We envision ourselves to be a FAMILY
of Catholic families bonded together in worship
of our Trinitarian God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Following the example of Mary, the Mother of God and drawing
inspiration from our patroness, St.Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus,
we aspire to be a Christian Community of elders and youth
recognized by our selfless love and generous service
to be true and loyal disciples of
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior
By divine institution Holy Church is ordered and governed with a wonderful diversity. "For just as in one body we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Christ, but severally members one of another".
Therefore, the chosen People of God is one: "one Lord, one faith, one baptism";
sharing a common dignity as members from their regeneration in Christ, having the same filial grace and the same vocation to perfection; possessing in common one salvation, one hope and one undivided charity. There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality on, the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex, because "there is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all 'one' in Christ Jesus".
(cf.”Lumen Gen.”191-193).
Holy Trinity
Let each of the faithful called to the profession of the evangelical counsels, therefore, carefully see to it that he persevere and ever grow in that vocation God has given him. Let him do this for the increased holiness of the Church, for the greater glory of the one and undivided Trinity, which in and through Christ is the fount and the source of all holiness.
For all of us, who are sons of God and constitute one family in Christ.
As long as we remain in communion with one another in mutual charity and in one praise of the most Holy Trinity, are corresponding with the intimate vocation of the Church and partaking in foretaste the liturgy of consummate glory. (cf “Lumen Gen.279”).
Holy Spirit
When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church, and thus, all those who believe would have access through Christ in one Spirit to the Father.
He is the Spirit of Life, a fountain of water springing up to life eternal. To men, dead in sin, the Father gives life through Him, until, in Christ, He brings to life their mortal bodies.
The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful, as in a temple. (cf.Lumen Gen “9-12).
nMother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.
nIn the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else; for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit; and therefore pastors of souls must zealously strive to achieve it, by means of the necessary instruction, in all their pastoral work.
Zeal for the promotion and restoration of the liturgy is rightly held to be a sign of the providential dispositions of God in our time, as a movement of the Holy Spirit in His Church. It is today a distinguishing mark of the Church's life, indeed of the whole tenor of contemporary religious thought and action.
The Virgin Mary, who at the message of the angel received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave Life to the world, is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer. Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved. She is "the mother of the members of Christ . . . having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head."(3*) Wherefore she is hailed as a pre-eminent and singular member of the Church, and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity. The Catholic Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, honors her with filial affection and piety as a most beloved mother.
Poem by St TheresaThe FlowerAll the earth with snow is covered,Everywhere the white frosts reign;Winter and his gloomy courtiersHold their court on earth again.But for you has bloomed the FlowerOf the fields, Who comes to earthFrom the fatherland of heaven,Where eternal spring has birth.Near the Rose of Christmas, Sister!In the lowly grasses hide,And be like the humble flowerets, --Of heaven’s King the lowly bride!
LOVE! ...that is what I ask... I know but one thing now - to love thee, O Jesus! Glorious deeds are not for me, I cannot preach the Gospel, shed my blood... what does it matter? My brothers toil instead of me, and I, the little child, I keep quite close to the royal throne, I love for those who fight. .. Story of a Soul, Ch. XI
In times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of practicing virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give pleasure to Jesus; for instance, a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem to me extinct I would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would rekindle. ... XVI Letter to her Sister Celine
On the Love of Neighbor THERE are moments when we are so wretched within, that we must need hurry away from ourselves. The good God does not oblige us to remain at such times in our own company; indeed He often permits that it should be displeasing to us just that we may leave it. And I see no other means of going out of ourselves than by going to visit Jesus and Mary, that is hastening to deeds of charity.
On Prayer
Prayer is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it is something exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and unites it to God. Sometimes when I find myself, spiritually, in dryness so great that I cannot produce a single good thought, I recite very slowly a Pater or an Ave Maria; these prayers alone console me; they suffice, they nourish my soul.
Jesus made me understand that the true, the only glory is that which will last forever; that to attain to it we need not perform wonderful deeds, but rather, those hidden from the eyes of others and from self, so that the left hand knoweth not what the right hand doth. (Matt 6:3) ... Story of a Soul, Chapter IV
I am a very little soul who can offer only very little things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these little sacrifices which give such peace to the heart, escape me; but that does not discourage me, I bear with having a little less peace and I try to be more watchful another time ... Story of a Soul, Chapter X
On Confidence
Since it has been given to me too, to understand that love of the Heart of Jesus, I own that it has chased all fear from mine! The remembrance of my faults humiliates me, and urges me never to depend upon my own strength which is nothing but weakness: still more does this remembrance speak to me of mercy and of love. When, with all filial confidence we cast our faults into the devouring furnace of love, how should they not be totally consumed? ... V Letter to her Missionary "Brothers"
To be true and loyal disciples of Jesus Christ,
If you wish to be my disciple,Take up your cross and follow me.Whoever loves his life, will only loose itIt’s only sacrifice that brings one gain.You who have followed me, when life is endedWill reap a hundred fold eternally.
