St. Catherine of Siena's Constant Prayer to the Precious Blood of Jesus

 A short, but beautiful prayer that would be wonderful to make into a daily recitation especially during the month of July would be the following prayer, "Constant Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena to the Precious Blood of Jesus." During this month may we remember the awesome power of the Precious Blood of our Lord to obtain for us forgiveness of our sins and relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory. May we implore Jesus daily to offer His Most Precious Blood to our Heavenly Father, sending down mercy and divine Love upon us, our families, and the world. May we always remember the necessity of daily prayer and sacrifice for reparation of sin and conversion of the world; no matter our vocation it is our duty to pray and do penance for these intentions.

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Constant Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena to the Precious Blood of Jesus 

Precious Blood, 

ocean of divine mercy: 

Flow upon us! 

Precious Blood, 

most pure offering: 

Procure us every grace! 

Precious Blood, 

hope and refuge of sinners: 

Atone for us! 

Precious Blood, 

delight of holy souls: 

Draw us! Amen. 

 - St. Catherine of Siena

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer to the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

The month of July is dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus, with a particular feast celebrated on July 1.  The following prayer adores our Lord who shed His Blood, His Life for our salvation.  May we always strive to perform acts of reparation in honor of our Lord's Passion.  May we love Him continually as our Lord, our Savior, and our God.

Prayer for July, the Month of the Most Precious Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ

Most Precious Blood of life eternal! price and ransom of the whole universe! drink and bath of the soul! ever pleading the cause of man before the throne of heavenly Mercy; I adore Thee most profoundly: I would, if I were able, make Thee some compensation for the outrages and wrongs Thou dost ever suffer from men, and especially from those who in their rashness dare to blaspheme Thee. Who will not bless this Blood of value infinite? Who does not feel himself inflamed with the love of Jesus, who shed it all for us? What should I be but for this Blood, which hath redeemed me? And who drew it out of the veins of my Lord, even unto the last drop? It was love. 

O immense love, which gave to us this saving Balsam! O Balsam beyond all price, streaming forth from the Fount of immeasurable love! Give to all hearts, all tongues, power to praise, celebrate, and thank Thee, now and ever, and throughout all eternity. Amen. 

Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Savior of the world, and hast willed to be appeased with His Blood; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate this Blood, the price of our salvation, and so to be defended by its power upon earth from the evils of this present life, that in heaven we may enjoy its everlasting fruit. Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene

Holy Mother Church honors St. Mary Magdalene on July 22.  Pope St. Gregory the Great spoke of St. Mary Magdalene, saying,
“Thinking upon the repentance of Mary Magdalene, I am more ready to weep than to say anything. For what heart of stone would not be softened to a like repentance by the tears of this sinner? She considered what she had done, and would not be mod­erate in what she was then doing. She broke in upon the guests, she came uninvited, she brought her tears to the banquet. You may un­derstand with what sorrow she burns, in that she is not ashamed to weep even at a feast.
But this woman, whom Luke calls a woman who was a sinner, is named by John—it is Mary; and we believe she was that Mary from whom, as Mark bears witness, seven devils were cast forth. And what is typified by seven devils, if not all the vices? For since all time is counted by periods of seven days, by the number seven, completeness is rightly represented. Mary then had seven devils, be­cause she was full of all the vices.
But, behold, when she saw the stains of her foulness, she ran to wash herself at the fountain of mercy, and had no shame before the guests. Indeed, since she felt so much shame in herself, she counted it as nothing to be out­wardly disgraced...” (Pope St. Gregory the Great, Homily 33 on the Gospels).

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Known as the Penitent, St. Mary Magdalene was also present at Our Lord's Crucifixion and one of the first at the empty tomb.  Fourteen years after Jesus' death, St. Mary Magdalene, with Sts. Martha and Lazarus, Maximin, who baptized her, Sara, her maid, Sidonius, who was the man born blind, and the body of St. Anne, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, were set adrift, eventually landing on the shores of southern France.  From that time, St. Mary Magdalene continued her life of penance, living in a cave as a contemplative and mystic.  Her only food was the Blessed Sacrament that she received daily from her angel.  After being transported miraculously to the chapel of St. Maximin, she received the last sacraments and died at the age of 72.  Like St. Mary Magdalene, we, too, should strive daily to do penance for our sins and grow in love of Our Lord, leaving no excuses for lives of mediocrity.

