For the Feast of St. Leo I

 St. Leo I is honored by Holy Mother Church with a feast day on April 11. St. Leo is one of  four Popes given the title of the Great.  The other three popes are St. Basil, St. Gregory, and St. Nicholas.  A great defender of the Church, St. Leo, whose name means lion, protected the Faith from two heresies against the Incarnation-- the Nestorian Heresy and the Eutychian Heresy.  This holy Pontiff governed the Church during the time of Attila the Hun's rule.  Known as the Scourge of God, Attila, marching toward Rome, was met by Pope Leo I.  Speaking with calm eloquence, Pope Leo awed Attila, who agreed to spare Rome.  Attila not only admired the Pontiff, but he also feared him, recognizing a heavenly power on the side of the virtuous Pope. The following hymn was written to honor Pope Leo I on his feast day. 

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Hymn Honoring Pope Leo I

O happy Pontiff! glorious Leo! thou hast been made companion of the faithful Priests and martyrs; for thou wast most invincible in battle, and immovable as a tower and fortress of religion.  Thou proclaimedst with most perfect orthodoxy and wisdom, the unspeakable generation of Christ.

O ruler of Orthodoxy, teacher of religion and holiness, light of the whole earth, divinely inspired glory of true believers, wise Leo!  thou enlightenest all men by thy teachings, O harp of the Holy Ghost!

Heir of the See of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, thou presidedst over the Church: thou hadst his spirit and was inflamed with zeal for the Faith.

Beaming with most bright light, thou, O holy Leo, didst admirable preach the ineffable and divine incarnation, teaching the two Natures, and the two Wills of the Incarnate God.

Resplendent with the knowledge of divine truths, thou scatteredst on all sides the brightness of orthodoxy, and dispelledst the darkness of heresy.  Departing this life, thou, O blessed one! now dwellest in the Light that knows no setting.

O inspired Minister of God's mysteries, thou admirably preachedst that Christ is the Only son and Lord, begotten of the Father before all ages, born for us of the Virgin, and dwelling on earth like unto us.

Seated with glory upon the throne of the Pontificate, thou didst stop the mouths of lions, and madest to shine upon thy flock the light of the knowledge of God, by proclaiming the divine dogma of the adorable Trinity.  Therefore hast thou been glorified as a holy Pontiff initiated in the grace of God.

Thou as a dazzling sun, didst rise in the west: thou wisely dispelledst the error of Eutyches, who mingled and confused the two Natures, and that of Nestorius, who divided them as though they were two Persons.  Thou taughtest us to adore one Christ in two Natures, inseparably, unchangeably, unconfusedly united.  

Inspired of God, thou appearedst to the people of God as another Moses, showing them the commandments of religion written, as it were on tables.  Thou exclaimedst in the assembly of the venerable Masters:  "Praise, O ye Priests! and bless, and extol Christ forever."

Now, O Priest of Christ! thou art brightly decked with a crown of beauty.  As a faithful Priest, thou hast put on justice. Pray unceasingly for thy flock, now that thou hast entered into the admirable joy of the Paradise of delights.

Thou, O most blessed Leo! hast worthily entered the abode where are the seats and thrones and ranks of the Patriarchs; thou hast entered as a  true Patriarch, all resplendent with faith and grace.  Therefore do we all celebrate thy name forever.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayer in Honor of St. Raphael Archangel

 "Angelus Domini Raphael apprehendit et ligavit daemonem.  Magnus Dominus noster, et magna virtus ejus." ("The angel of the Lord, Raphael, took and bound the devil.  Great is our Lord, and great is His power." --Tobias 8:3)  

Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Raphael the Archangel on October 24.  As is revealed to us in the Bible, St. Raphael is one of the seven who stand before the throne of God; he is the angel who accompanied young Tobias on his journey, who bound the demon in the desert, and who healed the blind Tobit.  In fact, St. Raphael the Archangel's name means 'God heals.'  May we thank God for all of our heavenly helpers, and may we especially remember St. Raphael on his feast day.

