Feast of St. Joan of Arc

 Blessed Feast of St. Joan of Arc!!!!

Below is a prayer for recitation on her feast day, May 30.  It seems most fitting to honor this great Saint since she is the patroness of my blog.

As we recite the Litany of St. Joan of Arc, may we pray that we will grow in the virtues of Faith, love of God, fortitude, and perseverance--virtues St. Joan clearly possessed during her life.  May we use these virtues to help transform this world to become a mirror of the love and goodness of God.  St. Joan, pray for us!

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Litany of St. Joan of Arc 

Lord, have mercy on us!

Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! 

Lord, have mercy on us! 

Jesus Christ, hear us! 

Jesus Christ, graciously hear us! 

Our Heavenly Father, Who art God, have mercy on us! 

Son, Savior of the world, Who art God, have mercy on us! 

Holy Spirit, Who art God, have mercy on us! 

Holy Trinity, Who art God, have mercy on us! 

Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, pray for us. 

Our Lady of the Assumption, principal patron of France, pray for us. 

Saint Michael the Archangel, patron and special protector of France, pray for us. 

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and Martyr, pray for us. 

Saint Margaret of Antioch, virgin and Martyr, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, chosen by God at Domremy, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, informed by Saint Michael, the Archangel and his Angels, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, compliant to the call of God, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, confidant in and submissive to her voices, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, model of family life and labor, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, faithfully devoted to Our Lady, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, who delighted in the Holy Eucharist, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, model of generosity in the service to God, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, example of faithfulness to the Divine vocation, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, model of union with God in action, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, virgin and soldier, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, model of courage and purity in the field of battle, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, compassionate towards all who suffer, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, the pride of Orleans, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, glory of Reims, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, liberator of the Country, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, abandoned and imprisoned at Compiegne, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, pure and patient in thy prison, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, heroic and valiant before thy judges, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, alone with God at the hour of torment, pray for us. 

Saint Joan of Arc, Martyr of Rouen, pray for us. 

Saint Joan or Arc and Saint Therese of Lisieux patronesses of France, pray for us. 

All the Saints of France, intercede for us. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, 

Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, 

Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, Lord. 

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us, that we may become worthy of the promises of Our Savior Jesus Christ. 

 Let us pray. Oh God, Who hast raised up in an admirable manner, the virgin of Domremy, Saint Joan of Arc, for the defense of the faith and country, by her intercession, we ask Thee that the Church triumph against the assaults of her enemies and rejoice in lasting peace; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

"Hold the Cross high so I may see it through the flames." --St. Joan of Arc

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of St. Philomena

 Holy Mother Church celebrates St. Philomena with a historical feast day on August 11.  Martyred at the age of 13 by Emperor Diocletian, this young Saint endured intense suffering for the love of God.  At the age of 11, St. Philomena consecrated herself to God, and despite the offerings of marriage to the emperor, she remained faithful to her consecration and her Faith.  Angered, Diocletian imprisoned her for 40 days, forcing her to endure tortures of scourging, drowning, and being shot by arrows.  However, each time St. Philomena was either saved or healed from her persecution.  Furious, Diocletian had her beheaded on the 40th day.  She thus began her heavenly reward with her beloved Lord.  She became known as a wonderworker, miraculously answering the prayers of many on earth.  St. John Vianney held a great devotion to her, penning the following Litany of St. Philomena.  

May we pray to this young, but powerful Saint, asking her to help us remain faithful to our Lord and Catholic Faith amidst the pull of the world.  We would do well to ask St. Philomena to increase in us the virtues of purity, fortitude, and love of God. 

Litany to Saint Philomena  

Lord have mercy on us. 

Christ have mercy on us. 

Lord have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. 

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. 

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. 

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity one God, have mercy on us. 

Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, pray for us. Saint Philomena, filled with the most abundant graces from the cradle, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, model of Virgins, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, temple of the most perfect humility, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, inflamed with zeal for the Glory of God, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, victim of the love of Jesus, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, example of strength and perseverance, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, invincible champion of chastity, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, mirror of the most heroic virtues, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, firm and intrepid in the face of torments, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, scourged like thy Divine Spouse, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, pierced by a shower of arrows, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, consoled by the Mother of God when in chains, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, cured miraculously in prison, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, comforted by Angels in thy torments, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who preferred torments and death to the splendors of a throne, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who converted the witnesses of thy Martyrdom, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who wore out the fury of thy executioners, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, protectress of the innocent, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, patron of youth, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, refuge of the unfortunate, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, health of the sick and the weak, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, new light of the Church Militant, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who confounds the impiety of the world, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who stimulates the faith and courage of the faithful, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, whose name is glorified in Heaven and feared in Hell, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, made illustrious by the most striking miracles, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, all powerful with God, pray for us. 

Saint Philomena, who reigns in glory, pray for us. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. 

