FILIPINO CHRISTIANS

Prayers for Pardon and Amendment

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O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, would beg Thee to be mindful of all holy thoughts which have been Thine from eternity until now ; above all, that one by which Thou, O Eternal Word, didst will to become man.

Our Father. . .

O most merciful Lord, I pray Thee, from the bottom of my heart, to pardon me all the vain, foul, and evil thoughts which, up to this hour, I have entertained, or in any way have caused others to entertain, against or beside Thy will.

Our Father. . .

II.

O most compassionate Lord Jesus Christ, I, a miserable sinner, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good and saving words which Thou didst ever speak when on earth.

Our Father. . .

I humbly pray Thee, O good Jesus, to forgive me all the words which up to this hour I have uttered or caused others to utter against Thy holy will.

Our Father. . .

III.

O most sweet Jesus Christ, I, an unworthy sinner, yet redeemed by Thy precious Blood, would beg Thee to be mindful of all the good works which Thou wroughtest on the earth for our salvation. I beseech Thee, most compassionate Lord, pardon me whatsoever, by my ill deeds, I have at any time knowingly or unknowingly committed, or have caused others to commit, against Thy law and the glory of Thy name.

Our Father. . .

And now, O most gracious Lord, direct and order all my thoughts, words, and works according to Thy good pleasure, and to the praise of Thy name ; and conform them to the perfect pattern of Thy most holy life and conversation. I am Thine, and will be Thine, O Lord, in life and in death ; into Thy hands I commend myself and all that I have.

Our Father. . .

A Prayer for the Priest

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O Lord Jesus Christ, bless, I beseech Thee, Thy servant who has now ministered to me in Thy name. Help me to remember his good counsel and advice, and to perform duly what he has rightly laid upon me. And grant him the abundance of Thy grace and favor, that his own soul may be refreshed and strengthened for Thy perfect service, and that he may come at last to the joy of Thy heavenly kingdom. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end.

Amen.

Prayer Before Performing Penance

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Since I have so grievously insulted Thee, O most tender and loving God,
by my manifold sins and negligences, I am ready now to make perfect
satisfaction to Thy divine justice to the utmost of my ability. To this end I
will faithfully and most reverently perform the penance appointed me by
my confessor in Thy name ; and would that I could perform it with so
great devotion and love as to give Thee an honor and delight greater than
the insult and outrage of my sins! And that this may be so, I unite and
blend this my penance with all the works of satisfaction which Thy
beloved Son accomplished during the three-and-thirty years of His life on
earth, and in union with His fastings, His watchings, and His prayers, I
offer Thee this my penance and my prayer. Look down, therefore, O most
loving Father, upon me Thy most bounden debtor, now prostrate at Thy
feet, desiring to make thee adequate satisfaction and reparation for all the
insults and injuries I have done Thee ; and grant me strength and grace to
say this prayer according to Thy most holy will. Amen.

Here perform your sacramental Penance, and then say:

O most holy Father, I offer Thee this my confession and my satisfaction
in union with all the acts of penance which have ever been done to the
glory of Thy holy name: beseeching Thee that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to
accept it, and to render it availing through the merits of the Passion of
Thy beloved Son, and through the intercession of the ever-blessed Virgin
Mary, and of all Thy holy Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, and Virgins.
Whatever has been lacking to me in sincere and earnest preparation, in
perfect contrition, in frank and clear confession, I commend to the most
loving heart of Thine only-begotten Son, that Treasury of all good and of
all grace, from whose overflowing abundance all debts to Thee are fully
acquitted ; that, through it, all my negligences and defects in the reception
of this holy Sacrament may be fully and perfectly supplied to Thine
everlasting praise and glory: through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world
without end. Amen.

Prayers After Confession

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O most merciful God, who according to the multitude of Thy mercies

dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent that Thou

rememberest them no more: look graciously upon me, Thine unworthy

servant, and accept my confession for Thy mercy’s sake ; receive my

humble thanks, most loving Father, that of Thy great goodness Thou hast

given me pardon for all my sins. O may Thy love and pity supply

whatsoever has been wanting in the sufficiency of my contrition, and the

fulness of my confession. And do Thou, O Lord, vouchsafe to grant me

the help of Thy grace, that I may diligently amend my life and persevere

in Thy service unto the end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Act Before Confession

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(St. Alphonsus de Liguori)
O God of infinite majesty, behold at Thy feet a traitor, who has offended
Thee over and over again, but who now humbly seeks forgiveness. O
Lord, reject me not ; Thou dost not despise a heart that humbles itself : A
contrite heart and humbled heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise. I thank
Thee that Thou hast waited for me till now, and hast not let me die in sin,
casting me into hell, as I deserved. Since Thou hast waited for me, my
God, I hope that, by the merits of Jesus Christ, Thou wilt pardon me in
this confession for all the offences I have committed against Thee ; I
repent, and am sorry for them, because by them I have merited hell and
lost paradise. But above all, it is not so much on account of hell which I
have merited, but because I have offended Thee, O Infinite Goodness!
that I am sorry from the bottom of my heart. I love Thee, O Sovereign
Good! and because I love Thee, I repent of all the insults I have offered
Thee. I have turned my back upon Thee ; I have not respected Thee ; I
have despised Thy grace and Thy friendship. O Lord! I have lost Thee by
my own free-will ; forgive me all my sins for the love of Jesus Christ,
now that I repent with all my heart ; I hate, detest, and abominate them
above every evil. And I repent not only of mortal sins, but also of venial
sins, because these are also displeasing to Thee. I resolve for the future,
by Thy grace, never more wilfully to offend Thee. Yes, my God, I will
rather die than ever sin again.

Prayer Before Confession

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Accept my confession, O my loving, most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, on

whom alone my soul trusts for salvation. Grant me, I beseech Thee,

contrition of heart, and give tears to mine eyes, that I may sorrow deeply

for all my sins with humility and sincerity of heart.

O good Jesus, Saviour of the world, who gavest Thyself to the death of

the Cross to save sinners, look on me, a miserable sinner who calls upon

Thy name. Spare me, Thou that art my Saviour, and pity my sinful soul ;

loose its chains, heal its sores. Lord Jesus, I desire Thee, I seek Thee, I

long for Thee ; show me the light of Thy countenance, and I shall be

saved ; send forth Thy light and Thy truth into my soul, to show me fully

all the sins and shortcomings which I must still confess, and to aid and

teach me to lay them bare without reserve and with a contrite heart ; O

Thou who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the

Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

O most gracious Virgin Mary, beloved Mother of Jesus Christ, my

Redeemer, intercede for me with Him. Obtain for me the full remission of

my sins, and perfect amendment of life, to the salvation of my soul and

the glory of His name. Amen.

I implore the same grace of thee, O my Guardian Angel ; of you, my holy

Patrons, N. N. ; of you, O blessed Peter and holy Magdalen, and of all the

Saints of God. Intercede for me a sinner, repenting of my sins, firmly

resolving to confess them, and to avoid them for the future.

Amen.

Prayers Before the Examination of Conscience

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O Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, King of kings, and Lord of

lords, who hast made me out of nothing in Thine image and likeness, and

hast redeemed me with Thine own Blood; whom I a sinner am not worthy

to name, or call upon, or think of: I humbly pray Thee, I earnestly

beseech Thee, to look mercifully on me, Thy wicked servant. Thou who

hadst mercy on the woman of Chanaan and Mary Magdalen; Thou who

didst spare the publican and the thief upon the cross, have mercy upon

me. Thou art my hope and my trust; my guide and my succor; my comfort

and my strength; my defense and my deliverance; my life, my health, and

my resurrection; my light and my longing; my help and my protection. I

pray and entreat Thee, help me and I shall be safe; direct me and defend

me; strengthen me and comfort me; confirm me and gladden me;

enlighten me and come unto me. Raise me from the dead; I am Thy

creature, and the work of Thy hands. Despise me not, O Lord, nor regard

my iniquities; but according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies have

mercy upon me, the chief of sinners, and be gracious unto me. Turn Thou

unto me, O Lord, and be not angry with me. I implore Thee, most

compassionate Father, I pray Thee meekly, of Thy great mercy, to bring

me to a holy death, and to true penance, to a perfect confession, and to

worthy satisfaction for all my sins. Amen.

O Lord God, who enlightenest every man who cometh into this world,

enlighten my heart, I pray Thee, with the light of Thy grace, that I may

fully know my sins, shortcomings, and negligences, and may confess

them with that true sorrow and contrition of heart which I so much need. I

desire to make full amends for all my sins and to avoid them for the

future to Thy honor and glory, and to the salvation of my soul, through

Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

I believe in Thee, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, my Creator, my

Redeemer, and Sanctifier; I believe that Thou art all-holy, just, and

merciful. I believe that Thou art willing to pardon and to save me, if I

repent and forsake my sins.

O my God, strengthen and increase my faith, and grant me the grace of a

true repentance, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

I hope in Thee, O my God, because Thou art almighty, faithful, and longsuffering.

I humbly trust that Thou wilt pardon my sins for the sake of

Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, who suffered and died for me upon the Cross;

and that Thou wilt cleanse my sinful soul in His precious Blood, and

make me holy, and bring me to everlasting life.

O Lord, in Thee have I hoped, let me never be confounded. Amen.

I love Thee, O my God, above all things, because Thou hast been so

good, so patient, so loving to me, notwithstanding all the sins by which I

have so grievously offended Thee. I love Thee, O Blessed Jesus, my

Saviour, because Thou didst suffer so much for love of me, an ungrateful

sinner, and didst die on the Cross for my salvation.

O make me love Thee more and more, and show my love to Thee by

faithfully keeping Thy Commandments all the days of my life. Amen.

O Mary Immaculate, Mother of Fair Love: obtain for me that love of

God, which is so necessary for true contrition. Amen.

Psalm 142

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O Lord, hear my prayer ; hearken to my pleading in your faithfulness ; in

your justice answer me.

And enter not into judgment with your servant, for before you no living

man is just.

For the enemy pursues me ; he has crushed my life to the ground ; he has

left me dwelling in the dark, like those long dead.

And my spirit is faint within me, my heart within me is appalled.

I remember the days of old ; I meditate on all your doings, the works of

your hands I ponder.

I stretch out my hands to you ; my soul thirsts for you like parched land.

Hasten to answer me, O Lord, for my spirit fails me.

Hide not your face from me lest I become like those who go down into

the pit.

At dawn let me hear of your kindness, for in you I trust.

Show me the way in which I should walk, for to you I lift up my soul.

Rescue me from my enemies, O Lord, for in you I hope.

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.

May your good spirit guide me on level ground.

For your name’s sake, O Lord, preserve me ; in your justice free me from

distress,

And in your kindness destroy my enemies ; bring to naught all my foes,

for I am your servant.

Psalm 129

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Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord ; Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication :

If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?

But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.

I trust in the Lord ; my soul trusts in his word.

My soul waits for the Lord more than sentinels wait for the dawn.

More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord,

For with the Lord is kindness and with him is plenteous redemption ;

And he will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

Psalm 101

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O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come to you.

Hide not your face from me in the day of my distress.

Incline your ear to me ; in the day when I call, answer me speedily.

For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like fire.

Withered and died up like grass is my heart ; I forget to eat my bread.

Because of my insistent sighing I am reduced to skin and bone.

I am like a desert owl ; I have become like an owl among the ruins.

I am sleepless, and I moan ; I am like a sparrow alone on the housetop.

All the day my enemies revile me ; in their rage against me they make a

curse of me.

For I eat ashes like bread and mingle my drink with tears,

Because of your fury and your wrath ; for you lifted me up only to cast

me down.

My days are like a lengthening shadow, and I whither like grass.

But you, O Lord, abide forever, and your name through all generations.

You will arise and have mercy on Sion, for it is time to pity her, for the

appointed time has come.

For her stones are dear to your servants, and her dust moves them to pity.

And the nations shall revere your name, O Lord, and all the kings of the

earth your glory,

When the Lord has rebuilt Sion and appeared in his glory ;

When he has regarded the prayer of the destitute, and not despised their

prayer.

Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures

praise the Lord :

“The Lord looked down from his holy height, from heaven he beheld the

earth,

To hear the groaning of the prisoners, to release those doomed to die” –

That the name of the Lord may be declared in Sion ; and his praise, in

Jerusalem,

When the peoples gather together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord.

He has broken down my strength in the way ; he has cut short my days.

I say: O my God,

Take me not hence in the midst of my days ; through all generations your

years endure.

Of old you established the earth, and the heavens are the work of your

hands.

They shall perish, but you remain though all of them grow old like a

garment.

Like clothing you change them, and they are changed, but you are the

same, and your years have no end.

The children of your servants shall abide, and their posterity shall

continue in your presence.

Psalm 50 (The Miserere)

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Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness ; in the greatness of your

compassion wipe out my offense.

Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me.

For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always:

“Against you only have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight” –

That you may be justified in your sentence, vindicated when you

condemn.

Indeed, in guilt was I born, and in sin my mother conceived me ;

Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart, and in my inmost being

you teach me wisdom.

Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be purified ; wash me, and I shall be

whiter than snow.

Let me hear the sounds of joy and gladness ; the bones you have crushed

shall rejoice.

Turn away your face from my sins, and blot out all my guilt.

A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me.

Cast me not out from your presence, and your holy spirit take not from

me.

Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me.

I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners shall return to you.

Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God ; then my tongue shall

revel in your justice.

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

For you are not pleased with sacrifices ; should I offer a holocaust, you

would not accept it.

My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit ; a heart contrite and humbled, O

God, you will not spurn.

Be bountiful, O Lord, to Sion in your kindness by rebuilding the walls of

Jerusalem ;

Then shall you be pleased with due sacrifices, burnt offerings and

holocausts ; then shall they offer up bullocks on your altar.

Psalm 37

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O Lord, in your anger punish me not, in your wrath chastise me not ;

For your arrows have sunk deep in me, and your hand has come down

upon me.

There is no health in my flesh because of your indignation ; there is no

wholeness in my bones because of my sin,

For my iniquities have overwhelmed me ; they are like a heavy burden,

beyond my strength.

Noisome and festering are my sores because of my folly,

I am stooped and bowed down profoundly ; all the day I go in mourning,

For my loins are filled with burning pains ; there is no health in my flesh.

I am numbed and severely crushed ; I roar with anguish of heart.

O Lord, all my desire is before you ; from you my groaning is not hid.

My heart throbs ; my strength forsakes me ; the very light of my eyes has

failed me.

My friends and my companions stand back because of my affliction ; my

neighbors stand afar off.

Men lay snares for me seeking my life ; they look to my misfortune, they

speak of ruin, treachery they talk of all the day.

But I am like a deaf man, hearing not, like a dumb man who opens not his

mouth.

I am become like a man who neither hears nor has in his mouth a retort.

Because for you, O Lord, I wait ; you, O Lord my God, will answer

When I say, “Let them not be glad on my account who, when my foot

slips, glory over me.”

For I am very near to falling, and my grief is with me always.

Indeed, I acknowledge my guilt ; I grieve over my sin.

But my undeserved enemies are strong ; many are my foes without cause.

Those who repay evil for good harass me for pursuing good.

Forsake me not, O Lord ; my God, be not far from me!

Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 31

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Happy is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.

Happy is the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit

there is no guile.

As long as I would not speak, my bones wasted away with my groaning

all the day,

For day and night your hand was heavy upon me ; my strength was dried

up as by the heat of summer.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not.

I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of

my sin.

For this shall every faithful man pray to you in time of stress.

Though deep waters overflow, they shall not reach him.

You are my shelter ; from distress you will preserve me ; with glad cries

of freedom you will ring me round.

I will instruct you and show you the way you should walk ; I will counsel

you, keeping my eye on you.

Be not senseless like horses or mules: with bit and bridle their temper

must be curbed, else they will not come near you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but kindness surrounds him who

trusts in the Lord.

Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just ; exult, all you upright of heart.

Psalm 6

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O Lord, reprove me not in your anger, nor chastise me in your wrath.

Have pity on me, O Lord, for I am languishing ; heal me, O Lord, for my

body is in terror ;

My soul, too, is utterly terrified ; but you, O Lord, how long?

Return, O Lord, save my life ; rescue me because of your kindness,

For among the dead no one remembers you ; in the nether world who

gives you thanks?

I am wearied with sighing ; every night I flood my bed with weeping ; I

drench my couch with my tears.

My eyes are dimed with sorrow ; they have aged because of all my foes.

