Wreath of Gems

 Holy Mother Church devotes the entire month of January to give honor to the Holy Name of Jesus with a specific feast day on January 2.  May we use the entire month to honor our Blessed Lord's Name, expressing love and delight in it and making reparation for the blasphemies against it.

The Wreath of Gems is a prayer composed by St. Gertrude the Great.  It is made of three beads of gold and fifteen of silver. In the prayer book Preces Gertrudianae : Prayers of St. Gertrude and St. Mechtilde of the Order of St. Benedict, we read, 

"While St. Gertrude was offering this wreath of salutations in honour of the name of Jesus, she seemed to see them under the form of roses hung around with golden bells, the fragrance and tuneful harmony of which touched the Sacred Heart with ineffable delight. Those which had been recited with devout intention gave forth a most ravishing melody, while those which had been said carelessly uttered a low and wailing sound. And the Lord said to her: Whenever anyone prays to Me, Hail, sweetest Jesus,..., the depth of the sweetness of My Godhead is stirred within Me, and there spreads itself before Me all odour of wondrous fragrance, which I shed down on him who repeats these words."

Wreath of Gems

First Golden Bead:  Hail, most loving Jesus, life-giving Germ of the Divine Honour, unfading flower of human dignity, my consummate and my only salvation. Thou art my Creator and my Redeemer, and Thou hast so loved me as to leave all Thy bliss and Thy glory, and to purchase me for Thyself with the anguish of Thy death. 

Five Silver Beads:

1. Hail, sweetest Jesus, most precious pearl of the most holy Trinity, with Whose price the world has been redeemed. 

2. Hail, most tender Jesus, refulgent splendour of the Father's glory, Who with the light of Thy countenance dost enlighten and quicken Thine elect in the heavenly country. 

3. Hail, most amiable Jesus, flashing effulgence from the sun of Justice, Who dost inflame the hearts of Angels and Saints with the fire of Thy love. 

4. Hail, most noble Jesus, living Image of Thy Father's substance, Who dost make all those who cleave to Thee partakers of Thy Divine nature. 

5. Hail, most renowned Jesus, Morning Star of Thy Church, Who enlightenest the darkness of the world, and scatterest all the thick darkness of sin. 

Second Golden Bead:  Hail, Jesus, Bridegroom most beauteous in the charm of Thy Divinity; I salute Thee and embrace Thee with the affection of all Thy creatures, and kiss Thee with my mouth, Thou Wound of love. 

Five Silver Beads:

1. Hail, Jesus, fairer than the sons of men, Orient pearl born in the ocean of the Godhead of the Father, Whose generation no created intelligence can declare. 

2. Hail, Jesus, sweeter than honey and the honeycomb, heavenly manna of wondrous sweetness, Who dost refresh and satisfy every hungry soul. 

3. Hail, Jesus most resplendent, glowing Fire of uncreated love, Who dost lighten and bear the burden of human toil and misery. 

4. Hail, Jesus, most gentle, sweet channel of heavenly streams, Who dost take away the bitterness of every soul in anguish. 

5. Hail, priceless Jesus, treasure-house of the Divine Essence, Who dost enrich the poverty of our nature. Amen. 

Third Golden Bead:  Hail, Jesus, full of grace, mercy is with Thee, and Thou art blessed among the sons of men; and blessed be Thy most Holy Name, Thy Life and Thy Passion. O sweet Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on us sinners now and in the hour of our death. Amen. 

Five Silver Beads:

1. Hail, Jesus, Spouse and Crown of Virgins, we praise Thee for ever, Whose love made Thee Son of the Virgin. 

2. Hail, Jesus, Ruler of all things, fairer in Thy beauty than the sons of men, we acknowledge and worship Thee as our most clement Lord. 

3. Hail, Jesus, wondrous splendour of the Godhead, wonder of wonders, Who dost blot out all the sins of the world. 

4. Hail, Jesus, our consolation, Who dost lay open to us the treasury of the riches of God, Thou true refuge of the poor, and comfort of the afflicted. 

5. Hail, Jesus, glory of Angels, living Fountain, light of all minds, Who dost transcend all joy and all desire. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Novena for the Month of the Holy Name of Jesus

Adoration of the Magi--a beautiful image!

Holy Mother Church dedicates the month of January to the Holy Name of Jesus. Through this devotion the Church reminds us of the power of Christ's Name and the reverence with which it should be spoken. In Sacred Scriptures we read “That in the Name of Jesus every knee should bend, in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth.” (Phil 2:10). Traditionally Catholics, upon hearing Jesus' Name, briefly bow their head. It is also tradition for a Catholic, hearing Jesus' Name used irreverently, to make the Sign of the Cross, repeating out of respect:

 Sit nomen Domini benedictum

 (Blessed be the Name of the Lord).

