Legion of Mary Qld

12/11/2025

Etiquette at Mass: Reasonable Do’s and Don’ts for Polite and Proper Worship
These are not rules that will get you banished from the Church, but things that are mostly common sense — polite conduct to enhance our worship and that of those around us.

1. Fast before Mass. It is required that one fasts for at least 1 hour before receiving Holy Communion. The only exceptions are medicine, water or unless someone is ill and needs to eat sooner.

2. No Food and Drink in Church. The only exceptions would be milk for infants, water for the priest or choir (if discreet) and water for those who are ill. You may sip water just before you enter the church.

3. Men take your hats off. It is impolite to wear a hat into any church for a man. Additionally, ladies and men, do not use sun glasses inside the church. You are in the presence of our Lord & God.

4. Never chew gum in church! It breaks your fast, it’s rude and it’s distracting!

5. Cross yourself with Holy Water on entering and leaving the church. This is a reminder of our Baptism, which made us members of Christ’s Church.

6. Dress modestly and appropriately. As Catholics we believe that God comes down to meet us at every Mass. Won’t you dress well to meet a king? That said remember that the mass is not a fashion show. And Christmas and Easter masses are not Milan Fashion week. Dress in a way that gives witness to your faith.

7. Show up at least a few minutes early and try coming as close to the altar as possible. If you can’t be on time, then sit in the back so you don’t disturb others.

8. Cell phones should never be used in Mass for calls or texting. The ONLY exceptions are emergencies (big ones, not everyday ones) and if you are using the phone for readings the lectionary or the said prayers/ responses.

9. Gentlemen offer their seats to any lady who is standing. Some churches get packed.

10. When we enter and leave Church, genuflect (bow your knee) toward the Tabernacle. Christ is present for our sake. By allowing our right knee to hit the floor, we acknowledge He is our Lord and God. If someone is physically unable to genuflect, then a bow is sufficient. During Mass, if you pass in front of the altar or tabernacle, bow reverently.

11. Sit quietly while in church. If you must talk do so as quietly and briefly as possible. Remember that your conversation might be disturbing someone who is in prayer. Sssshhhhhhhh. Most churches now have gathering spaces in the back for conversation.

12. Take loud children to the back. Every parent knows that sometimes the baby is going to have a bad day. Parents with young kids should sit on the end of a pew, if you can, so that you can take the kid to the back quickly. There is no reason to be embarrassed about having to quiet your child. Take the child to the back of the church immediately. It is worse to allow them to disturb others during Mass.

13. Prepare your offering before Mass. Christ tells us not to let your left hand know what your right hand is doing when you make your offering. Keeping the basket while you get your wallet out can be quite a scene. Digging the basket for change is a big no no. Come to Mass with your offering prepared.

14. It is best not to read the bulletin during the actual Mass. Imagine if you invited a guest to your house and before dinner (or during) they decided to read a magazine instead of talking to you.

15. Respect the worship. Stand during the gospel reading and other set time during worship. Kneel at the consecration. It is part of worship. The only exceptions are for the sick, people with knee problems, aged and those with infants. If you can’t kneel occupy a pew that does not obstruct the view of the Lord from those who do kneel.

16. Bow before receiving Holy Communion. Remember that you are before your Lord, show your respect with a profound bow from the hip.

17. Do not receive from the chalice if you are sick. This is an act of charity. Try to receive communion on the tongue. If you receive on the hand, check your hands after receiving the Lord so that no crumbs may fall to the ground.

18. Do not leave early unless there is an urgent issue. We should stay to the end of the recession and the hymn that accompanies it, if there is one. Remember who left the last supper early (Judas). We should show respect for God, for the priest and our fellow worshipers.

19. Pray after Mass, if you can. It is a good custom, though not required. Offer a prayer of thanksgiving after Mass is over.

20. Leave quietly. We encourage you to visit others especially your pastors as a part of Christian fellowship, but do so once you are outside of the main sanctuary of the church so you won’t disturb others who want to stay and pray.

09/11/2025

9 November, The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St John Lateran

Overview of the Feast
The Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. John Lateran is celebrated on November 9 each year. This feast commemorates the dedication of the Basilica, which is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and holds the title of "Mother and Head of all the churches of the city and the world."
Historical Significance
Foundation: The Basilica was originally built by Emperor Constantine in the early 4th century, around 318 or 324 AD, over the ancient Lateran Palace.
Dedication: It was dedicated by Pope Sylvester I to Christ the Savior. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt several times, with the final reconstruction completed in 1724.
Unique Status: Unlike St. Peter's Basilica, St. John Lateran is the official ecclesiastical seat of the Pope, making it a significant site for the Catholic Church.
Liturgical Aspects
Readings: The liturgical readings for the feast include passages from Ezekiel, 1 Corinthians, and the Gospel of John, emphasizing themes of sacred space and the presence of God.
Celebration: The feast is a solemnity, the highest rank among Catholic holy days, and is celebrated with special Masses in cathedrals worldwide.
Symbolism
The Basilica symbolizes the Church as a living community of believers, reflecting the idea that each person is a temple of God. The dedication of the church serves as a reminder of the sacredness of worship spaces and the importance of community in faith.