V. Pray for us, Great Saint Philomena, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 

Let us pray. We implore Thee, O Lord, by the intercession of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, who was ever most pleasing to Thine eyes by reason of her eminent purity and the practice of all the virtues, pardon us our sins and grant us all the graces we need [name any special grace you may require]. Amen.

                                                                                 --Composed by Saint John Vianney

God bless!

                                                                                                                +JMJ+

Irish Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary

 The following Marian prayer dates back to 8th century Ireland, exemplifying the ancient devotion of the Irish people to the Blessed Mother.  The litany was approved in 1862 for private use by Pope Pius IX.  With the feast of St. Patrick fast approaching on March 17, this Irish prayer to our Lady seems most fitting to recite.

Irish Litany to the Blessed Virgin Mary

O great Mary, pray for us.  ***Repeat after each invocation. 

O Mary, greatest of Marys, 

Most great of women, 

Queen of the angels, 

Mistress of the heavens, 

Woman full and replete with the grace of the Holy Spirit,

Blessed and most blessed, 

Mother of eternal glory, 

Mother of the heavenly and earthly Church, 

Mother of love and indulgence, 

Mother of the golden light, 

Honor of the sky, 

Harbinger of peace. 

Gate of heaven, 

Golden casket, 

Couch of love and mercy, 

Temple of the Divinity, 

Beauty of virgins, 

Mistress of the tribes, 

Fountain of the gardens, 

Cleansing of sins, 

Washing of souls, 

Mother of orphans,

Breast of the infants, 

Refuge of the wretched, 

Star of the sea, 

Handmaid of God, 

Mother of Christ, 

Abode of the Godhead, 

Graceful as the dove, 

Serene like the moon, 

Resplendent like the sun, 

Destruction of Eve s disgrace, 

Regeneration of life, 

Perfection of women, 

Chief of the virgins, 

Garden enclosed, 

Fountain sealed, 

Mother of God, 

Perpetual Virgin, 

Holy Virgin, 

Prudent Virgin, 

Serene Virgin, 

Chaste Virgin, 

Temple of the Living God, 

Throne of the Eternal King, 

Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit, 

Virgin of the root of Jesse, 

Cedar of Mount Lebanon, 

Cypress of Mount Sion, 

Crimson rose in the land of Jacob, 

Fruitful like the olive, 

Blooming like the palm, 

Glorious son-bearer, 

Light of Nazareth, 

Glory of Jerusalem, 

Beauty of the world, 

Noblest born of the Christian people, 

Queen of life, 

Ladder of Heaven, 

Hear the petition of the poor; spurn not the wounds and the groans of the miserable. Let our devotion and our sighs be carried through thee to the presence of the Creator, for we are not ourselves worthy of being heard because of our evil deserts. O powerful Mistress of heaven and earth, wipe out our trespasses and our sins. Destroy our wickedness and depravity. Raise the fallen, the debilitated, and the fettered. Loose the condemned. Repair through thyself the transgressions of our immorality and our vices. 

Bestow upon us through thyself the blossoms and ornaments of good actions and virtues. Appease for us the Judge by thy prayers and thy supplications. Allow us not, for mercy s sake, to be carried off from thee among the spoils of our enemies. Allow not our souls to be condemned, but take us to thyself for ever under thy protection. 

We, moreover, beseech and pray thee, holy Mary, to obtain, through thy potent supplication, before thy only Son, that is, Jesus Christ, the son of the living God, that God may defend us from all straits and temptations. Obtain also for us from the God of Creation the forgiveness and remission of all our sins and trespasses, and that we may receive from Him further, through thy intercession, the everlasting habitation of the heavenly kingdom, through all eternity, in the presence of the saints and the saintly virgins of the world; which may we deserve, may we enjoy, for ever and ever. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Litany of the Holy Name of Mary

 On September 12 Holy Mother Church honors the most Holy Name of Mary, that name which is so sweet, so beautiful. The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary was established by Pope Innocent XI upon the victory of Christian forces against the Muslims attacking Vienna in 1683.

St. Anthony of Padua describes our Lady's beautiful name, exclaiming, “O name of Mary! Joy in the heart, honey in the mouth, melody to the ear of Her devout clients!" St. Peter Canisius also speaks of the name of our Lady. "After the most holy and adorable Name of Jesus, there is no name more glorious or more powerful than the name of Mary. At the mention of this name, the Angels rejoice and the devils tremble; through this invocation of this name, sinners obtain grace and pardon." May we always honor the beloved name of our Lady with prayers of love and gratitude.

