Mary has requested that the daily message be given each day to the world. It is read nightly at the prayer service from her Image Building in Clearwater, Florida, U.S.A. This is according to her request. All attempts will be made to publish this daily message to the world at 11 p.m. Eastern time, U.S.A.


We acknowledge that the final authority regarding these messages rests with the Holy See of Rome.


I appear my children on this former bank building in Florida, Our Lady Clothed with the Sun.

January 28, 2001


A Prayer for Intimacy with the Lamb, the Bridegroom of the Soul

Oh Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, come and act on my soul most intimately. I surrender myself, as I ask for the grace to let go, to just be as I exist in You and You act most intimately on my soul. You are the Initiator. I am the soul waiting Your favors as You act in me. I love You. I adore You. I worship You. Come and possess my soul with Your Divine Grace, as I experience You most intimately.


Messenger: Include Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in 6:20 prayers.


Messenger: Please pray for 5 urgent intentions!


Messenger: WE URGENTLY NEED FUNDS TO PUT OUT THE NEXT NEWSLETTER, PRAY FOR THIS AND FOR THE NEWSLETTER AND ALL INVOLVED.


Messenger: Our Lord has asked us to pray for a special priest and three other special priests and His designated priests.

                      Please pray for the priestly newsletter and for the intentions on the prayer list at the end of the message.


Messenger: Here are questions concerning marriage.

Contemplating them may aid us in our relationship.

You may consider these questions yourself or talk about them with your spouse.

Discussion questions Father Carter gave in class on marriage.


MARRIAGE

  1. Do you think it is a problem for the average American male if his wife earns more money than him or has a more prestigious job?

  2. Regarding husband and wife who both work do you think there should be an equal distribution of household tasks?

  3. Do you think it is indicative of a bad marriage if husband and wife both argue?

  4. Do you think people with the opposite or similar temperaments should marry?

  5. What do you think are the ideal characteristics to be found in a marriage partner?

  6. Do you think parents should establish a policy that all family members should spend quality time together?

  7. Why do you think there is such a high divorce rate in the United States?

  8. How big a part do financial matters play in the family marriage, how big a part do you think they should play?

  9. In many cases real communication seems more difficult as the marriage goes on. What do you think?

  10. What are some ways a family can pray together?

  11. How much a role do you think similarities play in the family marriage? How important do you think this is to the marriage?

  12. What are some things American families can do to not be caught up in the rat race?


Messenger: Today at the instruction of Jesus, we include several chapters from The Pain and the Joy.

We include the following chapters. (Chapters 38, 40, 27-30)         


Excerpt from The Pain and the Joy, by Father Edward Carter, S.J.  

38

Marriage

Marriage is an especially intimate union in which man and woman pledge to share each other's uniqueness in a way which is as awesome as it is beautiful. If a marriage is to be this awesomely beautiful union, the partners must be willing to love authentically. Authentic married love is much more than a warm, romantic glow. This may or may not be present at any given moment of married life, but what should be consistently present is a willingness to give of oneself to the other in order to promote her or his real good. This is true love. This is authentic love. This is the kind of love which prevails in the midst of myriad types of experiences.

All sorts of experiences will mark the path of a married couple as they walk the way of life in a togetherness formed by their mutual love. As their love for each other has initially created this unique togetherness, so will it likewise establish a unified and meaningful existence comprised of happenings and experiences spanning a rich and diversified spectrum of life within the human condition. Their love for each other thus provides a common basis for all kinds of experiences. Ecstatic happiness and deep anguish, such different experiences in one sense, are in another sense similar experiences for husband and wife united in love. The similarity arises because it is the same love which makes the two consistently, tenderly, and beautifully desire to share all experiences. Similiarity thus harmoniously blends with dissimilarity.

This extremely close, unifying love of man and wife is expressed in a most special manner through sexual  intercourse. The sexual act is the outward, culminating sign of the partners' pledge to give themselves as completely as possible to each other. It is obvious then, that the sexual act is more satisfying in proportion to each partner's willingness to give of self as much as possible. The woman is usually the more perceptive in this since, compared to the man, it is generally more difficult for her to separate love and sex. If there are, consequently, significant problems with the marriage outside the times of intercourse, this negatively affects the woman's attitude toward the sex act itself. In other words, if her husband is seriously and consistently lacking in giving himself to her in the varied aspects of daily married existence, she intuitively sees the problem with the sexual side of the relationship. Intercourse, ideally the outward sign of the desire of both to give themselves as perfectly as possible to each other in all areas of married existence, certainly suffers when one or both are significantly lacking in this self-gift. A satisfactory sex life is therefore contingent upon the partners' readiness to work effectively at promoting the marriage's growth in all its other aspects. Among other things, this requires a willingness to engage in consistent and  meaningful communication.

The marriage union gives a basic orientation to one's stance before God. Ideally, it is a question of approaching God in various ways with another person. This does not mean that a married person does not often approach God singularly. The undeniable truth, however, does remain—married people in many ways stand together before God in love, and together receive God's love.

Married people relate in love not only to God, but to each other, and to their children. They are also meant to relate in love to all others. Here again, marriage is a school of love. Husband and wife, in their mutual sharing of love, grow in their knowledge of how to give and receive love regarding those outside the family circle. They should thus realize their responsibility in contributing to the building of a better world. Man and wife, precisely because of their married love, have their own special responsibility to the secular world. Married love obviously is intimately connected with procreation—with the continuation of the human race, with life upon earth. Life in this world has a quantitative aspect—population numbers—and a qualitative aspect—the kind of life this population lives. There is a connection between the two, because the dignity of the human person requires that the quality of life be fundamentally sound. Consequently, in assuming responsibility to help populate the world, married people are also assuming responsibility to help make this world a more fitting place for their children and others to inhabit.

Our day is witnessing an unusually large number of unhappy and broken marriages. This is a tragedy. It is a tragedy that what is intended to be a uniquely beautiful union often never becomes that, or, once that, disintegrates, and there remain only the ashes of a burnt-out beauty that once was, but now is no more. We mourn these unhappy marriages. We thank God for the happy ones, the beautiful ones, ones which are a testimony to marriage's capacity come what may, to unite husband and wife in loving and tender concern. The world desperately needs it.

One common thread of advice from couples who have enjoyed many years of marriage is to pray together. Begin that way, and stick to it.


40

Friendship

One of the grandest forms of love we can show for someone is that of friendship. One of its beauties is that it is available to persons of all ages and all vocations. Each of us belongs to a particular state of life and gives and receive love according to the basic dictates of that special vocation.  Single and married people in the world, religious, clergy—all of us are meant to love and be loved. Although many of the experiences of love are the same for all, others are indigenous to the particular state of life in question. For example, the celibate cleric is closed off from the experience peculiar to married love just as man and wife, in turn, are not exposed to the pains and joys of celibate love. However, one of the common experiences of love we can all share is that of friendship.

In the course of our daily lives we deal with many people, and some of these we meet rather regularly. We can thus establish amicable relationships with a number of people. We can develop many friends in the process. Deep friendship, however, friendship in the stricter sense of the word, is another matter. For various reasons it seems we establish this type of relationship with only a relatively small number of individuals. Whatever may be the degree and kind of friendship, it is a special gift of God. It indeed plays a treasured role in the Christian life. Christ Himself has shown us this; He, too, had friends, such as Lazarus, Martha, and Mary.

What is friendship, this special, close friendship? It is a mutual self-giving in love. Through this gift of self, friends desire to promote the good of each other. In one's love for a friend, he or she desires that this person becomes everything the friend can become according to God's designs. Through the love of friendship we give ourselves in a very direct, personal, and intimate manner to help achieve this growth.

The desire to give ourself to a friend in such an intimate fashion necessitates that the other also love in return with the love of friendship. You cannot give to another on such a deep level unless that person reciprocally and similarly loves and accepts you as well. The love of friendship, consequently, means a decision to love and be loved in a similar fashion on the part of both.

