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June 27, is the feast day of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succor, and the Madonna di San Matteo. We are reminded that Our Blessed Mother constantly intercedes for us with Jesus, Our Lord—in our times of struggle, pain, and difficulty. Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God. You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer but the Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as your loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and His mercy is from age to age on those who love Him. Our greatest fear is that in time of temptation, we may fail to call out to you, and become lost children. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpet

Pope Francis at the Basilica of St. Mary, Help of Christians The Blessed Virgin Mary is a beautiful, beloved, essential and pervasive figure in Christian life and in the Church’s calendar. She has been since the early days of the Church. Her feasts are as varied as the cultures of the world, with each having special traditions, customs, and habits of piety. For example, the Church honors Mary every Saturday, recalling both the one full day that Jesus spent in the tomb and the traditional belief that Mary was the disciple who best kept the faith on that day. The early Church took up the practice of keeping faith with her on that day each week. Since the Middle Ages, the Church has devoted the month of May to Mary. Many parishes have “May Crownings” during this time in which a statue of the Blessed Mother is adorned with a diadem or a wreath of flowers. Many Christians also undertake pilgrimages during this month to shrines associated with the Blessed Virgin. In May, there are also

Sister Cecilia Maria lived in the Monastery of Santa Teresa and San Jose, Santa Fe, Argentina. At 26 she made her first vows as a Discalced Carmelite and reaffirmed her vows in 2003. In January she was diagnosed with tongue cancer then it metastasized to the lungs. This caused her death at age 43. Before leaving, religious wrote her last wish on a piece of paper:  "I was thinking how I wanted my funeral. First pray, then make a big party. Do not forget to pray but also to celebrate!. " The Carmel released this notice:  Dear brothers, sisters and friends: Jesus! Just a few lines to let you know that our very dear little sister has softly fallen asleep in the Lord, after an extremely painful illness, which she always endured with joy and surrender to her Divine Spouse. We send you all of our affection, thankful for your support and prayer during this time that is so sorrowful and yet also so marvelous. We believe that she flew directly to heaven, but all the same, we

Researchers have found that an in-love brain looks very different from one experiencing mere lust, and it's also unlike a brain of someone in a long-term, committed relationship. Studies led by Helen Fisher, an anthropologist at Rutgers University and one of the leading experts on the biological basis of love, have revealed that the brain's "in love" phase is a unique and well-defined period of time, and there are 13 telltale signs that you're in it. 1. "This one's special" When you're in love, you begin to think your beloved is unique. The belief is coupled with an inability to feel romantic passion for anyone else. Fisher and her colleagues believe this single-mindedness results from elevated levels of central dopamine — a chemical involved in attention and focus — in your brain. 2. "She's perfect" People who are truly in love tend to focus on the positive qualities of their beloved, while overlooking his or her negativ

I am liking the competition between Nigeria mobile data. After MTN made 10GB for 5000 Naira, GLO counted them and started selling the same 10GB for 2,500 naira while their 2GB goes just 1000 Naira and now AIRTEL 2GB goes for Just 200naira.. Just follow the procedures Don’t let us talk much on this, You can now enjoy 2gb on airtel for just 200 naira and 4gb for 400 naira respectively. How it work Dail *482# to subscribe for 200 naira for 2gb for 14days 500 naira for 4gb for 1month This is the cheat rocking now Airtel

– Students created scenes in two schools in Osun state as they appeared in church garments – Governor Rauf Aregbesola said that students who disobey school rules risk expulsion – The governor denied interfering with the court judgement that allowed female Muslim students to wear hijab to school – He noted that it was not the business of any government to lead a child in a particular religious direction Students created scenes in two schools in Osun state as they appeared in church garments. Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of Osun state, said that students who disobey school rules in the state risk expulsion. Premium Times reports that the governor issued the warning on Tuesday, June 14, while commissioning St Michael’s RCM Government Middle School in Ibokun. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) had earlier directed Christian pupils to wear choir robes and other church garments to public schools should the state government implements the court judgment on hijab. On