Depart from me, all evildoers, for the Lord has heard the sound of my

weeping ;

The Lord has heard my plea ; the Lord has accepted my prayer.

All my enemies shall be put to shame in utter terror ; they shall fall back

in sudden shame.

Imploration of Divine Assistance

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(in Order to Make a Good Confession)

O Almighty and most merciful God, who hast made me out of nothing,
and redeeemed me by the Precious Blood of Thine Only Son; who hast
with so much patience borne with me to this day, notwithstanding all my
sins and ingratitude; ever calling after me to return to Thee from the ways
of vanity and iniquity, in which I have been quite wearied out in the
pursuit of empty toys and mere shadows; seeking in vain to satisfy my
thirst in unclean waters, and my hunger with husks of swine: behold, O
most gracious Lord, I now sincerely desire to leave all these my evil
ways, to forsake the region of death where I have so long lost myself, and
to return to Thee, the Fountain of Life. I desire, like the prodigal son, to
enter seriously into myself, and with the like resolution to arise without
delay, and to go home to my Father – though I am most unworthy to be
called His child – in hopes of meeting with the like reception from His
most tender mercy. But, O my God, though I can go astray from Thee of
myself, yet I cannot make one step towards returning to Thee, unless Thy
divine grace move and assist me. This grace, therefore, I most humbly
implore, prostrate in spirit before the throne of Thy mercy; I beg it for the
sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who died upon the Cross for my sins; I
know that Thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but that he may be
converted and live; I know Thy mercies are above all Thy works; and I
most confidently hope that as in Thy mercy Thou hast spared me so long,
and hast now given me this desire of returning to Thee, so Thou wilt
finish the work which Thou hast begun, and bring me to a perfect
reconciliation with Thee.

I desire now to comply with Thy holy institution of the Sacrament of
Penance; I desire to confess my sins with all sincerity to Thee and to Thy
minister; and therefore I desire to know myself, and to call myself to an
account by a diligent examination of my conscience. But, O my God, how
miserably shall I deceive myself if Thou assist me not in this great work
by Thy heavenly light. O then remove every veil that hides any of my sins
from me, that I may see them all in their true colors, and may sincerely
detest them. O let me no longer be imposed upon by the Enemy of souls,
or by my own self-love, so as to mistake vice for virtue, to hide myself
from myself, or in any way to make excuses in sins.

But, O my good God, what will it avail me to know my sins, if Thou dost
not also give me a hearty sorrow and repentance for them? Without this
my sins will be all upon me still, and I shall be still Thine enemy and a
child of hell. Thou dost require that contrite heart, without which there
can be no reconciliation with Thee; and this heart none but Thyself can
give. O then, dear Lord, grant it unto me at this time. Give me a lively
faith, and a steadfast hope, in the Passion of my Redeemer; teach me to
fear Thee and to love Thee. Give me, for Thy mercy’s sake, a hearty
sorrow for having offended so good a God. Teach me to detest my evil
ways; to abhor all my past ingratitude; to hate myself now with a perfect
hatred for my many treasons against Thee. O give me a full and a firm
resolution to lead henceforward a new life; and unite me unto Thee with
an eternal band of love which nothing in life or death may ever break.
Grant me also the grace to make an entire and sincere confession of all
my sins, and to accept the confusion of it as a penance justly due to my
transgressions. Let not the Enemy prevail upon me to pass over anything
through fear or shame; rather let me die than consent to so great an evil.
Let no self-love deceive me, as I fear it has done too often. O grant that
this confession may be good; and for the sake of Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
who died for me and for all sinners, assist me in every part of my
preparation for it; that I may perform it with the same care and diligence
as I should be glad to do at the hour of my death; that so, being perfectly
reconciled to Thee, I may never offend Thee more. Amen.

Evening Prayer

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In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the

fire of Thy love.

O my God, I present myself before Thee at the end of another day, to

offer Thee anew the homage of my heart. I humbly adore Thee, my

Creator, my Redeemer, and my Judge! I believe in Thee, because Thou

art Truth itself; I hope in Thee, because Thou art faithful to Thy promises;

I love Thee with my whole heart, because Thou art infinitely worthy of

being loved; and for Thy sake I love my neighbor as myself.

Enable me, O my God, to return Thee thanks as I ought for all Thine

inestimable blessings and favors. Thou hast thought of me, and loved me

from all eternity; Thou hast formed me out of nothing; Thou hast

delivered up Thy beloved Son to the ignominious death of the Cross for

my redemption; Thou hast made me a member of Thy holy Church; Thou

hast preserved me from falling into the abyss of eternal misery, when my

sins had provoked Thee to punish me; and Thou hast graciously

continued to spare me, even though I have not ceased to offend Thee.

What return, O my God, can I make for Thine innumerable blessings, and

particularly for the favors of this day? O all ye Angels and Saints, unite

with me in praising the God of mercies, who is so bountiful to so

unworthy a creature.

Ask of God to discover the sins committed this day.

O my God, sovereign Judge of men, who desirest not the death of a

sinner, but that he should be converted and saved, enlighten my mind,

that I may know the sins which I have this day committed in thought,

word, or deed, and give me the grace of true contrition.

Here examine your conscience, then say:

O my God, I heartily repent, and I am grieved that I have offended Thee,

because Thou art infinitely good, and sin is infinitely displeasing to Thee.

I humbly ask of Thee mercy and pardon, through the infinite merits of

Jesus Christ. I resolve, by the assistance of Thy grace, to do penance for

my sins, and I will endeavor never more to offend Thee.

O God, hear my prayers on behalf of our Holy Father Pope N., our

Bishop N., our clergy, and for all that are in authority over us. Bless, I

beseech Thee, the whole Catholic Church, and convert all heretics and

unbelievers. Pour down Thy blessings, O Lord, upon all my friends,

relations, and acquaintances, and upon my enemies, if I have any. Help

the poor and the sick, and those who are in their last agony. O God of

mercy and goodness, have compassion on the souls of the faithful in

purgatory; put an end to their sufferings, and grant to them eternal light,

rest, and happiness. Amen.

O Almighty and Eternal God, who savest all, and willest not that any

should perish, look, we beseech Thee, upon the souls that are led astray

by the deceits of the devil; that, rejecting all errors, the hearts of those

who err may be converted, and return to the unity of Thy truth. Through

Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bless, O Lord, the repose I am about to take, that, my bodily strength

being renewed, I may better be the better enabled to serve Thee. Amen.

O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of mercy, pray for me, that I may be

preserved this night from all evil, whether of body or soul. Blessed St.

Joseph, and all ye Angels and Saints, especially my guardian angel and

my chosen patron, watch over me. I commend myself to your protection

now and always. Amen.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord, God of hosts: the earth is full of Thy glory.

Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

An Act of Charity

2008-10-03T03:03:00.000-07:00

O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured.

An Act of Hope

2008-10-02T03:02:00.000-07:00

O my God! Relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer.

Morning Prayer

2008-10-01T02:54:00.000-07:00

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
Most holy and adorable Trinity, one God in three Persons, I believe that
Thou art here present; I adore Thee with the deepest humility, and render
to Thee, with my whole heart, the homage which is due to Thy sovereign
majesty.
O my God, I most humbly thank Thee for all the favors Thou hast
bestowed upon me up to the present moment. I give Thee thanks from the
bottom of my heart that Thou hast created me after Thine own image and
likeness, that Thou hast redeemed me by the precious blood of Thy dear
Son, and that Thou hast preserved me and brought me safe to the
beginning of another day. I offer to Thee, O Lord, my whole being, and in
particular all my thoughts, words, actions, and sufferings of this day. I
consecrate them all to the glory of Thy name, beseeching Thee that
through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ my Saviour they may all find
acceptance in Thy sight. May Thy divine love animate them, and may
they all tend to Thy greater glory.
Adorable Jesus, my Saviour and Master, model of all perfection, I resolve
and will endeavor this day to imitate Thy example, to be, like Thee, mild,
humble, chaste, zealous, charitable, and resigned. I will redouble my
efforts that I may not fall this day into any of those sins which I have
heretofore committed (here you may name any besetting sin), and which I
sincerely desire to forsake.
O my God, Thou knowest my poverty and weakness, and that I am unable
to do anything good without Thee; deny me not, O God, the help of Thy
grace; proportion it to my necessities; give me strength to avoid
everything evil which Thou forbiddest, and to practice the good which
Thou hast commanded; and enable me to bear patiently all the trials
which it may please Thee to send me.

The Regina Coeli

2008-09-29T02:50:00.001-07:00

(To be said standing during Eastertide instead of the Angelus)

Queen of heaven, rejoice; alleluia.
For He whom you did merit to bear; alleluia,
Has risen, as He said; alleluia.
Pray for us to God; alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary; alleluia.
R. For the Lord has risen indeed; alleluia.
Let us pray.
O God, who gave joy to the world through the Resurrection of Thy Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ; grant that we may obtain, through His Virgin
Mother, Mary, the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our
Lord. Amen.

An Act of Faith

2008-09-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; I believe that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, who canst neither deceive nor be deceived.

Spiritual Communion

2008-09-23T07:08:00.000-07:00

I wish Lord, to receive You with the purity, humility and devotion with which Your most holy Mother received You; with the spirit and fervor of the saints.

The Memorare

2008-09-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that

anyone who fled to your protection, implored your aid or sought your

intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to you,

O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to you I come, before you I stand sinful

and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petition,

but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Prayer After the Examination of Conscience

2008-09-12T03:21:00.000-07:00

O my God, I cry unto Thee with the prodigal: Father, I have sinned

against heaven and before Thee ; I am no longer worthy to be called Thy

Son.

I have gone astray like a sheep that is lost. O seek Thy servant, for I have

not forgotten Thy commandments.

Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, O Lord. O spare me for Thy

mercy’s sake.

Prove me, O God, and know my heart ; examine me, and know my paths.

Thou whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, O meet me in

pity, embrace me in love, and forgive me all my sin.

I confess my sins unto Thee, O Christ, Healer of our souls, O Lord of

Life. Heal me, heal me of my spiritual sickness, Thou who art longsuffering

and of tender mercy ; heal me, O Lord Christ.

Accept my supplication, O Thou Holy Spirit, unto whom every heart is

open, every desire known, and from whom no secret is hid, and who

givest life to our souls ; hear and answer, O Spirit of God.

O Heavenly Father, who willest not that any sinner should perish, give me

true repentance for this my sin, that I perish not !

To what misery am I come by my own fault ! O merciful God, pity and

forgive me for Jesus’ sake.

Thine eyes, O God, are as a flame of fire searching my inmost heart. O

pardon my sin, for it is great !

Thou, God, seest me in all the foulness of my sins ! Blessed Jesus, speak

for me, plead for me, come between my soul and my offended God, that I

perish not. Amen.

Prayer for Healing the Family Tree

2008-08-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father, I come before You as Your child, in great need of Your help. I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg Your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask You to forgive the sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns and defects in body, mind and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With Your help I sincerely forgive everyone, especially living or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders. In the name of Your divine Son Jesus, and in the power of His Holy Spirit, I ask You, Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one. Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By Your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your Precious Son Jesus, I beg You to extend Your blessing to me and all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the Cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask You to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the blood lines in my family lineage. Set Your protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer Your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members' guardian angels to heal, protect, guide and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let Your healing power be released at this very moment and let it continue as long as Your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever deeper bonding with You, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to Your Son Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus precious Name.

Prayer for our Youth

2008-08-03T04:26:00.000-07:00

God, our Father, we thank You for the gift of love and the gift of life. We thank you for the gift of our children. We ask You to send Your holy angels to protect and guide them each day so that they will walk the narrow path of purity, self-control and obedience, as was taught to us by Your own Son, Jesus Christ. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, in union with the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prayer for the Entrustment of the Family

2008-08-01T04:27:00.000-07:00

Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I come to you to entrust myself, my entire family, and my parish family to your two hearts. I desire to renew the vows of my baptism and place each member of my family through an act of faith, hope and love into loving union with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. I dedicate myself, each member of my family, and my parish family to the Guardian Angels God has given each one of us. O Holy Guardian Angels, enlighten, guide and protect each one so as to lead us safely home to heaven.

At Fatima, dear Mother of God, you appeared with St. Joseph and the Child Jesus blessing the world. O Holy Family, bestow blessings upon me, my entire family, and my parish family so that we may live the Christ - life. I desire that each member of my family, and my parish family adore always the Most Blessed Trinity and love our God in the most Blessed Sacrament.

Grant peace to each member of my family, and my parish family. Keep each one in the grace of Jesus Christ. Never permit any of my family, or my parish family to stray from the true faith. (For any family member, or parish family member, who has strayed, I beseech you to bind up the wounds, lift up the fallen, restore and keep each of our loved ones in grace. Bid them come back to their Father's true home.)

Amen.

Prayer of Children for their Parents

2008-07-30T04:28:00.000-07:00

O Almighty God, you gave us the commandment to honor our father and mother. In your loving kindness hear my prayer for my parents. Give them long lives and keep them well in body and spirit. Bless their labors; keep them always in your care. Bless them generously for their loving care for me. Grant that, through your grace, I may always be their support and comfort, and that, after our life together on earth, we may experience the joy of together praising you forever.

Amen.

Prayer of Parents for their Children

2008-07-28T04:29:00.000-07:00

O Lord, omnipotent Father, we give you thanks for having given us children. They are our joy, and we accept with serenity the worries, fears and labors which bring us pain. Help us to love them sincerely. Through us you gave life to them; from eternity you knew them and loved them. Give us the wisdom to guide them, patience to teach them, vigilance to accustom them to the good through our example.

Support our love so that we may receive them back when they have strayed and make them good. It is often so difficult to understand them, to be as they would want us to be, to help them go on their way. Grant that they may always see our home as a haven in their time of need. Teach us and help us, O good Father, through the merits of Jesus, your Son and our Lord.

Amen.

A Prayer for Priests

2008-07-26T04:29:00.000-07:00

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep all Your priests within the shelter of Your Sacred Heart where none may harm them.

Keep unstained their anointed hands which daily touch Your Sacred Body.

Keep unsullied their lips purpled with Your Precious Blood.

Keep pure and unearthly their hearts sealed with the sublime marks of Your glorious priesthood.

Let Your holy love surround them and shield them from the world's contagion.

Bless their labors and abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they ministered here below be their joy and consolation, and in Heaven their beautiful and everlasting crown. Amen.

O Mary, Queen of the clergy, pray for us; obtain for us a number of holy priests. Amen.

Graduation Prayer

2008-07-24T04:24:00.000-07:00

Father,
I have knowledge, so will You show me now,
How to use it wisely and find a way somehow
To make the world I live in a little better place,
And make life with its problems a little bit easier to face.
Grant me faith and courage and put purpose in my days,
And show me how to serve Thee in effective ways.
So my education, my knowledge and my skill
May find their ture fulfillment as I learn to do Thy will.
And may I ever be aware in everything I do,
That knowledge comes from learning, and wisdom comes from You.
Amen.

A Holy Church and for Priests

2008-07-22T04:31:00.001-07:00

O my Jesus, I beg You on behalf of the whole Church: Grant it love and the light of Your Spirit and give power to the words of priests so that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord.

Lord, give us holy priests; You Yourself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your mercy accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil's traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Your mercy, O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for You can do all things. I ask You, Jesus, for a special blessing and for light for the priests before whom I will make my confessions throughout my lifetime. Amen.

To Be A Nurse Is To Walk With God

2008-07-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

To be a nurse is to walk with God,
Along the path that our Master trod;
To soothe the achings of human pain,
To faithfully serve for little gain,
To lovingly do the kindly deed,
A cup of water to one in need,
A tender hand on a fevered brow,
A word of cheer to those living now;
To reach the souls through its body's woe
Oh, this is the way that Jesus would go.
Oh, white-capped nurses with hearts so true,
Our Great Physician is working through you.

The Nurse's Prayer

2008-07-22T03:29:00.000-07:00

Be my voice to the deaf.
Be my faith where there is doubt.
Be my hope where there is despair.
Be my light where there is darkness.
Be my joy where there is sadness.
Be me in the world.Be my eyes to the blind.
Be my consolation to those who need to be consoled.
Be my understanding to those who need to be understood.
Be my healing to those who need to healed.
Be my love to those who need love.
Be my forgiveness to those who need to be forgiven.
Be my death to those who need me.
Be me in the world.