One of friendship's most distinctive qualities is this mutual acceptance which is given in complete freedom. Friends are radically free to desist loving each other with the love of friendship at any time; yet the fact that they continue to love is one of friendship's glories. Obviously, this is not to say that each and every friendship perenially endures. Sometimes one or both decide for various reasons to end the relationship. Nevertheless, ideal friendship is forever. This demonstrates the necessity of not entering into such a union unless sufficient thought and reflection concerning the responsibilities of friendship have preceded. Full, deep friendship is an important human relationship, and we should treat it in a commensurate fashion.

Friends look at life together and they live life together. This is why there must be a basic affinity between the two, a basic set of common values and ideals. Otherwise, the close union of friendship does not seem possible. On the other hand, this basic affinity does not exclude all differences. Each person in the friendship is unique and will give his or her individuality to the other with the inevitable differences which distinguish one person from another. These personal differences, properly blended into the unity of friendship, help to enrich the relationship, and each other.

Since friendship is a form of love, it is a life, and as with all life, it must be properly nourished; otherwise, it will wither and die. Each person must realize his or her responsibility in keeping friendship alive and healthy. Notice, we are not saying friends should be morbidly anxious regarding the future of their relationship. We are merely stating that friends, while resting secure in their mutual love, can never afford to take each other for granted.

Friendship is a school of love. Through it God intends to make us Christians who love more sincerely, more deeply, more selflessly.

Since friendship is a school of love, it is evident why it cannot be exclusive. A friendship which makes me less loving toward others needs examination. Although I have a special love for my friends, I cannot neglect a loving concern for all. Jealousy and neglect of duty emanating from a friendship are other indications that not all is right with the relationship. These and other possible negative characteristics should not overly surprise us when they appear, especially if they occur in a minor way. They are simply a sign that we are still learning to love, and that at times we fail to a lesser or greater degree. Negative characteristics of a serious nature, however, should either be eliminated or basically controlled. If there is a serious disorder which is not rectified, the course of action seems obvious. The friendship—or what was a friendship—should be terminated, for the relationship has ceased to be a fundamentally sound form of love.

As always though, we should stress the positive. We should be optimistic about our friendships, confident that with God's grace they will remain what they should be. Christ is the mediator of this grace; it is in His presence and in His assistance that our friendships are to be rooted. In this manner they will flourish and become more beneficial, more profound, and more beautiful.


27

Limitations

   We are finite creatures. By this very fact we have limitations of various sorts. We must, however, distinguish between false limitations—those which need not be—and those which legitimately emanate from our finitude.

   False limitations are those which, for various reasons, we wrongfully inflict upon ourselves. Let us consider some of these.

   There is that limitation with which we are burdened when we waste time comparing ourselves with others. We say that if we possessed the talents of this or that person, well certainly then we could achieve great things. All the while, we partially waste the gifts we do possess. We miss numerous opportunities for serving God and others because we foolishly squander time and attention bemoaning the fact that we lack this or that talent.

   We also needlessly limit our possibilities for achievement when we choose a type of work for which we are ill-suited. Many times necessity does not demand we choose such occupations or remain in them. It is rather our failure to use reasonable means to ascertain what occupations will best utilize our talents.

   We also suffer unnecessary limitations when we fail to generate the proper motivation which would allow for the reasonable development and implementation of our gifts. Properly motivating ourselves is something we must consistently strive for. The kind of motivation that thrusts us forward at one stage of our life and in one set of circumstances may well not be the particular motivating factor we need at other points of life's journey.

   There are numerous limitations which need not be. There are also limitations which are inevitable. There are, for instance, situations which limit the use of the talents we actually do possess, and there is little or nothing we can do to change these circumstances. At other times when we do have the opportunity to exercise our talents we realize, sometimes with painful awareness, that there is only so much time and energy. We realize we must leave much undone precisely because of such restraints. There are also those situations in which, despite our own good will, we are limited in what we can accomplish because of the disinterest and even hostility of those we are trying to serve.

 
   Let us pray for the gift to be able to distinguish between those limitations which need not exist and those which are inevitable. Let us also pray for the strength to eliminate those limitations which need not be. Finally, let us ask for the courage to endure patiently those restrictions which are beyond our power to remove.


 28

Past, Present, and Future

   We are past, present, and future persons. There is a certain connection between these three dimensions of our existence, but, very importantly, there is also a distinction.

   We are past persons. This we cannot deny. The past, to a certain extent, shapes our present and our future. For example, the past can be a good teacher. Aware of past mistakes and successes, we can now guard against the former, and be in better position to repeat the latter.

   We must also guard against the negative influence of the past. We must, for example, avoid the morbid dwelling on past mistakes and missed opportunities. Such an exercise only lessens our capacity for present accomplishment and future planning. Yes, let us learn from the past, but let us not be held its captive.

   We are also future persons. This future includes the time yet remaining for us here upon earth, as well as that absolute future which is full union with God in eternal life. Looking ahead to our absolute future includes thoughts about our future days upon earth. We must plan for this future with a sense of Christian purpose and prudence. Also, we must allow ourselves to be motivated continually by goals not yet achieved, but which beckon us with an enthusiasm to achieve still more for God and neighbor.

   If we are past and future persons, we are also present persons. This may be the most difficult. We can dwell too much on the past, a process which robs us of energy for present accomplishments. Disproportionate thinking about the future can also detract from the attention the present deserves.

   I believe one of the persistent temptations which we must confront regarding the present is the tendency to underestimate the importance of our life here and now. For example, we can be tempted to think that our time for significant accomplishments has not yet arrived—an attitude which detracts from the attention and commitment we should give to the task at hand.

 
   One of the greatest challenges of the spiritual life is to give ourselves as fully as possible to the present situation. Indeed, one of the best criteria for judging spiritual progress is one's ability to attach to the present the importance it deserves. Traditional spiritual literature has often discussed this critical attitude toward the here and now as the concept of the sacrament of the present moment.

 
   Giving proper attention to the present demands a consistent expression of the various Christian virtues. For example, it requires the exercise of faith, hope, and love. Faith shows us that each day, as ordinary as it may outwardly appear, is a new and marvelous opportunity to be and to become for God and others. Love, in turn, eagerly embraces this faith-vision and propels us to loyal service within the prosaic framework of everydayness. Hope in the Lord must also accompany us each day—trust that He will aid us in coping with various difficulties which, if not properly confronted, hinder our fulfillment of present obligations.

   Patience is also necessary to successfully cope with everydayness. We can be tempted to withhold proper devotion to the present because some of its tasks involve commitment over an extended period of time, whereas we would prefer the quick arrival of successful results. Let us remember that many before us initiated the works we now enjoy in their finished stage. Those who began these enterprises had to labor at them knowing that they would not see the culmination of their dedicated efforts.

   To properly give ourselves to the present necessitates that we also exercise a spirit of forgiveness. Harboring bitterness and hatred toward those who have wronged us only robs us of the serenity and energy we need for present accomplishments.

   Humility must likewise accompany us in our dedication to the here and now. We can be tempted, however subtly, to think the present task is not worthy of our best effort. Humility reminds us that whatever God's will puts before us each day does indeed demand our full commitment.

 
   Without further extending our discussion of the Christian virtues, it is obvious that giving proper attention to the present challenges our spiritual capacity in a variety of ways.

   We are past, present, and future. Let us allot each of these dimensions its proper role. Let us remember that we can best respect the past and prepare for the future by the proper utilization of the present. St. Paul tells us: Behold, now is a very acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Cor. 6:2).


 29

A Sense of Being Overwhelmed

   Sometimes life can seem to overwhelm us, at times with surprise and suddenness, at other times with clear signs that we are now about to experience human existence as a sort of massive deluge. During these times of seeming to be overwhelmed, we obviously feel more than uneasy, and at times deeply anxious. We lack that sense of being in reasonable control of things.

   There are various factors contributing to our sense of being overwhelmed. People, various circumstances, places, happenings—all these help shape the situation.

