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Ember Days are days of fasting, abstinence, and prayer that have been observed by many Christian denominations for centuries. They are traditionally observed four times a year—on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the 1st Sunday of Advent, the 1st Sunday of Lent, Pentecost (Whitsunday), and Holy Cross Day.

By the time of of Pope Gregory VII (1073-1085), Ember Days were instituted as a way to offer thanksgiving for God’s gifts throughout the changing seasons. The word “ember” derives from an old Germanic word meaning “seasonal change” or “to turn around.” In essence, these days serve as reminders to Christians to give thanks for their blessings and seek guidance from God during times of transition.

But what exactly are Ember Days and why do they exist? Let’s take a look at what these days mean, how to observe them most effectively, and some of the traditional foods eaten on these special occasions.

How To Observe Ember Days

The best way to observe Ember Days is through prayerful reflection. This could include reading Scripture or other spiritual books, attending Mass or other religious services, or simply spending time in silent contemplation with God.

Traditional Catholic practice also recommends fasting on these days with simple meals that are less than one full meal per day.

Additionally, abstaining from eating meat is common practice on Ember Days — especially among Catholics — as a sign of self-denial and humility before God.

Traditional Foods Eaten On Ember Days

Fish has been an important part of the traditional menu on Ember Days since medieval times when only certain types of meat were allowed to be eaten during fasting periods such as Lent or Advent. Fish dishes can range from simple baked fish recipes to more complex culinary creations such as poached salmon in white wine sauce or fried cod with lemon butter sauce.

Other traditional foods associated with Ember Days include:

• Eggs (which were originally banned during fast periods but allowed once again in 1215 AD)
• Dried fruits such as raisins and dates (which were considered sweet treats even at this time)
• Grains such as barley and oats (used both then and now for soups and porridges)
• Beans (a source of inexpensive protein which was widely available even back then)
• Soups made with vegetables grown during fall harvest season (such as broccoli rabe or roasted cauliflower)

What Are Ember Day Prayers?

Ember Day prayers for Catholics are special supplications said during the four Ember days of each liturgical season. On these days, Catholics ask God to bless their lives and the Church. The prayers can include petitions for vocations, success in spiritual pursuits, and guidance in living a life of holiness.

Summary of Ember Days

• Ember days are days of fasting, abstinence, and prayer in the Catholic Church
• They fall on the Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday following the 1st Sunday of Advent, the 1st Sunday of Lent, Pentecost (Whitsunday), and Holy Cross Day
• Ember days have their roots in ancient pagan and Jewish traditions of fasting during specific times of the year
• The Catholic Church adopted the practice of Ember days in the 8th century as a way to spiritualize these pagan and Jewish traditions
• Ember days are not obligatory for Catholics, but many choose to observe them as a way to grow closer to God

Conclusion

Ember Days are not just about abstaining from food but rather about taking time out of our busy lives to give thanks for our blessings and ask for guidance from God during transitional periods in our lives. There are many ways to observe these special days including through prayerful reflection, abstaining from meat consumption on those days, and consuming traditional foods associated with the season.

By observing Ember Days thoughtfully & prayerfully you will benefit greatly both spiritually & temporally.

Marian devotion is a form of Christian piety dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Jesus. It’s a practice that dates back to the earliest beginnings of Christianity and continues to be an important part of prayer and faith in many Catholic traditions. In its simplest form, it involves prayers and devotions that honor and express love for Mary as a holy figure. However, there are many different aspects of Marian devotion that can be explored. In this article, we’ll explore some basic facts about Marian devotion, its history, and how it is practiced today.

A Brief Overview of the Catholic Tradition of Marian Devotion

The belief in Mary’s divine role as the mother of God originates in passages from both the Old Testament and New Testament. For example, in Luke 1:42-45 Elizabeth exclaims “Blessed art thou among women!” when Mary visits her. This passage was then interpreted by early Christians as evidence for Mary’s special status as the mother of God. Over time, theologians began to develop doctrines around veneration of Mary, such as the Immaculate Conception (her sinless nature) and Assumption into heaven at her death. These doctrines eventually formed the basis for Marian devotion.

One of the most traditional forms of Marian devotion includes reciting formal prayers such as the Hail Mary or Memorare prayer. These prayers ask for Mary’s intercession on behalf of those who recite them. Devotees may also recite a Rosary in her honor or light candles in her memory at churches or shrines dedicated to her around the world.

Some devotees even keep statues or images of Mary in their homes as reminders to pray to her each day.

In addition to these more traditional forms of Marian devotion, some Catholics choose to deepen their relationship with Mary through other special acts of service. These might include performing acts of charity in her name, visiting places associated with her life such as Nazareth or Ephesus, attending services dedicated to her on special feast days throughout the year, volunteering at local shelters for women and children in need or joining organizations that work for social justice causes.

What are Some Ways to Practice Marian Devotion?

Many Catholics also believe that Mary serves an important role within the Church and beyond as a model for faith and virtue, encouraging us to follow in her footsteps by striving to live our lives according to God’s will while serving others with love and compassion. As such, Marian devotion is often seen not just as an outward expression but rather an inner journey towards self-improvement and spiritual growth.

