Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year A/ February 5, 2017 Quinto Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario, Ano A/ 5 de febrero del 2017 Church of the Nativity of Our Blessed Lady 1510 East 233rd Street Bronx, New York 10466

Parish Clergy MASS SCHEDULE Rev. Onyeihe, Administrator Sunday: English 10:00 am Pastoral Staff Spanish 11:30 am Edna Augusta, Religious Education Coordinator Igbo 1:00pm Charlie Harris, English Choir Director Weekdays: 7:00am Yolanda de la Cruz/ Rosa Medina, Spanish Choir Co-Directors Saturday: 9:00 am (followed by Eucharistic Adoration and The Holy Rosary) Sacrament of Matrimony A minimum of 6 months is required to begin the process of Rectory (Rectoria) Office Hours/ Horario de Oficina: the Sacrament of Matrimony. Please call the rectory to set up Monday-Fridays: 10am-3pm a meeting with the priest to discuss the process. Dates are not Lunes-Viernes: 10am-3pm reserved by phone contact.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) Sacrament of Baptism (for Infants): Saturdays: After the 9:00am Mass Parents must be active members of our Parish and are Sundays: After the 10:00am and 11:30am Masses required to attend one session of baptismal instruction held on Call the rectory outside the scheduled time. Tuesdays from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Please call the rectory to make the necessary arrangements. Weekly Prayer Groups Wednesdays/Miercoles: 7:00 – 9:00 pm (Spanish/Espanol) SACRAMENT OF THE SICK Thursdays: 7:00 – 9:00 pm (English) Please notify the rectory when a family member is sick to set up regular communion visits.

Nativity of Our Blessed Lady Rectory Nativity of Our Blessed Lady Convent Nativity of Our Blessed Lady School 1531 East 233rd St. Bronx, N.Y. 10466 1534 East 233rd St Bronx, N.Y. 10472 3893 Dyre Ave, Bx., N.Y. 10466 Office: (718) 324-3531 Parish Website: Office: (718) 324-2188 Fax: (718) 798-0628 www.nativityofourblessedladychurch.org School Website and Email Address Parish Email Address: www.nativityofourblessedlady.org [email protected] [email protected]

5th Week of Ordinary Time/ 5 Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario  2017 (Year A/ Ano A)  Weekly Readings and Memorials Sunday, February 5, 2017 Readings: (IS 58:7-10; 1 COR 2:1-5; MT 5:13-16) 10:00AM- Alberto and Harry “Pachuco” Blake (+) Please Pray for the sick: Req: Nelson Family Angel Alejandro, Aracelis Alejandro, Emma Allen 11:30AM- Margaret Ramos (sick) Rafaelina Almonte, Elvin Alvarado, Juana Alvarado, Req: Aida & Angel Alejandro Roberto Amador, Carmen Avila, Angela Battle,

Sgt. Tonia Chestnut, Kelly Creighton 1:00PM- Lillian (sister of Cristina Dominguez), Juan Pablo Espinza, Lori Figueroa, Rosalina Flores, Rafael Flores, Monday, February 6, 2017 Manuel García, Rafael Ginés, Martiza Gonzalez, Edith Harris, St. Paul Miki and companions, Ghislaine Jacobs, Edith Labriel, Martinez, Mazzella, Digna Meléndez, Leonora Moorehead, San Pablo Miki y compañeros, mártires Avelino Moreno, Readings: (GN1:1-19; MK 6:53-56) Juana Moreira, Neville Nelson, Nicole Niles, Gerri Orfei, 7:00AM- Thanksgiving to God for Emilie Kabore Antonia Rodríguez, Shanique Rollins, Eric Roman, Guillermina Req: Augusta Family Rosario, Ashley Steadman, Theresa Sylvan, Victoria Torres, Andrew “Morris” Vavrica, Marina Vázquez, Aníbal Vázquez,

Iris Velásquez Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Readings: (GN 1:20—2:4A; MK 7:1-13) Please call the rectory to submit the name of an ill family 7:00 AM- member or friend.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017 St. Emiliani The Sanctuary Lamp St. Josephine Bakhita, /virgen was donated for the Intentions of Readings: (GN 2:4B-9, 15-17; MK 7:14-23) Mary, Wendy, and Keneth White, 7:00AM- Onyeka Dominic Nnaemeka (+) Req: Igweatu Family for the recovery of Neville Nelson & Ashley Thursday, February 9, 2017 Steadman Readings: (GN 2:18-25; MK 7:24-30) 7:00AM- In memory of Joan Revan & Gregory M. Ilaw Friday, February 10, 2017 Pearl Blake St. Scholastica, virgin/virgin Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart of on Fridays Marcella Bullock, Leon Bullock, Readings: (GN 3:1-8; MK 7:31-37) John Bullock, Jr., 7:00AM- Joseph Rodriguez (+) Parishioners’ Weekly Contributions Req: Aida Rodriguez

