The Beatitudes - Matt. 5:1-12a

BEADS OF JOY 06-10-13
“Matthew 5:1-12a”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Matthew 5:1-12a / The Beatitudes)

“When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain,
and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.
He began to teach them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the land.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you
and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.
Rejoice and be glad,
for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thus they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Reflection: My Friends,
Here’s how I will share a reflection about the “Beatitudes.” I am going straight to the Catechism of The Catholic Church (CCC) and these excerpts will explain them in a most dynamic, exciting, precise way. I hope this becomes a handy reference point for you to refer to how we are to understand the Beatitudes.

(1716) The Beatitudes are at the heart of Jesus' preaching. They take up the promises made to the chosen people since Abraham. The Beatitudes fulfill the promises by ordering them no longer merely to the possession of a territory, but to the Kingdom of heaven. (Cross-reference to 2546) Blessed are the poor in spirit. “The Beatitudes reveal an order of happiness and grace, of beauty and peace. Jesus celebrates the joy of the poor, to whom the Kingdom already belongs.”

(1717) The Beatitudes depict the countenance of Jesus Christ and portray his charity. They express the vocation of the faithful associated with the glory of his Passion and Resurrection; they shed light on the actions and attitudes characteristic of the Christian life; they are the paradoxical promises that sustain hope in the midst of tribulations; they proclaim the blessings and rewards already secured, however dimly, for Christ's disciples; they have begun in the lives of the Virgin Mary and all the saints.

(1718) The Beatitudes respond to the natural desire for happiness. This desire is of divine origin: God has placed it in the human heart in order to draw man to the One who alone can fulfill it.

 (1719) The Beatitudes reveal the goal of human existence, the ultimate end of human acts: God calls us to his own beatitude. This vocation is addressed to each individual personally, but also to the Church as a whole, the new people made up of those who have accepted the promise and live from it in faith.

(1721) God put us in the world to know, to love, and to serve him, and so to come to paradise. Beatitude makes us "partakers of the divine nature" and of eternal life. With beatitude, man enters into the glory of Christ and into the joy of the Trinitarian life.

(1722) Such beatitude surpasses the understanding and powers of man. It comes from an entirely free gift of God: whence it is called supernatural, as is the grace that disposes man to enter into the divine joy.

(1723) The beatitude we are promised confronts us with decisive moral choices. It invites us to purify our hearts of bad instincts and to seek the love of God above all else. It teaches us that true happiness is not found in riches or well-being, in human fame or power, or in any human achievement - however beneficial it may be - such as science, technology, and art, or indeed in any creature, but in God alone, the source of every good and of all love.

Pondering these thoughts today: The Joy of Heaven will far exceed any Joy found here on earth. The troubles and challenges and crosses we bear here, only better prepare us for the Joy of the life to come. Thomas Aquinas said it like this, “No one can live without joy. That is why a person deprived of spiritual joy goes after carnal pleasures.” In this frame of thought, is where Poverty is much better understood. In Poverty we have nothing and we lean on Jesus fully -seeking the Joy that awaits us. Do you seek Jesus in such a way that your hunger and thirst for Him with all your heart? The Beatitudes have been misunderstood for centuries and made fun of recently in their true interpretation. The Beatitudes are really something only the Holy Spirit can help us understand. Worldly people, sadly haven’t a clue.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Immaculate Heart of Mary

BEADS OF JOY 06-08-13
“Immaculate Heart of Mary”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

5^th Joyful Mystery
Gospel: (Luke 2:41-51 / Finding of Jesus in the Temple)

“Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom; and when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the company they went a day's journey, and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when they saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been looking for you anxiously." And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart.”

Pray -1 Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s -Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: My Friends,

Roman Catholics liturgy celebrates the memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a special formulary on the Saturday after the second Sunday after Pentecost. …So today we celebrate the Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Our gospel focus will be the fifth Joyful Mystery (The Finding of Jesus in the Temple). And the Fruit of this mystery is our Joy in Finding Jesus. This memorial helps us to understand in a biblical sense, the person who is the Virgin, her interior life and her love. She lived a rather unique life, her life was completely focused on living Gods Will, while staying focused on loving and nurturing Jesus her, God’s Son. Staying completely focused on Jesus is something I can relate to. Maybe this will make sense, draw a circle, and in the center of the circle write Jesus’ name; outside that circle write everything else in your life, all around the circle. Now looking at this circle you see the center; everything outside this circle must somehow connect to the center, and the center must come first in those thoughts. Jesus first, Mary most certainly lived a life even more focused than that.

