The Son of God

Jesus proved that He is God by His words and actions. In the Gospel of John, Jesus claimed His divinity by saying, "I and the Father are one," and "Before Abraham ever was, I Am.". He clearly identified Himself as being both divine and equal to God the Father. By His miracles, Jesus demonstrated His authority, leaving no doubt that He is God. He multiplied the loaves and fishes showing that He possesses command over nature. Christ also drove out demons and cured mental illnesses, demonstrating that He has the authority to command the supernatural as well as the natural. Jesus showed that He is truly divine.

Praise Be Jesus Christ, Now and Forever!

A Message for Us All

The story of Thomas Becket is socially intricate as he was faced with the good and evil qualities of two opposite measures: to remain in temporal politics or to act under God alone. The lesson he gives the world still applies to the modern era. The leaders of the world should act for the temporal and spiritual good of the people, regardless of fame, riches, or power. It is the duty of everyone in authority to continually follow the guidance and laws of the Church before those of any temporal government. This was the deciding point for Thomas Becket that overcame all his temptations - that running away from the conflict or attempting to resolve it by temporal means would be an action against the just authority of God. The king had asked him to act against the pope, the Vicar of Christ, and Thomas refused. All modern social and political leaders should stand firm in the teachings of the Church and be willing to accept the subsequent punishment, not for heroism or fame, but for love of God’s Truth.

2012 Contest!

Greetings to all!  Happy Divine Mercy Sunday!  The staff of Saint Cecelia's Press are happy to announce the arrival of the 2012 contest.  For those of you who are new to the newsletter contest, here are the rules:

• Adults as well as kids are encouraged to participate
• An entry may be a composition or an art project
• Each contestant can enter as many entries as they want
• Entries must be original
• Entries must be Christian based
• Entries can be from school projects as long as the contestants have their teacher's permission to submit them
• Art entries can consist of a picture of a 3D object
• Composition entries may be poems, stories, or essays
• If you are not sure if your project is acceptable as an entry or not, feel free to email our staff
• Entries may be sent to Saint Cecilia's Press by mail or by email
• The deadline for all entries is May 5th

Winners will receive a special prize in the mail for their projects! 

If you have any questions, please email us or comment on this post as we would be glad to help.  We hope that you are all as excited about the 2012 contest as we are!

Jesus Christ Is Risen Today!

Rejoice, Alleluia!

Crusade for Souls

Join The Catholic Kingdom's crusade to free as many Poor Souls from Purgatory as possible.  All that is requested is that you say St. Gertrude's prayer fervently, hoping that God wil hear your petition.  God promised St. Gertrude that if she and the faithful prayed this prayer with complete sincerity, 1,000 souls would be released from Purgatory each time it is recited.  Not only does praying for the souls in Purgatory help them, your prayers also give you merit towards your Eternal Salvation.

If the crusaders' combined number of prayers equalls 33,000, each person will receive a special prize for taking part.  Join Dominique's Crusade here!

Triumph of the Cross - Poll Results

Today we celebrate our gratitude and love for Jesus through our respect for the cross. The cross was once the greatest symbol of shame. Criminals who died by the sword were spared the "branding" of crucifixion. Jesus chose to do the most for us to obtain our salvation. He took on the suffering of the cross. With that suffering came the shame.

The cross has become the most sacred Christian symbol. When the cross has the image of the suffering Christ on it, that cross is called a crucifix. The crucifix on our bedroom wall and the crucifix or cross around our neck are important. They remind us that Jesus paid a price for us.

For centuries relics of the true cross have been cherished by devout Christians. It is believed that Emperor Heraclius recovered pieces of wood from the cross of Jesus in 629. He and his group of pilgrims honored the relics and invited all the people in the area to join them. Even before that time, Christians honored and loved the symbol of the cross.

The word "cross" can also mean the sufferings that come our way. When we accept them lovingly and with patience as Jesus did his cross, we become "cross-bearers" like Jesus.

- http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/september/0914.asp

Due to the even results of the poll, St. Cecelia's Press will make no change to the subscription process at the present time.  Thank you for voting. 

First Friday

Today is First Friday and consequently one of the Feasts of the Sacred Heart.  Try to make it to Mass today or Adoration.  It is very important that we venerate the Sacred Heart on First Fridays.  Many graces can be received by devoted prayer to Jesus today, especially if you can go to Confession today or this weekend. 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have Mercy on Us!

New Logo

Dear Friends,

One Saint Cecelia and All Martyrs Press subscriber has generously donated her time to create a logo specifically for our blog.  Now when you click on this logo, you travel directly to the Saint Cecelia's Press Online home page.  As you see, she has also created a beautiful header for the blog.

Thank you Bernadette!  We greatly appreciate your past and continuing contributions to Saint Cecelia's Press.

Contest Results!

Here are the entries from this summer's contest:

Felix Mendelssohn

By Ms. Bernadette

 *  *  *  *  *

Saint Therese



By Ms. Bernadette



*  *  *  *  *

Sculptured Religious Figures



 by Ms. Elizabeth



*  *  *  *  *

Little Red Riding Hood



By Master Zachary



*  *  *  *  * 

Christ Did Say

Christ did say, "I Am the Way"

Through your troubles and your strifes,

Even? if your path is paved with thorns and knives,

That pierce you from every side.

Through goals and careers that seem never to come true,

When dreams send you far and wide,

Christ is there, always by your side.

Christ did say, "I Am the Truth"

When things dark and deep cannot be seen,

Yet, Christ sees all. The two-faced one,

He knows too well. And reality, is it love or gall?

One so deep, it cannot be seen,

Unveils you of your untold truth.

Til you cannot live with it, we do not

Know if it be curse of blessing,

And when its done your heart is singing.

Christ did say, "I am the Life"

For those who are hopeless and despairing,

And with death and destruction the evil one is hunting.

Yet the radiant one with light uplifting,

Shows forth hope for those deep in strife,

For Christ did say,

"I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life."

By Ms. Danitza

*  *  *  *  *

Eternally, Guides the Dove

As skies grew dim,

colors grim,

Storms form above.

Faith! A dove,

Doth fly quite high,

Danger nigh,

To represent,

Divine consent.

Knights ride under,

Heaven’s thunder,

To meet the fight,

Of earthly might.

Confused, astray,

In fighters’ fray,

Knights’ cries sound,

‘Cross hills round.

The standard be,

Heavenly,

Knight seeks a guide,

By celestial side.

Above he sees,

Dove wings,

And acts the fight,

Of Christian plight.

So now to be,

Remember, we,

No storm or clatter,

Cannot faith shatter.

By Ms. Elizabeth

The Wedding Feast at Cana

Visit the Cahtolic Kingdom: http://www.catholickingdom.com/Art_Gallery/Artwork/ck-art_02/Miracle_at_the_Wedding_at_Cana.jpg

Friday: The Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart

He is Risen!

http://www.catholickingdom.com/Art_Gallery/Artwork/ck-art_01/The-Resurrection.jpg

The Consoling Angel

http://www.catholickingdom.com/Art_Gallery/Display/05_Passion/05_Passion.html

Paintings for the Passion

Catholic Kingdom has many religious picutres like this one that focus on the Passion of Christ. 

Visit: http://www.catholickingdom.com/Art_Gallery/Display/05_Passion/05_Passion.html