Pray now while one is healthy. It is almost impossible to do so when you are sick. A bad headache can make just thinking, let alone praying, a challenging task. Minimize these problems to the best of your ability. If you can't, then pray about them or pray for the grace to pray with them.

Our present world environment is not conducive to prayer. Our minds are overwhelmed with images from the television, sounds from the radio, horror stories from the newspapers, for example.

Media feeds our minds with many distractions during prayer. These things and images become impressed upon our minds, making it difficult for one to raise one's mind to God."

One doctor of the Church and Doctor of prayer, St. Therese of Avila, taught that most of the problem one has during prayer relates to what one does when one begins to pray. She emphasizes that in your prayer's beginning, place oneself in the Presence of God.

Recollection is another term for this practice. It means collecting your thoughts. Give yourself time to settle down to prayer. Breathe deeply. Find the best position. Forget what you were doing a few minutes before,etc.

Don't begin your prayer already distracted. Visualize a picture of Jesus, imagine Him before you or by another method place Him before you.

There is a Saint to pray to for help in this area. The French Carmelite nun Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity said before she died that when she was in Heaven she would help people to be recollected.

Finally, pray aloud when overwhelmed by distractions bad - if you are alone. This technique is especially helpful while doing what is called "conversational prayer"-- talking to God. By praying out loud at least if you get so distracted - and stop praying - you'll notice it!

FREE BLACK CATHOLIC INTERNET RADIO

-FOR GOSPEL, RICA, COD, MUSIC, ROSARY AFRICANS, MISSAL AFRICANS, AND AN AFRO CENTRIC CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY WITH SPEAKING DRUMS, with Black Spirituals background, and other liturgical music BLACK CATHOLIC GOSPEL TALK, RCIA, CCD, AND MUSIC RADIO
(Or go to live365.com and punch in Black Catholic Gospel)

Available free that's right! FREE, field recordings of Afrocentric, Black Catholic RCIA CCD, and religious education programming STILL AVAILABLE ON

Live365

Programming includes the ABOVE, lessons from the Black Catholic Film, Camino De Vida Motion Picture Soundtrack by St. Brigid, Los Angeles, Parishioners), and 30+ programs of Spiritual Entertainment,RCIA, CCD for adults and children, in a continuous, 12 hour loop broadcast:

1. - Prayer - Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Sharolyn Daniels, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Carolyn Burris, Iris Hall, Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Prayer 0:00

2. DELETED

3. - Ave Maria, Jessica Smith - Camino De Vida Black Catholic Film Soundtrack Soundtrack 50:15

4. - Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary -St. Brigid Traditional Choir w/ James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Rosary Africanus Americanus Time:52:38

5. Sorrowful Mysteries & Stations of The Cross -St. Brigid Traditional Choir - - Rosary Africanus Americanus Time:1:16:55

6. - Afrocentric Glorious Mysteries- St. Brigid Tradtional Choir/James Wesly Smith, JD, MA- Rosary Africanus Americanus Time:2:02:55

6b. Afrocentric Chaplet of Divine Mercy with Speaking Drums

7. - Our Father - Ron Smith Camino De Vida Black Catholic Film Soundtrack Time:2:23:01

8. God Has Cleansed My Soul - Robert Hollis - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God n/a

9. - Who Is God II - Marian Fussey MA,MA, Florence Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins, Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is god? 2:29:57

10. Who Is God IV - Florence Hawkins, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Patricia Vigne, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God V Time:2:48:41

11. Who Is God V - Dr. Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, Florence Hawkins, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is God? 3:00:48

12. Who Is Christ-Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, Caroyln Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, Patricia Vigne, Leola Raglin, Marian Fussey MA,MA, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Imogene Lutz, Brenda Johnson, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, For Soul's Sake, Ron Smith, Guardian Angel Choir, St. Brigid Teen Ministry - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is Christ? 3:40:59

13. Who Is Christ II- Fr. Paul Banet, SJ, Brenda Johnson, Dr.Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, Marian Fussey,MA,MA, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Who Is Christ 4:25:21

14. Blessed Virgin Mary & Family -Patricia Vigne, Iris Hall, Leola Raglin, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Mary & Family 4:40:14

15. - The Sacraments- Brother Tom Vincent, SSJ, Larry Ewing, Marian Fussey,MA,MA, Dr. Sikele, Sharolyn Daniels, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--The Sacraments 5:09:11

16. Sacraments, Sacramentals, Prayer -James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Sacraments, Sacramentals, Prayer - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- 5:41:19

17. The Mass - Pamalier Perry, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock Series--The Mass Time:5:51:55

18. Transubstantiation -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Transubstantiation - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- 6:20:33

19. The Liturgy -Marian Fussey MA, MA, Dr. Carolyn Yusef,Ph.D., Patricia Vigne, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - The Liturgy - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Time:6:43:08

20. The Liturgy II - Marian Fussey MA, MA, Patricia Vigne, Dr. Carolyn Yusef, Ph.D., James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 7:27:58

21. Afrocentric Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary - St. Brigid Traditional Choir w/ James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Rosary Africanus Americanus 7:43:13

22. Afrocentric Glorious Mysteries - St. Brigid Tradtional Choir/James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Rosary Africanus Americanus 8:07:29

23. Afrocentric Sorrowful Mysteries & Stations of The Cross - St. Brigid Traditional Choir - Rosar Africanus Americanus 8:27:35

24. What Is Sin? - Doris Fork, Larry Ewing, Dr. Sikele Sing, Ph.D., - Teach All Nations Upon This Ro 9:13:36

25. What Is Sin II - Marian Fussey MA, MA, Dr. Sikele Sing, Ph.D. - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 9:44:28

26. Sex & Christianity -Rosebud Joyner, MA,, Sharolyn Daniels, Carolyn Burris, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Sex & Christianity - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- n/a 9:49:49

27. Rosebud Joyner, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels - Epilogue: Sex & Christianity - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock 10:20:23

28. Justice - -Fr. Paul Banet, SSJ, Rosebud Joyner, MA, Desmond Gates, Mary McPherson, Andrew Knox, MA, Carolyn Burris, Sharolyn Daniels, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Justice Time: 10:22:52

29. Justice II -Desmond Gates, Andrew Knox, MA, Carolyn Burris, Mary McPherson, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Justice II - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time: 10:53:09

30. Death & Resurrection -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time:11:04:36

31. Death & Resurrection II -Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock-- Time:11:34:48

32. Death & Resurrection Epilogue --Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - Death & Resurrection, Epilogue - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Time: 12:04:59

33. Salvation & Redemption - -Fr. Fisher Robinson, SVD, Marian Fussey MA, MA, Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, Wayne Richard Smith - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Salvation & Redemption Time: 12:06:47

34. Salvation & Redemption II -Bro. Tom Vincent, SSJ, Fr. Fernando Aritzi, SJ, Scottie Rydell, James Wesly Smith, JD, MA, - - Teach All Nations Upon This Rock--Salvation & Redemption II Time: 12:37:18

35. James Wesly Smith, St. Brigid Choirs, - Missa Africanus Americanus (Introit - Offertory) - Album 12:45:02 Missa_Africanus_Americanus_Introit_- 14:51

36. James Wesly Smith - Missa Africanus Americanus (Consecration--Dismissal Antiphon) - Album Time: 12:59:54

Missa_Africanus_Americanus_Consecration--Time: 0:20

Home to popular free Catholic CDs, audio tapes, and books, Catholic news and commentary, and the Best Catholic Links on the web. Worth a visit.

AFRICANS AND AFRICAN CHRISTIANITY PREFACE

Africans did not call themselves that! In addition, we are informed and believe upon investigation that the word for the continent was TaMeri/ Ptah Merri .

This site strives not for apologetics> It is rather a celebration of our Black involvement in the Christian Church since before the beginning.

Europeans concocted a "one drop rule"> It proved viciously applied in the American culture of slavery. Ok! We adopt it. Anybody with "one drop" of black blood is black.

American law went further in the Chinese Exclusion Cases of the 1880s, "Anybody who is not white is black".

With such definitions, one can see Blacks have been members of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church from the beginning.

While some (usually the Eurocentric--and we can say that because we have Sussex and Yorkshire English Ancestors who "slipped in"--we who have had to scratch our heads, or defend our Catholic Christian faith to our brethren of Al Islam, or Lord Buddha, or Zoroaster can point to the African genesis of the Way known as Christian.

Some of ourscholars say, Akebulan--from the time of the conquest of the Prophet's armies. Still others indicate Azaria.

The word AFRICA, in one theory, proves Greek in origin.

AF RI KA

From a edited dictionary source (Webster's)

Africa

Pronunciation: 'a-fri-k& also '

"...Eastern hemisphere continent/land mass found south of the Mediterranean. It connects with Asia on the Northeast, and has 11,677,239 square miles.

ANCIENT LEGEND

Ancient Legend says the name Af ra ka was given to an ancient Khemetian elder called Heru. (And we use the word "legend" here in the cultural anthropologic manner. It does NOT mean myth or fiction!)

That Black oral tradition opines that the name actually stems from the Khemetian (Egyptian to the Eurocentric) hieroglyphics of our Hamitic (or Ethiopian--to use a biblical term) ancestors.

Af--A prefix for "flesh"
Ra, a Khemetian name for the Almighty God, as they knew and understood Him.

(Remember, Pharaoh Akhenaton (Thutmose IV) proved among the first in that world area to postulate,

"There is one God!"

Scripture tells us that later, because of famine, the Habiru came to visit the land of Khemet (Egypt). Yet, it was only shortly thereafter Akhenaton's reign. (See the biblical story of Joseph).

Lastly, the suffix Ka-has particular significance to the ancient Khemetians (Egyptians). (Those who really wish to know can research).

From the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia--fair use for those in the African geologic and cultural diaspora):

In the below discussion of spirituality, we have changed the name Egyptian to the original Khemetian.

Please excuse the original author(s)'prejudice, eurocentrism, and ethnocentrism in the remarks below. We do not adopt them by reference. We merely use the paragraph to illustrate a prefatory, instruction on the concept of KA.

On the other hand, in the Khemetian religion, there exists a developed and elevated eschatology. In the first place, life in its fullness, unending life with 0siris, the sun-god, who journeys daily through the underworld, even identification with the god, with the right to be called by his name, is what the pious looked forward to as the ultimate goal after death.

The departed are habitually called the "living"; the coffin is the "chest of the living", and the tomb the "lord of life ". It is not merely the disembodied spirit, the soul ,as it were-- that continues to live, but the soul with certain bodily organs and functions suited to the conditions of the new life.

Anthropology underlying Khemetian eschatology, several constituents of the human person are distinguished, the most important of which is the Ka, a kind of semi-material double; and to the justified who pass the judgment after death the use of these several constituents, separated by death is restored.

Hence, AF RA KA! Of course, we do not expect those who are not of the melanin to believe, or take the knowledge further.

(With help from the research of Emyrna)

We will leave it to the Bible Scholars to research the fascinating scriptural connections of our culture with Ham, and Nimrod.

Pax Christi --James Wesly Smith, editor

So the appellation Africa in these sites shall be used interchangeably, with Ta Merri/Ptah Merri (more particularly here inclusive of Egypt), and Akebulan.

Curiously, in ancient times the name Ethiopia was also sometimes used in the Bible for Africa, and Ethiopian for Africans generically.

As soon as we receive word from learned African scholars what the actual name was (from consensus, since it remains a huge continent), that is the word we shall use exclusively herein these sites.

Further, Egypt was not called Egypt by the Egyptians, but KHEMET/KEMET

Alternately it was called Cush, Nubia, or Abyssinia depending the dynasty and the ruler's lineage. Later, the continental area was known as TaMeri/Ptah Merri, or shortly after the 700s, Akebulan.

the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt I called My Son" (Matt. 2:13-15).

Christian Coptic and Armenian Traditions Of the Travels of the Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua (Jesus, Mary and Joseph) In the flight into Africa-- Khemet (Egypt) From King Herod's Wrath

Re-written from:

http://pharos.bu.edu/cn/articles/HolyFamilyInEgypt.txt

17 U.S.C. Fair use for those of the African Historical and Geologic Diaspora Travels of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph-- the Holy Travel Family in Africa (particularly, Ptah Merri/Khemet) proves based on oral traditions. These stem primarily from the Christian Coptic and Armenian rites of the one Holy Catholic (meaning Universal) and Apostolic Church.

Apostolic means that each division was based upon the missionary effort of one of the 12 then 13 apostles (we include St. Paul), or their disciples (or a close confidant of Yeshua-Jesus, the Christ, such as St. Mary of Magdala (Magdalene) who preached and ministered later in Gaul (France).

But as indicated Yeshua, Jesus himself, along with his mother the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph set the foundation through their travels in Africa/Khemet.

Baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Africa/Ptah Merri. (Egypt)

It is a tradition that the Holy Family and Salome, the midwife, left Bethlehem hurriedly (Mary was between 14 and 16 years of age at the time. This was not uncommon, as most folks did not live to see 30, which was considered Old age). Reportedly, three young men were also with the party.

Tradition says the young mother, Mary, rode a donkey (See riding upon a donkey (Zech. 9:9). Joseph walked beside her, with Salome and the others trailing.

Coptic literature theorizes the Holy Family followed the Mediterranean route (and caravan trails), going first west about 40 Kilometers further on, through the ancient Canaanite fortified city, Gaza (Genesis 10:19).

From Gaza strip, the Holy Family went through Jenysos village, now known as Khan Yunis. Then they hit Raphia (Rafah). This was a guard station and the outpost between Gaza-strip and the then Roman province of Khemet (Egypt). The caravan trail stretched another 27 and miles, two days travel for a young recently pregnant mother. Myryrm, Yusef, and Baby Yeshua passed over a stream known as the the River of Egypt, now, the Wadi al-'Arish. From even ancient days, this natural boundary between Khemet and Palestine proved recognized.

