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“Mary, present in the Church as the Mother of the Redeemer, takes part, as a mother, in that monumental struggle; against the powers of darkness which continues throughout human history. …as Christians raise their eyes with faith to Mary in the course of their earthly pilgrimage, they ‘strive to increase in holiness.’ Mary, the exalted […]

* * *** “And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31)

— The Solemnity of Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles; this Feast marks the conclusion of the Easter season.

* * *** Today we commemorate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s joyful visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth speaks the prophetic words…

“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk 1:42)

* * *** “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Lk 24:50-53)

(Many of the Ecclesiastical Provinces moved the celebration of The Ascension to Sunday, May 29.)

* * *** “Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple blessing God.” (Lk 24:50-53)

(Ecclesiastical Provinces of Boston, Hartford, New York, Newark, Omaha, and Philadelphia continue to celebrate the Solemnity of The Ascension on Thursday. All other U.S. Ecclesiastical Provinces will celebrate The Ascension on May 29, the following Sunday.)

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“God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in distress. Thus we do not fear, though earth be shaken and mountains quake to the depths of the sea, though its waters rage and foam and mountains totter at its surging.” (Psalm 46:2-4)

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“Then they prayed, ‘You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this apostolic ministry from which Judas turned away to go to his own place.’ Then they gave lots to them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was counted […]

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— On May 13, 1917, Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children in the village of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin would appear six times to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta with a message to pray for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. The final apparition took place on October 13, 1917, with […]

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— 25% savings on “Life of Jesus” and other select titles ~ through May 12, 2022 — please visit: www.theologicalforum.org

* * *** The Church honors two of the original Apostles, Sts. Philip and James, whose relics are kept in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles in Rome.

— St. Philip brought Nathaniel to the Lord: “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ But Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (Jn […]

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