25/10/2025

https://youtu.be/zWGRU4VFsNk?si=ZcWt_R2g7MVo8_EM

⬇Please Consider Supporting the Show for Only $5/month!⬇https://patreon.com/thefatherleoshowFather Leo identifies five common mistakes Catholics make during ...

17/10/2025

THE ALTAR IS NOT THE SANCTUARY: HERE’S THE DIFFERENCE MOST CATHOLICS MISS 😳✝️

____________
Many people say “altar” when they mean “sanctuary,” and “sanctuary” when they mean “altar.”
But these two are not the same.

The sanctuary is the entire sacred space at the front of the church where the altar, ambo (pulpit), priest’s chair (presider’s chair), and tabernacle are usually found.

It is usually elevated by steps and may be set apart by rails or clearly marked flooring.
This area is sacred, not everyone should walk into it. It is where the sacred liturgy is carried out.
It is not a stage. It is not for performance. It is holy ground.

Now, within that sanctuary, we find the altar, and this is the heart of the sanctuary.

The altar is not a table for decoration. It is the place of sacrifice.
It is where the Body and Blood of Christ is offered during the Holy Mass.
It represents both the Table of the Last Supper and the Cross of Calvary.

That’s why it is kissed, incensed, and consecrated with sacred chrism oil when a church is dedicated.
That’s why no one, not even the priest, leans on it casually. It is holy.

To put it simply:

The sanctuary is the sacred space where the table of sacrifice (altar) is situated. It is where Heaven meets Earth.

✝️ The altar is that table of sacrifice where ordinary bread and wine changes to the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sacred place where Christ offers Himself for us again and again.

So the next time you say, “he went to the altar,” ask yourself, did he go to the altar itself or to the sanctuary?

It’s a small difference in words.
But in the eyes of God, and in the wisdom of the Church, these spaces have deep meaning.

Respect the altar.
Reverence the sanctuary.
Worship the God who makes them holy.

God bless you 🙏

_______________

17/10/2025

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP18Vh1j9HC/?igsh=MTdnZmE4ZGxwZnRrcA==

17/10/2025

Is the story about the Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico being bomb and survive?

GROK:
Yes, the Story Is True—It’s a Well-Documented Historical Event from 1921
The claim refers to a real attempted bombing at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City on November 14, 1921. An anti-Catholic activist hid a dynamite bomb (about 29 sticks) inside a bouquet of flowers and placed it at the foot of the altar, directly below the famous image of the Virgin (imprinted on Juan Diego’s tilma, or cloak). The explosion occurred around 10:30 a.m., causing significant damage to the surrounding area—but the tilma itself, protected by a glass case, remained completely undamaged, not even a scratch on the glass. This event is widely regarded by Catholics as a miracle, often called the “Miracle of the Bent Cross,” and it’s commemorated annually with a Holy Year or Jubilee starting on that date.
Key Details of the Incident
• The Perpetrator: Luciano Pérez Carpio, an employee in the Mexican President’s Private Secretariat under Álvaro Obregón (who was openly anti-clerical and tolerant of attacks on the Church). Pérez Carpio, disguised as a worker, approached the altar after Mass, genuflected, and left the explosive floral arrangement. He fled but was quickly caught by outraged pilgrims who nearly lynched him; Obregón reportedly intervened to protect him.
• The Damage:
• Marble altar steps were shattered.
• Brass candelabras were twisted and flung across the basilica.
• Windows in nearby homes broke from the shockwave, heard up to a kilometer away.
• A heavy (34 kg) iron-and-bronze crucifix on the altar—now known as the “Santo Cristo del Atentado” (Holy Christ of the Attack)—was bent backward like a shield, absorbing much of the blast and falling to the floor. It’s still on display in the modern basilica as a relic.
• The “Miracle”: The tilma, hanging just above, showed zero signs of harm. Eyewitness accounts and photos taken shortly after confirm the glass didn’t crack, and the image’s colors and fabric remained pristine. This resilience echoes other unexplained survivals of the tilma, like 17th-century floods or the basilica’s 1950s sinking due to unstable soil.
Historical Context
This attack was a prelude to Mexico’s Cristero War (1926–1929), a brutal religious persecution under President Plutarco Elías Calles, where thousands of Catholics were killed, churches closed, and priests exiled. Obregón’s government (1920–1924) fueled anti-Church sentiment, viewing the Guadalupe image—a symbol of Mexican identity and the 1810 Independence movement—as a threat to secularism. The failed bombing backfired, boosting devotion: It led to the tilma being hidden for safety in 1926 and inspired global pilgrimages. Today, the basilica draws 20+ million visitors yearly, second only to the Vatican.
Evidence and Sources
The event is corroborated by Church archives, contemporary newspapers (e.g., El Universal), and eyewitness testimonies from the Archdiocese of Mexico. No credible sources debunk it as hoax—it’s taught in religious history and featured in Vatican-approved accounts. Recent coverage includes 2021’s centennial Jubilee and 2024 retrospectives. The bent crucifix and post-explosion photos are public artifacts in the basilica.
If this was a recent rumor (e.g., from social media), it’s likely recirculating the 1921 story—no similar incidents have occurred since, per records up to 2025. For visits, the basilica offers free entry; the relic is near the main entrance. If you meant a different event, feel free to clarify!