Soon, the Holy Family reached (conjecturing this was the route) a city called Rhinocolura, now known as al-'Arish. Next came Ostrakini, now called Straki, in the area of al-'Arish, what was to be a large metropolis and seaport, Pelusium (Farama), in the Augustamnica province. The territory was replete with mud (pelou) and swamps, from which its name could have been derived.

Tradition has the Holy Family passing through, which by camel was normally a six days journey from Jerusalem.''

The Nile Delta Hides Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

The Holy Family reached Goshen province, the land of Goshen. (Genesis 45:10) An Armenian Rite tradition says the Holy Family passed through the Plain of Tanis. The tradition continues that they briefly rested in Bilbais.

Nearby Bilbais and Tell Al-Kebir was one of the ancient Goshen city built by the forced labor of the Habiru for Pharaoh Raamses, Pithom. (See Exodus 1:11). The area was also generally known as the On. However, one writer speculates, If On lies in Goshen this would extend the district in which the Habiru resided is extended nearly to the outskirts of the modern Cairo.

(The Holy Family tradition reportedly lived in Hieropolis, Old Cairo. And there are legends of their stay through Zaytoun/Zeitun, which the reader is encouraged to search on the web.)

Conjecture has it that should Jesus, Mary, and Joseph came to the Nile Delta through Wadi Tumilat, the first town encountered would be Pithom or Pi-tum, the abode of Tum, the Khemetian Setting Sun. How ironic, as the Light (Yeshua) would have been passing through.

The Wadi Tumilat traditions say Holy Family first traveled the coast of the Mediterranean, accompanied by a virgin (presumably Salome) and three young men. Heat, however caused the party to seek shelter in a cave.

Approaching the cavern wild animals came out of it, frightening Mary. Legend has it Baby Yeshua (Jesus) Jesus calmed her fears (as He later calmed the seas). All the wild animals lay together, as in Isaiah prophesy, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6).

Later, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph traveled a small distance, and then stopped seeking shade under a palm tree. The tree also yielded fruit. They entered Hieropolis (Heroopolis, older spelling) province, which is reached by traveling through the Wadi Tumilat.

Nine and a third miles west of Pithom, lay Succoth. A day after that rest ,loomed the other citadel of forced labor by the Habiru for Pharaoh--Raamses, now Tell Al-Kebir.

In this city, Yusef, protecting his wife and Child, Baby Jesus, reached the Nile Delta, passing west through Pi-Sopt (now a village of Saft Al-Hinna), and then Bubastis, the Pi-Besethm in the Bible (Ezekiel 30:17-18).

Ironically, Vizier Joseph (Jacob's boy) had court at Bubastis. The Coptic Synaxarium, Basatha (Bubastis, Pi-Beseth, Bastah, or Tell Al-Bastah), 1.24 miles to the southwest of a town called Zagazig proved the Delta encampment visited by Holy Family and Salome.

The residents did not take to strangers, however. Visitors were shunned. This is even though tradition has it Yeshua pinpointing the location of water. The blessed spring was a healing source for everyone, except the local residents of of Basatah. The Vision of Theophilus describes the tradition: In Basatah, the Holy Family met two outlaws. Titus, the Khemetian (Egyptian), with the Syrian, Dumachus.

Dumachus told Titus he would like to rob the Mary and Jesus, the garments that are on this woman and her Son. They resemble the garments of kings, and if I had encountered them in a place other than this, I would have taken those garments from them."

Titus passed on the idea. "Let us proceed on our way. I never saw a Child like this since I was born."

Baby Jesus asked for water. Mary looked about. She could not find any. The Blessed Virgin took Yeshua to Bastah. She begged local women for Water for Jesus. None would show compassion.

The tradition says the outlaws saw the Blessed Virgin and her Son entering Basatah, crept up on a sleeping Joseph, and stole the golden and silver sandals of Jesus.

Learning of the robbery, Mary upon her return was stressed and wept. Baby Jesus saw His Mother crying. Wiping her tears, He made the sign of the cross on the earth with His small finger. A water spring gushed forth. Jesus, Mary, Joseph drank this water which was as sweet as honey and as white as snow.

The tradition goes on to say that Jesus blessed this water, "Let this water help make whole and heal the souls and bodies of all those who shall drink of it except the inhabitants of this town, of whom none shall be healed by it."

The Holy Family moved south for a day to Bilbais, (which lies near the modern Ismailiya Canal).

As the Holy Family entered, a mourning funeral procession exited. Jesus, had compassion on the mourners. Legend says Baby Jesus raised the dead man to life.

It was learned it was a widow's son, brought back to life, said, "This is the True God, the Savior of the world, who is born of the Blessed Virgin, Who accomplished a mystery which the human intellect cannot comprehend."

All the town of Bilbais believed in Jesus.

Pilgrims in the Middle Ages stopped at Bilbais to kneel at the foot of an ancient and large tree.

Both Christians and Muslims traditions honor the stay of the Holy Family at Bilbais. Followers of Al Islam named it the Tree of the Virgin.

Ethiopic and Coptic Synaxaria tell us the Holy Family left the Sharqiah Province and went north.

They came to Samannud (Gamnudi), an ancient town of Sebennytos (Zeb-nuter), on the Damietta branch of the Nile.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph crossed the river, traveling west.

Today, one can see the Church of Abba Nub atop a more ancient church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This was constructed where the Holy Family rested.

Samannud Christians point out in the Church's nave where there had been a well. The water, which had been blessed by Jesus.

Crossing the Nile (Damietta Branch), Jesus, Mary, and Joseph moved west to what is now known as al-Gharbiyah. The province lies between the Nile River's Rosetta and Damietta branches.

As He made His way, Jesus placed His small foot upon a stone, and the mark of the sole of His foot remained upon the rock. Tradition has it the locale was thence known as Bikha Isous.

(Isous is the Coptic language name of Jesus). The Ethiopic and Coptic Synaxaria mention this.

Leaving Bikha, Isous (Jesus), Mary, with Joseph leading moved further west, still. They again crossed the river, which conjecture has it as the Rosetta branch of the Nile.

The Desert of Scetis, the Wadi El-Natrun, could be seen in the distance. Tradition says Jesus blessed the area and said to His Mother, Know, O my Mother, that in this desert there shall lie many monks, ascetes and spiritual fighters. They shall serve God like angels." The Nile Valley

The Holy Family reached the Nile Valley. Traveling south, they arrived at the City of On (Biblical Bethshemesh), Jeremiah 43:13). This was a deserted pagan city. Yusef sought shelter where there would have been Jewish families living in the proximity of the Jewish center at Leontopolis.

(A tradition exists that Joseph, and by extension, Mary had relatives in the area--a reason the angel sent them to Khemet--a traditional place of refuge).

Yusef stopped his family at what is now the village of Matariyah, a modern day, and Cairo suburb.

(There exists a tradition that Baby Yeshua was a rambunctious child, and the reader must note that when Herod was seeking the Child, it was not right after He was born, but months had passed ).

Both the Coptic and Ethiopic Synaxaria report the Matariyah rest stop. The Ethiopic Synaxarium tells that when the Holy Family reached

The outskirts of Matariyah, a staff in Joseph's hand with which he used to smite Jesus Joseph gave Jesus the staff.

Jesus told His mother, Mary, We will tarry here'. That place and its desert and the well became known as Matariyah.

Jesus took Joseph's staff, and broke it into little pieces. (Already, the child was working with wood).

Legend says planted the them there, digging His own Divine hands a well. There flowed from it sweet water, which had an exceeding sweet odour.

Jesus took water in His hands, and watered therewith the pieces of wood which He had planted. They immediately took root. Leaves sprouted. An exceedingly sweet perfume was emitted by them, which was sweeter than any other perfume.

And these pieces of wood grew and increased and they called them 'Balsam'. And Jesus said unto His Mother, 'O My Mother, these Balsam, which I have planted, shall abide here for ever, and from them shall be taken the oil for Christian baptism when they baptize in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Ghost.'

Armenian tradition has the balsam replaced with a palm-tree. That version is also to be found in the Holy Qu'ran: The Blessed Virgin saw a palm tree and wished to rest under it. When she was seated, she saw fruit, saying asking Joseph for some.

Baby Jesus, sitting in His Mother's lap bade the palm-tree to give to His Mother fruit. The tree bent as low as her feet. Mary took what she wanted. Jesus told the tree to rise again, and give to them of the water concealed below its roots. A spring gushed forth. The party rejoiced and drank thereof. The well now waters the garden, where the Blessed Virgin Mary washed her Son.

The Armenian tradition adds the Blessed Virgin then washed the swaddling clothes of Jesus. She dried them upon a post.

A boy possessed with the devil took one of them down. He placed it upon his head. The devil came out of his mouth, and flew away in the shape of crows and serpents.

From that time, the boy was healed by the power of Jesus. He began to sing praises and give thanks to the Lord who had healed him. Reportedly in 1480, The Dominican Friar Felix Fabri noticed close to the gate an immense fig-tree. In its hollor trunk, as in a small chapel, two lamps hung, for the tree had once opened to provide refuge for the Blessed Virgin.

Another tradition has the Holy Family stalked by two outlaws. The tree opened to conceal them.

Leaving Matariyah the Holy Family went to where now stands the Church of the Blessed Virgin in Harat Zuwaila, north east district of Cairo,at the end of a lane leading off the street of Sharia Bain as-Surain.

A convent is next to the church. A tradition says that when the Holy Family rested here, Jesus blessed the water of the well, and the Blessed Virgin drank from it.

This well lies in the floor before the southern sanctuary of the lower church, and the water is still used for healing the sick. Moving south, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph passed the Roman Fortress of Babylon (Old Cairo). This guarded the route to Upper Egypt.

They stopped there going back to Palestine. There used to be at Gizah the palm-tree under which the Blessed Virgin suckled Jesus, and this palm-tree was said to have been the only one in the region which bore any fruit.

About 7 miles south of Cairo, at Maadi on the Nile, a Church of the Blessed Virgin can be found. Oral griot tradition reports there was at the time of the Holy Family's visit a synagogue which the Holy Family attended.

Joseph hooked up Nile boat sailors in or around Maadi. They invited Baby Jesus, Mary, and Yusef into Upper Egypt, south of where they were. The bounty of the Three Kings visiting at Yeshua's birth allowed these trips.(Matthew 2:11).

Even now, in the churchyard in the Church of the Pure Lady Mary, al-Martuti, it can be seen the site from whence the Holy Family left the trip south. The Holy Family traveled through the Nile Valley, traversing irrigation canals filled of crocodiles

About seven and one half miles southwest of Maghaghah lies the village of Ishnin an-Nassarah. Oral griot tradition locally tells the Baby Jesus blessed well water which was found a short distance north of the Church of St. George. The Holy Family went through the village.

The Ethiopic Synaxarium says Jesus, Mary , and Joseph visited an area now known as Baysus ("Bet Iyasus", means House of Jesus). Baby Yeshua dug a well. The water subsequently cured all sickness and pain.

The Baby also caused a Nilometer- type guage to remain-- a sign in a certain Khemetian river. The water flooded each year. One authority, Al-Maqrizi states the Copts' tradition points out The Family came through al-Bahnasa. A Holy Qu'ran commentator tells of the visit, "and we have made the Son of Mary and His Mother a portent, and we gave them refuge on a height, a place of flocks and water-springs," (XII, 50) which it is says is the area of al-Bahnasa.

Another tradition in Al Islam tells of the Holy Family with Mary on atop a donkey coming to al-Bahnasa. There existed a chapel well which healed one from sicknesses.

The Blessed Virgin Myryrm, Yusef, and Baby Yeshua bathed (washed) before prayer. (See the Essenian traditions). Water from the ritual baths spilled, disappearing.

Other commentators of Al Islam goes on to say when the Holy Family arrived in al-Bahnasa, they visited the well, (later to be famed). Joseph briefly left. (Christians of al-Bahnasa area say the Holy Family stayed on the west bank of what is now known as the Bahr Yusuf Canal).

Mary and Jesus were left near the well. Jesus asked for water (a scene to be repeated about 31 years later, with the Samaritan woman at the well).

The story goes on to say that Baby Jesus began to cry being thirsty. But no water was then to be found in the dry well, due to the lowness of the water table. Miraculously, the water rose. Jesus drank. From that time, Christians in the area celebrate the occurrence.

JESUS AT KHEMETIAN (EGYPTIAN)SCHOOL

Another tradition proves remarkably similar to a 12 year old Jesus in the temple with scholars. The tradition compares with one similar in the book of Thomas the Israelite (140-160 A.D.)

Mary took the nine month old Jesus to the school in al-Bahnasa. The teacher told Jesus: "Say the alphabet."

Baby Jesus said: "Dost thou know what these words mean?"

The teacher wished to strike the challenging Child. But Jesus said: "Do not strike me, but if thou dost not know, ask me and I shall explain to thee."
The teacher bade Baby Jesus, "Speak!"

Jesus replied, "Come down from thy desk."
The teacher complied. Jesus took his place, teaching as all watched.
"Well!" the teacher told Mary. "Take thy Son and watch over Him, for God hath given to Him wisdom. He doth not need a teacher." YESHUA CATCHES THIEVES

Wahb (d. 728 A.D.) says the Holy Family stayed at a hospice for the poor at al-Bahnasa. This was supported by a diqhan, a local ruler nobleman.

One day found much the diqhan's treasure stolen. This event distressed Mary. Jesus saw His Mother's sadness. He told her, "Mother, dost thou wish me to show where the diqhan's money is?"

