Apostle Saint James the Greater, brother of Saint John and one of the three who spent time with the Lord on significant occasions, was a fisherman called by Jesus to follow him. Most likely, he was the first to be martyred, and witness to the faith with his blood. He and Saint John were nicknamed “Sons of Thunder” by Jesus.
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For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a spirit of adoption, through which we cry, “Abba, Father!”
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Father in Heaven,
We praise You for giving us Your Son
To be our Saviour and Lord.
Bless us all as we gather here today, (tonight)
And let us live happily in Your love.
Hear our prayer, loving Father,
For we ask this in Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
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Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars. He was holding a little scroll, which lay open in his hand. He planted his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land, and he gave a loud shout like the roar of a lion. When he shouted, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. And when the seven thunders spoke, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from heaven say, “Seal up what the seven thunders have said and do not write it down.”
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Whether or not Saint Mary Magdalene was a notorious sinner—and she most likely was not—she was one of the women who traveled with Jesus and the Apostles, and was present at the cross. She also was the one chosen to bring the good news of the resurrection to the Apostles.
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A reading from th the Song of Songs SGS 3:1-4B
The Bride says: On my bed at night I sought him whom my heart loves– I sought…
Psalms 23:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.
He hath converted my soul. He hath led me on the paths of justice, for his own name’s sake. For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me. Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me. Thou hast anointed my head with oil; and my chalice which inebreateth me, how goodly
Unwilling to take no for an answer, Saint Apollinaris was exiled from Ravenna several times, but he always returned trying to preach the good news to the people. He finally died of a beating he received in a suburb of Ravenna.
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Peace is what I leave with You; it is My own Peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.
But the Paraclete, the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring all things to your mind, whatsoever I shall have said to you. Peace I leave with you: my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, do I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled: nor let it be afraid. You have heard that I said to you: I go away, and I come unto you. If you loved me you would indeed be glad, because I go to the Father: for the Father is greater than I.…
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Let us be bold, then, and say, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?”
#AIArt – Hebrews 13:6
Saint Francis Solano asked to be sent to Africa as a missionary. Instead he was sent to South America, where he spent the rest of his life. After years of ministry in Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, he died in the city of Lima, Peru.
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A reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah IS 1:10-17
Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom! Listen to the instruction of our God,…
Mary Magdalene is one of the most enigmatic and revered figures in Christian tradition, often portrayed as a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Her name, derived from the town of Magdala on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, indicates her origins. She is prominently mentioned in the Gospels as a key supporter of Jesus, one who provided for him out of her own resources. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus cleansed her of seven demons, a testament to the transformative power of his ministry in her life. This act of deliverance marked the beginning of her unwavering devotion. She is frequently listed among the women who accompanied Jesus and the twelve disciples, highlighting her significant role in his ministry.
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O most holy heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore you, I love you, and with lively sorrow for my sins I offer you this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure and wholly obedient to your will. Grant, Good Jesus, that I may live in you and for you. Protect me in the midst of danger. Comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.
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A wife does not have authority over her own body, but rather her husband, and similarly a husband does not have authority over his own body, but rather his wife. Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by mutual consent for a time, to be free for prayer, but then return to one another, so that Satan may not tempt you through your lack of self-control.
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A Capuchin Poor Clare nun, Saint Veronica Giuliani received the unique gift of the stigmata of Christ. Few people have been blessed with these marks; Saint Francis of Assisi was probably the most notable among them.
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The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
– Galatians 5:19-21
A reading from the Book of Hosea Hos 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22
Thus says the LORD: I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and…
Saint Catherine of Alexandria – Martyred by being broken on the wheel. – In the Style of all circles using Neon Blue Color
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A reading from the Book of Amos AM 3:1-8; 4:11-12
Hear this word, O children of Israel, that the Lord pronounces over you, over the whole family…
This rendition would maintain the realistic representation of the Eucharist, yet the bread and wine would take on a new dimension. They would shimmer and pulse with radiant colors, embodying the body and blood of Christ in a more abstract and mystical manner. The transformation of water into wine, one of the central miracles depicted, would be portrayed with swirling, dynamic brushstrokes that convey a sense of fluid motion and transcendence. The ordinary elements of the scene, through this vivid color palette and expressive technique, would be elevated to the sacred, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event.
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We celebrate two great saints today, Saints Peter and Paul. Saint Peter is often considered the Apostle to the Jews and Saint Paul to the Gentiles (based, most probably, on his extensive travels among the Gentiles). Together they witnessed to the budding of Christianity, and both laid down their lives for the faith.
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Saint Cyril of Alexandria was instrumental in the Church’s doctrinal statement that there is one person but two natures in Christ. The practical implication of this teaching is that we believe that Jesus is truly God and truly human.
