Bl. Miguel Agustín Pro (Feast Day November 23) 

January 13, 1891 – November 23, 1927 

Miguel was born in Guadalupe, Mexico in 1891. From an early age, he was intensely spiritual and equally mischievous, frequently exasperating his family with his humor and practical jokes. As a child, he was daring and sometimes went too far, tossing himself into near-death accidents and illnesses.

Miguel was particularly close to his older sister, and after she entered a cloistered convent, he came to recognize his own vocation to the priesthood. Although he was popular with the ladies and had prospects of a lucrative career, Miguel renounced everything for Christ his King and entered the Jesuits in 1911. 

In 1914, a tidal wave of anti-Catholicism crashed down upon Mexico, forcing him to flee to the United States. He was sent to Europe to finish his seminary formation and was ordained to the priesthood. When he returned to Mexico, his country was facing grave religious persecution. The churches were closed and priests went into hiding. Miguel spent the rest of his life ministering to peoples’ spiritual needs and helping the poor, often dressed as a beggar or police officer in order to remain hidden. 

Falsely accused in the bombing attempt on a former Mexican president, Fr. Pro became a wanted man. He was sentenced to death without the benefit of any legal process. On the day of his execution, Fr. Pro forgave his executioners, prayed, bravely refused the blindfold, and died proclaiming, "Viva Cristo Rey!" meaning, "Long live Christ the King!"

·    How do you think Jesus speaking in parables may have helped people understand his message?

·       Share an experience of people turning against you because of your faith. If you don’t have a personal experience, reflect on how you could help someone in that situation.

·       What does it mean to do the will of God? Who can help you?

·       What is the English translation of “Viva Cristo Rey”? What are some things you can do to put your life under the kingship of Jesus Christ? 

Make a Kite

Kites fly against the wind. Make a kite today and think about how you can follow God when other things may push against you.

Here is one way to make a simple kite using common household supplies.

Supplies:

Paper lunch bag

Yarn or strong string

Scissors

Popsicle stick for each kite

Streamers, tape, crayons, stickers, construction paper to decorate the kite

First decorate your kite using the supplies you have. Then, using the scissors, cut a small hole at the bottom base of the bag. Cut a piece of yarn or string that is about 2 feet long. Secure one end to the middle of the popsicle stick; this will help keep the string inside the bag when the kite is flying. Feed the other end of the string through the hole in the bag. If you desire, use tape to hang streamers from the open part of the bag to wave when you fly your kite. Your kite is ready to fly!

Shortcut Jalapeno and Cheese Corn Bread Using Jiffy Mix  

Honor our Mexican saint by making this delicious recipe!

1 box of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix

2 Tbsp. of melted butter

1/3 cup of milk

1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (15 oz.) of sweet corn – drained

1 – medium Jalapeno diced (or) 2 Tbsp. of canned jalapeno diced (Or substitute 1 can chopped green chiles (4.5 oz))

1 egg

Preheat oven to 375 F. Starting with the corn muffin mix, combine all the ingredients and mix until moist. Grease an 8×8 pan and pour the mixture into the pan. Bake for about 25-35 minutes.  This moist bread may appear not done. Insert a toothpick in the middle of dish. When it comes out clean, you will know the bread is fully cooked.

Adapted from https://kidfriendlythingstodo.com/shortcut-jalapeno-cheddar-cornbread-using-jiffy/ 

Prayer Journaling

Sometimes it takes time to understand the meaning of the Gospel. Journaling is a great way to unpack the words and talk to God.

Create a simple prayer journal or get an empty notebook. Set aside 10-20 minutes for your family to reflect on the Gospel. Create a prayerful environment by lighting candles and/or playing instrumental music in the background. Read today’s Gospel and invite everyone to listen to what God is saying to them in the silence of their hearts. After a period of silence, invite everyone to write what they heard in their journal. (Younger children can draw or doodle). At the end of your reflection time, take turns sharing your experience. Close your time in prayer by saying the Our Father together. 

The 2^nd Reading is usually from a letter to a community in the early Church. Before the reading is proclaimed, the lector announces who wrote the letter and the community for which it was written. Who wrote today’s letter? Which community was it written for?

Plan a visit to a family member or friend who is lonely. Bring flowers or baked goods to brighten their day.

June 11^th is National Corn on the Cob Day! What is your favorite kind of corn?