You can listen to they hymn at his link:

Maria Magdalene

(Music by Andrea Gabrieli)

Maria Magdalena et altera Maria Ibant diluculo ad monumentum Jesum, Jesum, quem quaeritis, non est hic, Surrexit, praecedet vos in Galilaeam, Ibi eum videbitis. Alleluia.

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary Went forth at dawn to the tomb of Jesus; Jesus whom you seek, is not here; He has risen, and has gone before you into Galilee; There you will see Him. Alleluia.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Tears of St. Mary Magdalene with Promise

St. Mary Magdalene said to St. Mechtilde: "Whoever shall give God thanks for all the tears I shed upon the feet of Jesus, our most merciful God will grant him, through my intercession, remission of all his sins before his death, and a great increase of love of God."
O most merciful Jesus, I give Thee thanks for that work of piety which the blessed Mary Magdalene wrought on Thee, when she washed Thy feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed them and anointed them with fragrant ointment; whereby she obtained from Thee such signal grace that Thou didst pour into her heart and soul so great a love of Thee, that she could love nothing apart from Thee; beseeching Thee, that by her merits and intercessions Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give me tears of true repentance and pour into my heart Thy Divine love. Amen.

Act of Consecration to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus

St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, when in ecstasy, once exclaimed: "Every time a creature offers up the Blood by which he was redeemed, he offers a gift of infinite worth, which can be equaled by no other." God revealed the practice of making the offering of His Precious Blood to St. Mary Magdalen, telling her that little effort is made by people to lessen His Divine justice against sinners. In response St. Mary Magdalen daily offered the Precious Blood fifty times for the souls of the living and the dead. She did this with so much love that our Lord revealed to the numerous souls who had thereby been converted or delivered from Purgatory.

We would do well to imitate St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi, each day offering the Precious Blood of our Lord in reparation for sins, the conversion of sinners, and for the poor souls in Purgatory.  The month of July, dedicated to the Precious Blood of Jesus, is a fitting time to begin this devotion in earnest.  Two prayers are provided for devotion to the Precious Blood of our Lord.

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Precious Blood Offering

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, in satisfaction for my sins, in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church [especially for the soul of (Name)].

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Act of Consecration to the Most Precious Blood

Blood of Jesus, inebriate me! O Jesus, my Beloved Savior, ever present in the Tabernacle, to be the strength, the joy and the food of souls, I come to consecrate myself to Thy Precious Blood, and to pledge Thee my sincere love and fidelity. Pierced with sorrow at the remembrance of Thy sufferings, the contemplation of the Cross, and the thought of the outrages and contempt lavished by ungrateful souls upon Thy dear Blood, I long, O my Jesus, to bring joy to Thy Heart, and to make Thee forget my sins, and those of the whole world, by consecrating my body and soul to Thy service. I desire, my Jesus, to live henceforth, only by Thy Blood and for Thy Blood. I now choose It as my greatest treasure and the dearest object of my love.

O merciful Redeemer, deign to regard me as a perpetual adorer of Thy Most Precious Blood, and be pleased to accept my prayers, my deeds and my sacrifices, as so many acts of reparation and love.

Heavenly Wine, giver of purity and strength, pour down upon my soul. Make of my heart a living chalice from which grace shall constantly flow on those that love Thee, and especially on poor sinners that offend Thee. Teach me to honor Thee and to make Thee honored by others. Give me power to draw to Thee cold and hardened hearts, that they may feel how Thy consolations surpass those of the world.

