For the Great Feast of the Ascension of our Lord

From a sermon by Pope Leo the Great, we read, “Christ's Ascension has given us greater privileges and joys than the devil had taken from us. Accordingly, dearly-beloved, throughout this time which elapsed between the Lord's Resurrection and Ascension, God's Providence had this in view, to teach and impress upon both the eyes and hearts of His own people that the Lord Jesus Christ might be acknowledged to have as truly risen, as He was truly born, suffered, and died. And hence the most blessed Apostles and all the disciples, … were so strengthened by the clearness of the truth that when the Lord entered the heights of heaven, not only were they affected with no sadness, but were even filled with great joy. And truly great and unspeakable was their cause for joy, when in the sight of the holy multitude, above the dignity of all heavenly creatures, the Nature of mankind went up, to pass above the angels' ranks and to rise beyond the archangels' heights, and to have Its uplifting limited by no elevation until, received to sit with the Eternal Father, It should be associated on the throne with His glory, to Whose Nature It was united in the Son. Since then Christ's Ascension is our uplifting, and the hope of the Body is raised, whither the glory of the Head has gone before, let us exult, dearly-beloved, with worthy joy and delight in the loyal paying of thanks. For today not only are we confirmed as possessors of paradise, but have also in Christ penetrated the heights of heaven, and have gained still greater things through Christ's unspeakable grace than we had lost through the devil's malice. For us, whom our virulent enemy had driven out from the bliss of our first abode, the Son of God has made members of Himself and placed at the right hand of the Father, with Whom He lives and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.”

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The following prayer is one of adoration and thanksgiving to God. The prayer recognizes God's work in our whole life, and adores Him, thanks Him, and humbly seeks His mercy. Our lives are filled with God's love in every aspect of our day and night, and it is important to recognize His presence and love in each moment, even the most ordinary. Sometimes this requires slowing down and giving our heart to Almighty God. May we always remember to thank Him for His great gifts to us. However, as the great feast of the Ascension of our Lord draws near, let us especially thank our Lord for His Ascension into heaven, praising Him with immense joy as Pope Leo suggested in his sermon. 

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An Act of Adoration and Thanksgiving

O Eternal God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost; the beginning and end of all things, in Whom we live and move and have our being; prostrate before Thee in body and soul, I adore Thee with the most profound humility. I bless Thee and give Thee thanks for all the benefits Thou has conferred upon me, especially that Thou hast created me out of nothing, made me after Thine own image and likeness, redeemed me with the Precious Blood of Thy Son, and sanctified me with Thy Holy Ghost. I thank Thee that Thou hast called me into Thy Church, helped me by Thy grace, admitted me to Thy Sacraments, watched over me by Thy special Providence, blessed me, notwithstanding my sins and unworthiness, with Thy continuing and gracious protection, and for all the innumerable blessings which I owe to Thy undeserved bounty. I thank Thee especially for having preserved me during the past night and for bringing me in safety to the beginning of another day. What return can I make to Thee, O my God, for all that Thou hast done for me? I will bless Thy Holy Name and serve Thee all the days of my life. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me praise His Holy Name. Amen. 

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The following hymn is from the 7th or 8th century and is for Vespers of the feast of the Ascension of our Lord.

Hail, Thou who man’s Redeemer Art 

Hail, Thou who man’s Redeemer art, 

Jesu, the joy of every heart; 

Great Maker of the world’s wide frame,

 And purest love’s delight and flame: 

What nameless mercy Thee o’ercame, 

To bear our load of sin and shame? 

For guiltless, Thou Thy life didst give, 

That sinful erring man might live. 

The realms of woe are forced by Thee, 

Its captives from their chains set free; 

And Thou, amid Thy ransomed train, 

At God’s right hand dost victor reign. 

Let mercy sweet with Thee prevail, 

To cure the wounds we now bewail; 

Oh, bless us with Thy holy sight, 

And fill us with eternal light. 

Our guide, our way to heavenly rest, 

Be Thou the aim of every breast; 

Be Thou the soother of our tears, 

Our sweet reward above the spheres.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer to Our Queen

Beginning on Candlemas, February 2, and extending through Spy Wednesday in Holy Week, Holy Mother Church honors our Lady with the hymn "Ave Regina Caelorum."  It is believed to have been composed by 11th century Benedictine Monk Herman Contractus; the hymn honors our Lady as Queen of Heaven and of the Angels, and begs Mary to intercede for man as our mediator with Christ.

