A Prayer for Sandy Hook Elementary School

We have just learned of a mass shooting at an elementary school in Connecticut where at least 20 children and 6 adults are confirmed dead. The gunmen is also dead.

Please join us in prayer:

Dear God,

We lift up to you the children, staff, and families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School in wake of the terrible shooting that happened there this morning.

In Your divine mercy, please send Your healing grace upon all who were wounded, and Your mercy upon the souls of all who were killed. Please send Your healing mercies upon the children, all of whom are so frightened and traumatized by this attack. Bless also their families as they wait for news of their children, and as they seek to comfort and reassure them today and in the days ahead.

Dear God, have mercy also upon the soul of the one who committed this terrible act of violence. Only You know the depths of the heart, and thus only You can judge. Please make good come out of this sorrow, according to Your promise.

Finally, dear God, thank You that Your Son Jesus has assured us, “Be not afraid. … I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Happy Veteran's Day!

Happy Feast of Saint Bartholomew - August 24th!

SAINT BARTHOLOMEW

Feast Day: August 24

Saint Bartholomew was one of the twelve apostles who was called by our blessed Lord Himself. The Church has always taught that this apostle is the same as Nathaniel, a native of Cana, in Galilee, whom Saint Philip brought to Jesus, and whose innocence and simplicity of heart were praised by Jesus. 

Bartholomew carried the Gospel through the most barbarous countries of the East, penetrating into the remoter Indies. He then returned again into the northwest part of Asia, and met Saint Philip, at Hierapolis, in Phrygia. From there he traveled into Laconia, where he instructed the people in the Christian Faith.

Saint Bartholomew’s last mission was into Armenia, where, preaching in a place obstinately addicted to the worship of idols, he was flayed alive. Thus, Bartholomew is the patron saint of plasterers and butchers. Traditionally, artists portray Bartholomew with a knife as his symbol. Michelangelo created a very expressive portrait of the flayed apostle, and the scene below pictures Saint Bartholomew at the Last Judgment, as seen in the Sistine Chapel, where he is holding his own skin!

During World War II, the Fascist regime in Italy looked for ways to finance their activities. The order was given to take the silver statue of Saint Bartholomew from the Cathedral of Lipari and melt it down. The statue was weighed, and it was found to be only a few grams, so it was returned to the Cathedral. In reality, the statue is made from many kilograms of silver and it is considered a miracle that it was not melted down!

Happy Feast of Saint Bartholomew!

Back to School Bible Sale 2012!

Our Back to School Bible & Book Sale is back for 2012!

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Back to School Bible Sale - 2012!

Happy Feast of Joan of Arc - May 30th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Joan of Arc!

SAINT JOAN OF ARC
Feast Day: May 30
Patron of Servicewomen

Saint Joan of Arc was born in France in 1412. One day, as she cared for the sheep on her family farm, she heard the voices of some of the saints. They told Joan to help the king of France fight his enemies.

At the young age of 17, Joan went to help the king. She won the battle for Orleans, France, with a small army. She won many more battles, and helped the king to regain the throne of France. The king’s enemies kidnapped Joan and put her in prison. Joan was condemned to death because she refused to lie and say the saints had not spoken to her. She was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19. However, the Church later canonized her as Saint Joan of Arc.

Prayer to Saint Joan of Arc

Dear Saint Joan of Arc, God gave you great skill in fighting for France. Through your prayers may He bless all women who love and stand up for their families, their country, and their Faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us.

Memorial Day Prayer 2012

Happy Feast of St. Rita - May 22nd!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Rita!

SAINT RITA
Feast Day: May 22
Patron of Parents

Saint Rita was born in Italy in 1381. She wanted to become a nun, but her parents arranged for her to marry a man named Mancini. Rita obediently married him and gave birth to two sons. 18 years passed and Mancini was stabbed to death by an enemy. Rita prayed for him and he gave his soul to Jesus before he died. Her sons also died, and Rita became a nun. She lived 40 years in the convent, in great prayer and charity, working for peace in the area.

Rita loved Jesus very much. One day her forehead was miraculously pierced by a thorn from the Crown of Thorns. After suffering 15 years, Saint Rita died in 1457. Saint Rita loved her husband, her family, and her fellow sisters as a wife, a mother, a widow, and a nun.

Prayer to Saint Rita for Parents

Dear Saint Rita, please bless my Mom and Dad, and all parents. Help them to feel God’s love in their hearts for one another and for us their children. Protect them through your prayers and help them to be happy together forever. Amen.

