Novena to Our Lady of Altagracia

On January 21, Holy Mother Church honors Mary under the title of Our Lady of Altagracia, also known as Our Lady of High Grace.  She is the patroness of the Dominican Order and the Dominican Republic.  The history of Mary under this title dates to the 1500s when two Spanish brothers brought her image to the island of Santo Domingo.  Later they offered it to the parish church in the city of Higuey so that all the parishioners might honor Mary.  

Popular piety states that the devout daughter of a wealthy merchant asked her father to bring her an image of Our Lady of Altagracia from Santo Domingo, but her father could not find one.  While he was at a friend's house relating his story, and elderly man passed by.  He took a rolled image from his pack, suggesting it was the image of which the merchant searched; it was in fact the image of Our Lady of Altagracia.  The two men eventually returned the painting to the church in Higuey, since the image refused to remain in the house, miraculously transporting itself outside each time it was taken inside.  The elderly man was never seen again.  

This 15th century Spanish painting depicts a nativity scene with Mary looking upon Infant Jesus with love and gentleness.  She is clothed with a blue mantle, which is covered in gold stars.  The image has been crowned by both Pope Pius XI and Pope John Paul II.

The following novena is a beautiful prayer to the Blessed Virgin under the title of Our Lady of Altagracia.  Although, as a novena, the prayer would be prayed from January 12- January 20, it can also be recited anytime as a prayer to honor Our Lady and ask for her intercession.

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Altagracia 

Preparatory Prayer 

O Dear Mother, Most Sweet Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness! Look at us here, prostrated in your presence wishing to offer you this novena in testimony of our love, and in thanksgiving for the innumerable favors we have received from your hands. You are our Advocate and, like beggars, we come to present our needs to you. You are our Teacher, and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all the love of our hearts. Receive, Dearest Mother, our praise and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen. 

Supplications 

1.- O Sweetest Mother of Altagracia, pure and immaculate since your conception! We beg you to bless our children, preserving their innocence and increasing their love for purity. (Hail Mary…) 

 2.- O Sweetest Mother of Altagracia, Admirable Mother, who in your little house of Nazareth, served as a model for Christian mothers and wives. We ask you to bless our homes so that the sanctity and holiness of marriage will flourish in them. (Hail Mary…) 

3. O Sweetest Mother of Altagracia, you who had the joy of receiving in your arms the body of your Most Holy Son who died on the cross for us, we beg you to come to our aid at the our of our death, so that by dying with the name of Jesus on our lips and hearts, we can fly to the glory of your maternal arms. (Hail Mary...)

Final Prayer 

Most Holy Virgin of Altagracia, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for the continuous blessings you pour down on us. From your hands and from your maternal heart we receive, each day, the sustenance given to us by our Heavenly Father. You are our defender when we are in danger, our aid when we are in need, and our hope in the sacrifices proper of our Christian life. Through your Immaculate Heart we want to sing a song of thanksgiving to God for all the blessings he has given us. We promise you, O Mother, gratitude and fidelity. You will reign forever in our homes and our town where we will venerate you as our Lady and Mother by growing in all your virtues. Make us worthy of being called your children so that serving God and you in this world, we will obtain the highest grace you bring to us: a holy death that will open to us the gates of heaven.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

During Advent

Saint Anselm stated, "Come now, insignificant man, fly for a moment from your affairs, escape for a little while from the tumult of your thoughts. Put aside now your weighty cares and leave your wearisome toils. Abandon yourself for a little to God and rest for a little in Him. Enter into the inner chamber of your soul, shut out everything save God and what can be of help in your quest for Him, and having locked the door, seek Him out..."

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Throughout Advent, although the world tries in every way to distract us from the approaching birth of Jesus, may we hold tight to St. Anselm's words, abandoning ourselves to God and making ready our hearts for Him. May we journey with Joseph and Mary, who, while fulfilling their necessary tasks, prepared each moment for the coming of the Lord, their Infant Son. During this season of Advent, may we remember to pause, remaining still and silent, and listen for God's voice guiding us as he guided Mary and Joseph on their road to Bethlehem. 

During the Advent season, let us also meditate on the beautiful Marian hymn below.  Believed to have been written during the Middle Ages, this hymn illuminates the link from Mary to Jesus.  Let us strive to keep our gaze upon Our Lady throughout Advent that she may lead us to her Infant Son.

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Mary the Dawn, Christ the Perfect Day

Mary the dawn, Christ the Perfect Day; 

Mary the gate, Christ the Heavenly Way! 

Mary the root, Christ the Mystic Vine; 

Mary the grape, Christ the Sacred Wine! 

Mary the wheat, Christ the Living Bread; 

Mary the stem, Christ the Rose blood-red! 

Mary the font, Christ the Cleansing Flood; 

Mary the cup, Christ the Saving Blood! 