Ave Regina Caelorum Ave, Regina caelorum, Ave, Domina Angelorum: Salve, radix, salve, porta Ex qua mundo lux est orta: Gaude, Virgo gloriosa, Super omnes speciosa, Vale, o valde decora, Et pro nobis Christum exora.

Hail, Queen of Heaven Hail, O Queen of Heaven enthroned. Hail, by angels mistress owned. Root of Jesse, Gate of Morn Whence the world's true light was born: Glorious Virgin, Joy to thee, Loveliest whom in heaven they see; Fairest thou, where all are fair, Plead with Christ our souls to spare.

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Following this idea of Mary as Queen of heaven and earth, the following prayer written by Pope Pius XII provides the faithful with a fitting way to honor Our Lady and ask for her intercession in all our needs.

Prayer to our Queen

Out of the depths of this valley of tears, through which suffering humanity painfully struggles, up from the billows of this sea, endlessly buffeted by the waves of suffering, we raise our eyes to thee, most beloved Mother Mary, to be comforted by the contemplation of thy glory and to hail thee as Queen of Heaven and earth, Queen and Mother of mankind. With legitimate filial pride, we wish to exalt thy queenship and to recognize it as due to the sovereign excellence of thy entire being, O dearest one truly Mother of Him Who is King by right, by inheritance and by conquest. 

Reign, O Mother and Queen, by showing us the path of holiness, and by guiding and assisting us that we may never stray from it. In the heights of Heaven, thou doth exercise thy primacy over the choirs of Angels, who acclaim thee as their sovereign, and over the legions of Saints who delight in beholding thy radiant beauty. So, too, reign over the entire human race above all by opening the path of faith to those who do not yet know your Divine Son. Reign over the Church which acknowledges and extols thy gentle dominion and has recourse to thee as a safe refuge amid the calamities of our day. Reign especially over that part of the Church which is persecuted and oppressed; give it strength to bear adversity, constancy never to yield under unjust compulsion, light to avoid falling into the snares of the enemy, firmness to resist overt attack, and at every moment unwavering faithfulness to thy kingdom. 

Reign over the minds of men, that they may seek only what is true; over their wills, that they may follow solely what is good; over their hearts, that they may love nothing but what thou thyself loveth. Reign over individuals and over families, as well as over societies and nations; over the assemblies of the powerful, the counsels of the wise, as over the simple aspirations of the humble. Reign in the streets and the squares, in the cities and the villages, in the valleys and the mountains, in the air, on land and on the sea; and hear the pious prayer of all those who recognize that thine is a reign of mercy, in which every petition is heard, every sorrow comforted, every misfortune relieved, every infirmity healed, and in which, at a gesture from thy gentle hands, from death itself there arises smiling life. 

Obtain for us that all who now, in every corner of the world, acclaim and hail thee Queen and Mistress, may one day in Heaven enjoy the fullness of thy kingdom in the vision of thy Divine Son, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

--Pope Pius XII

God bless!

+JMJ+

Seven Joys of Mary

 Paschaltide is a fitting time to ponder the seven Joys of our Heavenly Mother, the Resurrection being the greatest.  Dom Gueranger writes, "The thought of these forty days, during which Mary still possesses her Divine Son on this earth, reminds us of those other forty of Bethlehem, when we  paid our affectionate homage to the young Virgin Mother, who fed her divine Babe at her Breast; we heard the Angels singing their Gloria, we saw the Shepherds and the Magi; all was exquisite sweetness...  What changes have happened since that dear time!...The Lamb, the gentle little Lamb, has become the Lion of the tribe of Juda; and Mary, the Mother of the Babe of Bethlehem, is equally the Mother of the glorious Conqueror.  With what delight does He not show the glories of His victories to His Mother!  His work is done, and now He is the beautiful crowned King of Ages...  He honours her during these His last Forty Days on earth, with every possible mark of affection.  He satisfies her maternal love by frequently visiting her.  How admirable must not these interviews be between such a Son and Mother!...  O Mary! by these hours of joy, which repaid thee for those long bitter ones of thy Jesus' Passion, pray to Him for us..."

