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Liturgy of the Hours

From a commentary on the gospel of John

By Saint Cyril of Alexandria, bishop

If I do not go away,

The Comforter will not come to you.

After Christ had completed his mission on earth, it still remained necessary for us to become sharers in the divine nature of the Word. We had to give up our own life and be so transformed that we would begin to live an entirely new kind of life that would be pleasing to God. This was something we could do only by sharing in the Holy Spirit.

It was most fitting that the sending of the Holy Spirit and his descent upon us should take place after the departure of Christ our Savior. As long as Christ was with them in the flesh, it must have seemed to believers that they possessed every blessing in him; but when the time came for him to ascend to his heavenly Father, it was necessary for him to be united through his Spirit to those who worshiped him, and to dwell in our hearts through faith. Only by his own presence within us in this way could he give us confidence to cry out, Abba, Father, make it easy for us to grow in holiness and, through our possession of the all-powerful Spirit, fortify us invincibly against the wiles of the devil and the assaults of men.

It can easily be shown from examples both in the Old Testament and the New that the Spirit changes those in whom he comes to dwell; he so transforms them that they begin to live a completely new kind of life. Saul was told by the prophet Samuel: The Spirit of the Lord will take possession of you, and you shall be changed into another man. Saint Paul writes: As we behold the glory of the Lord with unveiled faces, that glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit, transforms us all into his own likeness, from one degree of glory to another.

Does this not show that the Spirit changes those in whom he comes to dwell and alters the whole pattern of their lives? With the Spirit within them it is quite natural for people who had been absorbed by things of this world to become entirely other-worldly in outlook, and for cowards to become men of great courage. There can be no doubt that this is what happened to the disciples. The strength they received from the Spirit enabled them to hold firmly to the love of Christ, facing the violence of their persecutors unafraid. Very true, then, was our Savior's saying that it was to their advantage for him to return to heaven: his return was the time appointed for the descent of the Holy Spirit.

RESPONSORY

John: 16:7, 13-14

If I do not go, the Advocate will never come to you. but if I go, I will send him to you.

– When he comes he will teach you all truth, alleluia.

He will not speak on his own, but he will tell you all that he hears from me and will proclaim to you the things to come.

– When he comes he will teach you all truth, alleluia

From our Spiritual Advisors ...



Get to Know Our Mama and Papa

By Fr. Tom Sparacino, Rector

St. Paul Seminary

Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, PA

Here in Pittsburgh, we are beginning a new academic year at Saint Paul Seminary. Often I refer to our house of formation as a little Nazareth. Nazareth is the hidden place that Jesus went down to live with his mother Mary and earthly father Joseph. It was in Nazareth scripture says that he was obedient to them. As we prepare to gather in New Orleans for the Magnificat Conference let us reflect on the theme, “Who do you say I am?” Like I tell our men in formation, if you want to get to know who Jesus is, get to know his parents. They will show Him to us. 

Like many of you, I so depend on our dear Blessed Mother for help. Over the course of this last year, I have deepened my understanding and ultimately my dependence on Saint Joseph — who he was for Jesus and Mary and who he is for me. For me, I have this image of a man, a gentle man, a man of great devotion. What a model for us all. The more I have reflected on Joseph as a man, I think he may be better understood first as a child of God, a child just like us. And just like us, he is nothing without Jesus and Mary. 

Our dear mama and papa together teach us so much about being children of God, keeping our eye on Jesus. The kid in me chuckles at what Mary and Joseph must have felt when they lost Jesus. Imagine, going to God the Father and having to say, “We lost Him!” “Not sure what happened, he seems to have vanished.” But, isn’t this the same for us. So often, we lose sight of Jesus. But we lose sight of Him because of our own short comings.

To identify who Jesus is we must turn back to him. Not sure how? Ask Mary to help you. “Mary, take me to Jesus.” This is what I do when I am distracted in prayer, “Mama please, take me to your son.” I also ask papa Joseph to give me a boost by lifting me onto his shoulders. Much like a dad lifts his child on his shoulders to get a better view of the parade. Up on the shoulders of Joseph, we will be able to see more clearly as he points us to Jesus. 

