*98. What is Heaven?
Heaven is the place where God with the angels and saints enjoys everlasting happiness.
99. What happiness do the just enjoy in Heaven?
The just in Heaven rejoice in seeing God. Together with our Lord Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the angels and saints, they enjoy all happiness, without the slightest pain, fear or trouble.
HELL
*100. What is Hell?
Hell is the place where the devils and wicked men suffer for all eternity.
101. What pains do the wicked suffer in Hell?
The wicked in Hell are shut out for ever from seeing God. Together with the devils they suffer burning fires and every kind of torment.
PURGATORY
*102. What is Purgatory?
Purgatory is a place where the souls of men are purified after death ; they do penance there and endure temporal punishment.
103. What pains do the souls in purgatory suffer?
The souls in Purgtory are shut out temporary from seeing God. They do not enjoy the happiness of Heaven and have to endure other sufferings also.
104. When do the souls come out of Purgtory?
The souls come out of Purgatory when they have done full penance for their sins.
105. Can we help the souls in Purgtory?
We can indeed help the souls in purgatory, this has always been the teaching of the Catholic Church.
106. Should we help the souls in purgatory?
We should certainly help the souls in purgatory, because they cannot help themselves in their sufferings. They are beloved children of God, and we should love them dearly.
107. How can we help the souls in purgtory?
We can pray for them, give alms, offer Holy Mass, gain indulgences and do other good works for them.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
THE RESURRETION OF THE BODY
*93. Will the body rise again after death?
All the dead will rise again on the last day.
94. What gifts will the bodies of the just have after they rise again?
They will have four wonderful gifts : brightness, agility, subtility and impassibility.
95. In what state will the bodies of the wicked be when they rise again?
They will be quite different from the bodies of the just ; they will be very ugly and filthy.
THE GENERAL JUDGMENT
*96. Where will all men go when they rise again from the dead?
They will go before God's throne for the General Judgment.
*97. What is the General Judgment?
The General Judgment is the judgment which will take place at the end of the world. Jesus our God in the presence of all mankind will pronounce judgment on every man's works. The just will ascend body and soul into Heaven to enjoy eternal happiness ; the wicked will go down body and soul into Hell to endure everlasting torments.
All the dead will rise again on the last day.
94. What gifts will the bodies of the just have after they rise again?
They will have four wonderful gifts : brightness, agility, subtility and impassibility.
95. In what state will the bodies of the wicked be when they rise again?
They will be quite different from the bodies of the just ; they will be very ugly and filthy.
THE GENERAL JUDGMENT
*96. Where will all men go when they rise again from the dead?
They will go before God's throne for the General Judgment.
*97. What is the General Judgment?
The General Judgment is the judgment which will take place at the end of the world. Jesus our God in the presence of all mankind will pronounce judgment on every man's works. The just will ascend body and soul into Heaven to enjoy eternal happiness ; the wicked will go down body and soul into Hell to endure everlasting torments.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
THE PARTICULAR JUDGMENT
*90. How many kinds of judgement are there?
There are two kinds, the particular Judgment and the General Judgment.
*91. What is the particular Judgment?
The particular Judgement is the judgement which takes place immediately after death. As soon as the soul leaves the body, it goes alone before God's throne to be judged. If it has merit, that is, if it is in the state of grace it is rewarded; if it is in sin, it is punished.
92. Where does the soul go after the particular Judgement?
If the soul is in mortal sin, it goes down to Hell. If it has sanctifying grace and is free from venial sin, it goes to Heaven; if it has sanctifying grace but is not free from venial sin or from punishment due to sin, it goes to purgatory.
There are two kinds, the particular Judgment and the General Judgment.
*91. What is the particular Judgment?
The particular Judgement is the judgement which takes place immediately after death. As soon as the soul leaves the body, it goes alone before God's throne to be judged. If it has merit, that is, if it is in the state of grace it is rewarded; if it is in sin, it is punished.
92. Where does the soul go after the particular Judgement?
If the soul is in mortal sin, it goes down to Hell. If it has sanctifying grace and is free from venial sin, it goes to Heaven; if it has sanctifying grace but is not free from venial sin or from punishment due to sin, it goes to purgatory.
