Feast of
the Holy Name of Jesus

Luke 2:21 "...Et vocatum est Nomen eius IESUS"
("And His Name was called JESUS")

Psalm 90:14 "Because he hoped in me I will deliver him:
I will protect him because he hath known My Name."

Zacharias 10:12 "I will strengthen them in the Lord,
and they shall walk in His Name, saith the Lord."

Apocalypse 3:8 "I know thy works. Behold, I have given before thee a door opened, which no man can shut: because thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied My Name."

Apocalypse 15:4 "Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and magnify Thy Name?..."

Blessed be the most holy Name of Jesus without end!

January Devotion: The Holy Name of Jesus

The month of January is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. This feast is also celebrated on January 3. Here is an explanation of the devotion.

Since the 16th century Catholic piety has associated entire months to special devotions. The devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus has been traditionally associated with the month of January, due to its celebration on January 3. The name Jesus was given to the Holy Child at God's command (Luke 1:31). The Holy Name is all-powerful because of the Person who bears it; we honor it because of the command of Christ, that we should pray in His Name and because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. Hence St. Paul was able to write to the Philippians: ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Phil. 2:10). By means of this devotion we also make amends for improper use of the Holy Name.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

Prayer/Hymn in Honor of the Most Holy Name of Jesus - Iesu, Dulcis Memoria

Iesu, Dulcis Memoria is a celebrated 12th century hymn attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), Doctor Mellifluus. The entire hymn has some 42 to 53 stanzas depending upon the manuscript. Parts of this hymn were used for the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus, which was formerly celebrated on the Sunday between the Circumcision and Epiphany, or failing such a Sunday, on January 2. The part below was used at Vespers. In the liturgical revisions of Vatican II, the feast was deleted, though a votive Mass to the Holy Name of Jesus had been retained for devotional use. With the release of the revised Roman Missal in March 2002, the feast was restored as an optional memorial on January 3.

Jesus, the very thought of Thee
With sweetness fills the breast!
Yet sweeter far Thy face to see
And in Thy presence rest.

No voice can sing, no heart can frame,
Nor can the memory find,
A sweeter sound than Jesus' name,
The Savior of mankind.

O hope of every contrite heart!
0 joy of all the meek!
To those who fall, how kind Thou art!
How good to those who seek!

But what to those who find? Ah! this
Nor tongue nor pen can show
The love of Jesus, what it is,
None but His loved ones know.

Jesus! our only hope be Thou,
As Thou our prize shalt be;
In Thee be all our glory now,
And through eternity. Amen.

---Roman Breviary

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

O Divine Jesus, Thou hast promised that anything we ask of the Eternal Father in Thy name shall be granted.

O Eternal Father. In the name of Jesus, for the love of Jesus, in fulfillment of this promise, and because Jesus has said it, grant us our petitions for the sake of Jesus, Thy Divine Son. Amen.

Prayer Source: Prayer Book, The by Reverend John P. O'Connell, M.A., S.T.D. and Jex Martin, M.A., The Catholic Press, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, 1954

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Phil:2:10-11

The Most Holy Name
The Power of Jesus’ Name
What does IHS stand for? The meaning of the Holy Name of Jesus [Catholic Caucus]
Litany Of The Holy Name of Jesus
Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus
Jesus, The Name above all Names
Devotion to the Holy Name (of Jesus) [Catholic Caucus]
Lessons In Iconography : The Chi Rho - Christ
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Excerpt from a Sermon) (Catholic Caucus)
St. Francis de Sales on the Most Holy Name of Jesus (Catholic/Orthodox Caucus)

St. Bernard on the Most Holy Name of Jesus [Ecumenical]
Saving the day in His Holy Name: St. Genevieve gets a reprieve [Catholic Caucus]
The Holy Name of Jesus
Holy Name of Jesus [San Bernadino of Siena] Ecumenical
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name [of Jesus]
The Name of Jesus: Its Power in Our Lives
The Holy Name of Jesus
Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus
The Holy Name of Jesus

Philippians 2
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

January, 2019

The Holy Father's Prayer Intention

Evangelization – Religious Minorities in Asia, That Christians and other religious minorities in Asian countries, may be able to practice their faith in full freedom.

'Fulfilling a commandment means doing what we are enjoined to do; but virtue is to do it in a manner that conforms to the truth.'

St. Mark the Ascetic

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of
our death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.

Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

"Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you" (Lk 1:28)

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

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/3717628/posts?page=2

Saint of the Day — St. John Neumann

St. John Neumann Confronts
Neumann Year begins Wednesday (200th anniversary of the birth of St. John Neumann) (Catholic Caucus)
St. John Neumann and the Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic Caucus)
St. John Nepomucene Neumann (1811-1860)

Important Catholic 1st Saturday - Evil Seems to Have Won
Reparation to Mary (Five First Saturdays) [Catholic Caucus]
THIS SATURDAY! LAST CHANCE FOR 5 FIRST SATURDAYS BEFORE 100 YEARS CONCLUDES! (Catholic Caucus)
Catholic Devotions: First Saturday Devotion to Our Lady {Catholic Caucus]
Catholic Meditations: First Saturday

Information: St. John N. Neumann

Feast Day: January 5

Born: 28 March 1811 at Prachititz, Bohemia

Died: 5 January 1860

Canonized: 19 June 1977 by Pope Paul VI

Major Shrine: National Shrine of Saint John Neumann, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

CATHOLIC ALMANAC

Saturday, January 5

Liturgical Color: White

St. Edward the Confessor, King of England,
died on this day in 1066. He was known as a
good and holy person, and for putting the
welfare of his people before his own. He
completed the construction of Westminster
Abbey where he was buried.

Catholic Culture

Christmas: January 5th

Memorial of St. John Neumann, bishop (USA)

MASS READINGS

January 05, 2019 (Readings on USCCB website)

COLLECT PRAYER

O God, who called the Bishop Saint John Neumann, renowned for his charity and pastoral service, to shepherd your people in America, grant by his intercession that, as we foster the Christian education of youth and are strengthened by the witness of brotherly love, we may constantly increase the family of your Church. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

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Recipes (1)

Galuschde (Krautwickel, stuffed cabbage)

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Activities (6)

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Prayers (8)

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Library (2)

» Enjoy our Liturgical Seasons series of e-books!

Old Calendar: St. Telesphorus, pope and martyr

John Nepomucene Neumann was born in Bohemia. While in the seminary he felt a desire to help in the American missions. After coming to the United States he was ordained in New York in 1836. Entering the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, he worked in establishing parishes and parish schools. In 1852 he was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia and prescribed the Forty Hours devotion.

According to the 1962 Missal of St. John XXIII the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite, today is the feast of St. Telesphorus, pope and martyr. According to St. Irenaeus, St. Telesphorus, who governed the Church from 126 to 136 during a period of violent persecution, suffered martyrdom for the faith.

St. John Neumann - Day Twelve
John Neumann was born in Bohemia on March 20, 1811. Since he had a great desire to dedicate himself to the American missions, he came to the United States as a cleric and was ordained in New York in 1836 by Bishop Dubois.

In 1840, John Neumann entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists). He labored in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1852, he was consecrated bishop of Philadelphia. There he worked hard for the establishment of parish schools and for the erection of many parishes for the numerous immigrants. Bishop Neumann died on January 5, 1860; he was beatified in 1963.

Day Twelve activity (Visit to the Blessed Sacrament)
Day Twelve recipe (Vanocka)

St. John Neumann
John Nepomucene Neumann was born on March 28, 1811, the third of six children of a stocking knitter and his wife in the village of Prachatitz in Bohemia. From his mother he acquired the spirit of piety and through her encouragement entered the Seminary at Budweis.

During his seminary years, he yearned to be a foreign missionary in America. He left his native land and was ordained in June, 1836 by Bishop John Dubois in New York. He spent four years in Buffalo and the surrounding area building churches and establishing schools.

In 1840, he joined the Redemptorists. Eight years later he became a United States citizen. By order of Pope Pius IX in 1852 he was consecrated fourth Bishop of Philadelphia. His mastery of eight languages proved extremely helpful in his quest for souls. He was a pioneer promoter of the Parochial School System in America.

One of the highlights of Saint John Neumann's life was his participation, in Rome, in the Proclamation of the Dogma of our Blessed Mother's Immaculate Conception. Through his efforts, the Forty Hours Devotion was introduced in the Philadelphia Diocese. He founded the first church in America for Italian-speaking people. He also founded the Glen Riddle group of the Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis.

At 48 years of age, completely exhausted from all his apostolic endeavors, he collapsed in the street on January 5, 1860. He is buried beneath the altar of the lower Church in St. Peter's Church in Philadelphia.

Things to Do:

Read more about the life of St. John Neumann here.
If you live close to Philadelphia or are passing through visit the Shrine of St. John Neumann.
Learn more about the Redemptorist Order.

