Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 4 October – The incomparable goodness of the Angels

The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

MOTIVE SECOND

The incomparable goodness of the Angels.

“Nothing,” says the holy Bishop of Geneva, St. Francis de Sales, “nothing more affects a good heart than to see itself loved; but if the lover be of superior rank, it greatly enhances the motive of reciprocal love.” If this be true, we must either love the Angels, or renounce love altogether. These great princes, of whom we have said such wonderful things in the preceding chapter, not only love us, but also in such a manner that it would seem they are determined to bear away the prize of love.

They manifest towards us every species of affection ; they love us with the love of a father—always seeking our interest, always promoting our welfare, and never omitting any occasion of procuring us that celestial inheritance which has been purchased for us by the merits of the adorable Jesus.

They love us with a maternal love —for it is written, that “ they bear us up in their hands” they take care of our souls and bodies ; they have their eyes ever fixed on us, and caress us continually with all the tenderness that love can inspire.

They love us with the love of a brother, regarding us as the younger members of the family; and, what is more wonderful, and more worthy of heaven than of earth, they are not sorry to see us their equals in glory; nay, our Angel Guardians do all they can to render us more glorious in paradise than they are themselves.

They love us with the love of impassioned lovers —incessantly seeking our friendship, continually thinking of us, and even quitting the blissful regions of immortality to abide with us here on earth.

They love us as good pastors—for is it not of them we can say, that “ they neither slumber nor sleep who keep Israel.”

They love us as physicians, healing our wounds, curing our maladies, and restoring us to health; they love us as advocates, negotiating all our affairs, in heaven and on earth; as faithful guides, conducting us in the true way to perfection; as good masters, abundantly rewarding the little services we render them; as bountiful kings, defending us from our enemies, and causing us to live in peace and security.

O my God ! are we not then overpowered with motives to love your Angels! But when did they begin to love us ? The moment we began to live—nor have they since, nor will they to the last moment of our existence, cease to love us. They love us in all times and places—in Heaven, on Earth, in Purgatory even in our moments of ingratitude they are immutable in our love! It is thus certain that these blessed spirits are our best friends; that their love is the most faithful, constant, amiable, patient, universal, which can possibly be.

All in it is great—all in it is charming— all in it is admirable—all in it is disinterested—for what do they receive for this wonderful kindness ? Injuries, ingratitude, forgetfulness. Infidels know them not— heretics refuse to honour them—nor are Catholics even mindful of them. Ah! who can comprehend this monstrous return for so much love ! Such an impression does this consideration make upon me, that I would wish to go through the world bewailing the obduracy of the human heart. Here it is indeed, that the obduracy of the human heart is in its last excess. O men ! O men ! deliver yourselves now at least to these attractions—return from your unhappy stat —love the Angels—again I say, love the Angels, and love the God of the Angels, for it is in him alone all that is good and amiable deserves to be loved.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day Seven – 4 October

Day Seven: We Pray for the Virtue of Fortitude
along with our private intentions.

Holy Spirit,
may we be granted today,
the virtue by which
we do the right thing,
even in the midst of hardship.
We ask Thee to consider our need
for courage and bravery,
so that we may stay strong,
to do what is good.
You alone know how often,
in our lives, many situations arise
in which it becomes difficult
to do the right thing,
even when we know what it is.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Our Lord. Amen

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day Six – 3 October

Day Six: We Pray for the Virtue of Meekness
along with our private intentions.

O Jesus,
our pride, stubbornness
and lack of faith labelled each thorn
as it pierced Your Sacred Head.
Our exclusion of spiritual realities
tightened the branches around Your Head.
Our lack of confidence in Your Mercy
and the lukewarmness of our love,
braided torture into a wreath of unspeakable pain.
O Jesus, let us NEVER forget Your love for us all
and the reparation You offered the Father for our sake.
Let our soul magnify the Lord by humility of heart,
purity of mind
and a gentle spirit,
so that we may overcome pride, vainglory and resentments
and look forward for an increase in faith.
Send Your beloved Mother and ours, O Lord,
to teach us meekness and humility.
Make us like unto Yourself, O Lord,
“for I am meek and humble of heart.”
Amen

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 3 October – The Glories of the Holy Angels

DEVOTION TO THE HOLY ANGELS

By Venerable Henri Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

MOTIVE THE FIRST
The admirable perfections of these Blessed Spirits

We have already said, and again repeat, that the perfection of the Angels is like to an immense sea without shore or bottom. Enlightened souls feel that all they can say of them is nothing, their greatness being above the reach of human thought. The angelic nature contains in itself a world of perfections: but if we add to it the consideration of their grace and glory, it is truly admirable. However perfect human nature may become, it is still, as faith teaches, very inferior to the angelic nature. A certain theologian has asserted, (although indeed it be not the common opinion,) that the least of the Angels exceeds in glory the greatest of the saints—and he grounded his opinion on this text of the Holy Scripture, “He who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John the Baptist.”

The Angels are spiritual beings, incorruptible in their nature, perfectly disengaged from matter, and quite free from the miseries to which we are incident. They possess wonderful intelligence; what the greatest geniuses have not been able to comprehend, is perfectly understood by them. They know many things in one and the same moment, and without the least difficulty. Their manner of understanding is not like ours; at the first sight which they have of a thing, they know its whole import, and all its consequences—hence they are called by excellence “Intelligences.” Scripture, to declare to us this admirable faculty of theirs, says that they are clothed in burning fire. In the Apocalypse they are represented in the habits of the ancient pontiffs, to give us to understand, that to these holy spirits the most sacred mysteries of religion are revealed, and as if enveloped in clouds, their lights being too brilliant for our weak vision. The most learned men are ignorant, if compared with these pure intelligences.