REFLECTION: Have you ever lost someone very close to you? Either in the midst of traveling or at an event or an amusement park; or has anyone close to you ever pass away unexpectedly. When this happens we tend to fell anxious and hopeless, feeling like there is nothing we can do to fix it, at least nothing we can fix instantly. If it’s a lost child, friend, spouse; we frantically look and yell their name, constantly and everywhere we possibly think they may be. Can you image how frantic Mary and Joseph were, when they were looking for Jesus?

Jesus knew His calling, His purpose, He had to get to His Father’s house and begin the work His Father sent Him to do. Let us take the time to consider, do we know and can we recognize God’s calling in our life? Consider making your own circle and putting Jesus in the center, and live your life keeping Him there.

Excerpt from a blog I wrote about The Joyful Mysteries:
http://beads-of-joy-blog.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-joyful-mysteries.html
  The Fifth Joyful Mystery is The Finding of Jesus in the Temple. We must seek Him out, and do His will. Even if while we do so, it takes us out of the circle of security and familiar surroundings. Sometimes in order for us to do God's will we must “Leave everything to find Him.” The Joyful Mysteries are indeed most Joyous. I pray that you can find that "sweet spot" in your life that in your service and obedience to God you are blessed with an immeasurable amount of joy. Nothing in this world can give us the same abundant joy that is found in God, His word, or His Rosary. Embrace the rosary, allow that chain and those tiny beads to draw you ever so much closer to Jesus.

 

 

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

  

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

BEADS OF JOY 06-07-13
“The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Luke 15:3-7 / The Parable of the Lost Sheep)

“So he told them this parable: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, `Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”

“There is in the Sacred Heart the symbol and express image of the infinite love of Jesus Christ which moves us to love in return.” ~Pope Leo XIII

My Friends,

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is a moveable feast, which means that it depends on the date of Easter Sunday. It is celebrated 19 days after Pentecost Sunday, which falls on the 50th day of Easter. So therefore the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus falls on June 7, 2013, today.

The heart has always been seen as and known as the “center” or essence a person ("the heart of the matter," "you are my heart," "take it to heart," etc.) and the wellspring of our emotional lives and love ("you break my heart," "my heart sings," etc.) Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is devotion to Jesus Christ Himself, but in the particular ways of meditating on his interior life and on His threefold love -- His divine love, His burning love that fed His human will, and His sensible love that affects His interior life. Pope Pius XII of blessed memory writes on this topic in his 1956 encyclical, Haurietis Aquas (On Devotion to the Sacred Heart).Below are a few excerpts which help explain the devotion: 

54. ...the Heart of the Incarnate Word is deservedly and rightly considered the chief sign and symbol of that threefold love with which the divine Redeemer unceasingly loves His eternal Father and all mankind.

55. It is a symbol of that divine love which He shares with the Father and the Holy Spirit but which He, the Word made flesh, alone manifests through a weak and perishable body, since "in Him dwells the fullness of the Godhead bodily."

56. It is, besides, the symbol of that burning love which, infused into His soul, enriches the human will of Christ and enlightens and governs its acts by the most perfect knowledge derived both from the beatific vision and that which is directly infused.

57. And finally -- and this in a more natural and direct way -- it is the symbol also of sensible love, since the body of Jesus Christ, formed by the Holy Spirit, in the womb of the Virgin Mary, possesses full powers of feelings and perception, in fact, more so than any other human body.

58. Since, therefore, Sacred Scripture and the official teaching of the Catholic faith instruct us that all things find their complete harmony and order in the most holy soul of Jesus Christ, and that He has manifestly directed His threefold love for the securing of our redemption, it unquestionably follows that we can contemplate and honor the Heart of the divine Redeemer as a symbolic image of His love and a witness of our redemption and, at the same time, as a sort of mystical ladder by which we mount to the embrace of "God our Savior."

59. Hence His words, actions, commands, miracles, and especially those works which manifest more clearly His love for us -- such as the divine institution of the Eucharist, His most bitter sufferings and death, the loving gift of His holy Mother to us, the founding of the Church for us, and finally, the sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and upon us -- all these, We say, ought to be looked upon as proofs of His threefold love.

