A Prayer for Holy Week

"Look at His adorable face. Look at His glazed and sunken eyes. Look at His wounds. Look Jesus in the Face. There, you will see how He loves us." ~ St. Therese of Lisieux 

Prayer to Jesus Christ to Obtain His Holy Love 

My crucified Love, my dear Jesus! I believe in Thee, and confess Thee to be the true Son of God and my Saviour. I adore Thee from the abyss of my own nothingness, and I thank Thee for the death Thou didst suffer for me, that I might obtain the life of Divine grace. My beloved Redeemer, to Thee I owe all my salvation. Through Thee I have hitherto escaped Hell; through Thee have I received the pardon of my sins. But I am so ungrateful that, instead of loving Thee, I have repeated my offenses against Thee. I deserve to be condemned, so as not to be able to love Thee any more. But no, my Jesus, punish me in any other way, but not in this. If I have not loved Thee in time past, I love Thee now; and I desire nothing but to love Thee with all my heart. But without Thy help I can do nothing. Since Thou dost command me to love Thee, give me also the strength to fulfill this Thy sweet and loving precept. Thou has promised to grant all that we ask of Thee: 'You shall ask whatever you will, and it shall be done unto you.' 

Confiding, then, in this promise, my dear Jesus, I ask, first of all, pardon of all my sins; and I repent, above all things, because I have offended Thee, O Infinite Goodness! I ask for holy perseverance in Thy grace till my death. But, above all, I ask for the gift of Thy holy love. Ah, my Jesus, my Hope, my Love, my All, inflame me with that love which Thou didst come on earth to enkindle! 

For this end, make me always live in conformity with Thy holy will. Enlighten me, that I may understand more and more how worthy Thou art of our love and that I may know the immense love Thou has borne me, especially in giving Thy life for me Grant, then, that I may love Thee with all my heart and may love Thee always, and never cease to beg of Thee the grace to love Thee in this life; that living always, and dying in Thy love I may come one day to love Thee with all my strength in Heaven, never to leave off loving Thee for all eternity. 

O Mother of beautiful love, my advocate and refuge, Mary, who art of all creatures the most beautiful, the most loving, and the most beloved of God, and whose only desire it is to see Him loved! ah, by the love thou barest to Jesus Christ, pray for me, and obtain for me the grace to love Him always, and with all my heart! This I ask and hope for from thee. Amen. 

--St. Alphonsus Liguori

May you have a blessed Holy Week!

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.

+                              +                              +

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+

An Act of Spiritual Communion

An Act of Faith before Communion

My Lord Jesus Christ, I firmly believe that I am about to receive in Holy Communion, Your Body, Your Blood, Your Soul, Your Divinity.  I believe it because You have said it, and I am ready to give my life to maintain this truth.  Amen.

+                          +                         +

The above simple, but beautiful prayer is one to be said before receiving our Lord in Holy Communion. However, unfortunately we are not always able to receive our Lord for various reasons.  In these instances Holy Mother Church teaches the efficacy of making a spiritual communion.  Spiritual communion, according to St. Thomas Aquinas, is “an ardent desire to receive Jesus in the Holy Sacrament and a loving embrace as though we had already received Him.”

+

St. John Vianney states, “If we are deprived of Sacramental Communion, let us replace it, as far as we can, by spiritual communion, which we can make every moment; for we ought to have always a burning desire to receive the good God."  He continues, saying, "Spiritual communion revives the soul as a bellows does the fire which is covered with ashes and about to die. When we feel the love of God growing cold, let us make hastily a spiritual communion!"

+

St. Leonard of Port-Maurice offers this advice for receiving spiritual communion:

"In order to facilitate a practice of such great excellence, ponder what I have to say...  [K]eeping composed externally and internally, excite in your heart an act of true contrition, and humbly striking your breast, in token that you acknowledge yourself unworthy of so great a grace, make all those acts of love, of self-surrender, of humility, and the rest, which you are accustomed to make when you communicate sacramentally, and then desire with a lively longing to receive your good Jesus, veiled in the sacrament for your benefit. And to kindle your devotion, imagine that most holy Mary, or some saint, your holy advocate, is holding forth to you the sacred particle; figure yourself receiving it, and then, embracing Jesus in your heart, reply to Him, over and over again, with interior words prompted by love: 'Come, Jesus, my Beloved, come within this my poor heart; come and satiate my desires; come and sanctify my soul; come, most sweet Jesus, come!' This said, be still; contemplate your good God within you, and, as if you really had communicated, adore Him, thank Him, and perform all those interior acts to which you are accustomed after sacramental Communion."

