Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

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Walk where Jesus walked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Fr. Rosado

Blog posts : "General"

Celebrating the Queenship of Mary

Celebrating the Queenship of Mary

Today, August 22, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Queenship of Mary, a title that honors her role as the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. This feast was established by Pope Pius XII in 1954, in his encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam1, but the devotion to Mary as Queen has roots in Scripture and Tradition.

Mary in Scripture

In the Old Testament, we find many examples of queens who were not the wives of the kings, but their mothers. These queens, known as the “Gebirah” or “Great Lady”, had a special position of honor and authority in the royal court. They also acted as intercessors for the people before the king. One of the most famous queens was Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, who received a throne at his right hand and listened to the requests of those who came to her (1 Kings 2:19-20).

In the New Testament, we see that Mary is the mother of Jesus, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). The angel Gabriel announced to Mary that her Son would receive the throne of David and rule over the house of Jacob forever (Luke 1:32-33). At the Visitation, Elizabeth greeted Mary as “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43), a title that implies royal dignity. In the Book of Revelation, we see a vision of a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head (Revelation 12:1). This woman is identified as the mother of the male child who is destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod (Revelation 12:5). Many scholars agree that this woman represents both Mary and the Church, as they share in the same motherhood and mission.

Mary in Tradition

The early Church Fathers and Doctors recognized Mary as Queen by virtue of her divine maternity, her association with Christ’s redemptive work, her singular holiness, and her powerful intercession. They used various titles to honor her, such as “Lady”, “Sovereign”, “Queen”, and “Empress”. Some of the most famous hymns that praise her queenship are “Hail Holy Queen”, “Hail Queen of Heaven”, and “Salve Regina”.

The devotion to Mary as Queen was also expressed in art, architecture, liturgy, and popular piety. Many churches and cathedrals were dedicated to her , such as Notre Dame de Paris, Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, and Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico. Many paintings and statues depicted her wearing a crown or being crowned by Jesus or angels. Many prayers and litanies invoked her as Queen of various attributes or groups, such as Queen of Peace, Queen of Angels, Queen of Martyrs, etc.

Celebrating the Queenship of Mary

The feast of the Queenship of Mary is a wonderful opportunity to renew our love and devotion to our heavenly Mother and Queen. We can celebrate this feast by:

  • Praying the Rosary, especially meditating on the fifth glorious mystery, which is the Coronation of Mary.
  • Singing or listening to hymns that honor her queenship, such as “Hail Holy Queen”, “Immaculate Mary”, or “Queen of Heaven Rejoice”.
  • Reading or listening to Pope Pius XII’s encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam1, which explains the meaning and importance of this feast.
  • Offering our lives to Mary’s service and imitating her virtues of humility, obedience, faith, hope, and charity.
  • Asking for her intercession for our personal needs and for the needs of the Church and the world.

Mary is our beautiful Queen who reigns with her Son in heaven. She is Queen of Heaven and Earth. She is also our loving Mother who cares for us on earth. Let us honor her today and always with our filial affection and gratitude. Hail Holy Queen!

 

AI was used in part to write this blog post.

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Organ Concert at Saint Christopher's

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Pentecost: A Celebration of the Holy Spirit's Transformative Power

Pentecost, a significant feast in the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and marks the birth of the Christian Church. It is a time of great spiritual significance, as Catholics celebrate the powerful presence and transformative work of the Holy Spirit. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Pentecost from a Catholic perspective and delve into its profound implications for believers today.

The Historical Context: Pentecost derives its name from the Greek word "Pentēkostē," meaning "the fiftieth day." It originally referred to the Jewish festival of Shavuot, which celebrated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. For the early Christians, Pentecost took on a new meaning as the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and empowered them to spread the message of Christ to the world.

The Descent of the Holy Spirit: In the Acts of the Apostles, we read about the dramatic events of the first Pentecost. The apostles, gathered in the Upper Room, were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit, appearing as tongues of fire resting upon each of them. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit enabled them to speak in different languages, allowing people from various nations to hear the message of the Gospel in their own tongues.

The Birth of the Church: Pentecost marks the birth of the Church, as the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to boldly proclaim the teachings of Jesus Christ. Through the Spirit's guidance, the apostles were transformed from timid disciples into courageous evangelizers, fearlessly spreading the Good News to the ends of the earth. The Church, animated by the Holy Spirit, continues this mission even today.