Mary the temple, Christ the temple’s Lord; 

Mary the shrine, Christ the God adored! 

Mary the beacon, Christ the Haven’s Rest; 

Mary the mirror, Christ the Vision Blest! 

Mary the mother, Christ the mother’s Son 

By all things blest while endless ages run. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

  On November 27 Holy Mother Church honors Mary under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, and the following day, November 28, St. Catherine Laboure, to whom Our Lady appeared, is remembered.  It was in 1830 during the second of three visits to St. Catherine, who at that time was a novice for the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, that Mary instructed St. Catherine to have a medal made and distributed with the  revealed image.  St. Catherine described the image, saying,"

“The Blessed Virgin was standing on a globe, and her face was beautiful beyond words. Her fingers were covered with pre­cious jewels whose light dazzled me. And I heard: ‘Behold the symbol of the graces I shed upon those who ask for them!’ Then an oval frame formed around the Blessed Virgin and I read in let­ters of gold: ‘O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.’ The vi­sion reversed and I beheld the letter ‘M’ surmounted by a cross, at the foot of the cross, a bar, and below all, the Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns, and the Heart of Mary pierced with a sword. A voice said to me, ‘Have a medal struck after this model. Persons who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.'”

St. Catherine obeyed our Lady, and the Miraculous Medal, as it eventually became known, gained popularity with the Faithful; many miraculous conversions were connected to wearing this sacramental.  Years later St. Maximilian Kolbe made this medal honoring our Lady a significant aspect of his Militia Immaculatae, a sign of consecration to Mary.  May we also imitate these Saints and honor our Mother through the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, simply by wearing the medal.  Two prayers are given below for this devotion.

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Daily Miraculous Medal Prayer of St. Maximilian Kolbe

 

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you, and for all who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to you.

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An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal 

O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. 

O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen.

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+

Prayer to Our Queen

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

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

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

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

Prayer to our Queen

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

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

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

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

--Pope Pius XII

God bless!

+JMJ+

Novena for the Expectation of Mary

                                                               

A prayer fitting to recite during Advent is the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This prayer, also a novena, begins on December 16 and ends on Christmas Eve. It brings to mind the Expectation of Mary as Christ's birth draws near. The feast of the Expectation of Mary is historically celebrated on December 18 and is one of the Church's most ancient Advent festivals of our Lady. This prayer reminds the faithful to honor Mary for her Fiat to our Lord and praises our God for His Incarnation. As we wait for the birth of our Lord on Christmas, may we also be mindful of our Lady's joyful waiting, for she also eagerly awaited Him, her Son and her God, Whom her entire being adored and desired to serve in all things. 

The Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"Drop down the dew from above, you heavens, and let the clouds rain the Just One! Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior!" (Isaiah 48:8). 

O Lord, how wonderful You are everywhere in the world! You have made for Yourself a worthy dwelling-place in Mary!

***Recite 1 Glory be. 

"Behold, a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and His name shall be called Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). "Do not be afraid, Mary, for thou has found grace with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus" (Luke 1:30). 

***Recite 1 Hail Mary. 

"The Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; and, therefore, the Holy One to be born shall be called the Son of God. But Mary said: 'Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done unto me according to thy word'" (Luke 1:35). 

***Recite 1 Hail Mary. 

Holy and immaculate Virgin, how shall I praise you as I ought? You have borne in your womb Him Whom heaven could not contain. You are blessed and worthy of veneration, Virgin Mary, for you became the Mother of the Savior while remaining a Virgin.

***Recite 1 Hail Mary. 

Mary speaks: "I sleep and my heart watches . . . I to my Beloved, and my Beloved to me, who feeds among the lilies" (Song of Solomon 6:2). 

Let us pray. Grant, we beg of You, Almighty God, that we who are weighed down by the old yoke of sin, may be freed by the new birth of Your only-begotten Son for which we long. Who lives and reigns forever. Amen. 

+ Sing or Recite the following hymn,

"Alma Redemptoris Mater" 

Mother of Christ, 

Do hear your people's cry, 

Star of the deep 

And portal of the sky. 

Mother of Him 

Whose hand your glory made, 

Sinking, we strive, 

And call to you for aid. 

Oh, by that joy 

Which Gabriel did bestow; 

O Virgin first and last, Y

our tender mercy show. 

Let us pray. O God, You willed that Your Word should take flesh in the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the message of an angel; grant us, Your humble servants, that we who truly believe her to be the Mother of God, may be helped by her intercession with You. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Corona of the Immaculate Conception

                                                                 

Holy Mother Church honors Mary under the title of the Immaculate Conception with a holy day of obligation on December 8, and in 1846 our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed the Patroness of the United States of America.  A beautiful prayer we can recite to honor our Lady on her feast day is the Corona of the Immaculate Conception, written by Father Marquette.