– Kiss Daniel’s New Era is a gorgeous kiss-and-tell semi-autobiography, our reviewer says – The baby-faced singer, known for his 2014 smash hit Woju, brings it all on his sophomore effort – Olamide famously made fun of Kiss Daniel on Lil Kesh’s LadiAlbum cover and track list for Kiss Daniel’s New Era On Ladi, Olamide famously poked fun at Kiss Daniel saying he wasn’t the baby-faced vocalist who wasn’t given to kiss and tell. When Olamide rapped that line it was humorous to all—Iranu, abasha! But, in retrospect, prophetic as Kiss Daniel said “challenge accepted” to that test, and turned to G-Worldwide studios to craft New Era, the most interesting kiss-and-tell -not necessarily in romantic terms -album of 2016. Ogun-born Anidugbe Oluwatobiloba Daniel aka Kiss Daniel started off his career properly in 2014 with the smash hit Woju followed by another competent banger Laye. On the former, he gave us a peek into the life and times of Kiss Daniel who was different from the introver

The 26-year-old Algeria international will Slaven Bilic's side on a free transfer and has committed to a three-year contract West Ham have signed Sofiane Feghouli on a free transfer from Valencia. The 26-year-old’s contract with the Spanish club expires this summer and has signed a three-year contract with Slaven Bilic's side. "I am very happy to sign for the Hammers and for Slaven Bilic," Feghouli told the club's official website. "The history of the club is important for me in my decision. "Playing in the Premier League is very important for players in their careers and I am happy to play for the Hammers." Feghouli has made 29 appearances for Valencia this season, scoring four times and registering two assists. Bilic has also confirmed that he is interested in signing Besiktas duo Atiba Hutchinson and Gokhan Tore. The Hammers have also had a €40 million bid for Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette rejected this summer.

The pair will soon be working together at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues star wants to make a strong impression when the sides clash in Group E on Monday Eden Hazard is determined to get Belgium's Euro 2016 campaign off to a winning start and hopes to impress his new Chelsea manager in the process. Belgium take on Italy, led by Antonio Conte, in the teams' Group E opener in Lyon on Monday. The former Juventus boss will leave the Azzurri to take over at Stamford Bridge after his country's involvement in the European Championship comes to an end. If Hazard gets his wish, Belgium could have a hand in sending Italy home as early as possible, with the playmaker aiming to make a fast start at Parc Olympique Lyonnais. "[I'm] very happy to play against my future manager tomorrow. I hope that I'm going to be able to show him everything I'm capable of producing and that next season he'll be able to rely on me," he told a news conference when asked ab

The Real Madrid forward raised the temperature ahead of Thursday's game with some incendiary comments, but the Three Lions manager is staying focused Roy Hodgson does not doubt England's desire as he responded to Gareth Bale's claims that Wales and their passion cannot be matched. As England and Wales prepare to lock horns in their blockbuster Group B clash in Lens on Thursday, Bale stoked the fire when he said Hodgson's men "big themselves up before they've done anything". Hodgson was asked about with the Real Madrid star, whose Wales defeated Slovakia 2-1 in their opener, but the 68-year-old said England's patriotism and passion cannot be questioned. "Receiving disrespectful comments is part and parcel of being a footballer and a football coach," said Hodgson, after England opened the tournament with a 1-1 draw against Russia. "I don't ever comment on other people. I've been in the game sufficiently long to know every

CORRESPONDENTS MAGICAL MODRIC TRUMPS BARCELONA FLOP ARDA IN CLASICO CLASH The Real Madrid midfielder won the Champions League before linking up with his international teammates and demonstrated to his Barcelona rival the importance of regular game momentum. Arda Turan managed just about 800 minutes for Barcelona during their victorious la Liga season and now it shows. A bit-part player for his club, he was little better than that today. The Turkey captain was described by his coach Fatih Terim as still belonging to his "gold squad" but his performance in the defeat to Croatia in the opening Group D match of Euro 2016 showed he is a long way from the gold standard.Instead it was left to his Clasico rival - Real Madrid's Luka Modric - to settle the game with a moment of outstanding quality. The 30-year-old midfielder is the heartbeat for club and country and demonstrated here to Arda the importance of continuous, regular football at the top level. "First

The Arsenal defender labelled club colleague Petr Cech as "the best goalie" he's ever seen, and he also had warm words for Tomas Rosicky before Monday's clash Hector Bellerin is preparing to come up against some familiar faces when Spain take on the Czech Republic at Euro 2016 on Monday. The Group D fixture in Toulouse could see the Arsenal defender go up against club colleague Petr Cech and former team-mate Tomas Rosicky. Bellerin - who was drafted into the Spanish squad to replace the injured Dani Carvajal - has been able to give national coach Vincent del Bosque the lowdown on the well-known Czech pair. Cech has just completed his maiden season with Arsenal, having joined from London rivals Chelsea in July 2015. "Petr, for us at Arsenal, is one of the most immense pluses we could have had this season. He's got the Premier League record for clean sheets," Bellerin told UEFA.com. "He makes you feel safer with him behind you. He'll be