60. Likewise we ought to meditate most lovingly on the beating of His Sacred Heart by which He seemed, as it were, to measure the time of His sojourn on earth until that final moment when, as the Evangelists testify, "crying out with a loud voice 'It is finished.', and bowing His Head, He yielded up the ghost. “Then it was that His heart ceased to beat and His sensible love was interrupted until the time when, triumphing over death, He rose from the tomb.

61. But after His glorified body had been re-united to the soul of the divine Redeemer, conqueror of death, His most Sacred Heart never ceased, and never will cease, to beat with calm and imperturbable pulsations. Likewise, it will never cease to symbolize the threefold love with which He is bound to His heavenly Father and the entire human race, of which He has every claim to be the mystical Head.

Daily Prayer to the Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart of our Savior, please bless us as the new day dawns. May we grow today in Your friendship, in helpfulness to others, in gratitude for Your benefits beyond number. May Christly love fill our hearts, guard our thoughts, and inspire our actions. Jesus, we believe in Your love for us. We trust in You and want to remain forever in the safe haven of Your loving Heart. Amen.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Remember, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, what ineffable power thy divine Son hath given thee over His own adorable Heart. Filled with confidence in they merits, we come before thee and implore thy protection. O Heavenly Treasurer of the Heart of Jesus, that Heart which is the inexhaustible sourc of all graces, which thou mayest open to us at thy good pleasure, in order that from it may flow forth upon mankind the riches of love and mercy, light and salvation, that are contained therein; grant unto us, we beseech thee, the favors which we seek (name your intentions here). We can never, never be refused by thee, and since thou art our Mother, O Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, graciously receive our prayers and grant our request. Amen.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

The Greatest Commandment

BEADS OF JOY 06-06-13
“Mark 12:28-34”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Gospel: (Mark 12:28-34 / The Greatest Commandment)

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus answered, "The first is, `Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." And the scribe said to him, "You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that he is one, and there is no other but he; and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices." And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And after that no one dared to ask him any question.”


Reflection: My Friends,
I'm not sure what part of this scripture you like, but my favorite part is, "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength" That just says it all and it essence sums up the reality of how we should be spending our lives. A love like this is really beyond human understanding to some degree. We need to be "consumed" by our thoughts of Jesus, never seeking our own. Let us seriously use this Lenten Season to toughen up and be more loyal and devoted to Jesus; like never before.

Questions To Reflect Upon:
-Is Jesus really first in your life?
-And are your neighbors (others) really second?
-Why must we love God, why do think so?
-Do you spend time every day, keeping God first?
(Commit to sometime before the Eucharist,
today is First Friday and tomorrow is First Saturday)
Eucharistic Adoration, one day a month to start.

Pondering these thoughts today:

With all your heart: Love Jesus more than anyone else in a way like no one else. He deserves every piece of love you can give Him. He died for each of us, to save us. He paid for all our sin in full.

With all your soul: Allow your soul (the Holy Spirit) to seek Him out. Fully embracing Him. There is a part inside each of us that is specifically made for Him, Allow Him to consume you.

With all your mind: 24/7/365, I know that may sound over the top, but personally I love it. Do not let a day or en event, or anything go by, without having God, our Lord on your mind.

With all your strength: Never allow anyone to sway you away from God, BE BOLD!!!! That says it all, stop backing off, don't be scared. Let's follow Jesus' lead and boldly proclaim the Father.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Power in Embracing The Cross

BEADS OF JOY 06-05-13
“The Power in: Embracing The Cross”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

How can anyone be expected to show love for us when we constantly reject them and spit in their face? Yes that was a hard sentence to begin this with, but truthful to the heart when you think about it. Jesus died for us, He took on every single sin, every single burden, including a humiliating painful death; and He took it from us, so that through Him we might attain eternal life. My friends, Jesus Christ LOVES us so much. The power that is in that cross is beyond the power of anything, and everyone in this entire world. Almighty God has placed His only Son on a cross to save us, why would anybody do that? It's because He loves us so much. God who is love, who is life, who creates life, who has made male and female in His own image; took His only Son and had Him beaten almost to death, then humiliated and spit upon in order to save all of us from our death; so that we can be with Him for all eternity. It is through Jesus' death on that cross that we can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. We must do all we can in this life to make sure to the best of our ability, that we indeed spend eternity with Him. A huge price has been paid for our salvation. A man, a man of God was put in our place, to die for us.