+

With the words of the holy Saints resounding in our minds, may we remember to make use of this practice of spiritual communions, offering a spiritual communion especially if we are unable to receive our Lord at Mass, but also frequently throughout our day.  As our Lord told St. Mechtilde, "At your awakening, long for Me with all your heart. Draw Me to you by a sigh of love, and I will come, I will perform in you all your works, and I will suffer in you all your pains."  

Also St. Pio directed one of his spiritual daughters thus, “In the course of the day, when it is not permitted you to do otherwise, call on Jesus, even in the midst of all your occupations, with a resigned sigh of the soul and He will come and will remain always united with your soul by means of His grace and His holy love. Fly with your spirit before the tabernacle, when you cannot stand before it bodily, and there pour out the ardent longings of your soul and embrace the Beloved of souls, even more than if you had been permitted to receive Him sacramentally.” 

+

Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things, and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee. Amen.
--St. Alphonsus Liguori

God bless!

+JMJ+

Keeping God in Mind throughout Our Day

"We must pray without ceasing, in every occurrence and employment of our lives - that prayer which is rather a habit of lifting up the heart to God as in a constant communication with Him."  --Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

The Saints have repeated throughout history of the need to pray throughout our day, keeping our minds upon our Lord to seek His help, to love Him, and to thank Him. We are encouraged to make use of a morning and night offering, as well as small prayers throughout our day to aid us in growing closer to God.

Angelus

"Never forget that it is at the beginning of each day that God has the necessary grace for the day ready for us. He knows exactly what opportunities we shall have to sin, and will give us everything we need if we ask him then. That is why the devil does all he can to prevent us from saying our morning prayers or to make us say them badly."
--St. John Vianney

Morning Offering

O my God, in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary [here kiss your Scapular as sign of your consecration to Mary, which carries a partial indulgence], I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus from all the altars throughout the world, joining with It the offering of my every thought, word and action of this day. O my Jesus, I desire to day to gain every indulgence and merit I can and I offer them, together with myself, to Mary Immaculate, that she may best apply them in the interests of Thy Most Sacred Heart. Precious Blood of Jesus, save us! Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!

+                         +                         +

"It is an old custom of the saints of God to have some little prayers ready and to be frequently darting them up to heaven during the day, lifting their minds to God out of the mire of this world. He who adopts this plan will obtain great fruits with little pain."--St. Phillip Neri

Prayer When the Clock Strikes

O most sweet Jesus; I commend to Thy Divine Heart all that I have done in the hour that is gone; to be cleansed and purified, and offered to God the Father for His eternal praise. And whatsoever I shall do in the hour that is beginning; I resolve to do simply and purely for the glory of God and for the salvation of all mankind; in union with Thy Passion. Amen. --Saint Gertrude and Saint Mechtilde

+                         +                         +

"I shall love You, I shall love You always; when day breaks, when evening turns into night, at every hour, at every moment; I shall love You always, always, always".
--St. Gemma Galgani

Night Prayer by St. Alphonsus

Jesus Christ, my God, I adore Thee and I thank Thee for the many favors Thou hast bestowed on me this day. I offer Thee my sleep and all the moments of this night, and I pray Thee to preserve me from sin. Therefore, I place myself in Thy most sacred side, and under the mantle of our Blessed Lady, my Mother. May the holy Angels assist me and keep me in peace, and may Thy blessing be upon me.

+

"It’s impossible to lose your footing when you’re on your knees."--Venerable Fulton Sheen

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).

+                         +                         +

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.

+

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+

A Prayer and Hymn for Holy Week

"As they were looking on, so we too gaze on His wounds as He hangs. We see His blood as He dies. We see the price offered by the Redeemer, touch the scars of His resurrection. He bows His head, as if to kiss you. His heart is made bare open, as it were, in love to you. His arms are extended that He may embrace you. His whole body is displayed for your redemption. Ponder how great these things are. Let all this be rightly weighed in your mind: as He was once fixed to the cross in every part of His body for you, so He may now be fixed in every part of your soul."

– St. Augustine

By the Merit of Each Particular Pain which He Suffered in His Passion

O my Jesus! by that humiliation which Thou didst practice in washing the feet of Thy disciples, I pray Thee to bestow upon me the grace of true humility, that I may humble myself to all, especially to such as treat me with contempt.