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Blessed Jutta of Thuringia, a noble woman with children, became a widow at a young age. She used her means to provide for the children, but once they were grown, she disposed of her wealth, became a Secular Franciscan, and lived a life of austerity.
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According to reports, a recent manuscript found details Jesus performing miracles as a child. How should Christians think about this find?
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A reading from the Second Book of Kings 2 KGS 19:9B-11, 14-21, 31-35A, 36
Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent envoys to Hezekiah with this message: “Thus shall…
In the style of John Singer Sargent, “Good Shepherd” becomes an evocative and vibrant portrayal of Jesus as the caring shepherd, brought to life with bold colors and masterful brushwork. Jesus stands at the center of the composition, his figure rendered with Sargent’s characteristic elegance and dynamism. His robe is a striking combination of deep reds and luminous whites, symbolizing both his sacrifice and purity. The folds of the fabric are painted with bold, sweeping strokes that give a sense of movement and life, as if gently swaying in a divine breeze. His face, illuminated with a serene and compassionate expression, radiates warmth and wisdom, his eyes conveying an infinite depth of love and understanding.
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A reading from the first book of Kings 1 Kgs 21:17-29
After the death of Naboth the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite: “Start down to meet…
You govern your creation, O God,
and bring it to perfection by the work of our hands.
Hear the prayers of your people who ask for work
that will enhance their human dignity
and promote the upbuilding of your kingdom.
Enable them to provide for those confided to their care
either by family ties or by charity we owe to one another
for the betterment of human life.
We ask this blessing in the name of Jesus
who laboured with his own hands while he lived on earth.
Amen.
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An Augustinian monk who was inspired by the martyrdom of Franciscan missionaries, Saint Anthony of Padua joined the Franciscans hoping to be a missionary. But God had other plans for him. He became one of the outstanding philosopher/theologians of the Order.
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Blessed Jolenta of Poland and her husband assisted many from their means. Once widowed, and with two of her three daughters married, Blessed Jolenta and her third daughter entered the Poor Clares. She eventually became an abbess.
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A reading from the Acts of the Apostles ACTS 11:21B-26; 13:1-3
In those days a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them…
Saint Ephrem was ordained a deacon, but refused ordination to the priesthood. He was a teacher, defender of the faith, and a prolific writer. He refuted many heresies of his day, often through the lyrics of hymns that he wrote.
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In the Style of Leonid Afremov create an image of Jesus Christ – The central figure of Christianity- Jesus is often depicted as having long hair and a beard- with a compassionate and serene expression. — using Bold Color
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First reading from the book of the Prophet Hosea Hos 11:1, 3-4, 8c-9
Thus says the LORD: When Israel was a child I loved him, out of…
A reading from the Second Letter of Peter 2 Pt 1:2-7
Beloved: May grace and peace be yours in abundance through knowledge of God and of Jesus…
Today’s feast is about both two women and two men. The Blessed Virgin Mary goes to visit Elizabeth to assist her in her final days of pregnancy. But as she greets Elizabeth, the babe in Elizabeth’s womb—John the Baptist—leaps for joy at the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb. Great mysteries of life are at play here.
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A reading from the Letter of Peter 1 Pt 2:2-5, 9-12
Beloved: Like newborn infants, long for pure spiritual milk so that through it you may grow…
First reading from the Book of Deuteronomy Dt 4:32-34, 39-40
Moses said to the people: “Ask now of the days of old, before your time, ever since…
Saint Bernardine of Siena seems to have been a man with a whole lot of energy. He preached, reconciled cities, fought heresy, and attracted great crowds. Bernardine always traveled by foot, and often preached in more than one city on a given day. He is best known today for his great devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.
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A reading from the Letter of James Jas 4:13-17
Beloved: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall go into such and such a town,…
Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions, 21 diocesan priests and three laymen, belonged to the Cristero movement during the 20th-century persecution of the Church in Mexico. Martyred over a number of years in eight Mexican states, they were beatified and canonized together.
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A reading from the Letter of James Jas 4:1-10
Beloved: Where do the wars and where do the conflicts among you come from? Is it not from…
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque – Devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, often depicted with a vision of the Sacred Heart. – In the Style of Stained Glass Window using Psychedelic Color
AIART
A reading from the Book of Genesis Gn 3:9-15, 20
After Adam had eaten of the tree, the LORD God called to him and asked him, “Where…
First reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 2:1-11
When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. And suddenly there…
Saint John I served as pope for about three years before he died of maltreatment at the hands of the emperor’s men. He had to face the Arian controversy and negotiate with the eastern part of the empire concerning the treatment of heretics.
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A reading from the Acts of the Apostles Acts 28:16-20, 30-31
When he entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with the soldier who was…