The world we live in will deceive us, it will mislead us; it will do all it can make sure that we do not spend eternity in Heaven. We must love Jesus before we can love or even forgive anyone else in our lives. This life was never meant to be lived so freely, so safe that getting to Heaven would be such a breeze. On the contrary, satan has been given power of the earth and he has become a master of deceit and destruction. He will make us not believe things that we question. Think of satan as a parasite. Yes a parasite, very small, very unnoticed, yet very destructive over time. Little by little we have doubts, we have questions, we're not sure, life seems like it's going to go one forever. We can always ask for forgiveness, we're not hurting anybody, and we can go on and on. Time to remove the parasites, the poison, the lies; and it's time to stay true to God. It's not going to be easy, we will suffer with Jesus and we will at times feel uncomfortable. But in time and with God's grace we will prevail and we will defeat all that is evil while we are here.

We need to know that our addicts are the devil's greatest weapon against us, along with our attitude that we carry with them. Many people think, myself included, "I'm not hurting anybody, and besides it's not a public thing, I'm home." Meanwhile our lives, our souls, our hearts, and our families are being destroyed from within. Seeds of lies and deceit are filling us with all the acceptable reasons and excuses we give ourselves so that we can continue sinning. Yesterday's gospel is part of todays. How can we be reborn when we are old? How is that possible? How can we change? How can we be any different than the person we have always been? How Lord ??!!! What must I do to inherit eternal life? If I am to be reborn, what should be my first step, how do I know I am reborn in the spirit? My heart and soul scream up to Heaven in a crying, sobbing voice, begging Jesus to guide me, to show me, to almost carry me. I can't do this alone, I am so weak, and my weakness comes from my inability to stop my addiction. Satan has me in a strangle hold and he keeps stabbing and jabbing my heart with his anger towards God. Please Lord, help me break free from this bondage, help me never be squeezed in the hands of satan ever again.

It is only by your love for me Lord that I can break free from this pain. It is only by your death, a horrible, painful, humiliating death on a cross that I will be set free from the strong hold of such an evil being as satan. It is only by my love given back to you and telling and showing others how much I love you. It is only by my humiliation on my knees before the cross begging for your forgiveness of the horrible pain I have inflicted upon you with my sins. I must die to my old self, I must never return to that old wretched miserable, sinful person, I once was. I must turn away and never return to the vomit of my life. Jesus you alone, no one else must remain my only central focus, nothing can or should ever come before you. We all know that life doesn't always make sense. Each day we experience, pain, suffering, joy, loneliness, happiness, no understanding as to why. Then we look around and we see Jesus and in many ways it all makes sense. We must look at Him first, then everything else makes sense. There is so much power in the cross. Don't be afraid to embrace your cross.

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our 
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…

Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

Your brother in Christ Jesus 
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS


I also invite you to follow me on Twitter and Pinterest: 
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The Body and Blood of Christ

BEADS OF JOY 06-02-13
“His Most Holy Body and Blood”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ

Gospel: (Luke 9:11b-17 / All Ate and Were Satisfied)

“When the crowds learned it, they followed him; and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away; and the twelve came and said to him, "Send the crowd away, to go into the villages and country round about, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a lonely place." But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish -- unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in companies, about fifty each.” And they did so, and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were satisfied. And they took up what was left over, twelve baskets of broken pieces.”

Pray -1 Our Father -10 Hail Mary’s -Glory be… - Oh My Jesus…

Reflection: My Friends,

This miracle is great –in that it is evident in what it represents. Jesus is the Bread of Life in a world that is perishing and seeking fulfillment and the hunger pangs of many continue. His body and His blood must be passed around to one another for all to share, for all to eat. In what Jesus has to offer to us, it is more than sufficient to fulfill all our needs. Jesus is the true bread that came down from Heaven; and only His love can satisfy that hunger. We all have that place inside of us. I can’t describe it, or show it to you on an x-ray; but you do know what I am talking about. Well that place inside us for Him alone, nothing else, nor no one else can ever fulfill that place, many try with worldly things, but in the end, they are still empty.

Can you imagine the enthusiasm of a hungry crowd, when the full baskets of food begun to be passed around? How about the young man who offered up what little he had? Isn’t so amazing how his generosity and kindness to help feed everyone turned into a feast for 5,000.  