Father Marquette probably is best known for being a Jesuit missionary to America who helped explore the Mississippi River.  However, as this FSSP article states, his superior Father Claude Dablon  knew him as a very devout and kind priest.

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"We might say much of the rare virtues of this noble missionary: of his zeal, which prompted him to carry the faith so far, and proclaim the gospel to so many peoples who were unknown to us; of his gentleness, which rendered him beloved by all, and made him all things to all men...; of the childlike candor with which he disclosed his heart to his superiors, and even to all kinds of persons, with an ingenuousness which won all hearts; of his angelic chastity; and of his uninterrupted union with God. But that which apparently predominated was a devotion, altogether rare and singular, to the Blessed Virgin, and particularly toward the mystery of her Immaculate Conception...  All his conversations and letters contained something about the Blessed Virgin Immaculate — for so he always called her. From the age of 9 years, he fasted every Saturday; and from his tenderest youth began to say the Little Office of the Conception, inspiring every one with the same devotion."

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Corona of the Immaculate Conception

To pray this prayer to Our Lady:

+ Recite the Creed.  

+ After the Creed, there is said once the Our Father and Hail Mary.

+ Then recite 4 times the following prayer: 

Hail Daughter of God the Father, Hail Mother of God the Son, Hail Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Hail Temple of the entire Trinity. Through thy holy virginity and Immaculate Conception, O Virgin most pure, cleanse my heart and my flesh. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

+Conclude with the Glory Be.

***Repeat the whole sequence of prayers three times.***

God bless!

+JMJ+

Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

  Holy Mother Church celebrates the traditional feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on November 27.  Mary appeared to St. Catherine Laboure on November 27, 1830, requesting that the young nun get a medal made and distributed from the image that also appeared to St. Catherine.  After much difficulty St. Catherine successfully fulfilled our Lady's request, and thus the Miraculous Medal became known, with Our Lady's words in remembrance:  "Persons who wear it will receive great graces especially if they wear it around the neck."

In 1927 the following novena was created by the Vincentian Order as a way to thank Mary for her great intercession in their needs.  It was written by combining prayers from the Raccolta, the Memorare, the Miraculous Medal prayer, and one of St. Alphonsus Liguori's prayers.  Originally it was written to be prayed before the Marian feast days of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Our Lady of Lourdes, our Lady, Help of Christians, and the Assumption.  The novena spread quickly, and in 1930 Vincentian Fr. Skelly extended the novena to become a perpetual novena to our Lady, with it being recited (with the additional prayers below) every Monday of the year to shower our Lady with our love.  This perpetual novena has continued unbroken for 90 years.

This year on the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal let us honor our dear Mother with prayer and words of thanksgiving.  While we wear the Miraculous Medal, given to us by Mary herself, near our hearts, let us remember to truly give Mary our hearts, to turn from the world and strive to imitate her in serving and worshiping our Lord.

Perpetual Novena in Honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

[All stand and sing] "The Lourdes Hymn"

Opening Prayer:

Priest: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. 

People: Amen.

Priest: Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created. 

People: And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth. 

Priest: Let us pray. O God Who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. 

People: Amen.

Priest: O Mary, conceived without sin, 

People: Pray for us who have recourse to Thee. [3 times] 

Priest and People: O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast vouchsafed to glorify by numberless miracles/ the Blessed Virgin Mary,/ immaculate from the first moment of Her conception,/ grant that all who devoutly implore Her protection on earth,/ may eternally enjoy Thy presence in Heaven,/ Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,/ livest and reignest, God, forever and ever. Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ,/ Who for the accomplishment of Thy greatest works,/ hast chosen the weak things of the world,/ that no flesh may glory in Thy sight,/ and Who for a better and more widely diffused belief/ in the Immaculate Conception of Thy Mother,/ hast wished that the Miraculous Medal/ be manifested to Saint Catherine Laboure,/ grant, we beseech Thee,/ that filled with like humility,/ we may glorify this mystery by word and work. Amen.     Recite Memorare. 

Priest and People: Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,/ that never was it known/ that anyone who fled to Thy protection,/ implored Thy help,/ or sought Thy intercession,/ was left unaided./ Inspired by this confidence,/ we fly unto Thee,/ O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother./ To Thee do we come;/ before Thee we kneel/ sinful and sorrowful./ O Mother of the Word Incarnate,/ despise not our petitions,/ but in Thy mercy hear and answer them. Amen. 

 

Novena Prayer: 

Priest and People: O Immaculate Virgin Mary,/ Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother,/ penetrated with the most lively confidence/ in Thy all-powerful and never-failing intercession,/ manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal,/ we Thy loving and trustful children/ implore Thee to obtain for us/ the graces and favors we ask during this Novena,/ if they be beneficial to our immortal souls,/ and the souls for whom we pray./ [Here privately form your petitions.] Thou knowest, O Mary,/ how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of Thy Son! Who hates iniquity./ Obtain for us then/ a deep hatred of sin/ and that purity of heart/ which will attach us to God alone/ so that our every thought, word and deed! may tend to His greater glory./ Obtain for us also/ a spirit of prayer and self-denial/ that we may recover by penance/ what we have lost by sin/ and at length attain to that blessed abode/ where Thou art the Queen of Angels and of men. Amen. 