One devotion that honors the joys of our Lady is the Franciscan Crown, also known as the Seraphic Rosary. It is a seven decade Rosary that focuses on the seven joys of Mary and originated in the 1400s when a Franciscan novice was given the practice by our Lady in order to honor her.  While the novice prayed the Franciscan Crown, the novice master noticed an Angel weave a garland of roses, inserting a white lily at the end of each tenth Ave.  When the novice finished the prayer, the Angel crowned him with the  garland.  The practice of praying the Franciscan Crown spread from this point.

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In order to pray this devotion to Mary, begin with the Apostles Creed, one Pater, and three Aves.  Then continue praying through the joys of our Lady, including one Pater and ten Aves for each of her seven joys:  the Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Adoration of the Magi, the Finding of Jesus, the Resurrection, the Assumption, and the Coronation.  To finish the devotion, pray an additional two Aves.

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Sequence for the Seven Joys of Mary

Rejoice, O Virgin, Star of the Sea, dearest Spouse of Christ! for the Angel of our salvation announced to thee an exceeding great joy. Cleanse us from our sins, O Virgin Mother! and speak to our heart of the joys that never end.

Rejoice, O spotless Mother! in that thou conceivedst of the Holy Ghost, and broughtest forth thy Child, as the star emits its ray. Grant, that we may ever be fruitful in works of salvation. Take these barren hearts of ours, and, by thy merciful prayers, make them fertile.

Rejoice, O beautiful Lily! at the adoration and gifts paid, by the Magi, to thy new-born Babe. O happy Mother! pray, that we may ever imitate them, and give to God what their gifts signified.

Rejoice, O Mother! at the praises spoken by Simeon, when, at thy presenting Jesus in the Temple, he took the Child in his arms. Grant, we beseech thee, that we may serve thy Son with purity and earnestness of heart.

Rejoice, and, with all thy soul’s power, be glad at thy Son’s rising from the grasp of Death. Mercifully obtain for us, that we may rise from our sins, and have our hearts set free from the pressure of its many vices.

Rejoice, in that thou hadst the happiness to see thy Son ascend into heaven, where he is seated on his Father’s throne. Grant, that, at the end of the world, we may, without fear, welcome his return.

Rejoice, O Virgin of virgins! who, after thy life’s course was run, wast raised up, by thy sweet Jesus, above the stars. Grand, that we miserable creatures may be raised from our sins, and, after this miserable life, be led to our true country.  Amen.

Alleluia!  God bless!

+JMJ+

St. Alphonsus Liguori's Consecration to Mary

St. Louis de Montfort wrote, “Our entire perfection consists in being conformed, united, and consecrated to Jesus Christ. Hence the most perfect of all devotions is undoubtedly that which conforms, unites and consecrates us most perfectly to Jesus Christ.  Now, since Mary is of all creatures the one most conformed to Jesus Christ, it follows that among all devotions that which most consecrates and conforms a soul to our Lord is devotion to Mary, his Holy Mother, and that the more a soul is consecrated to her, the more will it be consecrated to Jesus Christ.”

The custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary began in the 13th century, and by the end of the 1800s, the devotion was universally accepted and encouraged throughout the Church. It is the oldest instance of a devotion extending over an entire month.  During this month it is fitting to consecrate oneself to our Lady, to express our love and devotion to her.  May we always strive to imitate our Blessed Mother, heeding her call to prayer and penance for our souls and for the whole world.

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Dedication of One's Self to Mary

Most holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, I., N., although most unworthy to be thy servant, yet moved by thy wonderful compassion and by my desire to serve thee, I now choose thee, in the presence of my Guardian Angel and of the whole Celestial court, for my especial Lady, Advocate and Mother: and I firmly purpose always to love and serve thee for the future and to do whatever I can to induce others to love and serve thee also. I beseech thee, O Mother of God, and my most compassionate and loving Mother, by the Blood which thy Son shed for me, to receive me in the number of thy servants, to be thy child and servant forever. Assist me in all my thoughts, words, and actions in every moment of my life, so that every step I take and every breath that I draw may be directed to the greater glory of my God; and through thy most powerful intercession, may I never more offend my beloved Jesus, but may I glorify Him, and love Him in this life, and love thee, my most beloved and dear Mother, and thus love thee and enjoy thee in Heaven for all eternity. Amen. My Mother Mary, I recommend my soul to thee now and especially at the hour of my death.