“If Christ did not want to dismiss the Jews without food in the desert for fear that they would collapse on the way, it was to teach us that it is dangerous to try to get to heaven without the Bread of Heaven.” ~St. Jerome

“What you see is the bread and the chalice; that is what your own eyes report to you. But what your faith obliges you to accept is that the bread is the Body of Christ and the chalice the Blood of Christ. ... How is the bread His Body? And the chalice, or what is in the chalice, how is it His Blood? Those elements, brethren, are called Sacraments, because in them one thing is seen, but another is understood. What is seen is the corporeal species, but what is understood is the spiritual fruit. ... `You, however, are the Body of Christ and His members.' If, therefore, you are the Body of Christ and His members, your mystery is presented at the table of the Lord, you receive your mystery. To that which you are, you answer: `Amen'; and by answering, you subscribe to it. For you hear: `The Body of Christ!' and you answer: `Amen!' Be a member of Christ's Body, so that your `Amen' may be the truth.” ~St. Augustine, Sermons [272] A.D. 391-430

Pondering these thoughts today: The feeding of the 5,000, a most incredible reading to share, and using it as an example, to explain The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. Look at it this way; in this miracle Jesus feed thousands with an abundance that not only fed 5,000 but also the women and the children and then also we can’t forget the left over baskets. At Mass, just like at the Last Supper, bread is broken and wine is poured; and just like here in this miracle Jesus lifted the bread and fish and offered them. At the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28) Jesus described the purpose of His sacrifice, “poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” This meal was almost like a pre-sharing of what would happen after His death. Do you hunger for Jesus? Do you go to Mass often to be with Him? Do you prioritize your life around The Body and Blood of our Lord? So much to think about, so much to consider.

 

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

Marian Feast Days of June

BEADS OF JOY 06-01-13
“Marian Feast Days of June”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Marian Feast Days of June

1. Our Lady of the Star, Aquileia, Italy (15th Century)

2. Our Lady of Edessa, Asia Minor, in honor of the statue that spoke to St. Alexis (400)

3. Our Lady of Sasopoli, Italy (14th Century)

4. Our Lady of the Hill, Lombardy, Italy (4th Century)

5. Our Lady of Haut, Hainault, France (1428)

6. Institution of the Nuns of the Visitation of Our Lady, by St. Francis de Sales (1610)

7. Our Lady of Marienthal, Germany (13th Century)

8. Our Lady of Alexandria, Egypt (4th Century)

9. Our Lady of Mentorello, Italy/ Our Lady of Ligny, Loraine, France

10. Our Lady of Cranganor, India. The church was built by one of the Magi (52)

11. Our Lady of Esquernes, Flanders (1162)

12. Apparition of Our Lady to St. Herman, France (13th Century)

13. Dedication of the Church of Our Lady of Sichem, Belgium (1604)

14. Our Lady of Arras, France (371)

15. Foundation of Our Lady of the Feuillants, Toulouse, France (1145) /Our Lady of the Taper, England (12th Century)

16. Our Lady of Aix la Chapelle, Germany (804)

17. Our Lady of the Forest, Britanny, France (1419)

18. Appearance of Our Lady to St Agnes of Montepulciano, Italy

19. Our Lady of Monte Senario, Florence, Italy (1240)

20. Our Lady of Consolation, Luxemburg (1624)

21. Our Lady of Matarieh at Grand Cairo, Egypt

22. Our Lady of Narni, Italy (15th Century) spoke to Bl. Lucy

23. Our Lady Justinienne at Cathage (6th Century)

24. Our Lady of Clos Evrard, Trier, Germany (1449)

25. Divine Motherhood of Our Lady, declared at the Council of Ephesus in the year 431

26. Our Lady of Meliapore, East Indies (1542)

27. Our Lady of Perpetual Help (13th Century) /Our Lady of the Dorade, Toulouse, France

28. Institution of the Angelus of Our Lady, Europe, (1456)

29. Our Lady of Buglose, France (1634)

30. Our Lady of Calais, France (1347)

LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Come PRAY THE ROSARY with us every evening Monday through Friday 9pm EST with our
"Our Lady's Rosary Text Vigil Group"…
Invitations posted daily… and throughout the evening…
https://www.facebook.com/RosaryManJim

Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Rosarymanjim

The Visitation of the BVM

BEADS OF JOY 05-31-13
“The Visitation of the BVM”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

(2^nd Joyful Mystery)
Luke 1:39-56 “In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, he has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted those of low degree; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.”