Beyond formal prayer and service activities, there are more subtle ways we can practice Marian Devotion, such as:

• Making an effort to greet each day with positivity
• Offering daily thanksgivings for blessings received
• Speaking out against injustices when they occur
• Taking time during each day for quiet contemplation
• Listening attentively when people need help
• Being open-minded about others’ beliefs
• Showing compassion towards those who are suffering
• Striving for excellence in everything we do

All these little acts add up over time into a fuller expression of our faith in action which enriches our understanding and appreciation for Marian Devotion every day.

Conclusion

As mentioned above, Marian devotion has been practiced since early Christianity and remains a strong part of many Catholic communities today. The overall goal behind such practices is to foster a deeper relationship between individuals and their faith while also giving thanks to Mary for her role in salvation history. By honoring Mary with prayerful words, gestures and other forms of reverence it serves both as an expression of love towards her but also an opportunity for spiritual growth within one’s own life by deepening their connection with God through His Mother’s intercession.

Questions & Answers About Marian Devotion

Q. What does it mean to have a “total consecration” to Mary?

A. Total consecration to Mary is when you commit yourself completely and totally to her service – making Mary the absolute master of your life.

Q. How does reciting the Rosary help us with Marian Devotion?

A.Reciting the Rosary helps us in our devotion to Mary by allowing us to enter into an intimate conversation with her as we meditate upon each prayer in the mysteries of the Rosary.

Q. What other Catholic practices exist that involve Our Lady?

A. Other Catholic practices that involve Our Lady include praying the Hail Holy Queen prayer and reading scripture passages related to her life such as the Magnificat or Visitation of Elizabeth

Q. What is Marian Devotion?

A. Marian Devotion is a religious practice of veneration and love for the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ.

Q. How can we express our devotion to Mary?

A. We can express our devotion to Mary through prayer, meditation, retreats, pilgrimages, artistic expression and writing about her.

Over 40 years ago, the town of Medjugorje in southwestern Bosnia and Herzegovina began receiving messages from the Virgin Mary. But does she still appear to this day? And if so, why?

The Blessed Virgin Mary still appears to Medjugorje’s six visionaries at varying intervals throughout the year, offering messages and insights which these visionaries then relate to the public. These messages largely pertain to reaffirming or embracing faith before punishment falls upon those who fail to dedicate themselves to God.

Naturally, this is a very broad description of decades’ worth of modern theology. To better understand the mysteries of Medjugorje, we must start at the very beginning.

History of Mary in Medjugorje

In June of 1981, just one month after Pope John Paul II credited the 1917 Marian apparitions of Fatima with saving his life from an assassination attempt, five teenagers and one older friend in Medjugorje saw the image of a radiant woman upon Mount Podbrdo, now known as Apparition Hill. The next day, they heard her speak.

Two of these six would soon fall out of touch with what many believed to be an apparition of the Virgin Mary. However, they would quickly be replaced by two newcomers, and this group of six would continue experiencing apparitions to this very day. While local clergy met these accounts with suspicion at first, many were convinced as the seers began receiving regular messages.

Given that the rise of such apparitions throughout Europe coincided with growing anti-communist sentiments, the government believed these sightings to be political in nature. However, they changed their tune quickly when they recognized the newfound opportunities for a growth in tourism.

Meanwhile, Catholic Croatians saw the Medjugorje apparitions as a symbol of their separate identity from their Orthodox Serbian neighbors. But as various parties attempted using the Mother Mary to meet their political and economic goals, the Medjugorje visionaries insisted that Mary’s messages should be heard for their spiritual significance rather than for earthly gains.

Notable Marian Apparitions

The Marian apparitions of Medjugorje typically seem to be geared toward the purpose of conversion. However, in the span of 40 years, the visionaries have naturally reported a wide variety of messages with both long-term and short-term implications. The following are some of the more notable messages among them:

• “I wish to be with you to convert and to reconcile the whole world.”
• “Obey your grandmother and help her because she is old.” 
• “Blessed are those who have not seen and who believe.” 
• “When the sign comes, it will be too late for many.”
• “By means of the messages, I wish to make a very beautiful mosaic in your hearts.”
• “Children, darkness reigns over the whole world. People are attracted by many things and they forget about the more important.”

What the Marian Apparitions Mean

The precise meaning of the Marian apparitions remains largely unclear. When she began appearing regularly, she promised to deliver ten secrets to each of the visionaries. These secrets would pertain to the visionaries themselves, the town of Medjugorje, and the future of the world at large. To date, only three visionaries claim to have received all ten secrets.

Few secrets have been revealed to the public. The third secret prophesies what will happen when the Marian apparitions conclude. On that day, the Mother is to leave an indestructible symbol atop Apparition Hill. The last two secrets pertain to punishments that will fall upon sinners after this sign appears.