A Nurse's Prayer

2008-07-22T03:22:00.000-07:00

O my God,
teach me to receive the sick in Your Name.
Give to my efforts success for the glory of Your Holy Name.
It is Your work: without You, I cannot succeed.
Grant that the sick You have placed in my care be abundantly blessed, and not one of them be lost because of any neglect on my part.
Help me to overcome, every temporal weakness, and strengthen in me whatever may enable me to bring joy to the lives of those I serve. Give me grace, for the sake of Your sick ones, and of those lives that will be influenced by them. Amen.

Nurse's Prayer

2008-07-22T03:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord, please give me strength,
To face the day ahead.

Dear Lord, please give me courage,
As I approach each hurting bed.

Dear Lord, please give me wisdom
With every word I speak.

Dear Lord, please give me patience,
As I comfort the sick and weak.

Dear Lord, Please give me assurance,
As the day slips into night.

That I have done the best I can,
That I have done what's right.

Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel

2008-03-26T10:17:00.000-07:00

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil; may God rebuke him, we humbly pray. O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world for ruin of souls. Amen.

Prayers to Saint Dymphna

2008-03-26T10:14:00.000-07:00

In Nervous or Emotional Distress
I turn to you, dear virgin and martyr, confident of your power with God and of your willingness to take my cause into your hands. I praise and bless the Lord for giving you to us as patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I firmly hope that through your kind intercession He will restore my lost serenity and peace of mind. May He speak to my heart and reassure me: "My peace I give you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid."Pray for me, dear St. Dymphna, that my nervous and emotional turmoil may cease, and that I may again know serenity and personal peace.

Amen.

In Physical Illness
I appeal to you in my illness, dear St. Dymphna. I would be so grateful for a total and happy recovery, for the blessed gift of health in every fiber of my being.May the Lord Jesus, who mercifully healed the sick during His earthly days, have pity on me and make me well again. Ask Him to command sickness to depart and grant me a full measure of health, that I may rejoice in giving Him glory and praise.

Amen.

For Love of God and of Neighbor
Dear St. Dymphna, our Church leaders reminded us at Vatican II that "it is the love of God and of neighbor which points out the true disciple of Christ." The same reminder is issued repeatedly, and yet, how often I fail the test of true discipleship.Intercede, please, in my favor, dear girl-martyr, that I may truly love the Lord my God and all His family on earth. May this love remain mine in life and lead me to heaven, where with all the saints, I shall adore the Trinity.

Amen.

For a Strong Faith
To you, dear St. Dymphna, who have completed your pilgrimage of faith and now dwell with the Lord forever, I appeal for the blessing of a strong and mature faith. May I preserve in my baptismal promises to Christ, no matter what the cost. May I conduct myself now and always as a true believer in the eternal truths God has revealed.Help me always with your prayers as I walk in faith toward the reward promised to those who, without having seen Christ, yet love Him and believe in Him.

Amen.

For Relatives and Friends
I humbly request you, dear virgin and martyr Dymphna, to take under your protection all who are bound to me by ties of blood or friendship. May all the lives which touch mine experience the blessings God is pleased to grant through your intercession.I now commend to your prayers all the intentions of all my relatives and friends. Remember also those persons who have asked me to pray for them. Pray especially for the lonely and forsaken who have no one to pray for them.Thank you, dear St. Dymphna, for remembering us all before our God and Savior.

Amen.

For Priests
You revered your priestly guide as God's minister and faithfully followed his counsels. From his hands you received the Body of Christ; from his presence, strength and moral support.Please pray for the priests dear to me, the priests who have helped me, the priests in this country and in the whole world. May they serve God generously and overcome all the obstacles that face them. May they always be loyal dispensers of the mysteries of God.

Amen.

For Fellowship with the Saints
Devotion to you, dear St. Dymphna, brings me closer to Christ. May it lead me still closer to Him.The Church wishes us to seek from God's saints example in their way of life, fellowship in their communion, and aid by their intercession. May my devotion to all the saints enrich my worship of God the Father, through Christ, in Union with the Holy Spirit.O lovable St. Dymphna, you are deeply interested in my final reunion with God abd His saints. Pray for me that I may truly honor them during life and enjoy their companionship in our heavenly homeland forever.

Amen.

For Any Special Need
Glorious St. Dymphna, you are the patron of the nervous and emotionally disturbed. I am certain, however, that your charity embraces everyone. I am certain that you lend a listening ear to any prayer offered for any special need.You will, I am sure, take my problem to heart and pray for me that it may be happily settled. (Here mention your special problem or difficulty.) You will plead for me and obtain the help I need. Already I offer you my sincere and grateful thanks, so great is my confidence that God will hear and answer your prayers.

Amen.

St. Dymphna, Virgin and Martyr, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, patron of nervous and emotional illnesses, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, crowned for the glory in heaven, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, faithful to your covenant with Christ, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, precious in the eyes of the Lord, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, our helper in every need, pray for us.

St. Dymphna, our friend at heave's court, pray for us.

Prayer to Saint Rita

2008-03-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

O HOLY PATRONESS of those in need, St. Rita, whose pleadings before thy Divine Lord are almost irresistible, who for thy lavish-ness in granting favors hast been called the Ad-vocate of the Hopeless and even of the Impossible; St. Rita, so humble, so pure, so mortified, so patient and of such compassionate love for thy Crucified Jesus that thou couldst obtain from Him whatsoever thou askest, on account of which all confidently have recourse to thee, expecting, if not always relief, at least comfort; be propitious to our petition, showing thy power with God on behalf of thy suppliant; be lavish to us, as thou hast been in so many wonderful cases, for the greater glory of God, for the spread-ing of thine own devotion, and for the consola-tion of those who trust in thee. We promise, if our petition is granted, to glorify thee by making known thy favor, to bless and sing thy praises forever. Relying then upon thy merits and power before the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we pray thee grant that (here mention your request).

Obtain for us our request
By the singular merits of thy childhood,By thy perfect union with the Divine Will, By thy heroic sufferings during thy married life, By the consolation thou didst experience at the conversion of thy husband,By the sacrifice of thy children rather than see them grievously offend God,By thy miraculous entrance into the covenant,By thy severe penances and thrice daily bloody scourgings,By the suffering caused by the wound thou didst receive from the thorn of the Crucified Savior,By the divine love which consumed thy heart,By that remarkable devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, on which alone thou didst exist for four years,By the happiness with which thou didst part from thy trials to join thy Divine Spouse,By the perfect example thou gavest to people of every state of life.Pray for us, O holy St. Rita, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us Pray
O God, Who in Thine infinite tenderness hast vouchsafed to regard the prayer of Thy servant, Blessed Rita, and dost grant to her supplication that which is impossible to human foresight, skill and efforts, in reward for her compassionate love and firm reliance on Thy promise, have pity on our adversary and succor us in our calamities, that the unbeliever may know Thou art the recompense of the humble, the defense of the helpless, and the strength of those who trust in Thee, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

A Father's Prayer

2008-03-26T10:08:00.001-07:00

Build me a son, O Lord,who will be strong enough to know when he is weak,and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid;one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat,and humble and gentle in victory.
Lead him, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort,but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge.
Here let him learn to stand up in the storm;here let him learn compassion for those who fail.
Build me a son whose heart will be clear, whose goal will be high,a son who will master himself before he seeks to master other men,one who will reach into the future,yet never forget the past.
And, after all these things are his,give him, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that he may always be serious,yet never take himself too seriously.
Give him humility,so that he may always remember the simplicity of true greatness,the open mind of true strength.Then I, his father, will dare to whisper,‘I have not lived in vain.'

Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

2008-03-26T10:07:00.001-07:00

O Most Holy Virgin Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns placed therein at every moment by the blasphemies and ingratitude of ungrateful humanity. We are moved by the ardent desire of loving you as Our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart.
We therefore kneel before you to manifest the sorrow we feel for the grievances that people cause you, and to atone by our prayers and sacrifices for the offenses with which they return return your love. Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. Hasten the conversion of sinners that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended. Turn your eyes of mercy toward us, that we may love God with all our heart on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven.

Amen.

Act of Contrition

2008-03-26T10:05:00.000-07:00

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You. I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of Hell, but most of all because they offend You, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life.

Amen.

Prayer for the Sick

2008-03-26T10:04:00.001-07:00

Omnipotent and eternal God,the everlasting Salvation of those who believe,hear us on behalf of Thy sick servant, [name], for whom we beg the aid of Thy pitying mercy, that, with his/her bodily health restored,he/she may give thanks to Thee in Thy church.Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for the Salvation of the World

2008-03-26T10:03:00.001-07:00

Father, hear our prayers for the salvation of the world. Grant Mercy to all souls that turned away from you. Open their hearts and minds with Your light.
Gather your children from the east and the west, from the north and the south. Have mercy O God on those who do not know You. Bring them out of darkness into your light. You are our saving God who leads us in our salvation. Protect us from evil.
Bless and praise You O Lord, hear our prayers and answer us. You, our Savior, are the hope of all the ends of the Earth and the distant seas. May Your way be known upon Earth; among all nations Your salvation.
We put the world in Your hands; fill us with Your love. Grant us peace through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for the Helpless Unborn

2008-03-26T10:02:00.001-07:00

Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil, those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.
Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today who are not thinking of motherhood.
Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image - as well as theirs - made for eternal life.
Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts to love their babies and give them birth and all the needed care that a mother can give.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.

Amen.

Prayer for Peace by Pope John Paul II

2008-03-26T10:01:00.001-07:00

Lord Jesus Christ, who are called the Prince of Peace, who are yourself our peace and reconciliation, who so often said, "Peace to you," grant us peace. Make all men and women witnesses of truth, justice, and brotherly love. Banish from their hearts whatever might endanger peace. Enlighten our rulers that they may guarantee and defend the great gift of peace. May all peoples on the earth become as brothers and sisters. May longed-for peace blossom forth and reign always over us all.

Prayer for Healing

2008-03-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to You. Allow your healing hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others. Touch my heart with Your courage and infinite love for all. Touch my mind with Your wisdom, that my mouth may always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in my need, and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which You have created, now and forever.
Amen.

The Magnificat

2008-03-26T09:53:00.000-07:00

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant From this day all generations shall call me blessed. The Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation. He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He has remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever. Amen

Holy, Holy, Holy

2008-03-26T09:50:00.001-07:00

Holy, holy, holy, Lord,
GOD of power and might.
Heaven and earth are filled with Your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna to GOD in the highest.

Grace After Meals

2008-03-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

We give Thee thanks o Lord
for all Thy blessings
that we have received
from thy bounty
through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Grace Before Meals

2008-03-26T09:40:00.001-07:00

Bless us, O Lord,
and these Thy gifts,
which we are about to receive
from thy bounty
through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Advent Wreath Prayers

2008-03-26T09:36:00.000-07:00

The Beginning of Advent
[On the Saturday before the First Sunday of Advent, the family gathers around the wreath decorated with greens. One candle should be lit.]

Leader: We gather around our wreath to begin the celebration of Advent. Let us ask our Father in heaven to fill our hearts with grace.
Silent pause for prayer

Heavenly Father, we look forward to the celebration of Christmas and to the coming of the Lord in glory. Bless this Advent wreath and all of us. As we pray daily around it, fill us with your life and strengthen us for our daily tasks. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The First Week of Advent
[One candle is lit.]

Leader: Heavenly Father, as we begin this Advent, give light to our eyes and peace to our hearts. May the Lord find us watching and waiting in joy when He comes. We pray in Jesus' name.

All: Amen.

The Second Week of Advent
[Two candles are lit.]

Leader: Father in heaven, set our hearts ablaze to follow in the steps of John the Baptist. May we bring light and love to all we meet, that the darkness of sin and fear may be overcome. In Christ's name we ask this.

All: Amen.

The Third Week of Advent
[Three candles are lit.]

Leader: As we draw near to you, Lord God, keep us aware of your presence in all we do. Come with power to enlighten us by your grace, that we may live in praise and peace all our days. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

Special Days of Preparation
[Traditionally, the days from December 17 to the day before Christmas have as their focus the titles of Jesus. On these days, a special Scripture passage may be read to recall these titles. Three candles are used until the Fourth Sunday of Advent, when all four candles are lit.]

December 17
Jesus, the Wisdom of God
1 Cor 1:26-31

Leader: Come, O Wisdom of God Most High, and fill our hearts with your word of truth.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 18
Jesus, the new Lawgiver
Mt 17:1-8

Leader: Come, O Giver of the Law, that we may be strengthened by your mighty power.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 19
Jesus, the Flower of Jesse
Rom 15:7-13

Leader: Come, O Flower of Jesse's Root, that we may be made fruitful witnesses of your love.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 20
Jesus, the Key of David
Rev 3:7-8

Leader: Come, O Key of David, to unlock the darkness of sin and free us by your grace.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 21
Jesus, the Radiant Dawn
Is 9:1-6

Leader: Come, O Radiant Dawn, sun of justice, and fill us with Your saving light.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 22
Jesus, the King of the Nations
Rev 19:11-16

Leader: Come, O King of the Nations, and bind us all together in the unity and peace we seek.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 23
Jesus, Emmanuel
Mt 1:18-23

Leader: Come, O Emmanuel, presence of God among us, and fill our hearts with every good gift.

All: Come Lord Jesus!

December 24

[On Christmas Eve, the wreath can be renewed with new greenery and the candles replaced with new white tapers for use during the Christmas season.]

Leader: Lord Jesus, we approach that holy moment when Your coming as man is renewed in our hearts. Give us peace and allow us to celebrate Your presence with joy, that we may some day share Your glory. We ask this of You, who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, as One God, now and forever.

All: Amen.

The Christmas Season

[From Christmas Day until the Baptism of the Lord, the following prayer can be used with the wreath.]

Leader: Father in heaven, you so loved us that You sent Your Son, among us as Savior and Lord. Fill us with Your blessing, that we may grow in love and continue to live our Christian faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

A Prayer for our National Elections

2008-03-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

0 God, we acknowledge yon today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.
We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.
We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.
Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.
Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.
Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.
Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.
Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.
May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Holy Rosary

2008-03-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

1) Make the sign of the cross

2) Say the Apostles Creed

3) Say the Our Father

4) Say three Hail Marys

5) Say the Glory Be

6) Announce the first Mystery and say the Our Father

7) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

8) Say the Glory Be

9) Say the O My Jesus

10) Announce the second Mystery and say the Our Father

11) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

12) Say the Glory Be

13) Say the O My Jesus

14) Announce the third Mystery and say the Our Father

15) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

16) Say the Glory Be

17) Say the O My Jesus

18) Announce the fourth Mystery and say the Our Father

19) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

20) Say the Glory Be

21) Say the O My Jesus

22) Announce the fifth Mystery and say the Our Father

23) Say ten Hail Marys while meditating on the Mystery

24) Say the Glory Be

25) Say the O My Jesus

26) Say the Hail Holy Queen

Prayers of the Rosary

Sign Of The Cross

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit. born of the Virgin Mary,He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; he ascended into Heaven sits at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting, Amen.

Our Father

Our Father, who art in Heaven; hallowed by Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. Amen

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of god, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen

Glory Be

Glory be to the Father, to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

O My Jesus

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of your Mercy. Amen.

Hail, Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope.

To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve.

To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy towards us,

And after this our exile, show unto us the blessed Fruit of they womb, Jesus.

O clement. O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Mysteries of the Rosary

The Joyful Mysteries
(Said on Mondays and Saturdays)

The Annunciation (Humility) Luke 1:26-38
The Angel Gabriel appears to Mary, announcing she is to be the Mother of God
The Visitation (Charity) Luke 1:39-56
Elizabeth greets Mary: "Blessed art Thou amoung women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb!"
The Nativity (Poverty) Luke 2:1-20
The Virgin Mary gives birth to the Redeemer of the World.
The Presentation (Obedience) Luke 2:22-39
The Blessed Mother presents the Child Jesus in the Temple
Finding in the Temple (Piety) Luke 2:42-52
The Blessed Mother finds Jesus in the Temple.

The Luminous Mysteries
(Said on Thursdays)

The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan John 1:29-34
The heavens open wide and the voice of the Father declares Jesus the beloved Son
The Wedding Feast at Cana John 2:1-11
The first of the signs, when Christ changes water into wine and opens the hearts of the disciples to faith, thanks to the intervention of Mary, the first among believers.
The Announcement of the Kingdom Matthew 4:17
Jesus proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God, calls us to conversion and forgives the sins of all who draw near to Him in humble trust.
The Transfiguration Matthew 17:1-8
The glory of the Godhead shines forth from the face of Christ as the Father commands the astonished Apostles to "listen to him."
The Institution of the Eucharist (food for our salvation) Matthew 26:26-30
Christ offers his body and blood as food under the signs of bread and wine, and testifies "to the end" His love for humanity, for whose salvation He will offer Himself in sacrifice.