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Prayer in Honor of St. Raphael the Archangel 

Vouchsafe, O Lord God, to send unto our assistance Saint Raphael the Archangel: and may he, who, we believe, evermore standeth before the throne of Thy Majesty, offer unto Thee our humble petitions to be blessed by Thee; through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

 Let us pray: O glorious Archangel, St. Raphael, great Prince of the heavenly Court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted and of sinners: I beg thee to assist me in all my needs and in suffering of this life, as once thou didst help the young Tobias in his travels. And because thou art the “Medicine of God,” I pray thee to heal the many infirmities of my soul, and the ills which afflict my body, if it be for my greater good. I especially ask of thee an angelic purity, which may fit me to be the temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Christe, Sanctorum 

(taken from Vespers of the feast of St. Raphael) 

Christ, Thou glory of the holy Angels, The Creator and Redeemer of the human race,  Grant that we may ascend to the happy abodes  Of the Blessed.  As the physician of our salvation  May the Angel Raphael come down from heaven,  That he may heal all who are sick,  And give guidance in the uncertain affairs of life.  May the Virgin, Queen of Peace,  May the Mother of the Light  May the sacred choir of Angels  And also the court of radiant heaven ever assist us.  Grant us this, Blessed Godhead  Of the Father, And Son, and likewise of the Holy Spirit,  Whose glory resounds  Throughout the whole world.			Christe,  sanctorum decus Angelorum  Gentis humanae Sator et Redemptor  Caelitum nobis tribuas beatas  Scandere sedes.  Angelus nostrae medicus salutis,  Adsit e caelo Raphael, ut omnes  Sanet aegrotos, dubiosque vitae  Dirigat actus.  Virgo dux pacis Genitrix-que lucis,  Et sacer nobis chorus Angelorum  Semper assistat, simul et micantis  Regia caeli.  Praestet hoc nobis Deitas beata  Patris, ac Nati, pariterque Sancti  Spiritus, cujus resonat per omnem  Gloria mundum.

God bless!

+JMJ+

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+

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+

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

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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+

Feast of the Stigmata of St. Francis

 While Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Francis of Assisi on October 4, this great saint is also honored on September 17, the day on which the Church remembers the Stigmata of St. Francis.  Although St. Francis received the Wounds of Christ on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, September 14, the Church honors this awesome event on September 17 that it might have its own commemoration.  In the Little Flowers of St. Francis, one reads of St. Francis receiving the Stigmata,

"For upon his hands and feet began immediately to appear the figures of the nails, as he had seen them on the Body of Christ crucified, who had appeared to him in the likeness of a Seraph. And thus the hands and feet appeared pierced through the midst by the nails, the heads whereof were seen outside the flesh in the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet, and the points of the nails stood out at the back of the hands, and the feet in such wise that they appeared to be twisted and bent back upon themselves, and the portion thereof that was bent back upon themselves, and the portion thereof that was bent back or twisted stood out free from the flesh, so that one could put a finger through the same as through a ring; and the heads of the nails were round and black. In like manner, on the right side appeared the image of an unhealed wound, as if made by a lance, and still red and bleeding, from which drops of blood often flowed from the holy breast of St Francis, staining his tunic and his drawers... Now although these sacred wounds, which had been impressed upon him by Christ, gave great joy to his heart, yet they caused unspeakable pain to his body; so that, being constrained by necessity, he made choice of Brother Leo, for his great purity and simplicity, to whom he revealed the whole matter, suffering him to touch and dress his wounds on all days except during the time from Thursday evening till Saturday morning, for then he would not by any human remedy mitigate the pain of Christ’s Passion, which he bore in his body, because at that time our Saviour Jesus Christ was taken and crucified, died and was buried for us."

O Divi Amoris Victima

O victim dear of heavenly love, impurpled by thy fivefold sign, Saint Francis, father of the poor, of Jesus' Cross a living shrine. Thou, burning with the glowing flames of love of God and love of man, dost yearn for Christ to shed thy blood and thrice dost try the seas to span. Although denied thy heart's desire, thou lettest not thine ardor wane; but kindled still with love divine to stir new fires thou strivest amain. Still living in thine Orders three, thou art found in many a savage clime; and frozen hearts, warmed at thy flame, grow fervent with thy fire sublime. So shalt thou crush the powers of hell, thy conquering arms our foes dismay; when Holy Church doth seem to fail, still is thy mighty strength her stay. Come, help us, father, while we pray, thy love within our hearts inspire, thy boundless love, that spreads abroad the glowing brightness of its fire. Praise we the Father and the Son, praise we the Holy Paraclete: He grant us grace to emulate Our father's spirit, as is meet. Amen.