Monday, April 6, 2009
THE COMMUNION OF SAINTS
*83. Are all members of the Church in communion with each other?
All members of the church are in communion with each other. If I do some good work, others have a share in it; if others do good works, I have a share in them.
84. Are those in mortal sin still in full communion with others?
Those who have committed mortal sin are not in full communion with the other members of the Church ; but if they make a good confession, or make an act of perfect contrition, they enter once more into full communion.
THE CHURCH HAS POWER OF FORGIVING SINS
*85. Has the Church power to forgive sins?
The Church has power to forgive sins.
86. When are sins forgiven?
Sins are forgiven in Baptism and in Penance.
87. Besides the Catholic Church have any other religious bodies power to forgive sins?
No other religious bodies have power to forgive sins, for Jesus the Son of God gave this power only to the Holy Catholic Church which He Himself has founded.
THE FOUR LAST THINGS
*88. What are the Four Last Things?
The Four Last Things are Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.
89. What profit is there in thinking often of the Four Last Things?
By thinking of the Four Last Things we can take warning to avoid sin.
All members of the church are in communion with each other. If I do some good work, others have a share in it; if others do good works, I have a share in them.
84. Are those in mortal sin still in full communion with others?
Those who have committed mortal sin are not in full communion with the other members of the Church ; but if they make a good confession, or make an act of perfect contrition, they enter once more into full communion.
THE CHURCH HAS POWER OF FORGIVING SINS
*85. Has the Church power to forgive sins?
The Church has power to forgive sins.
86. When are sins forgiven?
Sins are forgiven in Baptism and in Penance.
87. Besides the Catholic Church have any other religious bodies power to forgive sins?
No other religious bodies have power to forgive sins, for Jesus the Son of God gave this power only to the Holy Catholic Church which He Himself has founded.
THE FOUR LAST THINGS
*88. What are the Four Last Things?
The Four Last Things are Death, Judgment, Heaven and Hell.
89. What profit is there in thinking often of the Four Last Things?
By thinking of the Four Last Things we can take warning to avoid sin.
Friday, March 13, 2009
THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH
*75. What is the Catholic Church?
The Catholic Church is the union, founded by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, of all the faithful of the whole world into one body.
76. Why did Jesus found the Catholic Church?
Jesus founded the Catholic Church so that she might continue His own work on earth, and distribute the fruits of His redemption to all peoples until the end of the world.
77. How is the Catholic Church different from other religious bodies?
The Catholic Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic, and is therefore very different from every other religious body
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH
*78. Who is the head of the church?
The invisible head of the church is Jesus, the Son of God; the visible head of the Church is the Pope, the successor of St. Peter.
79. What powers did Jesus give to the Church?
Jesus gave three powers to the church: He authorized her
a) to teach all nations;
b) to govern the faithful;
c) to administer the sacraments and to offer sacrifice.
80. Can the Pope err when he teaches all the faithful?
The Pope cannot err whenever he uses his power as head of the Church to instruct all the faithful by defining a doctrine concerning faith or morals.
81. Why cannot the Pope err?
The Pope cannot err, because Jesus Himself has promised this, and besides, God the Holy Ghost constantly protects and assists him.
82. What are duties of the various classes in the Church towards each other?
The faithful should obey their priests, the priests should obey their bishops, the bishops should obey the Pope. By this mutual union, as our Lord Jesus Christ has said, they all become one fold under one shepherd.
The Catholic Church is the union, founded by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, of all the faithful of the whole world into one body.
76. Why did Jesus found the Catholic Church?
Jesus founded the Catholic Church so that she might continue His own work on earth, and distribute the fruits of His redemption to all peoples until the end of the world.
77. How is the Catholic Church different from other religious bodies?
The Catholic Church is one, holy, catholic and apostolic, and is therefore very different from every other religious body
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH
*78. Who is the head of the church?
The invisible head of the church is Jesus, the Son of God; the visible head of the Church is the Pope, the successor of St. Peter.
79. What powers did Jesus give to the Church?
Jesus gave three powers to the church: He authorized her
a) to teach all nations;
b) to govern the faithful;
c) to administer the sacraments and to offer sacrifice.