An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Priest and People: O Virgin Mother of God,/ Mary Immaculate,/ we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to Thee/ under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal./ May this Medal be for each one of us/ a sure sign of Thy affection for us/ and a constant reminder of our duties towards Thee./ Ever while wearing it,/ may we be blessed by Thy loving protection/ and preserved in the grace of Thy Son./ O most powerful Virgin,/ Mother of our Savior,/ keep us close to Thee/ every moment of our lives./ Obtain for us, Thy children,/ the grace of a happy death;/ so that in union with Thee,/ we may enjoy the bliss of Heaven forever. Amen. 

Priest: O Mary, conceived without sin, 

People: Pray for us who have recourse to Thee. [3 times] 

All stand and sing: "Hail, Holy Queen."

God bless!

+JMJ+

Three Efficacious Petitions to the Blessed Virgin

 Holy Mother Church celebrates the feast of St. Gertrude on November 16.  The following prayer was taught to St. Gertrude by the Blessed Virgin Mary.  When St. Gertrude recited the three petitions, it seemed to her as though she were so clothed and adorned with her surpassing merits, that the Lord of Majesty took ineffable delight in her. 

Three Efficacious Petitions to the Blessed Virgin

O most blessed Virgin Mary, I beseech thee by the most spotless purity wherewith thou didst prepare in thy womb a still and glad abode for the Son of God, that by thy intercession I may be cleansed from every stain. 

O most blessed Virgin Mary, I beseech thee by that thy most gentle, deep humility whereby thou didst merit to be raised high above all angels and saints, that by thy intercessions all my negligences may be forgiven and satisfied for. 

O most blessed Virgin Mary, I implore thee by that unutterable love which united thee inseparably to God, that by thy intercessions I may receive an abundance of all merit. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Thirty Day Prayer to Mary

 It has long been a custom in the Church to say this prayer of petition on 30 consecutive days. It is also recommended as a Lenten devotion as well as for all Fridays of the year.  With September being dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, it is a fitting month to ask for her intercession through this prayer.

Thirty Day Prayer to Mary

Ever glorious and blessed Mary, Queen of Virgins, Mother of Mercy, through that sword of sorrow which pierced thy tender heart whilst thy only Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, suffered death and ignominy on the Cross; through that filial tenderness and pure love He hast for thee, while from His Cross He recommended thee to the care and protection of His beloved disciple, Saint John, take pity, I beseech thee, on my poverty and need; have compassion on my anxieties and cares; assist and comfort me in all my infirmities and miseries. 

Thou art the Mother of Mercies, the only refuge of the needy and the orphan, of the desolate and afflicted. Cast therefore an eye of pity on this sorrowful child of Eve, and hear my prayer; for since, in just punishment of my sins, I find myself surrounded by a multitude of evils, and oppressed with much anguish of spirit, where can I fly for more secure shelter, O loving Mother of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, than under the wings of thy maternal protection? Listen, therefore, I beseech thee, with an air of pity and compassion, to my humble and earnest request. 

I ask it through the infinite mercy of thy dear Son: through that love and humility with which He embraced our human nature, when through thine own obedience to the Divine Will, thou didst consent to become His Mother, and Whom after nine months, you didst bring forth from thy chaste womb, to visit this world, and bless it with His presence. 

I ask it, through the anguish of mind of thy beloved Son, our dear Savior, on Mount Olivet, when He besought His Eternal Father, to remove from Him, if possible, the bitter chalice of His future passion. I ask it, through the three-fold repetition of His prayers in the Garden, from whence afterwards in sorrow thou didst accompany Him to the scene of His death and sufferings. In ask it, through the laceration of His sinless flesh, caused by the cords and whips with which He was bound and scourged, when stripped of His seamless garments, for which His executioners afterwards cast lots. I ask it, through the scoffs and ignominies by which He was insulted; the false accusations and unjust sentence by which He was condemned to death, and which He bore with enduring patience. I ask it, through His bitter tears and bloody sweat; His silence and resignation; His sadness and grief of heart. I ask it, through the Blood which trickled from His royal and Sacred Head, when struck with the scepter of a reed, and pierced with His Crown of Thorns. I ask it, through the excruciating torments He suffered, when His hands and feet were fastened with nails to the tree of the Cross. I ask it, through His unbearable thirst, and bitter potion of vinegar and gall. I ask it, through His dereliction on the Cross, when He exclaimed: My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me? 