It is through this most Sacred Name that the Church administers her sacraments, offers her prayers, casts out evil spirits, and gives blessings. We, therefore, would do well to imitate her. As Scripture tells us, it is in His Name that we should place our faith (1 John 3:23), do our works (Col 3:17), and say our prayers (John 16:23-24).

 It is quite simple to honor the sweet Name of Jesus through prayer just as numerous saints did. As Fr. O'Sullivan writes in The Wonders of the Holy Name, an extremely powerful, but very short prayer is simply the name of Jesus said with devotion and reverence. This prayer is an act of perfect love that fills the soul with joy, peace, and strength. In Scripture St. Paul encourages us to pray without ceasing. What easier way to accomplish this than to lovingly repeat the Sacred name of Jesus, not just once, but repeatedly throughout our day!

Throughout the month of January, may we bring the devotion of the Holy Name of our Lord into our new year. Let us strive to honor Jesus through prayer, sacrifices, and acts of love done for Him.  This year the feast of the Holy Name of Jesus is celebrated on January 2.  This day, then, would be a most fitting day to begin the following prayer:  the Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus, which can be recited for nine days or daily throughout the month of January.

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Novena in Honor of the Holy Name of Jesus

O Merciful Jesus, Who didst in Thy early infancy commence Thy office of Savior by shedding Thy Precious Blood, and assuming for us that Name which is above all names; we thank Thee for such early proofs of Thine infinite love. We venerate Thy sacred Name, in union with the profound respect of the Angel who first announced it to the earth, and unite our affections to the sentiments of tender devotion which the adorable name of Jesus has in all ages enkindled in the hearts of Thy Saints. 

Animated with a firm faith in Thy unerring word, and penetrated with confidence in Thy mercy, we now most humbly remind Thee of the promise Thou hast made, that where two or three should assemble in Thy Name, Thou Thyself wouldst be in the midst of them. Come, then, into the midst of us, most amiable Jesus, for it is in Thy sacred Name we are here assembled; come into our hearts, that we may be governed by Thy holy spirit; mercifully grant us, through that adorable Name, which is the joy of Heaven, the terror of Hell, the consolation of the afflicted, and the solid ground of our unlimited confidence, all the petitions we make in this novena. 

Oh! blessed Mother of our Redeemer! Who didst participate so sensibly in the sufferings of thy dear Son when He shed His Sacred Blood and assumed for us the Name of Jesus, obtain for us, through that adorable Name, the favors we petition in this novena.

Beg also, that the most ardent love may imprint on our hearts that sacred Name, that it may be always in our minds and frequently on our lips; that it may be our defense and our refuge in the temptations and trials of life, and our consolation and support in the hour of death. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Crosses

 With the current state of the world, I felt this prayer would be most fitting to repost, to provide encouragement and a reminder of the importance of suffering.  God bless!

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Lk 9:23).

The crosses we encounter in our daily lives, when "taken up," or accepted cheerfully and offered to God, bring us in closer relationship to Our Lord, sanctifying us and creating in us a spirit strengthened against the temptations of the world.  Often in modern times crosses are viewed in a negative way, seen as a burden to be avoided.  However, instead we need to strive to recognize in them ways of purifying ourselves and making reparation for our sins.  

Thomas a Kempis spoke of daily crosses, saying, 

"To many the saying, ‘deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me,’ seems hard. How much harder, however, will the words on the Day of Judgment be: Depart from Me, you accursed ones, into the everlasting fire. Those who follow the cross willingly now, will not fear the last judgment. When the Lord comes to judge, the Sign of the Cross will be in the heavens; then will those servants of the cross, who in their lifetime made themselves one with the Crucified, draw near with great trust to Christ, the Judge.

Why are you afraid, then, to take up the cross when through it you can win an eternal kingdom? In the cross is salvation; in it is life; in it is protection from your enemies; in it is strength of mind; in it is joy of spirit; in it is the highest virtue; in the cross is perfect holiness.

Take up your cross and follow Jesus, and you will merit eternal life."

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St. Francis de Sales wrote a beautiful prayer entitled "Your Cross" in which he describes the cross as a gift.  May we also be able to see our crosses as gifts from God, welcoming them and embracing them as a means to reach Our Lord.

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Your Cross

The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.  This cross He sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too heavy for you.  He has blessed it with His holy Name, anointed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.
--St. Frances de Sales

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With the Lenten season drawing near it is common practice for Catholics to choose sacrifices to offer up for Lent.  These sacrifices become "little crosses" to bear throughout this penitential season in reparation for our sins and the sins of the world.  They, like our daily crosses, help to strengthen and purify us.  Our Lady encourages us, as she encouraged the three children at Fatima, to not only accept our crosses, but also embrace them, offering them for the conversion of sinners and in reparation for sins and offenses committed against our Lord and our Lady.  