80. Can the Pope err when he teaches all the faithful?
The Pope cannot err whenever he uses his power as head of the Church to instruct all the faithful by defining a doctrine concerning faith or morals.
81. Why cannot the Pope err?
The Pope cannot err, because Jesus Himself has promised this, and besides, God the Holy Ghost constantly protects and assists him.
82. What are duties of the various classes in the Church towards each other?
The faithful should obey their priests, the priests should obey their bishops, the bishops should obey the Pope. By this mutual union, as our Lord Jesus Christ has said, they all become one fold under one shepherd.
Monday, March 2, 2009
LIFE OF JESUS
56. How did Jesus pass His childhood?
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come,then,Lord, sustain your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to everlasting glory.
-TE DEUM
*65. What do the words"sits at the right hand of God the father" mean?
These words mean that Jesus, after His ascension into Heaven, equal to God the Father in dignity and glory, enjoys eternal happiness.
*66. Is Jesus no longer on earth since His Ascension into Heaven?
In His divine nature, Jesus is everywhere; in His human nature, Jesus is in Heaven and in the Blessed Sacrament.
*67. Will Jesus return to this world again, since He left it at the time of His Ascension into Heaven?
Jesus will come down again from Heaven at the end of the world.
68. Why will Jesus come again?
He will come to judge the living and the dead.
THE DESCENT OF OF HOLY Ghost
69. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, what great gift did He promise to His apostles?
He promised that He would send down the Holy Ghost.
*70. Who is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, and He proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son. He is truly God, one nature and one substance with the Father and the Son.
71. When did the Holy Ghost come down visibly from Heaven?
The Holy Ghost came down visibly ten days after the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. He descended with the sound of a great wind and in the form of tongues of fire.
72. When the Holy Ghost came down from Heaven, what gifts did He bestow on the Apostles?
The Holy Ghost strenghthened the apostles and bestowed on them abundant graces, that they might preach the doctrines of Jesus and make known to the whole world the Catholic faith.
73. Is God the Holy Ghost also in the hearts of all the faithful?
The Holy Ghost is also in the hearts of all the faithful. He gives them graces and spirtual gifts; He enlightens their intellects and moves their wills, so that they may diligently practise virtue. He encourages them to become holy and thus gain everlasting happiness.
74. What power for good does the Holy Ghost exercise in the Catholic Church.
The Holy Ghost is as the soul of the Catholic Church. He unites Himself intimately with her; He gives her life, and leads her along the path of true doctrine and virtue, so that she may never err.
Come, Holy spirit.
Let the precious pearl of the Father and the word's delight come. Spirit of truth, you are the reward of the saints, the comforter of souls, light in the darkness, riches to the poor, treasure to lovers, food for the hungry, comfort to the wanderer;
you are the one in whom all treasures are contained.
Come! As you descended on Mary, that the Word might become flesh work in us through grace.
Amen.
- MARY MAGDALEN DEI PAZZI
To be continued
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
You overcame the sting of death and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers.
You are seated at God's right hand in glory.
We believe that you will come and be our judge.
Come,then,Lord, sustain your people, bought with the price of your own blood, and bring us with your saints to everlasting glory.
-TE DEUM
*65. What do the words"sits at the right hand of God the father" mean?
These words mean that Jesus, after His ascension into Heaven, equal to God the Father in dignity and glory, enjoys eternal happiness.
*66. Is Jesus no longer on earth since His Ascension into Heaven?
In His divine nature, Jesus is everywhere; in His human nature, Jesus is in Heaven and in the Blessed Sacrament.
*67. Will Jesus return to this world again, since He left it at the time of His Ascension into Heaven?
Jesus will come down again from Heaven at the end of the world.
68. Why will Jesus come again?
He will come to judge the living and the dead.
THE DESCENT OF OF HOLY Ghost
69. When Jesus ascended into Heaven, what great gift did He promise to His apostles?
He promised that He would send down the Holy Ghost.
*70. Who is the Holy Ghost?
The Holy Ghost is the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, and He proceeds eternally from the Father and the Son. He is truly God, one nature and one substance with the Father and the Son.