--St. Alphonsus Liguori

Lovely Rose, if thou dost deign
Love to lavish still on me,
Grant my heart such love to gain
That it die for love of thee.

My Lady, grant this grace to me
To love thee until death;
And when I die, to call on thee
Still with my latest breath.

My hope art thou, O Mary blest,
Sweet star of life's dark sea;
Ah, guide me safe to port of rest,
And open Heaven to me.

--St.Alphonsus Liguori

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayers Requested and Our Lady of Fatima

+  Please remember in your prayers Fr. Goodwin, FSSP, who suffered a major stroke today.  He is currently in the hospital in a coma.  Please pray for a speedy recovery for him, or, if it is God's will instead, his entrance into heaven.  May God reward you.  +

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Tomorrow, October 13, is the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun in connection with the appearances of Our Lady of Fatima.  To honor Mary on this day, it would be most fitting to recite the Rosary and do acts of penance, as Our Lady requested at Fatima.  Another method through which to honor our Lady of Fatima is the recitation of the following prayer, "Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima."  In this beautiful prayer we pray for Mary's intentions, rather than our own, realizing that nothing we could ask could be as perfect as her requests.  We, her children, give her our hearts, trusting her to love and guide us as our Heavenly Mother.

The prayer is labeled a novena, so it would be most appropriate to pray it nine days prior to this anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima, beginning on October 4, or nine days prior to Our Lady of Fatima's feast (which is on May 13).  It could also be prayed for nine days beginning with October 13, this anniversary of her appearance, and extended from there.  Such a beautiful prayer also seems like a wonderful prayer to recite throughout October, to provide our Heavenly Mother with greater devotion and love from us.  

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima

Immaculate Heart of Mary, my Mother, I come to you this day as a little child in prayer.  I beg to make this offering of my heart as simple and childlike as I can.  The three little ones of Fatima have taught us what it is that  pleases your maternal heart.

I earnestly desire that all the people of the world be brought back to a humble knowledge and love of the Sacred Heart of your dear Son.  I pray, dear Mother of my God, that the indescribable beauty and the glow-white purity of your own Immaculate Heart may so captivate our souls that we will detest all sin and dedicate our lives to the honor and glory of the God Who created us.  As much as I feel the need of many things, I do not dare in this novena, Mother Mary, to ask one selfish petition for myself.  You revealed the secrets of your own sad heart at Fatima and begged for the restoration of the world to God.  What can I ask of greater good than to unite my heart to yours in this great yearning?  What can I add but the fervent prayer that all the world may listen to your pleading?

I give my heart to you, my heavenly Queen, and in utmost confidence I leave to you the choice of what is best for me in answer to my prayer of love and reparation.  Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, I give you my heart.  Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima, I put my trust entirely in you.  

Immaculate Heart of the Mother of my God, we implore, through your powerful intercession the conversion of the hearts of men, complete victory over sin, and the return of peace which you have promised.  Amen.  

God bless!

+JMJ+

Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

***First I want to apologize for the layout of my blog recently.  Many of the pictures are missing and some in the sidebar are over-sized.  I am unsure of the reasons for these problems, but I am trying to resolve them.  Thank you for your patience.

***Also you can find a novena for Ascension Thursday at this post.  It would begin today in order to end on the vigil of the Feast of Ascension.
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During the month of May, which is dedicated by Holy Mother Church, to the Blessed Virgin Mary, one way to honor the Queen of heaven and earth is with a May Crowning, during which a statue of Mary is crowned with a wreath of flowers, honoring our Lady as Queen.  (The Feast of the Queenship of Mary traditionally is celebrated on May 31).  
A fitting prayer to recite during this month is "The Crown of Twelve Stars," written by St. John Calasanctius.  In this prayer we praise the Most Blessed Trinity in thanksgiving for the great gift of our Lady, our Queen, our Mother.  What a gift, too, our Lady is to her children!  Throughout the month of May and always, may we be mindful to thank God for Mary and to thank the Blessed Mother for her endless help.  Through her prayers and intercession for us, we are showered with God's grace and love.  Our most holy Mother is deserving of our prayers, thanks, and love!  