Litany of the Holy Name of Mary

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.
Heavenly Father, of Whom Mary is the Daughter,
Have mercy on us. ***
Eternal Word, of Whom Mary is the Mother, ***
Holy Spirit, of Whom Mary is the spouse, ***
Divine Trinity, of Whom Mary is the Handmaid,***

Mary , Mother of the Living God, pray for us.
Mary, daughter of the Light Eternal, pray for us.
Mary, our light, *.
Mary, our sister,*
Mary, flower of Jesse, *
Mary , issue of kings, *
Mary, chief work of God, *
Mary, the beloved of God, *
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, *
Mary, all fair, *
Mary, light in darkness, *
Mary, our sure rest, *
Mary, house of God, *
Mary, sanctuary of the Lord, *
Mary, altar of the Divinity, *
Mary, Virgin Mother, *
Mary, embracing thy Infant God, *
Mary, reposing with Eternal Wisdom, *
Mary, ocean of bitterness, *
Mary, Star of the Sea, *
Mary, suffering with thine only Son, *
Mary, pierced with a sword of sorrow, *
Mary, torn with a cruel wound, *
Mary, sorrowful even to death , *
Mary, bereft of all consolation, *
Mary, submissive to the law of God, *
Mary, standing by the Cross of Jesus, *
Mary, Our Lady, *
Mary, Our Queen, *
Mary, Queen of glory, *
Mary, glory of the Church Triumphant, *
Mary, Blessed Queen,*
Mary, advocate of the Church Militant, *
Mary, Queen of Mercy, *
Mary, consoler of the Church Suffering, *
Mary, exalted above the Angels, *
Mary, crowned with twelve stars, *
Mary, fair as the moon, *
Mary, bright as the sun, *
Mary, distinguished above all, *
Mary, seated at the right hand of Jesus, *
Mary, our hope, *
Mary, our sweetness, *
Mary, glory of Jerusalem , *
Mary, joy of Israel, *
Mary, honor of our people, *

Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, *
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, *
Mary, Our Lady of Loreto, *
Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, *
Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, *
Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, *
Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, *
Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, *
Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, *
Mary, Our Lady of Dolors, *
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, *
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, *
Mary, Our Lady of Victory, *
Mary, Our Lady of La Trappe, *
Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence,*

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord Jesus.
Lam of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus.
Son of Mary, hear us. Son of Mary, graciously hear us.
V. I will declare thy name unto my brethren. R. I will praise thee in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Us Pray. O Almighty God, Who beholdest Thy servants earnestly desirous of placing themselves under the shadow of the name and protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, that by her charitable intercession, we may be delivered from all evil on earth, and may arrive at everlasting joys in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. R. Amen.

“O amor mei nomen matris Dei.” -St. Anselm (Oh name of the Mother of God, thou art my Love.)

God bless!

+JMJ+

On the Feast of St. Louis IX

                                                                        

"Fair son, the first thing I would teach thee is to set thine heart to love God; for unless he love God none can be saved. Keep thyself from doing aught that is displeasing to God, that is to say, from mortal sin. Contrariwise thou shouldst suffer every manner of torment rather than commit a mortal sin."  --from St. Louis IX's last instructions to his eldest son.

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On August 25 Holy Mother Church honors St. Louis IX, holy King of France and defender of Christianity.  At the age of 12, St. Louis inherited the throne, but he did not reign fully until the age of 21.  Until this time St. Louis was guided by his devout mother, Queen Blanche, who once told her young, royal son, "I love you my dear son, as much as a mother can love her child; but I would rather see you dead at my feet than that you should commit a mortal sin.” His mother’s influence was to direct St. Louis' life, guiding him to be a king filled with compassion for the poor, devoted to his kingdom, to his wife and eleven children, and especially to his Faith.  St. Louis heard two Masses a day and spent hours in prayer, even reciting the Office while imprisoned with two priests.  Just as his mother gave him advice to direct his life towards God, St. Louis did likewise with his eldest son, leaving him with final instructions before his death.  He was canonized in 1297.

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"If God send thee adversity, receive it in patience and give thanks to our Saviour and bethink thee that thou hast deserved it, and that He will make it turn to thine advantage. If He send thee prosperity, then thank Him humbly, so that thou becomest not worse from pride or any other cause, when thou oughtest to be better. For we should not fight against God with his own gifts."--from St. Louis IX's last instructions to his eldest son.