   Moreover, it is not only the unpleasant side of life which is always the causative factor. Sometimes the joyful, the happy, the ecstatic dimension of human existence can produce the sensation of being overwhelmed. There is the instance of great happiness coming into our lives. In the midst of overflowing joy we begin to wonder how long it will last—it all seems too good to be true. We feel somehow incapable of properly handling and assimilating such a huge portion of life's happiness. Similarly, occasions of outstanding and astonishing success can also overwhelm us. We feel partially at a loss on how to cope with such extraordinarily good fortune. We feel ourselves being on unfamiliar ground. The way to react to such success seems to elude our thinking, and life suddenly is filled with various uncertainties.

 
   Very obviously, the darker and more somber side of life also makes us feel overwhelmed. There is the situation involving crucial decision-making. We wish the decision were not ours; but the more we engage in such unrealistic thinking, the more the anguish of the situation presses upon us. Suddenly it seems as though the whole of life hinges upon what we choose to do. The magnitude of the decision and its consequences can make us feel almost helpless. We feel so alone, so overwhelmed.

   Certain individuals, those very precious persons in our lives, can bring about this experience of life-seeming-too-big-to-handle. It may be the loss through death of one deeply loved. The lost one was such a part of us, so deeply ingrained in us, that we feel that a major part of our own self has perished along with the loved one. Confronting life now seems like such a threatening proposition and there seems to be hardly any psychic energy or inclination for the struggle. At times people precious to us can create this burden, not by physically dying, but by dying in another fashion. It can be a case of alcoholism, or drug addiction, or serious moral depravity, or insanity. "How can I go on living?" we ask ourselves, and the answer comes not from our feelings, but from the fact that we actually do make it through another day.

   Life also overwhelms us at those times when devastating failure so harshly visits us. The failure destroys a large portion of our life's hopes and dreams. Whatever the type of crushing failure, life, temporarily at least, seems like a burnt-out vessel, and the remaining ashes only serve to remind us bitterly of happier days.

   Whatever may be the cause of our being especially aware of the awesomeness, the overwhelmingness of life—and we have mentioned only a few of the possibilities—we can best confront the situation if we deepen our realization of a most consoling truth. We engage in life's journey, so frightening at times, not alone. We have the support of those we can reach out and touch, those who are walking the path of life with us. We also have the support of the One, who, although we cannot physically touch, we can contact through our faith, hope, and love. This One is our friend, Jesus. He wants to share life with us. He wants us to realize how closely present He is to us. He wants us to draw upon His loving presence at all times, especially on those occasions when the burdens in life seem to be engulfing us. 


30

Avoiding Mediocrity

   Even after years of close friendship with Jesus, a Christian can decide to make a radical break and go his or her own way. In the mysterious depths of our free will, we can decide, for whatever reason, to no longer walk side by side with Jesus. This Jesus, who inspires to the greatest heights, who manifests an overwhelming mercy, who whispers His loving and tender concern—this Jesus is now rejected. Indifference replaces commitment.

   On a lesser scale—and perhaps this is what happens much more often than does outright rejection of the Lord—a Christian can refuse a deep closeness with Jesus while still fundamentally maintaining the friendship. In other words, the person opts for mediocrity. Jesus keeps calling the person to a more dynamic Christian existence, but the person keeps resisting.

   To choose mediocrity is to choose immaturely. The only mature choice is to strive to live out the full implications of being a follower of Jesus. In making such a choice, we experience our share of suffering. At times this suffering tests our love and our courage to the utmost. The suffering, however, is for the positive purpose of extending Christ's kingdom, and an aspect of this is our own closer union with Jesus.

   If we are to avoid mediocrity, we must avoid that attitude which says, "I will go so far with you Jesus, but no farther. I want to come close to you Jesus, but not too close. If I come too close, you might ask something of me which is very difficult." We know in the depths of our hearts that this is a foolish attitude—for when has Jesus ever asked anything of us and not given us the grace to accomplish it? When has Jesus ever asked anything of us which was not intended for our greater happiness?

(End of Excerpt from The Pain and the Joy)


Letters included in the Shepherds of Christ - A Spirituality Newsletter for Priests.

January/February 1995

I read with deep interest your edition of Shepherds of Christ. It is spiritually based, neatly organized, and very readable. Again, congratulations on a beautiful ministry.

Rev. Joseph F. Brennan Pastor, St. Genevieve Church LaFayette, Louisiana


Thank you for sending me the newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I loved it. I need all the help you can give during these confusing times. I must not lose sight of my objective—a true salesman for Our Lord. I must be sold first to love Him before I bring others to Him.

Fr. Sabbas R. Christ the King Rectory Commack, L.I., New York


March/April 1995

A blessed New Year—and a quick note of thanks for the excellent bulletin, Shepherds of Christ.

Eamon Carroll, O. Carm. Chicago, Illinois


I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Shepherds of Christ. I found it good spiritual reading—and refreshing. Keep up the good work.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Eugene P. Hruska, V.G. Great Falls, Montana


May/June 1995

Dear Ed,
I just wanted to take this chance to thank you for sending to me the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. I have appreciated it very much, both to keep in touch with what you are doing and to enjoy the rich variety of topics needed for priestly reflection today—topics like friendship, prayer, and the Holy Spirit (a subject close to a Paulist’s heart) in recent issues.

Sincerely,
Larry Boadt, CSP Paulist Press, Mahwah, NJ


I like your newsletter very much. Shepherds of Christ gave me plenty of food for prayer!

Fr. Michael A. Becker St. Rose of Lima, Altoona, PA.


July/August 1995

Dear Fr. Ed,
From nowhere I received a copy of your newsletter. Reading it was a source of simple delight as is anything buoying up our priesthood these days. The folksy “Joys of Being a Priest” (by Fr. Philip Hamilton, March-April issue) brought a smile. I think of these fifty-one years with their ups and downs as something very special. As life moves quickly and relentlessly on I am sure of this: It Is Great To Be a Priest. To have spent this one life on anything less would appear to this simple soul as a great waste. Please keep the newsletter coming—and thank you for the lift!

Fraternally in Christ,
Rev. Charles Mallen, C.Ss.R. Venice, Florida


Dear Ed,
It is slow in coming, but I want to add my voice to the praise your newsletter for priests must be getting. I find the material good for reflective, meditative reading and praying. Heaven knows we priests need that.

In the Heart of Christ,
Bob Harvanek, S.J. Loyola University, Chicago


Dear Fr. Ed,
Of all the stuff that comes cascading into my mailbox every day, “Shepherds of Christ” really stands out. To me it exemplifies one of the great strengths of Catholicism—its spirituality. I use the newsletter for my prayer after Mass. It has brought me closer to God through Christ by focusing on the basics of Catholic-Christian spirituality in a way that enlightens and inspires.

Fr. Bill Zimmer Chicago, Illinois


September/October 1995

It gives me special pleasure to share the following letter. It comes from my doctoral dissertation director, Fr. Ernie Larkin, O. Carm. He is one of the leading experts on the spiritual teaching of St. John of the Cross and St. Teresa of Avila. He has also been one of my most influential teachers, and for this I am most grateful to him.—Editor

Dear Ed,
I am embarrassed not to have been one of the first to congratulate you on your obviously successful newsletter for priests. It is…solid, inspirational, and founded in the best of our tradition. I am very proud of you. May the Lord touch many of our hearts through this ministry. All the best to you!

Ernie Larkin, O Carm. Phoenix, Arizona


Dear Father Ed,
Prayer is truly the food of faith and faith is the foundation of our priestly lives. Through your Shepherds of Christ newsletter you remind us through your insights and prayers that emotion does indeed feed devotion and that we are all only a heartbeat away from the face-to-face presence of the Father through the Son in the Spirit! Thanks for all your letter means to all of us.

Fraternally,
Msgr. Jeremiah F. Kenney Baltimore, Maryland


Dear Father Ed,
The enclosed is a small way of thanking you for the articles in Shepherds of Christ.

The article “Thoughts on the Eucharist” (July-August) reminds me of the overwhelming love of Christ for me, fellow Catholics and the world. I pray in the vein of St. Peter Eymard that I might return my all and answer Christ with “this is me for you”.

In Christ,
Fr. Joe Kenlon, O.F.M.Cap New Paltz, New York


Dear Father Ed,
I must sincerely tell you how enjoyable your newsletter is. I find it spiritually uplifting. Many times in our earnestness to be of help we forget our own spiritual needs.

