Good news from Father Z

PHILIPPINES: Saint Michael Prayer approved by Bishops Conference after all Masses

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl upon the earth for the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Prayer of a Man Too Easily Distracted (After Sir Edward Dyer, but only the first line!)

From two years ago, but I still rather like it.

My mind to me a kingdom is
Where I, a sadly feeble king.
Try hard to rule my unruly thoughts;
While they rebel like anything.

Such plans I have for this and that
To learn, to teach, to write, to pray,
Thoughts say, "Why, what a brilliant plan!
But first we need a holiday."

And off they scoot in search of this
And that, but not the things I planned.
I lack the grit to drag them back,
A havering Hamlet, half unmanned.

So sitting downcast, weakly angry
At my own impotence, I pray,
"Lord, give me strength before procrast
-ination steals my life away."

WHEN WE PRAY FOR THE DEAD......

we should remember the countless Africans, known only to God, who were thrown overboard on their terrible voyage to the Americas and slavery, in order to lighten cargo during storms.

Imagine their lonely terror and despair, drowning with God only knows what gods to pray to.

11.11.2010 SPARE A THOUGHT AND A PRAYER

We should spare a thought and a prayer today for all those who gave up their lives to buy our freedom.

If they could ask us what we have done with what they bought so dearly, how would we answer?