Litany in Honor of St. Louis IX

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, . .
Holy Virgin of virgins, . . .
Saint Louis of France, . . .
Saint Louis, scion of devout parents, . . .
Saint Louis, constant protector of the children of God, . . .
Saint Louis, steadfast teacher of piety, . . .
Saint Louis, true model of Christian virtue, . . .
Saint Louis, faithful confessor of the living Christ, . . .
Saint Louis, kingly bearer of humiliations, . . .
Saint Louis, staunch defender of the glorified Christ, . . .
Saint Louis, true martyr of the flesh by mortification, . . .
Saint Louis, detester of worldly pride and honor, . . .
Saint Louis, saviour of souls, . . .
Saint Louis, ardent lover of God, . . .
Saint Louis, kind friend of enemies, . . .
Saint Louis, rapt in prayer to God, . . .
Saint Louis, hope of sinners, . . .
Saint Louis, giver of gifts, . . .
Saint Louis, founder of charitable institutions for the afflicted, . . .
Saint Louis, generous giver of alms, . . .
Saint Louis, lavish dispenser of riches, . . .
Saint Louis, guard of the holy places of pilgrimage, . . .
Saint Louis, detester of immoderate people, . . .
Saint Louis, protector of widows and orphans, . . .
Saint Louis, defender of the sepulchre of Our Lord Jesus Christ, . . .
Saint Louis, victor over the Saracens, . . .
Saint Louis, protector of those in pagan slavery, . . .
Saint Louis, converter of unbelievers to the Christian faith, . . .
Saint Louis, visitor of hospitals and dispenser of favors to the infirm, . . .
Saint Louis, healer of the sick, . . .
Saint Louis, intercessor and patron of the French King, . . .
Saint Louis, from whom those who flee to thee obtain the infallible help of God, . . .
Saint Louis, at whose request divers diseases are miraculously cured, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father (secretly). Hail Mary (secretly).

℣. Pray for us, Saint Louis:
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O Lord, King of kings, Jesus Christ, Who didst love Saint Louis and didst lead him into the heavenly Kingdom: grant that by his intercession and good works, we may participate in his glory for all eternity. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

"Finally, my very dear son, cause Masses to be sung for my soul, and prayers to be said throughout thy realm; and give to me a special share and full part in all the good thou doest. Fair, dear son, I give thee all the blessings that a good father can give to his son. And may the blessed Trinity and all the saints keep and defend thee from all evils; and God give thee grace to do His will always, so that He be honored in thee, and that thou and I may both, after this mortal life is ended, be with Him together and praise Him everlastingly. Amen." --from St. Louis IX's last instructions to his eldest son.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Blessed Lent

 I pray you have a very holy and fruitful Lent!  What do you have planned for your Lenten season?  I feel more prepared this year than many past years, but we will see how it goes.  :)  Our family has created a Lenten calendar, incorporating the ideas and images from Jessica's calendar, to keep us on track with extra prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.  Matt, the older 5 children and I will also be reading two religious books each:

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• Seamus--  Humility of Heart by Fr. Cajetan Mary da Bergamo and Searching for and Maintaining Peace (by Fr. Jacques Philippe)
• Riley--  Humility of Heart and The St. Gemma Galgani Collection
• Liam--  Humility of Heart and The Great St. Joseph by Dr. Remi Amelunxen (who was a parishoner at our parish who recently passed away)
• Finn-- The Secret of Mary by St. Louis de Montfort and The Secret of the Rosary by St. Louis de Montfort
• Moira-- St. Collette  (Along the Paths of the Gospel)
• My selection--  Searching for and Maintaining Peace and Imitation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus by Fr. Peter J. Arnoudt
• Matt--  The Mystical City of God by Ven. Mary of Agreda

I hope to post new Lenten prayers for you this Lent, but I wanted to start with one of my favorite prayers:  the Litany of Humility.  

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Litany of Humility

O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, Jesus. (**Repeat each time.)
From the desire of being loved,**
From the desire of being extolled,**
From the desire of being honored,**
From the desire of being praised,**
From the desire of being preferred to others,**
From the desire of being consulted,**
From the desire of being approved,**
From the fear of being humiliated,**
From the fear of being despised,**
From the fear of suffering rebukes,**
From the fear of being calumniated,**
From the fear of being forgotten,**
From the fear of being ridiculed,**
From the fear of being wronged,**
From the fear of being suspected,**
That others may be loved more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it. (**Repeat each time from this point forward.)
That others may be esteemed more than I,**
That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease,**
That others may be chosen and I set aside,**
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,**
That others may be preferred to me in everything,**
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should,**
Amen.

--Composed by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930), Secretary of State for Pope Saint Pius X

God bless!

+JMJ+

A Feast of Thanksgiving

 With November quickly approaching two huge feasts are drawing near:  All Saints Day on November 1, which is a Holy Day of Obligation, and All Souls Day on November 2. 

To begin preparing for these great feasts of Holy Mother Church, I wanted to focus on the feast of All Saints Day.  This feast can be looked at as a day of thanksgiving within the Church.  Pope Gregory IV instituted this feast for the universal Church more than eleven hundred years ago in an attempt to ensure that none of those holy souls, canonized or not, would be forgotten.  This feast covers all the innumerable holy souls who have reached their heavenly goal, those souls that now contemplate the Face of God and can pray for us.  As St. Teresa of Avila prayed, 

"O holy ones who knew how to prepare so delightful an inheritance, help us now that you are so near the fount of all holiness.  Draw water for those of us who are perishing from thirst."

