₦airaland Forum

Today's Saint

St. Thomas the Apostle


Poor Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” (see John 20:24-28) and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

Thomas should be equally well known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous—since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown—but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles, “Let us also go to die with him” (John 11:16b).

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“, [P]rompted by the Holy Spirit, the Church must walk the same road which Christ walked: a road of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice to the death, For thus did all the apostles walk in hope. On behalf of Christ's Body, which is the Church, they supplied what was wanting in the sufferings of Christ by their own trials and sufferings (see Colossians 1:24)” (Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity, 5).

ebos:
Viee, I don't even catch you online too. It's difficult and it was only once I caught Oby online. Carlosein is like moon.

You said once, then what about now?

~Lady~:
Not without a phone. Phones are expensive. The cheapest is $199.99
I'll have to sign a new contract to get a deal. I can't do that

quite expensive, i wish is in Nigeria u where you can get a phone as cheap as $50
Well just know how you will go about it and take it easy, you must surely get another replacement that is sure.

~Lady~:
You're right, thanks.

Honestly I didn't pay anything for that phone. The phone company gave me an upgrade when they no longer carried the phone I initially paid for, trust me I didn't pay that amount and no where close to it.

I am sad because I am currently looking for a job and that's the number that the employers have, they don't have a way of getting in contact with me. I'm going to them now to let them know.

My friends also have no other way of contacting me, so I'm pretty much disconnected. My aunts and uncles are going to have a near heart attack experience when they can't get in touch with me

Is it not possible to recover the line first?

Today's Saint
St. Oliver Plunkett (1629-1681)

The name of today's saint is especially familiar to the Irish and the English—and with good reason. The English martyred Oliver Plunkett for defending the faith in his native Ireland during a period of severe persecution.

Born in County Meath in 1629, he studied for the priesthood in Rome and was ordained there in 1654. After some years of teaching and service to the poor of Rome he was appointed Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland. Four years later, in 1673, a new wave of anti-Catholic persecution began, forcing Archbishop Plunkett to do his pastoral work in secrecy and disguise and to live in hiding. Meanwhile, many of his priests were sent into exile; schools were closed; Church services had to be held in secret and convents and seminaries were suppressed. As archbishop, he was viewed as ultimately responsible for any rebellion or political activity among his parishioners.

Archbishop Plunkett was arrested and imprisoned in Dublin Castle in 1679, but his trial was moved to London. After deliberating for 15 minutes, a jury found him guilty of fomenting revolt. He was hanged, drawn and quartered in July 1681.

Pope Paul VI canonized Oliver Plunkett in 1975.

~Lady~:
Thank you this is very encouraging.

Guys I feel a bit down, I lost my phone today, but not just because I absolutely need it and it's the way of getting in touch with me, but because it costs $599.99 and I was giving it to my brother for his bday, he loves it, he'll be so heartbroken.

But how's everyone doing? I know I came late, everyone's probably asleep.

Lady don't you think the phone is a bit expensive? Had it being is not that expensive you wouldn't have felt it much. Just explain to your brother he will understand.

Carlosein:
yes oby, with the exception that a group is formed of 15 persons (formerly the complete rosary, or maybe twenty now?) and each person is entrusted with a decade of the rosary daily at least. if everyone prays their one decade (an our father and 10 hail mary's) the complete rosary would have been prayed daily.

i actually joined this association in ibadan when i was in school and i still pray the second glorious mystery for the intentions of the Blessed virgin and of Saint Philomena daily though i never attended any of their meetings.

as for lagos i don't know where they have it.

omnia santorum maybe you mean "omnia sanctorum". roughly translated (i no study latin o) i think it means "all things holy", "all holy" or even "forever holy" but like i said it is just my rough translation from 20kobo latin i know. someone like imhotep will maybe help out too.

viee i no see you today. read that murray blew away gasquet?

you must be having fun watching wimbledon (no such luck for me here o)

take care guys need to run.

Dominus Vobiscum!!!

carlos thanks for the translation, with the translation i got what i want.

Hey lindiwe how is the going?

Ebos kedu?

Lawyer don dissappear again

viee:
eh hen, Lindiwe,

sup girl

u and militants?
how u dey na?

oga Ebos,
i dnt seem to ever catch u online
u still dey show forex pepper abi?
abeeg make enough money for our outing ooo


Carl, sup bro
been a while!
sup with ya?
did u see wot my Williams babes and sweetheart Nadal dey do for Wimbledon?