Saturday, February 11, 2017 Mass Times Collection Total / Nuestra Senora de Lourdes Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings: (GN 3:9-24; MK 8:1-10) 10:00am $1,247.00 9:00AM- Joe Mazzella (sick) Req: Linda Burke 11:30am $481.65

1:00pm $72.00

Total $1,800.65

5th Week of Ordinary Time/ 5 Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario  2017 (Year A/ Ano A)  Next Film Night: Trip to the Tuesday, SkyZone (New Roc City) th February 7 at 7pm in the church. All are welcome!!!!

On–Going Activity Reminders -Join us for Eucharistic Adoration and to pray the Holy Rosary on Saturdays, immediately after the 9:00am Mass. - The Altar Rosary Society welcomes new members. Any ladies interested in joining this group, please come to Saturday prayer of the Rosary after the 9am Mass.

-The Religious Education Program takes place on Saturdays (September –May) from 10:00am to 11:30am in the Nativity School Auditorium. For more information, th please speak to Edna Augusta, program coordinator, 917- Date: Saturday, February 18 346-5378. -Nativity Kids Group every 2 weeks, Saturdays 12pm-2pm in the church. All ages welcome! Please call Edna for more Departure Time and Place: information. 12:00PM from Nativity Church -Spanish Charismatic Prayer Group - Wednesdays, 7:00PM-9:00PM. (For more information please contact, the Rectory Place of Event: -Weekly Prayer Group (in English) Thursdays from SkyZone (New Roc City) 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the church. (33 Lecount Pl, New Rochelle, NY 10801)

Actividades Actuales Return Time: 7:00pm -Acompáñenos para Adoración Eucarística y a rezar el Santo Rosario los sábados, inmediatamente después de la Misa de las 9:00 Cost of the Trip: TBD am.

-La Sociedad del Rosario del Altar da la bienvenida a nuevos miembros. Para todas las damas interesadas por favor venga al rezo We also need parent (or other adults) del santo rosario los sábados después de la Misa de 9:00am. volunteers to help chaperone and carpool for the trip. -El programa de instrucción religiosa (catequesis) se lleva a cabo los sábados de 10:00am a 11:30am en el auditorio de la escuela. Para más información por favor hable con Edna Augusta, coordinadora del We hope all of you can join us! programa, 917-346-5378. Edna Augusta Nativity Kids Group, Coordinator -El Grupo de Niños, cada dos semanas, los sábados de 12pm-2pm (917) 346-5378- cell en la iglesia. Todas edades están bienvenidos. Por favor contacte a

Edna por más información. -Todos están invitados a asistir a las reuniones de El Grupo de Oración (en español) los miércoles de 7:00 a 9:00pm en la Iglesia. Para más información por favor contacte a la Rectoria. -Grupo de Oración (en inglés) cada jueves a las 7:00pm en la iglesia.

5th Week of Ordinary Time/ 5 Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario  2017 (Year A/ Ano A)  Black History Month Celebrations Celebrating Black History Month: The th St. / San Maritn De Porres Sunday, February 12 (November 3rd) Biography: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/M/stmartindepo Mass– 10am rres.asp (English) (only 1 Mass this Sunday) Biografia:http://www.ewtn.com/spanish/Saints/Mart%C3%ADn_de Parish International Celebration _Porres.htm (espanol)

Prayer in honor of St. Martin de Porres

To you Martin de Porres we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity to all levels of society and also of your meekness and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. Pour out upon our families Black History Month Film Series the precious gifts of your 2/7/17- “Selma” solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of unity and of justice; implore from our Father in heaven the coming of his kingdom, so that through mutual benevolence in God men may increase the fruits of grace and merit the rewards of eternal life. Amen. 2/14/17- “Race—Jessie Owens Story” Source: http://www.catholic.org/clife/prayers/prayer.php?p=189