O Blood of my Crucified Savior, detach me from the world, and the spirit of the world. Make me love suffering and sacrifice, after the example of St. Catherine of Sienna, who loved Thee so much[and whom I choose again today as my special patroness].

O Precious Blood, be my strength amid the trials and struggles of exile. Grant that at the hour of death I may be able to bless Thee for having been the comfort and the sanctification of my soul, before becoming, in Heaven, the everlasting object of my love and praise.

Saints of God, who owe thy happiness to the Blood of Jesus; Angelic spirits, who sing Its glory and power, august Virgin, who to It owest the privileges of thine Immaculate Conception and Divine Maternity, help me to pay to the Precious Blood of my Redeemer a perpetual homage of adoration, reparation and thanksgiving.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Flos Carmeli

On July 16 Holy Mother Church honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On July 16, 1251 Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock after he prayed for help for his Order, the Carmelites. She appeared to him with the scapular and said, "Take, beloved son, this scapular of thy order...; whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire. It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant."

Later the Carmelite scapular was modified to the small form for use by the laity that they may share in the great graces associated with it once they are enrolled in it. These graces, called the Sabbatine privilege, meant that Mary promised to intercede and pray for those in Purgatory who, while on earth, wore the scapular worthily, lived chastely according to their state, recited the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Rosary daily, and departed earthly life in charity.

Wearing the Brown Scapular of Our Lady is not a guarantee of salvation, but it is a sign of our decision to follow Jesus and a way to honor Our Mother, reminding us of how we should act to fulfill God's plan for us. It is a sign of our trust in Mary to pray for and care for us as our Mother and Queen in heaven.

"Flos Carmeli," which means Flower of Carmel is a Carmelite hymn and prayer, written by St. Simon Stock.  Tradition states that St. Simon prayed this prayer for the first time during that time of great difficulty for the Carmelite Order.  He begged our Lady with love and faith to help him in his need, and she answered his plea.  Thus the Flos Carmeli prayer continues to be prayed to our Lady, with faith that she will hear our prayers. 

Originally Holy Mother Church used the sequence on the feast of St. Simon, but in 1663 it became the sequence for the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The following novena prayer is from the first two verses of the sequence.  As a novena, this prayer would be prayed from July 7-15 to finish the day before this feast of Our Lady.

Flos Carmeli Novena Prayer

Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel,
fruitful vine, splendor of heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God,
Immaculate Virgin,
assist me in this my necessity. (name your intention)
O, Star of the Sea,
help me and show me herein you are my mother.

O holy Mary, Mother of God,
Queen of Heaven and Earth,
I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart,
to succor me in this necessity;
there are none that can withstand your power.
O show me herein that you are my Mother.

Our Lady, queen and beauty of Carmel,
pray for me and obtain my requests.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.

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Flos Carmeli Sequence

Flower of Carmel, Tall vine blossom laden; Splendor of heaven, Childbearing yet maiden. None equals thee. Mother so tender, Who no man didst know, On Carmel's children Thy favors bestow. Star of the Sea. Strong stem of Jesse, Who bore one bright flower, Be ever near us And guard us each hour, who serve thee here. Purest of lilies, That flowers among thorns, Bring help to the true heart That in weakness turns and trusts in thee. Strongest of armor, We trust in thy might: Under thy mantle, Hard press'd in the fight, we call to thee. Our way uncertain, Surrounded by foes, Unfailing counsel You give to those who turn to thee. O gentle Mother Who in Carmel reigns, Share with your servants That gladness you gained and now enjoy. Hail, Gate of Heaven, With glory now crowned, Bring us to safety Where thy Son is found, true joy to see.  Amen.

Flos Carmeli, florigera, splendor caeli, virgo puerpera singularis. Mater mitis sed viri nescia Carmelitis esto propitia stella maris. Radix Iesse germinans flosculum nos ad esse tecum in saeculum patiaris. Inter spinas quae crescis lilium serva puras mentes fragilium tutelaris. Armatura fortis pugnantium furunt bella tende praesidium scapularis. Per incerta prudens consilium per adversa iuge solatium largiaris. Mater dulcis Carmeli domina, plebem tuam reple laetitia qua bearis. Paradisi clavis et ianua, fac nos duci quo, Mater, gloria coronaris. Amen

God bless!

