Fr. Kubicki 2 Minute Prayer Reflections

Father talks about Memorial Day. Originally this day was declared to remember the fallen soldiers on both sides during the Civil War. Now we commemorate today by visiting the graves of deceased family and friends. Let’s prayer for our beloved dead in hopes to see them once more in eternal life.

Father talks about the Ascension of Jesus Christ which is celebrated in many Churches on this day. Father reflects on some powerful words from Pope Francis on this event. Jesus is with us always even as he ascends into heaven to be with the Father.

Father talks more about the month of May and how the Catholic Church has dedicated this month to Mary. In particular Father reads a poem about how Spring bringing forth new life relates with Mary binging forth Jesus who brings new life to us all.

Father talks about Saint Augustine of Canterbury, who brought the Gospel to England in the year AD 598. The King, who was persuaded by Saint Augustine’s eloquence, allowed him and his companions to share the Gospel with the Citizens of England.

Today we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of Jesus into Heaven. Father explains how this feast relates with us and shares the two-fold meaning of the ascension. Let us be encouraged and look forward to our own Ascension after the resurrection to which we are called.

Today’s saint, Saint Bede the Venerable, wrote a history on the Church in England. This accomplishment made him known as the “Father of English History”. Since we are still in the month of May, Father Shares a sermon by Saint Bede about Mary’s visitation with her cousin Elizabeth.

Today we celebrate the feast of Mary Help of Christians. We are invited to join in prayer with the Catholics in China who ask for her intersession especially today. Father shares a prayer from Pope Benedict to Mary under this title for all in China and the World.

Father speaks on the Fourth Commandment: Honor thy father and mother . Jesus followed all the commandments perfectly including this one. As His disciples, we are also called to imitate Jesus as best we can and Honor His mother the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Father talks about the Sunday readings where Jesus tells His apostles that he needs to leave so He can send them the Holy Spirit. Father Kubicki shares a meditation presented by Pope Francis regarding this topic. Let us remember that, with the Holy Spirit, we are not alone.

Today we celebrate Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions, who were martyred in Mexico in the year 1927 for their faith. Father shares a prayer from Pope John II to Our Lady of Guadalupe which helps us pray for others, even our enemies.

Father talks about a saint who used cards to help convert people calling them out of their gambling habits to a new life with Christ. Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Bernadine of Siena who was so devoted to the name of Jesus that he would bless the crowds using a sign with Jesus’ name on it.

Father shares the story of Pope Celestine V. Pope Celestine became a hermit at the age of 20 and lived most of his life in solitude. When he was called upon to the papacy it soon became clear that Pope Celestine, who was a simple man was not equipped to lead the Catholic Church. After just five months in the papal chair he resigned, asking for pardons for the many mistakes he made as Pope.

Father talks about the first of twenty-three Popes who have taken the name John. Today we celebrate the feast day of Pope John the first. Popes have led the church in the truth, often at great cost. We pray that we may imitate these great Popes in our own lives.

Today we celebrate the feast of Saint Paschal Baylon. St. Paschal Baylon is known as the “Saint of the Blessed Sacrament”. Growing up he helped his family as a Shepherd, but he always made time to visit Jesus in the Eucharist. Father invites us to take advantage of this great Sacrament.

Father talks about first holy communion, reflecting on some words by Pope Francis about when he received his first communion. Father Kubicki encourages us to really understand who we are receiving when we attend Holy Mass each week.

Father talks about a scene from the Last Supper referred to in today’s Sunday gospel according to John. Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. This commandment is impossible without the help of God. Let’s pray that we may receive the grace from God to fulfill this commandment.

Father talks about the feast of the apostle who replaced Judas, a man named Matthias. In choosing Matthias the Apostles used a very specific method. Reflecting on how Matthias was chosen in the book of Acts, Father reads an insight from St John Chrysostom.

Today we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Our Lady of Fatima Requested Russia be consecrated to her. This request has been carried out by various Popes in union with the bishops. Father Kubicki offers some words from Pope Francis when he performed the consecration earlier this year.

Father talks about Saint Nereus and Saint Achilleus, two early saints in the Catholic Church who were brothers. They served as soldiers in the Roman Military. As we continue the month of May, Father ends with a prayer asking for Mary’s intersession.

Father Asks, who was the first person in history to honor Mary? To answer this question father turns to scripture. Elizabeth was the first person to honor Mary. As such we should also honor Mary. This gives glory to God who created her.

Father talks about Saint Damien who served as a missionary in the leopard community in Molokai. He was sent from Europe to the Hawaiian Islands to serve the leopards of the area. Saint Damien received his ability to be holy and charitable from his contemplation of the Eucharist.

As we continue to contemplate Mary in this month of May, Father Kubicki shares reflections from Pope Benedict when he visited the shroud believed to be what wrapped Jesus’ body. Our Holy Father invites us to contemplate the perspective of the person who remembered the face of Jesus best, Mary.

Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers! Father shares a reflection about mothers written by József Cardinal Mindszenty, named Chief Archbishop of Hungary in 1945, in which he celebrates and honors the status of mothers as being closer to God than any other creature.

On this first Saturday of the month, Father talks about how Mary is not only the mother of God, but she is also our mother through the merits of baptism. Father shares some words from the Second Vatican Council regarding Mary’s Motherhood.

Today on the first Friday of the month we traditionally celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Since it is the month of Mary, father discusses the Immaculate Heart of Mary and how she was able to unite her heart with God and His plan.