As we begin the Lenten season, may we remember to embrace our "little crosses," as we should our daily crosses, not just giving up something to do it, but to give it up out of love for God.  May we be thankful each day for every chance to offer ourselves out of love for our Lord, just as He offered His life for love of us.  May we love the cross for love of Him.

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An Act of Abandonment

O my God, I thank you and I praise you for accomplishing your holy and all-lovable will without any regard for mine.  With my whole heart, in spite of my heart, do I receive this cross I feared so much!

It is the cross of Your choice, the cross of Your love.  I venerate it; nor for anything in the world would I wish that it had not come, since You willed it.

I keep it with gratitude and with joy, as I do everything that comes from Your hand; and I shall strive to carry it without letting it drag, with all the respect and all the affection which Your works deserve.
Amen.
--St. Frances de Sales

For the Feasts of St. Agnes

Holy Mother Church commemorates the feast of St. Agnes on January 21. As a young girl of twelve, St. Agnes consecrated herself to God, despite the many young men who wanted to marry her.  After refusing one rich man, the Roman prefect's son, she was exposed as a Christian.  When Agnes refused to worship the Roman idols, remaining faithful to God, they attempted to humiliate and torture her, but God protected her each time.  She eventually gained the martyr's crown, being beheaded.

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On January 28 the Church celebrates the second feast of St. Agnes, honoring her apparition to her parents.  Eight days after St. Agnes' martyrdom, her parents visited her tomb.  Although they rejoiced at their daughter's crown of martyrdom, at the same time, they were deeply saddened at the loss of her.  While they were grieving at her tomb, St. Agnes appeared to them.  She was encircled with light, wore a crown on her head, and was accompanied by a group of beautiful virgins.  On her right stood a white lamb, a symbol of her Divine Spouse.  She spoke to her parents, saying, "Weep not over my death: for I am now in heaven, together with these virgins, living with Him, whom I loved on earth with my whole soul."  

"Concerning Virginity"

Book I, Chapter II

By St. Ambrose

"And my task begins favourably, that since to-day is the birthday of a virgin, I have to speak of virgins, and the treatise has its beginning from this discourse. It is the birthday of a martyr, let us offer the victim. It is the birthday of St. Agnes, let men admire, let children take courage, let the married be astounded, let the unmarried take an example. But what can I say worthy of her whose very name was not devoid of bright praise? In devotion beyond her age, in virtue above nature, she seems to me to have borne not so much a human name, as a token of martyrdom, whereby she showed what she was to be...

She is said to have suffered martyrdom when twelve years old. The more hateful was the cruelty, which spared not so tender an age, the greater in truth was the power of faith which found evidence even in that age. Was there room for a wound in that small body? And she who had no room for the blow of the steel had that wherewith to conquer the steel. But maidens of that age are unable to bear even the angry looks of parents, and are wont to cry at the pricks of a needle as though they were wounds. She was fearless under the cruel hands of the executioners, she was unmoved by the heavy weight of the creaking chains, offering her whole body to the sword of the raging soldier, as yet ignorant of death, but ready for it. Or if she were unwillingly hurried to the altars, she was ready to stretch forth her hands to Christ at the sacrificial fires, and at the sacrilegious altars themselves, to make the sign of the Lord the Conqueror, or again to place her neck and both her hands in the iron bands, but no band could enclose such slender limbs.

A new kind of martyrdom! Not yet of fit age for punishment but already ripe for victory, difficult to contend with but easy to be crowned, she filled the office of teaching valour while having the disadvantage of youth. She would not as a bride so hasten to the couch, as being a virgin she joyfully went to the place of punishment with hurrying step, her head not adorned with plaited hair, but with Christ. All wept, she alone was without a tear. All wondered that she was so readily prodigal of her life, which she had not yet enjoyed, and now gave up as though she had gone through it. Every one was astounded that there was now one to bear witness to the Godhead, who as yet could not, because of her age, dispose of herself. And she brought it to pass that she should be believed concerning God, whose evidence concerning man would not be accepted. For that which is beyond nature is from the Author of nature.

What threats the executioner used to make her fear him, what allurements to persuade her, how many desired that she would come to them in marriage! But she answered: "It would be an injury to my spouse to look on any one. as likely to please me. He who chose me first for Himself shall receive me. Why are you delaying, executioner? Let this body perish which can be loved by eyes which I would not." She stood, she prayed, she bent down her neck. You could see the executioner tremble, as though he himself. had been condemned, and his right hand shake, his face grow pale, as he feared the peril of another, while the maiden feared not for her own. You have then in one victim a twofold martyrdom, of modesty and of religion. She both remained a virgin and she obtained martyrdom."