Our time in New Orleans is fast approaching. Let’s get fired up in the Spirit and with the help of our dear mama and papa, they will show us the way to the Sacred Heart. Through both, her Immaculate Heart, and his Pure Heart, our time together will help us to recognize Jesus for who He is in our lives and that we may come to better know who Jesus is, love Jesus more deeply and live Jesus more fully. 

Lastly, Just a side note: If you lose me at the Conference, and I am not in front of Jesus in the Tabernacle, you might find me eating a Beignet at Cafe Du Monde or at a central grocery for a Muffuletta. See you in October!

CST Trip to Louisiana, in July

By Jackie France, CST Member, Historian

NOLA Praise & Worship

The CST addressed two mandates in a face-to-face July 11-17, 2021, in Louisiana: the Life in the Spirit Seminar (LISS) and Magnificat’s 16th International Leaders’ Conference. We were busy. After late arrivals on Sunday and settling into our rooms, we planned our week to tackle the tasks at hand.

Morning Mass prepared us daily with the graces we needed to do what God was leading us to do. We could each wholeheartedly say with the Psalmist in 26:3: “Your mercy is before my eyes; I walk guided by your faithfulness.” Discussion would start at breakfast and continue throughout each day. Monday and Tuesday we reviewed the LISS talks and PowerPoint presentations that would be filmed on Wednesday and Thursday. For a break, we would finalize the Modules ready to be put on the Intranet for Magnificat Servant Leader training, updating, and periodic review.

When LISS filming started on Wednesday we covered the presenter in prayer for each of our sessions. It was amazing how the Holy Spirit brought it all together, even though we had prepared separately. Griffith, our cameraman/producer, kept us moving and it was comforting to know as we were being filmed that our Magnificat CST sisters were right outside the door interceding for the expression of the Holy Spirit in our words and presence. We finished by lunch on Thursday.

Changing gears Thursday afternoon to address the Conference, the CST and Event Planner, Michelle Seghers, made a field trip to the home of Kurt and Mary Burns, a husband-and-wife team who have been moved by the Lord to “rescue” relics and other sacred items in danger of being lost or destroyed. They kindly committed relics, statues, pictures, a tabernacle, and other items for display and use in the Chapel at our Conference in October. We are excited for you to see and experience the holy beauty of them all, another great reason to join us in NOLA October 7-10!

The CST and Michele headed to the Magnificat Ministry office in Metairie on Friday, a must see anytime we are nearby. We so appreciate Cindy, Jill, and Sheila and all that they do for the Ministry and you! LISS and Conference registration, Logos items and book inventories were topics for discussion. 

A highlight of any CST outing to Louisiana is the opportunity to share a meal with Magnificat foundresses. We were blessed to share lunch with Marilyn Quirk, Marilyn Heap and Judy Zelden on Friday. They are the epitome of humility and faith, always encouraging us to “Do whatever He tells you!” and being overjoyed at how the Holy Spirit is working through the Magnificat Ministry. We presented them with some publications that will be previewed at the Conference and were able to get our own copies signed. We were together — past and current CST members — marveling at the greatness of the Lord! What a blessed Visitation!

Our week ended at a lovely Saturday Magnificat Breakfast with the Marrero Chapter and the speaker, none other than our own Mary Wilson. For the CST, it was a visible reminder of what Magnificat is and why we are called to serve.

Tired but happy, we went home anticipating our return in October for “Who Do You Say That I Am?”, the 16th International Leaders’ Conference and 40th Anniversary of Magnificat October 7-10. We hope and pray to see you there so we can glorify His name together!

L to R bottom: Judy Zelden, Marilyn Quirk,

Kim Rodriguez-Torres, Marilyn Heap,

Donna Ross. Top: Mary Wilson,

Jackie France, Sara Ford

NOLA praying with Mary Wilson

KIM RODRIGUEZ- TORRES RESIGNS AS CST TREASURER

JACKIE FRANCE ASSUMES CST TREASURER POSITION

L to R: Deacon Rich Mick, Spiritual Advisor, Peggy Morgan, Treasurer,

Cecilia Soporowska, Asst. Coord., Maria Boylan, Speaker,

Maria Jones, Coordinator at Podium.