My Friends,

Today’s gospel is Luke 1:39-56 (Visitation / Canticle of Mary). Mary not only said yes, and trusted so unquestionably in God’s request, His Will for Mary; but that faith built the foundational block that brought our Lord to us through her womb. So many people have little respect for our Blessed Mother, I just can't comprehend their lack of it. Mary basically gave up her life completely and she did what God had asked of her and most importantly Mary never pursued her own desires, hobbies or interests. Obviously, only to some degree I guess I can say that. But let's face it, she couldn't have a public life, she couldn't boldly do things; lest she risk sharing her pregnancy. So her life was hidden for the most part, with the main objective to raise and love her Son. To help Him grow strong for what was ahead.

We'll never know the full heart and mind of Mary, but we do see and understand the sacrificial life she had. Her faith is such an example for anyone who believes in Jesus. For it was through Mary that Jesus came into this world and into our lives. Jesus didn't magically appear one day, and then Mary and Joseph stopped by the local hospital and adopted Him. No, God through the power of the Holy Spirit touched Mary's heart and she said “Yes” when the Angel Gabriel approached her at the Annunciation. We all know that if God asks you and you say no, He will find the heart that will say Yes to His will. But regardless to the fact that she could have said no, she didn't, instead she said yes. A choice that would change her life and ours for all eternity. Mary's mission ultimately became the first mission to believe solidly in God's will for Jesus in this world. The Holy Spirit is simply amazing, I know first-hand how powerful and genuine and impressionable the Holy Spirit is in one’s life. We just have to be open and be ready for the Holy Spirit to work miracles in our lives. It's not always easy to understand it all, but honestly I don't think we have to. That's where our faith and trust must come into all aspects of our lives.

Everywhere Mary went the Holy Spirit touched others. The Visitation in today's gospel tells us, "And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit" verse 41. This is a little bizarre but I guess that's what makes my blogs interesting at times. Remember "Mary Had a Little Lamb", bear with me for a moment, my mind has so many weird, useless things stored in it. LOL. I want you to think about this part of that for just a moment. "Everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go." Oh Lord does that not resonate to the full meaning and purpose Mary has been in our lives. To me that means if you are "into Mary" Jesus will surely be there; point being that you go to her to get to Him. Absolutely exciting joyful incredible news pondering that simple thought. Our faith can be as complicated as we so desire it to be; or we can keep it simple and to the point and spend all of our time loving Him. I prefer the simple life, of loving and worshiping my Lord while I adore and love His mother.

Mary is our role model, our Lord's Blessed Mother, and our mother. Let us embrace her and with the same faith in the same Holy Spirit as she had. Would we do what she did? Do we have that kind of courage and faith that she had? I really doubt it, yes we can say yes now, because of everything we know; but what about back then, Mary risked her life by saying yes. She didn't just say yes, because she had to, she didn't say yes, because she was told to; she said yes, because of her faith and trust in God's will for her in her life. She knew better than we could ever know now, the risk of an unmarried woman being pregnant in her time. She could have been stoned to death. Instead of worrying about her own selfishness in this life, she risked everything to fulfill God's will to bring to us our Savior. We really should be forever indebted to her for living such a life of sacrifice as she did. Just think of it this way, do we not love the priests and churches and the people in our communities who bring Jesus to us each week at Mass? Of cause we do. Now on that same thought, it was Mary who brought Him to us first, let us love her also. Trust in our Lord to guide your heart to loving her, simply pray, "Jesus, I trust in You".


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

I also invite you to follow me on Twitter:
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The Luminous Mysteries

BEADS OF JOY 05-30-13
“The Luminous Mysteries”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

In the Rosary we now have "The Luminous Mysteries". In 2002, Pope John Paul II blessed us with five simply amazing, exciting new mysteries that we see and learn even more about the works and ministry of our Lord Jesus. Our journey will begin with John the Baptist and end with the Eucharist. This is Jesus in action fulfilling His mission to save all of us. To me life is only as beautiful as it is because of Jesus, because He loves me so much, and because I can love Him so much back. I have used the word "immeasurable" many times when describing Jesus' love, and the joy it gives me.