You are doing a great service to the American priesthood. May God bless you and sustain you in your endeavors. My prayers are with you, because I (and I am sure many other priests) feel enriched every time I read your newsletter. Thanks.

In Jesus’ love,
Rev. William Bonnici Clinton Township, MI


November/December 1995 Issue

Dear Fr. Ed,
Thanks for the Shepherds of Christ newsletter. I enjoyed the July-August one. 'Twas very good and uplifting. May the Holy Spirit pierce your mind with ways to encourage your brother priests. Fraternally in Christ,

Rev. John Turk
Warren, Ohio


Dear Father Ed,
With all the misquotes and the twisted interpretations of the Catholic Teachings in our daily Press, it is enjoyable to pick up Shepherds of Christ and read some solid Catholic Teaching. Keep up the good work. Thank you for the Newsletter.

Fr. Werner Verhoff, C.PP.S.


Dear Fr. Carter,
I appreciated very much that you wrote to me. I can imagine the amount of work you have in publishing a newsletter for 45,000 priests and preparing to send it to priests in other countries. I congratulate you that you send it free of charge…

I received only two issues. I would love to get every issue. Your newsletter is a mine of thoughts and inspirations…

…in my humble opinion, encouragement is what priests need the most today. Everybody should show them their appreciation…for bearing the burdens of those who left or are not coming. I admire the great majority of young priests for their beautiful spirituality. Yours respectfully in the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,

Fr. Leonard Currieri, M.SS.CC.
Linwood, New Jersey


Dear Ed,
In the true spirit of St. Ignio you have captured the essence of some very great saints in the Church. I found your selections truly inspiring and reinforcing of the beliefs that must be at the center of every priest's life. Thank you and keep up this long needed newsletter.

Father Jim Wysocki,
Marine City, Michigan


January/February 1996 Issue

Dear Father,
Your publication is most welcome; a breath of fresh air and wisdom.
All the best in Christ,

Don Derivaux
St. Alphonsus Church
McComb, Mississippi


Dear Ed,
Your current Newsletter, December issue, is simply exceptional. Very solid food. I'm reading it very slowly. I especially liked Basil Pennington's image of the Christic self.
In Christ Jesus

John Wetmore
Church of St. Stephen, Protomartyr
St. Louis, Missouri


(Dear Father Ed,)
Thank you for the great newsletter. I use it for spiritual reading. It's a great help.

Fr. John Le Voir
Church of the Holy Trinity
South St. Paul, Minnesota


Dear Fr. Ed,
I always enjoy the newsletter. It is always full of such a broad range of solid spiritual and doctrinal authors and topics. Very inspiring! As someone rather newly ordained (Oct., 1993), I'll take all the support and inspiration I can get!
In Christ,

Glenn Eftink
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Annunciation
Cape Girardeau, Missouri


March/April 1996 Issue

Dear Fr. Carter,

Thank you for your valuable newsletter of spirituality for priests.

Fraternally,
Msgr. Walter Schroeder
Church of the Magdalene
North Tarrytown, New York


Dear Ed,
I've read every issue of Shepherds of Christ, which is rather rare, because I've received a ton of junk mail every day. Thanks for taking time out to share your inspiring reflections with us who are "too busy."

Just a token to defray some of your costs.

In Christ,
Msgr. Domenic M. Luong
Mary Queen of Vietnam Church
New Orleans, Louisiana


Dear Father Ed,
Thank you for your Nov/Dec Newsletter. Some paragraphs are clearly gifts of the Holy Spirit for me. Keep up the great work for Jesus Christ.

In JMJ,
Gus Biehl, S.M.
East St. Louis, Illinois


Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you for your most welcome newsletter. I read it gradually, one section at a time, so I can sit with and let sink in the penetrating thoughts you have gleaned from a wonderful variety of sources. If it weren't for this well-chosen digest I would not meet some of the spiritual writers you feature. Yours is an excellent resource for contemplatives on a tight schedule.

In Christ's peace,
Frank Desiderio, C.S.P.
St. Paul's College
Washington, D.C.


Greetings!

I am enclosing a donation for Shepherds of Christ which I find uplifting and inspiring.

Rev. Gino Dalpiaz, C.S.
Scalabrini Mission Center
Stone Park, Illinois


May/June 1996

 

Dear Fr. Carter,
I just received my first newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I am very grateful for this publication. It provides some wonderful reflections and it is possible to read them even with a busy parish schedule.

Thank you for providing this wonderful service. Please accept the enclosed donation as a token of my appreciation.

Gratefully,
Rev. Gregory F. Hoppough, C.S.S.
Sacred Heart Church
Waltham, Massachusetts


As we are establishing the newsletter in an increasing number of countries, we are beginning to receive letters from our brother priests in different parts of the world. This helps all of us to be more aware of our fraternal union with all priests throughout the Universal Church. Here is a letter from a priest in Uganda, Africa:

Dear Father,
I am writing you to thank you for a well-done job for the renewal and growth of priests through the spirituality newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. I am also grateful for the copy I received recently, the Nov/Dec 1995 issue. How I wish I had received all issues. The articles are nourishing, supportive, informative and challenging. Thank you very much for your work and generosity.

I am wondering whether it is possible for me to continue receiving a copy of Shepherds of Christ regularly. As a person involved in giving renewal courses for priests, seminarians, and religious men and women, I have found it helpful.

Fr. Albert Gavamukulyo
Kisubi, Uganda


September/October 1996

Dear Fr. Carter,
    Deo Gratias and also to you for your Shepherds of Christ newsletter-a gem. Your articles always have solid meditation material and an inviting way of leading us priests on that path of holiness to which we are called.
    May your work be graced by the Lord.

Sincerely in Jesus and Mary,
Fr. Eugene Golas,
Grand Rapids, Michigan


My dear Fr. Carter:
    Many thanks for the March-April issue of Shepherds of Christ. That is the first issue I ever saw or received. May the good Lord bless you. It is a wonderful newsletter. I am enclosing a small donation. May God love you.

Sincerely,
Fr. Charles Jirik,
Minneapolis MN


Note: If you know of other priests who have not been receiving the Newsletter, please tell them we would be very glad to add them to our mailing list upon receiving their names and addresses.
-Editor


Dear Ed,
    I recently ran across your publication. As a newly ordained priest, I found it most refreshing and affirming. Please subscribe me at the above address. We are all grateful to people like you who help people like us.

Gratefully,
Fr. John Kennedy,
Monroe, Louisiana


November/December 1996

Dear Fr. Carter,
Thanks so much for the spirituality newsletter. I'll be using the Sept.-Oct. issue for meditations for the rest of the year and beyond.

I was a little down due to the fact that there are four terminal cancer patients in the parish and it is hard to cope-with them, their families, and oneself. Then your lovely newsletter came and truly lifted my spirits.

Please accept the enclosed to support your grace-filled ministry.

In Christ,
Fr. Walter E. Heinz
Pomeroy, Ohio


Dear Father,
Using your reflections is like making a retreat-great for reviewing.
God bless you,

Fr. Edmund Schreiber
Franklin Park, Illinois


Dear Friend,
I want to thank you for publishing Shepherds of Christ. I really do appreciate your thoughtfulness of helping us pastors to keep our mind's focus on Jesus.

Thank you,
Rev. Gerald Cernoch
Shiver, Texas


March/April 1997

Dear Fr. Carter,
I want to thank you for sending me a copy of Shepherds of Christ. This Spirituality Newsletter for Priests contains very nourishing food for priests. Reading through it lifted up my "drooping spirit." May you be blessed in this ministry.
And I have a request: There are 78 Diocesan priests in the Diocese of Darjeeling, India, in the foothills of the Himalayas, working in the remote missions. A copy of Shepherds of Christ to each one of them would be very enriching. May I request you to send to me about 80 copies of Shepherds of Christ regularly so that I can send each priest in the Diocese a copy.

