 18th, is the optional memorial of Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, the 4th century bishop, confessor, exegete and Doctor of the Church who composed the simple, yet, profoundly beautiful Catechetical Instructions , that defended the Church’s dogmas. Bishop of Jerusalem for thirty-seven years, Cyril, spent sixteen of those years banished from his own diocese. This was a result of the raging controversy surrounding the Arian heresy which denied the divinity of Jesus Christ. Like other bishops of his time accused of infidelity, Cyril endured the hardships of exile. He was eventually exonerated and his good standing restored. He participated in the Second General Council at Constantinople, and died in peace in the year 386 AD. Cyril was born in the city of Jerusalem, about the year 315. He immersed himself in the study of Sacred Scriptures from childhood, and achieved such insight that he would became a prominent champion of orthodoxy. He embraced the monastic institute and made a vow o

March 17, 2017 Saint Joseph truly followed the will of God. When an angel came to Joseph and told him about Mary and the child she was carrying, Joseph took Mary as his wife. He did so without any questions, doubt or hesitation. He knew God's will for him, and he chose to accept it and live unconditionally for the glory of Jesus Christ. Today we pray that we may all be more like St. Joseph; more open to the will of God in our own lives. Let us pray for clarity in our discernment and for the same confidence St. Joseph had as we devotedly strive to follow God's will in all things. Day 7 – St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena 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 you

March 17th, is the optional memorial of Saint Patrick, the 5th century missionary and bishop to whom various miracles are credited. Little is known about his early years. He was born in c. 387 AD, a Roman Britain, at an unknown location. He died in 461, having successfully converted Ireland from paganism to Christianity. His symbol is the shamrock which he often used to elucidate the Holy Trinity. He ministered devoutly as the bishop of Armagh, Primate of Ireland until his death. Patrick led a difficult life, but his faith in God, once realized, never wavered. As a young teenager, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates who forced him into slavery. He later wrote that his six years in captivity was vital to his spiritual development and drove him closer to God. He prayed often during his captivity; working as a shepherd. He remained a slave until his early twenties when he received a dream from God telling him his freedom awaited. In the dream, he was led to the coast and the sea. When

May it never befall me to be separated by my God from his people whom he has won in this most remote land. I pray God that he gives me perseverance, and that he will deign that I should be a faithful witness for his sake right up to the time of my passing. — St. Patrick ____________________________________________________ Prayer to St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland Holy Saint Patrick, in your humility you acknowledged your sinfulness, but you became a most successful missionary and prompted countless pagans to follow Christ the Savior. Many of their descendants helped to spread the Good News the world over. Through your powerful intercession with God, obtain the missionaries we need to continue the work you began, and win souls for Christ today. Amen.

This novena begins on March 16th and ends on March 25th. O holy Virgin, to whom God sent the Angel Gabriel to announce that you should be the mother of His Only-Begotten Son, pray for us who have recourse to you. Mary, our Mother, we give to you our past, present and future. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Novena Prayer I greet you, Ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Throne of Grace, miracle of Almighty Power! I greet you, Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity and Queen of the Universe, Mother of Mercy and refuge of sinners! Most loving Mother, attracted by your beauty and sweetness, and by your tender compassion, I confidently turn to you, miserable as I am, and beg of you to obtain for me from your dear Son the favor I request in this novena: (State your requests here…) Remember, O most gracious Virgin, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,

March 16, 2017 Saint Joseph died with Jesus and Mary. For that reason, he is the patron saint of a blessed death. Today we pray for everyone near death, and for those who are suffering and in agony, that they may pass peacefully into eternal life. Day 6 – St. Joseph, Husband of Mary Novena 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 death. Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable mind, and perfect resignation to the divine Will. Be my guide and model through life that I may die in the ar

Detail, The Death of Caesar , Vincenzo Camuccini, 1798. The Ides of March corresponds to the date on the ancient Roman calendar of March 15th. The idea of the Ides of March and the expression"Beware the Ides of March", were popularized by William Shakespeare in his play  Julius Caesar . In the play, a soothsayer ominously declares to Emperor Caesar: "Beware the Ides of March." To which Caesar unmoved replies: "He is a Dreamer, let us leave him." The Romans of Caesar's day imbued the "Ides," i.e: the 15th and 13th of various months with almost mystical power as consequential periods of time. The word Ides derives from the Latin word meaning "to divide." The Ides originally marked the full moon, but due to calendar months and lunar months each being different lengths, they quickly grew unsynchronized. March 15th, became a Roman holiday of sorts occasioned by various festivals and both official and private observances. H