O divi amoris victima Quino cruenta vulnere, Francisce qui vivam Crucis Christi refers imaginem. Tu caritatis fervidis Flammis adustus, sanguinem Christo daturus, barbara Ter cogitasti litora. Voti sed impos, non sinis Languere flammas desides: Et excitas caelestia, Flagrans amore incendia. In prole vivens efferas Pervadis oras; algida Gelu soluto, ut ferveant Ardore sancto pectora. Sic pertimendis lividum Armis Avernum conteris; Virtutis et firmum latus Templo labanti subiicis. Adsis, Pater, precantibus Ignemque, late quo tua Exarsit ingens caritas, Accende nostris mentibus. Sit laus Patri et Filio, Sit inclyto Paraclito, Qui nos Parentis optimi Det aemulari spiritum. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Wishing You a Blessed Advent!

 I hope to get the remainder of my birthday posts finished up over the next few weeks as well as this year's St. Nicholas ornament post.  Until then, however, I wanted to share a beautiful Advent hymn.

"O Come, Divine Messiah" stems from the old French Christmas hymn, "Venez divin Messie." It is a popular hymn generally sung in Traditional Catholic churches during  Advent.  You can listen to (most of) this beautiful Advent hymn here.

O Come, Divine Messiah

1. O come, Divine Messiah,
The world in silence waits the day
When hope shall sing its triumph,
And sadness flee away.

Refrain:
Dear Savior, haste! Come, come to earth.
Dispel the night and show Your face,
And bid us hail the dawn of grace.
O come, Divine Messiah,
The world in silence waits the day
When hope shall sing its triumph,
And sadness flee away.

2. O Christ, Whom nations sigh for,
Whom priest and prophet long foretold,
Come break the captive fetters,
Redeem the long-lost fold. [Refrain]

3. You come in peace and meekness,
And lowly will your cradle be;
All clothed in human weakness
Shall we Your Godhead see. [Refrain]

God bless!

+JMJ+

For All Souls Day

 Many other prayers for the Souls in Purgatory can be found below:

November
Novena to our Guardian Angel for the Poor Souls
Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Novena to our Guardian Angels for the Holy Souls
Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory
Prayer of Sacrifice for the Poor Souls
Month of the Holy Souls
Prayer to Our Lady for the Poor Souls

Sung during Masses of the dead and on the Feast of All Souls, "Dies Irae" is a solemn, but beautiful Gregorian chant.  This chant is attributed to a 13th century monk and reflects on the final judgment.  I encourage you to pray/read/chant this hymn today on the Feast of All Souls and throughout November in remembrance of the Poor Souls, but also to aid in contemplating the Last Four Things:  death, judgment, heaven, and hell.  As the chant suggests, final judgment is a serious, somber occasion, but in this moment also lies the hope given to the soul by the death and resurrection of our Lord.

You can find this hymn beautifully chanted by the Monks of the Abbey of Notre Dame.

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Dies Irae DIES irae, dies illa, solvet saeculum in favilla, teste David cum Sibylla. Quantus tremor est futurus, quando iudex est venturus, cuncta stricte discussurus! Tuba mirum spargens sonum per sepulcra regionum, coget omnes ante thronum. Mors stupebit et natura, cum resurget creatura, iudicanti responsura. Liber scriptus proferetur, in quo totum continetur, unde mundus iudicetur. Iudex ergo cum sedebit, quidquid latet apparebit: nil inultum remanebit. Quid sum miser tunc dicturus? quem patronum rogaturus? cum vix iustus sit securus. Rex tremendae maiestatis, qui salvandos salvas gratis, salva me, fons pietatis. Recordare Iesu pie, quod sum causa tuae viae: ne me perdas illa die. Quaerens me, sedisti lassus: redemisti crucem passus: tantus labor non sit cassus. Iuste iudex ultionis, donum fac remissionis, ante diem rationis. Ingemisco, tamquam reus: culpa rubet vultus meus: supplicanti parce Deus. Qui Mariam absolvisti, et latronem exaudisti, mihi quoque spem dedisti. Preces meae non sunt dignae: sed tu bonus fac benigne, ne perenni cremer igne. Inter oves locum praesta, et ab haedis me sequestra, statuens in parte dextera. Confutatis maledictis, flammis acribus addictis. voca me cum benedictis. Oro supplex et acclinis, cor contritum quasi cinis: gere curam mei finis. Lacrimosa dies illa, qua resurget ex favilla. iudicandus homo reus: huic ergo parce Deus. Pie Iesu Domine, dona eis requiem. Amen.