The defender, in for Mats Hummels, scored the winning goal for Joachim Low's side in their Euro 2016 opener, but the world champions were not at their best overall Shkodran Mustafi would most likely have made the bench at best if Germany had a fully fit squad to choose from. Joachim Low might be glad that he didn't. The Valencia centre-back started his side's Euro 2016 opener against Ukraine and rewarded the coach's faith with the opening goal - his first in 11 appearances for the senior side - and an accomplished all-round performance in the 2-0 victory. It was a moment to savour for the 24-year-old, who could well have expected to be fourth choice behind Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and Antonio Rudiger before injuries struck the latter two. Yet for a Germany side blighted by inconsistency ever since their World Cup triumph two years ago, this was another head-scratching display. Low insisted this week that his side were more than ready to embrace the exp

– Northern Christians, led by Yakubu Pam, have warned President Muhammadu Buhari and governors in the region to take concrete steps to end religious intolerance – They expressed anger over the killing of some people in the north for alleged blasphemy against Prophet Mohammed President Muhammadu Buhari and governors in the northern part of Nigeria must stop paying lip-service to issues of security, northern Christian leaders have warned. File photo: Muhammadu Buhari (second left), Yemi Osibajo (left), Chairman Northern Christian Leaders Eagle-Eyes Forum, Aminchi Abu (second right) Bishop Daniel Oboni during an interactive session The warning came from the religious leaders in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja in a press statement on Sunday, according to Vanguard. There has been outrage, especially following the stabbing of one Francis Emmanuel by some Muslim youths in the Kakuri area of Kaduna for eating during Ramadan as well as the

The 2016 African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Port Harcourt and the event has made the entertainment headlines in Nigeria for a number of reasons. The governor of the state Nyesom Wike and his wife Justice Eberechi Suzette Wike were in attendance and helped boost the ratings of the event. Other dignitaries included local and international movie stars, entertainment personalities as well as Nigeria’s minister for Culture and Communication Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The event took place at the Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt and was well attended. Joke Silva and Oluy Jacobs at the 2016 AMAA in Port Harcourt. Though a stylish evening overall, the lapses at this year’s awards ceremony were highlighted as a result of poor planning, logistics issues and communication barriers. It was a bitter pill to swallow through the course of the ceremony. READ ALSO: Check out the full list of AMAA awards 2016 winners (photos)

Arsenal eye Cavani as Vardy’s replacement – The 29-year-old Vardy may be replace by Cavani at Arsenal – The Leicester no.9 is currently representing England at Euro 2016 – Arsenal are ready to cough out £120,000-a-week for Cavani should Vardy reject a move to the Emirates The Arsenal coach, Arsene Wenger will make an attempt to land Uruguay international Edinson Cavani, should a deal for Leicester forward Jamie Vardy fall apart. This follows report on Express.co.uk that the London side are set to prepare a bid for Cavani should Vardy opt to remain at Leicester. The Gunners had triggered Vardy’s £20m release clause, offering him a four year deal worth £120,000 per week, and were hoping to have his decision before he joined Roy Hodgson’s England squad for Euro 2016. However, the 29-year-old delayed making a decision until after the tournament and the deal has stalled. So, should Vardy opt against joining Arsenal and stay at Leicester this summer, Arsene Wenger will o

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry finds it surprising that Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is hesitating over a move to Arsenal after the Gunners reportedly activated his £20m release clause. The 29-year old striker who is currently with the England squad at the European Championship in France is reportedly weighing up whether to make the switch to the Gunners despite reports that he had already undergone the first stage of his medical at the Emirates outfit. Reports claim Vardy wants to make a final decision on his future until after Euro 2016 and here’s what Henry thinks of the former Fleetwood Town man’s stance. “He’s 29, right? You have Arsenal coming for you, and you’re telling them you’re going to think about it? Listen. All I can say is if I was playing for Leicester and I had Arsenal coming, I would have gone.” Henry told BBC Radio 5 Live Former England international Danny Mills was speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live alongside Henry, and he echoed the Frenchman’s comments.