Yes o enough money because after having my fill, i will demand for take away at the same time

~Lady~:
ROTFLOL

AMEN!!!!!!!!

Thank you

I hope so too, because I am seriously terrified of the class. I told my professor but she laughed, she thought I was joking.

Lol, ofcourse, all our kids will have brain filled with lots and lots of knowledge. AMEN!!!

Never allow the class to terrify you, but terrify the class, just like viee rightly said you will be surprised that you will score more than the former score.

Today's Saint
Blessed Junipero Serra (1713-1784)

In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard.

Born in Spain’s island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order, taking the name of St. Francis’ childlike companion, Brother Juniper. Until he was 35, he spent most of his time in the classroom—first as a student of theology and then as a professor. He also became famous for his preaching. Suddenly he gave it all up and followed the yearning that had begun years before when he heard about the missionary work of St. Francis Solanus in South America. Junipero’s desire was to convert native peoples in the New World.

Arriving by ship at Vera Cruz, Mexico, he and a companion walked the 250 miles to Mexico City. On the way Junipero’s left leg became infected by an insect bite and would remain a cross—sometimes life-threatening—for the rest of his life. For 18 years he worked in central Mexico and in the Baja Peninsula. He became president of the missions there.

Enter politics: the threat of a Russian invasion south from Alaska. Charles III of Spain ordered an expedition to beat Russia to the territory. So the last two conquistadors—one military, one spiritual—began their quest. José de Galvez persuaded Junipero to set out with him for present-day Monterey, California. The first mission founded after the 900-mile journey north was San Diego (1769). That year a shortage of food almost canceled the expedition. Vowing to stay with the local people, Junipero and another friar began a novena in preparation for St. Joseph’s day, March 19, the scheduled day of departure. On that day, the relief ship arrived.

Other missions followed: Monterey/Carmel (1770); San Antonio and San Gabriel (1771); San Luís Obispo (1772); San Francisco and San Juan Capistrano (1776); Santa Clara (1777); San Buenaventura (1782). Twelve more were founded after Serra’s death.

Junipero made the long trip to Mexico City to settle great differences with the military commander. He arrived at the point of death. The outcome was substantially what Junipero sought: the famous “Regulation” protecting the Indians and the missions. It was the basis for the first significant legislation in California, a “Bill of Rights” for Native Americans.

Because the Native Americans were living a nonhuman life from the Spanish point of view, the friars were made their legal guardians. The Native Americans were kept at the mission after Baptism lest they be corrupted in their former haunts—a move that has brought cries of “injustice” from some moderns.

Junipero’s missionary life was a long battle with cold and hunger, with unsympathetic military commanders and even with danger of death from non-Christian native peoples. Through it all his unquenchable zeal was fed by prayer each night, often from midnight till dawn. He baptized over 6,000 people and confirmed 5,000. His travels would have circled the globe. He brought the Native Americans not only the gift of faith but also a decent standard of living. He won their love, as witnessed especially by their grief at his death. He is buried at Mission San Carlo Borromeo, Carmel, and was beatified in 1988.

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During his homily at Serra’s beatification, Pope John Paul II said: “Relying on the divine power of the message he proclaimed, Father Serra led the native peoples to Christ. He was well aware of their heroic virtues—as exemplified in the life of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha—and he sought to further their authentic human development on the basis of their new-found faith as persons created and redeemed by God. He also had to admonish the powerful, in the spirit of our second reading from James, not to abuse and exploit the poor and the weak.”

Carlosein:
you can also get details from this link:

http://www.livingrosary.ca/

Dominus Vobiscum!

I trust you for the answer.

Is the living rosary prayed the same way as the normal rosary?

What is the meaning of "Omnia santorum"

Troynow:
I love the catholics but I disagree with the catholic system. I am yet to find their system in the bible.

May God help you to agree. Amen

Lindiwe:
Hey Peeps, can someone help me out here!
When I was in school, I joined this society – The Living Rosary Association (St. Philomena Society). It was actually my first time of hearing about the society then. I was fascinated by the stories I was told by the members on the life of little St. Philomena (virgin and martyr). So I decided to join them. It was a good decision indeed!

Well, the thing now is, since I left school, I’ve not participated in the activities of the group, even the weekly devotion. We don’t have this society in my parish nor is it in other parishes close to me.
I would really like to identify with this group again, and participate in their weekly devotion in particular. Does anyone know any parish in Lagos (be it on the Island or Mainland) where this group exists? Please don’t hesitate to let me know huh!
Thanks y’all!


cheers.