Prayer of Petition to St. Agnes

O sweet Saint Agnes, I earnestly implore thy compassion and commend myself to thy prayers. O noble virgin, thou didst despise all earthly things and prefer the love of Christ to the glory of the world. Death was welcome to thee, and the holy angels were waiting for thy soul to convey it into the joys of Paradise, where, adorned with the martyr's palm, thou didst arrive at the nuptials of the heavenly Spouse. I too seek Him; deign to intercede for me that He may grant me health of mind and body, restrain the temptations of the devil, extinguish the desires of the flesh, give me time for true repentance and amendment of life, grant me the remission of all my sins, together with grace to make a good end and a happy death. Amen.
--Thomas A Kempis

God  bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of the Holy Family

Holy Mother Church commemorates the Holy Family of Nazareth on the Sunday within the Octave of Epiphany, this year January 12. Pope Leo XIII instituted this feast in 1893. He spoke of the Holy Family in his Apostolic Letter Neminem Fugit, saying,

“When a merciful God determined to complete the work of human reparation which the world had awaited throughout long ages, He so established and designed the whole, that from its very inception, it would show to the world the sublime pattern of a divinely constituted family. In this all men should see the perfect example of domestic unity, and of all virtue and holiness. Such was the Holy Family of Nazareth.... There is no doubt that all those virtues of ordinary home life, those acts of mutual love, holy behavior and pious practices shone forth in the highest degree in this Holy Family, destined to be a model for all others. Accordingly, the benign dispositions of Providence fashioned that Family so that every individual Christian, whatever his condition or station, by turning his attention to it, could find in it easily, reason and incentive for the exercise of every virtue.

Fathers of families, for example, have in St. Joseph a shining pattern for watchfulness and foresight. Mothers have in the most Holy Virgin Mother of God an extraordinary model of love, of modesty, of submissiveness of mind, and of perfect faith. Children of the family have in Jesus, Who was subject to Joseph and Mary, a divine example of obedience to admire, cultivate and imitate.... Nothing truly can be more salutary or efficacious for Christian families to meditate upon than the example of the Holy Family, which embraces the perfection and completeness of all domestic virtues. When Jesus, Mary and Joseph are invoked in the home, there They foster charity, there They exert a good influence over conduct, set an example of virtue, and make more bearable the hardships of every life.”

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The following prayer, “Consecration to the Holy Family,” is a fitting prayer to recite on this feast day. As we consecrate ourselves and our families to this most Holy Family, may we grow in virtue and love of God, helping one another reach our ultimate goal of heaven.

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Consecration to the Holy Family

O Jesus, our most loving Redeemer, who having come to enlighten the world with Thy teaching and
example, didst will to pass the greater part of Thy life in humility and subjection to Mary and Joseph in the poor home in Nazareth, thus sanctifying the Family that was to be an example for all Christian families, graciously receive our family as it dedicates and consecrates itself to Thee this day. Do Thou defend us, guard us and establish amongst us Thy holy fear, true peace, and concord in Christian love: in order that, by conforming ourselves to the divine pattern of Thy family, we may be able, all of us without exception, to attain to eternal happiness.

Mary, dear Mother of Jesus and Mother of us, by thy kindly intercession make this our humble offering acceptable in the sight of Jesus, and obtain for us His graces and blessings.

O Saint Joseph, most holy guardian of Jesus and Mary, assist us by thy prayers in all our spiritual and temporal necessities; that so we may be enabled to praise our divine Savior Jesus, together with Mary and thee, for all eternity.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be (three times each)

+ Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, save souls! +

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of Epiphany

And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11).

The Blessed Mother spoke thus to Ven. Mary Agreda, "My daughter, great were the gifts which the Kings offered to my most holy Son; but greater still was the affection with which they offered them and the mystery concealed beneath them. On account of all this they were most acceptable to His Majesty... Thy ceaseless offer, however, must be love, which is the gold; continual prayer, which is the incense; and the patient acceptance of labors and true mortifications, which is the myrrh. All that thou dost for the Lord, thou should offer up to Him with fervent affection and promptitude, without negligence or fear; for negligent works, and those not enlivened by love, are not an acceptable sacrifice in the eyes of His Majesty. In order to make those incessant offerings, it is necessary that Divine faith and light continually inflame thy heart, having before thy eyes the great object of thy praise and exaltation, ..." (Mystical City of God).

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As the Church commemorates the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, may we heed our Lady's words and remember to always offer ourselves and our entire day to our Blessed Lord, making a gift, an offering of love to Him each morning. One prayer to fulfill this task is the traditional morning offering. Another prayer fitting to be said as a daily prayer is a short, but beautiful prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori for the feast of the Epiphany. St. Alphonsus’ prayer makes a loving offering to our Lord on this most glorious feast of Epiphany, which commemorates the manifestation of the glory of Christ.

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Offering by St. Alphonsus

O Jesus, my Infant King! I also adore Thee, and offer Thee my miserable heart. Accept it and change it. Make it wholly Thine own, so that it may love nothing but Thee. My sweet Saviour, save me, and let my eternal happiness be to love Thee always and without reserve. O Mary, most holy Virgin, I hope for this grace from thee.