The Sorrowful Mysteries
(Said on Tuesdays and Fridays)

The Agony in the Garden (Contrition) Luke 22:39-44
At Gethsemane, Jesus prays as He contemplates the sins of the world.
The Scourging at the Pillar (Purity) Matthew 27:26
Jesus is cruelly scourged until His mortified body could bear no more.
Crowning with Thorns (Courage) Matthew 27:28-31
A crown of thorns is placed on the head of Jesus.
Carrying of the Cross (Patience) Luke 23:26-32
Jesus carries the heavy cross upon His shoulders to Calvary.
The Crucifixion (Self-Denial) Matthew 27:33-50
Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies after hours of agony.

The Glorious Mysteries
(Said on Wednesdays and Sundays)

The Resurrection (Faith) Matthew 28:1-20
Jesus rises glorious and immortal, three days after His death.
The Ascension (Hope) Luke 24:50-51
Jesus ascends into Heaven forty days after His Resurrection.
Descent of the Holy Spirit (Love) Acts 2:24
The Holy Spirit descends upon Mary and the Apostles.
The Assumption (Eternal Happiness)
The Blessed Mother is united with her Divine Son in Heaven.
The Coronation (Devotion to Mary)
Mary is gloriously crowned Queen of Heaven and earth.

Novena Prayer to St. Jude Thaddeus

2008-02-26T04:43:00.000-08:00

OH MY GOD,
I firmly believe that Thou art really ad corporally present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. I adore Thee here present from the very depths of my heart, and I worship Thy sacred presence with all possible humility. O my soul, what joy to have Jesus Christ always with us, and to be able to speak to Him, heart to heart, with all confidence. Grant, O Lord, that I, having adored Thy divine Majesty here on earth in this wonderful Sacrament, may be able o adore it eternally in heaven. Amen.

O GLORIOUS APOSTLE,
St. Jude Thaddeus, true relative of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee through the most Sacred Heart of Jesus! Through this Heart, I praise and thank God for all the graces He has bestowed upon thee. Humbly prostrate before thee. I implore thee through this Heart to look down upon me with compassion. Oh, despise not my poor prayers; let not my trust be confounded! To thee God has granted the privilege of aiding mankind in the most desperate cases. Oh, come to my aid, that I may praise the mercies of God! All my life I will be grateful to thee and will be thy faithful client until I can thank thee in heaven. Amen.

L: Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee!

A: Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee!

L: St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress!

A: St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress!

Pray for us, that before death we may expiate all our sins by sincerely repentance and the worthy reception of the holy sacraments!

Pray for us, that we may appease the Divine Justice and obtain a favorable judgment!

Pray for us that we may be admitted into the company of the blessed to rejoice in the presence of our God forever.

Most Holy Apostle, St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered thy beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused thee to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of.

Pray for me who am so miserable; make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may bless God with thee and all the elect forever.

I promise thee, O Blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor and I will never cease to honor thee as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen.

(Three Our Fathers, Hail Marys and Glory be to the Fathers)
L: St. Jude Thaddeus, pray for us!

A: And for those who invoke thy aid!

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LITANY OF ST. JUDE THADDEUS

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Hoy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Hail Mary, pray for us.
St. Jude, relative of Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
St. Jude, while on earth deemed worthy to see Jesus and Mary and to enjoy their
company.
St. Jude, raised to the dignity of an apostle,
St. Jude, who hadst the honor of beholding thy Divine Master humble Himself to wash thy feet,
St. Jude, who at the Last Supper didst receive Holy Communion from the hands of Jesus,
St. Jude, who, after the profound grief which the death of thy beloved Master caused
thee, hadst the consolation of beholding Him risen from the dead and of assisting at His glorious Ascencion.
St. Jude, who didst preach the Gospel in Persia,
St. Jude, who didst convert many people to the Faith,
St. Jude, who didst perform wonderful miracles in the power of the Holy Spirit,
St. Jude, who didst restore an idolatrous king to health, both of soul and body,
St. Jude, who didst impose silence on demons and confound their oracles,
St. Jude, who didst foretell to a weak prince an honorable peace with his powerful enemy,
St. Jude, who didst take from deadly serpents the power of injuring man,
St. Jude, who disregarding the threats of the impious, didst courageously preach the doctrine of the Christ,
St. Jude, who didst gloriously suffer martyrdom for the love of they Divine Master,
Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee,
Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee.
Blessed Apostle, with confidence we invoke thee.
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress.
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress.
St. Jude, help of the hopeless, aid us in our distress.
That by the intercession both priests and people of the Church may obtain an ardent zeal for the Faith of Jesus Christ, we beseech thee, hear us.

That thou wouldst defend our Sovereign Pontiff and obtain peace and unity for the Holy Church, we beseech thee, hear us.

That all heathens and unbelievers may be converted to the true Faith, we beseech thee, hear us.

That faith, hope and charity may increase in our hearts, we beseech thee, hear us.

That we may be delivered from all evil thoughts and from all the snares of the devil, we beseech thee, hear us.

That thou wouldst vouchsafe to aid and protect all those who honor thee, we beseech thee, hear us.

That thou wouldst preserve us from all sin and from all occasion of sin, we beseech thee, hear us.

That thou wouldst defend us at the hour of death, against the fury of the devil and his evil spirits, we beseech thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Graciously hear us O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world: Have mercy on us.

L: Pray for us Blessed Jude.

A: That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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LET US PRAY
O St. Jude Thaddeus, though relative of Jesus Christ, thou glorious apostle and martyr, renowned for thy virtues and miracles, faithful and prompt intercessor of all who honor thee and trust in thee! Thou art a powerful patron and helper in grievous afflictions. I come to thee and entreat thee from the depths of my heart; come to my aid with thy powerful intercession, for thou hast received from God the privilege to assist with thy manifest help, those who almost despair of all hope. Look down upon me; my life is a life of crosses, my days are days of tribulation and my heart is an ocean of bitterness. All my paths are strewn with thorns and scarcely one moment passes but is witness of my tears and sighs; uneasiness, discouragement, mistrust and almost despair prey upon my soul. Thou canst not forsake me in this sad plight. I will not depart from thee until thou hast heard me. Oh! Hasten to my aid, and I will be grateful to thee all my life. I will honor thee as my special patron, I will thank God for the graces bestowed upon thee and will encourage devotion to thee according to my power. Amen.

L: St. Jude Thaddeus,pray for us.

V: And for those who invoke thy aid.

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BLESSING FOR THE SICK
Grant, Almighty and eternal God, everlasting health to those who believe. Hear us for thy sick, for whom we implore the aid of Thy tender mercy, that being restored to bodily health they may give thanks to Thee in Thy church, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

They shall lay their hands upon the sick and they shall recover. May Jesus, the Son of Mary, the Lord and Redeemer of the world, through the merits and intercession of His Holy apostle Jude Thaddeus and all His saints, show them favor and mercy. Amen.

Novena to Saint Joseph

2008-02-26T04:30:00.001-08:00

Start with:
O glorious Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor we now request . . . .
O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen.
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DAY ONE
O great St. Joseph, with feelings of unlimited confidence, we beg you to bless this novena that we begin in your honor. “You are never invoked in vain” says the seraphic St. Theresa of Jesus. Be you then to me what you have been to that spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and graciously hear me as you did her. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY TWO
O blessed Saint Joseph, tenderhearted father, faithful guardian of Jesus, chaste spouse of the Mother of God, we pray and beseech you to offer to God the Father, His divine son, bathed in blood on the Cross for sinners, and through the thrice holy name of Jesus obtain for us of the eternal Father the favor for which we implore your intercession . . . .Amid the splendors of eternity, forget not the sorrows of those who pray, those who weep; stay the almighty arm which smites us, that by your prayers and those of your most holy spouse, the Heart of Jesus may be moved to pity and to pardon. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY THREE
Blessed St. Joseph, enkindle in our cold hearts a spark of your charity. May God be always the first and only object of our affections. Keep our souls always in sanctifying grace and, if we should be so unhappy as to lose it, give us the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance. Help us to such a love of our God as will always keep us united to Him. Amen.O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
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DAY FOUR
Saint Joseph, pride of Heaven, unfailing hope for our lives, and support of those on earth, graciously accept our prayer of praise. You were appointed spouse of the chaste Virgin by the Creator of the world. He willed that you be called “father” of the Word and serve as agent of our salvation. May the triune God who bestowed upon you heavenly honors, be praised forever. And may He grant us through your merits the joy of a blessed life and a favorable answer to our petition. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY FIVE
O holy St. Joseph, what a lesson your life is for us, ever so eager to appear so anxious to display before the eyes of men the graces that we owe entirely to the liberality of God. In addition to the special favor for which we plead in this novena . . . . grant that we may attribute to God the glory of all things, that we may love the humble and hidden life, that we may not desire any other position than the one given us by Providence and that we may always be a docile instrument in the hands of God. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY SIX
O glorious Saint Joseph, appointed by the Eternal Father as the guardian and protector of the life of Jesus Christ, the comfort and support of His Holy Mother, and the instrument in His great design for the redemption of mankind; you who had the happiness of living with Jesus and Mary, and of dying in their arms, be moved with confidence we place in you, and procure for us from the Almighty, the particular favor which we humbly ask through your intercession . . . . Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY SEVEN
O faithful and prudent Saint Joseph, watch over our weakness and our inexperience; obtain for us that prudence which reminds us of our end, which directs our paths and which protects us from every danger. Pray for us, then, O great Saint, and by your love for Jesus and Mary, and by their love for you, obtain for us the favor we ask in this novena . . . . Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY EIGHT
O blessed Joseph, to whom it was given not only to see and to hear that God whom many kings longed to see and saw not; to hear and heard not; but also to carry Him in your arms, to embrace Him, to clothe Him, and to guard and defend Him, come to our assistance and intercede with Him to look favorably on our present petition. . . Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!
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DAY NINE
O good Saint Joseph, help us to be like you, gentle to those whose weakness leans on us; help us to give to those who seek our aid, succor that they may journey unafraid. Give us your faith, that we may see the right shining above the victories of might. Give us your hope that we may stand secure, untouched by doubting, steadfast to endure. Give us your love that as the years increase an understanding heart may bring us peace. Give us your purity that the hour of death finds us untouched by evil’s breath. Give us your love of labor that we shirk no lot in life that calls us for honest work. Give us your love of poverty so that we live contented, let wealth come or go. Give us your courage that we may be strong; give us your meekness to confess our sins. Give us your patience that we may possess the kingdom of our souls without distress. Help us, dear Saint, to live that when life ends we pass with you to Jesus and His friends.
O Glorious Saint Joseph, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions. Amen.
Saint Joseph, pray for us!

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

2008-02-26T04:20:00.000-08:00

Prayer
Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest your shining with life, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child, St. Bernadette: "I am the Immaculate Conception." A thousand times we congratulate you upon your Immaculate Conception. And now, O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know our wants, our troubles, our sufferings deign to cast upon us a look of mercy By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors, and already many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical. We come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain for us, O loving Mother, the granting of our request. request Through gratitude for your favors, we will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that we may one day share your glory.
Our Lady of Lourdes, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your divine son while upon earth. You have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us; obtain for us from your Divine Son our special requests if it be the Divine Will. Amen. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY ONE
O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, virgin and mother, queen of heaven, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Eternal Word and in virtue of this title preserved from original sin, we kneel before you as did little Bernadette at Lourdes and pray with childlike trust in you that as we contemplate your glorious appearance at Lourdes, you will look with mercy on our present petition and secure for us a favorable answer to the request for which we are making this novena.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY TWO
Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest yourself shining with light, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child Saint Bernadette: "I am the Immaculate Conception!" O Mary Immaculate, inflame our hearts with one ray of the burning love of your pure heart Let them be consumed with love for Jesus and for you, in order that we may merit one day to enjoy your glorious eternity. O dispenser of His graces here below, take into your keeping and present to your Divine Son the petition for which we are making this novena.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY THREE
"You are all fair, O Mary, and there is in you no stain of original sin." O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O brilliant star of sanctity, as on that lovely day, upon a rough rock in Lourdes you spoke to the child Bernadette and a fountain broke from the plain earth and miracles happened and the great shrine of Lourdes began, so now I beseech you to hear our fervent prayer and do, we beseech you, grant us the petition we now so earnestly seek.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY FOUR
O Immaculate Queen of Heaven, we your wayward, erring children, join our unworthy prayers of praise and thanksgiving to those of the angels and saints and your own-the One, Holy, and Undivided Trinity may be glorified in heaven and on earth. Our Lady of Lourdes, as you looked down with love and mercy upon Bernadette as she prayed her rosary in the grotto, look down now, we beseech you, with love and mercy upon us. From the abundance of graces granted you by your Divine Son, sweet Mother of God, give to each of us all that your motherly heart sees we need and at this moment look with special favor on the grace we seek in this novena.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY FIVE
O Mary Immaculate, Mother of God and our mother, from the heights of your dignity look down mercifully upon us while we, full of confidence in your unbounded goodness and confident that your Divine Son will look favorably upon any request you make of Him in our behalf, we beseech you to come to our aid and secure for us the favor we seek in this novena.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY SIX
O glorious Mother of God, so powerful under your special title of Our Lady of Lourdes, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the gracious Heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare and for the special favor we so earnestly seek in this novena.
(make your request)
O Lady of Bernadette, with the stars of heaven in your hair and the roses of earth at your feet, look with compassion upon us today as you did so long ago on Bernadette in the Grotto of Lourdes.
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY SEVEN
O Almighty God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary did prepare a worthy dwelling place for your Son, we humbly beseech you that as we contemplate the apparition of Our Lady in the Grotto of Lourdes, we may be blessed with health of mind and body. O most gracious Mother Mary, beloved Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer, look with favor upon us as you did that day on Bernadette and intercede with him for us that the favor we now so earnestly seek may be granted to us.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY EIGHT
O Immaculate Mother of God, from heaven itself you came to appear to the little Bernadette in the rough Grotto of Lourdes! And as Bernadette knelt at your feet and the magic spring burst forth and as multitudes have knelt ever since before your shrine, O Mother of God, we kneel before you today to ask that in your mercy you plead with your Divine Son to grant the special favor we seek in this novena.
(make your request)
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

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DAY NINE
O glorious Mother of God, to you we raise our hearts and hands to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the benign Heart of Jesus all the graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly for the grace of a happy death. O Mother of our Divine Lord, as we conclude this novena for the special favor we seek at this time.
(make your request)
We feel animated with confidence that your prayers in our behalf will be graciously heard. O Mother of My Lord, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ and for the glory of His Name, hear our prayers and obtain our petitions.
O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.
Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.
Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Novena to the Immaculate Conception

2008-02-25T16:25:00.000-08:00

FIRST DAY
Theme: Mary, the Immaculate Mother as example of those who value family

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the First Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. Have mercy on us, poor sinner * who are loaded down with debts * to the Divine Justice. With what ingratitude * have we acknowledged the infinite goodness of our heavenly Father. Enlighten our mind, O Mother ever Virgin * and show us how ungrateful we are * to God for the sins we have committed. Do not abandon us, our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are our loving protectress * so that it may always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Holy Gospel according to John
“Now there stood by the cross of Jesus, his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalen. When Jesus therefore had seen his mother and the disciple standing whom he loved, he said to his mother: “Woman, behold your son.” After that he said to the disciple: Behold your mother. And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own. (John 19:25-27).

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: Mary is the Mother of God and our Mother. This is the foundation of our firm confidence in her. Our Blessed Mother always listens to us.