On July 1, 2020, Mother Mary Morning Star Chapter, Clayton, North Carolina officially became a Chapter of Magnificat for the Diocese of Raleigh. Becoming a Chapter during the Covid-19 Pandemic resulted in having to delay our first Magnificat Meal until restrictions were lifted a year later. On July 24, 2021, with fewer restrictions, we were able to have our first Magnificat Meal at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Apex, NC.

As we are aware, restrictions have been mandated in many States preventing some Chapters from having Meals. So, when we were able to have an in-person Meal, we were elated. However, there were regulations in place that limited us in what type of Meal we could have, what type of decorations, how long we could use the venue, and seating our guests to make them comfortable and safe. Our Meal did not take place in the morning but was held in early afternoon. We served pre-packaged boxed lunches and served bottled beverages. Our tables were decorated with plastic throw away tablecloths and runners provided by St. Andrew’s Parish. Blessings continued as the Parish donated vases of cut flowers for us to use on the tables! Several ladies from our Diocesan Charismatic Renewal volunteered to help us set up and be on prayer teams. The day was beautiful and blessed from the very beginning.

The music ministry was anointed with the Holy Spirit and our speaker, Maria Boylan touched us all with her amazing testimony on forgiveness and how God works in every circumstance and decision in our lives. While Maria was giving her testimony, we were all once again blessed and surprised by an unusual visitor. We heard a tapping at the side window of the room and soon discovered a small bird standing there looking in as if it was telling us it would like to come in. Or maybe it was letting Maria know that God was with her to bring her comfort as she was sharing her testimony.

Cecilia, Peggy, Vita, and I will never forget our first Magnificat Meal and all that our Lord and Blessed Mother provided for us. There were many reminders for us to not fret and worry. When we place our trust in God and honor our beautiful Mother, He provides all that we need and even more. We are so grateful that we can serve the Lord through Magnificat to evangelize to women the greatness of the Lord. We look forward to our next Meal knowing that God is greater than any virus or tragedy or obstacle in our lives. To God be the glory and Mother Mary be honored.

Dr. Nimo used three young guests to represent faith, hope and love. 

(l to r) Maria Rooney, little Alivia Matl, and Sara Rooney

“Our Hope Comes From God” was the theme for a recent prayer breakfast hosted by Illinois’ Magnificat Chapter, Mary, Mother of the Eucharist. Fellowship, praise and hope were found at the breakfast held on Saturday June 26, 2021 in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Dr. Mark Nimo was the keynote speaker after many songs of praise and worship were led by this talented and charismatic man. Nearly 140 Catholic women, teens and devoted men came together for the first event to be held in twenty months due to the pandemic. Hearts were soaring, voices were lifted and individual prayers were shared following the testimony given by Dr. Mark Nimo. He has served on the International Catholic Charismatic Renewal Services office in the Vatican and with the International Catholic Programme of Evangelization. His music, infectious spirit and zeal for God gave all those in attendance a renewed sense of hope. Mary, Mother of the Eucharist Chapter of Magnificat will be offering another special prayer breakfast in October at Saint Mary’s in Huntley, Illinois. 

Newly Ordained Priest speaks at June Meal of Mary, Undoer of Knots Chapter, Northwest IA

By Jada Halberg, Chapter Secretary

It was with great joy that the Magnificat of Northwest Iowa hosted a Meal on Saturday, June 19, 2021, at Resurrection of Our Lord in Pocahontas, IA.  The guest speaker was Father Travis Crotty, who is the most recently ordained priest of the Sioux City Diocese. Father Crotty shared his journey of discernment with all who were present. Sprinkled with bits of humor and grounded in the reality of growing up in northwest Iowa he shared his narrative of becoming a priest. Father was the perfect guest as the Chapter welcomed back attendees in person for the first time since the onset of the pandemic. Prayer and insight were provided by Sister Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT.