Saint Rita, pray for us.

Happy Feast of St. Bernardine of Siena - May 20th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Bernardine of Siena!

SAINT BERNARDINE OF SIENA
Feast Day: May 20
Patron of Advertisers

Saint Bernardine was born in 1380 in Siena, Italy. He joined the Franciscans in 1402 and was ordained two years later. His voice was very weak because of an illness. Through the prayers of Our Mother Mary, he was healed and began preaching.

When preaching, Saint Bernardine would often hold up a card with the name of Jesus. He urged people to turn to Our Lord and accept His grace. Saint Bernardine preached for the rest of his life and died in 1444.

Saint Bernardine was canonized a saint in 1450. He is the patron of advertisers because he was very gifted at persuading people to love God and do good.

Prayer to Saint Bernardine of Siena for Advertisers

Saint Bernardine, through your preaching, thousands of people returned to God. Help all people who work as advertisers to be wise and good. Dear God, through the prayers of Saint Bernadine, please help advertisers to use their skills for Your glory and the good of others. Help all of us to be Your witnesses in all we do and say. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Bernardine of Siena, pray for us.

Happy Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer - May 15th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Isidore the Farmer!

SAINT ISIDORE THE FARMER
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of Farmers and Farm Workers

Isidore was born in Madrid, Spain, around the year 1070. He rose up early every morning to go to Mass. Then he would go to work in the fields. One day some farm workers complained that Isidore was always late for work. When the master investigated, he found that an angel plowed the field while Isidore prayed.

Isidore married Maria Torribia, who is also a canonized saint. The couple had one son, but he died in his youth. Isidore died on May 15, 1130. Many miracles and cures are reported at his grave. Today, Saint Isidore is venerated as the patron of farmers.

Prayer to Saint Isidore for Farmers

Dear Saint Isidore, you let the seed of the Gospel take root in you and produce good fruit. Please pray that we will allow Jesus to live in us as you did. Dear God, through the prayers of Saint Isidore, please bless all farmers and farm laborers to love You and serve others. Please keep them safe and protect them. Supply their needs, as they supply food for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Isidore the Farmer, pray for us.

Happy Feast of St. Dymphna - May 15th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Dymphna!

SAINT DYMPHNA
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of Counselors, Psychologists

Saint Dymphna was born in Ireland to a pagan chief named Damon and a Christian mother. When Dymphna was 14, her beloved mother died. Her father became mentally ill with sadness. His evil counselors told him to take his daughter as a wife. Saint Dymphna fled to Belgium, but her father found her and told her to return to Ireland as his bride. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. Saint Dymphna was martyred around 620 A.D. Many sick people have been healed at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried. Saint Dymphna is the patron of counselors.

Prayer to Saint Dymphna for Counselors

Dear Saint Dymphna, through your prayers many people have been healed of mental illness. Please help and bless all counselors. Help them to bring healing, comfort, and compassion to the confused and the sick in their care.

Lord God, through the prayers of Saint Dymphna, pour out Your Spirit of wisdom and good counsel on all who advise others, that they may always glorify You and lead all Your children to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Dymphna, pray for us!

Happy Feast of St. Florian - May 4th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Florian!

SAINT FLORIAN
Feast Day: May 4
Patron of Firefighters

Florian was born around 250 A.D. He was a commander of the Roman Imperial Army. He was also secretly a Christian, who helped to organize firefighting brigades. According to an old story, Florian once stopped a town from burning by praying and throwing a single bucket of water on the blaze.

One day, Florian was ordered to put some Christians to death. He refused, and admitted that he was proud to be a follower of Jesus. The other soldiers beat and tortured him with clubs, spikes, and fire. Then they tied a stone around his neck and drowned him. Saint Florian was martyred around 304 A.D. He is remembered today as the patron of firefighters.

Prayer to Saint Florian for Firefighters

Dear Saint Florian, your love for Christ burned brighter than the flames with which you were tortured. Protect all who serve as firefighters and give them a deep desire to follow Our Lord as you did. Dear God, please bless all who serve as firefighters. Keep them safe and strong. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Florian, pray for us.

Happy Feast of St. Peregrine - May 4th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Peregrine!

SAINT PEREGRINE
Feast Day: May 4
Patron of Cancer Patients

Saint Peregrine was born in 1260 in Italy. He enjoyed many fine pleasures and riches. At the age of 30, he accepted Jesus as his Lord, was baptized, and gave his life to God. Saint Peregrine became a priest in an order of men called the Servants of Mary, or the Servites. He spent his life caring for the sick, the poor, and the forgotten. At the age of 60, he was diagnosed with a severe cancer in his leg.