Thanking you in advance,
Yours fraternally in the Lord,
Fr. Thomas DiSouza
Diocesan Administrator
Darjeeling, India


My dear Fr. Carter:
Just a short note and a small donation to support the wonderful work you are doing for the Lord. May He bless you and your spiritual ministry to His priests throughout the world. I read all that you have been writing with care and prayer.
In your charity, please remember me and the Church in China.

Fr. Bernard Hwang
Oregon City, Oregon


July/August 1997

Dear Rev. Fr. Ed Carter, S.J.,
        Thank you very much for providing us with rich spiritual literature.
        The Shepherds of Christ Newsletter has been very useful to us and I have received positive response from a good number of priests. Thank you for the good work and we shall be happy if you continue sending them to us.

Fr. John Bazimenyera, St. Augustine's Institute, Kampala, Uganda.


Dear Fr. Carter,
        It took me such a long time to answer your letter of over a month ago. I am sorry for this delay. I have just received your issue of SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST for March/April 1997 for which I heartily thank you. I have already distributed quite a lot to our Gozitan priests, and they want to thank you as they find your newsletter very enriching spiritually. I am sending some copies to the Seminarians in Malta and to other priests there.
        By the way, I have some good news for you, I think. A little over a month ago His Lordship, the bishop of Baton Rouge was our guest at Manresa Retreat House. He came over to visit the families of three Gozitan priests who work in his diocese. I have introduced the SHEPHERDS OF CHRIST newsletter to him, which he appreciated greatly. I also passed over some copies to the Spiritual Father of the American College in Rome who was accompanying His Lordship.

God bless you with His love and peace. Rev. Joseph M. Galdes, S.J., Gozo, Malta.


1998 - ISSUE ONE

Dear Fr. Ed Carter,
    Thank you very much for your kind letter and for the enclosures. Congratulations for the wonderful work that is being done to animate the Shepherds. I believe such material is very essential these days to nourish and strengthen the Ministers of the Word and the Sacraments.
    I would like to give a copy each to every Priest working in the diocese and to the seminarians in their final stages of formation. I will be happy to receive 100 copies of Shepherds of Christ for that purpose.

Yours in Christ Jesus,
Robert Kerkerketla, SDB DD
Bishop of Tezpur, India


Dear Fr. Ed Carter,
    Peace be with you!
    My name is Joseph Grima and I am a seminarian studying theology at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Victoria, Gozo-Malta. I was handed a copy of your Newsletter not long ago and was very impressed with the spiritual information you provide for priests.
    I would like to ask you, if it is not too much trouble, if you could send some copies for us here at the seminary. At the moment we are 15. Also, in that issue there was a note for those interested in obtaining the first 12 issues in book form. I am very interested in your spirituality and would like very much to have it.
    Continue the good work. The modern world is in much need of spiritually prepared priests.
God Bless and may the New Year be for you a year full of joy, blessings and service in the Lord.

Yours in Christ,
Sem. Joseph Grima


Dear Fr. Ed Carter,
    Thank you very much for your kind letter. Sorry for the long delay in answering. I was always on the move.
    I found the Newsletter very much spiritually enriching. Congratulations for this very meaningful apostolate. I have some 80 priests and 60 Major Seminarians. I would like to give to all, so kindly send 150 copies.
    Once again I congratulate you for this noble effort and the trouble you take for the Church.

Yours in Our Lord,
Bishop Gregory Karotemprel, CMI
Gujarat, India


1998 - ISSUE TWO

Dear Fr. Carter,
    I would like to thank you for the first issue of l998 of Shepherds of Christ which you have sent me.
    I have found your newsletter thought-provoking and spiritually enriching. I have handed four of the five copies you sent me to the two Rectors of our Minor and Philosophy seminaries, to the priest in contact with our young priests and with vocations, and to our cloister at Carmel. I am sure that they will appreciate it as much as I do.
    I shall be grateful if you could send me 75 copies. You can be sure they will be read avidly and greatly appreciated. Also, I shall be extremely grateful if you send me 3 copies of the first l2 letters that have appeared in book form.
    Congratulations on this excellent apostolate. Keep up the good work you are doing. May Mary, our blessed Mother, bless this spiritual apostolate of yours. I have appreciated very much the quotations you put from Fr. Angelo Amato, S.D.B. and from Cardinal Newman regarding our blessed Mother.

Thanking you once again,
In caritate Christi
Armando Trinidad
Archbishop of Lahore, Pakistan


Dear Father,
    I have been asked by His Excellency Bishop Frances Gerard Brooks, D.D., to thank you for your recent letter.
    At a recent diocesan conference our bishop informed the priests of the diocese of your recent letter and provided for their perusal the samples of your newsletter. The response was very positive, with many priests indicating a desire to receive your newsletter on a regular basis.
    His Excellency has asked me to confirm with you the possibility of ordering 60 copies of your newsletter. This will allow for a copy to be given to every priest, deacon and seminarian of the diocese. It will also facilitate "sample" copies to be distributed further afield.

Rev. Niall Sheehan
Cathedral Presbytery
Newry, Northern Ireland


1998 - ISSUE THREE

Dear Fr. Carter,
    A priest friend of mine has introduced me to your excellent publication, Shepherds of Christ.
    I would be pleased if you could include me in your mailing list.
    With every blessing on your special work,

Yours Sincerely,
Rev. Daniel Barr
Lifford, Ireland


Dear Fr. Carter,
    I got your newsletter, Shepherds of Christ from a Jesuit friend in Kampala. It has been a service of inspiration, not only to me, but also to those with whom I shared it. I would appreciate it if you could avail me of some of the issues.

God Bless,
Yours,
Fr. Michael Canuroma Opoki
Awasa, Ethiopia


Dear Fr. Carter,
    God Bless you for your kindness in sending me the 1998, Issue Two, of your Newsletter.
    How I love to receive those copies. The priests to whom I distribute them want to thank you too as they find in your newsletter a useful spiritual guide. Even the Seminarians are appreciating your kindness. We have all to thank you prayerfully, especially at mass.
    Please thank also your Shepherds of Christ Associates for their prayers and good work. I am offering a Mass for all your intentions. God bless you all.

Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Joseph, M. Galdes, S.J.
Victoria, Gozo-Malta


1998 - ISSUE FOUR

Dear Father,
This date two copies of your Catholic newsletter reached my desk. I put other mail aside and read your publication.

It sold itself. Therefore I would ask for 60 copies that can be spread among our priests, brothers, sisters, deacons and catechists.

I am sure they will appreciate what you send.

Blessings and best wishes.
Your servant in Christ,
Cardinal Pio Taofinu'u
Archbishop of Samoa-Apia


Dear Fr. Edward:
Thank you for the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. You are putting in the hands of our priests timely materials for spiritual reading and for allocutions and homilies. I myself will find this helpful for my apostolate of giving recollections and retreats to seminarians and priests.

I will be glad to have 60 copies of each issue of the Newsletter starting with the forthcoming newsletter.

Permit me to extend to you and your companions in the apostolate my appreciation and gratitude for extending your help to your fellow priests in the ministry.

God bless you.
Sincerely yours,
Angel N. Lagdameo
Bishop of Dumaguete, Philippines


Dear Fr. Carter,
I have just finished reading issue Two, 1998 of Shepherds of Christ.

I really enjoyed it. It had real spiritual depth. I especially enjoyed the piece on Spiritual Freedom and John of the Cross. Really all the pieces were worthwhile. I liked the mix of traditional pieces (the two consecration prayers and Anima Christi) and your quoting of contemporary writers like Henri Nouwen and Robert Schwartz.

It was an act of the Holy Spirit--divine intervention--that I even read the newsletter. Like all priests, I receive so much unsolicited mail that I automatically toss out a lot of it without looking at it. Somehow, I looked at your newsletter on May 21, my birthday. Your newsletter was my best birthday gift. Keep up the good work.

In Christ,
Fr. Eamon Tobin, Cocoa Beach, Florida


Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you for your newsletter of priestly spirituality, "Shepherds of Christ". It is both informative and inspirational.

In the peace of Christ,
Fr. Austin Green, O.P. University of Dallas


1998 - ISSUE FIVE

Dear Father,
Yesterday I received your letters and the book, Spirituality Newsletters.