A minute silence in honour of late Coach Amodu Shuaibu will be observed before all fixtures of Match Day 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) kicks off this weekend. Amodu died in the early hours of Saturday in Benin and the League Management Company (LMC) directed all Match Commissioners and Club Officials to ensure that players paid their last respect to the one time Coach of BCC Lions and El-Kanemi Warriors before the matches kick-off. The LMC enjoined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) where the late Coach served as Technical Director and Chief Instructor for all CAF Graded Coaching Courses, the people of his home state, Edo State and the entire football stakeholders to bear the loss with fortitude, noting that “in his lifetime, Amodu served Nigeria’s football with commitment and made Edo State proud”. “Amodu was one of the Coaches that brought style and panache to club Coaching in Nigeria. He made the league lively with his exploits at the various club

The Nigeria U-20 team, the Flying Eagles are through to the final round of the Africa Cup of Nations for U20s after they completed a double over their Burundian counterparts on Saturday at the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar. The Flying Eagles recorded a 2-1 win to progress on a 3-1 aggregate having also won the first leg last term out in Bunjumbura. While many thought it would be an easier tie for Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s side on Saturday, it was never to be as the visitors put up a resilient defensive display and only caved in the 70th minute when Victor Osimhen scored from the penalty spot. The win for the Flying Eagles was literally sealed in the 80th minute when Captain of the Nigeria team Kelechi Nwakali curled in a beautiful free kick which increased the tally to 2-0. Though Burundi pulled one back, it was inconsequential as the Flying Eagles marched on are now a game away from securing their berth at the tournament to be staged in Zambia

Editor’s note: President Muhammadu Buhari’s ten-day vacation to London for medical reasons caused the rumours that the Nigerian leader is seriously ill. The health of a 73 year old Buhari was certainly an issue during the last year presidential campaign. Olalekan Waheed Adigun of the Daily Trust shares his views on who wishes death upon President Buhari death. How Fayose placed an “obituary” of a living person What started as a big joke suddenly became a reality. In a desperate bid to stop the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari the heat of the 2015 presidential election, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti state governor, did the unthinkable. He single-handedly placed an “obituary” of a living person on the front pages of The Punch and The Sun (January 19, 2015). What was his reason for this: “Will you allow history to repeat itself? Enough of state burials.” These he told Nigerians who listened to him eagerly.  Suffice to say that many political analysts described the adv

– A source in London has said that President Buhari is ‘cleared’ to return back to Nigeria next week – The UK doctors reportedly cleaned Buhari’s ear and applied antibiotics to it – Buhari was prescribed to a chest X-ray to determine the reason of his persistent cough Sahara Reporters has obtained the information that the UK doctors, who examined President Muhammadu Buhari’s ear infection, have allowed him to return to Nigeria on Thursday, June 16. A source in London revealed that the doctors had also prescribed a chest X-ray for President Buhari to find the cause of his continual cough. He also stated that Buhari didn’t know the result of the X-ray. However, a presidential source said that the Nigerian leader was probably to leave London for Abuja next week. The source also revealed that President Buhari spent a day at a hospital in the capital of Great Britain where he did a series of tests to determine the nature of his ear disorder and a course of treatment. He

The crisis in the Niger Delta region appears to have escalated following threats by militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) to kill President Muhammadu ahead of the president’s scheduled visit to Rivers state to flag off the UNEP clean-up of Ogoniland on Thursday, 2nd June, 2016. Threat to Buhari: Avengers get stern warning from Nigerians Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Delta Militants have resolved to continue the relentless attacks on oil and gas installations in the region despite the federal government’s deployment of fighter jets and the military in Delta state. In the assassination threat which was made in a recording sent to IBTimes UK, a man is heard saying during a phone conversation with one of the hosts of the UK-based Radio Biafra that Buhari would be signing his death warrant by visiting the delta. The representative of the group issuing the threat said Buhari should sign his death warrant before coming to Port Harcourt or try to visit any state

– The militants resolved to support pro-Biafra supporters – They demand the release of the corps of the activists till June 3 – In other case the militants promised to go after the security officials Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Niger Delta militants has issued fresh ultimatum to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari on June 1, Wednesday, The Punch reports. The said the Federal government must release the corpses of 10 pro-Biafra agitators till Friday, June 3, 2016. The militants also threatened to revenge “unprovoked” killing of pro-Biafra activists by the Nigerian army. READ ALSO: Onitsha mayhem: President Buhari meets with Igbo group The Niger Delta militants in a statement released on-line clarified that their determination to revenge the attack on the pro-Biafra supporters was reached after an emergency meeting organised by some leaders of different militant groups in the oil rich region. The statement reads in part: “If Federa