I don't think i have heard about this society, Carlos may know.

Lindiwe:
Oby i've always known that you're just too much! abeg record your voice for your phone n send me an MMS

Yes oh, i've found my feet now, lol

You won't know the true voice when recorded, this voice wey i dey tell you too much

Does it mean you are back fully now to Lagos?

Today's Saint

First Martyrs of the Church of Rome (d. 68)


There were Christians in Rome within a dozen or so years after the death of Jesus, though they were not the converts of the “Apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 15:20). Paul had not yet visited them at the time he wrote his great letter in a.d. 57-58.

There was a large Jewish population in Rome. Probably as a result of controversy between Jews and Jewish Christians, the Emperor Claudius expelled all Jews from Rome in 49-50 A.D. Suetonius the historian says that the expulsion was due to disturbances in the city “caused by the certain Chrestus” [Christ]. Perhaps many came back after Claudius’s death in 54 A.D. Paul’s letter was addressed to a Church with members from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds.

In July of 64 A.D., more than half of Rome was destroyed by fire. Rumor blamed the tragedy on Nero, who wanted to enlarge his palace. He shifted the blame by accusing the Christians. According to the historian Tacitus, a “great multitude” of Christians was put to death because of their “hatred of the human race.” Peter and Paul were probably among the victims.

Threatened by an army revolt and condemned to death by the senate, Nero committed suicide in 68 A.D. at the age of 31.

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From Pope Clement I, successor of St. Peter: “It was through envy and jealousy that the greatest and most upright pillars of the Church were persecuted and struggled unto death, First of all, Peter, who because of unreasonable jealousy suffered not merely once or twice but many times, and, having thus given his witness, went to the place of glory that he deserved. It was through jealousy and conflict that Paul showed the way to the prize for perseverance. He was put in chains seven times, sent into exile, and stoned; a herald both in the east and the west, he achieved a noble fame by his faith, ”
“Around these men with their holy lives there are gathered a great throng of the elect, who, though victims of jealousy, gave us the finest example of endurance in the midst of many indignities and tortures. Through jealousy women were tormented, like Dirce or the daughters of Danaus, suffering terrible and unholy acts of violence. But they courageously finished the course of faith and despite their bodily weakness won a noble prize.”

ebos:
@Lady,

Good 2 know u scored the highest mark. Congratulations!

All the time wey Viee dey write her exams, she no tell us wetin she be dey score - hp say she still perform well. I trust

Lady, happy to hear that.
Wait o! na true. Viee you no tell us your score! well i trust my sis

ebos:
Oby,

My server dey worry me for forex no be small o. It's affecting my trade - struggling to close my positions but difficult to connect to my account with my broker. So, I can't close my profits.

I trowey salute bros. Is it not better you go to a cyber cafe and do it; i mean close the profits, instead of taking chances.

Today's Saint

St. Cyril of Alexandria (376?-444)

Saints are not born with halos around their heads. Cyril, recognized as a great teacher of the Church, began his career as archbishop of Alexandria, Egypt, with impulsive, often violent, actions. He pillaged and closed the churches of the Novatian heretics, participated in the deposing of St. John Chrysostom and confiscated Jewish property, expelling the Jews from Alexandria in retaliation for their attacks on Christians.

Cyril’s importance for theology and Church history lies in his championing the cause of orthodoxy against the heresy of Nestorius.

The controversy centered around the two natures in Christ. Nestorius would not agree to the title “God-bearer” for Mary. He preferred “Christ-bearer,” saying there are two distinct persons in Christ (divine and human) joined only by a moral union. He said Mary was not the mother of God but only of the man Christ, whose humanity was only a temple of God. Nestorianism implied that the humanity of Christ was a mere disguise.

Presiding as the pope’s representative at the Council of Ephesus (431), Cyril condemned Nestorianism and proclaimed Mary truly the “God-bearer” (the mother of the one Person who is truly God and truly human). In the confusion that followed, Cyril was deposed and imprisoned for three months, after which he was welcomed back to Alexandria as a second Athanasius (the champion against Arianism).

Besides needing to soften some of his opposition to those who had sided with Nestorius, Cyril had difficulties with some of his own allies, who thought he had gone too far, sacrificing not only language but orthodoxy. Until his death, his policy of moderation kept his extreme partisans under control. On his deathbed, despite pressure, he refused to condemn the teacher of Nestorius.