PRAYER FOR EVERYDAY:
Priest or Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord, you have prepared a worthy dwelling place for Your Son by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin; grant, we pray, that as You preserved her from all stain of sin in your foreknowledge of His death, so we, by her intercession, may come to You with pure hearts. We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Pray for us, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

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SECOND DAY
Theme: Mary Immaculate as family’s model of keeping the way of God

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Second Day
All: Most Holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. How terrible must be the punishment of those who die in mortal sin. Help us to realize * that we have often condemned ourselves to such a painful prison * just for a few moment of pleasure. Make known to us * O Mother Mary * what a grave offense we commit against the infinitely good God * Do not abandon us, Our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it may always bloom in faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the book of Proverbs
“My delights were to be with the children of men. There, children, hear me: Blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise and refuse it not… He that shall find me, shall find life, and shall have salvation from the Lord.” (Prov. 8: 31-35)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: Full of love for her children, our Blessed Mother watches over us and listens to us. Is there any better way to go to Jesus

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THIRD DAY
Theme: Marys holy purity as a virtue to be lived by the family

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Third Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. We pray you, O Mother of Jesus * to grant us the grace to appreciate * the great price of our redemption * in order that we may never depart from the way of love of God and our neighbor * that we may be consumed as victims of Divine Love. Do not abandon us, our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it may always bloom in faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the book of Sirach
“I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life, and of virtue. He that listens carefully to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin” (Sirach 24: 24, 25-30)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: Mary was conceived without stain of sin. She remained most pure throughout her life. Now that her feast is fact approaching, we speak to her about holy purity. This is a virtue we should constantly learn to live, and teach others to live, following the example of Jesus and Mary.

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FOURTH DAY
Theme: Mary as familys pattern of zeal for souls

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Fourth Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. O Mary Immaculate, mirror of purity * by the joys and sorrows * we ask you to grant us the grace * to study henceforth to learn more and more * about the doctrine and personality of our Savior. Write on the walls of our hearts * his commandments of love * so that we may never offend his holy will. Help us to become daily more like Him. But do not abandon us, our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Holy Gospel according to Mark
“As he landed he saw a great throng, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: The Virgin Mary attracts the hearts of Christians and keeps them close to Christ. As we try to draw others close to God, let us place this concern in the hands of the Blessed Mother. She will help us to turn our desires into apostolic deeds.

PRAYER FOR EVERYDAY:
Priest or Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord, you have prepared a worthy dwelling place for Your Son by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin; grant, we pray, that as You preserved her from all stain of sin in your foreknowledge of His death, so we, by her intercession, may come to You with pure hearts. We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Pray for us, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

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FIFTH DAY
Theme: Mary as family’s example of being the salt of the earth and the light of the world

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Fifth Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. O Mother Mary * bless the Church with the dew of grace * and let those graces that flow from your outstretched hands * descend upon the bishops and priests * that they may govern their flocks in good pastures. May they ever work zealously for the salvation of souls * and be a true light to all by the example of their virtues. And to us * members of this Mystical Body of Christ * grant us the true spirit of Brotherly love * so that we may edify those around us * who are not of the true fold. But do not abandon us our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Holy Gospel according to Matthew
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt of the earth lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.” (Mt 5: 13-14)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: We do apostolate in and through our ordinary life. Our Lord gives us the necessary grace to show others the great value of our daily tasks. God waits for us in our ordinary work. He uses our ordinary life so that we may love Him more and so that we may bring others to love Him, too. In this we imitate Mary, our Mother.

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SIXTH DAY
Theme: Mary as familys model of charity

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Sixth Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. O Mother dispenser of the graces of God * by the Immaculate Conception which make you so dear to Jesus * obtain for us the grace to know and love the infinite treasures of the Holy Eucharist. Teach us that the Holy Mass * is not a mere means to bring Jesus to our altars * but it is a sacrifice most pleasing to God. Make us realize that through the Holy Communion * we eat of the life-giving Body of the Lamb of God * who takes away the sins of the world. Pray that our love for Jesus * in the Holy Eucharist increase for our own salvation. But do not abandon us our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Holy Gospel according to Luke
“In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Luke 1: 39-41)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: Let us value the deep human dimension of apostolate. In our dealings with others, let us spread cheerfulness and human affection. This is especially important for those who have never heard a kind word nor received sincere Christian help.

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SEVENTH DAY
Theme: Mary as the hope of the family

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Seventh Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. O Mary, we know that there is no love like a mother’s love. We therefore desire a greater knowledge * and more tender love toward you * and we wish to venerate you * as the spotless Mother of a spotless Son. Take us into your care and guidance. And do not abandon us our Mother * for without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Book of Genesis
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; and she shall crush your head, and you shall lie in wait for her heel. (Gen 3:15)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: The light of hope shines for each of us even after we have sinned. This is a constant light – the light of Jesus Christ, the Son of Mary. He forgives all our sins in the Sacrament of Penance.

PRAYER FOR EVERYDAY:
Priest or Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord, you have prepared a worthy dwelling place for Your Son by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin; grant, we pray, that as You preserved her from all stain of sin in your foreknowledge of His death, so we, by her intercession, may come to You with pure hearts. We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver is from all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Pray for us, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

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EIGHTH DAY
Theme: Mary as family’s pattern of self-denial and sacrifice

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Eighth Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. O Mother of love and mercy * obtain for us a perfect sorrow and sincere contrition for our sins. Remember us in the hour of death * so that we may present ourselves with security * before the throne of the just * but likewise merciful Judge * our God and Redeemer. You know well that our life is a warfare * against the wickedness of the world, the flesh and the devil. Come to our aid * and do not abandon us our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Holy Gospel according to John
“Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth, and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” (John 12:24)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: All that the Lord asks from us is our personal sacrifice, our work and our effort when we give Christian formation. He guarantees the result when he applies his infinite merits to souls. Apostolate demands self-denial and spirit of sacrifice from us.

PRAYER FOR EVERYDAY:
Priest or Leader: Let us pray.
All: Lord, you have prepared a worthy dwelling place for Your Son by the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin; grant, we pray, that as You preserved her from all stain of sin in your foreknowledge of His death, so we, by her intercession, may come to You with pure hearts. We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us from all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin. Pray for us, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Amen.

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NINTH DAY
Theme: Mary Immaculate as protector of the family

Priest or Leader: Prayer for the Ninth Day
All: Most holy child of eternal Father * Mother of God the Son and Spouse of the Holy Spirit * loving and merciful Patroness of the whole Philippines and of our Cathedral * under the title of the Immaculate Conception * in you we put all our trust and confidence. To the best of our abilities, * we will praise all your glories in this sacred mystery. Most privileged Mother * we come to beg you to add your sweet voice to our prayer. You have done wonderful things for the salvation of souls * please obtain for us all the graces necessary for a good christian life. Moreover, since we cannot reach heaven * without special gift of final perseverance * we petition you to ask this favor for us. May we then hope that the merits of Jesus and your powerful intercession * will help us to quit this life in the perfect friendship of God. So do not abandon us our Mother * because without your patronage we will be lost. We promise to serve and love you * all the moments of our sojourn here on earth. We also beseech you to bless and protect our country * since you are its loving protectress * so that it many always bloom in the faith and love * for the Almighty God. * Lastly we humbly ask you * to help us obtain the grace we desire during this novena * if it be for the greater glory of God * and the salvation of our soul. Amen.
(Let us pause for a short moment to pray for the special grace we wish to obtain in this novena)

READING:
Priest or Leader: From the Book of Songs
Winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the time of pruning is come: the voice of the turtle is heard in our land: The fig tree has put forth her green figs: the vines in flower yield their sweet smell…My dove…show me your face, let your voice sound in my ears: for your voice is sweet, and your face comely.” (Song of Songs, 2:11-14)

MEDITATION:
Priest or Leader: Our miseries are great but the protection of our beloved Blessed Mother is even greater. God’s grace shines forth and triumphs in Mary. On our part, we use all the means so that the divine grace enters our soul without any resistance or obstacle.

Novena Prayer to Jesus the Way, the Truth and the Life

2008-02-25T15:06:00.000-08:00

Jesus Master, our Way, our Truth and our Life,

accept the pact that we present to you through the hands

of Mary, our Mother and Queen.

We respond to your holy will and reach the

heavenly glory to which you call us and to carry out our

daily tasks in love and fidelity to our Christian vocation.

We however are weak and incapable in every way. But

you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. We trust in you

alone who once said; Whatever you ask the Father in my name,

you will receive it.

For our part, we promise and commit ourselves to seek

only and always the spread of your kingdom of love and

peace. We trust that you will give us the spirit, grace

and knowledge as means for doing good. By your

immense love and mercy, we beg you to consider our

petition, if it be according to your will especially this one…

(mention your intention). We also ask you to multiply the

fruits of whatever good deed we may accomplish.

Jesus Master, our Way, our Truth and our Life, through the

intercession of Mary, our mother, extend to us your love

and mercy so that faithful to you here on earth, we may

enjoy with you the bliss of heaven. Amen.

Jesus, our Way, our Truth and our Life,

Have Mercy on us.

Novena to Our Father Saint Agustine

2008-02-25T14:16:00.000-08:00

DAY 1 AUGUSTINE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
With St. Augustine we say You have made us for Yourself O Lord, for you alone our God, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.

As we begin our novena to our Father St. Augustine we pray for the grace to interiorize his spirit, on our journey towards our inner self. We reflect on who we are and where we are going, as Augustinian Religious and devotees in the context of our time. Move by the spirit of Augustine’s restless pursuit for truth, let us pause and allow these questions to touch our awareness.

What motivates me to continue searching for God?

Having found Him, how do I make Him ___alive in my relations to people I live with (Short Reflection)

Reading: From the Book IF AUGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
If there is one thing that Augustinian emphasizes over and over again in treating of the search of God, it is that we must begin by going with ourselves. The keyword is WITHIN. There will find truth, light, joy in Christ Himself. There we will be heard when we pray; there we will love and worship God. But while this within signifies the very depths of our being. This is only the first stage of the journeys Augustine urges us to keep moving on even to what is beyond ourselves, to the source of our inspiration and light to God Himself. Augustine would tell us, “Do not go outside yourself, but turn back within, truth, dwells in the inner man; and if you find your nature given to frequent change, go beyond yourself. Move on, then to that source where the light of reason itself receives its light. (End of the reading – Some moments of silence)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: You have made for yourself O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you. We ask you to bless our restlessness in our search for you will live in our lives, and in the events confronting us. Finding you, may we be faithful to you God of history, faithful to Christ our Lord and Savior, faithful to the Church and her teaching and faithful to our particular state of life which we have chosen to serve you. This we ask of you loving Father, through Christ our Lord and through the intercession of Saint Augustine, our Father. Amen.

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DAY 2 INTERIORITY
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
Enter, then, into your heart (IS 46:8) and if you have faith, you will find Christ there. There he speaks to you, I, the preacher must raise his voice but he instruct you more effectively in silence.

How do we cultivate our interior life as followers of St. Augustine? (Moments of Silence)

Reading: From the Book IF AUGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
Because Jesus instructs interiorly in silence, we must foster within ourselves an atmosphere of silence. While it is a great help to be able to get away from the noise and confusion of the world around us, this is not always possible for many people. What we must do however, is to know how to free ourselves form these disturbances within, in our hearts, so that we will have a chance to listen to Christ and not just t ourselves, with all our pains and feelings and built – in prejudices, “Let us leave a little room for reflection, room for silence. Enter into yourself. Look within yourself and see whether, there be some delightful hidden place in your consciousness where you can be free of noise and argument, where you need not be carrying on your disputes and planning to have your own stubborn way. Hear the word in quietness, that you may understand it. In order to understand Christ, Our interior master, we need an atmosphere of attentive inner silence when we seek to go deeper into ourselves along the way of interior prayer or contemplation. We must also purify the eyes of the heart so that we will be able to see God. Such purification is painful, but it is a necessary prelude to becoming more sensitive to the presence of God within. (End of the reading – Some of Moments of Silence)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Loving Father, we desire to follow your son, Jesus more closely. Allowed us to be formed by you in imitation of St. Augustine’s life of interiority. Help us withdraw from transitory things of this world in order to have deeper desire to follow. Strengthen our faith to discover your voice in the Scriptures: so that we may be able to find you in the realities of our life. This we ask you through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

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DAY 3 ACTION, CONTEMPLATION AND ACTION
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
A particular state in life is a reflection of Martha and Mary in the Gospel. Jesus called the attention of Martha who grumbled at Mary taking with Jesus. This image of Martha and Mary had been upheld by St Augustine both as a monk and as someone actively involved in giving life to the Church through his writings and good works.

How do I strive a healthy balance between my actions, contemplation and action approach to life? (Pause for a while)

Reading: From the Book IF AUGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
Augustinian-oriented contemplation also demands that we put ourselves at the service of others through apostolate. No one should be given to contemplation. Augustine remarks, that they give no thought to their neighbor needs. The search for truth in him requires intense activity, but the truth, which may be discerned, is not to be considered a private possession. It is to be shared with others. This responsibility may weigh especially on those who have real talents for teaching or writing or counseling, even among those who live strictly contemplative life. As Jesus, points out, no great fears are demand of anyone. But all without exception will be judge by their concern or lack of it for God’s little one. Therefore, Augustine tell us, “When you have found your way back to yourself, don’t stay locked within yourself…Turn to the one who made you. (Moments of Silence)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: God our Father, we praise and thank you for giving the church a great Saint. As we strive to live his spirit and chrism, grant us the grace to grow in our integration of prayer of prayer and action according to the example of Saint Augustine. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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DAY 4 EANGELICAL POVERTY SIMPLICITY OF LIFESTYLE
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
“Sometimes when the Church had no money, Saint Augustine informed the faithful that he had nothing more that he could give to the poor. In order to help prisoners and a great number of poor people, he had some sacred vessels, broken up and melted down. What he then received from the sale, he distributed to the needy.”

Let us reflect on our personal values and attitudes, how far or how close are we to the values and attitudes of our Saint Augustine (Pause)

Reading: From the Book IF AUGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
Religious poverty is not simply an economic condition, but an attitude of the heart based on love: it effects should also be felt beyond the walls of the religious community in an outgoing service to others. Jesus Christ emptied Himself when He came among us; though abundantly rich, he became poor for our sake, so that through his poverty we ourselves might be enriched. It is a challenge to give oneself to God’s little ones. Augustine fully understood and accepted this self-offering in his own day and was a model to his followers to go and do the same.

But beyond these material cares for the companions of his poverty, as He was accustomed to call all the poor, he also put himself out continually, to help people through various works of mercy, for he well understood that one does not leave on bread alone. We can find a number of areas in which the poor of Christ can be better served in the world. But this service cannot be achieved without a real spirit of self-sacrifice, a willingness to put oneself out. Once again the challenge is laid down, to live that admirable simplicity which characterized Augustine’s life, to experience deeply within us the need for God and one another, and to hunger for God and the coming of his kingdom. The real gift that is being asked of us through evangelical poverty is nothing less than the gift of self. Augustine challenges us to accept whole heartedly, not only the giving up of our possessions for the poor, but also in a very positive way, a meaningful following of Christ, who invites one: Come follow me. (Pause)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: We praise you Lord by our commitment to share our resources to the poor, to give sanctuary to the people in need, to be in solidarity with one another and to line in simplicity and transparency with one another.

Give us the enduring strength to carry these in our life, so that we may be real witness to the great generosity of God. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

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DAY 5 FRIENDSHIPS IN COMMUNITY
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
What drew me closest to my brothers and sisters was the delight of chatting and laughing together, of showing our affection for one another by kindly services, of reading together from books that spoke of pleasant things, of joking together amicably, of disputing now and then but without resentment, as one is wont to do with himself, of awakening by rare contest the pleasure of being one in mind, of mutually instructing on another, of longing for the absent one, and tasting joy of his return. We loved each other with all our hearts, and these marks of our friendship that were shown in our faces, by our voices, in our eyes and a thousand other ways, were among us like ardent flames that fused our soul together, and of many made but one.

Let us reflect on our experience of friendship in our community. Am I happy about it… Is there something that needs to be improved… (Paused)

Reading: From the Book IF ST. AUSGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
The idea of friendship is at the very heart of the Rule, for those who are one in heart and soul are clearly friends, in God above all, but through God, also in their love and care for one another. True friendship is based on unselfish love, and surely this is what Augustine is truing to say, when he urges religious to grow in love by putting the common interest ahead of his own. He makes very clear that when religious seek common interest first, they also are really seeking their own deepest interest, because they are committed to becoming one community in Christ. The real proof of friendship will come only through our willingness to bear one another’s burden. What are some of these burdens? They could be illness, discouragement, misunderstanding, or as Augustine implies: anger, envy, impatience, pride and in other words, the very burden of sin itself, in our lives and in that of our fellow religious.