I am delighted because there is so much material coming on to my desk it is well-nigh impossible to read much of it. However, your gift looks to me as if it will fill a great need for us here. We simply do not have the time to read a great deal and have often thought it would be a great thing if one of us could digest a great deal of the writings we receive, summarize them and send them to the rest of us. However, that too is quite impractical we find. And I rather think that what you have sent is the very thing we need, and because it is on spirituality it will be the greatest help and inspiration. I have to tell you that all the priests here are great workers, and all of them work long hours manually in travel by boat, in caring for light plants, boat engines, buildings, etc., just to support their stations, (most on pretty lonely islands) so that they have little money to buy good books, and little time to read them if they get them. What you have sent seems to really fill a bill for us. It seems at first sight to be the essence of the great need we have, for the development of the priest himself in spirituality.

Thank you very much indeed. I am really grateful.

Yours very sincerly and fraternally in Our Lord
Bishop D.C. Morre
Diocese of Alotau
Papua new Guinea


Dear Fr. Carter,
I look forward to receiving my Shepheds of Christ newsletter. Each issue is truly an uplifting experience.

Would it be possible to take articles from the newsletter for publication in my parish bulletin? I would like to share such inspiring information with my parishioners.

Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. W. Paysse
Slidell, Louisiana


1999 - ISSUE ONE

Dear Ed,
Thank you for Shepherds of Christ which I treasure and read as spiritual reading. It contains a volume of practical recommendations.

Let's pray for each other...

Rev. Msgr. James J. Rugel
Oak Ridge, New Jersey


Dear Fr. Edward,
The peace of the Lord be always with you. Recently I received your newsletter, Shepherds of Christ from my Bishop. It is very interesting for me and the priests who are working with me in this parish.

I would like to ask you for the cassettes (Newsletters on cassettes).

Could you please supply me with these cassettes, which will be of great help to priests and the thirty catechists working in the same parish.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

Yours in Christ,
Fr. Hilary Abela
Mpiketoni
Kenya


1999 - ISSUE TWO

Dear Fr. Carter,
We priests get so many things in the mail for the parish and all its ministries and ministers. I was dumfounded that there was something for the pastor, and what a good thing it is, "Shepherds of Christ"! It is like geting a mini-retreat in the mail. How good of you to do this for us! Bless you.

Sincerely in Christ and the Blessed Mother,

Fr. Guilbert Manaric
Skidmore, Texas


Dear Fr. Carter,
Thank you. I have just got your Shepherds of Christ Newsletter for l998, Issue Five. I was eagerly waiting for it so that I could distribute it among our clergy and seminarians. Every issue is a precious little mine of spiritual insights which helps us priests, always on the go, to stop and cherish the Spirit.

Sincerely in Christ, the Good Shepherd

Fr. Joseph M. Galdes, S.J.
Victoria, Gozo - Malta


1999 - ISSUE THREE

Dear Fr. Carter,
I am writing to ask you to please send me ten copies of the Spiritual Newsletter for Priests, Shepherds of Christ, and a copy of the book which includes the first 12 issues of your newsletter.

I have received two issues of 1998, and I have found them very useful to enhance our priestly on-going formation, and I wish to give one to my nine diocesan priests and keep one for myself.

Sincerely yours in Christ

Bishop Ambrose Ravasi, IMC
Diocese of Marsabit, Kenya


Dear Ed,
Thank you for sending us copies of the Shepherds of Christ Newsletter. We appreciate your good efforts to support the clergy in their vocations--an excellent apostolate, especially in these "difficult" days for the clergy.

Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,

Tom Radloff,S.J.
North American College, Rome


Dear Father,
Pax Christi! Recently a colleague placed a copy of your newsletter on my desk in order that I may partake of its richness. I was very pleased at the various articles found within. On occasion I find myself looking for just the right article that will spark my attention, but one short enough to not require much time. I am pleased to say that your newsletter is a very good source that falls under my guidelines. If you would please place me on your mailing list, I would be most appreciative.

In Christ,

Rev. Mark A. Mc Anally
St. Mary's Seminary & University
Baltimore, Maryland


1999 - ISSUE FOUR

30 June 1999

Reverend and dear Father Carter,
Warmest Greetings to you from Plentong, Malaysia.

I write to thank you for your kindness and thoughtfulness in sending us several copies of your "Spirituality Newsletter for Priests". We have received Issues One & Two, 1999.

There is no doubt that our priests will benefit from the articles of your Newsletter and hopefully they will inspire and encourage them to seek holiness in their pastoral work.

With renewed gratitude and warm regards.

    Yours sincerely in the Lord,
    Bishop James Chan
    Melaka-Johor Diocese


Dear Father Edward J. Carter, S.J.:
Greetings and prayerful good wishes!

I am edified etc., etc., by my reading "Shepherds of Christ"...

Congratulations on publishing and editing such an excellent "diamond of spirituality".

Oremus pro invicem.

Sincerely,
in Jesus our Good Shepherd and High Priest,
Father Bruce Riski, Capuchin
Appleton, Wisconsin


Dear Rev. Fr. Edward Carter,
I am Am Nguyen, a Salesian priest. I am a full-time student in the S.T.D. program at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley. My desire is that after the completion of studies, I will be back in Vietnam.

I have usually received "Shepherds of Christ." I highly appreciate what you have been doing. It promotes a new awareness of the gift of the priesthood.

I wonder whether I can have a free copy of Newsletters both in cassette form and in book form. Burned with a zeal to serve the Body of Christ more effectively through an ongoing spiritual renewal, I think that these Newsletters will be useful. At the same time, I wish I can share them with my other companion priests in Vietnam.

Thanks for your consideration. May God bless your ministry and make it fruitful for the sake of his Church.

With gratitude and prayers in Christ the Lord,
Am Nguyen, S.D.B


1999 - ISSUE FIVE

Dear Ed,
Just want to tell you I liked your 1999, Issue Three, with its two articles on "Personal Uniqueness" and "Jesus". I’ll be looking for a chance to use them in my retreats and liturgies. Thanks a lot.

In Christ,
Bob Thul, S.J.
Chicago, Illinois


Dear Father,
Please receive my cordial greetings.

It was really an opportune moment and a gracious one to come in touch with a "Shepherds of Christ" issue. I was nearly overjoyed by the spiritual nourishment it contained. As a parish priest, I would find it highly useful if I could regularly receive it.

Also, please send me the newsletter in book form and the newsletter audio cassettes. Yours in Christ,

Fr. Felix Rashid
Tanzania, East Africa


Dear Fr. Carter,
I have come to know that your newsletter, "Shepherds of Christ", so rich in spiritual resources and so useful, are now available on audio-cassettes.

I would be very grateful if I could have them, since I can no longer read.

Would you kindly place me on your mailing list and send also 10 copies of "Shepherds of Christ", together with some copies of the prayer manual for distribution?

May the good Shepherd bless your precious work and keep you in His loving care.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Luigi Gerardi
Contemplative Evangelizers
Pongai, Kenya


2000 - ISSUE ONE

Dear Father Carter,
For years I have received Shepherds of Christ Newsletter; I do not know who put me on your mailing list, but I’m grateful to you both. Since I first began to receive the newsletter I have been assigned as the Director of Formation Advising for the Pontifical North American College in Rome.

I would like to know if it would be possible to make a bulk order so that our seminarians could benefit from the newsletter as well. I will make sure they are distributed to our seminarians. At present we have about 200 seminarians and student priests on our campus, all eager for good spiritual reading!

Please let me know if we can make an arrangement for the delivery of the newsletter here at the college.

Please keep our faculty and seminarians in your prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Rev. J. Mark Williams
Director of Formation Advising
Pontifical North American College
00120 Vatican City State


Dear Rev. Father,
Greetings to you from Dimapur. During the past year I have been receiving Shepherds of Christ newsletters from the diocese. Having found it very fruitful and enriching I thought that I would offer it to all my priests of this Province. Will it be possible for you to send me 140 books of your newsletters? I would like to offer it as a Millenium gift to all my priests. From the year 2000 I would like to get regularly the newsletters for our priests. I am sure the contents of the newsletters will inspire my priests to a life of renewal.

