Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church May 5-6, 2018 Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon FEAST OF OUR LADY OF LEBANON What are the origins of the May Crowning? The origins of the May Crowning are hard to pinpoint, although devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary originates in the earliest days of the church. Concerning the significance of the month of May, toward the end of the 18th century, Father Latomia of the Roman College of the Society of Jesus (in Rome) instituted the practice of dedicating this month to our Blessed Mother. His desire was to promote devotion to Mary among the students as a way to counteract infidelity and immorality. From Rome, the May devotion spread throughout the Jesuit colleges, and eventually throughout the whole church. Pope Pius VII in 1815 granted a partial indulgence for participating in either a public or private devotion honoring Mary during the month of May; Pope Pius IX made the indulgence plenary in 1859. (This particular indulgence is no longer listed in the present Enchiridion of Indulgences, although numerous devotions to our Blessed Mother are, such as the recitation of the rosary or the Litany of Mary.) May probably seemed most appropriate because the liturgical calendars, former and present, mark several feast days honoring our Blessed Mother: Our Lady, Queen of Apostles (the Saturday following the Ascension); Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament (May 13); Our Lady of Fatima (May 13); Mary, Help of Christians (May 24); Mary, Mediatrix of All Graces (May 31); and the Visitation (May 31). The May devotions also were energized by the four authenticated apparitions of our Blessed Mother. In 1830, Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure and instructed QUOTE OF THE WEEK Let us run to Mary, and, as her little children, cast ourselves into her arms with a perfect confidence. Saint Francis de Sales Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor Fr. David Fisher, Weekend Assistant Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistant Mrs. Zeina Topalian, Religious Education Director Address: 1013 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Office: 215-389-2000 Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 Evening Emergency Number: 215-952-0712 or 561-371-5316 Website: www.saintmaron.org Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Instagram Page: @saintmaronphiladelphia Facebook Page: Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia OFFICE HOURS: The Church office will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
her to have the Miraculous Medal struck with the inscription, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. In 1846, she appeared to the children of La Salette, France, and tearfully lamented the lax practice of the faith. In 1858, she appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes, identifying herself as the Immaculate Conception. Finally, she appeared to the three children at Fatima May 13, 1917, where she instructed the people to pray the rosary daily for peace. Regarding the crowning, the image of Mary (as well as Jesus) wearing a gold crown is found in the earliest forms of iconography, especially in the Eastern Churches. In the West, the pious practice of publicly crowning an image of the Blessed Mother gained popularity in the 19th century. In Rome, the image known as Salus Populi Romani of our Blessed Mother holding the Child Jesus is enshrined at the Basilica of St. Mary Major. Tradition holds that St. Luke painted the image. Pope Clement VIII (1592-1605) added two crowns to the icon, which were at some point later lost. Nevertheless, on Aug. 15, 1838, the Feast of the Assumption, Pope Gregory XVI with great solemnity, again added the crowns, and thereupon the practice of crowning the image of the Blessed Mother became popular, especially during the month of May. In more recent times, Pope Paul VI, in his Letter on the Occasion of the First of May (promulgated April 30, 1965), noted not only the venerable tradition of May devotions to Mary, but also their importance: It is precisely because the month of May is a powerful incentive to more fervent and trusting prayer, and because during it our petitions find their way more easily to the compassionate heart of Our Blessed Lady, that it has been a custom dear to Our Predecessors to choose this month, dedicated to Mary, for inviting the Christian people to offer up public prayers, whenever the needs of the Church demanded it, or whenever danger hovered menacingly over the world. This year, We too feel the need of sending out a similar appeal to the whole Catholic world. When We look at the present needs of the Church or at the state of peace in the world, We have compelling reasons for believing that the present hour is especially grave; that it makes a call for united prayer from the whole Christian people more than ever a matter of urgency. Considering the plight of so many Christians who face persecution throughout the world, all of us should use this month for fervent prayer for them. Also, the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, to help celebrate the Marian Year declared by Pope St. John Paul II in 1987 to prepare for the new millennium, issued a ritual, Order of Crowning an Image of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which captures the significance of this pious practice: The queen symbol was attributed to Mary because she was a perfect follower of Christ, who is the absolute crown of creation. She is the Mother of the Son of God, who is the messianic King. Mary is the Mother of Christ, the Word Incarnate He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High; the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of His kingdom there will be no end. Elizabeth greeted the Blessed Virgin, pregnant with Jesus, as the mother of my Lord. Mary is the perfect follower of Christ. The maid of Nazareth consented to God s plan; she journeyed on the pilgrimage of faith; she listened to God s Word and kept it in her heart; she remained steadfastly in close union with her Son, all the way to the foot of the Cross; she persevered in prayer with the Church. Thus, in an eminent way, she won the crown of righteousness, the crown of life, the crown of glory that is promised to those who follow Christ. Although we are fast approaching the end of May, nevertheless, let us be sure to honor our Blessed Mother in our hearts and our homes. The recitation of the family rosary each day, images of our Blessed Mother, having a special shrine in our yard, and having our own family May Crowning are wonderful ways not only to foster devotion and faith, but also to draw us closer to the heart of Our Savior. http://catholicstraightanswers.com/whatare-the-origins-of-the-may-crowning/ Hail Holy Queen Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! Our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us; and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. HONORING THE BLESSED MOTHER During the month of May, we will be celebrating Divine Liturgy and rosary on every Wednesday evening beginning at 6:30 with the rosary, and Divine Liturgy immediately following. Please join us as we honor the Mother of God.
LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, May 5, 2018, @ 6:00 pm, (Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon) Sunday, May 6, 2018 @ 11:00 am, (Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon) Saturday, May 12, 2018 @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is offered for the soul of Catherine Tedesco requested by Rosanne Anthony and family. May her soul rest in peace. Sunday, May 13, 2018 @ 11:00 AM, liturgy is being offered for all mother s living and deceased. Happy Mother s day! UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Summer Festival, Friday Sunday, June 1-3, 2018. National MYO Retreat, June 26-30, 2018. MYO NATIONAL RETREAT The National MYO Retreat will be held at Saint Joseph University, in Philadelphia, June 26-July 1, 2018. Registration forms will be emailed to all MYO members and parents. I need to know by May 6, who will be attending this retreat. After Divine Liturgy on May 6, there will be a MANDATORY meeting for all MYO members, parents, and advisors that will be attending the retreat. Please be attentive to the cut-off date for registration and mark your calendars for the Mandatory Meeting on May 6. Thank you in advance for your assistance and dedication in this program. ADULT BIBLE STUDY AND MARONITE CHURCH HISTORY CLASS Fr. David Fisher will have adult bible study and church history class on Thursday, May 17, 2018, from 7:00 PM 8:30 PM, at the Church hall. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call to set up an appointment. PRAYER FOR SOLDIERS During these difficult times, we remember those family members and friends in faraway places. Let us lift in prayer the many women and men serving overseas in our armed forces. May they know of our respect and gratitude and be kept safe in the Lord s loving hands. Amen. SUGGESTION BOX INSTALLED As was mentioned at the Parish Town Hall Meeting, a suggestion box was installed in the foyer of the Church hall. Forms are in the box for your convenience. Please utilize this for any comments or concerns pertaining to this parish. I will address them either with you personally, if your name is included on the form or in the bulletin so that anyone may remain anonymous. SAINT MARON CHURCH HALL For our parishioners who may not be aware of our hall rentals policy, please know that if you would like to rent the hall for a special family function or event, the hall is available at parishioner cost. For a day event the rental is $300.00 and an evening event is $600.00. If you would like to plan an event at the hall please contact the office and Claudine will be happy to assist you. IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Alexis Carine, Salema Dahdah, Albert Anderson, Sr.,Suzanne Haney, Michael La Pergola, Paul Daley, Maria Lemons, Joseph Realdine, Rita Impo, Benjamin Uzzo, Emily Stone, Bob Quici, Roseann Anthony, Elaine Nader, Sal Pinto, Michael Pascucci, Nicholas Carine, Amelia Habib, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Joseph Alestra, Chucky Simon, Mary Fetterman, Aminee Skaf, Carmen Marrone, Rose Kouri, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick, Francis Joseph Kerns, Samer Chokeir, Kathy Newman, Rita Arrigale, Helen Freedenberg, Maryann Bratton, Renee Sahar, Sister Nahida Al Sawa, Rose De Jesse, James Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Eddie Gussin, Angel Salerno, Dennis McGiney, Emilia and Alan Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Betty Antrilli, and Bonnie Sabatini. We ask Almighty God to bless them with good health so that they may join us in the Church and give glory and thanksgiving to God. Please notify the Church office of any family member who is ill so that we may remember them in our daily prayers and on our altar of intentions. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR April 28-29, 2018 Collection $ 1,748.00 Donation for Arcenciel $ 1,310.00 Coffee Hour $ 40.00 Total: $ 3,098.00 ALDER STREET PROPERTY
PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church First Reading Romans 10:1-13 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: Brothers and sisters, my heart s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God s righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Moses writes concerning the righteousness that comes from the law, that the person who does these things will live by them. But the righteousness that comes from faith says, Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) or "Who will descend into the abyss?" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, No one who believes in him will be put to shame. For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Praise be to God always. فصل من رسالة القد يس بولس إلى أهل رومة إ س ر ائ يل ل ي خ ل ص وا. فأ ن ا أ ش ه د ل ه م أ ن فيه م غ ي ر ة هلل و لك ن ب د و ن يا إ خو ت ي إ ن ب غ ي ة ق ل بي وت ض ر ع ي إ لى هللا م ن أ ج ل ب ن ي ص حيح ة. فق د ج ه ل وا ب ر هللا وح او ل وا أ ن ي ث ب ت وا ب ر أ ن ف س ه م ف ل م ي خ ض ع وا ل ب ر هللا إ ن م ا ه ي أل ن غ اي ة الش ر يع ة م ع ر ف ة الم س يح ل ك ي ي ت ب ر ر ب ه ك ل م ؤ م ن. وق د ك ت ب م وس ى ع ن الب ر ال ذي ه و م ن الش ر يع ة ف ق ال:»م ن ي ع م ل ب أ ح ك ام الش ر يع ة أ ي ل ي ن ز ل الم س يح ي ح ي ا ب ه ا.«أ م ا ع ن الب ر ال ذي ه و م ن اإل ي م ان ف ي ق ول:»ال ت ق ل في ق ل ب ك : م ن ي ص ع د إ لى الس م اء «ل ي ص ع د الم س يح م ن ب ي ن األ م و ات. ب ل م اذ ا ي ق ول»الك ل م ة ق ر يب ة أ ي م ن الس م اء. وال ت ق ل :»م ن ي ه ب ط إ لى اله او ي ة «أ ي ك ل م ة اإل ي م ان ال تي ن ن اد ي ب ه ا. ف إ ن ٱع ت ر ف ت ب ف م ك أ ن ي س وع ه و الر ب وآم ن ت ب ق ل ب ك أ ن هللا م ن ك في ف م ك و ق ل ب ك «أ ق ام ه م ن ب ي ن األ م و ات ت خ ل ص. فاإل ي م ان ب الق ل ب ي ق ود إ لى الب ر واٱلع ت ر اف ب الف م ي ق ود إ لى الخ الص أل ن الك ت اب ي ق ول:»ك ل م ن ي ؤ م ن ب ه ال ي خ ز ى.«ٱس م الر ب ي خ ل ص. ال ذ ين ي د ع ون ه. ف ك ل م ن ي د ع و والتسبيح هلل دائما. فال ف ر ق ب ي ن ي ه ود ي وي ون ان ي أل ن الر ب ه و ن ف س ه ل ج ميع ه م ي ف يض غ ن اه ع لى ج م يع May 05-06, 2018
Gospel Reading Saint Luke 24:36-48 The Apostle Writes: While they were talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. They were startled and terrified, and thought that they were seeing a ghost. He said to them, Why are you frightened, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at my hands and my feet; see that it is I myself. Touch me and see; for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have. And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. While in their joy they were disbelieving and still wondering, he said to them, Have you anything here to eat? They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate in their presence. Then he said to them, These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. This is the truth. Peace be with you. م ن إ ن ج يل الق د يس لوقا يم ا الر س ل ي ت ك ل م ون ب هذ ا و ق ف ي س وع في و س ط ه م وق ال ل ه م: الخ وف وك ان وا ي ظ ن ون أ ن ه م ي ش اه د ون ر وح ا. فق ال ل ه م ي س وع: األ ف ك ار ق ل وب ك م ك م ا ت ر و ن ل ي.«! ل ه م: ت ولى ع ل ي ه م وٱس»أ لس الم ل ك م.«! فٱر ت اع وا»م ا ب ال ك م م ض ط ر ب ين و ل م اذ ا ت خ ال ج هذ ه ع ظ ام ال أ ن ظ ر وا إ لى ي د ي و ر ج ل ي ف إ ن ي أ ن ا ه و. ج س ون ي وٱن ظ ر وا فإ ن الر وح ال ل ح م ل ه و ر ج ل ي ه. م ص د ق ين و م ت ع ج ب ين ق ا ل ي د ي ه و إ ذ ك ان وا ب ع د غ ي ر م ن الف ر ح قال هذ ا و أ ر اه م و و م ن ش ه د ع سل. ف أ خ ذ ه ا و أ ك ل ه ا ب م ر أ ى»ه ل ع ن د ك م ه ن ا ط ع ام.«ف ق د م وا ل ه ق ط ع ة م ن س م ك م ش و ي م ن ه م وق ال ل ه م:»هذ ا ه و ك الم ي ال ذي ك ل م ت ك م ب ه و أ نا ب ع د م ع ك م. كان ي ن ب غ ي أ ن ي ت م ك ل م ا ك ت ب ع ن ي ت و ر اة م وس ى و األ ن ب ي اء و الم ز ام ير.«ح ين ئ ذ ف ت ح أ ذ ه ان ه م ل ي ف ه م وا الك ت ب. ث م قال ل ه م:»هكذ ا م ك ت وب أ ن في وب ٱس م ه ي ك ر ز ب الت و ب ة ل م غ ف رة الخ ط اي ا في ج م يع الي و م الث ال ث. الم س يح ي ت أ ل م و ي ق وم م ن ب ي ن األ م و ات في األ م م إ ب ت د اء م ن أ ور ش ل يم. وأ ن ت م ش ه ود ع لى ذل ك. حق ا واألمان لجميعكم.