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"So your strength is failing you?  Why don't you tell your Mother about it:  'consolatrix affictorum, auxilium christianorum..., Spes nostra, Regina apostolorum' --'comforter of the afflicted, help of Christians..., our Hope, Queen of Apostles!'  Mother!  Call her with a loud voice.  She is listening to you; she sees you in danger, perhaps, and she--your holy Mother Mary--offers you, along with the grace of her Son, the refuge of her arms, the tenderness of her embrace... and you will find yourself with added strength for the new battle."--The Way (515-516)

The Crown of Twelve Stars

Let us offer praise and thanksgiving to the Most Holy Trinity, Who hath shown us the Virgin Mary, clothed with the sun, the moon between her feet, and on her head a mystic crown of twelve stars.
R. For ever and ever.  Amen.

Let us praise and thank the Divine Father, Who elected her for His daughter.
R. Amen. Recite an Our Father.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who predestined her to be the Mother of His Divine Son.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who preserved her from all stain in her conception.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who adorned her at birth with His most excellent gifts.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Father, Who gave her Saint Joseph to be her companion and most pure spouse.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

Let us praise and thank the Divine Son, Who chose her for His mother.
R. Amen. Recite an Our Father.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who became incarnate in her bosom and there abode for nine months.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who was born of her and was nourished at her breast.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who in His childhood willed to be taught by her.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Divine Son, Who revealed to her the mystery of the Redemption of the world.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

Let us praise and thank the Holy Spirit, Who took her for His spouse.
R. Amen. Recite an Our Father.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, Who revealed first to her His Name of Holy Spirit.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whose operation she was at once Virgin and Mother.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whose power she was the living-temple of the ever-blessed Trinity.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary.

Praised be the Holy Spirit, by Whom she was exalted in Heaven above every living creature.
R. Amen. Recite a Hail Mary and a Glory Be.

--St. Joseph Calasanctius

(The Raccolta)

God bless!

+JMJ+

For Mother's Day

This Sunday we celebrate Mother's Day, a day on which we remember the love our own mothers have shown us and in return honor them in a special way. One simple, but beautiful way to shower love upon our mothers is to pray to Our Lord, asking Him to bless them with His grace and mercy, and to our Lady, that she may keep them forever beneath her mantle of protection.

On this special day of honoring mothers, may we also remember to render special honor to Mary, the Mother of Our Lord and of each of us. John 19:26-27 relates that while on the cross, Jesus addressed His Mother and the disciple whom He loved, saying to His Mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” To the disciple John, he said, “Behold, your mother!” With these words Our Lord gave to Mary a universal motherhood; thus she became Mother to all people. Holding onto this knowledge, may each of us this day and always embrace Mary as Mother, and, just as we lean to our own earthly mothers for guidance and love, may we commend ourselves with full confidence to the maternal love of Mother Mary.

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Act of Consecration

Most Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, I (full name), most unworthy though I am to be thy servant, yet touched by thy motherly care for me and longing to serve thee, do, in the presence of my guardian angel and all the court of heaven, choose thee this day to be my queen, my advocate, and my mother, and I firmly purpose to serve thee evermore myself 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, I beg thee, deign to take me among thy clients and receive me as thy servant forever.

Aid me in my 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 my death. Amen.

--St. Francis de Sales

God bless!

+JMJ+

A Petition to Mary

***You can find the Novena for Ascension Thursday here.  This year it will begin on May 5.  You can also find more prayers for the month of May here.

St. Alphonsus Liguori wrote the beautiful prayer below, honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom the Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of May. In this prayer we venerate our Holy Mother, expressing our love and gratitude for her help as we strive to grow in grace. We also beg for her continual prayers and guidance, even at the last moment of our death.