Father Crotty was ordained in June 2020 and serves as the parochial vicar of All Saints Parish and Chaplain of Gehlen Catholic High School in Le Mars. The next Magnificat event scheduled for the Northwest Iowa Chapter is on September 25, 2021, at the Cathedral of the Epiphany, with Father Ryan Browning as the scheduled speaker for a Prayer Retreat.

In Memory of Lois Thom: 1952 - 2021

Morning Star Chapter, Lincoln, NE

By Rhonda LItt, Coordinator

Lois Thom was a former RCST member for Region 2, serving as the Communications Liaison. She took seriously our Lord's request to "set the world on FIRE"! Lois lived 140 miles away and rarely missed a Magnificat Meal, said Rhonda Litt, Chapter Coordinator. She played organ and piano in her church for more than 30 years, was active in many Catholic community activities and functions. Faith was deeply important to her and was part of her everyday life. Rest in peace, loyal and faithful servant!

Together Again! Spouse of the Holy Spirit Chapter, Rochester, NY

By Jeanne Walker, Chapter Secretary

For the first time in over a year, our Magnificat Rochester Chapter hosted a breakfast on June 12, 2021 at the Brook Lea Country Club in Rochester, NY. With some apprehension and COVID guidelines in place, over 80 women attended this first post-pandemic event! A few changes were made — no confessions and limited singing, but it was a wonderful, uplifting gathering!

Father Bernard Dan, our Spiritual Advisor, inspired us with his words of wisdom. Regina Civiletti shared her miraculous testimony about forgiveness to the one who caused the death of her husband. Regina’s musical talents also touched our hearts.

Speaker Regina Civiletti touches the hearts with her music and her testimony.

Father Bernard Dan, Spiritual Advisor

A wonderful gathering after more than a year of not being able to

meet for a Meal and spiritual enlightenment.

Appreciation Luncheon for Our Lady of the Lakes Chapter, Walker, MN

By Mary Rients, Chapter Coordinator

Our Lady of the Lakes Magnificat Chapter of Walker, MN hosted an appreciation luncheon for our table hostesses on Monday, June 28th at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cass Lake, MN. Our event began with Mass prayed by our Spiritual Advisor, Father George Zeck. After Mass, we enjoyed a salad luncheon in the social hall. To show our appreciation for our hostesses, we gave each of them a bracelet with a miraculous medal attached. It was lovely to have the time to visit with one another in a relaxing atmosphere. Our guests expressed how much they appreciated having Mass and that they enjoyed the luncheon.

Mary Rients standing. The rest are Hostesses and Fr. George Zeck.

Vocation Story shared at the Stark County, OH June Meal

By Joan Spieth, Coordinator

Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth Chapter’s Meal was held at Walsh University on June 12, 2021. Our speaker was Father Jeremy Mertzweiler. His time with us was a highlight because his Mom, April, had been a service team member for many years. She encouraged prayers for her son as he went through the discernment process and years in the seminary. Many attending felt a real part of his vocation story.



In typical April fashion, she pulled a surprise. It certainly wasn’t her plan to get stranded in an airport and miss the breakfast entirely. We had a great attendance, and they exhibited a great spirit throughout.

Fr. Jeremy Mertzweiler

Service Team

Joan Spieth, Coordinator,

Rosemary Pfiffner, Asst. Coor.,

Emily Voegele, Secretary,

Diane DeBarr, Treasurer,

Diane Stropki, Historian,

Fr. Thomas Cebula, Spiritual Advisor

Service Team and Attendees.

Our Lady's Desert Roses Zoom Visitation with Kimberly Hahn

By Jeanne Potter, Secretary

After weeks of preparation, Our Lady’s Desert Roses, Magnificat’s Palm Desert Chapter, had our last Zoom Visitation with a very special speaker, Kimberly Hahn. Yes, we were surprised but we simply asked, and she accepted.

Kimberly spent 40+ minutes telling us her story of conversion. Although serious and moving, she was very interesting and funny. Her insight into what it actually takes for a person with a deep religious upbringing in the Presbyterian Church to convert to Catholicism was remarkable and not as easy as you may think.