My Jesus, by that sorrow which Thou didst suffer in the garden, sufficient, as it was, to cause Thy death, I pray Thee to deliver me from the sorrow of Hell, from living for ever more at a distance from Thee, and without the power of ever loving Thee again.

My Jesus, by that horror which Thou hadst of my sins, which were then present to Thy sight, give me a true sorrow for all the offences which I have committed against Thee.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst experience at seeing Thyself betrayed by Judas with a kiss, give me the grace to be ever faithful unto Thee, and nevermore to betray Thee, as I have done in time past.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst feel at seeing Thyself bound like a culprit to be taken before the judges, I pray Thee to bind me to Thyself by the sweet chains of holy love, that so I may nevermore see myself separated from Thee, my only good.

My Jesus, by all those insults, buffetings, and spittings which Thou didst on that night suffer in the house of Caiphas, give me the strength to suffer in peace, for love of Thee, all the affronts which I shall meet with from men.

My Jesus, by that ridicule which Thou didst receive from Herod in being treated as a fool, give me the grace to endure with patience all that men shall say of me, treating me as base, senseless, or wicked.

My Jesus, by that outrage which Thou didst receive from the Jews in seeing Thyself placed after Barabbas, give me the grace to suffer with patience the dishonor of seeing myself placed after others.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy most holy body when Thou wast so cruelly scourged, give me the grace to suffer with patience all the pains of my sicknesses, and especially those of my death.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy most sacred head when it was pierced with the thorns, give me the grace never to consent to thoughts displeasing unto Thee.

My Jesus, by that act of Thine by which Thou didst accept of the death of the Cross, to which Pilate condemned Thee, give me the grace to accept of my death with resignation, together with all the other pains which shall accompany it.

My Jesus, by the pain which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy Cross on Thy journey to Calvary, give me the grace to suffer with patience all my crosses in this life.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst suffer in having the nails driven through Thy hands and Thy feet, I pray Thee to nail my will unto Thy feet, that so I may will nothing save that which Thou dost will.

My Jesus, by the affliction which Thou didst suffer in having gall given Thee to drink, give me the grace not to offend Thee by intemperance in eating and drinking.

My Jesus, by that pain which Thou didst experience in taking leave of Thy holy Mother upon the Cross, deliver me from an inordinate love for my relatives, or for any other creature, that so my heart may be wholly and always Thine.

My Jesus, by that desolation which Thou didst suffer in Thy death in seeing Thyself abandoned by Thine Eternal Father, give me the grace to suffer all my desolations with patience, without ever losing my confidence in Thy goodness.

My Jesus, by those three hours of affliction and agony which Thou didst suffer when dying upon the Cross, give me the grace to suffer, with resignation, for love of Thee, the pains of my agony at the hour of death.

My Jesus, by that great sorrow which Thou didst feel when Thy most holy Soul, when Thou wast expiring, separated itself from Thy most sacred Body, give me the grace to breathe forth my soul in the hour of my death, offering up my sorrow then to Thee, together with an act of perfect love, that so I may go to love Thee in Heaven, face to face, with all my strength, and for all eternity.

And thee, most holy Virgin, and my Mother Mary, by that sword which pierced thine heart when thou didst behold thy Son bow down His head and expire, do I pray to assist me in the hour of my death, that so I may come to praise thee and to thank thee in Paradise for all the graces that thou hast obtained for me from God.

--St. Alphonsus Liguori

+                                 +                                 +

Hymn for Good Friday

Overwhelmed in depths of woe,
Upon the tree of scorn
Hangs the Redeemer of mankind,
With racking anguish torn.

See! How the nails those hands
And feet so tender rend;
See! down His face, and neck, and breast,
His sacred Blood descend.

Hark! with what awful cry
His spirit takes its flight;
That cry, it pierc'd His Mother's Heart,
And whelm'd her soul in night.

Earth hears, and to its base
Rocks wildly to and fro;
Tombs burst; seas, rivers, mountains quake;
The veil is rent in two.

The sun withdraws his light;
The midday heavens grow pale;
The moon, the stars, the universe,
Their Maker's death bewail.

Shall man alone be mute?
Come, youth! and hoary hairs!
Come, rich and poor! Come, all mankind!
And bathe those feet in tears.

Come, fall before His Cross,
Who shed for us His Blood;
Who died the victim of pure love,
To make us sons of God.

Jesu! all praise to Thee,
Our joy and endless rest!
Be Thou our guide while pilgrims here,
Our crown amidst the blest!