The night before his leg was to be amputated, Peregrine dragged himself before the crucifix and begged Jesus to heal him. In a vision, he saw Jesus lean down from the Cross to touch and heal his leg. Saint Peregrine died on May 1, 1345 and was canonized on December 27, 1726.

Prayer to Saint Peregrine for Cancer Patients

O great Saint Peregrine, in a vision you saw Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal you. Please ask God to bless and heal all those who suffer from cancer and skin disease. May He also bless their families and those who care for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Peregrine, pray for us.

Happy Feast of St. Joseph the Worker - May 1st!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker!

SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER
Feast Day: May 1
Patron of Workers

As you may recall, we celebrated the feast of St. Joseph, husband of Mary, on March 19th. But he is so important, the Church wanted to honor him more, and they found a way.

For decades, May Day was the occasion for Communist countries to parade their military power.  On this day in 1955,  Pope Pius XII inaugurated the celebration of St. Joseph the Worker.  It seemed comical, even absurd, to raise up Joseph to challenge the Communist military machine on its May Day march, but look at what happened!  The disintegration of Communism is often attributed to the Lord working through the prayers of His people, and especially in response to the apparitions of Mother Mary at Fatima in 1917, urging all to pray and do penance for the conversion of Russia.

That being said, it is also true that the Lord has transformed the world through Joseph and through simple, common, obscure workers like him--like us!

As St. Paul exhorts us, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men. ... Be slaves of Christ the Lord". (Colossians 3:23-24).

Our obscure lives and routine work can change the world if we have faith as did Saint Joseph.  The Lord is speaking to us:  "Take courage, all you people of the land, says the Lord, and work!  For I am with you, says the Lord of hosts". (Haggai 2:4)

A Prayer to Saint Joseph  for Workers

O glorious Joseph! Who concealed your incomparable and regal dignity of custodian of Jesus and of the Virgin Mary under the humble appearance of a craftsman and provided for them with your work, protect with loving power your sons, especially entrusted to you.

You know their anxieties and sufferings, because you yourself experienced them at the side of Jesus and of His Mother. Do not allow them, oppressed by so many worries, to forget the purpose for which they were created by God. Do not allow the seeds of distrust to take hold of their immortal souls. Remind all the workers that in the fields, in factories, in mines, and in scientific laboratories, they are not working, rejoicing, or suffering alone, but at their side is Jesus, with Mary, His Mother and ours, to sustain them, to dry the sweat of their brow, giving value to their toil. Teach them to turn work into a very high instrument of sanctification as you did. Amen.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.

Saint of the Day: St. Bernadette Soubirous - April 16th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Bernadette Soubirous - Patron of the Sick!

SAINT BERNADETTE SOUBIROUS
Feast Day: April 16
Patron of the Sick

Bernadette Soubirous was born in Lourdes, France, in 1844. One day, as she was gathering firewood beside a river, Bernadette saw a beautiful Lady wearing a blue and white dress who was floating above a rose bush. The Lady smiled at her and made the sign of the cross with a golden rosary. Bernadette knelt down and began to pray. The Lady, who was the Virgin Mary, asked Bernadette to dig nearby. When she did so, a spring emerged with healing waters. Mary asked Bernadette to have a chapel built by the spot, so people could come there to wash and drink. The water from this spring continues to bring healings to many people. Our Lady also requested that a church be built there. Bernadette became a nun, and died a few years later. Pope Pius XI canonized Saint Bernadette in 1933.

Prayer to Saint Bernadette

Dear Saint Bernadette, thank you for being true to Mary, the Lady whom you saw, and to Jesus, her Son. Please pray for all who are ill or suffering. Dear God, through the prayers of Mother Mary and dear Saint Bernadette, please heal the sick in body and soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Saint of the Day: St John Baptist de la Salle - April 7th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. John Baptist de la Salle - Patron of Teachers!

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE
Feast Day: April 7
Patron of Teachers

Saint John Baptist de la Salle was born in 1651 in France. He decided to follow Jesus at an early age, and became a priest in 1678. John wanted to help children learn better. In 1679, he helped a friend open up a school for poor boys. He realized that was what he wanted to do the rest of his life. Saint John believed that the best way to serve his students was to teach their teachers. He therefore established the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in 1680. Soon after, he founded colleges for training teachers. John died in 1719, but his work spread quickly throughout the whole world. Pope Leo XIII canonized Saint John Baptist de la Salle in 1900, and in 1950 he was made the patron saint of teachers.