VOCATION TO SELFLESS LOVE
John-Paul II of happy memory, believed and taught that “…A sign that the church (community) is alive, is a flow of vocations,”
nMy dear young people, do not yield to false illusions and passing fads which so frequently leave behind a tragic spiritual vacuum! Reject the seduction of wealth, consumerism and the subtle violence sometimes used by the mass media.
nWorshipping the true God is an authentic act of resistance to all forms of idolatry. Worship Christ: He is the Rock on which to build your future and a world of greater justice and solidarity. Jesus is the Prince of peace: the source of forgiveness and reconciliation, who can make brothers and sisters of all the members of the human family.
nDear young people, the Church needs genuine witnesses for the new evangelization: men and women whose lives have been transformed by meeting with Jesus, men and women who are capable of communicating this experience to others. The Church needs saints. All are called to holiness, and holy people alone can renew humanity. Many have gone before us along this path of Gospel heroism, and I urge you to turn often to them to pray for their intercession. MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER, JOHN PAUL IITO THE YOUTH OF THE WORLDON THE OCCASION OF THE 20th WORLD YOUTH DAY(COLOGNE, AUGUST 2005)
nPope Benedict encouraged the young people to follow the path of truth and freedom that leads to happiness. He invited the young people to follow the example of the saints and to devote themselves to personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations. He thanked God that young people today can grow up in freedom. Still, there is darkness in our world today: dreams are shattered and people are treated as objects; truth is manipulated and the perception of reality is distorted.
“Proclaim the Lord Christ … and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15).
nWe see then that the Church’s liturgy is a ministry of hope for humanity. Your faithful participation is an active hope which helps to keep the world -- saints and sinners alike -- open to God; this is the truly human hope we offer everyone (cf. "Spe Salvi," 34).
of Catholic families bonded together in worship
of our Trinitarian God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Following the example of Mary, the Mother of God and drawing
inspiration from our patroness, St.Therese, the Little Flower of Jesus,
we aspire to be a Christian Community of elders and youth
recognized by our selfless love and generous service
to be true and loyal disciples of
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior
FAMILY OF CATHOLIC FAMILIES BONDED TOGETHER
In the present state of affairs, out of which there is arising a new situation for mankind, the Church, being the salt of the earth and the light of the world (cf. Matt. 5:13-14), is more urgently called upon to save and renew every creature, that all things may be restored in Christ and all men may constitute one family in Him and one People of God.
ONE FAMILY
By divine institution Holy Church is ordered and governed with a wonderful diversity. "For just as in one body we have many members, yet all the members have not the same function, so we, the many, are one body in Christ, but severally members one of another".
Therefore, the chosen People of God is one: "one Lord, one faith, one baptism";
sharing a common dignity as members from their regeneration in Christ, having the same filial grace and the same vocation to perfection; possessing in common one salvation, one hope and one undivided charity. There is, therefore, in Christ and in the Church no inequality on, the basis of race or nationality, social condition or sex, because "there is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all 'one' in Christ Jesus".
(cf.”Lumen Gen.”191-193).
Holy Trinity
Let each of the faithful called to the profession of the evangelical counsels, therefore, carefully see to it that he persevere and ever grow in that vocation God has given him. Let him do this for the increased holiness of the Church, for the greater glory of the one and undivided Trinity, which in and through Christ is the fount and the source of all holiness.
For all of us, who are sons of God and constitute one family in Christ.
As long as we remain in communion with one another in mutual charity and in one praise of the most Holy Trinity, are corresponding with the intimate vocation of the Church and partaking in foretaste the liturgy of consummate glory. (cf “Lumen Gen.279”).
Holy Spirit
When the work which the Father gave the Son to do on earth was accomplished, the Holy Spirit was sent on the day of Pentecost in order that He might continually sanctify the Church, and thus, all those who believe would have access through Christ in one Spirit to the Father.
He is the Spirit of Life, a fountain of water springing up to life eternal. To men, dead in sin, the Father gives life through Him, until, in Christ, He brings to life their mortal bodies.