Day of Wrath Day of wrath and doom impending, David’s word with Sibyl’s blending! Heaven and earth in ashes ending! O what fear man’s bosom rendeth When from heaven the Judge descendeth, On whose sentence all dependeth! Wondrous sound the trumpet flingeth, Through earth’s sepulchers it ringeth, All before the throne it bringeth. Death is struck, and nature quaking, All creation is awaking, To its judge an answer making. Lo! the book exactly worded, Wherein all hath been recorded; Thence shall judgment be awarded. When the Judge His seat attaineth, And each hidden deed arraigneth, Nothing unavenged remaineth. What shall I, frail man, be pleading? Who for me be interceding, When the just are mercy needing? King of majesty tremendous, Who dost free salvation send us, Fount of pity, then befriend us! Think, kind Jesu, my salvation Caused Thy wondrous Incarnation; Leave me not to reprobation. Faint and weary Thou hast sought me, On the Cross of suffering bought me; Shall such grace be vainly brought me? Righteous Judge! for sin’s pollution Grant Thy gift of absolution, Ere that day of retribution. Guilty, now I pour my moaning, All my shame with anguish owning; Spare, O God, Thy suppliant groaning! Through the sinful woman shriven, Through the dying thief forgiven, Thou to me a hope hast given. Worthless are my prayers and sighing, Yet, good Lord, in grace complying, Rescue me from fires undying. With Thy favored sheep O place me, Nor among the goats abase me, But to Thy right hand upraise me. While the wicked are confounded, Doomed to flames of woe unbounded, Call me with Thy Saints surrounded. Low I kneel, with heart submission, Crushed to ashes in contrition; Help me in my last condition! Ah! that day of tears and morning! From the dust of earth returning, Man for judgment must prepare him; Spare, O God, in mercy spare him! Lord all-pitying, Jesu Blest, Grant them Thine eternal rest. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

A Hymn for the Feast of Epiphany

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

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

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

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

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

God bless!

+JMJ+

In Honor of our Lord's Blessed Name

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

"Adoration of the Shepherds"

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

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

God bless!

+JMJ+

Alma Redemptoris Mater

 I just wanted to remind everyone that if you want to pray the "O Antiphons," they begin on December 17.  You can find the "O Antiphons" and more information about them in my post:  O Antiphons.

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Another beautiful Catholic Advent hymn is "Alma Redemptoris Mater," which was composed by Herman Contractus.  He composed it during the Middle Ages, choosing phrases form the works of Sts. Fulgentius, Iranaeus, and Epiphanius.  "Alma Redemptoris Mater" is a Marian antiphon, with added collects, said or sung after night prayer. Traditionally it is recited from the first Sunday of Advent through the feast of the Purification on February 2.  Note the final prayers change on Christmas Eve.   You can listen to a Latin chant version of the song here.

O Loving Mother of our Redeemer

O loving Mother of our Redeemer, gate of heaven, star of the sea,
Hasten to aid thy fallen people who strive to rise once more.
Thou who brought forth thy holy Creator, all creation wond'ring,
Yet remainest ever Virgin, taking from Gabriel's lips
that joyful "Hail!": be merciful to us sinners.

Up through the day before Christmas Eve:
V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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From Christmas Eve on:
V. Thou gavest birth without loss of thy virginity:
R. Intercede for us, O holy Mother of God.

Let us pray. O God, Who by the fruitful virginity of blessed Mary hast offered unto the human race the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beseech thee, that we may know the effects of her intercession, through whom we have deserved to receive the author of life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Amen.