Oracion a San Martin de Porres

En esta necesidad y pena que me agobia acudo a ti, mi protector San Martín de Porres. Quiero sentir tu poderosa intercesión. Tú, que viviste sólo para Dios y para tus hermanos, que tan solícito fuiste en 2/21/17- “The Vernon John Story” socorrer a los necesitados, escucha a quienes admiramos tus 2/28/17-“The Ernest Green Story” virtudes. Confío en tu poderoso valimiento para que, intercediendo ante el Dios de bondad, me sean perdonados mis pecados y me vea libre de males y desgracias. Alcánzame tu espíritu de caridad y servicio para que amorosamente te sirva entregado a mis hermanos y a hacer el bien. Padre celestial, por los méritos de tu fiel siervo San Martín, ayúdame en mis problemas y no permitas que quede confundida mi esperanza. Te lo pedimos por Jesucristo, nuestro Señor. Amén.

Saints of the Week/Santos de la Semana 5th Week of Ordinary Time/ 5 Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario  2017 (Year A/ Ano A)  St. Agatha/ Santa Agueda Felipe de Jesus martirio, siendo echada th sobre carbones encendidos (February 5 ) en Catania, Sicilia (Italia). A beautiful Christian girl named Agatha lived in Sicily in the third century. The governor heard of Agatha's beauty and brought her to his palace. He wanted to make her commit sins against purity, but she was brave and would not give in. Según la tradición, en una "My Lord Jesus Christ," she prayed, "you see my heart and you know my erupción del volcán Etna, desire. You alone must have me, because I am all yours. Save me from this evil ocurrida un año después del man. Make me worthy of winning out over the devil." martirio de Santa Águeda (c.250), la lava se detuvo The governor tried sending Agatha to the house of a wicked woman. Perhaps the girl would change for the worse. But Agatha had great trust in God and milagrosamente al pedir los prayed all the time. She kept herself pure. She would not listen to the evil pobladores del área la suggestions of the woman and her daughters. After a month, she was brought intercesión de la santa back to the governor. He tried again to win her. "You are a noblewoman," he said kindly. "Why have you lowered yourself to be a humble Christian?" "Even mártir. Por eso la ciudad de though I am a noble," answered Agatha, "I am a slave of Jesus Christ." "Then Catania la tiene como patrona y las regiones aledañas al Etna what does it really mean to be noble?" the governor asked. Agatha answered, "It la invocan como patrona y protectora contra fuego, rayos y means to serve God." volcanes. Además de estos elementos, la iconografía de Santa Águeda suele presentar la palma (victoria del martirio), y When he realized that she would not sin, the governor became angry. He had Agatha whipped and tortured. As she was being carried back to prison she algún símbolo o gesto que recuerde las torturas que padeció whispered, "Lord, my Creator, you have protected me from the cradle. You have (ver imagen, arriba). taken me from the love of the world and given me patience to suffer. Now receive my soul." Tanto Catania como Palermo reclaman el honor de ser la cuna de Santa Águeda. En algunos lugares, el "pan de Santa Agatha died a at Catania, Sicily, in the year 250. Águeda" y agua son bendecidos durante la misa de su fiesta.

Reflection: "She teaches by her example to La Iglesia de Santa Águeda en Roma tiene una impresionante hasten to the true Good, God alone." –St. pintura de su martirio sobre el altar mayor. Methodius Fuentes antiguas Biography/Biografia http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dai Su oficio en el Breviario Romano se toma, en parte de las lysaint/february/0205.asp Actas de latinas de su martirio. (Acta SS., I, Feb., 595 sqq.). http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints De la carta del Papa Gelasius (492-496) a un tal Obispo /A/stagatha.asp (English) Victor (Thiel. Epist. Roman. Pont., 495) conocemos de una

Basílica de Santa Águeda. Gregorio I (590-604) menciona Santa Águeda poseía todo lo que que está en Roma (Epp., IV, 19; P.L., LXXVII, 688) y parece una joven suele desear: Una familia que fue este Papa quien incluyó su nombre en el Canon de la distinguida y belleza extraordinaria. Misa. Pero atesoraba mucho mas que todo su fe en Jesucristo. Así lo

demostró cuando el Senador Quintianus se aprovechó de la Solo conocemos con certeza histórica el hecho y la fecha de persecución del emperador Decio (250-253) contra los su martirio y la veneración pública con que se le honraba in la cristianos para intentar poseerla. Las propuestas del senador Iglesia primitiva. Aparece en el Martyrologium fueron resueltamente rechazadas por la joven virgen, que ya Hieronymianum (ed. De Rossi y Duchesne, en el Acta SS., se había comprometido con otro esposo: Jesucristo. Nov. II, 17) y en el Martyrologium Carthaginiense que data