-- from The Golden Prayer Book

"The Passion of Christ is the greatest and most stupendous work of Divine Love. The greatest and most overwhelming work of God’s love." – St. Paul of the Cross

Wishing you a blessed Holy Week!

God bless!

+JMJ+

Words for Meditation

St. Alphonsus Liguori quotes St. Frances de Sales.  "St. Francis de Sales says: 
'It is a mistake to estimate devotion by the consolations which we feel. True devotion in the way of God consists in having a determined will to execute all that is pleasing to God.'  

[St. Alphonsus continues.]  Almighty God is wont to make use of aridities in order to draw closer to Him His most cherished souls. Attachment to our own inordinate inclinations is the greatest obstacle to true union with God. When, therefore, God intends to draw a soul to His perfect love, He endeavours to detach her from all affection to created goods. Thus His first care is to deprive her of temporal goods, of worldly pleasures, of property, honours, friends, relations, and bodily health; by the like means, that is, of losses, troubles, neglect, bereavements, and infirmities, He extirpates by degrees all earthly attachment, in order that the affections may be set on Him alone."--St. Alphonsus

God bless!

+JMJ+

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

November is dedicated to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, and on November 2 Holy Mother Church celebrates the Feast of All Souls. St. Alphonsus Liguori, who penned the following novena, often prayed for the souls in Purgatory, believing that prayers and sacrifices offered for the suffering souls was part of a Christian's duty in charity. The Church continues this belief, and all the faithful are encouraged to pray for the souls in Purgatory, especially by offering Mass for them.

St. Augustine states, “But by the prayers of the Holy Church, and by the salvific sacrifice, and by the alms which are given for their spirits, there is no doubt that the dead are aided, that the Lord might deal more mercifully with them than their sins would deserve. The whole Church observes this practice which was handed down by the Fathers: that it prays for those who have died in the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, when they are commemorated in their own place in the sacrifice itself; and the sacrifice is offered also in memory of them, on their behalf. If, then, works of mercy are celebrated for the sake of those who are being remembered, who would hesitate to recommend them, on whose behalf prayers to God are not offered in vain? It is not at all to be doubted that such prayers are of profit to the dead; but for such of them as lived before their death in a way that makes it possible for these things to be useful to them after death”.

Acts of charity toward the suffering souls lends a two-fold blessing: first by lessening the suffering of the souls in Purgatory and second by those same souls, when released into the heavenly kingdom, in return praying for us. The Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by St. Alphonsus should be started on October 24 and finished on November 1, the feast of All Saints and eve of the feast of the Holy Souls.

Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

By St. Alphonsus Liguori

***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory (***to be said daily during the Novena after the particular prayers for the day)

O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them, O Lord, have mercy on them. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord. O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them. Have mercy on them, O Lord.
[Here recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory, and mention the favor you wish to obtain through this Novena.]
Blessed Souls, we have prayed for thee; we entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for us miserable sinners, who are in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.

First Day:
O Jesus, my Savior, I have so often deserved to be cast into Hell; how great were my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that that I, myself, had cause my damnation! I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance; have pity on me, and at the same time on those Blessed Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Second Day:
Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but Hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Third Day:
O my God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Fourth Day:
O my God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those Holy Souls that burn in the cleansing fire, and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Fifth Day:
Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O lord, hadst cast me into eternal Hell; for far from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. O love Thee above all things, O infinite God, and I am sincerely sorry for having ever offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Sixth Day:
O my Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offenses against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die
than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Seventh Day:
O God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, art now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Eighth Day:
O my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love, and deserve to be cast by Thee into Hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Ninth Day:
O my God! how was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou Thyself to me! henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee. grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the Holy Souls suffering in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in Heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.
Recite 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary. ***Prayer to our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory***

Conclude on the Ninth Day by reciting De Profundis.

Out of the Depths (De Profundis)
Out of the depths I cry to You, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!
Let Your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication.
If you, O Lord, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand?
But with You is forgiveness, that You may be revered.
I trust in the Lord; my soul trusts in His word.
My soul waits for the Lord, more than sentinels wait for the dawn.
More than sentinels wait for the dawn, let Israel wait for the Lord;
For with the Lord is kindness and with Him is plenteous redemption.
And He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.

+               +               +

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. R. And let the perpetual light shine upon them.

And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

V. Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. R. Et lux perpetua luceat eis.

Fidelium animae, per misericordiam Dei, requiescant in pace. Amen.