Mary told the diqhan Jesus' offer. Gathering all together including two suspects, Jesus approached them. One was blind. The other man was lame, the latter being carried by the blind man.

As he did thirty years later with a man outside the temple in Jerusalem, Jesus told the blind man, "Arise!"

"This I cannot do," said the blind man.

Jesus then asked, "How then was it possible for you to steal?"

When the witnesses heard this, they struck the blind man until he showed Jesus where the treasure was.

This then was their trick. The blind man used his strength and the lame man his eyes. The dighan recovered his stolen treasure.

The Holy Family boarded on a boat headed south, near ancient Cynopolis, (present day al-Kais village). After 27 miles they went pass Gabal at-Tair, This area lies nearly opposite Samalut and Bihu.

The priest Abu al-Makarim says that, when the Holy Family passed the mountain there, a large boudler threatened to fall in the boat. This frightened Mary.

Baby Jesus extended His hand. The rock did not fall. The imprint of Jesus' hand remained on the rock. Sadly, when the European King of Jerusalem during the Crusades, Almeric, (1162-1173 A.D.)invaded Upper Egypt warring against Shirkuh the Kurd's armies, they (Kurds)had cut away the piece of rock upon which was the mark of the palm of the hand, and took it back with them to Syria in 1168.

BR> Continuing south after Gabal at-Tair, Yeshua, Myryrm and Yusef came upon the port of Khoufou( now Minya). Tradition relates there existed there (present village of Beni Hassan ash-Shuruk a Temple of the goddess Pekhet (in Greek Speos Artemides). There was also the Temple of Ramses II (at the ruins of later Antinoupolis). The site also now covers Shaikh 'Abadah village.

Al-Rodah lies opposite to the Antinoupolis ruins. Here, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph came ashore to go to what is now the al-Ashmunain village, but then was known as Khmunu ( Greek, Hermopolis Magna).

When not on the water, the Holy Family used donkeys or camels. In the latter days reign of Caesar Augustus, Khemet (Egypt) stayed relatively peaceful. But travel was taxing and taxed. And the Emperor's travel taxes were paid by the Holy Family.

The book "Vision of Theophilus",recounts statues of horses were to be found on the four corners of the gate into Hermopolis Magna. But the tradition says these all fell and broke into pieces as the Holy Family came into town.

The Book of the Bee, alternatively tells there stood by at two of the gate's buttresses, two brass figures of brass fashioned by Khemetian artisan sages and philosophers.

As the Holy Family traversed the gate, the figures shouted, "A great king has come into Egypt!"

Armenian traditions on the Holy Family's visit to Hermopolis Magna, states that when the City's governor, Aphrodosius, saw the idols destroyed, he adored the Child.

The governor declared to those present, Unless this were the God of our gods, they would not have fallen. If we do not adore Him, as they have done, we are in danger of such destruction as fell upon Pharaoh who was drowned with his army."

When the Roman ruler of Egypt, heard this, he was troubled and moved. He feared lest his charge be stripped from him. The ruler commanded heralds to proclaim throughout the whole city, If a man knoweth, let him point Him out to us without delay."

Searching not finding Him, the ruler ordered the inhabitants of the city to leave the city, and re-enter one by one. As Jesus entered, the two figures of brass cried out, This is the king!"

Finding out of Jesus, the ruler sought to kill Him.

Now a Jewish man, Lazarus, whom Jesus later raised from the dead, was there, as one of the ruler's officials. Lazurus was esteemed by the autorities. He came to Joseph and inquired,"Whence are ye?"

Yusef told him to him, "From Palestine."

When Laxurus heard the Holy Family was from Palestine, he was sorry for them and went to the king and pledged himself for the Child. This precipitated the life long affection between Lazarus and Jesus.

The Ethiopic Synaxarium tells the Holy Family staying with a man called Apelon. The Coptic Synaxarium calls the host, Taloun.

A tree in Hermopolis Magna worshipped the traces of the steps of Jesus. Jesus said to the tree,"Let no worm be found in thee for ever. But be thou a remembrance to all of my entry into this town."

And He touched the Mukantah tree. The Byzantine historian Sozomen (Hist. Eccl. V, 21) calls this tree Persea.(Reference a later tree's curse, about 30 years later)

The following day, many sick people gathered about Jesus. The Christ Child laid His hand on each and healed them.

Two days more travel south saw the Holy Family in the town of now present Dairut al-Sharif, then Kenis, (Nikyas, Funkus). Inhabitants proved charitable. Jesus, Mary and Yusef remained several days.

Through Jesus, miracles abounded there. Many came with faith to a healing. An acquaintance of Yusef from Jerusalem, Dianos, a carpenter, Asked the Holy Family to stay with him.

His son was possessed of a devil. When Jesus came near, the devil took the boy and dashed him to the ground and cried out,"What have I to do with Thee, O Jesus of Nazareth? We left Jerusalem to Thee and came to this town, and Thou followest us to torment us. Verily, Thou art the Son of God."

Then Jesus said: "O accursed devil, shut up thy mouth and come out of him." Jesus healed the child. Many people believed in Him.

After Jesus performed these miracles, the town's idols were broken smashed.

Yusef took Jesus and Mary from Dairut al-Sharif via Pepleu,(Beblaw), to Sanabu. Armenian tradition says the Holy Family received hospitality and provisions for their trip from those folks who received them, albeit, many did not.

One stop over saw them witness a marriage. However, sorcery made the bride to be dumb and deaf. She could not open her mouth. But when the bride saw the Blessed Virgin entering town, carrying the Child Jesus, the bride stretched out her hands to Jesus and took Him into her arms. Closely hugging Him, she kissed Him repeatedly. The string of her tongue loosened. Her ears opened.

The bride began singing praises to God who had restored her speech and hearing.

Jesus Mary, and Joseph went al-Qusia village (now), then called Cusae (Kuskam?). As the ancient capital of the Lower Sycamore Nome (a governmental administrative unit)the city of Gosu.

When the Holy Family visited, there existed a temple of idols. One idol had seven veils.

As Jesus reached the Cusae gate, the seven veils rent. The idol fell, breaking into pieces. Devils in the idol threatened the priests. They cried out, If thou dost not pursue that woman and the Child who is with her, and the old man who is with them, and the other woman, namely Salome, and drive them away,and if thou let them enter this town, they will put an end to thy service. We will leave the town."

When the hundred priests of the idols, heard this, they chased the Holy Family with rods and axes.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph quickly left the area, traveling a short way south and about 4 miles west to rest.

In this present day village of Meir, Jesus took the olive-wood staff of Joseph and planted it in the ground and said, "Thou shalt serve as a testimony of My arrival here."

The staff immnediately rooted and blossomed.

That evening, the Holy Family climbed a mountain near Meir, only to run into the two outlaws again from Basatah (Tell al-Bastah). These had been stalking them place to place.

Spotting the Holy Family the outlaws drew their knives, and swords. With their faces masked, they approached and said, "Ye have exhausted us. We have pursued you for many days and have not found you to plunder you, except now,ye have fallen into our hands.

Today, we will strip you of your garments and rob you." And they snatched Jesus from the arm of His Mother and stripped Him of His garments. Then they took the garments of the Blessed Virgin, taking even her veil. Then they stripped Joseph, standing by speechless as a lamb.

Salome, seeing what was happening, threw her garments to them before they came to her.

After securing the clothes, the outlaws left, traveling a short distance.

Mary worried within herself, "Perchance they will return and kill my Son. Would that I were in Bethlehem, because then they would have recognized Joseph who would have implored them not to kill my Son.

Would that they would kill me before killing my Son, that I may not see His great affliction. If they were to kill my Son, I would kill myself with my own hands."

As Mary thought, lamenting,weeping,tears streamed down her cheeks. The Egyptian outlaw looked back to her and saw her weeping. His nerves shaken, he told his Syrian companion, "I beseech thee today not to take the garments of these strangers. I perceive on their faces a light greater than that on all the faces of mankind. This child resembles a prince, the like of whom I have never seen."

The Egyptian brigand asked for his portion of the garments. He was much distressed at the nakedness of the Holy Family, and he returned his portion of the garments to them. When Jesus had put on His garments, He looked at the brigand. The Child stretched out His finger and made the sign of the Cross over Him.

The two robbers left. Armenian written traditions tells us Jesus said to His Mother: "O Mary, they will crucify Me in Jerusalem. And these two brigands whom thou seest, one of them will be crucified on my right hand, and the other on my left hand. The Egyptian will be crucified on my right hand, and the Syrian left. The brigand who hath returned our garments will confess Me and believe in Me on the Cross, and he will be the first to enter Paradise. even before Adam and all his descendants."

This written tradition concludes the story with the following advice: And all sick persons who shall come in future to the place where the brigands stripped Jesus, and shall be stripped of their garments and be bathed, Jesus will heal them in honour of the fact that there He was stripped of His garments.

Five miles south of Meir, the Holy Family found another well. It had dried up. Mary took Jesus there. The Christ Child stretched forth His finger, and blessed it. The well filled.

Salome saw a wash-basin and (water jug)amphora. It was if the angels had placed the items there them. Salome always bathed Jesus. Mary, His Mother nursed Him. Often, as her nipples fed Jesus, she saw the angels and celestial beings prostrating themselves and worshipping the Christ Child.

Armenian tradition continues that meanwhile, Satan appeared to Herod and said to him, "Thou slewest the innocent children of Bethlehem in order to find Mary and her Son. And thou didst not find them. I shall tell thee now where they are.

The woman and her Son are hidden in a desert place on the southern side of the Land of Egypt. Arise! Dispatch ten of thy soldiers to repair to that place and to kill them. And thus thou wilt be confirmed in thy kingdom.

If thou dost not listen to me and dost not do what I tell thee, then tomorrow this Child will grow up and go to Jerusalem, both He and His Mother, and He will perform numerous and great miracles there.

When thy soldiers depart to inquire after them, let them proceed as far as Cusae (Kuskam), and then let them travel to the west side of it, as far as the mountain, until they find them in the place, where they are living alone, for they have sought in all the Land of Egypt and not found anybody who would offer them shelter."

Herod assembled the chiefs and elders. He told them what had taken place. The advisors said, "O our Lord,let it be as thou desirest."

Herod chose ten valiant men. He informed them where the Holy Family were to be found. He said to them, "When ye have found them, bring them unto me that I may kill them with my own hands. If ye do what I have commanded you, I will give unto each of you ten talents of gold, and ye shall be great in all my kingdom."

The soldiers rode off to find Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

Now there was a man from the Children of Israel, of the tribe of Judah and the family of the kings, who was related to Joseph, and his name was Moses.

When he heard this news, he went unto Joseph with great speed and Divine help. He came unto the Holy Family within three days, for he travelled in the night more than in the day. When Joseph saw Moses, he recognized him, and he rose up to greet him.

And Moses told him what had taken place, and of what Herod had done, and how he had killed the children of Bethlehem and Jerusalem. He reported how Herod still searched for the Divine Child.

Mary heard this. She was exceedingly sorrowful. She trembled with fear. Jesus comforted her, and they turned to Moses. Jesus said unto him, "Thou hast come to us in order that thou mayest inform us of this thing.

Thy coming and thy labour shall of a truth be rewarded. But because of the fear which thou hast caused to My Mother, take hold of this stone on which I was bathed, and put it beneath thy head. Sleep and rest for a little while."

Moses took the stone, placed it beneath his head, and turning his face toward the east, he gave up the ghost. Joseph took his body and buried it in this house under the threshold, towards the interior. And his memory survives till this day.

Thus the spirit of Moses became a guardian of the house against the intrusion of evil spirits.

After this, the Holy Family sojourned for six months in this house. Then Jesus said to His Mother: "This house in which we are shall contain holy monks on whom no rule in this world shall be able to inflict any injury, because it has been a refuge to us. Any barren woman who beseecheth Me with a pure heart and calleth to mind this house, unto her will I give sons.

There shall, moreover, be in this place a blessed congregation who shall remember and bless My Name, and pray unto Me at all times, and so gain strength against all their adversaries.

Those women in travail who shall be mindful of Me and of the labour which thou didst endure with Me, their prayers will I hear, and they shall be relieved."

History records this holy site as the Dair al-Muharraq, blessed due to the presence of the Holy Family.

The priest, Abu al-Makarim, says Jesus , Mary, and Joseph stayed in a chamber on the upper story of the church. A flight of steps allows access to the area.

BR> The chamber has a window, was opened by the breath of Jesus. It was not opened by the hand of man nor by any tool.

Assiut oral tradition says the most southern place visited by the Holy Family in Egypt was 6.2 miles southwest of Assiut. This area known as the ancient Lycopolis or wolf-town.

Oral tradition goes on to say the Holy Family returned to the present Dair al-Muharraq. The reader must remember these were nunted and wanted people.

Thus, they could not stay long in a place, where friends of Caesar (and by extension, Herod), were constantly on the lookout. This does not include the Holy Family being wanted due to the idols destroyed.

The Return of the Holy Family to Palestine

As Joseph slept one night at Dair al-Muharraq, the Angel of the Lord visted him in a dream saying, "Arise! Take the young child and his Mother. Go to Israel. For they are dead which sought the young child's life." (Matthew 2:20).

Obeying the angel of God, the Holy Family returned to Palestine. Leaving Cusae, they passed back through Hermopolis Magna(al-Ashmunain). The Vision of Theophilus reports that the locals received them joyously.

Presently, the village of al-Ashmunain may be found near Khmunu, capital city of the Hare-Nome of Upper Egypt, and the main site of Tut worship, Egyptian god of writing and science.

Local Dair al-Barsha oral tradition (on the Nile's east bank opposite to Mallawi), says the Holy Family stayed some time in a cave near the village.