One fitting prayer to recite on the Feast of All Saints is the "Litany of the Saints."  This beautiful prayer is believed to be the oldest of the Church's litanies.  It was mentioned in the fourth century by St. Basil, and the Litany of the Saints was prescribed in 590 A.D. by St. Gregory the Great to be used during a procession of thanksgiving after the conclusion of a plague that had devastated Rome.  May we recite this ancient prayer of the Church, honoring the holy men and women who now dwell with our Lord in heaven, and rejoicing and thanking God for these saints' examples and prayers.  

Litany of the Saints 

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy.  Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world. have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us,*** (Repeat after each invocation.)
Holy Mother of God,***
Holy Virgin of virgins,***
St. Michael,***
St. Gabriel,***
St. Raphael,***
All ye holy angels and archangels,***
All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,***
St. John the Baptist,***
St. Joseph,***
All ye holy patriarchs and prophets,***
St. Peter,***
St. Paul,***
St. Andrew,***
St. James,***
St. John,***
St. Thomas,***
St. James,***
St. Philip,***
St. Bartholomew,***
St. Matthew,***
St. Simon,***
St. Thaddeus,***
St. Matthias,***
St. Barnabas,***
St. Luke,***
St. Mark,***
All ye holy apostles and evangelists,***
All ye holy disciples of our Lord,***
All ye holy Innocents,***
St. Stephen,***
St. Lawrence,***
St. Vincent,***
Sts. Fabian and Sebastian,***
Sts. John and Paul,***
Sts. Cosmas and Damian,***
Sts. Gervase and Protase,***
All ye holy martyrs,***
St. Sylvester,***
St. Gregory,***
St. Ambrose,***
St. Augustine,***
St. Jerome,***
St. Martin,***
St. Nicholas,***
All ye holy bishops and confessors,***
All ye holy doctors,***
St. Anthony,***
St. Benedict,***
St. Bernard,***
St. Dominic,***
St. Francis,***
All ye holy priests and levites,***
All ye holy monks and hermits,***
St. Mary Magdalen,***
St. Agatha,***
St. Lucy,***
St. Agnes,***
St. Cecilia,***
St. Catherine,***
St. Anastasia,***
All ye holy virgins and widows,***

All ye holy men and women, saints of God, make intercession for us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.

From all evil, O Lord, deliver us.*** (Repeat after each invocation.)
From all sin,***
From Thy wrath,***
From a sudden and unprovided death,***
From the deceits of the devil,***
From anger, hatred, and all ill-will,***
From the spirit of fornication,***
From lightning and tempest,***
From the scourge of earthquake,***
From plague, famine, and war,***
From everlasting death,***
Through the mystery of Thy Holy Incarnation,***
Through Thy coming,***
Through Thy Nativity,***
Through Thy baptism and holy fasting,***
Through Thy Cross and Passion,***
Through Thy death and burial,***
Through Thy holy Resurrection,***
Through Thy admirable Ascension,***
Through the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete,***
In the day of judgment,***

We sinners, we Thee, hear us.

That Thou wouldst spare us, we beseech thee, hear us.*** (Repeat after each invocation.)
That Thou wouldst pardon us,***
That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance,***
That Thou wouldst govern and preserve Thy holy Church,***
That Thou wouldst preserve our Apostolic Prelate and all ecclesiastical Orders in holy religion,***
That Thou wouldst humble the enemies of Thy holy Church,***
That Thou wouldst give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes,***
That Thou wouldst grant peace and unity to all Christian people,***
That Thou wouldst bring back to the unity of the Church all those who have strayed from the truth, and lead to the light of the Gospel all unbelievers,***
That Thou wouldst confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service,***
That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires,***
That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings to all our benefactors,***
That Thou wouldst deliver our souls and those of our brethren, relations, and benefactors from eternal damnation,***
That Thou wouldst give and preserve the fruits of the earth,***
That Thou wouldst give eternal rest to all the faithful departed,***
That Thou wouldst graciously hear us,***
Son of God,***

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.  Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.

Our Father...(prayed silently)
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.  Amen.

"Let us rejoice in the Lord as we keep this festival in honor of all the saints; in which solemnity the angels rejoice, while the Archangels praise the Son of God."

(From "Gaudeamus Omnes."  You can listen to a beautiful rendition of this Latin hymn here.)

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of Corpus Christi

 May you have a blessed Feast of Corpus Christi!  On this most holy feast may we remember to give of our time, love, and adoration to our Blessed Lord, Who remains within the tabernacle, waiting for us to come to Him in silent conversation and devout adoration.  May we also offer our Lord our hearts, minds, and very beings when we have the great privilege of receiving Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.  On this great feast of Holy Mother Church, may we always remember the great gift of this most sacred Sacrament, our Lord Himself.  