The Spirit dwells in the Church and in the hearts of the faithful, as in a temple. (cf.Lumen Gen “9-12).
The Promotion of Liturgical Instruction and Active Participation
nMother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to that fully conscious, and active participation in liturgical celebrations which is demanded by the very nature of the liturgy. Such participation by the Christian people as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a redeemed people (1 Pet. 2:9; cf. 2:4-5), is their right and duty by reason of their baptism.
nIn the restoration and promotion of the sacred liturgy, this full and active participation by all the people is the aim to be considered before all else; for it is the primary and indispensable source from which the faithful are to derive the true Christian spirit; and therefore pastors of souls must zealously strive to achieve it, by means of the necessary instruction, in all their pastoral work.
The Promotion of Pastoral-Liturgical Action
Zeal for the promotion and restoration of the liturgy is rightly held to be a sign of the providential dispositions of God in our time, as a movement of the Holy Spirit in His Church. It is today a distinguishing mark of the Church's life, indeed of the whole tenor of contemporary religious thought and action.
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD IN THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
Wishing in His supreme goodness and wisdom to effect the redemption of the world, "when the fullness of time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, that we might receive the adoption of sons".
"He for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary.“
This divine mystery of salvation is revealed to us and continued in the Church, which the Lord established as His body. Joined to Christ the Head and in the unity of fellowship with all His saints, the faithful must in the first place reverence the memory "of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ".(cf “Lumen Gentium 283).”
"He for us men, and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit from the Virgin Mary.“
This divine mystery of salvation is revealed to us and continued in the Church, which the Lord established as His body. Joined to Christ the Head and in the unity of fellowship with all His saints, the faithful must in the first place reverence the memory "of the glorious ever Virgin Mary, Mother of our God and Lord Jesus Christ".(cf “Lumen Gentium 283).”
THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, MOTHER OF GOD IN THE MYSTERY OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH
The Virgin Mary, who at the message of the angel received the Word of God in her heart and in her body and gave Life to the world, is acknowledged and honored as being truly the Mother of God and Mother of the Redeemer. Redeemed by reason of the merits of her Son and united to Him by a close and indissoluble tie, she is endowed with the high office and dignity of being the Mother of the Son of God, by which account she is also the beloved daughter of the Father and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Because of this gift of sublime grace she far surpasses all creatures, both in heaven and on earth. At the same time, however, because she belongs to the offspring of Adam she is one with all those who are to be saved. She is "the mother of the members of Christ . . . having cooperated by charity that faithful might be born in the Church, who are members of that Head."(3*) Wherefore she is hailed as a pre-eminent and singular member of the Church, and as its type and excellent exemplar in faith and charity. The Catholic Church, taught by the Holy Spirit, honors her with filial affection and piety as a most beloved mother.
St.Theresa of Child Jesus
We began to enlarge our vision and mission in 2006 when, on 28th July,
we erected the new Parish of Salmiya. To recognize the precious Apostolate performed for many years by the Carmelite Fathers. We put the new Parish under the protection of a great Carmelite saint: Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, the little flower of Jesus.
Before, in Salmiya we had a chapel and the priest in charge was based in the Cathedral premises. Since it became a Parish, with two priests resident in a flat in front of the church, the number of the faithful increased very much.
Saint Theresa, patroness of the missions, is doing her work very well.
(CF. Unity Congress Bp.Camillo Ballin MCJJ)
We began to enlarge our vision and mission in 2006 when, on 28th July,
we erected the new Parish of Salmiya. To recognize the precious Apostolate performed for many years by the Carmelite Fathers. We put the new Parish under the protection of a great Carmelite saint: Saint Theresa of the Child Jesus, the little flower of Jesus.
Before, in Salmiya we had a chapel and the priest in charge was based in the Cathedral premises. Since it became a Parish, with two priests resident in a flat in front of the church, the number of the faithful increased very much.
Saint Theresa, patroness of the missions, is doing her work very well.
(CF. Unity Congress Bp.Camillo Ballin MCJJ)
Poem by St TheresaThe FlowerAll the earth with snow is covered,Everywhere the white frosts reign;Winter and his gloomy courtiersHold their court on earth again.But for you has bloomed the FlowerOf the fields, Who comes to earthFrom the fatherland of heaven,Where eternal spring has birth.Near the Rose of Christmas, Sister!In the lowly grasses hide,And be like the humble flowerets, --Of heaven’s King the lowly bride!