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And in the Latin:

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Alma Redemptoris Mater, quae pervia caeli
Porta manes, et stella maris, sucurre cadenti,
Surgere qui curat populo: tu quae genuisti,
Natura mirante, tuum sanctum Genitorem,
Virgo prius ac posterius, Gabrielis ab ore
Sumens illud Ave, peccatorum miserere.

Usque ad diem 23 decembris:
V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae.
R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Oremus. Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde; ut, qui, angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem ejus et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eumdem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

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A die 24 decembris:
V. Post partum, Virgo, inviolata permansisti.
R. Dei Genitrix, intercede pro nobis.

Let us pray. Deus, qui salutis aeternae, beatae Mariae virginitate fecudna, humano generi praemia praestitisti: tribue, quaesumus, ut ipsam pro nobis intercedere sentiamus, per quam meruimus auctorem vitae suscipere, Dominum nostrum Iesum Christum, Filium tuum. Amen.

--Roman breviary

During the remainder of Advent, may we make ready our hearts for the newborn King, ensuring we would be welcoming to St. Joseph and our Lady if they sought shelter at our door.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Hymn for Advent

                I pray you are having a blessed Feast of the Immaculate Conception!

Advent is one of my favorite seasons within the Church.  I love following the rhythm of the Church with the daily recitation of the St. Andrew Novena  and (soon) the O Antiphons.  Our family gathers each evening to pray these together amidst the glow of the Advent candles.  Recently I started reading Around the Year with the Trapp Family by Maria Trapp and wondered over her list of Advent hymns the Trapp family sang.  Besides "Veni, Veni Emmanuel" I knew of few hymns for the season of Advent.  Thus I began searching to find them this year; I plan to share some of the hymns throughout the season.  The following hymn is taken from Lauds in the old Roman breviary.   If you would like to listen to the hymn, you can find the Latin version sung here and the English here.

Hark, a Herald Voice is Calling Hark, a herald voice is calling; "Christ is nigh," it seems to say; "Cast away the dreams of darkness, O ye children of the day." Startled at the solemn warning, Let the earth-bound soul arise; Christ, her sun, all sloth dispelling, Shines upon  the morning skies. Lo, the Lamb, so long expected, Comes with pardon down from heaven; Let us haste, with tears of sorrow, One and all to be forgiven. So when next he comes with glory, Wrapping all the earth in fear, May he then as our defender On the clouds of heaven appear. Honor, glory, virtue, merit, To the Father and the Son, With the co-eternal Spirit, While eternal ages run. Amen.

En Clara Vox Redarguit En clara vox redarguit Obscura quaeque personans: Procul fugentur somnia, Ab alto Iesus promicat. Mens iam resurgat torpida, Non amplius iacens humi: Sidus refulget iam novum, Ut tollat omne noxium. En Agnus ad nos mittitur Laxare gratis debitum: Omnes simul cum lacrimis Precemur indulgentiam. Ut cum secundo fulserit, Metuque mundum cinxerit, Non pro reatu puniat, Sed nos pius tunc protegat. Viruts, honor, laus, gloria Deo Patri cum Filio, Sancto simul Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Miraculous Novena of Grace to St. Francis Xavier (begins November 25)

The Miraculous Novena of Grace was revealed by St. Francis Xavier to Fr. Marcello Mastrilli, S.J.  The priest, having received a severe head injury, was nearing death, but in December of 1633, St. Francis Xavier appeared to Fr. Marcello, requesting that the priest renew a vow to work for souls in Japan. He then told Fr. Mastrilli,

"All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included, and worthily receive the Sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope with entire assurance to obtain from God any grace they ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God."

Instantly Fr. Mastrilli's health was fully restored, and he worked to spread the devotion.  This devotion to St. Francis proved so fruitful it became known as the Novena of Grace. While the recitation of the devotion was originally March 4-12, the latter being the date of St.Francis' canonization, the efficacy of the novena is not limited to these days; rather it is also fitting to pray the novena in preparation for the saint's feast day. In that case the novena would be prayed from November 25 through December 3, the Feast of St. Francis Xavier.