Now known as the Magharat al-Adhra, the Cave of the Holy Virgin, it lies in the mountains east of Dair al-Barsha. A carpenter's bench and a plane,is to be still found there. Tradition says these St.Joseph used these objects. An icon on the cave wall shows the Blessed Virgin seated, knitting.

Apparently, Holy Family backtracked in their return to Palestine. The Coptic Synaxarium, states that during their return trip, they also sought shelter in a cave today found beneath the now Church of St. Sergius (Abu Sargah)in Old Cairo section, the ancient Babylon of Egypt.

Mary, Yusef, and Jesus likely took their time at Babylon (also a Roman fortress). For the Habiru Exile (597-538 B.C.), Jews had lived there. A Synagogue of Abraham Ben Ezra (ca. 1150 A.D.) was the former Coptic Church of St. Michael. Its builders used the site of an even more ancient synagogue. Jewish tradition has it Jeremiah preached there.

Conjecturally, Yusef, Myryrm, and Jesus would stay with their countrymen, especially since they had lived in the country for six to seven years.

Oral tradition says Joseph met with some family members at Babylon.. These persuaded him to spend time there.

The Synaxaria reports the tradition of the Holy Family's visit to Babylon. And when Antoninus Martyr (560-570 A.D.) the pilgrim of Placentia went through Egypt,he saw at Babylon (Memphis transliterated, Misr al-Kadimah) a temple, now a church.

" Antoninus Martyr viewed a linen cloth. Upon it was an imprint of the Saviour. The Child Jesus reportedly wiped His face on it, and His visage remained. Christians adore this image at certain times, but because of its brightness we were not able to look fixedly upon it, because the more earnestly you fix your gaze upon it, the more it changes before your eyes."

At the time of his Antonius' visit, the church was called the Church of Our Lady of Cana in Babylon. Near the altar in the upper church was a deep hole, like a big tomb, full of water, from which they were told Joseph drew water for washing the Divine Child.

Yusef, Myryrm and Yeshua went from Babylon northwards. They stopped again at Matariyah. They bathed, blessing the well. The Holy Family also bathed at al-Mahammah, called the place of bathing. The Coptic Synaxarium, says a water source marks the spot.

A temple with many idols had stood there. This collapsed when the Holy Family passed.

In the Church of the Blessed Virgin at Musturud, about three kilometres west of Matariyah, on the western bank of the Ismailiyah Canal, there is another a well blessed by the Holy Family's visit. It is to be found in the northeast church, east of the cave, where the Holy Family found shelter.

Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua continued on to Leontopolis, the ruins of Tell al-Yehudiyah. Romans knew it as Vicus Judaeorum. An oral tradition of the Christians of Shibin al-Kanatir (1 miles northwest of Leontopolis) says that the Holy Family visited their countrymen, who had settled around the Temple of Onias.

Jewish High priest Onias IV went to Egypt in 154 B.C. He sought the help of Egypt's ruling Ptolemies (Alexander the Great's remnant generals) against the Seleucid tyrants, the Ptolemies' political enemies.

Ptolemy IV (Philometer) gave Onias permission to build a temple synagogue at Leontopolis. Though small, it copied the Temple of Jerusalem(at the time).

Onias felt the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple by conquerer Antiochus Epiphanes (170 B.C.)was eminent. The copy Egyptian synagogue temple could be seen as the legitimate successor to that of Jerusalem.

But reportedly,Jewish Mishnah, traditional teachings considered only quasi-legitimate status to the temple of Onias.

The Holy Family walked through Tell al-Yehudiyah, into Bilbais, the Wadi Tumilat, the isthmus at al-Oantara, to the Mediterranean coast, caravan-route from Egypt to Palestine.

Again, tradition reports that Yusef, Myryrm, and Yeshua stayed for days in a garden between the Gabal Muntar and the nearby Gaza.

Returning to Palestine, Joseph learned "that Archaelaus ruled Judaea in in place of his father, Herod. Joseph feared to go there.

God's dream warned him as well. Joseph turned toward Nazareth. The prophets would be fulfilled, He shall be called a Nazarene." (Matthew 2:22-23).

BLACK SAINTS

See below As Black Catholics, we did not just fall off the ecclesiastical, Latin rite, liturgical church turnip truck.

And we were not originally converted by our Europeans brothers and sisters. As a people, a culture, we were in the one, holy, Universal (Catholic), Christian Church before they were. Some some say, even before the establishment by our Lord and Saviour,Yeshua--Jesus, in Greek parlance-- of the The Way, as early Christianity was known.

And Yes! to our still protesting brethren-- Catholics are Christians!To express our main difference, but to emphasize our Christ connections with each other, we of the Latin Rite, African root liturgical church concentrate on the altar, rather than the pulpit!

Indeed, we functioned as establishing, charter members from even before the time of Zipporah (Moshe/Musa/Moses' black wife).

Khemetian (Egyptian to European-heritaged)Pharaoh Akhenaton (Amenophis IV)first "universally" wrote of the One Godconcept.(He established a city to Him). Shortly thereafter, the Habiru tribe seeking relief from famine came to the area. And so it began!.

We include examples of our saints--more than 22,000 of them.

Remember-- Our Lord and Savior Yeshua,ne: Jesus, the Christ in English language established one Holy Catholic Church on earth.

Man split it, not God.

The African Church did not participate in that split. Thus this writer submits that all who follow the Nicene, Apostle's, or Athanasian Creeds are part of that Mystical Body of Christ (all Christianity, combined).

A Few Black Saints of the Early Church Remember, Yeshua--Jesus-set one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church upon the earth. man split it. And Blacks,Africans had little to do with that division.

The below list is still being transcribed from ancient sources. Please be patient, and check from time to time.

To Find More information, please visit the Coptic Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox, and Catholic Online saints lives sites to get the vitae on some of the friends of God listed here.

One reason for the requirement of triple checking is that the Latin and Orthodox rites excommunicated each other in or about 1054 A.D. Each site may have saved information, that the other faith tradition rite expunged, but still part of the Mystical Body of Christ, one holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. Jesus set up one church. Man split it!

It should be remembered that during the time of kidnapping and enslavement (slavery), some in the Church in the west did much to hide the true character, race, ethnicity of our African heritaged saints. Further, an invidious word, "North" started appear on maps of Africa (Kemet) in the 19th century particularly, to implicate that the residents were not of US. Notwithstanding our book, below, please find a few of the Latin Rite, Coptic Rite, and Orthdox rite sites, in which the reader can elicit additional information about the African friends of God listed here. LATIN RITE http://www.cin.org/saints/agnes.html http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/indexsnt.htm http://www.catholic.org/saints/ http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/ http://www.cin.org/saints.html Or a google search with just the saint's name. COPTIC RITE http://www.copticchurch.net/topics/synexarion/index.html and Orthodox http://home.it.net.au/~jgrapsas/pages/lives.htm http://www.goarch.org/access/calendar/index.asp?D=10/21/2003&T=10 http://www.in2greece.com/english/saints/saints.htm http://directory.google.com/Top/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Orthodox/Saints_and_Martyrs/ http://www.orthodox.net/saints/ http://gavras.customer.netspace.net.au/Lives%20of%20Orthodox%20Saints.htm http://rejoyse.com/ http://dmoz.org/Society/Religion_and_Spirituality/Christianity/Denominations/Orthodox/Saints_and_Martyrs/C/ http://www.abbamoses.com/

13 martyrs at Alexandria
200 more killed. Feast Oct 30. 482AD
203 MM martyrs at Carthage
261 Christians
630-648 Became a monk under St. Theonas at DeirkKirjos, near Alexandria. D. 662 a disciple of Saints Anthony and Macarius, traveling in Scete. He established a monastery where he slept standing or sitting, keeping 40 night vigils for 40 years.A.D. 391
Aaron (another)
Aaron (Ethiopian Monophysite) 16 May
Aba Mina near Alexandria
Abadios 20 Jan.
Abadir and Sister Iraya[Herais]
Abadiu, Bishop of Antinoe 26 Dec.
Abahor (several) (Apa Hor)
Abaidas, 31 Oct. Ethiopian Disciple of St. Acirianus
ABAKERAZUM( St. Kirdjun) at Alexandria Borieam in Banuar
Abakuh (Apa Kauh) of Bamujeh, in Fayum, Khemet 23 Jan.
Abamon (Apa Pamun) Martyred in Alexadria, Khemet
Abel 13 July? Khemetian of Tacla Monastery Abyssinia
Abeluzius (Anba Lucius?) 15 Jan. Ethiopian
Abilus. Bp
Abraham The Poor
Abraham, MM
Abshai (confessed Christ at Alexandria)
Achillas, Bp
Achillas, Hmt
Adrian of Cantebury, Ab
Adrio, Victor and Bassilla
Aedesius, M
African Bishops
African Martyrs-210 AD, 303 AD, 459 AD,
Aglleus, M
Airka-M
Aizan and Sazan MM
Alexander of Alexandria, Bp
Alexander. M (Tribune of Theban Legion:
Alexandria Martyrs-261AD, 356AD, 390AD, 342AD, 372AD,
Alipius M
Alrka Saturninus , Felix, Ellas, Jeremy, Isaias, Samuel, Daniel, MM
Ambrose Kibllka
Ammon the Great, Hmt
Ammon, M
Ammon, Zeno,
Ammon,Hermogenes
Amoes, Hmt
Anatole Kiriggwajjo,African martyrs at Carthage