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Cyril's theme: "Only if it is one and the same Christ who is consubstantial with the Father and with men can he save us, for the meeting ground between God and man is the flesh of Christ. Only if this is God's own flesh can man come into contact with Christ's divinity through his humanity. Because of our kinship with the Word made flesh we are sons of God. The Eucharist consummates our kinship with the word, our communion with the Father, our sharing in the divine nature—there is very real contact between our body and that of the Word" (New Catholic Encyclopedia).

Lindiwe:
hope we know that 29 June is the feast of Saints Peter and Paul?
and hope we also know that we can gain Plenary Indulgence on this day by using an article of devotion (crucifix, cross, rosary, medal, scapular), which has been blessed by the Pope or a Bishop? Click the links below:

http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/g35.htm
http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/ac1967.htm#1967N17
http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/norms.htm#1968N19

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE CONDITIONS FOR GAINING PLENARY INDULGENCE. Read about the conditions here: http://www.ourladyswarriors.org/indulge/plenary.htm

there's this song members of the Sacred Heart sing most times, it's 'mother Mary, mother millionaire i love you (mother Mary, mother millionaire, i love you)'. who knows this song? sounds funny, but i love it when they sing it!

have a great day all!

Lindiwe i dey salute, thank God like you said you will be free again like a bird.

i know the song, is a popular song and an old song too and i have the CD.  How do i sing it when you wont hear me.

are you guys seeing my eyes are saw? ? ?
oga de law, na u be this?
see you sef de ask where i dey?

Hahaha, imagine lawyer asking wir viee dey, whereas na him dissapper Lawyer! Lawyer!!

Viee viee na u bi this, welcome.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY

The house built on rock and the house built on sand

Jesus told the crowd of the difference between those who claim to love and serve him and those who actually do.  Examine Jesus' words closely.  He spoke directly to his disciples-those following him from place to place to hear his teaching: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of the father who is in heaven.  On that day, many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' Then i will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers" (Matthew 7: 21 - 23).  Jesus' words cut to the heart.  With compassion, he used stern words to tear the mask from those who claimed to love him yet really had no such love in their hearts.  His words demand our attention as well.  How are we to know if they apply to us? One way is to examine the motivation behind our actions.  We can be doing many important and "good" things: faithfully attending church each week, reading religious materials, performing humanitarian or charitable acts, working for civic organisations, tending to the needs of our families.  We can be doing these things because we know that they are good things to do or because we derive self-fulfilment from them.  Yet unless we are performing these tasks for the right reasons, Jesus says that he won't recognise us on the final day.  We face a great danger when we do good things for the wrong reasons.  Jesus states this in no uncertain terms. 
Many of his disciples must have been astonished as they listened with skepticism to his teachin.  Matthew 7: 22 conveys this astonishment.  To this difficult problem scripture provides a simple answer: "We love, because he first loved us" (1 John 4: 19 ) . Our service to God and to our brothers and sisters must spring from hearts full of love and reverence for him, hearts which desire to give him glory.  This can occur only if we first know God's love for us.  As you serve the Lord, examine the motivation behind yoru service.  Then pray that the Lord will give you the grace to serve him out of pure love.

Today's Saint

Blessed Raymond Lull (1235-1315) 


Raymond worked all his life to promote the missions and died a missionary to North Africa.

Raymond was born at Palma on the island of Mallorca in the Mediterranean Sea. He earned a position in the king’s court there. One day a sermon inspired him to dedicate his life to working for the conversion of the Muslims in North Africa. He became a Secular Franciscan and founded a college where missionaries could learn the Arabic they would need in the missions. Retiring to solitude, he spent nine years as a hermit. During that time he wrote on all branches of knowledge, a work which earned him the title "Enlightened Doctor."

Raymond then made many trips through Europe to interest popes, kings and princes in establishing special colleges to prepare future missionaries. He achieved his goal in 1311 when the Council of Vienne ordered the creation of chairs of Hebrew, Arabic and Chaldean at the universities of Bologna, Oxford, Paris and Salamanca. At the age of 79, Raymond went to North Africa in 1314 to be a missionary himself. An angry crowd of Muslims stoned him in the city of Bougie. Genoese merchants took him back to Mallorca where he died. Raymond was beatified in 1514.

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Thomas of Celano wrote of St. Francis: "In vain does the wicked man persecute one striving after virtue, for the more he is buffeted, the more strongly will he triumph. As someone says, indignity strengthens a generous spirit"

ebos:
Hum, Pamperme, u are doing good job here no be small.