71. When did the Holy Ghost come down visibly from Heaven?
The Holy Ghost came down visibly ten days after the ascension of Jesus into Heaven. He descended with the sound of a great wind and in the form of tongues of fire.
72. When the Holy Ghost came down from Heaven, what gifts did He bestow on the Apostles?
The Holy Ghost strenghthened the apostles and bestowed on them abundant graces, that they might preach the doctrines of Jesus and make known to the whole world the Catholic faith.
73. Is God the Holy Ghost also in the hearts of all the faithful?
The Holy Ghost is also in the hearts of all the faithful. He gives them graces and spirtual gifts; He enlightens their intellects and moves their wills, so that they may diligently practise virtue. He encourages them to become holy and thus gain everlasting happiness.
74. What power for good does the Holy Ghost exercise in the Catholic Church.
The Holy Ghost is as the soul of the Catholic Church. He unites Himself intimately with her; He gives her life, and leads her along the path of true doctrine and virtue, so that she may never err.
Come, Holy spirit.
Let the precious pearl of the Father and the word's delight come. Spirit of truth, you are the reward of the saints, the comforter of souls, light in the darkness, riches to the poor, treasure to lovers, food for the hungry, comfort to the wanderer;
you are the one in whom all treasures are contained.
Come! As you descended on Mary, that the Word might become flesh work in us through grace.
Amen.
- MARY MAGDALEN DEI PAZZI
To be continued
LIFE OF JESUS
56. How did Jesus pass His childhood?
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
LIFE OF JESUS
56. How did Jesus pass His childhood?
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
To be continued. . . .
Jesus led a hidden life in Nazareth. He was obedient to His Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, setting a beautiful example of diligence and filial piety.
57. When Jesus was thirty years of age, what did He do?
He went out to preach. He spoke of kingdom of heaven, and gave an example of every virtue. He also worked many miracles to prove that He also worked many miracles to prove that He was the Son of God.
THE PASSION
58. How did Jesus atone for the sins of men?
Jesus atoned for the sins of men by accepting His passion willingly, and by dying nailed to a cross.
59. How was it possible for the eternal God to suffer and die?
Jesus could suffer and die because He is not only God but also man.
60. Was the body of Jesus buried after His death?
Yes, His body was buried.
61. Where did the holy soul of Jesus go after His death?
His soul went to Limbo, the place where all the ancient saints were.
Why did He go there?
He went there to redeem the souls of the saints.
THE RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION
*63. Did Jesus return to life again after His death?
Jesus raised Himself to life again from the dead on the third day after His death.
*64. Did Jesus ascend into heaven?
Forty days after His Resurrection, Jesus ascended into Heaven where He sits at the right hand of God the Father.
To be continued. . . .
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Catechismofcatholicdoctrine
OUR FIRST PARENTS
*33. Who were the first parents of all mankind?
The first parents of all mankind were Adam and Eve.
34. How did God make our first parents?
God made their bodies, and gave them souls.
35. What is a soul?
A soul is a spirit which is united to the body; it has no form or shape, and cannot die or perish.
36. Which is the more noble, the soul or the body?
The soul is made to the image and likeness of God, and is infinitely more precious than the body. So we must not lose our soul even if we could thus gain all earthly happiness.
37. What special gifts did God give to our first parents?
a) God gave them sanctifying grace which made them children of God;
b) He placed them in the garden of paradise where they were free of all concupiscence and sorrow;
c) They were to enjoy long life;
d) In the end without dying they were to ascend body and soul into heaven.
38. Did God only gave these gifts to our first parents only?
God did not only gave these gifts to our first parents, but intended that they should transmit them to their descendants.
39. Why then have we not got these gifts?
Because our first parents disobeyed God, yielded to the temptions of the devil, ate the forbidden fruit and committed mortal sin.
*40. What is original sin?
Orginal sin is the sin of disobedience commited by our first parents, and inherited by us, their descendants.
41. What are effects of original sin?
Because of original sin:
a) Our first parents were driven out of Paradise;
b) They were deprived of all their supernatural gifts;
c) We also now come into the world without God's santify grace;
d) Concupiscence, suffering, death and all other miseries have become our part.
42. Have all men inherited original sin?
All men have inherited original sin, with the exception of the blessed Virgin.