Anatolius, Bp and other martyrs 25 Sept.
Andrew and Companions MM
Anianus, Bp
Anihan-Moses the Black. Killed by Beduoins.
Anthanasius Badzekaketta, 1886, Uganda, M
Antonius. M
Antony, Ab, Hmt
Apa Isaac of Tiphre Priest
Apa Shamul of Teraphia Priest
Apa Simeon of Tapcho Priest
Aphrodisius and 30 Christians
Apollinaris
Apollinius, M
Apollo, Ab, Hmt
Apollonia, M
Appian Honorius, and Companion Apringus
Aquila, M
Aquilinus, Geminus, Eugene,bishops ot Numidia died as slaves at Mines in Sigum (Sigilim)
Arator, Dioscorus Companions MM
Arcadius and Companions, Apollinius and Companions MM
Arcadius, (under Valerian, 3rd Century) M
Aretas and Companions MM,
Aristaceus, Antonius; Arianus, Theoticus and Adventor, Solutor ,connected with the Theban Legion
Arori (aka Hor) D. at Alexandria
Asclas, M
Augustine. Bp, Dr
Aurelius, Bp. Hmt
Barsanuphius, Hmt
Basicicus of Khemet(Egypt) 7 Aug. His feet pierced with nails, he was beheaded at Varsinus. Jesus appeared to him while in prison.
Basilides (Father of Kings) 18 Sept. Reported brother in law of Emperor Numerianus and Basilides of Alexandria
Bassarion The Great,18 Aug, Coptic Memorial, 29 Nov. (Russian Rite, 6June), 17 June in Roman Martyrology
Bassus, Antony, and Protolicus, MM
Basura (Psura) and Shabas 19 Jan. (See St. Bahura)
Basura, Bishop of Masil,Khemet) 9 Sept. Martyred under Diocletian.
Batli(Amba Batli) 10 March Might be same as St. Batle of Nisibis
Batrabo, Ethiopian Saint 13 July (Coptic Memorial)
Batzalota (Basalota) Michal 6 June,15 July, 3 Oct. (Coptic calendar, depending on rite) Baula (Amba Baula of Tama (Temei)1 Oct.
Baula (Paul, Amba Baula) 1 Oct. Coptic Memorial of Tama(Temei)
Beauch(Bagug), Martyred 15 Jan. at Tina(Kau) in Khemet. Sentenced at Antinoe by order of Arrhianus
Bebnuda (Paphnutius) Martyr 15 Apr. of Tentyra, Khement. The tree from which he was hanged bore fruit in the same hour.
Bedel (Amba Bedel) Ethiopian 11 July (Coptic)
Bege (Amba Bege) 23 Dec.beheaded with Bishops Sergus, Kapalichus, Theodorus beheaded. Mentioned at daily Mass by the Ethiopian Rite.
Behnan (Behnui,Behnu,Bahanu) 15 May Martyr Ethiopian, Coptic
Beirina 26 Nov. African martyr Mennas, affiliate)
Belamon (Palemon?) 9 May
Belana 2 Jul
Bellicus 22 Jan. martyred in Africa (See St. Januarius, an affiliate)
Bellicus, 21 June (See St. Cyriacus)
Benedict the Moor (The Black), d. 1586
Benjamin (Amba) and his sister Edoxia, martyrs in Khemet.
Benjamin 6 Aug. (Ethiopian, Abyssinian priest) Had gift of Ecstasy
Benjamin I, 3 Jan(Coptic) 38th Coptic Patriarch of Alexandria
Benjamin the Great, Physician 18 May, 29 Dec. Nitrian Desert, Khemet, Fasted for 80 years
Bernard, Mary and Gracia, under Diocletian
Besas, Cronian, and Julian, MM
Besas, martyred at Alexandria 27 Feb. (See St. Julianus)
Beshada (Abshadius,Psote) 19 Jan. Khemetian Bishop
Besoy(Psoii)
Besoy, beheaded, and mother died of torture
Bessarion
Bl Joseph Mkasa,
Boniface, group of 140 soldiers martyred in Africa
Boniface, Subdeacons Servis, Rusticus, the monks Rogatus, Septimus, and Maximus, a boy at the monastery of Capsa
Bruno Sevonkuma, martyred soldier of Alexander
Caesarinus , with Theostista, Justinian, Virgins, at Carthage, Africa 15 June
Caesarius (Anda) martyr in Africa 4 Nov. with St. Primus
Caesarius, martyr at Teracina under Trajan. This African denounced a suicide, proclaimed himself a Christian, and was imprisoned, then thrown into the sea.
Caius, Faustus, Eusebius,Germana, MM
Callistratus and 50 Companions. African martvr executed by public officials at Alexandria
Callistus, Pope
Calus Pia Ceasarius The African)
Candidus
Candidus (Legionnaire),
Candidus (not Legionnaire)
Cassion, M
Castus, and Aemilius. MM
Catherine of Alexander-MM
Catulinus (Catholinus), Januarius, Florentius, Cedlius (Cecilianus), Celerinus, M. Her Companions, MM, The companions were little children. Philip of refused to die when they tried to kill him at first
Cerbonjus, Bp
Cerontius. Januarius. Saturninus Successus Julius
Chaermon Lucius and Companions, with Titus and Flavius, MM
Chaermon, Bp and Others
Chrispina (Crispinal, M
Chrysanthus Eunuch of Queen Candace of Ethiopia
Clement of Alexandria
Clithis(?) A physician
Cointha (Quinta), M confessed Christ . Thrown from a rock
Cordian, M. beheaded in Rome
Cornelius
Cynthinus
Cyprian, Bp, M
Cyril of Alexandria, Bp. Dr; (Cyril the Great) M
Cyrus and John, MM.Alexandria (Head Bishop Prior d, 180, seven men, live Felix Africanus, Audcatus, Januarius, Fortunatus, Septimus,
Damian, M
Datius, Reaturs (Restivusl. another Datius . Heradius, Secundius, Mark. Julian, Vincent, and 27 Companions, MM
Demetrius (Archdeacon) and Calaegerus
Demetrius of Elpidius, Canion (Cavion) Vindonius, MM
Dionysia and Companions, MM
Dionysius and Ammonius
Dionysius of Alexandria
Dionysius Regulus
Dionysius, Peter,Quodvulldeus. Bp
Dioscorus,Successus, and Companions martyred Proconsularis
Donatian, and Companions, Praesidius, Germanus,Rutinus Mark, Valerius MM
Dunatus, Justus, Hevena and 50 Companions,Saturninus, Emeritus
Kogantianus Victoria Egyptian Martyrs, group of 303AD under Diocletian
Elesbaan, Aksumite-Ethiopian King
Emiliano and 44 Christians Martyred at Membressa in Africa, MM
Epimachus and group of 46 Martvrs arrested and sent to Carthage Alexander, MM
Epiphanius (African Bishop), Donatus, Rufinus,Saturninus. Neopolis, Germanicus and MM
Eugenius of Carthage, Bp
Eulogius of Alexandria, Bp
Eunus, M
Euphra-Proconsularis Saturninus, Thyrsus and Victor, M, Saturus (Eupraxia)
Euphyrosyne, Euphrasius, Bp
Eutropia,(Saturust Salurniniis Revocatus, and Secunduliis MM
Exuperius
father of Saints Eusebius and Macarius; prefect of Antioch. Diocletian exiled to African Pentaplolis. Governor Masura ordered him killed
Felix Alexandria, MM
Felix and Regula
Felix Bp
Felix of Thibluca, Bp, martyred at Carthage
Felix, black soldier
Felix, Luciolus. Fortunatus, Marcia, martyred
Fortunatus and Lucian, MM
Forty Martyrs of Sebaste,Egypt and Palestine
Frumenlius and Companions
Fugraphus MM
Fulgentius, Bp
Gelasius, African Pope
Gereon, officer in the Theban Legion
Ghebre, d 1885. Ethiopian Monk
Gregory. Bp
Gregoryions MM Thais- Theban
Group of 220, Feast ot Oct. 16, in Uganda
group of 330 martyred at Xanter on the Rhine:
group of 41 martyrs Fortunatus and Marcian
Heraclas, Bp;and Helladius, MM
Heradius and Zozimus, MM, at Carthage
Herais, wife martyred after being married three weeks
Hermos and Majoricus with Datayia.Aemilian
Heron, a second Serenus Rhais MM
Heron, Arsenius, Isodore, Dioscorus, MM
Hilorian (Child and Companions martyred in Northwest 357AD, priests and bishops
Hiro, M
Hor (Anba Gri?; Anba Apari) 2 Aug. Priest with mystical gifts. Jesus appeared to him.
Hor (Or) in Khemet Affiliated with St. Ireneous 7 Aug.
Hor and Mother Daydara (Didra) 23 June and other martyrs:
Hor the Strong, Hermit 28 Nov. at Atrib, Khemet. In Alexandria
Hor the Wise, hermit in Khemet. Abbot of Nitrian Desert
Hor(Anba Hor) 6 July Khemetian native of Sariokos. Beheaded at Antinoe under Diocletian with 127 men, and 20 women.
Hor, another soldier, tortured and lanced
Hor, Bishop of Kemet, and 14 Sept. priest Serapion, martyrs at Alexandria
Innocentius, M, Theban Legionnaire
I'rolerius Patriarch ol Cyriacus, M
Iscyrion, M.
Isidora
Isidore of Alexandria,
Isidore of Nilria,Bp
Isidore of Pelusium,Ab
James Buzabalio. Uganda soldier of King Mwanga, 1886
Januaria, Cenerosa. Veslina, Secunda Gereon and Companions, M
John of Companions. MM
John of Egypt, Hmt
John the Dwarf (Kolubas)
Julia
Julian of Egypt
Julian Ptolemy, Ingen, Soldiers with Theophilus
Julius, Potamia, Crispian, Felix Khemet, (Egypt) Kibuka in Uganda. M
Kizito, Died 1886. Youngest Uganda martyr. He died laughing
Leomdas and Companion, MM
Leonitus, Hiero-Moor from Maurentania
Liberatus Ab and M
Liberatus, Abbot, 19 Aug. Patron of Carthage. Killed with Oars
Lot, reportedly a teacher of St. Peter in 22 Oct, 26 Apr.
Luke Banabakitu, Uganda martyr, 1886
Lycarion
Lycopolis, Prophet
Macarius of Alexandria (The Younger)
Macarius the Elder,
Macarius, Rufinus, Justus, and Theophilus, MM
Macrious of Fayum Priest
Macroni of Thoni Priest
Malthias Murumba d 1886 ,
Mansuetus,bl
Mappalicus, M
Marcella, MM, mother of Potam-timl Hermit
Marcellinus of Carthage with Apringius and Martyrs killed tor the faith
Marcellinus of Embrun, Bp. M
Marcellinus,MM
Marcellus, M
Marcian, Quintus, Theodotus, and Tryphon, MM
Martyrs of Najra by lews 523.
Maurice
Maurice M leader of the Theban legion
Maurus, Monk.
Maxiamian M refused service in the Roman Army From
260AD.267AD
Maximum of Vuchin Priest
Maximus ot Alexandria. Bp
Mennas
Mennas Bp,
Mennas of Constantinople
Metras M
Michael Ammon, Theophilus, Neoterius with 22 Christians at Alexandria,
Milliades MM
Modestus, Ammonius Child
Monica, Mother ol St Augustine
Moses Kagwa, 1886, military officer, Uganda M
Moses of Psammaniu Priest
Murilla Bp, Dr.
Napoleon
Neopolus M
Nicandor, Felix, Silvias, Vitalis, MM
Nilammon , MM
One of seven deacons and David, Onuphrius and Companions, MM
Opportuna
Optatus M
Orsieius Ab
Pachomius Ab Soldier
Pahnutius and Companions marlyrs Hmt
Palaermon Hmt
Palapius. Hmt
Pambo
Pantaenus of Alexandria
Paphnutius Bp
Paphunutius of Tentyra Priest
Papinianus and Mansuelus, Moors named originally Achmed, Zoraida and Laida, MM;
Paternuthius, Copras, and Boniface and Thecia, MM
Paul the Hermit
Paul the Simple
Pelagius. M
Peleus. Nidus, and Companion. MM
Peter Claver. d. 1654, Jesuit Priest
Peter ol Alexandria, Bp M
Peter Severus soldiers executed 300 A.D. (circa) Constantinople
Peter, Successus, Bassianus, Primitivus and Companions Castrensis, Bp
Phileas,M
Philemon M
Philemon was an entertainer M
Philip, Zeno Narseus and MM at Carthage,
Philotheus of Pendje Priest
Pierius Prior Hmt
Pipenon and Companions of 22
Plularchus (Plutarch) (Cucufate, Cugat, Guinefort, M. Lived in Scillis,Serenus,
Poemen from Africa, but killed in Spain
Polius and Eutychus, MM
Porphyry Monk
Possidius Bp
Potamiaeno Church in Africa
Potamon Up. M
Primus and llonatus
Priscus Bp Castrensis
Ptolemaeus, son of the Eparch Priest
Publius Julian Alexandria
Quadratus. M, Companions, MM
Quintian Bp
Quintian. Lucius an Julian Paul, Dionysius The Great of Alexandria. Bp, and 10 C ompanions, MM doctrine of Trinity (Three persons in one God)
Regains. Sebuggwawo, M, under King Mwanga, Uganda, 1886
Restituta, died 255 at Carthage. M
Rutilius. Fusculus. MM
Sabsir. Both imprisoned at Satnuf and beheaded at Bahra.
Salutaris, and Companions, a band of 315 plus 65 others ,11 and Companions
Saturninus and 13 Companions
Secundus and Companions
Secundus. Various MM Serapeum and 4966 other Christians were driven into desert by vandals
Senuthius of Buasti Priest
Serapion (Sarapion) the Scholastic M
Serenus M of Thynissa, and another Felix
Servus, Blessed
Servus, Rusticus, Septimus and Maximus, MM
Shenute Ab-
Silvanus Monk
Simeon of Thou Priest
Simeon, Salus Legionnaires, frozen while naked at Sebaste (Sivas, Turkey), MM
Sissinius of Tanatho Priest
Soldier under Emperor Diocletian,
Solochon and Companions three Egyplian soldiers
Spera
Talida. Abbess
Ten martyrs
Terrence, Africanus, Pompeius and Companions
Thaumaturges, among the Fathers of the Khemetian Desert.
THEBAN LEGION
Theban Legion-Cyprian. MM
Theban legionnaire called Sarelius, M
Theodora and Didymus
Theodore Monk
Theodore of Chotep Priest
Theophilus Heliodorus, Venutus and Companions, MM
Thomas of Tanphoh Priest
Timothy and Maura husband Heraclldes, M
Timothy M
Tryphon and Companions group, under order of Arian Kiang of the Vandals Huneric, along with deacon Valerian, Up, M
Varus, Roman soldier martyred in Upper Egypt
Verena related to a Theban legionnaire Victorian and Januarius and Marcaria, MM
Veturius, Felix.Gaudlosus The African, Bp of Abitina
Victor Mauros
Victonnus and Companions MM
Victor
Victor 1 African Pope d 190 was the first Pope to introduce Latin in the Liturgy
Victor and Stephen, MM
Victor and Ursus, Theban Legionnaires
Victor Cratusian and Companion, MM
Victor of Solothurn
Victor ot Vilae, Bp ol Carthage
Victor, Leomdas, M
Victorian
VincenI of Digne
Vitalis Theban, Seraplon, Seleucus , Valerian, Straton, MM, legionnaire
Women under Huneric
Zoticus, Rogatus, Modestus Castutus and Companions Bp of Brindisi from Alexandria

Virginmartyr Martha in Egypt February 6 -

- Virginmartyr Mary in Egypt. February 6

- Martyr Lycarion in Egypt. February 6
Martyr Lycarion in Egypt Egypt
Hieromartyr Theodotus the Bishop of Cyrenia(326)

- Venerable Agathon of Egypt. March 2 Egypt (5th)

Virginmartyr Irais (Rhais) of Antinoe in Egypt. March 5 -
Virginmartyr Irais (Rhais) of Antinoe in Egypt Egypt, Antinoe

March 5-St Mark the Faster, of Egypt
March 13 - Martyr Sabinus (Abibus) of Egypt

Martyr Sabinus (Abibus) of Egypt Egypt (287)
Martyr Terence of Carthage Carthage (3rd)
March 15 - Martyr Nicander of Egypt
Martyr Nicander of Egypt Egypt (ca 302)

March 16 - Martyr Sabinas of Egypt March 27 -
Venerable John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt
March 29 - Venerable John the Anchorite, of Egypt
March 31 - Venerable Apollonius, Ascetic, of Egypt