+JMJ+

Honoring Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Act of Consecration to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O Mary, Queen of all Saints, who art the beauty of Carmel,
how sweet it is for me to venerate thee under the title of
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Even from the days of the Apostles,
thou hast been honored under this mystic title; I am
filled with joy as I consecrate myself to thee, O holy Mary,
most unworthy though I am to be thy servant, yet touched
by thy motherly care for me and longing to serve thee, in
the presence of my Guardian Angel and the court of Heaven,
I choose thee this day to be my Queen, my Advocate, and
my Mother, and I firmly purpose to serve thee ever more and
to do what I can that all may render faithful service to thee.

Therefore, most devoted Mother, through the Precious Blood
thy Son poured out for me, and through the promises of thee as
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, I beg thee, deign to take me among
thy clients and receive me as thy servant forever.

O beauty of Carmel, glory of Libanus, thou purest of lilies,
mystic rose in the garden of the Church, I salute thee!
O Virgin of virgins, be mindful of me in my misery, and show
thyself my Mother. Shed upon me ever more and more the
living light of that faith which made thee blessed; inflame with that
Heavenly love wherewith thou didst love thy dear Son, Jesus Christ.

Do thou, Mother of God, who hast such power and might, obtain
for me from blessed Jesus, the Heavenly gifts of humility, chastity,
and meekness, which were the fairest ornaments of thine
Immaculate soul. Do thou grant me to be strong in the midst
of the temptations and bitterness which so often overwhelm my spirit.
Aid me in every action, and beg for me the grace, never, by word or
deed or thought, to be displeasing in thy sight and that of thy most
holy Son. Think of me my dearest Mother, and desert me not at
the hour of death. Amen. [Kiss your scapular.]

Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of the Scapular, pray for us!

God bless!

+JMJ+

Chaplet to the Precious Blood

“Whenever anything disagreeable or displeasing happens to you, remember Christ crucified and be silent.” --St. John of the Cross

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The following devotion consists of seven mysteries in which one meditates on the seven main sheddings of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ. The Our Father is said five times after each mystery except for the last, when it is said three times------in all thirty-three times in honor of the thirty-three years of Our Savior's life on earth.

Chaplet of the Precious Blood of Jesus

V. O God, come to my assistance!
R. Lord, make haste to help me!
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost,
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

First Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision.
Let us ask for chastity of soul and body.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Second Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood in the Agony while praying in the Garden of Olives.
Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Third Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood in the Scourging at the Pillar.
Let us ask for patience and self control.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Fourth Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood in the Crowning with Thorns.
Let us ask for humility to atone for pride.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Fifth Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His Cross to Calvary.
Let us ask for acceptance of our daily crosses.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Sixth Mystery
Jesus shed His Blood in the terrible Crucifixion.
Let us ask for contrition.
Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

Seventh Mystery
Jesus shed Blood and water from His side pierced by the Lance.
Let us ask for perseverance.
Our Father three times, Glory be to the Father once.

V. We pray Thee, Lord, help Thy servants!
R. Whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood!

God bless!

+JMJ+

In Honor of our Lord's Sacred Heart and Precious Blood

On the traditional calendar this Sunday is the external Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (June 28 is the actual feast day of our Lord's Sacred Heart in 2019.  The date of this feast always falls on the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi.)  Immediately following on July 1, is the feast of the Precious Blood of Jesus.  With these two great devotions residing so near to one another, a fitting prayer to recite is the "Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus."  This simple, but beautiful prayer honors our Lord's most Sacred Heart, while at the same time recognizing the infinite merit of the shedding of Jesus' most Precious Blood in relation to our salvation.  May we strive throughout July, the month dedicated to the Precious Blood, to offer sacrifices in reparations for our sins, for which He suffered and died

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Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus

O my Most Loving and Gentle Jesus, I desire with all
the affections of my heart, that all beings created and
uncreated, should praise Thee, honor Thee and glorify
Thee eternally for that Sacred Wound wherewith Thy
Divine side was rent. I deposit, enclose, conceal in that
wound and in that opening in Thy Heart, my heart and
all my feelings, thoughts, desires, intentions
and all the faculties of my soul.
I entreat Thee, by the Precious Blood and Water that flowed
from Thy Most Loving Heart, to take entire possession of me,
that Thou may guide me in all things.