LOVE! ...that is what I ask... I know but one thing now - to love thee, O Jesus! Glorious deeds are not for me, I cannot preach the Gospel, shed my blood... what does it matter? My brothers toil instead of me, and I, the little child, I keep quite close to the royal throne, I love for those who fight. .. Story of a Soul, Ch. XI
In times of aridity when I am incapable of praying, of practicing virtue, I seek little opportunities, mere trifles, to give pleasure to Jesus; for instance, a smile, a pleasant word when inclined to be silent and to show weariness. If I find no opportunities, I at least tell Him again and again that I love Him; that is not difficult and it keeps alive the fire in my heart. Even though this fire of love might seem to me extinct I would still throw little straws upon the embers and I am certain it would rekindle. ... XVI Letter to her Sister Celine
On the Love of Neighbor THERE are moments when we are so wretched within, that we must need hurry away from ourselves. The good God does not oblige us to remain at such times in our own company; indeed He often permits that it should be displeasing to us just that we may leave it. And I see no other means of going out of ourselves than by going to visit Jesus and Mary, that is hastening to deeds of charity.
On Prayer
Prayer is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy! In a word, it is something exalted, supernatural, which dilates the soul and unites it to God. Sometimes when I find myself, spiritually, in dryness so great that I cannot produce a single good thought, I recite very slowly a Pater or an Ave Maria; these prayers alone console me; they suffice, they nourish my soul.
Jesus made me understand that the true, the only glory is that which will last forever; that to attain to it we need not perform wonderful deeds, but rather, those hidden from the eyes of others and from self, so that the left hand knoweth not what the right hand doth. (Matt 6:3) ... Story of a Soul, Chapter IV
I am a very little soul who can offer only very little things to the good God; yet, it often happens that these little sacrifices which give such peace to the heart, escape me; but that does not discourage me, I bear with having a little less peace and I try to be more watchful another time ... Story of a Soul, Chapter X
On Confidence
Since it has been given to me too, to understand that love of the Heart of Jesus, I own that it has chased all fear from mine! The remembrance of my faults humiliates me, and urges me never to depend upon my own strength which is nothing but weakness: still more does this remembrance speak to me of mercy and of love. When, with all filial confidence we cast our faults into the devouring furnace of love, how should they not be totally consumed? ... V Letter to her Missionary "Brothers"
To be true and loyal disciples of Jesus Christ,
If you wish to be my disciple,Take up your cross and follow me.Whoever loves his life, will only loose itIt’s only sacrifice that brings one gain.You who have followed me, when life is endedWill reap a hundred fold eternally.
VOCATION TO SELFLESS LOVE
John-Paul II of happy memory, believed and taught that “…A sign that the church (community) is alive, is a flow of vocations,”
YOUTH MINISTRY
nMy dear young people, do not yield to false illusions and passing fads which so frequently leave behind a tragic spiritual vacuum! Reject the seduction of wealth, consumerism and the subtle violence sometimes used by the mass media.
nWorshipping the true God is an authentic act of resistance to all forms of idolatry. Worship Christ: He is the Rock on which to build your future and a world of greater justice and solidarity. Jesus is the Prince of peace: the source of forgiveness and reconciliation, who can make brothers and sisters of all the members of the human family.
nDear young people, the Church needs genuine witnesses for the new evangelization: men and women whose lives have been transformed by meeting with Jesus, men and women who are capable of communicating this experience to others. The Church needs saints. All are called to holiness, and holy people alone can renew humanity. Many have gone before us along this path of Gospel heroism, and I urge you to turn often to them to pray for their intercession. MESSAGE OF THE HOLY FATHER, JOHN PAUL IITO THE YOUTH OF THE WORLDON THE OCCASION OF THE 20th WORLD YOUTH DAY(COLOGNE, AUGUST 2005)
nPope Benedict encouraged the young people to follow the path of truth and freedom that leads to happiness. He invited the young people to follow the example of the saints and to devote themselves to personal prayer and silence, liturgical prayer, charity in action, and vocations. He thanked God that young people today can grow up in freedom. Still, there is darkness in our world today: dreams are shattered and people are treated as objects; truth is manipulated and the perception of reality is distorted.
“Proclaim the Lord Christ … and always have your answer ready for people who ask the reason for the hope that is within you” (1 Pet 3:15).
nWe see then that the Church’s liturgy is a ministry of hope for humanity. Your faithful participation is an active hope which helps to keep the world -- saints and sinners alike -- open to God; this is the truly human hope we offer everyone (cf. "Spe Salvi," 34).
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