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The 60’s hit us — but we are still the one, true Church

Sunday, January 15th, 2012

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bioSunday, Jan. 15, 2012
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: John 1:35-42 “Look, there is the Lamb of God.”

Sermon summary: Years ago we were taught that the Catholic Church was the one true Church, and no other group was the true Church founded by Christ. The Church is not just a group who gathers in the Church who believe in Jesus Christ.

Go to the Georgetown Visitation.

The Bean Queen of Georgetown Rules

The bean, or Epiphany Queen, of the Georgetown Visitation can request special things. Whichever sister finds the bean or medal in her piece of cake after supper is Queen-for-a-Year and is treated in a special way. Go to our Live + Jesus blog and read about what Sr. Mary Philomena got to wear that day.

Are you called to a life of the “little virtues” of gentleness, humility, and cheerful optimism? Consider the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Washington, DC.

When the Pope, or the Pope and bishops in union with him give us a teaching, it is the authority of God himself. The Church teaches us about the Bible, about how to get along. It teaches with the authority of God. Continue Reading…

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Reject the orgy of greed — Christmas is about giving (text)

Monday, December 12th, 2011

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bio2nd Sunday in Advent, Dec. 4, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 “A baptism of repentance”

Free Audio MP3

Full homily text: What a beautiful custom we have here at St Odilo—the Giving Tree. I think that what makes it so beautiful is that—if we understand it correctly—our children are turning the tables on the meaning of Christmas—at least the meaning that the world wants to give to Christmas—you know, the world out there that does not want to hear any prayers—the world out there that does not want to see a Nativity Scene—the world out there that is offended to hear the mention of Jesus’ Name—the world out there that resists all thought of His beautiful Virgin Mother, Mary—the world out there that says that He belongs only in the church building and not out in the market or square.

Go to the Dominican Sisters' websiteDo you ever wonder, “To what kind of life is God calling me?” or “How can I know God’s will?” or “Am I being called to religious life?” See our video, “Take one step at a time and become a Dominican Sister” on our website of the Dominican Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, and see what awaits those who are called by God in this special way.

See the joy of those in the various stages of becoming a sister: aspirancy, postulancy, novitiate, and profession.

They always prattle on about how we have freedom of worship. Yes but we are fast approaching a world—a society—a country—if we are not there already—where all they will allow us to do is worship in this building. Continue Reading…

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Reject the orgy of greed — Christmas is about giving

Sunday, December 4th, 2011

Photo of Fr. Brankin. Go to Fr. Brankin's bio2nd Sunday in Advent, Dec. 4, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Mark 1:1-8 “A baptism of repentance”

Free Audio MP3 Click for Full homily text

Homily summary: The world rejects Christmas and Christianity. Some day all they will allow us to do is worship in this building.

Go to Sister Anna's Facebook page.The twin apostolates of prayer and the education of young women are pursued by the Visitation Sisters of Georgetown.

Are you searching for God’s calling?

Consider a life with the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Washington, DC.

People say only “Happy Holidays.” The banks sponsor a Winter Wonderfest in Chicago, whatever that is. These ideas are driven by anti-Catholic and anti-Christian beliefs. The old Christmas was about the baby Jesus. But the merchants today want us to believe that we measure love by how much people give us; the purchase of more things bring us a happier life.

Christmas is about kind words, about children hugging one another, as well as moms and dads, and going to church. It’s not about things, but about grace.

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Why we make Christ, the King of society

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Go to Fr. Brankin's bioFeast of Christ the King, Nov. 20, 2011
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Homily: Matt. 25:31-46 As you did it to one of the least of my brethren, you did it to me.

Free Audio MP3

Homily summary: The Protestant Reformers dethroned Christ and the Church. But if Jesus Christ is not our king, there will be no one to stand in front of the rich and powerful. No one to say they can’t abuse families and children.

Go to Sister Anna's Facebook page.The twin apostolates of prayer and the education of young women are pursued by the Visitation Sisters of Georgetown, Washington, D.C.

Are you called to religious life?

Consider a life with the Sisters of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, Washington, DC.

Martin Luther and Calvin started a movement that not only sent monks and nuns packing, but took the land from the people, and introduced mass poverty. As for me and my family – and you are my family – we will serve the Lord, who is Christ the King.

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Don’t fall for the devil’s empty promises, governor

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

Go to Fr. Brankin's bio32nd Week in Ordinary Time
Fr. Anthony Brankin
Gospel: Matt. 25:1-13 The five foolish virgins

Full homily text: One of the most enduring and fascinating themes in our Western literature is the theme of the person who makes a bargain with the devil. If the devil obtains for me—this or that—then at the end of my life, in return, he may come for my soul. Pretty awful really.

St. Jane de ChantalWalk on the spiritual path along with St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane de Chantal into the Love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Are you a lay person interested in plunging more fully into a way of daily devotion? Or considering a vocation to the monastic Visitandine tradition? Go to Visitation Spirit website.

And always the deal is for something like wealth, or power or some hidden wisdom—something desirable but unobtainable by other means. In the story of Dr. Faust for example—Faust already knows everything and has the power that comes from knowing the secrets of the Universe. But he wants something different; and he strikes a bargain with the devil to possess Helen of Troy—the most famous beauty in history. In the classic American story — “The Devil and Daniel Webster”, the subject bargains away his soul just so that he can be more prosperous than his neighbors.

Continue Reading…

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