I ask it, through His Mercy extended to the good thief, and through His recommending His precious Soul and spirit into the hands of His Eternal Father, before He expired, saying: "It is finished." I ask it, through the Blood mixed with water, which issued from His Sacred Side when pierced with a lance from whence a flood of grace and mercy has flowed to us. I ask it, through His immaculate life, bitter passion and ignominious death on the Cross, at which even nature itself was thrown into convulsions by the bursting of rocks, rending of the veil of the temple, the earthquake and darkness, of the sun and the moon. 

I ask it, through His glorious victory over death, when He arose again to life on the Third day, and through the joy which His appearance for forty days, gaveth thee, His Blessed Mother, His Apostles, and the rest of His disciples; when in thy and their presence, He miraculously ascended into Heaven. I ask it, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, infused into the hearts of His disciples; when He descended upon them in the form of fiery tongues, and by which they were inspired with zeal for the conversion of the world, when they went to preach the Gospel. I ask it, through the glorious appearance of thy Son, at the last day, when He shall come to judge the living and the dead, and the world by fire. I ask it, through the compassion He bore in this life, and the wonderful joy thou didst feel at thine Assumption into Heaven, where thou doth eternally contemplate His Divine perfection. 

O glorious and ever Blessed Virgin, comfort the heart of thy suppliant, by obtaining for me . . . (Here mention or reflect on your request.)  And as I believe that my Divine Savior honors thee as His beloved Mother, to whom He refuses nothing contrary to His honor, so let me soon experience thy powerful intercession. Wherefore, O most Blessed Virgin, beside my present petition, and whatever else I may stand in need of, obtain for me also of thy dear Son, our Lord and our God, a lively faith, firm hope, perfect charity, true contrition of heart and genuine tears of compunction, sincere confession, satisfaction and deliverance from sin, love of God and my neighbor, a correct attitude to the world, patience to suffer insults, even death itself, for love of thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. 

Obtain likewise for me, O Holy Mother of God, perseverance in good works, the carrying out of my good resolutions, mortification of my self-will, a holy life, and, at my last moments, a strong and sincere repentance, with such presence of mind, as will enable me to receive the last Sacrament of the Church worthily, so as to die in God's friendship and favor. Lastly, I beseech thee, for the Souls of my parents, brethren, relatives and benefactors, both living and dead, life everlasting, from the only giver of every good and perfect gift, the Lord God Almighty: to Whom be all power, now and forever.  Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

Act of Consecration by Ven. Pope Pius XII

 Holy Mother Church devotes the month of October to the Holy Rosary and specifically honors our Lady of the Rosary on October 7.

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“The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors.” – Pope Pius XI

 

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of all, to fulfil the desires of the Sacred Heart and the request of the Vicar of thy Son on earth, we consecrate ourselves and our families to thy Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to thee, all the people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration, dearest Mother, and use us as thou wish to accomplish thy designs upon the world. O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism; kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary more faithfully. We come with confidence to thee, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love. Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed thy own Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes thy shrine, and through us, make the Heart of Jesus, together with thy rule, triumphant in every heart and home.

 --By Ven. Pope Pius XII

“Go to the Madonna. Love her! Always say the Rosary. Say it well. Say it as often as you can! Be souls of prayer. Never tire of praying, it is what is essential. Prayer shakes the Heart of God, it obtains necessary graces!” -St. Padre Pio

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. Stephen of Hungary

 On September 2 Holy Mother Church honors the Apostle of Hungary, St. Stephen the king.  Renowned for establishing Hungary as a Catholic country, he was crowned king in 1001 on the feast of the Assumption of Mary.  St. Stephen held a great love for our Lady and declared her to be the patroness of Hungary.  His zeal for the souls throughout his kingdom brought him to spend many nights in humble prayer and penance for them.  St. Stephen is also recognized for his great care for the poor, and he often disguised himself to attend to them in secret, serving their every need.  As a sign of his charity towards the poor, St. Stephen's right hand remains incorrupt.  

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St. Stephen desired his eldest son Emeric, a saintly young man, to follow the path of leading Hungary as a Catholic nation, and instructed him thus, “My dearest son, if you desire to honor the royal crown, I advise, I counsel, I urge you above all things to maintain the Catholic and apostolic faith with such diligence and care that you may be an example for all those placed under you by God and that all the clergy may rightly call you a man of true Christian profession. Failing to do this, you may be sure that you will not be called a Christian or a son of the Church... My beloved son, delight of my heart, hope of your posterity, I pray, I command, that at every time and in everything, strengthened by your devotion to me, you may show favor... to all who come to you... Be merciful... Be patient with everyone, not only with the powerful, but also with the weak. Finally be strong lest prosperity lift you up too much or adversity cast you down. Be humble in this life, that God may raise you up in the next. Be truly moderate and do not punish or condemn anyone immoderately. Be gentle so that you may never oppose justice. Be honorable so that you may never voluntarily bring disgrace upon anyone. Be chaste so that you may avoid all the foulness of lust like the pangs of death.  All these virtues I have noted above make up the royal crown and without them no one is fit to rule here on earth or attain to the heavenly kingdom.”