43. Seeing mankind afflicted by original sin, did God not show His mercy?
God showed great mercy, for He immediately promised that He would later redeem mankind, and thus He restored to man the hope of gaining Heaven.
THE INCARNATION
*44. How did God come to redeem mankind?
God the son, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, became incarnate and was made man.
45. What does "become incarnate" mean?
It means that God the son, the second person of Blessed Trinity, took to Himself a human nature and united it in His own person to His Divine nature.
*46. What is the name of the God-made-man?
The name of the God-made-man is Jesus, which means "saviour", and He is also called Christ, which is explained as "Most Exalted in Dignity".
47. Is Jesus God?
Jesus is God.
48. Is Jesus man?
Jesus is truly man.
49. Why is Jesus man?
Jesus is man because He has a body and a soul.
50. Why is Jesus God?
Jesus has the Divine nature and substance, and therefore is truly God.
51. Is Jesus our Lord?
Jesus is our Lord.
52. Why is Jesus our Lord?
Jesus is our Lord because He is God, our Creator, our merciful Redeemer, and our future Judge.
If you would learn of the Father, listen to word. If you would be wise, ask him who is Wisdom. When it is too dark for you to see, seek Christ, for he is the Light. Are you sick? Have recourse to him who is both doctor and health. . . .
Are you afraid of this or that? Remember that on all occasions he will stand by your side like an angel. If you find it hard to meet face to face the high majesty of the Only-begotten, don't lose hope. Remember he was made man to make it easy for us to approach him. . . .
Take courage if you are persecuted. Remember that he went like a lamb to the slaughter. And he is priest who will offer you as a victim to the Father. . . . If you do not know the way of salvation, look for Christ, for he is the road for souls. If it is truth that you want, listen to him because he is the Truth. Have no fear whatever of death, for Christ is the Life of believers. Do the pleasures of the world seduce you? Turn all the more to the Cross of Christ to find solace in the sweetness of the vine that clustered there.
Are you a lost sinner? Then you must hunger for Justice and thirst for the Redeemer, for that is what Christ is. Because he is bread, he takes away all hunger. . . . If anger is tormenting you . . . , appeal to Christ, who is peace. Then you will be reconciled to the Father and will love everyone as you would like to be loved yourself
THE MOTHER OF GOD, MARY EVER VIRGIN
53. How did God become man?
God became man by chosing the Virgin Mary to be His Mother.
How was it possible for a virgin to give birth to Jesus?
Through the infinite power of God the Holy Ghost, Jesus was conceived in the most pure womb of His Blessed Mother without harm to Her virginity.
The knot of Eve's disobedience was united by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the virgin Mary loosened by her faith.
-IRENAEUS
Virgin, faithful pure, God's chosen Mother, Fill me with a measure of your faith; that way will wisdom come to me And all His atenttendant treasures.
-Louis De Montfort
THE LIFE OF JESUS
55. Where was Jesus born?
Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea. He was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea. He was born in great poverty, because from the beginning of His life on earth He wished to do penance for our sins and to teach us to detached from things of this world.
*33. Who were the first parents of all mankind?
The first parents of all mankind were Adam and Eve.
34. How did God make our first parents?
God made their bodies, and gave them souls.
35. What is a soul?
A soul is a spirit which is united to the body; it has no form or shape, and cannot die or perish.
36. Which is the more noble, the soul or the body?
The soul is made to the image and likeness of God, and is infinitely more precious than the body. So we must not lose our soul even if we could thus gain all earthly happiness.
37. What special gifts did God give to our first parents?
a) God gave them sanctifying grace which made them children of God;
b) He placed them in the garden of paradise where they were free of all concupiscence and sorrow;
c) They were to enjoy long life;
d) In the end without dying they were to ascend body and soul into heaven.
38. Did God only gave these gifts to our first parents only?
God did not only gave these gifts to our first parents, but intended that they should transmit them to their descendants.
39. Why then have we not got these gifts?
Because our first parents disobeyed God, yielded to the temptions of the devil, ate the forbidden fruit and committed mortal sin.
*40. What is original sin?
Orginal sin is the sin of disobedience commited by our first parents, and inherited by us, their descendants.