Consume me in the burning fire of Thy Holy Love,
so that I may be so absorbed and transformed
into Thee that I may no longer be but one
with Thee. Amen.

Salvéte Christi vúlnera

Salvéte, Christi vúlnera, Imménsi amóris pígnora Quibus perénnes rívuli Manant rubéntis sánguinis. Nitóre stellas víncitis Rosas odóre et bálsama, Prétio lapíllos Indicos, Mellis favos dulcédine. Per vos patet gratíssimum Nostris asylum méntibus; Non huc furor minántium Umquam penétrat hóstium. Quot Jesus in prætório Flagélla nudus éxcipit! Quot scissa pellis úndique Stillat cruóris gúttulas! Frontem venústam, proh dolor! Coróna pungit spínea, Clavi retúsa cúspide Pedes manúsque pérforant. Postquam sed ille trádidit Amans volénsque spíritum, Pectus ferítur láncea, Geminúsque liquor éxsilit. Ut plena sit redémptio, Sub torculári stríngitur; Suíque Jesus ímmemor, Sibi nil resérvat sánguinis. Veníte quotquot críminum Funésta labes ínficit; In hoc salútis bálneo Qui se lavat, mundábitur. Sequens Conclusio numquam mutátur. Summi ad Paréntis déxteram Sedénti habénda est grátia, Qui nos redémit sánguine, Sanctóque firmat Spíritu. Amen.

Hail, holy wounds of Jesus, hail, Sweet pledges of the saving Rood, Whence flow the streams that never fail, The purple streams of his dear Blood! Brighter than brightest stars ye shew; Than sweetest rose your scent more rare; No Indian gem may match your glow; Nor honey's taste with yours compare. Portals ye are to that dear home Wherein our wearied souls may hide, Whereto no angry foe can come, The Heart of Jesus crucified. What countless stripes our Jesus bore, All naked left in Pilate's hall! From his torn flesh how red a shower Did round his sacred person fall! O shame and woe! his comely head Was riven by a thorny crown; Upon the Cross, by woundings dread, His hands and feet were nailed down. But when for our poor sakes he died, A willing Priest by love subdued, And that sharp lance transfixed his side, Forth flowed the Water and the Blood. In full atonement of our guilt, Careless of self, the Saviour trod, E'en till his Heart's best Blood was spilt, The wine-press of the wrath of God. Come, bathe you in the healing flood, All ye who mourn, by sin oppressed; Your only hope is Jesus' Blood, His sacred Heart your only rest. This Ending is never changed. All praise to him, Eternal Son, At God's right hand enthroned above, Whose Blood our full redemption won, Whose Spirit seals the gift of love. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayers in Honor of the Precious Blood for the Holy Souls

With July, the month of the Precious Blood, drawing near, I thought it would be most fitting to post this wonderful set of prayers.  The following prayers are set up to pray daily for at least a week, honoring the Precious Blood of our Lord, and beseeching Him, through His sufferings, relief for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.  