April 1 - Venerable Mary of Egypt April 5
- Venerable Publius of Egypt April 5
- St Theonas of Egypt April 5
- St Simeon of Egypt April 5
- St Phorbinus of Egypt April 7
- Venerable Serapion of Egypt April 11
- Venerable Pharmuthius the Anchorite of Egypt May 3
- Martyr Timothy the Reader and His Wife in Egypt May 3
- Martyr Maura of Antinoe in Egypt May 10
- Blessed Isidore the Fool of Tabenna in Egypt May 10
- Blessed Thais of Egypt May 14
- Venerable Serapion of Egypt May 19
- Martyr Kalufa of Egypt May 20
- Martyr Asclas of Egypt May 24
- Martyr Serapion the Egyptian Who Suffered in Galatia June 4
- St Zosimas of Cilicia the Bishop of Babylon in Egypt June 5
- Martyr Marcian of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Nicander of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Hyperechius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Appolonius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Leonidas of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Arius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Gorgias of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Selenias of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Irenius of Egypt June 5
- Martyr Pambo of Egypt June 5
- Venerable Anubius the Confessor and Anchorite of Egypt June 6
- Venerable Bessarion the Wonderworker, of Egypt June 12
- Venerable John the Hermit of Egypt June 12
-Venerable Andrew the Hermit of Egypt June 12 -
Venerable Heraclemon the Hermit of Egypt June 12 -
Venerable Theophilus the Hermit of Egypt June 15 -
St Dulas the Passion-Bearer of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Patermuthius of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Coprius of Egypt July 9
- Martyr Alexander the Soldier of Egypt July 9-
Venerable Patermuthius the Ascetic of Egypt July 9-
Venerable Coprius the Ascetic of Egypt July 14-
Venerable Ellius (Hellius) of Egypt July 18-
Venerable Pambo the Hermit of Egypt August 5-
Martyr Cantidius of Egypt August 5 -
Martyr Cantidian of Egypt August 5 -
Martyr Sibelius (Sobel) of Egypt August 7 -
Venerable Horus of the Thebaid, Egypt August 9-
Venerable Psoi of Egypt August 16 -
Venerable Cherimon (Chaeremon) of Egypt September 6-
St David of Hermopolis in Egypt September 16 -
Venerable Dorotheus the Hermit of Egypt September 18 -
Martyr Sophia of Egypt September 18 -
Martyr Irene of Egypt September 25 -
Martyr Paphnutius in Egypt September 25 -
546 Martyred Companions of Paphnutius in Egypt October 4 -
Venerable Paul the Simple of Egypt October 8 -
Venerable Thais of Egypt October 9 -
Venerable Andronicus and His Wife, of Egypt October 9 -
Venerable Athanasia and Her Husband, of Egypt October 19 -
Blessed Cleopatra With Her Son in Egypt October 19 -
Blessed John With His Mother Cleopatra in Egypt November 9 -
Venerable John the Short, of Egypt November 11 -
Martyr Mennas of Egypt December 2 -
St John of Egypt December 2 -
St Heraclemon of Egypt December 2 -
St Andrew of Egypt December 2 -
St Theophilus of Egypt December 5 -
Venerable Kaion (Cyrion) and His Son, of Egypt December 5 -
Venerable Zachariah of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Mirax of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Acepsius of Egypt December 11 -
Martyr Aithalas of Egypt December 17 -
Venerable Daniel the Confessor (In Schema, Stephen) of Spain, and Egypt

Some documents entered under 17 U.S.C.Sec. 107 (Fair use for scholarship, education of members of the geological and historical African Diaspora). Pax Christi, James Wesly Smith, editor.

Real Presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist(Communion)

Search Latin Rite Dogma and doctrine

[cut and paste if doesn't link:http://www.ziplink.net/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/kerygma/a.pl]

Search Orthodox Reference and resources, includes Scripture search

[cut and paste if doesn't link:http://www.pomog.org/resources.shtml]Orthodox Home

[cut and paste if doesn't link:http://www.pomog.org/index.shtml]

Best Catholic Links Search hundreds of meticulously screened links with descriptions.

To search this site:

Black Catholics II

On The Holy Eucharist

Early Black Saints

Early Black Saints II

Early Black Saints III

Writings of the Early Black Saints IV

Early Black Saints V Khemetian, Ethiopian Coptic, and Other Saints

stbernice@aol.com E-mail Contact Us!

Research reveals (four black African popes--Roman tradition-- some say three),more in the Coptic (as now). and more Bishops in Africa in the Early Church than in the rest of the world combined, until the Vandal invasions of 400s. Then everything (for us)started to go down hill.

There is a wonderful story Our Lord was invited back to Africa the King of Axum. Jesus had an appointment on Golgotha, but promised to send someone. He sent his cousin, St. Jude Thaddeus.

God Bless!

On The Holy Eucharist

Meditations on Jesus, Mary, and the saints

MeditationsII

MeditationsIII

More MeditationsIV

Meditations on Prayer to Discern God's Will

Meditations on Discerning God's Will

Healing Meditations

Black Catholics

Black Catholic RCIA

Suggested Outline for Black RCIA, CCD, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black RCIA, CCDII, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black RCIA, CCDIII, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black CCD, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black CCD II, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black CCD III, Religious Education materials

Suggested Outline for Black CCD IV, Religious Education materials

See also for backgrounder: www.ancientsites.com/~Torrey_Phile/sheba

Search Resources

Search Latin RiteDogma and doctrine

[cut and paste if doesn't link:http://www.ziplink.net/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/kerygma/a.pl]

Search Orthodox Reference including Scripture search

Diocesan website of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, under His Grace Bishop Serapion.

New! Black Catholic Messages, Meditations, Prophecieis, Locutions, For Your Contemplative Prayer, Meditation, and Bible Study Discernment!(Epistle of St. James). Seek and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be open to you!

< A href="http://www.angelfire.com/realm/blackcatholics.recentmeditations.html">

We begin with WHAT BLACK CATHOLICS believe, then on Mary, Jesus' Mother, and continue until we reach the present.

Beliefs of Black Catholics (and all members of the One Holy Catholic Apostolic church-Universal Faith, aka, Catholic whether denominated Melkite, Maronite, Coptic, Syrio Aegyptus, Roman, Greek or Russian Orthodox, Armenian Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox CATHOLICS ALL.

We can go to Church in any country in the world and generally know the exact order or the worship service (called Mass)...and with only a few exceptions, know what the Homily (aka sermon in other churches), will be about. It is normally based on one of the Bible readings for that mass.

What We Believe

See the Athanasius Creed and the Old Roman Creed (African theologian, Tertullian commentary, below). (Note: The First Council of Nicea was influenced by a heavy African delegation, hence African thought is represented. Yet the word AFRICA proves of Greek European origin. Alexandria Khemet (aka Kemet)remains one of the areas generating many black saints.

European derivate folks know its country today as Egypt--another Greek, Eurocentric term. Africa has been alternately know by Africans as Akebu-lan, Azaria,Ta Merri, and later, Ethiopia> ("dark skin or land of burnt faces". When Pharoah Tarhaqua (see Book of Isaiah, and around 2 Kings) ruled, his kingdom was Ethiopia. Later trade routes went from the East coast(Khemet -Egypt) to the West, modern Mauretania, Ghana, and Nigeria.

It is said the Dongola people had a direct connection with the ancient Khemetian empire (Egyptian). Before the prophet's armies, Khemetian influence went from the upper coast of what is now know as Africa to timbuctu, reportedly an important university area housing the last of the extensive library of the Sphinx temple complex.

One must remember, that Baby Yeshua (Jesus) grew up in the Khemetian area until the age of reason--sense history can pinpoint exactly when Herod died. As tradition reports-- until about the age of six or seven, Jesus grew up in Africa around what is now old Cairo--Heliopolis.

Our Lord, the Christ went to school in the area, learned African ways,to read and write, inculcated African wisdom, and thought...perhaps a reason why several of the Apostles went to Akebulan (Africa), St. Matthew, Nathaniel, Philip, His cousin, St. Jude Lebbeus Thaddeus.

Evangelist,St.John Mark died there. And in Scripture itself,during Pentecost when "devout men from every nation on Earth" were in Jerusalem who is named as upon the first baptized disciples by St. Philip in Acts? The Ethiopian Finance minister of the Kandake Queen Candace in the Bible! Candace of Axum's reign was a small part of what had been contiguous to Pharoah Tarhaqua.

We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father by whom all things were made; who for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate.

He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the quick and the dead, whose kingdom shall have no end.

And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of Life, who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets.

And we believe one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

For researching the Russian and Eastern side of the Church, you can go here:

Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Search engine

Information on the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Priest Gregory Naumenko, Protection of the Mother of God Church

(This deals with North Eastern part of the Church)

Who are we? What exactly is this Orthodox Church to which we belong? To answer these important questions we must go back to the beginning:

Man was created by God to live in full communion with his Creator and share in His Divine Glory.

But Adam's rejection of life with God because of personal pride plunged all mankind into sin and separation from God. Because of his sinfulness, man cannot save himself or discover Truth through the efforts of his own reason or experience. God alone can save man, and God alone reveals Truth to sinful mankind.

The Old Testament is the history of God's preparing mankind to receive the Truth, the Resurrection and the Life -- God in the flesh, Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ, by His earthly life, sufferings, and Resurrection, opened the way for men once again to come into full communion with God.

After ascending into heaven, the Son of God sent the Holy Spirit upon His Apostles. We read in the second chapter of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles: "Suddenly there came from heaven a sound like the rushing of a violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

And there appeared to them tongues like flames of fire, divided among them and resting on each one. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit!" So the History of the Church begins, with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Jerusalem during the feast of Pentecost.

On that same day, through the preaching of Apostle Peter, 3,000 men and women were baptized, and the first Christian community at Jerusalem was formed.

Before long the members of the Jerusalem Church were scattered by the persecution which followed the stoning of St. Stephen the first martyr."

Go forth therefore," Christ had said, "and make all nations My disciples"(Math. 28:19). Obedient to this command, they preached wherever they went; at first to Jews, but before long, to the Gentiles also.

Thus, the Apostles established the Church throughout the ancient world. St. Peter and St. James founded the Church of Jerusalem. St. Paul founded the Church of Antioch(but Peter was its first head); St. Andrew the Church of Constantinople; St. John Mark, the Church of Alexandria; and St. Peter and Paul, the Church of Rome.

Tradition and documents show Saints Nathaniel, Matthew, Philip, Jude Lebbeus Thaddeus (St. Jude),and OUr Lord Himself, founding, interacting with, or influencing the African Church.

A Bible verse even indicates the Queen of the South (Seba=Queen Makeda of Axum/Ethiopia? will be a judge)

[Mat 12:42.5] The Queen of the South will arise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

South of Israel lies Khemet,(Egypt), and south of that is Cush/Nubia/Abyssinia)

Some accounts of the Apostolic--missionary journeys are recorded by St. Luke in the book of Acts; others are preserved in the Holy Tradition of the Church. Thus, was founded on earth Christ's Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church and thus it began its spread to all the ends of the Earth.

"The Church is the Mystical Body of Christ. It is One Body, Unique and Indivisible, with the Lord Jesus Christ as its Head. It is made Holy in all its members by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

The Church is Catholic (in the original sense of whole and universal) both because it includes true Christians of all times and places and also because it makes all its members one in Christ.

The Church is Apostolic because it was founded on, and organized by, the apostles chosen by Christ for that purpose and preserves intact the sacred Tradition they established in the Holy Spirit.

The Church is a mystical Body which lives both in heaven and on earth, including those who have finished their earthly course and come into eternal blessedness and those who are still struggling to work out their salvation here on earth.

In prayer, in faith, and in spirit, those in heaven and on earth are united with one another and in the Lord and Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.

The visible part of the Church is likewise fully united in prayer, faith and spirit. No doctrinal differences divide Her members. Guided by the Holy Spirit dwelling in the Church since Pentecost, the Church on earth lives by the original and unchangeable Faith of the apostles.

In administration, of course, the Church is divided into various branches, like the living branches of the True Vine of Christ.

The apostles founded churches throughout the world, but the churches of Jerusalem, Alexandria, Antioch, Constantinople and Rome, being located in major cities, acquired special administrative importance.

Their bishops came to be called Patriarchs or Popes. Later other patriarchates were established in Russia, Serbia, Rumania and Bulgaria, when these lands became Christian.

These patriarchs stand as first among equals with the bishops of the national churches whose primates bear the titles of Archbishop or Metropolitan.

Local councils of bishops and the Seven Ecumenical Councils, acting with the grace of the Holy Spirit, have settled major disputes concerning Church doctrine and practice, beginning with the First Council of Jerusalem recorded in the Book of Acts.

Indeed from our Orthodox brethren (with the understanding that Jesus wants His church reunited--and it will be one day):

Orthodox Site

Some converts compose lists of jurisdictions they classify as not being in communion "with the worldwide autonomous and autocephalous Orthodox churches", as they see it.

In true Orthodoxy, however, canonicity is not determined by individuals and church politics, but defined by Orthodox Canon Law. Aside from that, it is below Christian dignity and Orthodox moral standards to give false witness by demeaning others and making judgmental statements against one's neighbor.

No Orthodox Canon requires every canonical, local or world-wide Orthodox jurisdiction must be in full communion with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey.

Though His Holiness has the historic title of "first among equals" among all Orthodox Patriarchs, serving many times as its spokesman, but at no time exercising "temporal jurisdiction" over all Orthodox dioceses around the globe.

Canonically, he is merely the 270th successor of the Apostle Andrew.

{Source: Orthodox Source

Author's note. There is one Mystical Body of Christ--all Christianity combined. God did not split it, man did! This author's BELIEF that all who profess the NICENE CREED, OR THE APOSTLE'S CREED, OR THE ATHANASIAN CREED remain a part of the one (universal) holy Catholic and apostolic church, irrespective whether they call themselves, Byzantine, Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Coptic, Syrio Aegyptus, Ethiopian Apostolic, or elsewise. God himself will deal with the political/pride division. If the "branch/division" can trace itself unbroken to an Apostle, or disciple of an apostle, we would submit Yeshua Himself would consider it one of the sheep, one of the branches, of which Christ himself proclaimed He was the vine!"

(Further we submit that Our Lord Himself also proclaimed "I have other sheep, not of this pen/fold")--things upon which to meditate before we attempt to dictate to another brother or sister the "invalidity" of his or her beliefs.

Editor's note: The African Church was NOT a part of the mutual excommunications of the European East and West(app. 1054 A.D.) And by the way, that papal "bull" (decree was rescinded in the latter part of the 20th Century.

We Blacks as an African derivative folk had our own troubles from the 400s A.D. The European Vandals Huneric and Guneric and their successors nearly destroyed the African Church.

With the ascent of certain barbarians to positions of high places in the Latin Rite, mis-communication over terms led to imbroglios with the Coptic Rite of the Black Catholic Church.

For meditations (some say prophecy, locutions, messages)-but we say meditations in the manner of of A Kempis'
Imitation of Christ or Our Daily Bread see
Recent Meditations, Prophecies, Contemplations

PRAYER FOR THE DIVINE WILL Lord, I humbly surrender my will to follow your plan for my life. Lord, I want to dedicate my life for your service. I consecrate my heart to you and I seek to do everything for you. Lord, I have no other will but yours.