It took Kimberly four years after Scott’s conversion to join him in the Catholic Church. Her major problem, as she put it, was the Blessed Mother. She could not understand why we Catholics were obsessed with her, or how Mary fit into the picture all the time, and why we prayed to her. After years of Scott’s tender care in teaching her about Mary, Kimberly finally GOT IT.



Kimberly’s story is a beautiful and interesting timeline in her family’s history with a great outcome. If you ever have a chance to hear Kimberly speak, we sincerely recommend it. It will brighten your day and you will realize what we have in our wonderful Catholic faith.

‘Let the Fire Fall’ was theme of San Diego’s NC Chapter, CA, Meal

By Elise Botch, CST Newsletter Editor

‘Let the Fire Fall’ was expressed throughout the July Meal of North County San Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapter. Over 100 people gathered in anticipation to encounter the Holy Spirit. Our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Pat Crowley, set the tone with his powerful talk on the Holy Spirit. Then our gifted Music Ministry ‘of one’, Donna Lee, filled the room with Praise and Worship awakening the Holy Spirit within us. Our guest speaker, Deacon Steve Greco of Irvine, CA filled with jubilation of the Holy Spirit shared his passion of spreading the Gospel around the world. He left his successful corporate job and soon responded to the call to become a deacon.



Deacon Steve has a ministry of Evangelization and Healing. He founded 'Spirit Filled Hearts Ministry' He is currently the host of a weekly radio show, “Empowered by the Spirit."

After the Meal, many attendees stayed to receive healing prayer from Father Pat Crowley.

North County San Diego

Head Table

Donna Lee Music Ministry and

mom, Barbara Ackerman

Praying over Deacon Steve Greco

Fr. Pat Crowley, healing prayer after the Meal.

L to R: Elise Botch, Communications Chair, Mary Carey, Historian, Mary Leeds, Treasurer, Fr. Pat Crowley, Spiritual Advisor, Lidia Rennix, Asst. Coordinator, Cindy Rippee, Coordinator

Deacon Steve Greco, our speaker

Baton Rouge Chapter, LA, Come Back!

By Gwen Gillis, Chapter Coordinator

We are so excited to be back with our Magnificat sisters and friends. Due to Covid restrictions and an abundance of caution our Baton Rouge Magnificat Chapter, St. Elizabeth of the Visitation, had to avoid large gatherings and our Prayer Breakfast for the past 18 months. Now we are back! Our Prayer Breakfast was August 28, 2021 with our guest speaker, Fr. Eddie Martin. Fr. Eddie shared his personal testimony and journey to the priesthood which is different from most personal testimonies. He had a profound message that sometimes bad things happen to good people. It is through faith, closeness to God and opening our hearts to God’s will – that gets us through these tough and sad times. Fr. Eddie kept a journal and wrote a book, Last Dance, of his personal journey through marriage, death of a spouse and his journey to the priesthood. We were all blessed in hearing his testimony.

Trying to get back from Covid, the Baton Rouge area, also had to deal with Hurricane Ida which was expected to land Sunday, August 29th, the day after our Prayer Breakfast. We did not know how our attendees would feel coming back from Covid lockdown and now an approaching hurricane. The Blessed Mother watched over the entire Saturday morning and day. There was no rain! The Prayer Breakfast morning was full of the Holy Spirit. It was one of our best breakfasts. In spite of it all, we had over 120 attendees. God is good, All the time!!!

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Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us!

God loves a cheerful giver!

(2 Cor. 9:7) 

MAGNIFICAT'S UPCOMING WEBINAR EVENT

Bible Study #2 - Women, Called and Sent For Such a Time as This

Begins January 2022 (21 week session)

Watch our Website and Social Media for more details.

Praise Report

I am so thankful that I signed up for the Magnificat Life in the Spirit Webinar this summer! It has been a wonderful way to connect with the Ministry and get a Marian perspective in understanding the gifts of the Spirit. Being baptized in the Holy Spirit has transformed my life. It has deepened my prayer life and equipped me to live my life more fully for the Body of Christ.

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