Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, 

fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. 

Blessed Mother of the Son of God, 

Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity, 

Oh Star of the Sea, help me and show me 

here you are my Mother. 

Oh Holy Mary, Mother of God 

Queen of Heaven and Earth, 

I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart 

to succor me in my necessity 

(make request). 

There are none that can withstand your power. 

Oh Mary, conceived without sin, 

pray for us who have recourse to thee (repeat three times). 

Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands (repeat three times). Amen.

*** This prayer is never known to fail. Say this prayer for three consecutive days and then you must publish and it will be granted to you.

source: World blessings

Shape me Lord to the person You want me to be

Heavenly Father, 

thank You 

for Your love and mercy 

for I know that without Christ 

I can do nothing 

but praise God that in 

Christ I can do all things. 

May I be pliable clay 

in the Potter's hand 

and permit You 

to shape me into the person 

that You would have me be 

and use me in Your way 

and in Your time 

to Your praise and glory, 

in Jesus name I pray, 

Amen.

Pope Francis saddened by 'perfect' Catholics who despise others

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God did not choose perfect people to form his church, but rather sinners who have experienced his love and forgiveness, Pope Francis said.

The Gospel of Luke's account of Jesus forgiving the sinful woman shows how his actions went against the general mentality of his time, a way of thinking that saw a "clear separation" between the pure and impure, the pope said Aug. 9 during his weekly general audience.

"There were some scribes, those who believed they were perfect," the pope said. "And I think about so many Catholics who think they are perfect and scorn others. This is sad."

Continuing his series of audience talks about Christian hope, the pope reflected on Jesus' "scandalous gesture" of forgiving the sinful woman.

The woman, he said, was one of many poor women who were visited secretly even by those who denounced them as sinful.

Although Jesus' love toward the sick and the marginalized "baffles his contemporaries," it reveals God's heart as the place where suffering men and women can find love, compassion and healing, Pope Francis said.

"How many people continue today in a wayward life because they find no one willing to look at them in a different way, with the eyes -- or better yet -- with the heart of God, meaning with hope," he said. But "Jesus sees the possibility of a resurrection even in those who have made so many wrong choices."

Oftentimes, the pope continued, Christians become accustomed to having their sins forgiven and receiving God's unconditional love while forgetting the heavy price Jesus paid by dying on the cross.

By forgiving sinners, Jesus doesn't seek to free them from a guilty conscience, but rather offers "people who have made mistakes the hope of a new life, a life marked by love," the pope said.

The church is a people formed "of sinners who have experienced the mercy and forgiveness of God," Pope Francis said. Christians are "all poor sinners" who need God's mercy, "which strengthens us and gives us hope."

source: Catholic News Service (CNS)

By Junno Arocho Esteves

Give - and you will have treasure in heaven

Where can you find true peace, security, and happiness? 

A young man who had the best the world could offer - wealth, position, and security - came to Jesus because he lacked one thing. He wanted the kind of lasting peace and happiness which money and possessions could not buy him. The answer he got, however, was not what he was looking for. He protested that he kept all the commandments - but Jesus spoke to the trouble in his heart. 

My spirit rejoices in God my Savior

How strong is your hope in the promises of God? Mary is a model of faith and hope for us. And she is among "the first-fruits" of "all those who belong to Jesus" and who share in his triumph (1 Corinthians 15:20-24). There is a venerable tradition dating back to the early church which marks Mary's "falling asleep" (called the Feast of Dormition in many Eastern churches) and her heavenly birthday when she was received into heaven.