However, Emeric died seven years before St. Stephen; the king's remaining children also died, leaving him with no heirs to protect the Catholic faith in Hungary.  In 1038 St. Stephen died on his favorite day, the feast of the Assumption of Mary after receiving the Last Sacraments.  His final prayer was to our Lady, whom he loved much.   “To thee, O Queen of heaven, and to thy guardianship, I commend the holy Church, all the bishops and the clergy, the whole kingdom, its rulers and inhabitants; but before all, I commend my soul to thy care.”  St. Stephen and Emeric were canonized on the same day in 1083.

In imitation of the devotion and love towards our Lady by St. Stephen of Hungary, may we remember to honor our Heavenly Mother, offering her acts of love and reparation.  May we always remember to entrust our Lady with our own souls.

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Reparation for Insults to the Blessed Virgin Mary

O Blessed Virgin, Mother of God, look down in mercy from Heaven, where thou art enthroned as Queen, upon me, a miserable sinner, thine unworthy servant. Although I know full well my own unworthiness, yet in order to atone for the offences that are done to thee by impious and blasphemous tongues, from the depths of my heart I praise and extol thee as the purest, the fairest, the holiest creature of all God’s handiwork.

I bless thy holy name, I praise thine exalted privilege of being truly Mother of God, ever Virgin, conceived without stain of sin, Co-Redemptrix of the human race. I bless the Eternal Father Who chose thee in an especial way for His daughter; I bless the Word Incarnate Who took upon Himself our nature in thy bosom and so made thee His Mother; I bless the Holy Spirit who took thee as His bride. All honour, praise and thanksgiving to the ever-blessed Trinity who predestined thee and loved thee so exceedingly from all eternity as to exalt thee above all creatures to the most sublime heights.

O Virgin, holy and merciful, obtain for all who offend thee the grace of repentance, and graciously accept this poor act of homage from me thy servant, obtaining likewise for me from thy Divine Son the pardon and remission of all my sins. Amen.
(--The Raccolta)

God bless!

+JMJ+

Seven Joys of Mary

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

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

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

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Sequence for the Seven Joys of Mary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alleluia!  God bless!

+JMJ+

St. Alphonsus Liguori's Consecration to Mary

                                          

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

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

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Dedication of One's Self to Mary

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

--St. Alphonsus Liguori

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

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

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

--St.Alphonsus Liguori

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of Purification

 February 2 is the feast of the Purification of Mary, also known as the Presentation of Jesus and Candlemas.  This feast occurs 40 days after Christmas and marks the end of the Christmas season. After this day, the rejoicing of Christmas gives way to the penitential days of Septuagesima and Lent. The feast of the Purification commemorates the purification of Mary, who humbly submitted to the ritual out of obedience to the Jewish Law.  St. Alphonsus wrote of Mary's humility in The Glories of Mary,

"This beautiful and so necessary virtue [humility] was unknown in the world; but the Son of God Himself came on earth to teach it by His Own example, and willed that in that virtue in particular we should endeavor to imitate Him: Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart. Mary, being the first and most perfect disciple of Jesus Christ in the practice of all virtues, was the first also in that of humility, and by it merited to be exalted above all creatures. It was revealed to St. Matilda that the first virtue in which the Blessed Mother particularly exercised herself, from her very childhood, was that of humility." 

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After the purification, St. Joseph and our Lady presented their Son in the temple, also according to the Law.  However, as Venerable Fulton Sheen wrote, "As Jesus was circumcised, so Mary was purified, though He needed not the first because He was God, and she needed not the second because she was conceived without sin." It was to the aged Simeon that Jesus was presented.  Simeon spoke, praising God:
 And when his parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he also took him into his arms, and blessed God, and said, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word; for mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to thy people Israel" (Luke 2:27-32).

Ven. Sheen wrote, "Simeon was like a sentinel whom God had sent to watch for the Light. When the Light finally appeared, he was ready to sing his Nunc Dimittis. In a poor Child brought by poor people making a poor offering, Simeon discovered the riches of the world. As this old man held the Child in his arms, he... did not look back, but forward, and not only to the future of his own people but to the future of all the Gentiles of all the tribes and nations of the earth. An old man at the sunset of his own life spoke of the sunrise of the world; in the evening of life he told of the promise of a new day. He had seen the Messiah before by faith; now his eyes could close, for there was nothing more beautiful to look upon... What he had seen now was 'Salvation'------not salvation from poverty, but salvation from sin."