Friendship requires frankness and truthfulness but also implies that we respect the human nature of our friends, than when we seek to help them, we do so with great gentleness and understanding. According to Augustine’s view of things, there should be unspoken rule among those who live in community: they should want to be helped mutually, not only through necessary fraternal correction accomplished with love. What a difference such an attitude could make among religious everywhere (Moment of reflection)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Lord our God, you have revealed to St. Augustine the beauty of friendship that is rooted in you. Grant that we, his friends be willing to grow in friendship with one another in the community. May we achieve the perfection of such friendship in our heavenly home where you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.

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DAY 6 AUGUSTINE MODEL OF HUMILITY
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
Humility is attained only in battle. The importance of tribulations in your spiritual life lies in the fact that only through such trials do you acquire true humility. You see clearly the futility of your own efforts and the importance of God becoming your Savior…Prided is the ultimate temptation that is never conquered. (Pause)

READING: From the Book IF AUGUSTINE WERE ALIVE
For Augustine, humility does not consist in putting ourselves down, having a poor self-image of ourselves, failing to appreciate or develop our God-given talents and other gifts. Augustine even accuses people who act like immature adults “milk drinkers” instead of mature adults who take solid foods to nourish themselves and make progress in their faith. His description of humility is simple and straightforward, “No one is telling you: be less than you are, but to know that you are man, know yourself in sinner. Know that it He (God) who frees you from blame; Know that you are tarnished. Let your confession reveal the stain of your heart, and you will belong to the flock of God” (end of the reading)

Moments of reflection-If humility is truth, how do I make this come alive in terms of my relationship with others in community

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Incline our hearts to your goodness, O Lord and turn our eyes from vanities and pride that we may be followers of your words. Learn from me because I am weak and humble of heart. Grant that we may grow daily in the virtue of humility so dear to the heart of our Father Saint Augustine. Amen.

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DAY 7 PASTORAL CARE
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
“Let us love the Lord, let us love his Church…We received the Holy Spirit if we love the Church, if we are bound together by love, if we rejoice in the catholic name and faith. Let us believe it, brothers and sisters; one will have the Holy Spirit in the same measures that he or she loves the Church…Moreover, we love the Church when we stand fast in her membership and love.” (Pause)

READING: From LIVING IN FRREDOM UNDER GRACE
The world needs our service, our generous activity, but not just any activity. Of activity there is abundance in the world and in holy leads to further confusion. What we can and must offer the world, the people we serve, from our vantage points as Augustinian, is a view of life made wholesome by a true spirit of fraternity, community, friendship and union with God.

Let us go forth with confidence in ourselves and in the accompanying help of our father Augustine. Let us be living message of faith and hope to our brethren wherever we may go. Let us not hesitate to give ourselves wholeheartedly to the various apostolates to which the Church calls us today, strengthened in our generosity by healthy community life after the model St. Augustine offers us (End of the reading). Pause for reflection.

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Loving Father, we thank you for the gift of St. Augustine to the Church. Through his intercession, we his daughters, sons and friends, pray for light and courage to give ourselves unconditionally in humble and enduring service to the poorer members of flock whom you have entrusted to the church. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, our Lord Savior. Amen.

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DAY 8 RESPONSIVENESS TO THE NEEDS OF THE CHURCH
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
Religious are not only very much a part of this reality of the Church but as, Augustine puts it, a very honorable part, model part. In the sane way that the members of the early Jerusalem community were closely jointed to the Apostles and instructed by them, so also must religious today, be closely united to the Church and concerned principally about her needs, not their own. In the same way, very apostolic work must be intimately related to the Church’s needs and reality, because everything the spirit gives us is at the service of the common good. (Pause)

Reading: From LIVING IN FREEDOM UNDER GRACE
By our very nature as an apostolic community, we Augustinians ought always to be more open to the needs of the Church, both now and in the future. Our apostolates is an integral part of our calling. We cannot, however, be complacent simply because we continue to work as before. We need to continually question ourselves whether our current apostolic commitments correspond adequately to the real needs of the church today. End of the reading (Pause for reflection)

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Loving Father, we honor and glorify you for having given us Saint Augustine. Having committed ourselves to his teachings and spirituality, help us become authentic Augustinian religious for our time. Direct all our efforts to work for a renewed Church as we are approaching the year 2000. This we ask of you through Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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DAY 9 OPENNESS TO THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE
In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Introduction
Augustine was always mindful of his companions in poverty. He gave to them by taking from what was set aside for his own use and that of those who lived with him, that is, the income from the goods of the Church and the offerings of the faithful. Sometimes when the church had no money, he informed the faithful that he had nothing more that he could give to the poor. In order to help a great number of poor people, he had some sacred vessels broken up and melted down. What he then received from the sale, he distributed to the needy.

Augustine’s solidarity with the people is felt keenly in these words. My brothers, let your primary purpose, be openness with the needs of the poor…Focus your attention on Christ, who is hungry and suffering.

Let us pause for some moments to allow these words of our patron Saint to enter into our consciousness and move our hearts and will to a compassionate response to the human condition of the people.

Reading: From LIVING IN FREEDOM UNDER GRACE
We are rightly urged to practice solidarity with the poor. But this solidarity must not be limited to those materially poor. As has been indicated above, it should also embrace the ignorant, the insecure, the lonely, the ill, those who suffer from failure sinners. The whole area justice and peace comes to mind here, an area that has been brought more and more to the forefront of our awareness in recent years. But as must be clear, we cannot attempt to speak out to others on this matter unless we have already set our own house in order. Our whole attitude toward the under-privileged, the exceptional, minority groups, those who work with us and for us, needs to undergo close scrutiny, for it is precisely in this very personal area that the quest for the greater justice in the world must begin. When we take this aspect of our lives seriously, then our solidarity with all the poor in the society, will take on a new and more significant meaning. (End of the reading).

Let us stay quiet for a moment and ask ourselves. If Augustine were alive, how would he respond to the poor in our place of work, and in our own communities?

LITANY IN HONOR OF SAINT AUGUSTINE
Lord, have mercy on us Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us Christ, have mercy on us
God the Father of Heaven Have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the World Have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit Have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, one God Have mercy on us
Mary, Mother of Jesus Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Consolation Pray for us
Mary, Mother of Good Counsel Pray for us
St. Augustine, bright star of the Church Pray for us
St. Augustine, filled with zeal for God’s glory Pray for us
St. Augustine, dauntless defender of the truth Pray for us
St. Augustine, the triumph of divine grace Pray for us
St. Augustine, on fire with the love of God Pray for us
St. Augustine, so great and so humble Pray for us
St. Augustine, prince of bishops and doctors Pray for us
St. Augustine, father of monastic life Pray for us
St. Augustine, holiest of the wise and wisest of the holy Pray for us
Pray for us St. Augustine that we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.

CONCLUDING PRAYER
ALL: Lord, renew in your Church the spirit you gave St. Augustine. Filled with his spirit, may we thirst for you alone as fountain of wisdom and seek you as the source of eternal love so that we will be open to the needs of the people in our communities. We ask you this through Christ our Lord, our friend and brother. Amen.

Novena to the Divine Mercy

2008-02-23T21:24:00.000-08:00

FIRST DAY
Today bring to Me
ALL MANKIND, ESPECIALLY ALL SINNERS,”
And immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.”

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, show us Your mercy, that we may praise omnipotence of Your mercy forever and ever. Amen.

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SECOND DAY
Today bring to Me
THE SOULS OF PRIESTS AND RELIGIOUS,
and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion . Through them as through channels my mercy flows out upon mankind.

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in your vineyard upon the souls of the priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the Love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for age without end. Amen.

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THIRD DAY
Today bring to Me,
ALL DEVOUT AND FAITHFUL SOULS,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.”

Most merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us in the abode of Your Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from it. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus, may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

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FOURTH DAY
Today bring to me,
THOSE WHO DO NOT BELIEVE IN GOD AND THOSE WHO DO NOT YET KNOW ME.
I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of mercy.

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy, and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who dot believe in You, and those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate heart of Jesus. Draw them into the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. You grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

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FIFTH DAY
Today bring to Me,
THE SOULS OF THOSE WHO HAVE SEPARATED THEMSELVES FROM MY CHURCH,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My Bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, and that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wound heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.”

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church and do not let them escape form the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, Turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son’s Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His Bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they too, are enclosed In His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

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SIXTH DAY
Today bring to Me,
THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN,
and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during my Bitter Agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them the whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, “Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart.” Receive into abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father’s favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. The souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises form the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of Mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by delight You take them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

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SEVENTH DAY
Today bring to Me
THE SOULS WHO ESPECIALLY VENERATE AND GLORIFY MY MERCY,”
And immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over My Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the soul of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God; show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless cry of His mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

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EIGHT DAY
Today bring to Me,
THE SOULS WHO ARE DETAINEED IN PURGATORY,”
and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.

Most merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg you, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

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NINTH DAY
Today bring to Me,
SOULS WHO HAVE BECOME LUKEWARM.”
and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound my heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will. For them the last of hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassionate itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who like corpses, filled you with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are the nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the Bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

The New Novena to the Black Nazarene

2008-02-23T15:51:00.000-08:00

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

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DAY 1 JESUS OF NAZARETH FOUNDED THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST

Reflection: (Mt. 26, 26 28)

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.

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At the Last Supper, Jesus founded the Eucharist to share with us His life and to provide us with the remembrance of His suffering and pain.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Let us adore our Lord and Savior, who, at the Last Supper, entrusted to His Church the memorial of His death and rising again.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, share with us Your life in the Eucharist.

Lord Jesus, on the cross You offered Yourself to the Father. Teach us to offer ourselves, together with Your offering of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. (R)

Lord Jesus, one with You, we offer to the Father our works and sacrifices, so that justice and peace may reign in our land and in the world. (R)

Lord Jesus, You are our special Guest in the Holy Mass, knocking at the door of our hearts. Help us to be generous and open our hearts to receive You. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Lord Jesus, the Nazarene, You gave to Your Church the Sacrament of the Eucharist as a remembrance of Your suffering. Make us worthy to receive Your sacred Body and Blood that will make us holy. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation of lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 2 JESUS PRAYS IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Luke 22, 41-42, 44-45)

After withdrawing about a stone’s throw from them and kneeling, he prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done.” He was such in agony and he prayed so fervently that his sweat became like drops of blood falling on the ground. When he rose from prayer and returned from his disciples, he found them sleeping from grief.

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In Gethsemane, Jesus of Nazareth teaches us to trust and obey the will of God in the midst of hardships and trials in life.

May our prayers and coming to Mass give us the grace and courage to follow God’s will.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Lord Jesus of Nazareth, we thank You because, through your death and resurrection, You showed us the abundant fruit of obeying the will of the Father.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, teach us to pray always.

Guard our thoughts and senses, so that all that we do may be pleasing to You. (R)

Through Your suffering and death, You brought us everlasting life. Give us the strength of the Holy Spirit, so that we may never grow tired of serving You and our neighbors. (R)

By Your suffering and prayer at Gethsemane, teach us obedience to God’s will I spite of hardships and trials in life. (R)

Help us to honestly and faithfully pray; and not to do good only to be seen by people. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intention)

Lord God, come and strengthen the hope and faith that You have given us, so that we may truly experience Your presence in our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 3 JESUS IN THE HOUSE OF CAIAPHAS

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Mt. 26, 36-68)

But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to him: “I order you to tell us, under oath, before the living Go, whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “You have said so. But I tell you: From now on, you will see ‘the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power’ and ‘coming on the clouds of heaven.’ “. Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need have we of witnesses You have now heard the blasphemy; what is your opinion” They said in reply, “He deserves to die!” Then they spat in his face and struck him, while some slapped him , saying , “Prophesy for us , Messiah: who is it that struck you”

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See the humility of the Nazarene, as His holiness and divinity are trampled upon by the people He has chosen to be His own. He could have called down His angels and sent fire to destroy them. Nothing is impossible with God. Bu the chose to suffer in obedience to the will of the Father.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Let us come before our loving Lord with full trust, and ask Him for strength to hold on to our faith in the midst of present danger and fear.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, strengthen our faith in You.

Lord Jesus, You experienced suffering and death for our sake, give strength to all who are suffering. (R)

Through Your victory on the cross, listen to the prayer of those who weep; fill them with joy. (R)

Grant that we may unite ourselves to Your pain by facing up to our responsibilities in life. (R)

Help us live the Good News so that, through our word and deed, we may reflect Your goodness to all. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Lord God, our Father, lead us to the many beautiful lessons that the cross of Jesus teaches. Teach us and our families to bear our cross so that we may be united with the suffering of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 4 JESUS BEFORE PONTIUS PILATE

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Mk. 15, 8-15)

The crowd came forward and began to ask him to do for them as he was accustomed. Pilate answered, “Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews” For he knew that it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed him over. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release Barrabas for them instead. Pilate again said to them in reply, “Then what (do you want) me to do with (the man you call) the king of the Jews” They shouted again, “Crucify him.” Pilate said to them, “Why” What evil has he done” They only shouted the louder, “Crucify him.” So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas to them and, after he had Jesus scourged, handed him over to be crucified.

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Jesus of Nazareth is king; He is God made man. Let us put ourselves under His kingship.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Jesus of Nazareth You embraced all humans, when you stretched Your hands on the cross to redeem us from our sins.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, reign over our lives.

You created the universe. May we see and experience Your care and love in everything that happens in our lives. (R)

May we live holy lives, so that, in our final moments in this world, we may not fear the everlasting punishment. (R)

The new and never-ending covenant of God and His people was sealed by Your blood. Help us to be true to this covenant. (R)

O Lord, You bore the insults of humans, notwithstanding Your kingship. Give us courage to bear witness to Your goodness and truth. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Lord God almighty, we offer this novena to You, as Father of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene. Bring us the peace that comes form Your reign, and lead us to the life that has no end. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 5 JESUS OF NAZARETH CARRIES THE CROSS

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Mt. 27, 31-34)

And when they had mocked him, they stripped him of the cloak, dressed him in his own clothes, and lead him off to crucify him. As they were going out, they met a Cyrenian named Simon; this man they pressed into service to carry his cross. And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of the Skull), they gave Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall. But when he had tasted it, he refused to drink.

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Strive to be with Jesus of Nazareth as He carries His cross to take away our sins.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
The way of the cross gives us the strength to carry our cross on the way to heaven.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, make us strong to follow your footsteps.

Lord Jesus you give consolation to the lonely, the suffering, and the sick. Lay your healing hands on them so that they may feel Your presence. (R)

Lord make us faithful witnesses in doing good. (R)

Deliver from evil all who travel by land, sea and air; lead them safely to their destination. (R)

Have mercy on parents who fail in their duties, on children who lose their way, and on people who keep envy and anger in their hearts. Show them love that they may turn back to You. (R)

(Silence for Personal Intentions)

Father in heaven, in obedience to Your will, Your Son, Jesus of Nazareth, carried the cross for our salvation. Grant that we, who believe in the mystery of the cross, may share in the glory of heaven. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 6 JESUS IS CRUCIFIED

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach

us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Mk. 15, 25-30)

It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified him. The inscription of the charge against him read, “The King of the Jews.” With him they crucified two revolutionaries, one on his right and one on his left. Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “Aha! You would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself by coming down from the cross.”

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Meditate the abuses that Jesus of Nazareth suffered from His people. He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross by His creatures. All this He took upon Himself to make us realize the evil of sin. The Word made flesh died out of love for us. Jesus the High Priest offered His life for sinners.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
We have a High Priest who remains with us in our weakness, because He took upon himself our humanity and became like us in all things except sin.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, who suffered death on the cross, have mercy on us.

Lord Jesus, You died and entered the glory of heaven. Grant Your Spirit to those who believe in You. (R)

You sent Your followers to preach the Good News to all peoples. Bless the men and women who proclaim Your kingdom to all. (R)

Take care of those who are sick and dying, that they may feel the Father’s love for them. Heal and strengthen them. (R)

Lord through the sanctifying power of the Holy Mass, make us compassionate and loving persons. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Lord Jesus, stretched in the cross, grant us the light of truth and the fire of Your love to guide our families and societies into everlasting life.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 7 THE LAST WORDS OF CHRIST

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Jn 19, 25-27)

Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary of Magdala. When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son.” Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.

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St, John represents the followers of Jesus on the cross. Jesus gave us to His mother to be her children; she is our mother. Just as God used the Blessed Virgin to come close to us, so He wants that we come close to Christ through t he Blessed Mother. Let us love her the way we love her Son, Jesus. Learn from her humility, purity, and love for God and our neighbor.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Father in heaven, Your Son Jesus prayed that You forgive us our sins. Receive his prayer for all of us, sinners.