"Give me, therefore, I pray Thee, this gold, this incense, and this myrrh. Give me the gold of Thy holy love; give me the spirit of holy prayer, give me the desire and strength to mortify myself in everything that displeases Thee. I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee; but Thou knowest my weakness, oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee!" — St Alphonsus Liguori

God bless!

+JMJ+

Consecration of One's Children to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Merry Christmas to everyone!!!  I pray you are having a holy, joy-filled Christmas season!

I did not mean to stop blogging for so long.  The last few weeks have been busy, but very blessed.  I plan to post more regularly again and hope to write a few extra posts in addition.  I do have two birthdays coming up--one this week and one next--so hopefully I can keep up with my plans.  😊

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Remember you can find prayers for Epiphany and other related posts here, here, here, and here.  I also have a prayer request I would greatly appreciate you to include in your prayers.  I am currently expecting our seventh child, a boy, and until now this pregnancy has been going wonderfully.
However, I had an appointment with my doctor today (a week early because I have been experiencing quite a few headaches lately) and discovered my blood pressure has begun to climb again.  My doctor prescribed blood pressure medicine (labetalol), which I took with Erin.  Please pray the pressures improve or remain steady and do not develop into preeclampsia as they did with Moira and Erin.  My due date is mid-March, so please pray I can make it to term and our newest addition remains healthy.  Thank you so much!  May God reward you!

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As I was thinking of our little one, I thought this post would be a perfect time to provide a prayer to consecrate one's children to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  What could be more helpful to the spiritual life of our children than to consecrate them to the Holy Family, asking them to watch over and guide them!  January seems a very fitting time to pray this consecration.  It is recommended that parents pray a consecration for their children at least once during their lives, but it would also be a wonderful tradition to pray this consecration for your children yearly.

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Consecration of One's Children to Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

(Adapted from a prayer by St John Eudes.)

O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary, I come to Thee as an unworthy parent, and I humbly consecrate to thy Most Sacred Heart, now and for eternity, the soul of my child (name). I surrender him/her to Thy sweet yoke and place him/her at the foot of Thy Cross. I offer Thee for him/her the most loving Heart of Thy Most Holy Mother Mary, which is more precious and pleasing to Thee than all hearts, and I beg Thee by her merits to show Thyself to him/her a Savior.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus, I come to Thee as an unworthy parent, and I humbly consecrate to thy Most Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, now and for eternity, the soul of my child (name). I offer Thee for him/her the most adorable Heart of Thy Son Jesus, who is the life, love and joy of Thy own Heart, and I beg Thee by the infinite merits of the Divine Son, Thou who art our Mother in the order of grace, to obtain the grace of salvation for my child.

O glorious St. Joseph, I come to thee and ask thee to take under thy special protection my child (name). I consecrate him/her to thee today, that through this consecration he/she may become your foster child. Guard him/her, guide his/her steps in life, and form his/her heart after the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. O glorious St. Joseph, who felt the tribulation and worry of a parent when the child Jesus was lost, protect him/her for time and eternity. May you be his/her father and counselor. Preserve him/her from the corruption of this world, and obtain for us the grace to be united in heaven forever. Amen.

Blessed be the Most Sacred and Loving Heart of Jesus and the most Immaculate Heart of Mary in eternity and forever.  Amen.  St. Joseph, pray for us.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer for the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

To Saint Paul for Perseverance

O glorious Saint Paul, who, from being a persecutor of the Christian name, didst become its most zealous Apostle, and who, to carry the knowledge of Jesus, our divine Saviour, to the uttermost parts of the earth, didst joyfully suffer prison, scourgings, stonings, shipwreck, and all manner of persecutions, and who didst finish thy course by shedding the last drop of thy blood: obtain for us the grace to accept, as favors bestowed by the mercy of God, the infirmities, sufferings, and misfortunes of this life, that we may not grow slack in our service of God by reason of these vicissitudes of our exile, but that we may the rather show ourselves ever more devoted. Amen.
V. Pray for us, Saint Paul the Apostle.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O God, who hast taught the multitude of the Gentiles by the preaching of blessed Paul the Apostle: grant unto us, we beseech Thee, that we who keep his memory sacred, may feel the might of his intercession before Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
--The Raccolta

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Sequence for the Conversion of St. Paul

(Corde, voce pulsa caelos)