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost also highlights the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts empower believers to live out their faith, deepen their relationship with God, and contribute to the building of a just and compassionate society. The Holy Spirit provides guidance, strength, and inspiration to navigate the challenges of life and grow in holiness.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: In the Catholic Church, the sacrament of Confirmation is closely associated with Pentecost. Through Confirmation, individuals receive an outpouring of the Holy Spirit and are sealed with the gifts necessary to live as mature and active members of the Church. This sacrament strengthens and deepens the grace received at Baptism, empowering individuals to witness to their faith and actively participate in the Church's mission.

The Renewing Power of the Holy Spirit: Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not a distant figure but an active and transformative presence in our lives. The Spirit renews, sanctifies, and empowers us to live as authentic disciples of Christ. By opening our hearts to the Spirit's guidance, we can experience personal transformation, deepening our relationship with God and allowing His love to radiate through us to others.

Pentecost is a celebration of the Holy Spirit's transformative power and its ongoing work within the Catholic Church and the lives of believers. It reminds us that we are not alone in our faith journey; rather, we are constantly supported and guided by the Spirit. May Pentecost be a time for Catholics to renew their commitment to live in the Spirit's presence, embracing the gifts bestowed upon us and actively participating in the Church's mission of spreading God's love to the world.

This blog post was written with AI technology

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How to Celebrate Easter The Catholic Way: Traditions and Reflections

How-To Celebrate Easter the Catholic Way: Traditions and Reflections

As the spring awakens and the days get longer, the Catholic Church enters a season of rejoicing and reflection: Easter. This annual celebration marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the culmination of the Christian faith. While Easter is a tradition shared by all branches of Christianity, the Catholic Church has its unique way of celebrating this holy event. In this blog post, we will discover how to celebrate Easter the Catholic way by exploring its traditions and reflections.

Understanding the Significance of Easter in the Catholic Church.

The origins of Easter can be traced back to the Jewish holiday of Passover, which celebrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. The Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, held on the eve of his crucifixion, was a Passover meal. The next day, Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected on the third day, which became the foundation of the Christian faith. For centuries, Easter has been celebrated as the most important event in the Catholic Church calendar, representing the redemption of humanity from sin and death.

The Importance of Easter in Catholic Theology.

Easter is not only a commemoration of an event but also a statement of faith. The resurrection of Jesus signifies the victory over evil, the triumph of life over death, and the promise of eternal life. It also affirms the divinity of Jesus and his role as the savior of the world. In Catholic theology, Easter is the cornerstone of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, which celebrates the presence of Christ in the body and blood of the believers.

The Traditional Practices of Easter in the Catholic Church.

Easter is preceded by forty days of preparation, known as Lent. During this period, Catholics engage in various spiritual disciplines, such as fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, or other pleasures as a sign of penance and solidarity with the suffering Christ. Prayer is a way of communing with God and seeking guidance and forgiveness. Almsgiving is an act of charity towards the poor and needy, following the example of Jesus. Lent is a time of self-examination and renewal, leading to the celebration of Easter.

The Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday.

The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is a time of intense religious observance. Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where he was welcomed by the populace with palm leaves, an event that foreshadows his crucifixion. Holy Thursday marks the Last Supper, where Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and instituted the Eucharist. Good Friday is the day of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, a solemn occasion of mourning and reflection. Holy Saturday is the day of waiting for the resurrection, a time to reflect on the brevity of life and the hope of eternal salvation.

The Easter Vigil: The Celebration of the Resurrection.

The Easter Vigil is the culmination of the liturgical year. It takes place on the evening of Holy Saturday and marks the beginning of Easter Sunday. The vigil consists of four parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Baptismal Rite, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Service of Light involves the blessing of the Paschal candle and the lighting of candles by the faithful, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. The Liturgy of the Word consists of readings from the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the proclamation of the Resurrection. The Baptismal Rite is a celebration of initiation into the Catholic Church, where catechumens receive the sacrament of Baptism and are welcomed as new members of the community. Finally, the Liturgy of the Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper and affirms the presence of Christ in the Eucharistic elements.

Reflections on the Spiritual Significance of Easter in the Catholic Faith.

Easter is a message of hope, renewal, and forgiveness in the Catholic faith. It signals that the darkness of sin and death can be overcome, and that life and love prevail. The resurrection of Jesus demonstrates that God is merciful and just, and that He accepts the sacrifice of his son for the salvation of humanity. Easter is a call to redemption, to accept the gift of grace, and to transform our lives in accordance with the teachings of Christ. It is an invitation to forgive and be forgiven, to love and be loved, and to rise from the ashes of despair and doubt.

The Symbolism of Easter: From the Cross to the Empty Tomb.

Easter is rich in symbolism, reflecting the central themes of the Christian faith. The cross is a symbol of the suffering and death of Jesus, the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The empty tomb is a symbol of the resurrection of Jesus, the triumph of life over death, and the promise of eternal salvation. The Paschal candle is a symbol of the light of Christ, shining in the darkness of the world, reminding us of the presence of God's grace. The use of water in the Baptismal Rite symbolizes the washing away of sin and the renewal of the soul.

