Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday; it has been observed by many Christians as a day to examine one’s sins, as well as to decide what kind of sacrifice one would offer during Lent. Shrove Tuesday is observed by Catholics, Anglicans, Lutherans and Methodists. For Catholics, it is an ideal time to go to confession. Shrove Tuesday is also known as Fat Tuesday; since it is the last day before the beginning of Lent, it is also…
Septuagesima Septuagesima has traditionally been the period of time which is observed before the start of Lent; hence it is called pre-Lent. It begins on Septuagesima Sunday, which is three Sundays before the First Sunday in Lent and ends on Ash Wednesday. This year, Septuagesima begins on February 5, 2023. In the traditional Latin calendar, the season of Septuagesima comprises the Sundays of Septuagesima, Sexagesima, and Quinquagesima. Septuagesima is an appropriate time to tone down our bodily appetites, as well…
Passiontide Passiontide refers to the last two weeks of Lent; it begins on Passion Sunday until the Easter Vigil. During Passiontide, the practice of covering crosses and other sacred images in the church may be observed. Crosses are covered until the end of the celebration of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday. Other sacred images remain covered until the beginning of the Easter Vigil. The practice of covering crosses and sacred images is based on the Gospel reading on Passion…
The Sacrament of Baptism Isaiah 49:1-7 contains the second of the four “Servant of the Lord” oracles. It contains the prophecy: “I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” In the context of the Old Testament passage, these words were meant for Israel. However, could it be that like many of the Old Testament prophecies, this one was also fulfilled by Jesus Christ in the Gospels? Let us…
St. Peter Chrysologus homily (406-450 AD) There are three things, my brethren, by which faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other. Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. Let no one try to separate them; they cannot be separated. If you have only…
The Stations of the Cross are a 14-step Catholic devotion that commemorates the path of suffering which Jesus Christ took starting with His condemnation to death until He was laid in the tomb. These 14 stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage in which we recall and meditate on a specific event in the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ. Come and join us in this grace-filled devotion! Stations of the Cross in Chinese will be held…
Epiphany What is the meaning of Epiphany? Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah, the Son of God and Savior of the world. (CCC 528) The difference between the Epiphany of the Lord Jesus Christ and the revelations of God in the Old Testament is that in Jesus, the Son of God revealed Himself to the world in His human nature – in flesh and blood. Traditionally, the Solemnity of Epiphany celebrates 3 events in the life of Christ on earth:…
Pope Benedict XVI In union with the whole Catholic Church, we pray for the repose of the soul of Pope Benedict XVI, that after having served as the Vicar of Christ on earth, he may be welcomed into the heavenly kingdom and enjoy eternal glory with God’s chosen ones. Joseph Aloisius Ratzinger was born on April 16, 1927 in Bavaria, Germany. He chose the name Benedict XVI upon his election as pope, and he served from April 19, 2005 until…
The Church reveals to us the wonders of the Incarnate Word by singing the glories of His Holy Name. The name Jesus means Savior. The Catholic Church celebrates the optional memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus on January 3rd. In addition, the month of January has traditionally been dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. The feast day is intended to impress on Christians the dignity of the Holy Name of Jesus. Since the Holy Name of Jesus…
Faith Workshop As part of our spiritual enrichment program, we will be hosting a 30-minue faith workshop on the First Sunday of each month. The workshop begins immediately after the 10:30 am Mass in Chinese. Each Sunday’s theme varies. All are invited to attend.