Church of the Gentiles! sing with heart and voice thy hymn of triumph, and make the heavens echo.
Paul, the Doctor of the Gentiles, has finished his course, and triumphs in glory.
This is he that was the youthful Benjamin, the ravenous wolf, the devourer of the prey, the enemy of the Faithful.
He was a wolf in the morning, but in the evening, a lamb. The night was past, the day-star rose, and he preaches the Gospel.
This is he that marched in the road of death, but was stayed, as he goes to Damascus, by Him who is the Way of Life.
He had breathed forth threats, but at length he yields; he prostrates, and obeys; he is made captive, and goes whither he is led.
He is sent to Ananias–the wolf to the lamb: his stormy heart is calm.
He receives the sacrament of the font; its saving waters turn the venom of his soul into the fragrance of love.
He becomes a sacred vessel, a vessel divine, a vessel that gives forth to men the sweet wine of the grace of doctrine.
He visits the synagogues, and proves the Christian faith by unfolding the prophets.
He preaches the cross of Christ; and for that Cross’ sake himself does bear the cross, dying a thousand deaths.
Yet dies not, but is a living victim, conquering every pain by unconquered courage.
He is set apart by God as the teacher of the Gentiles; and by the wisdom of God he overcomes the wise ones of the world.
Rapt to the third heaven, he sees the Father and Son in one substance.
The mighty Rome, and the learned Greece– both bow down their heads, and learn the Mysteries, and embrace the Faith of Christ.
The Cross triumphs! Then does Nero rage to see this Paul spreading the Faith by his preaching, and sentences him to die by the sword.
Thus disheartened from the flesh, Paul sees the true Sun, the Only Begotten of the Father.
He sees the Light in Light, by whose almighty power we shun the pains of hell. Amen

"For the rest, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever modest, whatsoever just, whatsoever holy, whatsoever lovely, whatsoever of good fame, if there be any virtue, if any praise of discipline, think on these things." --Philippians 4:8

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer for the Month of the Holy Name

"That in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ in the glory of God the Father."  --Philippians 2:10-11

O Good Jesus

O Good Jesus! O most tender Jesus! O most sweet Jesus! O Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, full of mercy and kindness! O sweet Jesus, according to Thy great mercy, have pity on me! O most merciful Jesus, I entreat Thee by that Precious Blood of Thine, which Thou didst will to pour forth for sinners, to wash away all my iniquities, and to look upon me, poor and unworthy as I am, humbly asking pardon of Thee, and invoking this Holy Name of Jesus.

O Name of Jesus, sweet Name! Name of Jesus, Name of joy! Name of Jesus, Name of strength! Nay, what meaneth the Name of Jesus but Saviour? Wherefore, O Jesus, by Thine own holy Name, be to me Jesus, and save me. Suffer me not to be lost--me, whom Thou didst create out of nothing. O good Jesus, let not my iniquity destroy what Thy almighty goodness made. O sweet Jesus, recognize what is Thine own, and wipe away from me what is not of Thee! O most kind Jesus, have pity on me while it is the time of pity, and condemn me not when it is the time of judgment. The dead shall not praise Thee, Lord Jesus, nor all those who go down into hell.

O most loving Jesus! O Jesus, most longed for by Thine own! O most gentle Jesus! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, let me enter into the number of Thine elect. O Jesus, salvation of those who believe in Thee; Jesus, Son of Mary the Virgin, pour into me grace, wisdom, charity, chastity, and humility that I may be able perfectly to love Thee, to enjoy Thee, to serve Thee, and make my boast in Thee, together with all those who invoke Thy name, which is Jesus.   Amen.

+JMJ+

God bless!

A Hymn for the Feast of Epiphany

You can find some of our family's traditions for the feast of the Epiphany in this post.  Today we will be finishing up our Epiphany Novena, which is such a beautiful, simple prayer, and while I did not accomplish the 12 days of Christmas daily surprise, as I had planned, we will be offering Jesus our "three gifts" and making a 12th Night Rum Cake.  The children will also receive the three family gifts (as long as they arrive in time).   Early on the Epiphany our family will begin our day with Mass at our beautiful FSSP parish, which our family is so blessed to a part of.  I hope the Christmas season has been one of joy for you and your families; know you remain in my prayers.

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The following hymn "Hostis, Herodes Impie," which was written during the 5th century is actually the last four verses of the hymn "A Solis Ortus Cardine" and is recited during Vespers on the Feast of the Epiphany.  You can listen to this beautiful Latin hymn here.

Hostis, Herodes Impie Hostis, Herodes impie, Christum venire quid times? Non eripit mortalia, qui regna dat caelestia. Ibant Magi, quam viderant,3 stellam sequentes praeviam: Lumen requirunt lumine: Deum fatentur munere. Lavacra puri gurgitis caelestis Agnus attigit: peccata, quae non detulit, nos abluendo sustulit. Novum genus potentiae: aquae rubescunt hydriae, vinumque iussa fundere, mutavit unda originem. Iesu, tibi sit gloria, qui apparuisti gentibus, cum Patre, et almo Spiritu, in sempiterna saecula. Amen.