41. What are effects of original sin?
Because of original sin:
a) Our first parents were driven out of Paradise;
b) They were deprived of all their supernatural gifts;
c) We also now come into the world without God's santify grace;
d) Concupiscence, suffering, death and all other miseries have become our part.
42. Have all men inherited original sin?
All men have inherited original sin, with the exception of the blessed Virgin.
43. Seeing mankind afflicted by original sin, did God not show His mercy?
God showed great mercy, for He immediately promised that He would later redeem mankind, and thus He restored to man the hope of gaining Heaven.
THE INCARNATION
*44. How did God come to redeem mankind?
God the son, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, became incarnate and was made man.
45. What does "become incarnate" mean?
It means that God the son, the second person of Blessed Trinity, took to Himself a human nature and united it in His own person to His Divine nature.
*46. What is the name of the God-made-man?
The name of the God-made-man is Jesus, which means "saviour", and He is also called Christ, which is explained as "Most Exalted in Dignity".
47. Is Jesus God?
Jesus is God.
48. Is Jesus man?
Jesus is truly man.
49. Why is Jesus man?
Jesus is man because He has a body and a soul.
50. Why is Jesus God?
Jesus has the Divine nature and substance, and therefore is truly God.
51. Is Jesus our Lord?
Jesus is our Lord.
52. Why is Jesus our Lord?
Jesus is our Lord because He is God, our Creator, our merciful Redeemer, and our future Judge.
If you would learn of the Father, listen to word. If you would be wise, ask him who is Wisdom. When it is too dark for you to see, seek Christ, for he is the Light. Are you sick? Have recourse to him who is both doctor and health. . . .
Are you afraid of this or that? Remember that on all occasions he will stand by your side like an angel. If you find it hard to meet face to face the high majesty of the Only-begotten, don't lose hope. Remember he was made man to make it easy for us to approach him. . . .
Take courage if you are persecuted. Remember that he went like a lamb to the slaughter. And he is priest who will offer you as a victim to the Father. . . . If you do not know the way of salvation, look for Christ, for he is the road for souls. If it is truth that you want, listen to him because he is the Truth. Have no fear whatever of death, for Christ is the Life of believers. Do the pleasures of the world seduce you? Turn all the more to the Cross of Christ to find solace in the sweetness of the vine that clustered there.
Are you a lost sinner? Then you must hunger for Justice and thirst for the Redeemer, for that is what Christ is. Because he is bread, he takes away all hunger. . . . If anger is tormenting you . . . , appeal to Christ, who is peace. Then you will be reconciled to the Father and will love everyone as you would like to be loved yourself
THE MOTHER OF GOD, MARY EVER VIRGIN
53. How did God become man?
God became man by chosing the Virgin Mary to be His Mother.
How was it possible for a virgin to give birth to Jesus?
Through the infinite power of God the Holy Ghost, Jesus was conceived in the most pure womb of His Blessed Mother without harm to Her virginity.
The knot of Eve's disobedience was united by Mary's obedience; what the virgin Eve bound through her unbelief, the virgin Mary loosened by her faith.
-IRENAEUS
Virgin, faithful pure, God's chosen Mother, Fill me with a measure of your faith; that way will wisdom come to me And all His atenttendant treasures.
-Louis De Montfort
THE LIFE OF JESUS
55. Where was Jesus born?
Jesus was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea. He was born in the village of Bethlehem in Judea. He was born in great poverty, because from the beginning of His life on earth He wished to do penance for our sins and to teach us to detached from things of this world.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
INDEX PART 1 Introduction
*1. Why are we in this world?
We are in this world to worship God and to save our souls.
2. What do you mean by "to worship God"?
To worship God means to know,love and serve Him.
3. What do you mean by "to save your souls"?
To save our souls means to avoid Hell and to enter Heaven after death.
4. How should you worship God?
I should worship God:
a) by entering the religion which He has founded;
b) by firmly beliving all His doctrines;
c) by keeping His commandments;
d) by using well all His means of obtaining graces.
GOD
*5. Do you believe in God.
I believe in God.
*6. Who is God?
God is the creator and True Lord of Heaven and earth, of the angels, of men, and of all things.
*7. Is God a spirit?