15/09/2025

Apostles laid to rest in Catholic Churches.

In Rome, Italy

St. Peter: His tomb is beneath the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

St. Paul: The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls was built over his tomb. Radiocarbon dating of bones found in the sarcophagus under the main altar date them to the 1st.

St. Philip and St. James the Less: The relics of both Apostles are located under the main altar of the Basilica dei Santi Apostoli (Church of the Holy Apostles).

St. Jude Thaddeus and
St. Simon: Their remains are in a tomb under the main altar of St. Joseph inside St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Bartholomew: His relics are kept in the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Tiber Island.

In other parts of Europe

St. James the Greater: According to tradition, his remains were brought to Spain, and his tomb is under the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This site is the destination of the famous Way of St. James pilgrimage.

St. Andrew: While he was martyred in Greece, his relics were eventually transferred to Italy. They are now located in the Cathedral of St. Andrew in Amalfi.

St. Matthias: The Benedictine Abbey of St. Matthias in Trier, Germany, contains a portion of his relics.

St. Thomas: Though initially buried in India, tradition holds his body was moved to Ortona, Italy, where relics remain today.

Outside of Europe

St. John: He is believed to have died and been buried in Ephesus, in modern-day Turkey. The Basilica of St. John was built over his tomb.

St. Thomas: Early tradition holds he was martyred and initially buried in Mylapore, Chennai, India. A portion of his relics remains there at the San Thome Basilica.

St. Matthew: His body is said to lie in the crypt beneath the Salerno Cathedral in Salerno, Italy.

Judas Iscariot: After his su***de, Judas's body was never venerated. His remains are traditionally located in Akeldama, near the Valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem.

10/09/2025

FYI: Plenary Indulgence in Early November

07/09/2025

The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary❤️🙏🌷💐🎂⛪️

September 8 is the birthday of the Blessed Virgin Mary because it falls exactly nine months before the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, a liturgical calculation to mark important events in Mary's life, rather than a historical record of her birth. This liturgical connection signifies Mary's birth as the "dawn of salvation" and the joyful beginning of the work of redemption.

The Liturgical Connection
A Calculated Date:
The Church celebrates Mary's birth on September 8 to correspond with the feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which falls exactly nine months prior.

A Common Practice:
The practice of assigning a date nine months before a significant event to mark the beginning of a new life, such as the Annunciation and Christmas, is a well-established liturgical tradition.

The Significance of the Date
The "Dawn of Salvation":
Mary's birth on this date symbolizes the "dawn of salvation". Her arrival is seen as a glimmer of light in a world darkened by sin, signaling the coming of her son, Jesus.

A Unique Celebration:
Mary's birthday is one of only three birthdays celebrated on the liturgical calendar, alongside those of Jesus and John the Baptist, highlighting her unique role in salvation history.

Historical and Cultural Context
Ancient Tradition:
The tradition of celebrating Mary's Nativity goes back to at least the sixth century, with a church built in Jerusalem on the presumed site of her birth.
Cultural Customs:
In some cultures, this day also marks traditional celebrations, such as the "Our Lady of the Grape Harvest" in France, where grapes are blessed and attached to her statue, and "Drive-Down Day" in the Alps, where cattle are brought from summer pastures.

04/09/2025

Happy Feast Day of St Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us🙏➕💐🌷

The feast day for Saint Teresa of Calcutta, also known as Mother Teresa, is on September 5th each year, the anniversary of her death. The Catholic Church celebrates this day to honor her for her lifelong dedication to serving the poor, the sick, and the destitute.

Why September 5th?
Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997, and her feast day was established on this date to commemorate her life and work.
Who was Mother Teresa?
Born Agnes Gonxha Bojaxhiu, she founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation that cares for the poor.
She was canonized as a saint by Pope Francis in 2016.
How is the feast day observed?
The feast day is celebrated with Mass, adoration, and the exposure of relics for veneration in some churches.
It is also a day to reflect on her example of selfless charity and to perform works of mercy in the community.

15/08/2025

Blessed Mother Mary, pray for us🙏➕🌷

14/08/2025

https://sacredheartfla.org/sunday-mornings/seasonal/feast-days-solemnities/the-solemnity-of-the-assumption-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass & More > Liturgical Seasons > Feast Days & Solemnities > The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: August 15th The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into H...