I declare my Yes to Thee most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Glory be to the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

SPECIFICALLY FOR THOSE IN THE LITURGICAL CHURCHES (AND ANYONE ELSE WHO BELIEVES) Divine Mercy Sunday this Sunday April 19, 2009 (For Eastern and Western Churches?)

SEE: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oloe/message/427 (lAST VISITED 18 aPRIL 2009. Fair use.) in 1935 Sister Faustina received a vision of an Angel sent by God to punish the world. That Angel became helpless and could not carry out the ordained punishment as she implored the Eternal Father for His Divine Mercy.

In 1995 Our Lord Himself spoke of that same Mercy in His Lessons to the world:

"...My doors will remain open for all until the designated time when My Father closes them after He releases His angels to unseal the scrolls of judgment for the world. Now I continue to wait and accept even the least prayer for mercy." (IAYJM, Vol V, #22, 10-05-95 - October 5th was subsequently designated the Feast Day of St. Faustina)

LESSON from Our Lord: "My Blessing of Peace"...

In 2006, on two occasions, in the Words of God the Father, He confirmed Mother Mary’s role and warned:

"What a foolish notion it would be to not give proper reverence in due course to such a Queen! Had it not been for this most beautiful and pure Empress, the Hand of your Almighty Creator would have dealt harsher blows. She is the one who holds back the angels’ wings through her purity, her innocence, and her unconditional Love for you."(WOGF 04-08-06)

Words of God the Father April 8, 2006...

"My sweet beloved Mary, a humble servant and spouse to the Holy Spirit, continues to hold back the sword of the Angel, preventing it from striking and revealing the bowls of purification. However, even my sweet Mary could not do this unless I allowed her, for I have been a patient and loving God. But now, without revealing a time or a date or a place, I will forewarn humanity to take a cautious look at your very selves."(WOGF 07-08-06)

Words of God the Father July 8, 2006...

And finally, on the Feast of St. Padre Pio in 2007, Our Lady of Emmitsburg encourages her children and reaffirms the tenuous situation in which humanity finds itself:

"Receive the graces that you can receive now, because when they stop due to the events to unfold, if and when God directs His Angel who stands holding the sword, those graces may be held back for purification. So receive them now!"

Our Lady of Emmitsburg September 23, 2007...

Prophecies of Our Lady of Emmitsburg: The Purification

"All of what I have said will come to pass.... This is not a time period when you will be waiting so long. I have said that I would intercede. My Son has said that He will intercede for all people to know the Truth and to live in Peace. God the Father knows the exact date and time, and I can tell you that my Son has said that God the Father would now intervene." (OLOE Private 12-31-03)

Our Lady of Emmitsburg December 31, 2003...

The Purification...

More on the Purification...

DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS

1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed.

2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. 3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).

4. Conclude with (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

In 1933, God gave Sister Faustina a striking vision of His Mercy, Sister tells us:

"I saw a great light, with God the Father in the midst of it. Between this light and the earth I saw Jesus nailed to the Cross and in such a way that God, wanting to look upon the earth, had to look through Our Lord's wounds and I understood that God blessed the earth for the sake of Jesus."

Of another vision on Sept. 13, 1935, she writes:

"I saw an Angel, the executor of God's wrath... about to strike the earth...I began to beg God earnestly for the world with words which I heard interiorly. As I prayed in this way, I saw the Angel's helplessness, and he could not carry out the just punishment...."

The following day an inner voice taught her to say this prayer on ordinary rosary beads:

"First say one 'Our Father', 'Hail Mary', and 'I believe'. Then on the large beads say the following words:

'Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.'

On the smaller beads you are to say the following words:

'For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.'

In conclusion you are to say these words three times:

'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world'.

Jesus said later to Sister Faustina:

"Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My Infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My Infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy...."

"....When they say this Chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person not as the just judge but as the Merciful Savior".

The Divine Mercy Novena

Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:

"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."

In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:

"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."

The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:

Can be any day to start, not just those listed below: DAY 1 - All mankind, especially sinners

DAY 2 - The souls of priests and religious

DAY 3 - All devout and faithful souls

DAY 4 - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him

DAY 5 - The souls of separated brethren

DAY 6 - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children

DAY 7 - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy

DAY 8 - The souls who are detained in purgatory;

DAY 9 - The souls who have become lukewarm.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.

First Day "Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,

and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use.

Third Day

"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness."

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Fourth Day

"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me,

I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

*Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology.

Fifth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*,

and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

*Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it.

Sixth Day Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children,

and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Seventh Day

Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy*,

and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:

Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

*The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.

Eighth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Ninth Day

"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy."

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

The New Plenary Indulgence

During the course of Jesus' revelations to Saint Faustina on the Divine Mercy He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. The liturgical texts of that day, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, concern the institution of the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of the Divine Mercy, and are thus already suited to the request of Our Lord. This Feast, which had already been granted to the nation of Poland and been celebrated within Vatican City, was granted to the Universal Church by Pope John Paul II on the occasion of the canonization of Sr. Faustina on 30 April 2000.

In a decree dated 23 May 2000, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments stated that "throughout the world the Second Sunday of Easter will receive the name Divine Mercy Sunday, a perennial invitation to the Christian world to face, with confidence in divine benevolence, the difficulties and trials that mankind will experience in the years to come." These papal acts represent the highest endorsement that the Church can give to a private revelation, an act of papal infallibility proclaiming the certain sanctity of the mystic, and the granting of a universal feast, as requested by Our Lord to St. Faustina.

Concerning the Feast of Mercy Jesus said:

Whoever approaches the Fountain of Life on this day will be granted complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. (Diary300)

I want the image solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it. (Diary 341)

This Feast emerged from the very depths of My mercy, and it is confirmed in the vast depths of my tender mercies. (Diary420)

On one occasion, I heard these words: My daughter, tell the whole world about My Inconceivable mercy. I desire that the Feast of Mercy be a refuge and shelter for all souls, and especially for poor sinners. On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.* [our emphasis] On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.

My mercy is so great that no mind, be it of man or of angel, will be able to fathom it throughout all eternity. Everything that exists has come forth from the very depths of My most tender mercy. Every soul in its relation to Me will I contemplate My love and mercy throughout eternity. The Feast of Mercy emerged from My very depths of tenderness. It is My desire that it be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter. Mankind will not have peace until it turns to the Fount of My Mercy. (Diary 699)

Yes, the first Sunday after Easter is the Feast of Mercy, but there must also be deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to our neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to absolve yourself from it. (Diary 742)

I want to grant complete pardon to the souls that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion on the Feast of My mercy. (Diary 1109)

As you can see the Lord's desire for the Feast includes the solemn, public veneration of the Image of Divine Mercy by the Church, as well as personal acts of veneration and mercy. The great promise for the individual soul is that a devotional act of sacramental penance and Communion will obtain for that soul the plenitude of the divine mercy on the Feast.

The Divine Mercy Sunday Indulgence

On 29 June 2002, the Apostolic Penitentiary of the Holy See promulgated a decree creating new indulgences that may be gained by the faithful in connection with the celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday. This decree grants a plenary indulgence to those who comply with all the conditions established, and a partial indulgence to those who incompletely fulfill the conditions.

Decree of Indulgence

The Decree of Indulgence 29 June 2002

APOSTOLIC PENITENTIARY

DECREE

Indulgences attached to devotions in honour of Divine Mercy

"O God, your mercy knows no bounds and the treasure of your goodness is infinite..." (Prayer after the "Te Deum" Hymn) and "O God, you reveal your almighty power above all by showing mercy and forgiveness..." (Prayer for the 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time), in these prayers Holy Mother Church humbly and faithfully sings of Divine Mercy. Indeed, God's great patience with the human race in general and with each individual person shines out in a special way when sins and moral failures are forgiven by Almighty God Himself and the guilty are readmitted in a fatherlike way to his friendship, which they deservedly lost.

Duty of honouring Divine Mercy

The faithful with deep spiritual affection are drawn to commemorate the mysteries of divine pardon and to celebrate them devoutly. They clearly understand the supreme benefit, indeed the duty, that the People of God have to praise Divine Mercy with special prayers and, at the same time, they realize that by gratefully performing the works required and satisfying the necessary conditions, they can obtain spiritual benefits that derive from the Treasury of the Church. "The paschal mystery is the culmination of this revealing and effecting of mercy, which is able to justify man, to restore justice in the sense of that salvific order which God willed from the beginning in man, and through man, in the world" (Encyclical Letter Dives in misericordia, n. 7).

It is God's Mercy that grants supernatural sorrow and resolution to amend

Indeed, Divine Mercy knows how to pardon even the most serious sins, and in doing so it moves the faithful to perceive a supernatural, not merely psychological, sorrow for their sins so that, ever with the help of divine grace, they may make a firm resolution not to sin any more. Such spiritual dispositions undeniably follow upon the forgiveness of mortal sin when the faithful fruitfully receive the sacrament of Penance or repent of their sin with an act of perfect charity and perfect contrition, with the resolution to receive the Sacrament of Penance as soon as they can.

Indeed, Our Lord Jesus Christ teaches us in the parable of the Prodigal Son that the sinner must confess his misery to God saying: "Father I have sinned against heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (Lk 15,18-19), realizing that this is a work of God, "for [he] was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found" (Lk 15,32).

Second Sunday of Easter, Divine Mercy Sunday

And so with provident pastoral sensitivity and in order to impress deeply on the souls of the faithful these precepts and teachings of the Christian faith, the Supreme Pontiff, John Paul II, moved by the consideration of the Father of Mercy, has willed that the Second Sunday of Easter be dedicated to recalling with special devotion these gifts of grace and gave this Sunday the name, "Divine Mercy Sunday" (Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, Decree Misericors et miserator, 5 May 2000).

The Gospel of the Second Sunday of Easter narrates the wonderful things Christ the Lord accomplished on the day of the Resurrection during his first public appearance: "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you'.

When he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the discples were glad to see the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you'. And then he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained'" (Jn 20,19-23).

Plenary Indulgence

To ensure that the faithful would observe this day with intense devotion, the Supreme Pontiff himself established that this Sunday be enriched by a plenary indulgence, as will be explained below, so that the faithful might receive in great abundance the gift of the consolation of the Holy Spirit. In this way, they can foster a growing love for God and for their neighbour, and after they have obtained God's pardon, they in turn might be persuaded to show a prompt pardon to their brothers and sisters.

Pardon of others who sin against us

Thus the faithful will more closely conform to the spirit of the Gospel, receiving in their hearts the renewal that the Second Vatican Council explained and introduced: "Mindful of the words of the Lord: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another' (Jn 13,35), Christians can yearn for nothing more ardently than to serve the men of this age with an ever growing generosity and success....

It is the Father's will that we should recognize Christ our brother in the persons of all men and love them with an effective love, in word and in deed (Pastoral Constitution, Gaudium et spes, n. 93).

Three conditions for the plenary indulgence

And so the Supreme Pontiff, motivated by an ardent desire to foster in Christians this devotion to Divine Mercy as much as possible in the hope of offering great spiritual fruit to the faithful, in the Audience granted on 13 June 2002, to those Responsible for the Apostolic Penitentiary, granted the following Indulgences:

a plenary indulgence, granted under the usual conditions (sacramental confession, Eucharistic communion and prayer for the intentions of Supreme Pontiff) to the faithful who, on the Second Sunday of Easter or Divine Mercy Sunday, in any church or chapel, in a spirit that is completely detached from the affection for a sin, even a venial sin, take part in the prayers and devotions held in honour of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or reserved in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you!");

A partial indulgence, granted to the faithful who, at least with a contrite heart, pray to the merciful Lord Jesus a legitimately approved invocation.

For those who cannot go to church or the seriously ill

In addition, sailors working on the vast expanse of the sea; the countless brothers and sisters, whom the disasters of war, political events, local violence and other such causes have been driven out of their homeland; the sick and those who nurse them, and all who for a just cause cannot leave their homes or who carry out an activity for the community which cannot be postponed, may obtain a plenary indulgence on Divine Mercy Sunday, if totally detesting any sin, as has been said before, and with the intention of fulfilling as soon as possible the three usual conditions, will recite the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus and, in addition, pray a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g. Merciful Jesus, I trust in you).

If it is impossible that people do even this, on the same day they may obtain the Plenary Indulgence if with a spiritual intention they are united with those carrying out the prescribed practice for obtaining the Indulgence in the usual way and offer to the Merciful Lord a prayer and the sufferings of their illness and the difficulties of their lives, with the resolution to accomplish as soon as possible the three conditions prescribed to obtain the plenary indulgence.

Duty of priests: inform parishioners, hear confessions, lead prayers

Priests who exercise pastoral ministry, especially parish priests, should inform the faithful in the most suitable way of the Church's salutary provision. They should promptly and generously be willing to hear their confessions. On Divine Mercy Sunday, after celebrating Mass or Vespers, or during devotions in honour of Divine Mercy, with the dignity that is in accord with the rite, they should lead the recitation of the prayers that have been given above. Finally, since "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" (Mt 5,7), when they instruct their people, priests should gently encourage the faithful to practise works of charity or mercy as often as they can, following the example of, and in obeying the commandment of Jesus Christ, as is listed for the second general concession of indulgence in the "Enchiridion Indulgentiarum".

This Decree has perpetual force, any provision to the contrary notwithstanding.

Archbishop Luigi De Magistris, Tit. Archbishop of Nova Major Pro-Penitentiary

Fr Gianfranco Girotti, O.F.M. Conv., Regent

The Decree of Indulgence for Divine Mercy Sunday grants a plenary or full indulgence to those who satisfy certain conditions established by the Church and a partial (incomplete) indulgence to those who fulfill some but not all or the conditions.