“A Petition to Mary” is a fitting prayer for Mary's month; not only does it beautifully honor our lady with words of love, but it also recognizes her as Mother, just as we honor our own mothers during May. Furthermore St. Alphonsus' prayer addresses Mary as Queen. Traditionally on May 31 Holy Mother Church honors Mary's Coronation (although this feast has been changed to August 22 in the new calendar).  A common practice for Catholics during the month of May is a May Crowning when a statue of the Blessed Mother is crowned with flowers, honoring her as Queen of Heaven.

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A Petition to Mary

Most holy Virgin Immaculate, my Mother Mary, to thee who art the Mother of my Lord, the queen of the universe, the advocate, the hope, the refuge of sinners, I who am the most miserable of all sinners, have recourse this day. I venerate thee, great queen, and I thank thee for the many graces thou has bestowed upon me even unto this day; in particular for having delivered me from the hell which I have so often deserved by my sins. I love thee, most dear Lady; and for the love I bear thee, I promise to serve thee willingly forever and to do what I can to make thee loved by others also. I place in thee all my hopes for salvation; accept me as thy servant and shelter me under thy mantle, thou who art the Mother of mercy. And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or at least obtain for me the strength to overcome them until death. From thee I implore a true love for Jesus Christ. Through thee I hope to die a holy death. My dear Mother, by the love thou bearest to Almighty God, I pray thee to assist me always, but most of all at the last moment of my life. Forsake me not then, until thou shalt see me safe in heaven, there to bless thee and sing of thy mercies through all eternity. Such is my hope. Amen.

--by St. Alphonsus Liguori

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A common practice for Catholics during the month of May is a May Crowning when a statue of the Blessed Mother is crowned with flowers, honoring her as Queen of Heaven.  A beautiful hymn that is sometimes sung during a May Crowning is "Bring Flowers of the Rarest.''  You can listen to a lovely rendition here.

Bring Flowers of the Rarest

Bring flow'rs of the fairest,
Bring flow'rs of the rarest,
From garden and woodland
And hillside and vale;
Our full hearts are swelling,
Our glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

Chorus:
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Our voices ascending,
In harmony blending,
Oh! Thus may our hearts turn

Dear Mother, to thee;
Oh! Thus shall we prove thee
How truly we love thee,
How dark without Mary
Life's journey would be.

Chorus:
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

O Virgin most tender,
Our homage we render,
Thy love and protection,
Sweet Mother, to win;
In danger defend us,
In sorrow befriend us,
And shield our hearts
From contagion and sin.

Chorus:
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

Of Mothers the dearest,
Oh, wilt thou be nearest,
When life with temptation
Is darkly replete?
Forsake us, O never!
Our hearts be they ever
As Pure as the lilies
We lay at thy feet.

Chorus:
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May,
O Mary! we crown thee with blossoms today,
Queen of the Angels, Queen of the May.

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I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a family friend, Mark, who recently doctors told has leukemia.  Further tests are to be run soon for confirmation.  I know he, his wife, and children also would be very grateful for your prayers of healing and strength.  Thank you!

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of St. Isidore the Farmer

On May 15 Holy Mother Church honors St. Isidore the Farmer. The patron saint of farmers, St. Isidore lived in Madrid, Spain in the 1100s and worked as a farmer. His greatest focus, however, was God. He always attended daily Mass, and while working in the fields, St. Isidore prayed continually to the Lord. He and his wife, who is also a saint, devoted their simple lives to God, working, praying, caring for the poor, and trusting in the Lord. It is said that while St. Isidore attended Mass, his guardian angel would continue his work in the fields.  He gave God his all, trusting in the Lord to care for his daily needs. We would do well to imitate these virtuous qualities, striving to make daily Mass a priority in our lives instead of attending when we feel our schedule allows.

 The following prayer asks St. Isidore to help us attain the same love for the Holy Mass which he possessed so that we too may grow daily in holiness. We can also ask for St. Isidore's intercession for much needed rain (anyway it is needed in Kansas).

Prayer to St. Isidore the Farmer

Good Saint, we are told that your devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was so great that you would rise before it was light in order to be able to attend Mass before beginning your work in the fields. Obtain for us, we pray you, some of that loving devotion to the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. There it is that the fruits of our farm labor, bread and wine, are brought and offered to God by the priest. Then, in the consecration, Christ Himself, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, becomes present on our altars under the appearances of this same bread and wine. And in what was the altar bread, He comes to us to be the very food of our souls. If we deeply realize the value and beauty of Holy Mass, we will be very happy to attend as often as we possibly can.