God is a pure spirit, that is, He has no body.
*8. How does God exist?
God exists of Himself, without beginning and without end.
9. Is God good and happy?
God is infinitely good and happy.
*10. Where is God?
God is everywhere.
*11. Does God know all things?
God knows all things: past, present, and future, including the most secret thoughts of the heart.
*12. Is God powerful?
God is all-powerful; He can do whatever He wishes.
*13. Is God infinitely good?
God is infinitely good; He loves what is good and hates what is evil.
14. Is God infinitely just?
God is infinitely just; He rewards every good work, and punishes every evil, if not in this life, then surely in the next.
15. Is God infinitely merciful?
God is infinitely merciful; He gladly forgives all who are truly sorry for their sins.
THE BLESSED TRINITY
*16. How many Gods are there?
There is only one God.
*17. How many persons are there in God?
There are three persons in God
*18. What are these three persons called?
The first is called the Father, the second the Son, and the third the Holy Ghost.
19. Is any one of the three Divine Persons greater than or above the others?
The three Divine Persons are equal in all things, being one Nature, one Substance, one God.
20. Is there then no difference between the three Divine Persons?
1n their Divine nature, there is no difference between them; but as a person, each differs from the others.
CREATION
*21. Why do you say that God created heaven and earth?
Because God made heaven and earth and all things out of nothing, by his word only.
22. Why did God make heaven and earth and all things?
God made heaven and earth and all things to manifest His glory, and to-help men to worship Him and to save their souls.
23. After God had made all things, do they still need Him to conserve them?
Yes all creatures need God to conserve them always without a moment's interruption.
24. Does God rule heaven and earth?
God rules not only heaven and earth, but all things in the world, man's life and death, his joys and sorrows.
THE ANGELS
*25. Which are noblest beings God has made?
26. What is an angel?
An angel is a spirit without a body; he cannot die or perish, and he has wonderful intelligence and power.
27. Did the angels go to heaven immediately after being created?
No, God wished them to merit before entering heaven.
28. Did all the angels merit Heaven?
No; some of them wickedly desired to be equal to God, and fell into the sin of pride.
29. How did God punish them?
God punished them by sending them to Hell, and they were changed into hideous devils.
30. What reward did the good angels gain?
They gained Heaven; they see God always, and enjoy eternal happiness.
*31. Who is our guardian angel?
Our guardian angel is the angel sent by God to protect us in body and soul during our whole life.
32. What is our duty towards our guardian angel?
We should honour, love and thank him; and when we are in danger, we should call on him and trust him.
An angel appeared to joachim and said: "I am sent to annouce to you that your prayers have been heard . . . I have seen how you were put to shame, and heard the reproach of childlessness wrongly put upon you. God punishes not nature but sin, and therefore, when he closes a woman's womb, he does this in order to open it miraculously later on, . . . So then, your wife will bear you a daughter and you will call her Mary. As you have vowed, she will be consecrated to the Lord from infancy and filled with the Holy Spirit from her mothers womb. . . . Miraculously, the Son of the Most High will be born of her. His name will be Jesus, and through him all nations will be saved. And let this be a sign to you when you arrive at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, Anne your will be there waiting for you. . . . Meanwhile, Anne was weeping bitterly, not knowing where her husband had gone, when the same angel . . . revealed to her the same things he had told Joachim, and added that . . . she should go to Jerusalem's Golden Gate, where she would meet her husband. . . . So they met as the angel had predicted, and were happy to see each other and to be sure they were to have a child. They adored God and went to their home, joyfully awaiting the fulfillment of the divine promise. Anne conceived and brought forth a daughter and they called her name mary. Anne and Joachim took mary at age three to dedicate her to God at the temple. They set the child down at the foot of the temple hill and she climbed the fifteen steps like a grown-up. When the saints had made their offering, they left Mary to be raised with the other temple virgins and returned home gladly
We are in this world to worship God and to save our souls.
2. What do you mean by "to worship God"?
To worship God means to know,love and serve Him.
3. What do you mean by "to save your souls"?
To save our souls means to avoid Hell and to enter Heaven after death.
