On Personal Humility [l]

Everyone naturally desires knowledge, (Aristotle, Metaphysics I,1.)
but of what use is knowledge itself without the fear of God? A humble countryman who serves God is more pleasing to Him than a conceited
intellectual who knows the course of the stars, but neglects his own
soul (Ecclus.19:22). A man who truly knows himself realizes his own worthlessness, and takes no pleasure in the praises of men. Did I
possess all knowledge in the world, but had no love, how would this
help me before God, who will judge me by my deeds?
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 1, Chapter 2

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January 4: Our Lady of Akita: Weeping Statue

Beginning on June 12, 1973, the Blessed Mother gave three Messages to
Sister Agnes Katsuko Sasagawa in Akita, Japan through a carved wooden
statue of Mary. The statue, bathed in a brilliant light, would “come
alive” and speak with a “voice of indescribable beauty.” I’ll talk about these messages in June, on the anniversary of their delivery.

Beginning thirty-five years ago today, January 4, 1975, the statue of
the Blessed Virgin from which this indescribable voice came from, wept
101 times over the course of several years (last recorded occurrence
was September 15, 1981 on the Feast of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows). The
status was also observed to “perspire abundantly” with the
perspiration sending out a sweet perfume, witnessed by hundreds of
people. Lastly, the right palm of the statue bled from a wound that
had the form of a cross--an identical wound that developed on Sister
Agnes’ right hand.

These miraculous events were witnessed by hundreds and scientific
analysis revealed the blood, tears, and perspiration from the statue
were human. Several miraculous cures are on record, including recovery
from terminal brain cancer and the complete cure of Sister Agnes’
total deafness.
 by Jacob

Saint Quote:
 As the reading of bad books fills the mind with worldly and poisonous sentiments; so, on the other hand, the reading of pious works fills
the soul with holy thoughts and good desires.
--St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Bible Quote:
 Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors!  that
the King of glory may come in. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD,
strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! 9 Lift up your heads, O
gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors!  that the King of glory may
come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the
King of glory!  [Psalm 24:7-10]


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ACT OF CONSECRATION TO JESUS

    Lord Jesus Christ,
    I consecrate myself today anew
    and without reserve to Your Divine Heart.
    I consecrate to You my body with all its senses,
    my soul with all its faculties,
    my entire being.
    I consecrate to You all my thoughts,
    words and deeds,
    all my sufferings and labours,
    all my hopes, consolations and joys.
    In particular I consecrate to You
    this poor heart of mine
    so that it may love only You
    and may be consumed as a victim
    in the fire of your love.

    I place my trust in You without reserve
    and I hope for the remission of my sins
    through Your infinite mercy.
    I place within Your hands all my cares and anxieties.
    I promise to love You and to honour You
    till the last moment of my life,
    and to spread, as much as I can,
    devotion to Your most Sacred Heart.

    Do with me what You will, my Jesus.
    I deserve no other reward except
    Your greater glory and Your holy love.
    Take this offering of myself
    and give me a place within Your Divine Heart forever.

    Amen.

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