The Miracles of St. Francis Xavier by Rubens

Miraculous Novena of Grace to Saint Francis Xavier

Most amiable and most loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with thee I reverently adore the divine Majesty. I rejoice exceedingly on account of the marvelous gifts which God bestowed upon thee. I thank God for the special graces He gave thee during thy life on earth and for the great glory that came to thee after thy death. I implore thee to obtain for me, through thy powerful intercession, the greatest of all blessings-that of living and dying in the state of grace. I also beg of thee to secure for me the special favor I ask in this novena. (Here you may mention the grace, spiritual or temporal, you wish to obtain).

In asking this favor I am fully resigned to the divine will. I pray and desire only to obtain that which is conducive to the greater glory of God and the good of my soul.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. O God, Who didst vouchsafe, by the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier, to join unto Thy Church the nation of the Indies; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who reverence his glorious merits, may also imitate his example, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

**Recite 3 Our Fathers and 3 Hail Marys, in remembrance of St. Francis' devotion to the Holy Trinity, and Glory Be 10 times, in thanksgiving for the graces received during the ten years of his apostleship.

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St. Francis Xavier's Hymn of Love

O Deus, ego amo Te! Nec amo Te ut salves me, Aut quia non amantes Te, Aeterno punis igne: Tu, tu, mi Jesu, totum me Amplexus es in cruce. Tulisti clavos, lanceam Multamque ignominiam. Innumeros dolores, Sudores et angores, Ac mortem: et haec propter me, Ac pro me peccatore! Cur igitur non amem Te, O Jesu amantissime? Non ut in coelo salves me, Aut ne aeternum damnes me, Nec praemii ullius spe; Sed sicut Tu amasti me. Sic amo et amabo Te, Solum quia Tex meus es, Et solum quia Deus es.

O God I love Thee for Thyself And not that I may heaven gain, Nor because those who love The not, Must suffer hell's eternal pain. Thou, O my Jesus! Thou didst me Upon the cross embrace; For me didst bear the nails and spear And manifold disgrace; And griefs and torments numberless, And sweat of agony; E'en death itself—and all for one Who was Thine enemy. Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ, Should I not love Thee well: Nor for the sake of winning heaven, Or of escaping hell; Not with the hope of gaining aught, not seeking a reward; But as Thyself hast loved me, O ever-loving Lord? E'en so I love Thee, and will love, and in Thy praise will sing; Solely because Thou art my God And my eternal King.

Praying you have a blessed Thanksgiving, and God bless!

+JMJ+

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

 On September 14 Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, which commemorates three events: the finding of the True Cross in the 4th century by St. Helena, the dedication of the basilica built by St. Helena and Constantine over the Holy Sepulchre, and the rescuing of the Holy Cross from the Persians in 629. On this feast we exalt the Cross of Christ as the instrument of our salvation. Exalting the Cross is thus adoration of Jesus Christ who suffered, died, and rose for our redemption.

"We are celebrating the feast of the cross which drove away darkness and brought in the light. As we keep this feast, we are lifted up with the crucified Christ, leaving behind us earth and sin so that we may gain the things above. So great and outstanding a possession is the cross that he who wins it has won a treasure. Rightly could I call this treasure the fairest of all fair things and the costliest, in fact as well as in name, for on it and through it and for its sake the riches of salvation that had been lost were restored to us.

Had there been no cross, Christ could not have been crucified. Had there been no cross, life itself could not have been nailed to the tree. And if life had not been nailed to it, there would be no streams of immortality pouring from Christ’s side, blood and water for the world’s cleansing. The legal bond of our sin would not be cancelled, we should not have attained our freedom, we should not have enjoyed the fruit of the tree of life and the gates of paradise would not stand open. Had there been no cross, death would not have been trodden underfoot, nor hell despoiled.

Therefore, the cross is something wonderfully great and honourable. It is great because through the cross the many noble acts of Christ found their consummation – very many indeed, for both his miracles and his sufferings were fully rewarded with victory. The cross is honourable because it is both the sign of God’s suffering and the trophy of his victory. It stands for his suffering because on it he freely suffered unto death. But it is also his trophy because it was the means by which the devil was wounded and death conquered; the barred gates of hell were smashed, and the cross became the one common salvation of the whole world... ."