Three warnings will be given to the world in the form of events to be prophesied after the apparitions cease. During this time, the visionaries claim that prayer and fasting will lessen the severity of the aforementioned punishments, although the punishments will remain unavoidable. This contrasts the seventh secret, which told of a great evil that was avoided through prayer.

This makes it clear that the purpose of the Marian apparitions is one of conversion. The visionaries claim that Mary’s messages must be studied, and the people of Earth must embrace God through prayer, fasting, reading scripture, attending Mass and confessing their sins. These are called the 5 Stones, in reference to David’s slaying of Goliath.

Vatican’s Stance on Medjugorje

The Church has taken no official stance on the apparitions of Medjugorje, nor do they actively encourage most clergy to treat the seers’ messages as if they’re presumed to be true. Some accounts claim that Pope John Paul II met with one of the seers, Mirjana Soldo, and told her he believed Medjugorje to be “the hope for the entire world.” Others dismiss this as fiction.

Similarly conflicting accounts surround Pope Benedict XVI. He did, however, send a commission sent by Cardinal Camillo Ruini to study the events of Medjugorje.

Since the Vatican rarely (if ever) approves miracles or other divine events while they remain ongoing, the Ruini Commission was hotly contested by its own members for many years. It eventually fell into the hands of Pope Francis, who voiced skepticism that the Virgin Mary would send messages on a daily basis.

Medjugorje’s Marian apparitions remain unapproved by the Vatican, but Pope Francis did authorize official pilgrimages. Although the Vatican cannot yet approve the messages as authentic, the Pope does not deny that many who travel to Medjugorje return home with renewed and strengthened faith.

Pilgrimage to See the Mother

More than 10,000 travelers have gone on pilgrimage to Medjugorje since two years after the first apparition. The village involves itself heavily in these pilgrimages. Travelers stay with host families, and a local guide takes them to Apparition Hill by the same path initially taken by the six seers.

These pilgrimages allow for private discussion with two of the visionaries, who act as host families themselves. To reap this particular benefit, travelers must sign up for their pilgrimage through Medjugorje Web, the official website of Medjugorje’s Marian apparitions.

Pilgrimages additionally include a visit to the Blue Cross, where visionaries often met in their early years to avoid government interlopers. Travelers can also climb Mt. Krizevac, also known as Cross Mountain. This has been the site of a 29-foot cross since 1933, which contains an actual relic from the crucifixion.

The Future of Mary in Medjugorje

No particular end date has been given for the apparitions of Medjugorje. Mirjana, among the most vocal of the seers, claims that the end will occur within her own lifetime. Whatever form these warning events take, she believes she is meant to bear witness to them with her own eyes.

Mirjana also says that she will know the precise nature of these warnings ten days in advance. She will then spend a week in prayer and fasting with Father Petar Ljubicic, who is meant to prophesy these warnings to the world three days before they occur. After the warnings commence, the ten secrets will be revealed and those who fail to convert will be punished.

At the time of writing, Mirjana Soldo is 57 years old. If there is any truth to her claims, believers can assume that the apparitions will likely end within the next 30-50 years, if not sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why should anyone believe in the apparitions if only six people claim to see them?

It falls on the individual to choose what they believe. While studies have ruled out pragmatic explanations such as fraud and hallucination while attempting to explain away the Marian visions, this naturally will not convince skeptics that Medjugorje proves the existence of the divine.

Nevertheless, those with faithful and open minds may wish to read the messages and determine their value. Even among those who remain cynical regarding the authenticity of the apparitions, some may determine the content of the messages to outweigh any questions regarding the nature of their origin.

Q. Do the Blessed Mother’s messages apply to those who’ve already converted?

Yes. It’s important to note that “conversion” in this sense refers not merely to religious conversion, but rather a conversion of the heart and soul. The messages relayed by the visionaries of Medjugorje ask listeners to turn their lives more fully over to God. Many devout people, regardless of the strength of their faith, will still find room to improve in this area.

Q. Have any of the visionaries been ordained?

No. The visionaries claim that Our Lady asked them long ago to become either nuns or men of the cloth. However, they also claim they were given room to choose the calling they felt best suited them, provided they continued to live as examples of faith. The visionaries ultimately came to believe they could do this better as spouses and parents than as priests.

Q. Does Mary want people converting to Catholicism or merely Christianity?

Technically, neither. As noted above, the messages do not call for outright religious conversion. Rather than turning to the God of Christianity, “converts” may seek salvation simply by striving for goodness. They turn not to God, but what God represents.

Q, What does the Madonna look like?

This has been answered at some length by various sources. Mary is estimated to be about 5’5″ and roughly 132lbs. She has thin lips, rosy cheeks, and slight dimples. She has black hair and clear, blue eyes. The visionaries state that she always keeps her bosom covered and her fingernails clean.

Conclusion

Regardless of whether one believes in the messages of the visionaries, Medjugorje remains a site of pilgrimage for many influenced by the Marian apparitions and the prophecies they contain. Anyone who wants to visit the town and converse with the visionaries themselves is welcome to do so. Simply be aware that, if the messages are true, time may be limited.

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