The Role of Faith in Celebrating Easter: From Personal Devotion to Community Worship

Easter is not only a personal celebration but also a communal one. The Catholic faith is centered on the community, and Easter is an occasion to come together and affirm our common beliefs. The celebration of Easter involves the participation in various liturgical rites, prayers, and sacraments, creating a shared experience of faith. The role of faith in celebrating Easter is to reinforce our connection with God and with each other, to increase our spiritual awareness, and to deepen our sense of belonging to the Catholic Church.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Easter is a profound occasion for the Catholic Church, representing the central tenet of the Christian faith. The celebration of Easter involves a variety of rituals, practices, and reflections, culminating in the Easter Vigil. Easter is a message of hope, renewal, and forgiveness, symbolized by the cross, the empty tomb, and the Paschal candle. The role of faith in celebrating Easter is to connect with God and with each other, to renew our spiritual journey, and to affirm our identity as Catholics. May this Easter season bring you joy, peace, and blessings.

 

Created using AI Technology

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DRAGON KIM’S USA WORKS WITH THE FOOD PANTRY OF SAINT CHRISTOPHER AND SAINT MARGARET MARY TO FIGHT HUNGER ON STATEN ISLAND.

[The Rev. Adaly Rosado (center) accepting the food drive with Dragon Master Robert Kim (far left), Sir Robbie Kim (far right), Sir Sal Gjecbritaj (2nd from right) and other instructors and students of Dragon Kim’s Karate USA.]

Dragon Kim’s Karate USA had begun a food collection in the summer of this year.  They needed a place to donate the food.  They asked one of their students, the Rev. Adaly Rosado, where the donation could be made.  Father Rosado quickly responded, “we have a food pantry.”  He is the Parochial Vicar at the Church of Saint Christopher and Saint Margaret Mary, which covers the Grant City and Midland Beach neighborhoods of Staten Island.  The church has a food pantry which helps feed the hungry in all of Staten Island.  Since Father Rosado was both a student at the school and a priest at the church, it was decided that both organizations should unite to fight hunger on Staten Island.  Last month, the school donated approximately 200 pounds of food to the pantry.  In the future, more donations will be made.  Dragon Kim’s Karate USA has multiple locations on Staten Island and all will run food drives to help feed the hungry.

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Why can we eat meat today?

Today we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord. This is when the angel Gabriel told Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus.  Mary accepts and Our Lord came into our world.  Today in the Catholic church, it is a solemnity.  A solemnity is the highest rank of all liturgical days.  Although it is a Friday in Lent today we can eat meat.  Please see Canon 1251.  For more information please read; Yes, you can eat meat on Friday for the Annunciation (aleteia.org)

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porque bendecimos las gargantas hoy?

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New website

Well I switched hosting providers and I went back to using this older version of the site because I like it better than the new version. 

Make sure you subscribe to my podcast at anchor.fm/padrerosado   also subscribe to my youtube channel which can be found at youtube.com/c/padrerosado

and soon on fatherrosadotv.com

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Holy Week

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What is Ash Wednesday?

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The Messianic Secret in the Gospel of Mark

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The Seven Sacraments

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Feliz Navidad

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Misterios Luminosos

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Saint Margaret of Cortona

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Holy Water Video

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Padre Rosado Podcast Estudio Biblico

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Episode 2 of Padre Rosado Podcast

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Padre Rosado Podcast intro

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This Is, This Is, This Is my Body

The picture above is of the Eucharistic miracle of Lanciano, Italy

Today is the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.  Jesus says this is my body and this is my blood.  He does not say it is similar or it represents my body and my blood.  He says this is my body and my blood.  At Mass today Jesus offers himself up again for us in an unbloody manner.  Their have been many Eucharistic miracles such as the Miracle in Lanciano, Italy which occred in 1730.  A priest doubted that the bread and wine really become the body and blood of Jesus.  The host turned into human flesh and bleed.  Upon further investigation it was discovered that the flesh was from a human heart and that the blood type was the same as on the Shourd of Turin.  As you well know the Shroud of Turin was used to cover the body of Our Lord when it was laid in the tomb.  When we are at Mass Jesus is literally present.  He literally comes to be united with us if we are in a state of grace!  We ought to have reverence at Mass.  It is God who is their waiting for us.  Remember Jesus said This Is my body and blood.

 

p.s.  it is Jesus himself through the priest who makes the bread and wine turn into his body and blood.  This is known as Transubstantiation. 

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