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"When you have received Him, stir up your heart to do Him homage; speak to Him about your spiritual life, gazing upon Him in your soul where He is present for your happiness; welcome Him as warmly as possible, and behave outwardly in such a way that your actions may give proof to all of His Presence." 

--- St. Francis de Sales

The following prayer, the Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament, was penned by St. Peter Julian Eymard, and its recitation stands as a beautiful way to honor our Lord on the feast of Corpus Christi.

Litany of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.  Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Eternal High Priest of the Eucharistic Sacrifice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Divine Victim on the Altar for our salvation, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hidden under the appearance of bread, have mercy on us.
Jesus, dwelling in the tabernacles of the world, have mercy on us.
Jesus, really, truly and substantially present in the Blessed Sacrament, have mercy on us.
Jesus, abiding in Your fullness, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Bread of Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Bread of Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, with us always until the end of the world, have mercy on us.

Sacred Host, summit and source of all worship and Christian life, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, sign and cause of the unity of the Church, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, adored by countless angels, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, spiritual food, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, Sacrament of love, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, bond of charity, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, greatest aid to holiness, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, gift and glory of the priesthood, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, in which we partake of Christ, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, in which the soul is filled with grace, have mercy on us.
Sacred Host, in which we are given a pledge of future glory, have mercy on us.

Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

For those who do not believe in Your Eucharistic presence, have mercy, O Lord.
For those who are indifferent to the Sacrament of Your love, have mercy on us.
For those who have offended You in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar, have mercy on us.

That we may show fitting reverence when entering Your holy temple, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may make suitable preparation before approaching the Altar, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may receive You frequently in Holy Communion with real devotion and true humility, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may never neglect to thank You for so wonderful a blessing, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may cherish time spent in silent prayer before You, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may grow in knowledge of this Sacrament of sacraments, we beseech You, hear us.
That all priests may have a profound love of the Holy Eucharist, we beseech You, hear us.
That they may celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in accordance with its sublime dignity, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may be comforted and sanctified with Holy Viaticum at the hour of our death, we beseech You, hear us.
That we may see You one day face to face in Heaven, we beseech You, hear us.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, all praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine.

Let us pray.
Most merciful Father, You continue to draw us to Yourself through the Eucharistic Mystery.  Grant us fervent faith in this Sacrament of love, in which Christ the Lord Himself is contained, offered and received. We make this prayer through the same Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

--St. Peter Julian Eymard

"How I loved the feasts!.... I especially loved the processions in honor of the Blessed Sacrament. What a joy it was for me to throw flowers beneath the feet of God!... I was never so happy as when I saw my roses touch the sacred Monstrance..."  

 -- from St. Therese's Autobiography: Story of A Soul

God bless!

+JMJ+

Feast of the Seven Sorrows of Mary

 Our Lady of Sorrows is honored with feasts on September 15 and on the Friday of Passion week, this coming Friday.  I have always had a great love for Our Lady of Sorrows and love singing the beautiful "Stabat Mater" during the Stations of the Cross.  Meditating upon the sorrowful countenance of our gentle Mother, bowed low over the body of her Son as she holds him near her grief-stricken heart, fills my being with true sorrow for my sins, for my selfishness and weakness.  May the image of Our Lady of Sorrows remain before our eyes throughout the remainder of Lent, filling our hearts with a true horror of sin  and a desire to perform penance for our sins and and the sins committed throughout the world.  

Litany of the Sorrowful Mother

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of Our Saviour Crucified, pray for us.
Mother most Sorrowful, pray for us.
Mother most tearful, pray for us.
Mother most afflicted, pray for us.
Mother most lonely, pray for us.
Mother most desolate, pray for us.
Mother pierced by the sword of sorrow, pray for us.

Queen of martyrs, pray for us.
Comfort of the sorrowful, pray for us.
Help of the needy, pray for us.
Protectress of the forsaken, pray for us.
Support of widows and orphans, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Hope of the troubled, pray for us.
Haven of the ship-wrecked, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Hope of the despairing, pray for us.
Mother of mercy, pray for us.

Through thy poverty in the stable of Bethlehem, pray for us.
Through thy sorrow at the prophecy of Simeon, pray for us.
Through thy sad flight into Egypt, pray for us.
Through thy anxiety when seeking thy lost Child, pray for us.
Through thy grief when seeing thy divine Son persecuted, pray for us.
Through thy fear and anxiety when Jesus was apprehended, pray for us.
Through thy pain caused by the treason of Judas and the denial of Peter, pray for us.
Through thy sad meeting with Jesus on the way of the Cross, pray for us.
Through the tortures of thy loving Heart at the Crucifixion of Jesus, pray for us.
Through thy agony at the death of Jesus, pray for us.
Through the sword of sorrow that pierced thy heart when the side of Jesus was transfixed by the
lance, pray for us.
Through thy lamentations over the dead Body of thy divine Son lying on thy bosom, pray for us.
Through thy deep mourning at His tomb, pray for us.
Through thy desolation after the burial of Jesus, pray for us.
Through the tears thou didst shed for thy beloved Son, pray for us.
Through thy wonderful resignation to the will of God in all thy sufferings, pray for us.

