Fr. Michael Rodriguez

Following the sermon The Priest Needs Mary, Father prayed these prayers with the faithful. He gave a booklet with these prayers (and others) to each of the faithful, so that one may grow in his love and devotion to the Immaculate Conception.

- From Ember Saturday Why should one be devoted to Mary? [1] Because God wills it. In praying the great O Antiphons, consider how Christ comes to us in each of those characteristics through Mary. [2] Because we wish to imitate Christ. Our devotion to His mother must be a continuation of His devotion to her. We should also bear in mind the two conditions necessary for devotion to Mary (as per St. Alphonsus Liguori) and five elements that constitute true devotion to Mary (as per St. Louis de Montfort).

Note: These are actually three short daily sermons edited into one on-line. They correspond to the first three days of Lent following Ash Wednesday and serve as a means to prepare us for the whole Lenten season. The Baptist and Our Savior both began their mission by preaching “Do Penance, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” Lent is a time for increased prayer and penance. Both are absolutely necessary for our salvation and sanctification.The three most fundamental things in the spiritual life are: [1] prayer, [2] self-denial (penance), [3] and love of Our Redeemer. The motives for prayer and [...]

What are you doing to gain eternal life? Today, what shall you do to gain merit for Heaven? Do you value God’s grace above everything in the world? One has to practice detachment from the world to grown in holiness and to get to Heaven. This is an absolute requirement and not optional. Yet our thoughts, words and actions are usually far more worldly than godly. Detach yourself in spirit from all that you see, feel and experience – and instead hold fast to the truths which God has revealed. Cling to the faith, for example in matters regarding suffering, praying, [...]

Two brief daily sermons on the Immaculate Heart of Mary. - It is only by suffering that we increase our capacity to love. This is exemplified by St Rose of Lima. She lived an extremely austere and ascetic life. The more she suffered for God’s sake, the more graces she received to truly love. She exclaimed: “If we understood this we would seek infirmities, trials and torments instead of good fortune in order to obtain the unfathomable treasure of grace.” - Our Lady appeared at Beauraing, Belgium with a golden heart. This apparition is closely connected to that of Fatima.

Two brief daily sermons. - Like St Augustine, let us pray for the grace of ‘confession’ in all three of its meanings: [1] To acknowledge our sin and repent [2] To profess the Catholic Faith, whole and entire, and [3] To praise God and proclaim His greatness. - The Baptist gave up His life to protect God’s law and the sanctity of marriage. His witness shows the direct link between loving God and upholding His law. How sinister to speak of ‘love’ and ‘mercy’, yet advocate that which is contrary to God’s law. This deception is a false love, a false [...]

Two brief daily sermons. - The Twelve Holy Brothers were from Southern Italy and died around 300 AD. Celebrating the glorious martyrs always provides a window into the Mystery of the Cross. During this month, let us focus our attention more upon the Cross. Consider how the martyrs and saints would arm themselves with the Sign of the Cross, for all the armies of the flesh cannot withstand it. - To be Christ’s disciple - to be truly Catholic – one must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Him. Our Lady shared in this mystery more than any other [...]