In relation to Simeon's words, February 2 is also know as Candlemas, since Jesus is called the light for revelation.  In Liturgical Year Dom Gueranger describes the symbolism of candles.

"According to Ivo of Chartres, the wax, which is formed from the juice of flowers by the bee, always considered as the emblem of virginity, signifies the virginal flesh of the Divine Infant, who diminished not, either by His conception or His birth, the spotless purity of His Blessed Mother. The same holy bishop would have us see, in the flame of our Candle, a symbol of Jesus who came to enlighten our darkness. St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking on the same mystery, bids us consider three things in the blessed Candle: the wax, the wick, and the flame. The wax, he says, which is the production of the virginal bee, is the Flesh of our Lord; the wick, which is within, is His Soul; the flame, which burns on top, is His divinity."

It is on this day the Church blesses candles for use throughout the year.  

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To the Blessed Mother for Humility

O Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray to thy Divine Son for me, a poor sinner; beg Him to make me humble. Oh, how humble art thou, the purest of Virgins; thou, my powerful mediatrix; thou, O most holy among the children of Adam, who art the exalted Mother of God! Thou didst declare thyself the handmaid of Him Whose Mother thou art. Behold, my dear heavenly Mother, how gladly I would dedicate myself to thy Divine Son, that His Will may also be mine. But my pride, my self-esteem, my vanity, are always against me. I struggle against them, and yet I allow them to surprise and deceive me so often. Oh, how this afflicts me! Mary, Refuge of Sinners, if I were only sincere when I beg of thee to obtain humiliation for me. But alas, whilst praying for such helps to humility, I fear the granting of my prayer. I clearly see better things; I even desire their possession and yet I shrink from what alone can give me true humility. Behold my trials, my combats in this valley of tears! O my dearest Mother, if to be freed from this body would give glory to God, how gladly would I not lay down my life.  --St. John Neumann

God bless!

+JMJ+

For the Feast of Epiphany

 And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him; and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11).

The Blessed Mother spoke thus to Ven. Mary Agreda, "My daughter, great were the gifts which the Kings offered to my most holy Son; but greater still was the affection with which they offered them and the mystery concealed beneath them. On account of all this they were most acceptable to His Majesty... Thy ceaseless offer, however, must be love, which is the gold; continual prayer, which is the incense; and the patient acceptance of labors and true mortifications, which is the myrrh. All that thou dost for the Lord, thou should offer up to Him with fervent affection and promptitude, without negligence or fear; for negligent works, and those not enlivened by love, are not an acceptable sacrifice in the eyes of His Majesty. In order to make those incessant offerings, it is necessary that Divine faith and light continually inflame thy heart, having before thy eyes the great object of thy praise and exaltation, ..." (Mystical City of God).

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As the Church commemorates the feast of the Epiphany on January 6, may we heed our Lady's words and remember to always offer ourselves and our entire day to our Blessed Lord, making a gift, an offering of love to Him each morning. One prayer to fulfill this task is the traditional morning offering. Another prayer fitting to be said as a daily prayer is a short, but beautiful prayer written by St. Alphonsus Liguori for the feast of the Epiphany. St. Alphonsus’ prayer makes a loving offering to our Lord on this most glorious feast of Epiphany, which commemorates the manifestation of the glory of Christ.

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Offering by St. Alphonsus

O Jesus, my Infant King! I also adore Thee, and offer Thee my miserable heart. Accept it and change it. Make it wholly Thine own, so that it may love nothing but Thee. My sweet Saviour, save me, and let my eternal happiness be to love Thee always and without reserve. O Mary, most holy Virgin, I hope for this grace from thee.

"Give me, therefore, I pray Thee, this gold, this incense, and this myrrh. Give me the gold of Thy holy love; give me the spirit of holy prayer, give me the desire and strength to mortify myself in everything that displeases Thee. I am resolved to obey Thee and to love Thee; but Thou knowest my weakness, oh, give me the grace to be faithful to Thee!" — St Alphonsus Liguori

God bless!

+JMJ+

Prayers for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

 Holy Mother Church honors our Lady under the title of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th, a holy day of obligation. In 1854 Pope Pius IX, defining the Immaculate Conception, wrote,

“He [God] so wonderfully filled her, more than all angelic spirits and all the Saints, with an abundance of all heavenly gifts taken from the treasury of the divinity, that she, always free from absolutely every stain of sin, and completely beautiful and perfect, presented such a fullness of innocence and holiness that none greater under God can be thought of, and no one but God can comprehend it."

This following prayer, dedicated to Mary Immaculate, was composed by Pope Pius XII for the Marian Year (December 8, 1953---December 8, 1954), which was proclaimed to mark the centenary of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception. Through its recitation may we honor our Lady and beg her intercession for the help needed to attain eternal salvation.