Help us to understand that in the Mass we offer ourselves to God with Christ by the hands of the priest. There we can bring to God all that we do, and offer it to Him in union with His Holy Sacrifice. The oftener we do this now, the happier we shall be hereafter. Good Saint Isidore, bless us and our labors, that we may some day reap the reward of good works with you in heaven. Amen.

Marian Prayer for the Month of May

Holy Mother Church devotes the month of May to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Just as we honor our own earthly mothers especially during this month, so we should also remember our heavenly Mother and seek her guidance and help in our lives. The prayer below is a beautiful devotion to our Lady that is to be said during the month of May. Through the recitation of this prayer, may we grow in grace, imitating Mary's holiness and love for the Lord.

              To the Blessed Virgin Mary for May

O most august and blessed Virgin Mary! Holy Mother of God! Glorious Queen of heaven and earth! Powerful protectress of those who love thee, and unfailing advocate of all who invoke thee! Look down, I beseech thee, from thy throne of glory on thy devoted child; accept the solemn offering I present thee of this month, specially dedicated to thee, and receive my ardent, humble desire, that by my love and fervor I could worthily honor thee, who, next to God, art deserving of all honor. Receive me, O Mother of Mercy, among thy best beloved children; extend to me thy maternal tenderness and solicitude; obtain for me a place in the Heart of Jesus, and a special share in the gifts of His grace. O deign, I beseech thee, to recognize my claims on thy protection, to watch over my spiritual and temporal interests, as well as those of all who are dear to me; to infuse into my soul the spirit of Christ, and to teach me thyself to become meek, humble, charitable, patient, and submissive to the will of God.

May my heart burn with the love of thy Divine Son, and of thee, His blessed Mother, not for a month alone, but for time and eternity; may I thirst for the promotion of His honor and thine, and contribute, as far as I can, to its extension. Receive me, O Mary, the refuge of sinners! Grant me a Mother's blessing and a Mother's care, now, and at the hour of my death.  Amen.

St. Joseph the Worker

Blessed Easter season!!!  May the joy of this holy season fill each of your days.

On May 1 the Catholic Church honors St. Joseph as St. Joseph, the Worker. St. Joseph provides a wonderful example of living each moment of one's life in union with God's plan. Throughout his time in Nazareth of caring for Mary and Jesus, St. Joseph lived a quiet life, dedicated to God's service. He did not desire praise and attention, but instead St. Joseph was content with faithfulness to God in each day's duties. Whether protecting and providing for his family, teaching Jesus his trade, or simply carrying out the daily responsibilities of a carpenter, St. Joseph worked diligently to ensure his work was done for God and in union with God's plan. We would do well to imitate him. Whether a small child, student, or adult employed in a career or caring for a family, we are all called to use each moment of our day, including our daily, repetitive toils to bring others to Christ and glorify Him, just as St. Joseph sought to do. When we offer our moments and work to God and do our duties out of love for Him, no matter what the task, those moments gain worth. On this feast of St. Joseph the Worker let us strive to imitate this saint's untiring devotion, humility, and service to God. An excellent prayer for this feast, composed by Pope Pius X, follows.

Prayer to St. Joseph, Patron of Workers

O glorious St. Joseph, model of all who are devoted to toil, obtain for me the grace to toil in the spirit of penance, in order thereby to atone for my many sins; to toil conscientiously, putting devotion to duty before my own inclinations; to labor with thankfulness and joy, deeming it an honor to employ and to develop by my labor the gifts I have received from Almighty God; to work with order, peace, moderation and patience, without ever shrinking from weariness and difficulties; to work, above all, with a pure intention and with detachment from ourselves, having always before my eyes the hour of death and the accounting which I must then render of time ill-spent, of talents unemployed, of good undone and of empty pride in success, which is so fatal to the work of God. All for Jesus, all through Mary, all in imitation of you, O Patriarch Joseph! This shall be my motto in life and in death. Amen.

---composed by Pope Pius X

St. Joseph, pray for us!