St. Telesphorus
St. Telesphorus was Greek, probably from Calabria. He was the seventh Roman bishop in succession from the Apostles. He celebrated Easter on Sunday but maintained fellowship with communities that did not. He started the tradition of Christmas Midnight Mass, and decided that the Gloria should be sung. Some legends say he was a hermit before his election, and that he instituted the tradition of Lent, but these are doubtful. According to St. Irenaeus, he was "an illustrious martyr". His remains are interred in the Vatican.

Symbols: Pope with a chalice over which three Hosts hover (may refer to the celebration of Christmas with 3 Masses said to represent the temporal, spiritual, and eternal birth of Christ); pope with a chalice with a nearby club (possibly an indication of his martyrdom).

The Word Among Us

Meditation: John 1:43-51

Saint John Neumann, Bishop (Memorial)

Jesus . . . found Philip. (John 1:43)

Philip and Nathanael were looking for something: a mentor, a rabbi, someone to help them understand life’s mysteries. That’s why they were following John the Baptist. Like faithful Jews over the centuries, they were steeped in the Scriptures and loved to discuss the meaning of the ancient prophecies. When would God establish his kingdom? How would he rescue his chosen people from an oppressive occupying force like the Romans? It’s quite possible that Nathanael was musing on these questions as he sat under that fig tree.

However, the first “finding” in this passage isn’t done by Philip or Nathanael. It’s done by Jesus. He goes to Galilee, finds Philip, and says, “Follow me” (John 1:43). He probably knows that Philip will hurry off to share his discovery with his friend Nathanael, and so he is right on his heels. Then Nathanael’s initial skepticism turns to amazement when Jesus shows that he already knows this young man, and has great things in store for him. Jesus sought them out—so that they could find him!

Every one of us is a seeker in one way or another. We’re all trying to grow in our faith, to get to know Jesus better, and to be more faithful to prayer and service. We are all seeking Jesus.

How wonderful, then, to know that he isn’t hiding! He loves you, and before you ever thought to seek him, he was seeking after you. Even now he is looking for you, inviting you to come and spend time with him. So why not settle down under your “fig tree” for a few moments and let Jesus find you? Maybe just focus your mind on a verse from today’s psalm or one of the readings. Maybe just repeat Jesus’ name a few times. Don’t worry if your mind drifts a little; just try to remain open.

This is the heart of the Christian life. It’s about coming out of hiding. It’s about staying still long enough for Jesus to find us and speak his word to us. Nathanael was resting, waiting, contemplating when Philip introduced him to Jesus—and that quiet disposition helped him open his heart.

Jesus is seeking you out right now. Don’t hide! Stay quiet enough to let him find you.

“Jesus, thank you for seeking me first. Help me to recognize your voice today.”

1 John 3:11-21
Psalm 100:1-5

Daily Gospel Commentary

Saint Nerses Chnorhali (1102-1173)
Armenian patriarch
Jesus, only Son of the Father, 85-95 ; SC 203

"You will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending"

O Lord, you called Jacob, Isaac and Rebecca's youngest son, your beloved; you changed his name to that of Israel (Gn 32:29). You revealed the future to him when you showed him the ladder reaching from earth to heaven: at its summit, God was standing, gazing on the world, and on the ladder angels ascended and descended... It was the symbol of a great mystery as those enlightened by the Spirit declared...

As for me, on the good side I, too, am the youngest son. On the bad side, I am unquestionably a mature man like the elder son Esau...: I have sold my wealth to satisfy my greed (Gn 25:33) and blotted out my name from the Book of Life where the first among the blessed are written in heaven (Ps 68:29).

I beseech you, O thou Light from on high, Prince of the fiery choirs. May the doors of heaven be opened for me too as they were opened in former times for Israel. Be pleased to make my fallen soul rise up by the ladder of light, the mysterious sign granted to men of their return from earth to heaven. Through the wiles of the Evil One I have lost the scented unction of your Spirit; deign to anoint my head once more with your protecting right hand. I do not fight against you, O most powerful One, wrestling like Jacob (Gn 32:25), for I am nothing but weakness.

Marriage = One Man and One Woman Until Death Do Us Part

Daily Marriage Tip for January 5, 2019:

There is a beautiful blessing for the home on Epiphany (or near that date): “May all who enter this home find Christ’s light and love.” Visit www.usccb.org/christmas for the full blessing.