Prayer to Saint John Baptist de la Salle for Teachers

Dear Saint John Baptist de la Salle, you gave your life to educating the poorest members of the Church. Pray for all teachers to see Christ in their students and to live always for Him. Dear God, through the prayers of Saint John, please give Your Church good teachers today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Saint John Baptist de la Salle, pray for us.

Saint of the Day: Saint Vincent Ferrer - April 5th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of Saint Vincent Ferrer - Patron of Plumbers!

SAINT VINCENT FERRER
Feast Day: April 5
Patron of Plumbers

Saint Vincent Ferrer was born on January 23, 1350, in Valencia, Spain. His father dreamed that Vincent would grow up to be a famous friar. At 18, Vincent joined the Dominicans. After much study, he became a master of sacred theology. He loved and memorized God’s Word as well.

In 1398, Vincent became very sick from sadness, since the Church was divided by a Great schism. Our Lord Jesus appeared to Vincent in a vision and healed him. He told Vincent to preach and tell everyone to repent and be holy. For the next 21 years, he preached and worked stupendous miracles throughout Europe, converting thousands of people.

Saint Vincent was so successful at building up the Church that today he is remembered as the patron of the building trades and of plumbers in particular. He died in 1419.

Prayer to Saint Vincent Ferrer for Plumbers

Dear Saint Vincent, by opening yourself up to God, you allowed his grace to flow into the lives of many. Dear God, through the prayers of Saint Vincent, bless all plumbers, and all who build up Your Church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Saint Vincent Ferrer, pray for us.

Happy feast day of Saint Isidore of Seville - April 4th!

Join Autom today as we celebrate the feast day of St. Isidore of Seville!

SAINT ISIDORE OF SEVILLE
Feast Day: April 4
Patron of the Internet and Computer Technicians

Isidore was born of a royal family in Spain in 560. He didn’t get very good grades, so he ran away from school. He stopped for a drink of water from a spring, and noticed a stone, which was hollowed out by the dripping water. He realized that if he kept working at it, little by little, just like that dripping water, he could
do great things. He returned to school, and by hard work he became a great bishop and teacher of the Faith.
Saint Isidore wrote 20 books which make up the first Christian Encyclopedia. Because of his ability to help people understand facts, Saint Isidore is the patron saint of the internet and of computer technicians and programmers. Saint Isidore died on April 4, 636.

Prayer to Saint Isidore for Computer Technicians

O Saint Isidore, your love for God led you to study the Book of Nature and to preserve the wisdom of the whole world. Inspire those who work as computer technicians to use their skills to help us grow in true wisdom and service. Amen.

Saint Isidore, pray for us.

Last Chance Palm Sunday: Don't forget your Palms! Palm Sunday is April 1st, 2012.

Palm Sunday is April 1st, 2012. Don't forget your Palms!

Just as a friendly reminder to all our customers, Autom is still shipping Palms for your Palm Sunday services. With just over one week until Palm Sunday, now is the time to place your final orders. We will be accepting orders through 4 pm EST on March 28th, 2012.

For more information, please click on our email below:

Palm Sunday is only one week away!

Happy Feast Day of St. Joseph - March 19th!

Happy Feast Day of St. Joseph, or as it is commonly referred to, Happy St. Joseph's Day!

St. Joseph was a holy and just man. He obeyed God's will, naming the child Jesus, and ultimately caring for the child as his own as instructed by an angel of God. From everyone at Autom, we wish you a Happy St. Joseph's Day! Visit Autom.com for St. Joseph devotional items and much, much more!

SAINT JOSEPH
Feast Day: March 19
Patron of Fathers, Carpenters, and Homesellers

Saint Joseph was a young carpenter from the town of Nazareth. He was engaged to Mary. Before he and Mary lived together, the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that God had chosen her to be the mother of His son. An angel also told Joseph, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. You are to name her child Jesus.” Joseph awoke and did all the angel had told him to do.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem, an angel spoke to Joseph in a dream, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt! Stay there until I tell you.” Joseph arose quickly and took Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Later they returned to Nazareth, where Joseph worked hard to take care of Mary and Jesus, whom he loved.

Prayer to Saint Joseph for Fathers and Workers

Dear Saint Joseph, you trusted in God and obeyed His commands. Help all fathers to love their families. Help all carpenters to build good homes. Please help homesellers to find good homes for people. O Saint Joseph, I love you! Thank you for being my friend and helper forever. Amen.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.