Response: Lord of Nazareth, be merciful to us.

Through St. John, You gave Mary the Mother of all. May we be shining reflections of your Mother. (R)

Lord, listen to those who hope in You; from all snares and loneliness, deliver us. (R)

Lord, Jesus, at the time of our death, may Your Mother pray for us so that we may be with You in paradise. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Loving Father, You willed that Your Son Jesus give His life, so that we may be with You in heaven. Grant that we may be united to His suffering and death, so that we can be united with him in his rising again. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 8 JESUS OF NAZARETH WAS BURRIED

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Mt. 27, 57-61)

When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was himself a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus; then Pilate ordered it to be handed over. Taking the body, Joseph wrapped it (in) clean linen and laid it in his new tomb that he had hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the tomb and departed. But Mary Magdalena and the other Mary remained sitting there, facing the tomb.

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May the tender love that Mary, John, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea showed the body of Jesus bring us to a healthy respect for the dead, whether they are our relatives, friends or people we do not know. They all need our prayers.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
All creation will return to God through Jesus Christ, because through His cross, he opened the gate of heaven.

Response: Jesus of Nazareth grant us Your pardon and love.

May greed and jealousy be removed from our hearts, and may we put on the strength and gentleness of Your love. (R)

Lord, we believe that at the hour of death we will be judged according to how we have put into practice Your teaching. May we be constantly aware of our end and remain close to You. (R)

Remember those who hope in You while they live. By your suffering and death, grant them forgiveness of their sins. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Almighty God, make our faith strong. Grant that we may rise again, together with Your Son Jesus, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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DAY 9 JESUS OF NAZARENE IS RISEN!

CONTRITION
Leader: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

People: Lord Jesus Christ, true God and true man, I am heartily sorry for having sinned You and my neighbor. You are my Lord and my Brother whom I love above all things. Come and help me, not to sin again, and led me into a new life. I trust in Your loving forgiveness.

OPENING PRAYER
People: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, Your cross proclaims the wonder of Your love. Teach us to reflect on Your suffering, death and resurrection, in order to have an unfailing faith in Your goodness that has no end. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit

Reflection: (Jn 20, 19-20)

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, were the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when t hey saw the Lord.

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By His resurrection, Jesus proved His being God, and He gave us the hope that we, too, will share His resurrection when our time comes. As St. Paul declares, “If Christ

Did not rise from the dead, our faith is useless.” The suffering and death of Jesus is a preparation for His rising. His suffering, death and resurrection is the pattern of life for His disciples.

(Short Silence)

INTERCESSION
Because Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, we, too, will end not in death, but with new life.

Response: Lord Jesus of Nazareth, may we now renew ourselves as we await our resurrection.

Lord of the living, may we enjoy life and be delivered from everlasting death. (R)

Lord Jesus, You gave us the living Bread. May Your Body lead us to life without end. (R)

Jesus, our Savior, cleanse us from our sins. May we reap the harvest of eternal life and be kept away from death. (R)

Christ, our Redeemer, look with compassion on those who live without hope and those who do not know You. Bring to the knowledge of the Resurrection and to life in the bosom of the Trinity. (R)

(Pause for Personal Intentions)

Lord Jesus of Nazareth, while we reflect on the wonder of Your suffering, death and resurrection, may this mystery touch our lives. May we be like You in all things. We are confident that You will listen to our petitions in this novena. You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY
Response: Have mercy and save us.

Blood of Christ, the only Son of the Father. (R)
Blood of Christ of the old and everlasting covenant. (R)
Blood of Christ that washes away my sins and the sins of the world. (R)
Blood of Christ that formed like sweat and fell to the ground at Gethsemane. (R)
Blood of Christ that flowed out while You were scourged at the pillar. (R)
Blood of Christ that covered Your face at the crowning of thorns. (R)
Blood of Christ, scorned by the people on the road of Jerusalem. (R)
Blood of Christ, emptying itself at the crucifixion. (R)
Blood of Christ, source of our salvation. (R)
Blood of Christ, river of mercy and forgiveness. (R)
Blood of Christ, that won over violence and injustice. (R)
Blood of Christ, refuge of the abused and the downtrodden. (R)
Blood of Christ, strength of those who suffer. (R)
Blood of Christ, consolation f lonely souls. (R)
Blood of Christ, hope of sinners. (R)
Blood of Christ, that makes strong the weak and the afflicted. (R)
Blood of Christ that leads the poor souls into heaven. (R)

CONCLUDING PRAYER
People: Lord God, our Father, You willed that Your Son, Jesus, died on the cross for the sins of the world. Grant us the grace to be one with His suffering so that we may be worthy to hope for a new life. Help us to walk the way of Your commandments and to serve You in our neighbors. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Novena Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

2008-02-23T13:25:00.000-08:00

Divine Jesus You have said, Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Behold me kneeling at Your feet, filled with a lively faith and confidence in the promises dictated by Your Sacred Heart and pronounced by Your adorable lips, I come to ask this favor: (Here silently mention your petitions)

To whom can I turn, if not to You whose Heart is the source of all graces and merits Where should I seek, if not in the treasure which contains all the riches of Your kindness and mercy. Where must I knock if not at the door through which God gives himself to us and through which we go to God I have recourse to You, Heart of Jesus. In you I find consolation when afflicted, protection when persecuted, strength when burdened with trials, and light in doubt and darkness.

Dear Jesus, I firmly believe that You can grant me the grace I implore, even though it should require a miracle. You have only to will it, and my prayer will be granted. I admit that I am most unworthy of Your favors, but this is not a reason for me to be discouraged. You are the God of mercy and You will not refuse a contrite heart. Cast upon me a look of mercy, I beg of You, and Your kind heart will find in my miseries and weakness a reason for granting my prayer.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, whatever maybe Your decision with regard to my request, I will never stop adoring, loving, praising, and serving You. My Jesus, be pleased to accept this my act of perfect resignation to the decrees of Your adorable Heart which I sincerely desire may be fulfilled in and by me and all Your creatures forever.

Sacred heart of Jesus, I know that there is but one thing impossible to You: to be without pity for those who are suffering or in distress. Look upon me, I beg of You, dear Jesus, and grant me the grace for which I humbly implore You, through the Immaculate Heart of Your most sorrowful Mother. You have entrusted me to her as her child, and her prayers are all-powerful with You.

Amen.

Novena to the Good Shepherd

2008-02-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

O Jesus, Good Shepherd, see us gathered from near or far, proclaiming – You are our Master, our Shepherd. You call and lead us to fruitful paths of peace and contentment, in You Jesus is sweet labor and joyful rest. Never have You abandoned us, sweet Jesus; never have you failed us. Through dark nights and difficult moments, You carry us. There is no fear when You are near. You are the Way, the Truth and the Life; without You, who can survive? O loving Son, as the Father has entrusted all of us to You, bring back quickly to the fold those who are lost. Send the Spirit to make us humble, meek and obedient, that You may be pleased to grant our every plea especially this one (Make the request). O Good Shepherd, You are the only hope. Only You can make us one; only You can renew our land. Only You can lead us safely to our true home where at last, we shall see and adore You face to face forever.

Amen.

An Act of Consecration to The Sacred Heart of Jesus

2008-02-23T12:49:00.000-08:00

I give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being other than to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart. This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him. I therefore take You, O Sacred heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.
Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God the Father, and turn away from me the strokes of his righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in You, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Your goodness and bounty.

Remove from me all that can displease You or resist Your holy will; let your pure love imprint Your image so deeply upon my heart, that I shall never be able to forget You or to be separated from You.

May I obtain from all Your loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Your Heart, for in You I desire to place all my happiness and glory, living and dying in bondage to You.

Amen.

Prayer While Visiting the Most Blessed Sacrament

2008-02-23T12:48:00.001-08:00

My Lord Jesus Christ, for the love which You bear to men, You remain night and day in this Sacrament full of compassion and of love, awaiting, calling, and welcoming all who come to visit You. I believe that You are present in the Sacrament of the Altar: I adore You from the abyss of my nothingness, and I thank You for all the graces which You have bestowed upon me and in particular for having given me Yourself in this Sacrament, for having given me your holy Mother Mary for my advocate, and for having called me to visit You in this chapel. I now salute Your most loving Heart: and this for three ends:

1. In thanksgiving for this great gift;
2. To make amends to You for all the outrages which You receive in this Sacrament from all Your enemies;
3. I intend by this visit to adore You in all the places on earth in which You are the least revered and the most abandoned.

My Jesus, I love You with all my heart. I grieve for having so many times offended Your infinite goodness. I promise with Your grace never more to offend You in the future.
Now, miserable and unworthy though I be, I consecrate myself to You without reserve;
I give You my entire will, my affections, my desires, and all that I possess. From now on dispose of me and of all that I have as You please. All that I ask of You and desire is Your holy love, final perseverance, and the perfect accomplishment of Your will. I recommend to You the souls in purgatory; but especially those who had the greatest devotion to the most Blessed Sacrament and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. I also recommend to You all poor sinners.

My dear Saviour, I unite all my affections with the affections of Your most loving Heart; and I offer them, thus united, to Your eternal Father, and beseech Him in Your name to vouchsafe, for Your love, to accept them.
Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving to the Trinity

2008-02-23T12:45:00.000-08:00

O Eternal God! O Eternal Trinity! Through the union of Thy divine nature Thou hast made so precious the Blood of Thine only-begotten Son! O eternal Trinity, Thou art as deep a mystery as the sea, in whom the more I seek, the more I find; and the more I find, the more I seek. For even immersed in the depths of Thee, my soul is never satisfied, always famished and hungering for Thee, eternal Trinity, wishing and desiring to see Thee, the True Light.
O eternal Trinity, with the light of understanding I have tasted and seen the depths of Thy mystery and the beauty of Thy creation. In seeing myself in Thee, I have seen that I will become like Thee. O eternal Father, from Thy power and Thy wisdom clearly Thou hast given to me a share of that wisdom which belongs to Thine Only-begotten Son. And truly hast the Holy Spirit, who procedeth from Thee, Father and Son, given to me the desire to love Thee.

O eternal Trinity, Thou art my maker and I am Thy creation. Illuminated by Thee, I have learned that Thou hast made me a new creation through the Blood of Thine Only-begotten Son because Thou art captivated by love at the beauty of Thy creation.

O eternal Trinity, O Divinity, O unfathomable abyss, O deepest sea, what greater gift could Thou givest me then Thy very Self? Thou art a fire that burns eternally yet never consumed, a fire that consumes with Thy heat my self-love. Again and again Thou art the fire who taketh away all cold heartedness and illuminateth the mind by Thy light, the light with which Thou hast made me to know Thy truth.

By this mirrored light I know Thou are the highest good, a good above all good, a fortunate good, an incomprehensible good, an unmeasurable good, a beauty above all beauty, a wisdom above all wisdom, for Thou art wisdom itself, the the food of angels, the fire of love that Thou givest to man.

Thou art the garment covering our nakedness. Thou feedest our family with Thy sweetness, a sweetness Thou art from which there is no trace of bitterness. O Eternal Trinity! Amen.

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2008-02-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

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A Prayer For Employment

2008-02-18T03:41:00.001-08:00

God, our Father, I turn to you seeking your divine help and guidance as I look for suitable employment.
I need your wisdom to guide my footsteps along the right path, and to lead me to find the proper things to say and do in this quest. I wish to use the gifts and talents you have given me, but I need the opportunity to do so with gainful employment. Do not abandon me, dear Father, in this search, but rather grant me this favor I seek so that I may return to you with praise and thanksgiving for your gracious assistance.
Grant this through Christ, our Lord.

Amen

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

2008-02-17T19:46:00.001-08:00

Come, Holy Spirit,
replace the tension within us with a holy relaxation.
Replace the turbulence within us with a sacred calm.
Replace the anxiety within us with a quiet confidence.
Replace the fear within us with a strong faith.
Replace the bitterness within us with the sweetness of grace.
Replace the darkness within us with a gentle light.
Replace the coldness within us with a loving warmth.
Replace the night within us with Your light.
Replace the winter within us with Your spring.
Straighten our crookedness.
Fill our emptiness.
Dull the edge of our pride.
Sharpen the edge of our humility.
Light the fires of our love.
Quench the flames of our lust.
Let us see ourselves as You see us,
that we may see You as You have promised,
And be fortunate according to Your word,
Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God. Amen.

Pentecost Prayer

2008-02-17T19:43:00.000-08:00

Spirit of Christ, stir me;
Spirit of Christ, move me;
Spirit of Christ, fill me;
Spirit of Christ, seal me.
Consecrate in me Your Heart and Will, O Heavenly Father.
Create in me a fountain of virtues.
Seal my soul as Your own, that Your reflection in me may be a light for all to see.
Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

2008-02-17T19:42:00.002-08:00

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.
Grant us the Spirit of Fear Of The Lord that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
the Spirit of Piety that we may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others;
the Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation;
the Spirit of Knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness;
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth;
the Spirit of Counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your Spirit.
Amen.

Most Holy Spirit

2008-02-17T19:42:00.001-08:00

Most Holy Spirit, Beloved of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, comfort me, console me.
I promise to submit myself to all You desire of me,
and permit all You wish to happen to me.
Give me Your orders, tell me what to do.
Most Holy Spirit, bring Peace to the world.
Amen.

Invocation to the Holy Spirit

2008-02-17T19:41:00.001-08:00

Come, Holy Spirit,
come by means of the powerful intercession
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Your well-beloved spouse.

Come, Holy Spirit,
come by means of the powerful intercession
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Your well-beloved spouse.

Come, Holy Spirit,
come by means of the powerful intercession
of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
Your well-beloved spouse.

Come, Holy Spirit

2008-02-17T19:25:00.000-08:00

Come Holy Spirit, and fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your Divine Love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth. Oh God, Who by the light of the Holy Spirit instructed the hearts of the faithful, Grant, that by the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

2008-02-17T18:32:00.000-08:00

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O Purest Mary, O Sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee, for, in all my needs, in all my temptations I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.

The Act of Contrition

2008-02-17T02:15:00.000-08:00

O my God,
I am heartily sorry for
having offended Thee,
and I detest all my sins,
because I dread the loss of heaven,
and the pains of hell;
but most of all because
they offend Thee, my God,
Who are all good and
deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve,
with the help of Thy grace,
to confess my sins,
to do penance,
and to amend my life.

Amen.

Stations of The Cross: Opening Prayer

2008-02-17T01:16:00.000-08:00

Mary, my Mother, you were the first to live the Way of the Cross.You felt every pain and every humiliation. You were unafraid of the ridicule heaped upon you by the crowds. Your eyes were ever on Jesus and His Pain. Is that the secret of your miraculous strength? How did your loving heart bear such a burden and such a weight? As you watched Himstumble and fall, were you tortured by the memory of all the yesterdays-His birth, His hidden life and His ministry?

You were so desirous of everyone loving Him. What a heartache it wasto see so many hate Him - hate with a diabolical fury. Take my hand as I make this Way of the Cross. Inspire me with those thoughts that will make me realize how much He loves me. Give me light to apply each station to mydaily life and to remember my neighbor's needs in this Way of the Pain.

Obtain for me the grace to understand the mystery, the wisdomand the Divine love as I go from scene to scene. Grant that my heart, likeyours, may be pierced through by the sight of His sorrow and the misery andthat I may determine never to offend Him again. What a price He paid to cover my sins, to open the gates of heaven for me and to fill my soul with Hisown Spirit . Sweet Mother, let us travel this way together and grant that thelove in my poor heart may give you some slight consolation.

Amen.

The First Station: Jesus Is Condemned To Death

2008-02-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, the world still has You on trial. It keeps asking who You are and why You make the demands You make. It asks over and over the question, If You are God's Son, why do You permit the world to be in the state it is in? Why are You so silent?

Though the arrogance of the world angers me, I must admit that silently, in the depths of my soul, I too have these questions. Your humility frustrates me and makes me uncomfortable. Your strength before Pilate as You drank deeply from the power of the Father, gives me the answer to my question - The Father's Will. The Father permits many sufferings in my life but it is all for my good. If only I too could be silent in the face of worldly prudence - steadfast in the faith when all seems lost - calm when accused unjustly - free from tyranny of human respect - ready to do the Father's Will no matter how difficult.