Why, Impious Herod, Vainly Fear Why, impious Herod, vainly fear that Christ the Savior cometh here? He takes no earthly realms away Who gives the crown that lasts for aye. To greet His birth the Wise Men went, led by the star before them sent; called on by light, towards Light they pressed, and by their gifts their God confessed. In holy Jordan's purest wave the heavenly Lamb vouchsafed to lave; That He, to whom was sin unknown, might cleanse His people from their own. New miracle of power divine! The water reddens into wine: He spake the word: and poured the wave in other streams than nature gave. All glory, Lord, to Thee we pay for Thine Epiphany today; all glory as is ever meet, to Father and to Paraclete. Amen.

I pray you have a blessed Feast of the Epiphany of our Lord!

God bless!

+JMJ+

In Honor of our Lord's Blessed Name

A beautiful devotion for January, the month of the Holy Name of Jesus, is the recitation of the hymn “Iesu, Dulcis Memoria.” This twelfth century hymn, originally written in Latin, was composed by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. “Iesu, Dulcis Memoria” is a hymn of exceptional sweetness, and it is considered one of the greatest hymns of the Church. The song in its entirety contains 48 stanzas and was sung on the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. However, the portion of the hymn given in English below was used at Vespers. Throughout the month of January, may we honor our Lord by honoring His Holy Name, expressing our love and praise of Him just as St. Bernard penned in this beautiful hymn.  (You can hear the Latin version sung here.)

"Adoration of the Shepherds"

Jesu, Dulcis Memoria IESU, dulcis memoria, dans vera cordis gaudia, sed super mel et omnia, eius dulcis praesentia. Nil canitur suavius, nil auditur iucundius, nil cogitatur dulcius, quam Iesus Dei Filius. Iesu, spes paenitentibus, quam pius es petentibus! quam bonus te quaerentibus! sed quid invenientibus! Nec lingua valet dicere, nec littera exprimere: expertus potest credere, quid sit Iesum diligere. Sis, Iesu, nostrum gaudium, qui es futurus praemium: sit nostra in te gloria, per cuncta semper saecula. Amen.

Jesus, Sweet Memory Jesus, the very thought of Thee With sweetness fills the breast! Yet sweeter far Thy face to see And in Thy presence rest. No voice can sing, no heart can frame, Nor can the memory find, A sweeter sound than Jesus' name, The Savior of mankind. O hope of every contrite heart! 0 joy of all the meek! To those who fall, how kind Thou art! How good to those who seek! But what to those who find? Ah! this Nor tongue nor pen can show The love of Jesus, what it is, None but His loved ones know. Jesus! our only hope be Thou, As Thou our prize shalt be; In Thee be all our glory now, And through eternity. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Our Crosses

"If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." (Lk 9:23).

The crosses we encounter in our daily lives, when "taken up," or accepted cheerfully and offered to God, bring us in closer relationship to Our Lord, sanctifying us and creating in us a spirit strengthened against the temptations of the world.  Often in modern times crosses are viewed in a negative way, seen as a burden to be avoided.  However, instead we need to strive to recognize in them ways of purifying ourselves and making reparation for our sins.  

Thomas a Kempis spoke of daily crosses, saying, 

"To many the saying, ‘deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me,’ seems hard. How much harder, however, will the words on the Day of Judgment be: Depart from Me, you accursed ones, into the everlasting fire. Those who follow the cross willingly now, will not fear the last judgment. When the Lord comes to judge, the Sign of the Cross will be in the heavens; then will those servants of the cross, who in their lifetime made themselves one with the Crucified, draw near with great trust to Christ, the Judge.

Why are you afraid, then, to take up the cross when through it you can win an eternal kingdom? In the cross is salvation; in it is life; in it is protection from your enemies; in it is strength of mind; in it is joy of spirit; in it is the highest virtue; in the cross is perfect holiness.

Take up your cross and follow Jesus, and you will merit eternal life."

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St. Francis de Sales wrote a beautiful prayer entitled "Your Cross" in which he describes the cross as a gift.  May we also be able to see our crosses as gifts from God, welcoming them and embracing them as a means to reach Our Lord.

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Your Cross

The everlasting God has in His wisdom foreseen from eternity the cross that He now presents to you as a gift from His inmost heart.  This cross He sends you He has considered with His all-knowing eyes, understood with His divine mind, tested with His wise justice, warmed with loving arms and weighed with His own hands to see that it be not one inch too heavy for you.  He has blessed it with His holy Name, anointed it with His consolation, taken one last glance at you and your courage, and then sent it to you from heaven, a special greeting from God to you, an alms of the all-merciful love of God.
--St. Frances de Sales

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With the Lenten season drawing near it is common practice for Catholics to choose sacrifices to offer up for Lent.  These sacrifices become "little crosses" to bear throughout this penitential season in reparation for our sins and the sins of the world.  They, like our daily crosses, help to strengthen and purify us.  Our Lady encourages us, as she encouraged the three children at Fatima, to not only accept our crosses, but also embrace them, offering them for the conversion of sinners and in reparation for sins and offenses committed against our Lord and our Lady.  