Prayers in Honor of the Precious Blood 

for the Holy Souls in Purgatory for Each Day of the Week

For Sunday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed in the garden, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and amongst them all especially that soul which is most destitute of aid; and bring it to Thy glory, there to praise and bless Thee forever. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Monday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and amongst them all, especially that Soul which is nearest to its entrance into Thy glory; that so, it may soon begin to praise and bless Thee forever. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Tuesday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and in particular, amongst them all, deliver that one which would be the last to issue from those pains, that it tarry not so long a time before it comes to praise Thee in Thy glory and bless Thee forever. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Wednesday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed through the streets of Jerusalem when He carried the crust upon His sacred shoulders, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and especially that Soul which is richest in merits before Thee; that so, on that throne of glory which awaits it, it may magnify Thee and bless Thee forever. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Thursday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Body and Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus, which He gave with His Own hand upon the eve of His passion to His beloved Apostles to be their meat and drink, and which He left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and life-giving food of His Own faithful people, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and especially that one which was most devoted to this mystery of infinite love; that, with Thy Divine Son, and with Thy Holy Ghost, it may ever praise Thee for this Thy wondrous love in Thy eternal glory. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Friday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son shed on this day, upon the wood of the Cross, from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and especially that Soul for which I am most bound to pray; that the blame rest not with me that Thou bringest it not forthwith to praise Thee in Thy glory and to bless Thee forever. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

For Saturday: Lord God omnipotent, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the side of Thy Divine Son Jesus in the sight and to the extreme pain of His most holy Mother, deliver the Souls in Purgatory, and especially that one amongst them all which was ever the most devout to this great Lady; that it may soon attain unto Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee, world without end. Amen. ***Our Father, Hail Mary, and the De Profundis

De Profundis

Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord: O Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication,
If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall abide it?
For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and because of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath waited on His word: my soul hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy; and with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayers for July, Month of the Precious Blood

As July approaches, I wanted to provide easy links to prayers for the month of the Precious Blood.  Below you will find the links to these prayers and prayers for the upcoming feasts of Sts. Peter and Paul on my blog.

Prayer to Sts. Peter and Paul
Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus
Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Prayer to St. Anne
For the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola
For the Feast of St. Camillus de Lellis

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A short, but beautiful prayer that would be wonderful to make into a daily recitation during the month of July would be the following prayer, "Constant Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena to the Precious Blood of Jesus."  During this month may we remember the awesome power of the Precious Blood of our Lord to obtain for us forgiveness of our sins and relief of the Poor Souls in Purgatory.  May we implore Jesus daily to offer His Most Precious Blood to our Heavenly Father, sending down mercy and divine Love upon us, our families, and the world.  May we always remember the necessity of daily prayer and sacrifice for reparation of sin and conversion of the world; no matter our vocation it is our duty to pray and do penance for these intentions.

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Constant Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena to the Precious Blood of Jesus

Precious Blood,
ocean of divine mercy:
Flow upon us!

Precious Blood,
most pure offering:
Procure us every grace!

Precious Blood,
hope and refuge of sinners:
Atone for us!

Precious Blood,
delight of holy souls:
Draw us! Amen.

- St. Catherine of Siena

Please note that I will be taking off the remainder of the summer in order to complete my necessary preparations for our new school year this autumn.  I hope, however, you will continue to visit and find many prayers that aid you in your spiritual life.  I pray these prayers will help you grow closer to our Lord and Lady.  Be assured of my prayers for you.

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola

Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola on July 31. While healing from a cannonball wound received in battle, Ignatius read about Christ and turned entirely to God, later founding the Jesuit order. St. Ignatius made the restoration of piety among Catholics his first concern, increasing the beauty of sacred places, providing catechetical instruction, increasing the frequency of sacraments, and giving help to any in need. His zeal for spreading God's love and the salvation of souls was marvelous, and he worked at these tirelessly.
St. Ignatius is known by many for his book the Spiritual Exercises, which are a set of meditations and prayers focused on detaching the soul from the world and finding God's will for your life and are a spiritual treasure that would be wonderful to use to increase one's devotion.

In the Spiritual Exercises, St. Ignatius strongly recommends making a daily examination of conscience to take stock of one's day. If this is not part of your schedule, try to include it. It recalls the Morning Offering and examines the day with love, contrition, and gratitude.