Congratulations for the wonderful work you are doing. Yours in Christ, The Good Shepherd

Fr. Varghese Palathingal, sdb.
Provincial
Don Bosco Provincial House
Nagaland, India


Dear Father Carter,
I am praying for your work and I have asked all other priest beneficiaries to pray for you and all who are working with you.

I am receiving Shepherds of Christ regularly and I distribute them among some of our priests who are interested. I need not say how useful they are for personal reflection and for homilies and other talks.

If possible kindly send us some audio cassettes.

Thank you. Yours sincerely,

Fr. V. Savarimuthu
Tamilnadu, India


Dear Fr. Carter,
I received the parcel you so kindly sent me. Thank you for the book "Shepherds of Christ" and the set of audio cassettes.

May I request of you this favour. There are more than 100 priests in the dioceses of Cuddapah and also Kurnool where I served as Apostolic Administrator for three years. They love me also and visit me when they come this side. I want to give them all the book, "Shepherds of Christ" and ask them to study and meditate on it.

I admire this great work that you are doing for the priestly holiness. The holiness of the Church depends on the holiness of its priests. It is a great pity that many fail to be "Christ". Only prayer and love can bring them around. My congratulations to you once again. With love and blessings,

Rev. S. A. Aruliah D.D.
Bishop Emeritus of Cuddapah
India


Dear Father Carter,
I have thoroughly enjoyed your compiled newsletters in "Shepherds of Christ". Please continue to send your letters to me as I use them for morning meditations. Thank you for providing these wonderful letters! Please accept the enclosed donation as a small token of my appreciation!

Sincerely in Him,

Rev. Salvatore Piazza
Ransomville, NY


Dear Revd. Edward,
May peace of God which transcends all understanding guard your heart and your mind in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Thank you for Shepherds of Christ which I so much admire, love, value and treasure. In this connection, I humbly request a free copy of cassettes so as to more fully acquaint myself with the Spirituality it teaches to priests in its practicality.

Praying always that the good Lord should imbue you with His Spirit. Amen.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Revd. Fr. Williams Adeforth
St. Gregory’s Catholic Church
Nigeria


Dear Fr. Edward J. Carter,
I have followed with keen interest your publication titled "Shepherds of Christ" newsletter. I write from the Diocese of Little Rock, Arkansas, here in States to encourage you, Father.

Spirituality is an on-going process in the life of every man and woman. Hence, do not relent in your publications. Everybody needs it, for many lives have been enriched spiritually via your publications.

May Christ the Good Shepherd invigorate you.

Prayerfully yours,

Rev. Fr. Oliver Ochieze
St. Mary’s Church
North Little Rock, Arkansas


Dear Father,
Greetings from Kenya - Africa. I am grateful that you have continued to send me your most edifying Newsletter which supports my spiritual journey.

May I also request you to send me the newsletter in book form and the audio-cassettes.

With best wishes for your apostolate, I remain,

Yours sincerely in the Lord,

Fr. Francis Gichia Mwaniki
Our Lady of Victory
Nakuru - Kenya


2000 - ISSUE TWO

Dear and Rev. Edward,
Loving and cordial greetings to you from Most Rev. G. Johannes, Bishop of Kurnool.

I am glad to learn that you are publishing a magazine by name Shepherds of Christ. Recently, I was given some magazines to be distributed to our priests by Most Rev. Bishop S. A. Aruliah of Cuddapah and the magazines are very good and worth reading.

As the magazines are useful to our priests, I would like to get them for our priests too. Presently there are 70 priests in our diocese and distribution of these magazines to our priests will surely help their spiritual life. As your magazine covers so may theological, pastoral themes, it helps our priests in their pastoral life.

Hence, I request you to send at least 70 Shepherds of Christ magazines to us so that we may distribute to our priests. I also request you to send some audio-video tapes which can help our priests pastorally.

With Blessings,

GORANTLA Johannes D. D.
Bishop of Kurnool, India


Dear Father Edward J. Carter, S. J.
Greetings and good wishes for Christmas and happy New Year 2000!

I am a diocesan priest. I am working in Mbinga Diocese. I, by good chance, came across your Shepherds of Christ, A Spirituality Newsletter for Priests.

After having read it, I decided to ask for a free copy of the newsletter both in cassette form and in book form. I believe that this book and the cassette will continue helping me to fervently renew my spirituality. I hope that this will be useful too to my fellow priests who are engaged in the pastoral activities.

Thanking you in advance, and May God bless your work too,

Yours sincerely,

Father Andrew J. Ndimbo, CARITAS Director
MBINGA DIOCESE
TANZANIA


2000 - ISSUE THREE

Dear Fr. Carter,
I have been reading the newsletter book Shepherds of Christ meditatively since it came. All the articles are deep theology and spirituality. If only priests read it properly and prayerfully, a change towards Christ cannot but come. All my Diocesan priests got the book and are reading it. I have sent a few copies to the seminary rector in South India whom I know, asking him to read it and also order the newsletter. I am sure they will profit by it.

Bishop S.A. Aruliah
Cuddapah
India


Congratulations on a first-class publication.

Gerard Joubert, O.P.
Houston, Texas


Rev. and Dear Fr. Carter,
Compliments of the Easter Season to you! After reading your recent newsletter Shepherds of Christ, I found it very profitable and thought of making a request for subsequent copies as the one I read was given to me by one of our priests.

I shall, therefore, be very thankful if you do me the favour of sending me copies of the newsletter in the future. May God bless your apostolate most abundantly.

In union of prayers in the Lord’s Vineyard, I remain,

Sincerely yours in the Lord
Rev. Fr. Charles Anemelu
Berkeley Heights, New Jersey


2000 - ISSUE FOUR

Dear Ed,
The latest special issue of Shepherds of Christ is very good (Issue 3, 2000). I like the idea that you are expanding it so that although aimed for the needs of priests it is an available resource for lay people as well. It will keep it more viable in the long run. But the choice of articles and topics in the issue are an excellent thematic list of the major spiritual topics of today.

My best,

Lawrence Boadt, CSP
Paulist Press
Mahwah, NJ


Dear Father Carter,
Please let me tell you how much I am grateful for your "Shepherds of Christ" newsletter. I received the Issue 3, 2000, manual from a long-time family friend and monk who handed it along to my family. The articles are interesting and inspirational!

I am a 20-year old college student and I attend a private, secular school. The prayers and articles in "Shepherds of Christ" help me understand the Eucharist and live a life focused on Jesus. I especially like the Act of Consecration prayer. It is so beautiful! I say it daily.

Thank you again and may God bless all those involved in the "Shepherds of Christ" ministry.

Sincerely,

Bonnie Deignan
Farmingdale, New Jersey


Dear Fr. Carter,

I just finished reading the Special Issue "Overview of the Spiritual Life" Excellent! Please send me the book form of the 1st 12 issues.

Thank you.

In Christ

Fr. Gerald Sherer
Hermosa, SD


Reverend and dear Fr. Ed,
Mabuhay! Greetings from the Philippines! Please allow me to congratulate you for the expansion of your readership. It is indeed true that even the laity would benefit from your spiritual publication. As for my case, I am not yet a priest yet I found your notes to be helpful in my personal spiritual journey. Thus, I am asking for a personal copy of Shepherds of Christ. The ones that I had been reading were given by a fellow seminarian. May I also request the audiocasette recording of your previous issues. Thank you very much for your dedication. May Mary’s protection never leave you in your life.

In Christ

Sem. Nono Acompanado
Holy Rosary Major Seminary
Concepcion Heights, Naga City
Philippines


Dear Father Carter,
Greetings in the name of the Risen Lord! I hope you had a good Lent and a joyful celebration of Easter. Here at St. Anne the Vigil and the Easter Sunday celebrations were memorable.

Father, since the time I started receiving these spiritual newsletters through my Vicar General Mons. Joseph Kimu of St. John the Baptist Major Seminary in the diocese of Mangochi here in Malawi, I feel my spiritual life has been enriched tremendously.

On the other side, I would like to welcome most gratefully the idea of extending the readership to the laity. I think there could be some food for them too. We as priests, and they as the flock need each other’s assistance.