---St. Andrew of Crete

While we remember our Lord's Cross and Sacrifice done out of love for us, let us also think of our own crosses and lovingly embrace them as a means to grow closer to God. Instead of complaining of our crosses and trials, we need to ask ourselves, as St. Josemaria Escriva suggests, “...what is this compared to what I deserve?” On this feast of the Exaltation of the Cross, let us attempt to offer up each of our crosses to God, laying them at the foot of the Cross. In this way we may change each struggle of our day into a prayer to our Lord who loves us and asks us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. The following hymn, which is sung on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross and during Holy Week was penned by Venantius Fortunatus and is considered one of the greatest hymns of the Church's liturgy.

Vexilla Regis Prodeunt
(link to the Gregorian chant)

Forth comes the Standard of the King: All hail, thou Mystery ador'd! Hail, Cross! On which the Life Himself Died, and by death our life restor'd! On which our Saviour's holy side Rent open with a cruel spear Of blood and water poured a stream, To wash us from defilement clear. O sacred wood! In Thee fulfill'd Was holy David's truthful lay! Which told the world, that from a tree The Lord should all the nations sway. Most royally empurpled o'er How beauteously thy stem doth shine! How glorious was its lot to touch Those limbs so holy and divine! Thrice blest, upon whose arms outstretched The Saviour of the world reclined; Balance sublime! Upon whose beam Was weighed the ransom of mankind. Hail, Cross! Thou only hope of man, Hail, on this holy Passionday! To saints increase the grace they have; From sinners purge their guilt away. Salvation's spring, blest Trinity, Be praise to Thee through earth and skies: Though through the Cross the victory Dost give; oh, also give the prize! Amen.

Vexílla Regis pródeunt: Fúlget Crucis mystérium, Qua vita mortem pértulit, Et morte vitam prótulit. Quæ vulneráta lánceæ Mucróne diro críminum Ut nos laváret sórdibus, Manávit unda et sánguine. Impléta sunt quæ cóncinit, David fidéli cármine; Dicéndo natiónibus: Regnávit a ligno Deus. Arbor decóra et fúlgida, Ornáta Regis púrpura, Elécta digno stípite, Tam sancta membra tángere. Beáta, cujus bráchiis, Prétium pepéndit sæculi: Statéra facta córporis, Tulítque prædam tártari. O crux, ave, spes única; Hoc Passiónis témpore, Piis adáuge grátiam, Reísque dele crÍmina. Te, fons salútis, Trínitas, Colláudet omnis spíritus: Quibus Crucis victóriam Largíris, adde præmium. Amen.

--St. Andrew's Daily Missal

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us!!!

God bless!

+JMJ+

A Hymn for the Feast of the Assumption of Mary

                                      

"By contemplating Mary in heavenly glory, we understand that the earth is not the definitive homeland for us either, and that if we live with our gaze fixed on eternal goods we will one day share in this same glory and the earth will become more beautiful. Consequently, we must not lose our serenity and peace even amid the thousands of daily difficulties. The luminous sign of Our Lady taken up into Heaven shines out even more brightly when sad shadows of suffering and violence seem to loom on the horizon.

We may be sure of it: from on high, Mary follows our footsteps with gentle concern, dispels the gloom in moments of darkness and distress, reassures us with her motherly hand. Supported by awareness of this, let us continue confidently on our path of Christian commitment wherever Providence may lead us. Let us forge ahead in our lives under Mary's guidance".
 --Pope Benedict the XVI

"Who is She Ascends So High"

Who is she ascends so high,

Next the heav’nly King,

Round about whom angels fly,

And her praises sing?

Who is she adorned with light;

Makes the sun her robe?

At whose feet the queen of night

Lays her changing globe?

This is she in whose pure womb

Heaven’s Prince remained;

Wherefore in no earthly tomb

Could she be contained.

Heav’n she was, which held that fire,

Whence the world took light,

And to heav’n doth now aspire:

Flames with flames unite.

She that did so clearly shine,

Our Day once begun,

See how bright her beams decline,

Sitting with the Sun.

--Sir John Beaumont

May you have a very blessed Feast of the Assumption!!

God bless!

+JMJ+

A Petition to Mary

***You can find the Novena for Ascension Thursday here.  This year it will begin on May 5.  

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+

Hymn Honoring our Lord

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

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

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

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

--The Raccolta

Blessed be the Holy Name of Jesus without end!

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