To make an examination, St Ignatius suggests five steps. In summary they are:

***Recall you are in the presence of God Who is your Creator and Who loves you. Give thanks to God for this day's gifts. Ask for the Holy Spirit's help to examine yourself without condemnation or complacency. Now examine how you lived this day in relation to God, to neighbor, and to self. Review the day, hour by hour. What was God trying to tell you through the events and the people you encountered today? Pray words of reconciliation and resolve. Having reviewed this day of your life, look upon yourself with compassion and see your need for God, remembering His love for you. Express sorrow for sin, give thanks for grace, and praise God for the times you responded in ways that allowed you to better see God's life. Most of all, thank God for how He used you as an instrument of his love, peace, and mercy.

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St. Ignatius also wrote a prayer named the Suscipe; suscipe is the Latin word for receive. This prayer was not included in St. Ignatius' four week Spiritual Exercises,. Instead St. Ignatius attached the Suscipe to the end of the Exercises as additional material for the “contemplation for attaining love.” At this point Ignatius focused on the immeasurable love of God for all of creation and all that God has given, even His Life. Then Ignatius ponders what he might offer to such a loving God, and as the prayer relates, the answer is himself. The Suscipe is a brief but beautiful prayer that everyone could use as a form of meditation and offering to God.

Suscipe

Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
--St. Ignatius of Loyola

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer to St. Anne

I apologize for not posting last week.  We recently moved, and life is just now getting back into a more normal routine.  I pray everyone is having a blessed summer!

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On July 26 Holy Mother Church honors St. Anne. St. Anne was married to St. Joachim who, in the new calendar, is also celebrated on this day. St. Anne was chosen by God to be the mother of Mary, and thus the grandmother of Jesus. Sts. Joachim and Anne's lives centered around prayer and good works, and they raised their daughter in the grace of God. Humbly following the Divine Will of God, these holy parents gave their only child, Mary, to God at the age of three when she went to live in the Temple, consecrated to Him; they did not see her again.
St. Anne is the patron saint of mothers, and provides a model for mothers. However, she and Joachim also provide a holy example for each of us, illustrating by their lives trust in God's Will and sacrifice to fulfill it. We would all do well to pray to this holy pair, asking for their help in truly hearing God's call in each of our lives. Below is a prayer asking for St. Anne's intercession that we may grow in love of Christ and Mary, imitating her virtues.

A Prayer to Saint Anne

With my heart full of the most sincere venerations, I prostrate myself before thee, O glorious Saint Anne. Thou art that creature of privilege and predilection, who by thy extraordinary virtues and holiness didst merit from God the high favor of giving life to her who is the Treasury of all graces, blessed among women, the Mother of the Word Incarnate, the most holy Virgin Mary. By virtue of so lofty a privilege, do thou deign, O most compassionate saint, to receive me into the number of thy true clients, for so I profess myself and so I desire to remain throughout my entire life.

Shield me with thine effectual patronage and obtain for me from God the power to imitate those virtues wherewith thou wast so plentifully adorned. Grant that I may know and weep over my sins in bitterness of heart. Obtain for me the grace of most active love for Jesus and Mary, and resolution to fulfill the duties of my state of life with faithfulness and constancy. Save me from every danger that confronts me in life, and help me at the hour of death, that so I may come in safety to paradise, there to sing with thee, O most happy mother, the praises of the Word of God made Man in the mother of thy most pure daughter, the Virgin Mary. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be (three times)

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of St. Camillus de Lellis

On July 18 (July 14 on the universal calendar) Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Camillus de Lellis who was born in Italy in 1550. Canonized in 1746, St. Camillus is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and the sick. After being wounded while serving as a soldier, St. Camillus attempted to enter the Capuchin Order; however, his leg wound would not heal, so he was refused admittance. Finally under the guidance of St. Philip Neri, St. Camillus was ordained a priest and started his Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers to the Sick, recognizable by a red cross worn on their black cassocks. St. Camillus worked diligently to care for the sick and the poor with extreme generosity and love, even seeking them out in the slums and prisons. He and his other companions risked their own lives to care for any in need when Rome was struck with epidemic and famine, holding the needs of others above their own comfort and safety.