A plenary indulgence means that by the merits of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, the full remission of the temporal punishment due to sacramentally forgiven sins is obtained. The person becomes as if just baptized and would fly immediately to heaven if he died in that instant. A partial indulgence means that a portion of the temporal punishment due to forgiven sin is remitted. Partial indulgences are received either by doing some act to which a partial indulgence is attached (e.g. praying a partially indulgenced prayer), or by the incomplete fulfillment of the conditions attached to a plenary indulgence.

Eternal and Temporal Punishment or Guilt

There are two kinds of punishment attached to sin, eternal and temporal. If the sin is mortal (serious, grave) sin, the person loses the friendship of God and with it the life of divine grace within. This punishment is eternal. If the person is not restored to grace before death he will be punished forever in hell, since serious sin is an infinite insult to an All-Holy God and thus deserves a like punishment. It was to repair for such sin that Jesus became man and was crucified. As God His sacrifice was infinitely meritorious, as Man He was able to represent us. He thus could expiate for our mortal sins, which are not just beyond our power of expiation but infinitely beyond it.

Mortal sin, and also venial sin (which has no eternal punishment attached to it), both disturb the right order within us and in the order of justice in general. We all experience these temporal (or in-time, in-this-world) consequences of sin, both both personally and socially. Sin changes us (or rather we sin because we are not what we are supposed to be), and like a pebble in a pond these changes have effects beyond us. Not only must we be sorry for our sins, but we must be more thoroughly converted to the Lord, and demonstrate that conversion (Acts 26:20) by our actions. So, while sacramental absolution forgives the eternal guilt of sin, which requires the infinite merits of Christ, it does not necessarily remove all the temporal punishment, since they are somewhat within our power to repair (and somewhat unknown to us).

Depending on our degree of sorrow, absolution may result in the expiation of all the temporal guilt of sin. However, for that which it does not repair, we must offer further expiation through prayer, penance, carrying the Cross etc., or after death be purified in purgatory (Rev 21:27).

What an Indulgence does is to take an occasion of such expiation (a certain prayer, penance, charity or other designated work) and add to its intrinsic merit before God an additional value based on the treasury of merits of Jesus Christ, and those perfectly united to Him in heaven (the saints). This can either partially, or under certain conditions, totally remit the temporal punishment due to sin. This depends, naturally, on our openness to God's grace.

A mechanical performance of an indulgenced work would not have effect. Performing an indulgenced work should have the consequence of fixing our will away from our sins and entirely on God. This is why among the most important of the conditions for receiving a plenary indulgence, and the hardest to satisfy, is the complete detachment or detestation of our sins. By detesting our sins we orient our will away from creatures (to the degree we love them inordinately), towards God. In this way we open our will to the action of His mercy flowing into our souls, which alone is able to effect the complete remission of the temporal punishment to our sins.

An example will perhaps better illustrate these points. A boy playing ball breaks a window of his home. Contrite and sorrowful he goes to his father, who forgives him. However, despite the forgiveness the window is still broken and must be repaired. Since the boy's personal resources are insufficient to pay for a new window, the father requires him to pay a few dollars from his savings and forego some of his allowance for several weeks, but that he, the father, will pay the rest.

This balances justice and mercy (generous love). To ask the boy to do nothing, when it is possible for him to make some reparation, would not be in accordance with the truth, or even the boy's good. Yet, even this temporal debt is beyond the boy's possibilities. Therefore, from his own treasury the father generously makes up what the child cannot provide. This is indulgence. Unlike the theologies that say "we are washed it the blood of the Lamb and there is nothing left to do," Catholic teaching respects the natural order of justice, as Jesus clearly did in the Gospels, yet recognizes that man cannot foresee or undo all the temporal consequences of his sin. However, God in His mercy will satisfy justice for what we cannot repair.

Note on Partial Indulgences (days and years)

In the past partial indulgences were "counted" in days (e.g. 300 days) or years (e.g. 5 years). Catholics often mistakenly thought that this meant "time off of purgatory." Since there is no time in purgatory, as we understand it, it meant instead the remission of temporal punishment analogous to a certain amount of penitence as practiced in the early Church. This was a very generous standard, since the penitence required for sacramental absolution in the early centuries was arduous, indeed. However, with Pope Paul VI's 1968 revision of the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum (Collection or Handbook of Indulgences), this confusing way of counting partial indulgences was suppressed, and the evaluation of a partial indulgence left to God.

There are many prayers still circulating on prayer cards and in prayer books which have partial indulgences in days and years attached to them. However, all grants of indulgence issued prior to 1968, unless re-issued in the Enchiridion or specifically exempted by papal decree or privilege, were suppressed by Pope Paul VI. Thus, these many specific prayers with their attached indulgences, as well as the manner of measuring partial indulgences, are no longer valid.

Some of them may still receive an indulgence, though, because of being re-issued in the new Enchiridion (e.g. the Anima Christi, the Prayer before a Crucifix and many other formal prayers). All other prayers previously indulgenced could, nonetheless, receive a partial indulgence under the general grants of indulgence which Pope Paul VI, and Pope John Paul II in his 1999 revision of the Enchiridion, established. These general grants establish partial indulgences for devout prayer, penitence and charity, and are a new and very generous inclusion in the Church's grants of indulgence. They have made it unnecessary to grant specific indulgences to prayers and other pious acts, as was done in the past.

Plenary Indulgence - General Conditions

The following "General remarks on Indulgences" from Gift of the Indulgence summarizes the usual conditions given in the Church's law (cf. Apostolic Penitentiary, Prot. N. 39/05/I):

1. This is how an indulgence is defined in the Code of Canon Law (can. 992) and in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (n. 1471): "An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints".

2. In general, the gaining of indulgences requires certain prescribed conditions (below, nn. 3, 4), and the performance of certain prescribed works ..... [in this case, those granted for the Feast of Mercy]

3. To gain indulgences, whether plenary or partial, it is necessary that the faithful be in the state of grace at least at the time the indulgenced work is completed. [i.e. one must be a Catholic, not excommunicated or in schism.]

4. A plenary indulgence can be gained only once a day. In order to obtain it, the faithful must, in addition to being in the state of grace:

—have the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin;

—have sacramentally confessed their sins;

—receive the Holy Eucharist (it is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required);

—pray for the intentions of the Supreme Pontiff.

5. It is appropriate, but not necessary, that the sacramental Confession and especially Holy Communion and the prayer for the Pope's intentions take place on the same day that the indulgenced work is performed; but it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act. Prayer for the Pope's intentions is left to the choice of the faithful, but an "Our Father" and a "Hail Mary" are suggested. One sacramental Confession suffices for several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and a separate prayer for the Holy Father's intentions are required for each plenary indulgence.

6. For the sake of those legitimately impeded, confessors can commute both the work prescribed and the conditions required (except, obviously, detachment from even venial sin).

7. Indulgences can always be applied either to oneself or to the souls of the deceased, but they cannot be applied to other persons living on earth.

The Indulgence versus The Promise

The Promise was made by the Lord to St. Faustina, as part of a private revelation to her. In reviewing her life as part of the canonization process, the Church determined that she lived a life of heroic virtue, and ultimately the Holy Father canonized her, by an infallible judgment. We can be certain that she is in heaven.

Notwithstanding these facts, the content of private revelation, even to a saint, may only be accorded human credibility. This means that an evaluation of the facts suggest to a reasonable person the truth of its content and its supernatural origin. Catholics reasonably accept it as coming from God, but are not obligated to accept it as a matter of theological faith. Reason itself suggests its truth, and so one could be acting imprudently and unreasonably by not accepting a private revelation after giving the facts and the Church's evaluation a fair hearing, but one could not be considered to be faithless.

In the case of the Divine Mercy Indulgence, it is dogma of the Catholic Faith that the Roman Pontiff is the Vicar of Christ and acts with His authority. Catholics must believe by faith that IF they fulfill the conditions of the Indulgence that they will certainly receive what the Pope has promised, full remission of the temporal punishment due to their forgiven sins. This explains why the Holy See institutionalized the Promise in the form of an Indulgence. Like creating the Feast of Mercy itself, it was inspired by a private revelation, but made effective by the authority of the Church. So, while the Promise seems easier to fulfill, the Indulgence is more certain. By seeking to satisfy the stricter conditions of the Indulgence, we would certainly satisfy the conditions of the Promise, as well. Keep both intentions in mind, in other words, while doing what is required to gain the Indulgence. What is most intrinsic to the Promise is the generosity of the Lord in forgiving on this day, and so we may reasonably count on Him to provide the actual graces necessary to do what is required for the Indulgence.

FAIR USE 17 U.S.C FOR EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS PURPOSES FOR THOSE IN THE AFRICAN DIASPORA WHO WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE SO EXPOSED TO SUCH.

The Hour of Great Mercy

Just as the Image can serve as a reminder of the ocean of Divine Mercy, as well as its price, so can the daily remembrance of the Divine Mercy at the hour of Christ's death. Jesus asked Saint Faustina, and through her us, to celebrate this Hour of Great Mercy, promising tremendous graces to those who would, both for themselves and on behalf of others.

At three o'clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony. This is the hour of great mercy ... In this hour I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion. (Diary 1320).

As often as you hear the clock strike the third hour immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it, invoke it's omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners, for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. In this hour you can obtain everything for yourself and for others for the asking; it was the hour of grace for the whole world - mercy triumphed over justice.

Try your best to make the Stations of the Cross in this hour, provided that your duties permit it; and if you are not able to make the Stations of the Cross, then at least step into the chapel for a moment and adore, in the Most Blessed Sacrament. My Heart, which is full of mercy: and should you be unable to step into chapel. immerse yourself in prayer there where you happen to be, if only for a very brief instant. (Diary 1572)

*The Cardinal of Krakow, Cardinal Macharski, whose diocese is the center of the spread of the devotion and the sponsor of the Cause of Sr. Faustina, has written that we should use Lent as preparation for the Feast and confess even before Holy Week! So, it is clear that the confessional requirement does not have to be met on the Feast itself. That would be an impossible burden for the clergy if it did. The Communion requirement is easily met that day, however, since it is a day of obligation, being Sunday. We would only need confession again, if received earlier in Lenten or Easter Season, if we were in the state of mortal sin on the Feast.

Fair use for those in the African Diaspora who would otherwise not be exposed to such 17 U.S.C

For Us Suffering Black Folks--Rosary Devotion of the Holy Wounds of Our Lord, Yeshua, Jesus, the Christ (aka Chaplet of Mercy)

On the large beads: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ-to heal the wounds of our souls.

On the small beads: My Jesus, pardon and mercy Through the merits of the Holy Wounds.

Promises of Our Lord to Sr. Mary Martha

"I will grant all that is asked of Me by the Invocation of My HOLY WOUNDS. You must spread the devotion.

The Sacred Wounds devotion is closely linked to that of the Precious Blood. For the three o'clock devotion:

Blood and water gushing forth from the side of Jesus as a font of mercy for me, I place my trust in You.

(Blood -being a symbol of the Eucharist, represented by red rays on the pictures/icons; Water being the symbol of baptism, represented by white rays on the pictures/icons).

A few Black Saints
(Saint means a friend of God)

"Catholicism knows no strangers, be they king, beggar, robber, prince, bandit, or pope Martinian, Salurman and Companions MM; queen, bandit, prostitute, conscientious objector, children, tyrants, Martyrs

From the Orthodox Side 5 August [fast day] Holy Apostles Addai and Mari.

A King Requests Jesus To Visit

Another variation on the Ethiopian tradition-fromthe Orthodox brethren. In still another version, it was Our Lord's cousin, St. Jude Thaddeus who did the healing

As a result of the correspondence between the Osrene King Abgar the Black and Christ -- in which Abgar asked the Lord to cure him of an incurable disease, and Christ promised to send one of his disciples to Abgar -- the apostle Thomas sent one of the seventy-two disciples named Addai, to Abgar's court at Edessa (known as the birthplace of Abraham) .

Addai healed Abgar, and converted him and his people to Christianity. Among the converts was the royal jeweler Aggai, whom Addai consecrated bishop and named as his successor; Aggai later suffered martyrdom for his missionary activities.

Addai also sent his disciple Mari as a missionary to Nisibis, and along the Tigris. Mari built churches and monasteries, destroyed pagan temples, and made many converts until his death near Selucia.

261 Christians religious writer, bishop or priest, or just plain folk."comforted the dying regardless of personal safety .

Black Catholic Interpretations For Reading God's Word

Northridge, CA (Orthodox) Khemet-Egyptian Christian Church belonging to the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria (in Khemet-Egypt)

CatholiCity features wholesome, active and fully-moderated Email Discussion Groups; free Catholic audio tapes; free Catholic novels by Bud Macfarlane Jr.; and a comprehensive, screened, keyword-searchable links page to hundreds of Catholic and Pro-Life sites

COPTICS

Coptics

Northridge,CA (Orthodox) (Khemet-Egyptian-origin Christian Church belonging to the Coptic Patriarchate of Alexandria in Khemet-

Search Our Directory News Archive Live It! the Bible Webcast Guide Crosswalk.com the Web HELP

Search the Bible:

Whole Bible ----------------------- Old Testament New Testament ---------------------- Books of Law Books of History Books of Wisdom Major Prophets Minor Prophets The Gospels Pauline Epistles General Epistles Apocalyptic Books NAS ASV NKJ KJV TMB NLT NRS RSV TEV RHE STR NSN NCV GWD WEB BBE DBY HNV WBT VUL YLT WNT   HELP

View My Guestbook
Sign My Guestbook

Contact Us@ stbernice@aol.com

graphics by whytehouse.com