del quinto o sexto siglo (Ruinart, Acta Sincera, Ratisbon, Quintianus no se dio por vencido y la entregó en manos de 1859, 634). En el siglo VI, Venantius Fortunatus la menciona Afrodisia, una mujer malvada, con la idea de que esta la en su poema sobre la virginidad como una de las celebradas sedujera con las tentaciones del mundo. Pero sus malas artes vírgenes y mártires cristianas (Carm., VIII, 4, De Virginitate: se vieron fustigadas por la virtud y la fidelidad a Cristo que Illic pariter quoque plaudit Agathe Et Justina simul demostró Santa Águeda. consociante Thecla. etc.).

Quintianus entonces, poseído por la ira, torturó a la joven

virgen cruelmente, hasta llegar a ordenar que se le corten los Bibliografía senos. Es famosa respuesta de Santa Águeda: "Cruel tirano, -Butler, Vida de Santos, vol. IV. México, D.F.: Collier’s ¿no te da vergüenza torturar en una mujer el mismo seno con International - John W. Clute, S.A., 1965. el que de niño te alimentaste?". La santa fue consolada con -The Catholic Encyclopedia una visión de San Pedro quién, milagrosamente, la sanó. Pero -Kirsch, J. P., Saint Agatha, Catholic Encyclopedia, las torturas continuaron y al fin fue meritoria de la palma del Encyclopedia Press. 1913, 5th Week of Ordinary Time/ 5 Domingo de Tiempo Ordinario  2017 (Year A/ Ano A)  -Sgarbossa, Mario y Giovannini, Luigi. Un Santo Para Cada Día. Santa Fe de Bogotá: San Pablo. 1996. O God of all the nations, http://www.corazones.org/santos/agueda.htm the One God who is and was and always will be, in your providence you willed that your Church be united to the suffering of St. Paul Miki and Companions / San Pablo your Son. Miki y Companeros th Look with mercy on your servants who are (February 6 ) persecuted for their faith in you. Grant them perseverance and courage to be worthy These twenty-six martyrs are sometimes called the martyrs of imitators of Christ. Bring your wisdom upon and the martyrs of . St. brought the leaders of nations to work for peace among Good News of Christianity to all peoples. Japan in 1549. Many received the Word and were baptized by St. Francis himself. May your Spirit open conversion for those Although Francis moved on who contradict your will, that we may live and eventually died near the in harmony. Give us the grace to be united shores of , the faith had in truth and freedom, and to always seek grown in Japan. By 1587 your will in our lives. there were over two hundred thousand Catholics. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. Missionaries from various Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us religious orders were there. Japanese priests, religious and -Knights of Columbus lay people lived the faith joyfully. In 1597, forty-five years after the arrival of Francis Xavier, a powerful Japanese official, Hideyoshi, listened to the gossip of a Spanish merchant. The merchant whispered that the missionaries were traitors of Japan. He suggested that these traitors would cause Japan to be defeated by and . The claim was false and absurd. But as an overreaction, Hideyoshi had twenty-six people arrested. The group included six Franciscans from Spain, and ; three Japanese Jesuit catechists, including St. Paul Miki; and seventeen Japanese Catholic lay people, including children. The twenty-six were led to the place of execution outside Nagasaki. They were fastened to individual crosses with chains and cords and had iron collars clamped around their necks. Each cross was hoisted and the base was lowered into a hole dug for it. Spears were thrust into each of the victims. They died almost at the same moment. Their blood-stained clothes were treasured by the Christian community and miracles happened through their intercession.

Each martyr was a gift to the Church. St. Paul Miki, a Jesuit catechist, had been a great preacher. His last valiant homily came from the cross as he encouraged the Christian community to be faithful until death. It was February 5, 1597. St. Paul Miki and his companions were proclaimed saints by Gregory XVI in 1862.

Reflection: Stop for a moment today to pray for who are persecuted throughout the world.

Biography/Biografia http://www.holyspiritinteractive.net/dailysaint/february/0206.asp http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/P/stpaulmiki.asp (English) Christians attend a Christmas mass at the Saint Elias

Catholic cathedral in Aleppo's (Syria) Old City http://www.ewtn.com/spanish/Saints/Pablo_Miki.htm (Espanol)

Prayer for Persecuted Christians