O Queen of peace, pray for us.
In all our tribulations, pray for us.
In our illnesses and pains, pray for us.
In our sorrows and afflictions, pray for us.
In our need and destitution, pray for us.
In our fears and dangers, pray for us.
In the hour of our death, pray for us.
On the Day of Judgment, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

Pray for us, O Sorrowful Virgin, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray.  We beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, let Thy Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose holy soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the hour of Thy Passion, implore Thy mercy for us, both now and at the hour of our death, Who livest and reignest, world without end.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

In Honor of St. Blaise

 ***Just a reminder if you want to begin a novena to Our Lady of Lourdes for her upcoming feast day, you would begin today to finish on the eve of her feast.  I have one novena to her here.

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In a previous post I wrote about the group of Saints known as the Fourteen Holy Helpers.  St. Blaise, whose individual feast day is February 3, is one of those Saints.  St. Blaise lived in the 3rd century and faced great persecution after becoming Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia.  Because he is known for curing a small boy who was dying from a fish bone caught in his throat, St. Blaise is known as the patron saint against troubles of the throat.  For this patronage Catholics receive throat blessings at Mass on his feast day.  St. Blaise died a martyr's death.

the Martyrdom of St. Blaise

Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
St. Joseph, helper in all needs, pray for us.
Fourteen Holy Helpers, pray for us.

St. George, valiant Martyr of Christ, pray for us.
St. Blaise, zealous bishop and benefactor of the poor, pray for us.
St. Erasmus, mighty protector of the oppressed, pray for us.
St. Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for us.
St. Vitus, special protector of chastity, pray for us.
St. Christophorus, mighty intercessor in dangers, pray for us.
St. Dionysius, shining mirror of faith and confidence, pray for us.
St. Cyriacus, terror of Hell, pray for us.
St. Achatius, helpful advocate in death, pray for us.
St. Eustachius, exemplar of patience in adversity, pray for us.
St. Giles, despiser of the world, pray for us.
St. Margaret, valiant champion of the Faith, pray for us.
St. Catherine, victorious defender of the Faith and of purity, pray for us.
St. Barbara, mighty patroness of the dying, pray for us.

All ye Holy Helpers, pray for us.
All ye Saints of God, pray for us.
In temptations against faith, pray for us.
In adversity and trials, pray for us.
In anxiety and want, pray for us.
In every combat, pray for us.
In every temptation, pray for us.
In sickness, pray for us.
In all needs, pray for us.
In fear and terror, pray for us.
In dangers of salvation, pray for us.
In dangers of honor, pray for us.
In dangers of reputation, pray for us.
In dangers of property, pray for us.
In dangers by fire and water, pray for us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Lord!
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord!

From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.
From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Lord.
From the scourge of earthquake, deliver us, O Lord.
From plague, famine, and war, deliver us, O Lord.
From lightning and storms, deliver us, O Lord.
From a sudden and unprovided death, deliver us, O Lord.
From eternal damnation, deliver us, O Lord.

Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy birth and Thy life, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy Cross and Passion, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy death and burial, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the merits of Thy blessed Mother Mary, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the merits of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, deliver us, O Lord.
On the Day of Judgment, deliver us, O Lord!

We sinners, beseech Thee hear us.
That Thou spare us, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt pardon us, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt convert us to true penance, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt give and preserve the fruits of the earth, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt protect and propagate Thy holy Church, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt preserve peace and concord among the nations, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt give eternal rest to the souls of the departed, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wilt come to our aid through the intercession of the Holy Helpers, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. George, Thou wilt preserve us in the Faith, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Blaise Thou wilt confirm us in hope, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Erasmus Thou wilt enkindle in us Thy holy love, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Pantaleon Thou wilt give us charity for our neighbor, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Vitus Thou wilt teach us the value of our soul, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Christophorus Thou wilt preserve us from sin, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Dionysius Thou wilt give us tranquility of conscience, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Cyriacus Thou wilt grant us resignation to Thy holy will, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Eustachius Thou wilt give us patience in adversity, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Achatius Thou wilt grant us a happy death, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Giles Thou wilt grant us a merciful judgment, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Margaret Thou wilt preserve us from Hell, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Catherine Thou wilt shorten our Purgatory, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Barbara Thou wilt receive us in Heaven, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of all the Holy Helpers Thou wilt grant our prayers, we beseech Thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ.