St. Camillus often advised others with the words, “Brother, if you commit a sin and take pleasure in it, the pleasure passes but the sin remains. But if you do something virtuous even though you are tired, the tiredness passes but the virtue remains.”

While the following prayer is appropriate to pray at any time of the year, it can also be prayed as a novena in preparation for the Feast of Saint Camillus. Begin the novena on July 9 (or July 5 on the universal calendar) to end it on the eve of the Feast of St. Camillus.

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Prayer to St. Camillus de Lellis for the Sick Poor

O glorious Saint Camillus, special patron of the sick poor, thou who for forty years, with truly heroic charity, didst devote thyself to the relief of their temporal and spiritual necessities, be pleased to assist them now even more generously, since thou art blessed in heaven and they have been committed by Holy Church to thy powerful protection. Obtain for them from Almighty God the healing of all their maladies, or, at least, the spirit of Christian patience and resignation that they may sanctify them and comfort them in the hour of their passing to eternity; at the same time obtain for us the precious grace of living and dying after thine example in the practice of divine love. Amen.
***End each day by reciting one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Litany of the Precious Blood of Jesus

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
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 Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, save us (repeat each time***).
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word or God, ***
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, ***
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Agony, ***
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, ***
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, ***
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, ***
Blood of Christ, Price of our salvation, ***
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, ***
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, ***
Blood of Christ, river of mercy, ***
Blood of Christ, Victor over demons,***
Blood of Christ, Courage of Martyrs, ***
Blood of Christ, Strength of Confessors, ***
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, ***
Blood of Christ, Help of those in peril, ***
Blood of Christ, Relief of the burdened, ***
Blood of Christ, Solace in sorrow, ***
Blood of Christ, Hope of the penitent, ***
Blood of Christ, Consolation of the dying, ***
Blood of Christ, Peace and Tenderness of hearts, ***
Blood of Christ, Pledge of eternal life, ***
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory, ***
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, ***

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, O Lord.

V. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood. R. And made of us a kingdom for our God.

Let us Pray:
Almighty and eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may worthily adore this Price of our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of this present life so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in Heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

On July 16 Holy Mother Church honors Our Lady of Mount Carmel. On July 16, 1251 Our Lady appeared to St. Simon Stock after he prayed for help for his Order, the Carmelites. She appeared to him with the scapular and said, "Take, beloved son, this scapular of thy order...; whoever dies in this garment, will not suffer everlasting fire. It is the sign of salvation, a safeguard in dangers, a pledge of peace and of the covenant."
Later the Carmelite scapular was modified to the small form for use by the laity that they may share in the great graces associated with it once they are enrolled in it. These graces, called the Sabbatine privilege, meant that Mary promised to intercede and pray for those in Purgatory who, while on earth, wore the scapular worthily, lived chastely according to their state, recited the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Rosary daily, and departed earthly life in charity.

 Wearing the Brown Scapular of Our Lady is not a guarantee of salvation, but it is a sign of our decision to follow Jesus and a way to honor Our Mother, reminding us of how we should act to fulfill God's plan for us. It is a sign of our trust in Mary to pray for and care for us as our Mother and Queen in heaven.

 Below is a novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel; this novena would be prayed from July 7-15 to finish the day before this feast of Our Lady.

Prayer in Special Need To Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power. O, show me herein you are my Mother;

O Mary, conceived without sin, Pray for us you have recourse to thee. (Say three times.)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (Say three times.) Amen.

***Just a note:  I wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate you stopping by my blog.  I have so many other post ideas...cooking, liturgical year, homeschooling, crafts, and more.  It seems like I just never have time to get these posts done.  Currently I am preparing for next school year, and I am 14 weeks pregnant with our seventh child.  With difficulties in past pregnancies, I would appreciate any prayers you could offer for our family.  I will try to keep up with posts --and do better :), but I am trying to pace myself, so this pregnancy goes well.  God bless!