As we begin the Lenten season, may we remember to embrace our "little crosses," as we should our daily crosses, not just giving up something to do it, but to give it up out of love for God.  May we be thankful each day for every chance to offer ourselves out of love for our Lord, just as He offered His life for love of us.  May we love the cross for love of Him.

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An Act of Abandonment

O my God, I thank you and I praise you for accomplishing your holy and all-lovable will without any regard for mine.  With my whole heart, in spite of my heart, do I receive this cross I feared so much!

It is the cross of Your choice, the cross of Your love.  I venerate it; nor for anything in the world would I wish that it had not come, since You willed it.

I keep it with gratitude and with joy, as I do everything that comes from Your hand; and I shall strive to carry it without letting it drag, with all the respect and all the affection which Your works deserve.
Amen.
--St. Frances de Sales

Hymn Honoring Our Lord

The hymn “O Jesus Thou the Beauty Art,” which is attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, is a beautiful devotion to recite in honor of the Holy Name of Jesus. As we speak or sing these words to Jesus, may our souls and hearts be filled with the Love that is Our Lord. Just as the angels bow low in adoration and awe before His most Sacred Name, may we always honor this sweet Word that heals the sick, raises the dead, and gives joy and hope to the world!

I love listening to Traditional Latin chant, and this hymn sounds beautiful in chant.  If you would like to listen to it, this link provides an amazing rendition.

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O Jesus Thou the Beauty Art O Jesus, Thou the beauty art Of Angel worlds above! Thy name is music to the heart, Enchanting it with love! Celestial sweetness unalloyed! Who eat The hunger still, Who drink of Thee still feel a void Which naught but Thou canst fill! O my sweet Jesus! Hear the sighs Which unto Thee I send! To Thee my inmost spirit cries My being's hope and end! Stay with us, Lord, and with Thy light Illume the soul's abyss; Scatter the darkness of our night And fill the world with bliss. O Jesu! Spotless Virgin flower! Our life and joy! To Thee Be praise, beatitude and power, Through all eternity! Amen.

Jesu Decus Angelicum Jesu, decus angelicum, in aure dulce canticum, in ore mel mirificum, in corde nectar caelicum. Qui te gustant, esuriunt, qui bibunt, adhuc sitiunt; desiderare nesciunt, nisi Iesum, quem diligunt. O Iesu mi dulcissime, spes suspirantis animae! Te quaerunt piae lacrimae, Te clamor mentis intimae. Mane nobiscum, Domine, et nos illustra lumine; Pulsa mentis caligine, Mundum reple dulcedine. Iesu, flos Matris Virginis, amor nostrae dulcedinis, Tibi laus, honor nominis, regnum beatitudinis. Amen.

--The Raccolta

Blessed be the Holy Name of Jesus without end!

+JMJ+

Act of Reparation for Blasphemies Uttered Against the Holy Name

The second Commandment tells us, “Thou shall not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Still often during our day, we hear the name of God said irreverently, out of carelessness, anger, or lack of concern. May we remember this commandment of God and strive to ensure our use of the Lord's Name is only spoken with love and reverence!

This Name 'that is above all names' is the source of joy in the hearts of the faithful, the source of miracles, as worked by the Apostles “in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ,” the source of our salvation, and even the source of terror for demons.

As St. Bernard of Clairvaux wrote,

“If we call to our minds the Name of Jesus, it brings before us His most meek and humble heart, and gives us a new knowledge of His most loving and tender compassion. The Name of Jesus is the purest, and holiest, the noblest and most indulgent of names, the Name of all blessings and of all virtues; it is the Name of the God-Man, of sanctity itself.” 

The saints often wrote that the simple recitation of the Holy Name of Jesus, said with true love and devotion, is a source of great joy to God, our Lady, and the angels. With this knowledge also comes the realization of the sorrow that must arise when the Holy Name of God is used irreverently. The month of January, dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, is a fitting time for the faithful to make an act of reparation for these blasphemies spoken against our Lord's most sweet and powerful Name.

Act of Reparation for Blasphemies Uttered Against the Holy Name

O Jesus, my Savior and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold, we kneel before Thee and offer Thee our reparation; we would make amends for all the blasphemies uttered against Thy holy name, for all the injuries done to Thee in the Blessed Sacrament, for all the irreverence shown toward Thine immaculate Virgin Mother, for all the calumnies and slanders spoken against Thy spouse, the holy Catholic and Roman Church. O Jesus, who has said: "If you ask the Father anything in My name, He will give it to you," we pray and beseech Thee for all our brethren who are in danger of sin; shield them from every temptation to fall away from the true Faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss; to all of them give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity! For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Thy name, unto God the Father, with whom Thou livest and reignest in the unity of the Holy Spirit world without end.   Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+