Sincerely in the Risen Christ

Rev. Fr. Lucious Kamwana
St. Anne Catholic Parish
Balaka - Malawi - AFRICA 


Dear Father Ed,
I have been receiving your newsletters for over a year now and have enjoyed it immensely. Every issue I read from front to back. I am now 48 years ordained and each newsletter renews me spiritually.

Enclosed is a little donation. I enjoy each issue very much.

Yours in Christ and Mary,

Father John Graham, C. SS. R
St. Cecilia’s Rectory
New York, NY

(end of Letters included in the Shepherds of Christ - A Spirituality Newsletter for Priests.)


Sorrowful MotherMary's Message from the Rosary of August 27, 1996

Mary speaks: I stood beneath the cross of my Son, and my Heart was in such pain for I saw Him before my eyes. I saw Him covered with blood. I saw Him die. My Heart, my children, my Heart to watch my Son, but my Heart, my Heart, how I suffered for my little children of the world that give in to this world and give up the love of my Son. O my little children of light, I give you this message. Carry this light into the darkness for your Mother Mary, for I stood beneath the cross and I cried. I cried for the little ones. I cried for the young ones, the ones that do not care and will lose their souls. How do I make you see for you will not listen to me? What can I do? I come. I appear. I beg. I plead. I give you these gifts from my Son, and you reject me. I do not deliver messages very often anymore for I have been ignored. The message is the same. You do not read the messages I have given to you. Please help me. Help the little children. I appear. I appear. I appear, and I am ignored. I stood beneath the cross, and I cried. I cried, and my Heart was in such anguish for my little children, for I am searching for them this day as I searched for the Child Jesus. Please, please help me. I cannot hold back the hand of my Son any longer. I am Mary, your Mother. I ask you to help my children. You are my children of light.

Song: O Lady of Light, shining so bright, be with us this day, guiding our way, O Lady, O Lady of Light.

Mary speaks: I appear to you as Our Mother of Sorrows.

(End of Mary's Message)


         

A rosary can be used to pray for healing. It is powerful to unite our prayers to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and pray through the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater.

In times of trouble, for special prayer, we can use our rosary and pray as follows.

A Rosary for Healing or for Someone with Cancer.

On one Hail Mary bead or as many as you desire, say: 

May God heal                     through the intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater in union with the Mass and all the Masses being celebrated around the world.

Pray the Hail Mary or Hail Mary's then pray this after the Hail Mary.

May the cancer be uprooted and thrown into the sea.

We believe with all our hearts.

After the Glory Be — pray the following petition.

May                     be healed through the intercession of Our Lady of Clearwater if it be the holy will of God.

Note: You can look at Mary on the image rosary while you pray this rosary.

Note: The above section can be printed out from a PDF file, and you can pray the rosary looking at the pictures.


December 17, 2000, Mary speaks:

Help me to circulate my red and blue
    Rosary Books and the
    prayers my Son gives to you.

This is a gift we give you.
All the revelations are gifts given to you.
My Son is the Light of the World.
He is Jesus born in a stable.
Will you help me?
He is the Light of the World. Help me, help me
    reach my children of the world.

To order your Rosary Book fill out this form and send your donation to Shepherds of Christ Ministries, PO Box 193, Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193, Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451.

Name: _________________      Street: _____________________________

City:   _________________      State:   _________________ Zip: ________

Donation price:  $7 A   $15 A   $25 A   $50 A   $100 A   Other $_____ A


Messenger: Mary wants the Red Rosary Book printed. It will cost $12,000 - $14,000 to get them reprinted. We are out of Red Rosary books. Mary has asked us to always circulate them. They go with the apparition in Florida.

ROSARIES from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Messenger: The new Blue Rosary Book Volume II of Rosaries from the Hearts of Jesus and Mary has been printed. It cost $21,000. Please pray with us for funds.


Messenger: CAN YOU HELP US BY GIVING US ROSARIES FOR THE SCHOOLS REQUESTING THEM?

Mary speaks: PLEASE MAKE WALTER'S ROSARIES. THE SCHOOLS WANT ROSARIES AND THERE ARE NOT ANY ROSARIES LEFT.


Messenger: Pray for Perry, Ron, Fernando, Hank, Ed.


Prayer List for apostles for interior use in the Movement. Pray hourly.

Spread the Blood of Jesus on everyone, consecrate their hearts, cast the devil out, pray for coming of the Holy Spirit in a special way for all people involved on this list.

Pray for the priestly newsletter, for funds for it and for all involved.
Pray for the taping of the priestly newsletter.
Pray for Father Carter and the Jesuits, the people at Colombiere.
Please pray for one new very important intention.
Pray for all involved in buying the building.
Pray for 2 special priests.
Pray for designated priests, Fr. Mike, Fr. Joe, Fr. Lou B., Fr. Smith, Fr. Ken, all priests involved in the Imprimaturs translations including all bishops. Pray for Bishop Ed, Fr. Don, Father at Tuesday Masses, Fr. Tom, Fr. Bill, all priests involved with Walter, Fr. Hagee and special priests, priests who help us in China, and priests who help us in Florida.
Pray for Father's sister Merle, for all of us servants, handmaids, apostles and vocations to all 7 categories.
Pray for prayer book.
Pray for all book covers, pray for Cathy.
Pray for all translations and all involved.
Pray for the elected officials.
Pray for an audience with the Pope.
Pray for all Jesuits involved, all those over us. Pray for the 4 urgent intentions.
Pray for the rights to the books.
Pray for the process of getting Father's books on the Internet.
Pray for money to reprint the books.
Pray for the Imprimatur on the Priestly Newsletter Book II.
Pray we can send it to all bishops and Jesuits.
Pray for Perry and family and discernment.
Pray for all sub-centers and all out-of-state rosaries.
Pray for the sisters' mailing, nursing home mailing, bus mailing.
Pray for Rosary Factory.
Pray for Genevieve's daughter and Sheila's mom and the repose of the soul of Jerry's dad, Bernice's daughter.
Pray for Paul and Joan discernment.
Pray for B & M and Tina and Terry, all printing jobs, companies involved.
Pray for 5th, the 13th, the 17th.
Pray for the Internet team and the daily messages.
Pray for building up of Morrow, Ohio, Dale, Indiana, other sub-centers.
Pray for the Holy Spirit Center and all involved.
Pray for all our families, children in school, college mailing.
Pray for lots of rosary makers and rosaries for the schools.
Pray for funds and grace.
Pray for Paul C., Margaret Mary, Steve and Sheila, Monica, Angie, Marian, Cathy, Joe, Nick, Mary, Emily, Joe, Doris, Glaci, Dunkers, Joan R., Morgan, Mark, Walter, Janice, Mike A., Margaret, Ron, Harold, Scott, and Nathan.
Pray for Fred doing the paper and all involved in priestly "start-up".
Please pray for all Shepherds of Christ children.
Pray for Victor's son, Michael. (Victor and Frances)
Pray for Delores and organization of writings and other material.
Pray for Diane A.'s dad.

Last revised January 19, 2001


(Please copy and pass out to family and friends.)


MY VALENTINE FOR JESUS AND MARY
AND THE WORLD

I _________________ give my heart to
You Jesus and Mary on this day

_________________
I promise to help spread the devotion to
the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

          


Question for married couples and others in intimate relationships:

Q: When we suffer trials, how can we share these trials with each other in the greatest love?


Table of Contents

Previous Daily Message


Main Shepherds of Christ Page


SofC LogoCopyright © 2000 Shepherds of Christ.
Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted:
May be copied in its entirety, but neither re-typed nor edited.
Translations are welcome but they must be reviewed for moral and theological accuracy by a source approved by Shepherds of Christ Ministries before any distribution takes place. Please contact us for more information.
All scripture quotes are from the New Jerusalem Bible, July 1990, published by Doubleday.
Revised: January 28, 2001
URL: http://www.SofC.org
Contact Information for Shepherds of Christ
Email: info@SofC.org

Shepherds of Christ Ministries
PO Box 193
Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193

Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451
FAX: (513) 932-6791