Silent Jesus, give us all the graces we need to stand tall in the face of the ridicule of the world. Give the poor the strength not to succumb to their privation but to be ever aware of their dignity as sons of God. Grant that we might not bend to the crippling disease of worldly glory but be willing to be deprived of all things rather than lose Your friendship. My Jesus, though we are accused daily of being fools, let the vision of Quiet Dignity standing before Monstrous Injustice, give us all the courage to be Your followers.

Amen

The Second Station: Jesus Carries His Cross

2008-02-17T01:14:00.000-08:00

How could any human impose such a burden upon Your torn and bleeding body, Lord Jesus? Each movement of the cross drove the thorns deeper into Your Head. How did You keep the hatred from welling up in Your Heart? How did the injustice of it all not ruffle your peace? The Father's Will was hard on You - Why do I complain when it is hard on me?

I see injustice and am frustrated and when my plans to alleviate it seems futile, I despair. When I see those burdened with poverty suffer ever more and cross is added to cross my heart is far from serene. I utterly fail to see the dignity of the cross as it is carried with love. I would so much rather be without it.

My worldly concept is that suffering, like food, should be shared equally. How ridiculous I am, dear Lord. Just as we do not all need the same amount of material food, neither do we need the same amount of spiritual food and that is what the cross is in my life, isn't it - spiritual food proportional to my needs.

Amen

The Third Station: Jesus Falls the First Time

2008-02-17T01:13:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, it seems to me, that as God, You would have carried Your cross without faltering, but You did not. You fell beneath it's weight to show me You understand when I fall. Is it pride that makes me want to shine even in pain? You were not ashamed to fall- to admit the cross was heavy. There are those in world whom my pride will not tolerate as I expect everyone to be strong, yet I am weak. I am ashamed to admit failure in anything.

If the Father permits failure in my life just as He permitted You to fall, then I must know there is good in that failure which my mind will never comprehend. I must not concentrate on the eyes of others as they rest upon me in my falls. Rather, I must reach up to touch that invisible hand and drink in that invisible strength ever at my side.

Weak Jesus, help all men who try so hard to be good but whose nature is constantly opposed to them walking straight and tall down the narrow road of life. Raise their heads to see the glory that is to come rather than the misery of the present moment.

Your love for me gave You strength to rise from Your fall. Look upon all those whom the world considers unprofitable servants and give them the courage to be more concerned as to how they stand before You, rather than their fellowmen.

Amen

The Fourth Station: Jesus Meets His Afflicted Mother

2008-02-17T01:12:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, it was a great sorrow to realize Your pain caused Mary so much grief. As Redeemer, You wanted her to share in Your pain for mankind. When You glanced at each other in unutterable suffering, what gave you both the courage to carry on without the least alleviation - without anger at such injustice?

It seems as if you desired to suffer every possible pain to give me an example of how to suffer when my time comes. What a humiliation for You when Your mother saw you in such a pitiable state - weak - helpless - at the mercy of sinful men - holiness exposed to evil in all hideousness.

Did every moment of that short encounter seem like an eternity? As I see so much suffering in the world, there are times I think it is all hopeless. There is an element of lethargy in my prayers for mankind that says "I'll pray, but what good will it do? The sick grow sicker and the hungry starve. " I think of that glance between You and Mary - the glance that said, "Let us give this misery to the Father for the salvation of souls. The Father's power takes our pain and frustration and renews souls, saves them for a new life - a life of eternal joy, eternal happiness. It is worth it all." Give perseverance to the sick so they can carry the cross of frustration and agony with love and resignation for the salvation of others.

Amen

The Fifth Station: Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross

2008-02-17T01:11:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, Your tormentors enlisted a Simon of Cyrene to help You carry Your cross. Your humility is beyond my comprehension. Your power upheld the whole universe and yet You permit one of Your creatures to help You carry a cross. I imagine Simon was reluctant to take part in Your shame. He had no idea that all who watched and jeered at him would pass into oblivion while his name would go down in history and eternity as the one who helped his God in need. Is it not so with me, dear Jesus? Even when I reluctantly carry my cross as Simon did, it benefits my soul.

If I keep my eyes on You and watch how You suffered, I will be able to bear my cross with greater fortitude. Were you trying to tell all those who suffer from prejudice to have courage? Was Simon a symbol of all those who are hated because of race, color and creed?

Simon wondered as he took those beams upon his shoulders, why he was chosen for such a heavy burden and now he knows. Help me Jesus, to trust your loving Providence as you permit suffering to weave itself in and out of my life. Make me understand that You looked at it and held it fondly before You passed it on to me. You watch me and give me strength just as You did Simon. When I enter Your Kingdom, I shall know as he knows, what marvels Your Cross has wrought in my soul.

Amen

The Sixth Station: Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus

2008-02-17T01:10:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, where were all the hundreds of peoples whose bodies and souls were healed by you? Where were they when You needed someone to give You the least sign of comfort? Ingratitude must have borne down upon Your heart and made the cross nearly impossible to carry. There are times I too feel all my efforts for Your Kingdom are futile and end in nothingness. Did your eyes roam through the crowd for the comfort of just one individual - one sign of pity - one sign of grief?

My heart thrills with a sad joy when I think of one woman, breaking away from fear and human respect and offeringYou her thin veil to wipe Your bleeding Face. Your loving heart, ever watching for the least sign of love, imprinted the Image of your torn Face upon it! How can You forget Yourself so completely and reward such a small act of kindness?

I must admit, I have been among those who were afraid to know You rather than like Veronica. She did not care if the whole world knew she loved You. Heartbroken Jesus, give me that quality of the soul so necessary to witness to spread Your Word - to tell all people of Your love for them. Send many into Your Vineyard so the people of all nations may receive the Good News. Imprint Your Divine Image upon my soul and let the thin veil of my human nature bear a perfect resemblance to your loving Spirit.

Amen

The Seventh Station: Jesus Falls A Second Time

2008-02-17T01:09:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, one of the beautiful qualities the people admired in You was Your strength in time of ridicule - Your ability to rise above the occasion. But now, You fall a second time - apparently conquered by the pain of the Cross. People who judged You by appearances made a terrible mistake. What looked like weakness was unparalleled strength!

I often judge by appearances and how wrong I am most of the time. The world judges entirely by this fraudulent method of discerning. It looks down upon those who apparently have given their best and are now in need. It judges the poor as failures, the sick as useless and the aged as a burden. How wrong that kind of judgment is in the light of your second fall! Your greatest moment wasYour weakest one. Your greatest triumph was in failure. Your greatest act of love was in desolation. Your greatest show of power was in that utter lack of strength that threw You to the ground.

Weak and powerful Jesus, give me the grace to see beyond what is visible and be more aware of Your Wisdom in the midst of weakness. Give the aged, sick, handicapped, retarded, deaf and blind the fruit of joy so they may ever be aware of the Father's gift and the vast difference between what the world sees and what the Father sees that they may glory in their weakness so the power of God may be manifest.

Amen

The Eighth Station: Jesus Speaks to the Holy Women

2008-02-17T01:08:00.000-08:00

My Jesus, I am amazed at Your compassion for others in Your time of need. When I suffer, I have a tendency to think only of myself but You forgot Yourself completely. When You saw the holy women weeping over Your torments, You consoled them and taught them to look deeper into Your Passion. You wanted them to understand that the real evil to cry over was the rejection You suffered from the Chosen people - a people set apart from every other nation, who refused to accept God's Son.
The Act of Redemption would go on and no one would ever be able to take away Your dignity as Son of God, but the evil, greed, jealousy and ambition in the hearts of those who should have recognized You was the issue to grieve over. To be so close to God made man and miss Him completely was the real crime.

My Jesus, I fear I do the same when I strain gnats and then swallow camels - when I take out the splinter in my brother's eye and forget the beam in my own. It is such a gift - this gift of faith. It is such a sublime grace to possess Your own Spirit. Why haven't I advanced in holiness of life? I miss the many disguises you take upon Yourself and see only people, circumstances and human events, not the loving hand of the Father guiding all things. Help all those who are discouraged, sick, lonely and old to recognize Your Presence in their midst.

Amen

The Ninth Station: Jesus Falls the Third Time

2008-02-17T01:07:00.001-08:00

My Jesus, even with the help of Simon You fell a third time. Were You telling me that there may be times in my life that I will fall again and again despite the help of friends and loved ones? There are times when the crosses You permit in my life are more than I can bear. It is as if all the sufferings of a life time are suddenly compressed into the present moment and it is more than I can stand.
Though it grieves my heart to see You so weak and helpless, it is a comfort to my soul to know that you understand my sufferings from Your own experience. Your love for me made You want to experience every kind of pain just so I could have someone to look to for example and courage.

When I cry out from the depths of my soul, "This suffering is more than I can bear," do You whisper, "Yes, I understand"? When I am discouraged after many falls, do you say in my innermost being, "Keep going, I know how hard it is to rise"?

There are many people who are sorely tried in body and soul with alcohol and drug weaknesses who try and try and fall again and again. Through the humiliation of this third fall, give them the courage and perseverance to take up their cross and follow you.

Amen

The Tenth Station: Jesus is Stripped of His Garments

2008-02-17T01:06:00.000-08:00

It seems that every step to Calvary brought You fresh humiliation, my Jesus. How Your sensitive nature recoiled at being stripped before a crowd of people. You desired to leave this life as You entered it - completely detached from all the comforts of this world. You want me to know without a doubt that you loved me with an unselfish love. Your love for me caused You nothing but pain and sorrow. You gave everything and received nothing in return. Why do I find it so hard to be detached?

In your loving mind, dear Jesus, did You look up to the Father as You stood there on that windy hill, shivering from cold and shame and trembling from fear, and ask Him to have mercy on those who would violate their purity and make love a mockery? Did you ask forgiveness for those whose greed would make them lie, cheat and steal for a few pieces of cold silver?

Forgive us all, dear Jesus. Look upon the world with pity, for mankind has lost its way and the principles of this world make lust a fun game and luxury a necessity. Detachment has become merely another hardship of the poor and obedience the fault of the weak. Have mercy on us and grant the people of this day the courage to see and know themselves and the light to change.

Amen

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is Nailed to the Cross

2008-02-17T01:05:00.000-08:00

It is hard to imagine a God being nailed to a cross by His own creatures. It is even more difficult for my mind to understand a love that permitted such a thing to happen! As those men drove heavy nails into Your hands and feet, dear Jesus, did You offer the pain as reparation for some particular human weakness and sin? Was the nail in Your right hand for those who spend their lives in dissipation and boredom?

Was the nail in Your left hand in reparation for all consecrated souls who live lukewarm lives? Were You stretching out Your arms to show us how much You love us? As the feet that walked the hot, dusty roads were nailed fast, did they cramp up in a deadly grip of pain to make reparation for all those who so nimbly run the broad road of sin and self-indulgence?

It seems, dear Jesus, Your love has held You bound hand and foot as Your heart pleads for a return of love. You seem to shout from the top of the hill "I love you - come to me - see, I am held fast - I cannot hurt you - only you can hurt Me." How very hard is the heart that can see such love and turn away. Is it not true I too have turned away when I did not accept the Father's Will with love? Teach me to keep my arms ever open to love, to forgive and to render service - willing to be hurt rather than hurt, satisfied to love and not be loved in return.

Amen

The Twelfth Station: Jesus Dies on the Cross

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God is dead! No wonder the earth quaked, the sun hid itself, the dead rose and Mary stood by in horror. Your human body gave up it's soul in death but Your Divinity, dear Jesus, continued to manifest its power. All creation rebelled as the Word made Flesh departed from this world. Man alone was too proud to see and too stubborn to acknowledge truth.

Redemption was accomplished! Man would never have an excuse to forget how much You loved him. The thief on Your right saw something he could not explain - he saw a man on a tree and knew He was God. His need made him see his own guilt and Your innocence. The Promise of eternal life made the remaining hours of his torture. endurable.

A common thief responded to Your love with deep Faith, Hope, and Love. He saw more than his eyes envisioned - he felt a Presence he could not explain and would not argue with. He was in need and accepted the way God designed to help him.

Forgive our pride, dear Jesus as we spend hours speculating, days arguing and often a lifetime in rejecting Your death, which is a sublime mystery. Have pity on those whose intelligence leads them to pride because they never feel the need to reach out to the Man of Sorrows for consolation.

Amen

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is Taken Down From the Cross

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My Jesus, it was with deep grief that Mary finally took You into her arms and saw all the wounds sin had inflicted upon You. Mary Magdalene looked upon Your dead Body with horror. Nicodemus, the man so full of human respect, who came to You by night, suddenly received the courage to help Joseph take you down from the Cross. You are once more surrounded by only a few followers. When loneliness and failure cross my path, let me think of this lonely moment and this total failure - failure in the eyes of men. How wrong they were - how mistaken their concept of success! The greatest act of love was given in desolation and the most successful mission accomplished and finished when all seemed lost. Is this not true in my life, dear Jesus? I judge my failures harshly. I demand perfection instead of holiness. My idea of success is for all to end well - according to my liking.

Give to all men the grace to see that doing Your Will is more important than success. If failure is permitted for my greater good then teach me how to use it to my advantage. Let me say as You once said, that to do the Will of the Father is my food. Let not the standards of this world take possession of me or destroy the good You have set for me - to be Holy and to accomplish the Father's Will with great love. Let me accept praise or blame, success or failure with equal serenity.

Amen

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is Laid in the Sepulcher

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My Jesus, You were laid to rest in a stranger's tomb. You were born with nothing of this world's goods and You died detached from everything. When You came into the world, men slept and angels sang and now as You leave it, Creation is silent and only a few weep. Both events were clothed in obscurity. The majority of men live in such a way. Most of us live and die knowing and known by only a few. Were You trying to tell us, dear Jesus, how very important our lives are just because we are accomplishing the Father's Will? Will we ever learn the lesson of humility that makes us content with who we are, where we are and what we are?
Will our Faith ever be strong enough to see power in weakness and good in the sufferings of our lives? Will our Hope be trusting enough to rely on Your Providence even when we have nowhere to lay our head? Will our Love ever be strong enough not to take scandal in the cross?

My Jesus, hide my soul in Your heart as You lie in the Sepulcher alone. Let my heart be as a fire to keep you warm. Let my desire to know and love You be like a torch to light up the darkness. Let my soul sing softly a hymn of repentant love as the hours pass and Your Resurrection is at hand. Let me rejoice, dear Jesus, with all the Angels in a hymn of praise and thanksgiving for so great a love- so great a God- so great a day!

Amen

Stations of The Cross: Closing Prayer

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My Jesus, I have traveled Your Way of the cross. It seems so real and I feel so ashamed. I complain of my sufferings and find obedience to the Father's Will difficult. My Mind bogged down by the poverty, sickness, starvation, greed and hatred in the world.

There are many innocent people who suffer so unjustly. There are those born with physical and mental defects. Do we understand that You continue to carry Your cross in the minds and bodies of each human being?

Help me to see the Father's Will in every incident of my daily life. This is what You did - you saw the Father's Will in Your persecutors, Your enemies and your pain. You saw a beauty in the Cross and embraced it as a desired treasure. My worldly mind is dulled by injustice and suffering and I lose sight of the glory that is to come. Help me to trust the Father and to realize that there is something great behind the most insignificant suffering. There is Someone lifting my cross to fit my shoulders - there is Divine Wisdom in all the petty annoyances that irk my soul every day.

Teach me the lessons contained in my Cross, the wisdom of its necessity, the beauty of its variety and the fortitude that accompanies even the smallest cross. Mary, My Mother, obtain for me the grace to be Jesus to my neighbor and to see my neighbor in Jesus.

Amen.

The Anima Christi

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The Anima Christi is a prayer from around the 14th century. It is still widely used after receiving the body and blood of Our Lord, Jesus Christ in Holy Communion.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from Christ's side, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within Thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bid me come unto Thee
That I may praise Thee with Thy saints
and with Thy angels
Forever and ever

Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

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Angel of God,
my guardian dear,
To whom God's love
commits me here,
Ever this day,
be at my side,
To light and guard,
Rule and guide.

Amen.

The Angelus

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The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary: And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour ofour death. Amen.

Behold the handmaid of the Lord: Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary . . .

And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

The Hail Mary

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Hail Mary,
Full of Grace,
The Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women,
and blessed is the fruit
of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary,
Mother of God,
pray for us sinners now,
and at the hour of death.

Amen.

The Glory Be

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Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning,
is now,
and ever shall be,
world without end.

Amen.

The Apostles Creed

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I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into the dead; on the third day He rose again;
He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Sprit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.
Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

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Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil. Amen.