4. How should you worship God?
I should worship God:
a) by entering the religion which He has founded;
b) by firmly beliving all His doctrines;
c) by keeping His commandments;
d) by using well all His means of obtaining graces.
GOD
*5. Do you believe in God.
I believe in God.
*6. Who is God?
God is the creator and True Lord of Heaven and earth, of the angels, of men, and of all things.
*7. Is God a spirit?
God is a pure spirit, that is, He has no body.
*8. How does God exist?
God exists of Himself, without beginning and without end.
9. Is God good and happy?
God is infinitely good and happy.
*10. Where is God?
God is everywhere.
*11. Does God know all things?
God knows all things: past, present, and future, including the most secret thoughts of the heart.
*12. Is God powerful?
God is all-powerful; He can do whatever He wishes.
*13. Is God infinitely good?
God is infinitely good; He loves what is good and hates what is evil.
14. Is God infinitely just?
God is infinitely just; He rewards every good work, and punishes every evil, if not in this life, then surely in the next.
15. Is God infinitely merciful?
God is infinitely merciful; He gladly forgives all who are truly sorry for their sins.
THE BLESSED TRINITY
*16. How many Gods are there?
There is only one God.
*17. How many persons are there in God?
There are three persons in God
*18. What are these three persons called?
The first is called the Father, the second the Son, and the third the Holy Ghost.
19. Is any one of the three Divine Persons greater than or above the others?
The three Divine Persons are equal in all things, being one Nature, one Substance, one God.
20. Is there then no difference between the three Divine Persons?
1n their Divine nature, there is no difference between them; but as a person, each differs from the others.
CREATION
*21. Why do you say that God created heaven and earth?
Because God made heaven and earth and all things out of nothing, by his word only.
22. Why did God make heaven and earth and all things?
God made heaven and earth and all things to manifest His glory, and to-help men to worship Him and to save their souls.
23. After God had made all things, do they still need Him to conserve them?
Yes all creatures need God to conserve them always without a moment's interruption.
24. Does God rule heaven and earth?
God rules not only heaven and earth, but all things in the world, man's life and death, his joys and sorrows.
THE ANGELS
*25. Which are noblest beings God has made?
26. What is an angel?
An angel is a spirit without a body; he cannot die or perish, and he has wonderful intelligence and power.
27. Did the angels go to heaven immediately after being created?
No, God wished them to merit before entering heaven.
28. Did all the angels merit Heaven?
No; some of them wickedly desired to be equal to God, and fell into the sin of pride.
29. How did God punish them?
God punished them by sending them to Hell, and they were changed into hideous devils.
30. What reward did the good angels gain?
They gained Heaven; they see God always, and enjoy eternal happiness.
*31. Who is our guardian angel?
Our guardian angel is the angel sent by God to protect us in body and soul during our whole life.
32. What is our duty towards our guardian angel?
We should honour, love and thank him; and when we are in danger, we should call on him and trust him.
An angel appeared to joachim and said: "I am sent to annouce to you that your prayers have been heard . . . I have seen how you were put to shame, and heard the reproach of childlessness wrongly put upon you. God punishes not nature but sin, and therefore, when he closes a woman's womb, he does this in order to open it miraculously later on, . . . So then, your wife will bear you a daughter and you will call her Mary. As you have vowed, she will be consecrated to the Lord from infancy and filled with the Holy Spirit from her mothers womb. . . . Miraculously, the Son of the Most High will be born of her. His name will be Jesus, and through him all nations will be saved. And let this be a sign to you when you arrive at the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, Anne your will be there waiting for you. . . . Meanwhile, Anne was weeping bitterly, not knowing where her husband had gone, when the same angel . . . revealed to her the same things he had told Joachim, and added that . . . she should go to Jerusalem's Golden Gate, where she would meet her husband. . . . So they met as the angel had predicted, and were happy to see each other and to be sure they were to have a child. They adored God and went to their home, joyfully awaiting the fulfillment of the divine promise. Anne conceived and brought forth a daughter and they called her name mary. Anne and Joachim took mary at age three to dedicate her to God at the temple. They set the child down at the foot of the temple hill and she climbed the fifteen steps like a grown-up. When the saints had made their offering, they left Mary to be raised with the other temple virgins and returned home gladly
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