Lindiwe, thanks but where u disappear come go? Come show face here 4 this thread now. Ok, if Viee n Lawyer no appear here, maybe my action no go dey difference from those suicide bombers.

Oby, hope say no too much work for 2day?

Carlosein, I don foget say me never marry self. if no be say u remind me of the wedding - I for don forget finish

Na so dem dey 4get How trading naw?

Carlosein:
lai lai my sister.

my belle still dey run from the purge wey i take months ago!

how u dey now?

Very fine my bros. How work dey do u naw?

Carlosein:
God smiles on us all and i smile with you pam. long time no word even though you no wan marry me.

how u doin and thanks for doin a great job here. keep it up. have a great day

oby, viee, lindiwe and ebos una try well well yesterday.

ebos thnk God for mumsie. wish all mothers were talked about the way you talk bout yours. they would indeed be like the mother of Jesus.

but your tomorrow no dey finish as oby talk. trade forex well well and make money for the wedding wey we day wait for abi you think say we don forget

dem dey forget that kind thing  

GOSPEL:                     Matthew 7:15-20

Jesus said to his disciples: 'Beware of false prophets who come to you disguised as sheep but underneath are ravenous wolves. You will be able to tell them by their fruits. Can people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? In the same way, a sound tree produces good fruit but a rotten tree bad fruit. A sound tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor a rotten tree bear good fruit. Any tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown on the fire. I repeat, you will be able to tell them by their fruits.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY

You will know them by their fruits.

Jesus stated truth twice in this one brief passage, obviously wanting to stress the importance of distinguishing between the false and the genuine.  In this day of media saturation, we are constantly exposed to false teaching from false prophets just as Jesus warned (Matthew 7: 15).  How are we to discern true from false teaching?  In outward appearance, the "modern" person, advocating various schemes for self-improvement and finding truth, may sometimes not look very different from the Christain preaching the truth of the gospel.  The difference can be seen in the focus and fruit of their teachings.  Do the teachings focus on the majesty of Jesus and promote praise?  do they convict us of sin or make us feel good temporarily?  What is the fruit of sound teaching?  We can find the answer in Matthew 5: 3 - 12.  True Christains are poor in Spirit; they mourn for the state of the world and are meek and seek righteousness.  True Christains are merciful and pure of heart; they are peacemakers and rejoice over heaven.  Or look at the fruit os the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 : 22 - 23 - 'love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."  Contrast this with the harvest of bad fruit from the world: distrust, uncertianty, self-satisfaction, hatred, self-righteousness.  The world preaches, "Take care of Number One," "You owe it to yourself," "You're worth it." Christ teaches, "Seek first the kingdom and his righteousness" (Matthew 6: 33).  In a talk given in Luxemburg in 1985, Pope John Paul II said succinctly: "The world, in the last analysis, can offer man only the certainty of death." That is why he urged his listeners to turn toward God. "Open your daily lives to God through prayer, , Open your week's work to God, making Sunday holy and participating regularly in the Eucharist, , in this way it will be possible to avoid becoming slaves of work or entertainment.  In marriage and the family, remember your responsibilities toward one another.  Sanctify life in the home according to the teaching of hte Church." The fruit of the gospel's teaching is eternal life.  The fruit of the world's teaching is the certainty of death.

CATHOLICS SPEAK TODAY
It is an error to isolate oneself from men,  If God does not call one to solitude, one must live with God in the multitude, make him known there and make him loved.  RAISSA MARITAIN 1883 - 1960

this one wey we see u online e fit b till who knows.

I have to go now. Trade well and don't over trade o

ebos:
I’m still very much on it now – though, I was not regular on it because I could not just sit tight on PC while my mum was sick. I tried to trade often but I paid for it because I was not relaxed.

As from next week I will devote more time and August ending will determine whether me go come Lagos in September and stay 4 two weeks. My plan fit bring me to Lagos.

Best in all.  September lowu lowu is far o, well not too far already knocking at the corner.  You know ask me wetin i still dey do for office?

ebos:
And it's a pleasure we feel your glowing face - though your mouth no start 2day. So, no talk say you be use your mouth just 2day.

sho abeg make i hear. How ur forex trading r u still on it?

ebos:
Oby, the good news is that you are pretty good at jokes - may Ebos be good enough like you - thinking about your thinking just only to get mouth like yours.

i just dey wine mouth i know no sey na joke cracking e bi o!  Ebos you too, you are somtin else, u came in here wir everywir is like graveyard and u put up light in it.  You can just imagine how my face is glowing with excitement.  Thanks u hv made me to use my mouth today