The First Luminous Mystery is the Baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan. It was John the Baptist who baptized our Lord. And it was through that baptism that all those present at that baptism heard the voice of God. The overwhelming excitement of hearing God's voice must have been incredible. “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

The Second Luminous Mystery is the miracle at The Wedding at Cana. Our Blessed Mother just knew that that was the time for her Son to begin His ministry and start His sharing His miracles with everyone. This particular miracle certainly blessed the newly married couple; as yes this miracle blesses all Godly marriages. There is so much in this mystery to share, Jesus is the true vine. I encourage you to embrace the rosary in your whole life like never before, you will be filled with so much joy. Mary always goes to her Son for us, just like she did for this newly married couple.

The Third Luminous Mystery is the Proclamation of the Kingdom of God. God's kingdom has begun. Jesus said, “Repent and believe the Good News.” Jesus calls all of us to conversion and repentance to live a life pleasing to Him and dedicated to Him. Let us all partake in the mission of sharing The Kingdom of God with everyone we know. To be too ashamed is so sad. Open your heart for others and help lead them to Jesus.

The Fourth Luminous Mystery is The Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus is transformed before the disciples, God displays His Sons glory. The awe on the face of the disciples must have beyond words; their hearts must have instantly been filled with God's love. Oh how we to must find that same awe and feeling every time we just think of Jesus. Jesus waits for us, let us live a life that leads us to Him.

The Fifth Luminous Mystery is The Last Supper. It is here that Jesus gives us Himself in the Eucharist. We are so loved by Jesus that He has given us Himself to partake in every single time we go to Mass. "This is my body given up for you." What an absolutely perfect offering, from now on Jesus has been given to us by His eternal presence in the Holy Eucharist. The Luminous Mysteries add so much Joy to the Most Blessed Rosary. Pope John Paul II's wisdom and love for the Rosary has given us such a blessing as we meditate and pray pondering our thoughts on Jesus' life. Please continue embracing the rosary, you will find so much joy as you draw closer to Jesus.

Continue drawing yourself closer to Jesus through the Rosary. If you don’t already, I challenge you to embrace the Rosary and pray all 20 mysteries every single day…


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim

The Glorious Mysteries

BEADS OF JOY 05-29-13
“The Glorious Mysteries”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

A time to celebrate, a time for all of us to scream and shout with JOY. Jesus has defeated death and He has opened the doors of all eternity up for all of us. Let us celebrate The Glorious Mysteries. All that suffering, all that bloodshed, all that pain, Alleluia!! Jesus has defeated death through the Will of the Father and His love for us. Praise and Glory and Honor to You Lord Jesus Christ –for loving all of us so much that you died for my (our) sins and in dying you were raised. I pray that everyone sees the magnificent glory and power in Jesus, and that they embrace Him with a full heart in the Rosary every single day.

The First Glorious Mystery is The Resurrection of Jesus. Jesus Christ has been risen! He has forever destroyed the power of death, death shall no longer have a hold us to this earth or its destructive ending. By this we shall join Jesus in all eternity in Heaven with the Father. Satan has been forever defeated. Death no longer has a hold on us. By this mystery our Faith should be solid, we shouldn’t fear sharing what we believe with others.

The Second Glorious Mystery is The Ascension of Jesus. Jesus has ascended to His Father's throne. We can now place our Hope and Trust in the promise that God has made to us for everlasting life. Jesus took on our human nature and He has brought our frail human bodies to God's throne. It is through this mystery that we have been raised with Jesus rather than simply returned to the earth without everlasting life.

The Third Glorious Mystery is The Descent of the Holy Spirit. We cannot save ourselves from within ourselves alone, Jesus knew this. So He gave us an advocate, a member of the blessed trinity to forever be with us. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we gain inspiration and instruction to live a life pleasing to God. Grounded in our Love for God, we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us, always to Jesus.

The Fourth Glorious Mystery is The Assumption of Mary into Heaven. Our dear blessed Mother has taken the journey to be united with her Son. She was taken up to Heaven in body and soul. Mary gives us so much hope in the journey we are taking by following her Son. A Happy Death indeed for a much deserved servant of the Lord; may we also be ready at all times to be united with our loving Lord.