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Prayer of Pope Pius XII

Enraptured by the splendor of thy heavenly beauty, and impelled by the anxieties of the world, we cast ourselves into thine arms, O Immaculate Mother of Jesus and our Mother, Mary, confident of finding in thy most loving heart appeasement of our ardent desires, and a safe harbor from the tempests which beset us on every side.

Though degraded by our faults and overwhelmed by infinite misery, we admire and praise the peerless richness of sublime gifts with which God has filled thee, above every other mere creature, from the first moment of thy conception until the day on which, after thine assumption into Heaven, He crowned thee Queen of the Universe.

O crystal fountain of faith, bathe our minds with the eternal truths! O fragrant Lily of all holiness, captivate our hearts with thy heavenly perfume! O Conqueress of evil and death, inspire in us a deep horror of sin, which makes the soul detestable to God and a slave of Hell!

O well-beloved of God, hear the ardent cry which rises up from every heart. Bend tenderly over our aching wounds. Convert the wicked, dry the tears of the afflicted and oppressed, comfort the poor and humble, quench hatreds, sweeten harshness, safeguard the flower of purity in youth, protect the holy Church, make all men feel the attraction of Christian goodness. In thy name, resounding harmoniously in Heaven, may they recognize that they are brothers, and that the nations are members of one family, upon which may there shine forth the sun of a universal and sincere peace.

Receive, O most sweet Mother, our humble supplications, and above all obtain for us that, one day, happy with thee, we may repeat before thy throne that hymn which today is sung on earth around thine altars: Thou art all-beautiful, O Mary! Thou art the glory, thou art the joy, thou art the honor of our people! Amen.

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The following prayer recited by St. Gertrude and St. Mechitildi, expresses our love to Mary and beautifully honors her virtues. Pope Innocent VIII attached an Indulgence to its recitation.

Act of Joy in the 

Immaculate Conception

HAIL, glorious Virgin, Morning-star that dost outshine the sun, gracious Mother of my God, sweeter than the dropping honeycomb: thou art that fair one in comparison with whom all beauty is pale and dim; thou art redder than the rose and more dazzling white than the lily; all virtues adorn thee, thou purer than the seraphim; and every Saint doth give thee honour, thou that hast thy higher throne in the heavens. Amen.

God bless!

+JMJ+

On the Feast of Our Lady of Ransom

 In the 13th century many Spanish Catholics were enslaved by the Saracens, often tortured as a way to get them to renounce their Faith.  St. Peter Nolasco worked for 15 years to ransom these captives, all the while imploring heaven's help for this task.  On August 1, 1218 the Blessed Mother, our Lady of Ransom, appeared separately to St. Peter Nolasco, his confessor St. Raymond of Penafort, and King James the I of Aragon, urging them to create an order bearing her name of mercy to carry out this great work of charity.  Thus the Order of our Lady of Mercy, or Mercedarians as it was later called, was established by King James, with the order's rules consisting of raising alms for the ransom of Catholics or even giving their lives for the exchange of those enslaved.  Their constitution states,

“to visit and to free Christians who are in captivity and in power of the Saracens or of other enemies of our Law… By this work of mercy… all the brothers of this Order, as sons of true obedience, must always be gladly disposed to give up their lives, if it is necessary, as Jesus Christ gave up His for us.”

In thanksgiving for Mary's help, a feast day was established and later extended throughout the whole Church by Pope Innocent XII.  Thus holy Mother Church honors Our Lady of Ransom on September 24.  Pope Leo XIII encouraged the devotion of this feast, especially encouraging remembrance of how our Lady ransoms us from the slavery of our sins.

"No other reason is needed than that of a Divine faith which, by a powerful and most pleasant impulse, persuades us towards Mary. Nothing is more natural, nothing more desirable than to seek a refuge in the protection and in the loyalty of her to whom we may confess our designs and our actions, our innocence and our repentance, our torments and our joys, our prayers and our desires. All men, moreover, are filled with the hope and confidence that petitions which might be received with less favor from the lips of unworthy men, God will accept when they are recommended by the most Holy Mother, and will grant with all favors."--Pope Leo XIII

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Prayer to Our Lady, Mother of Mercy

Blessed Virgin Mary, who can worthily repay you with praise and thanks for having rescued a fallen world by your generous consent! Receive our gratitude, and by your prayers obtain the pardon of our sins. Take our prayers into the sanctuary of heaven and enable them to make our peace with God.

Holy Mary, help the miserable, strengthen the discouraged, comfort the sorrowful, pray for your people, plead for the clergy, intercede for all women consecrated to God. May all who venerate you feel now your help and protection. Be ready to help us when we pray, and bring back to us the answers to our prayers. Make it your continual concern to pray for the people of God, for you were blessed by God and were made worthy to bear the Redeemer of the world, who lives and reigns forever. Amen.
--Saint Augustine of Hippo

God bless!

+JMJ+