Regnum Christi

January 5, 2019 – He Knows You Already

05 Jan 2019

Memorial of Saint John Neumann, bishop

John 1: 43-51

Jesus decided to go to Galilee, and he found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter. 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.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Introductory Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to hear your voice in this Scripture passage and to receive with an open heart whatever you want to tell me. I believe in you, hope in you, and love you.

Petition: God the Father, help me to be steadfast in your love.

1. Serving God Requires Perseverance:John the Baptist has done his job of redirecting others to Christ: He is not mentioned in the Gospel reading today. The focus has shifted to Jesus calling his future apostles, prepared beforehand by the Baptist. As with Andrew, those who are prepared to meet Christ discover in him a great treasure that they cannot keep to themselves. This time, Philip encounters Christ and shares this discovery with Nathaniel. When Nathaniel reacts skeptically, Philip doesn’t give up. He knows that personal experience is more powerful than words, so he brings Nathaniel to meet Jesus. If we try to bring others to Christ, we could run into similar obstacles: hesitation, skepticism, lack of interest…. Do we give in too easily, or do we try to engage others in a more active way?

2. Jesus Wants Us:When Nathaniel does meet Jesus, he is surprised to discover that Jesus knows him and appreciates him for who he is. There is probably more background to Jesus’ simple words than the Gospel tells us, because they win Nathaniel over instantly. Perhaps we sometimes forget that Jesus, as God, is our creator, and when he calls a person (and in one way or another he calls every person), he does it knowing exactly whom he is calling. It is not a general altar call: It is a personal, direct call to our hearts, rooted in a real understanding of us as we are. He knows and loves us better than any mere human being ever could. When we really experience that and help others to do so too, then his call becomes irresistible.

3. Learning to See the Greater Works of God: Jesus promises Nathaniel that he will see “greater things” in the future; in fact, he will witness most of the miracles of Jesus first-hand and will see many manifestations of the Father’s love for the Son. Indeed, this is often the way Jesus works with all of us. We may be won over by an impressive experience of God, but as our relationship with God deepens, we see “greater things” — not necessarily more spectacular things. As our appreciation for spiritual things grows, we become more attuned to God’s work, and we can pick up on the work of grace in our lives and in the lives of others. That profound transformation is much greater than any miraculous physical healing or any merely sentimental experience. We need faith and trust and attentiveness to the inspirations of the Holy Spirit — plus a healthy dose of patience — if we really want to see how God works; but the wait will definitely be worth it.

Conversation with Christ: Lord Jesus Christ, it is very comforting and encouraging to realize that you know me through and through, that you love me and want me to follow you. Thank you for your love! Help me to bring others to you as well. Give me wisdom and perseverance to be able to make a difference in people’s lives. Help me to discern the wonders of your grace in my life and the lives of those around me.

Resolution: I will take the time to reflect on the ways God has worked in my life and, through me, in others. I will analyze how I can better collaborate with his grace.

One Bread, One Body

Language: English | Espanol

All Issues > Volume 35, Issue 1

<< Saturday, January 5, 2019 >>

St. John Neumann

1 John 3:11-21
View Readings

Psalm 100:1-5

John 1:43-51
Similar Reflections

CHRISTMAS, REJECTION, AND LOVE

"That we have passed from death to life we know because we love the brothers. The man who does not love is among the living dead." �1 John 3:14

The Christmas scene is a picture of utter rejection. Why is this Baby being born in a stable? Doesn't anyone care? Even if there's no room in the inn, there must be room in someone's heart. Mary was obviously pregnant and going into labor. Didn't anyone care?

From the very beginning, the Christ Child is a sign of contradiction (Lk 2:34). "To His own He came, yet His own did not accept Him" (Jn 1:11). The Christmas scene is also a picture of divine love, even for enemies. God knew beforehand He would be rejected from Bethlehem all the way to Calvary. Yet He became man out of love for those who would refuse to love Him. He became man not only for Mary and Joseph but for Herod and the innkeeper.

Christmas celebrates love, not just for the lovable and loving, but for enemies who have rejected and even hated us. Christmas is the foreshadowing of Calvary. "There is no greater love than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn 15:13). "The way we came to understand love was that He laid down His life for us; we too must lay down our lives" (1 Jn 3:16). Love your enemies, even your executioners. Love impossibly, divinely, and unconditionally.

Prayer: Jesus, love others in and through me. Give me supernatural love in place of natural hate. Work the miracle of Christmas love in me.

Promise: "You shall see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." —Jn 1:51

Praise: St. John Neumann promoted education, especially of immigrants. He himself was an immigrant, as he had learned English and moved from Bohemia to New York, where he received Holy Orders.