The Fifth Glorious Mystery is The Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven. The church has taught us that second to God is Mary. It is through her that the dignity of women is defended. It is through her womb that almighty God was created to become man; to live, breathe and die so that we might eternally live with Him. In order for her to give birth to Jesus, she had to be holy and pure. Her crown is a crown of glory. I pray that in your life and in your heart that you to develop a deep desire to love and praise Jesus through the rosary. To me the rosary is the most perfect prayer, so fully focused on Jesus that my love for Him deepens all the more. The more I pray the rosary, the more I Love Mary – The more I love Jesus.

Embrace the Rosary as your favorite prayer, it will change your life forever. Keep a Rosary with you at all times. Grab hold of it as often as you can and think of Jesus and our Lady constantly as you hold them.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim

The Sorrowful Mysteries

BEADS OF JOY 05-28-13
“The Sorrowful Mysteries”
©2013 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Now let us take a look at some of the very sorrowful moments in our Lord's life. Jesus willingly died for us, so that through His death we might live eternally with Him and the Father for all eternity in Heaven. I believe that it is The Sorrowful Mysteries, draw us closest to our Lord. I think our hearts cry out as we watch Him suffer, we see Him bleed and we see His flesh teared from His Holy Sacred body. I know when I watch the Scourging at the Pillar in the Passion of the Christ I can't help but cry and my cry –is that of my insides being teared apart. The Sorrowful Mysteries indeed are the most moving emotionally to so many of us.

The First Sorrowful Mystery is the Agony of Jesus in the Garden. Agony is such a powerful word, it feels like something deep within our soul is trying to deal with something outside our body, but in the attempt to connect it can't. His agony is for our despicable sins and His desire to forgive us and save us. We must dig deep inside ourselves and surrender "self" and give it to Jesus and in turn surrender ourselves to His Will, no matter what the cost. This mystery leads us to understand what fully surrendering means; no matter what the circumstances, when it comes to love.

The Second Sorrowful Mystery is the Scourging at the Pillar. What an intense time for our Lord to endure, His body was being lashed and beaten for my (our) sins. He suffered and bled like no one ever has, not for something He, rather because of the sin you and I committed. My heart and soul cried and screamed out loud just at the thought of my Lord and Savior having to go through this punishment because of me. We must think before we do these things. Don’t allow the sins of this world to entangle themselves around you; this world is destined to its own judgment. Do not allow yourself to be connected to such a wicked and perverse generation. In this mystery let us open our hearts and minds and free ourselves of this sinful world. Live in the world, but don’t be of the world.

The Third Sorrowful Mystery is the Crowning with Thorns. It's bad enough that they beat Him and scourged His body to near death, now they furthered His suffering by pressing a crown of thorns on His head. The strength and power our Lord has is obvious without limits, but how cruel to further bring Him pain. The Roman Soldiers had no concern for Jesus, there only job was to humiliate and shame Him in front of everyone. This mystery teaches us not to be afraid of public humiliation for our Love for Jesus.

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery is Jesus Carrying His Cross. What incredible patience our Lord has while being under such horrific physical stress. It's medically been said that under any normal circumstances an average healthy strong person would have died after all the abuse He has already endured. Jesus my Lord, I am so sorry for my many sins, I cry and scream and beg for them to stop hurting You, I love you so much... Let’s have this mystery teach us to endure our personal Cross, no matter how much it already hurts.

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery is the Crucifixion. I have to say after all this pain inflicted upon our Lord, we know He seen the crucifixion as His gift to us. It is for this very moment that He was born into the world. His death has given us eternal life; and it is through His death that we see our sins that we must die to. Let us suffer with Him, let us carry our own crosses of sin and have them crucified and repent before our Lord. He wants to forgive us, He wants to embrace us. Let us live a life fully devoted to Him, let us not fear any suffering we must endure to attain His love. He is our reward in this life, our refuge from the sinful world we live in.

Trust in Jesus, fear no pain as you draw closer to Him.

If your biggest fear is “Oh, I can’t let anyone know I love Jesus and I most especially can’t let anyone know I love praying the Rosary.” I will pray for you, that is said my friend. You should be overflowing with Jesus every single day with everyone.


Your brother in Christ Jesus
And His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS

MY FIRST BOOK. More to come…

https://www.amazon.com/Marys-Way-Cross-Rosary-Man-ebook/dp/B079TJZFQJ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1519240799&sr=8-1&keywords=rosary+man+jim