+               +               +               +              +

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

***Reminder:  the Novena for the Feast of Pentecost begins this Friday, after Ascension Thursday, and ends the Saturday before Pentecost Sunday.

The following prayer was written by St. Alphonsus Liguori, a bishop and doctor of the Church and founder of the Redemptorist order. This prayer is very fitting to recite on Pentecost Sunday.  Just as the Holy Spirit bestowed His gifts on the Apostles on Pentecost, may we, through this beautiful prayer, also pray that He will grant us His seven gifts.

+         +         +

Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit, divine Consoler, I adore You as my true God, with God the Father and God the Son.  I adore You and unite myself to the adoration You receive from the angels and saints.

I give You my heart and I offer my ardent thanksgiving for all the grace which You never cease to bestow on me.

O Giver of all supernatural gifts, who filled the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, with such immense favors, I beg You to visit me with Your grace and Your love and to grant me the gift of holy fear, so that it may act on me as a check to prevent me from falling back into my past sins, for which I beg pardon.

Grant me the gift of piety, so that I may serve You for the future with increased fervor, follow with
more promptness Your holy inspirations, and observe your divine precepts with greater fidelity.

Grant me the gift of knowledge, so that I may know the things of God and, enlightened by Your holy teaching, may walk, without deviation, in the path of eternal salvation.

Grant me the gift of fortitude, so that I may overcome courageously all the assaults of the devil, and all the dangers of this world which threaten the salvation of my soul.

Grant me the gift of counsel, so that I may choose what is more conducive to my spiritual advancement and may discover the wiles and snares of the tempter.

Grant me the gift of understanding, so that I may apprehend the divine mysteries and by contemplation of heavenly things detach my thoughts and affections from the vain things of this miserable world.

Grant me the gift of wisdom, so that I may rightly direct all my actions, referring them to God as my last end; so that, having loved Him and served Him in this life, I may have the happiness of possessing Him eternally in the next.  Amen.

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.

+                +               +     

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

+               +               +               +               +

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.

+               +               +

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+

Prayer to St. Teresa of Avila

On October 15 Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Teresa of Avila. Born in Spain in 1515, Teresa and her brother loved to read the lives of the saints; later she became a nun. Early in her life as a Carmelite nun, St. Teresa, although devout to our Lord, had a difficult time focusing on prayer, which her frequent sickness and visitors at the convent made worse. However, one day while praying in front of a picture of Jesus, St. Teresa felt a great sadness for not loving God more, and from that moment she vowed to live for Him alone, despite the sacrifices necessary.

 In return for her love, Our Lord allowed St. Teresa the privilege of hearing Him speak to her and taught her to pray in a wonderful way. St. Teresa obediently recorded all she experienced. Later she worked to reform the Carmelite order, opening new convents that no longer allowed worldly interruptions in order to allow the nuns undisturbed prayer. Her nuns learned to work and pray with great love for Jesus, and St. Teresa provided the best example of this for them. Once when opening a new convent, St. Teresa of Avila had only a few coins. However, she remained calm, saying, “Teresa and this money are nothing.... But God, Teresa, and this money are enough.”

Because of St. Teresa's great writings, she now is known as the doctor of mystical theology and first among women for wisdom and learning. Numerous saints looked to her for example in the spiritual life, including St. Alphonsus Liguori who composed the prayer given below. In fact, St. Alphonsus looked to her for guidance to such an extent that he tried to imitate her to the point of pledging himself, as she had done, to do nothing unless it was for the glory of God; she also became his teacher of prayer. We would do well to imitate both St. Teresa of Avila and St. Alphonsus Liguori in their desire to imitate the Saints of the Church, using past saints' examples to improve their own prayer life and love for God, trusting in Him for all things.

Prayer to St. Teresa of Avila
O Saint Teresa, seraphic Virgin, beloved spouse of thy crucified Lord, thou who on earth didst burn with a love so intense toward thy God and my God, and now dost glow with a brighter and purer flame in paradise: obtain for me also, I beseech thee, a spark of that same holy fire which shall cause me to forget the world, all things created, and even myself; for thou didst ever avidly desire to see Him loved by all men. Grant that my every thought and desire and affection may be continually employed in doing the will of God, the supreme Good, whether I am in joy or in pain, for He is worthy to be loved and obeyed everlastingly. Obtain for me this grace, thou who art so powerful with God; may I be all on fire, like thee, with the holy love of God. Amen.
---St. Alphonsus Liguori
The Raccolta