Let us Pray.
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast bestowed extraordinary graces and gifts on Thy Saints George,
Blase, Erasmus, Pantaleon, Vitus, Christophorus, Dionysius, Cyriacus, Eustachius, Achatius, Giles, Margaret, Catherine, and Barbara, and hast illustrated them by miracles; we beseech Thee to graciously hear the petitions of all who invoke their intercession.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of Christmas

 Although there a a few days remaining in the season of Advent, I wanted to provide you with these beautiful prayers for the holy day of Christmas.  I pray your Christmas is filled with the love and joy of the newborn King!

Nativity Prayer of St. Augustine of Hippo

Let the just rejoice,

for their justifier is born.

Let the sick and infirm rejoice,

For their saviour is born.

Let the captives rejoice,

For their Redeemer is born.

Let slaves rejoice,

for their Master is born.

Let free men rejoice,

For their Liberator is born.

Let All Christians rejoice,

For Jesus Christ is born.

Amen

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Litany of the Infant Jesus

Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy.
Christ, have mercy, Christ, have mercy.
Lord have mercy, Lord, have mercy.

Infant Jesus, hear us.
Infant Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, graciously hear us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, graciously hear us.
God the Holy Spirit, graciously hear us.
Holy Trinity, One God, graciously hear us.

Infant Jesus, have mercy on us. *** (repeat each time)
Infant, very God, ***
Infant, Son of the Living God, ***
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, ***
Infant, begotten before the morning star, ***
Infant, Word made flesh,***
Infant, Wisdom of Thy Father, ***
Infant, Purity of Thy mother, ***
Infant, only Son of Thy Father, ***
Infant, First-Born of Thy mother,***
Infant, Image of Thy Father, ***
Infant, Creator of Thy mother, ***
Infant, Splendor of Thy Father,***
Infant, Honor of Thy mother, ***
Infant, equal to Thy Father, ***
Infant, subject to Thy mother, ***
Infant, Joy of Thy Father, ***
Infant, Riches of Thy mother, ***
Infant, Gift of Thy Father,***
Infant, Offering of Thy mother, ***

Infant, precious fruit of a virgin, ***
Infant, Creator of man, ***
Infant, Power of God, ***
Infant, our God, ***
Infant, our Brother, ***
Infant, perfect Man from Thy conception, ***
Infant, ancient in wisdom from Thy childhood, ***
Infant, Father of ages, ***
Infant, of days, ***
Infant, giving life, and nourished at the breast, ***
Infant, Eternal Word, and making Thyself dumb, ***
Infant, weeping in the crib, ***
Infant, thundering in Heaven, ***
Infant, terror of hell, ***
Infant, Joy of Paradise, ***
Infant, dreaded by tyrants, ***
Infant, desired by the Magi, ***
Infant, exiled from Thy people, ***

Infant, King in exile, ***
Infant, Destroyer of idols, ***
Infant, Vindicator of the glory of God, ***.
Infant, strong in weakness, ***
Infant, powerful in abasement, ***
Infant, Treasure of Grace, ***
Infant, Fountain of Love, ***
Infant, Author of the blessings of Heaven, ***
Infant, Repairer of the evils of earth, ***
Infant, Head of the angels, ***
Infant, Stem of the patriarchs, ***
Infant, Word of the prophets, ***
Infant, Expectation of nations, ***
Infant, Joy of the shepherds, ***
Infant, Light of the Magi, ***
Infant, Salvation of children, ***
Infant, Hope of the just, ***
Infant, Teacher of doctors, ***
Infant, First-fruits of the saints,***

Be merciful, Spare us, O Infant Jesus,
Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.

From the bondage of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us. *** (repeat each time)
From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, ***
From the corruption of the world, Infant Jesus, ***
From the lust of the flesh, Infant Jesus, ***
From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, ***
From the immoderate desire of knowledge, Infant Jesus, ***
From the blindness of mind, Infant Jesus, ***
From the perversity of will, Infant Jesus, ***
From our sins, Infant Jesus, ***

Through Thy most pure conception, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy most humble birth, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy most painful circumcision, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy most glorious epiphany, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy most devout presentation, Infant Jesus,***
Through Thy most innocent conversation in the world, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy most holy life, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy sorrows, Infant Jesus, ***
Through Thy labors and travails. Infant Jesus, ***

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.

Infant Jesus, hear us.
Infant Jesus, graciously hear us.

Let us pray.  O Lord Jesus, Who allowed the greatness of Thy incarnate divinity and most sacred humanity to be born in time, to become a little child, and to suffer bitter death, grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom in the silence of a child, power in weakness, majesty in abasement, so that adoring Thy humility and littleness on earth we may contemplate Thy glories in Heaven. We ask this of Thee, who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, lives and reigns God, forever and ever. Amen.

May you have a very blessed Christmas!

God bless!

+JMJ+