The power of the Angels is incredible—one alone of these blessed spirits being able to defeat millions of armed men—nay, the whole world put together. [We are told in the Book of Kings, that an Angel slew in one night 85,000 of the Assyrians the enemies of the people of God.] They can make the winds blow, the rain fall, the thunder roar: they can raise tempests, cause earthquakes, give abundance and famine, cure and inflict all sorts of maladies, and operate many other things, almost in a moment. It is to mark their celerity that they are painted with wings; it surpasses that of the wind : in an instant, they can pass from one end of the world to the other —being thus, in some sense, everywhere, as Tertullian says.

But their beauty is enrapturing: the greatest beauty on earth is deformity in comparison with them, and the least beautiful among the Angels possesses more charms than all earthly beauties together. Here the mind is lost in the contemplation of an infinity of beauties, which are to be found among the angelic choirs; for if the least of the Angels be so charming, and if they be so numerous, my God! what beauty is to be seen in the holy Sion ! To give us some idea of this truth, St. Anselm says, that if God put an Angel in the sun’s orbit, and environed him with as many suns as there are stars, and permitted the blessed spirit to emit in a borrowed form a single ray of his glory, it would at once eclipse all the splendour of the suns, and render them invisible.

All is wonderful in these holy spirits. An Angel, to recreate St. Francis, touched a lute so melodiously, that the saint thought he would have died of joy.

The greatness of these blessed spirits is without baseness—their science without ignorance—their light without darkness— their power without weakness—their beauty without defect—their love without inconstancy—their peace without trouble—their action continual, yet without fatigue— their happiness without alloy—their felicity complete, and without admixture of any evil. Jacob having had a vision of an Angel, says that he had seen the Lord face to face. Will not the consideration of all these perfections of the Angels excite you to love them? You who are so prone to love whatever is beautiful, and noble, and perfect? This truth merits deep consideration, the glory of God, the author of all these excellencies and perfections being concerned in it.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGELS

Quotes of the Day – 2 October – Holy Guardian Angels

In every lodging, at every corner,
have reverence for thy Angel.
Do not dare to do in his presence
what you would not dare to do, if I were there.
Or do you doubt that he is present
whom you do not behold?
What if you should hear him?
What if you should touch him?
What if you should scent him?
Remember, that the presence of something
is not proved only by the sight of things.

St Bernard

God is humanity’s
universal Teacher and Guardian
but His Teaching to humanity
is mediated by Angels.

St Thomas Aquinas

When tempted, invoke your Angel.
He is more eager to help you
than you are to be helped!
Ignore the devil
and do not be afraid of him;
he trembles and flees
at the sight of your Guardian Angel.

St John Bosco

See, I am sending an angel before you,
to guard you on the way
and bring you to the place
I have prepared.
Give heed to him
and hearken to his voice.
Do not rebel against him,
for he will not forgive your sin.
My authority is within him.

Exodus 23:20-21

Beside each believer
stands an Angel
as protector and shepherd,
leading him to life.

St Basil the Great

What joy it is to know
that when we go out of the house,
we are never alone en route.

St John Vianney

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day Five – 2 October

Day Five – We Pray for Purity of Heart
and our personal intention:

The Ever-Virgin Mary was
and remains pure in charity,
chastity and love of truth and orthodoxy of faith.
And that purity is divine
because it is inspired by God!
Each of us benefits from the purity of Mary,
regardless of how difficult it is
to be pure in charity, chastity
and right belief,
IT IS POSSIBLE… We WILL be pure
when we adopt the attitude of Our Blessed Lady
and seek the divine purity
that even yet radiates from Her.
By abandoning ourselves to God as she did,
we open ourselves to fresh opportunities of achieving purity.
(The Virtue of Purity: An Undivided Heart by Msgr Charles M Mangan)

To Our most holy Mother.
To you do we pray first with heartfelt thanks
for your YES to the Father.
Grant us your guidance
and assistance to become as pure as you are.

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 2 October – An Exhortation to the Love and Honour of the Holy Angels

AN EXHORTATION TO THE LOVE AND HONOUR OF THE HOLY ANGELS

The science of the sage, says the Holy Ghost, is like in its abundance to an inundation of waters : for, as the land is sometimes overspread by the swelling of the sea over its boundaries—so the mind of a Christian is sometimes so penetrated with the lights of faith, that it is absorbed in wonder and amazement. This assertion is fully verified in the knowledge which revelation gives of the Holy angels. However slightly we consider what it teaches of them, we discover so many and such powerful reasons to love these blessed Spirits, that we cannot refuse to do so.

All possible motives concur in pressing you to love these Spirits of love. If you regard God, you must love his Angels; if you regard yourself, you must love the Angels. Pure love commands it— interested love requires it—God alone wishes it— the holy Virgin and all the Saints desire it. If you live to God alone, you must be devout to the Angels; even though you still live to nature, you must love these blessed Spirits. We are differently affected—some are attracted by honours, some by riches, and others by pleasure. If pleasure attract you, these blessed Spirits can procure it for you, for they are placed at the source of eternal joy. If you wish to have the interest of the mighty, there is nothing in created being more powerful than the angelic nature. If you sigh after greatness, know that these peers of the celestial realms procure for their clients the sceptre of immortal honour and the diadem of unfading glory.

Ah! how different are the dispositions of the Angels, compared with those of the great ones of this earth! These wish to reign alone, whereas the highest ambition of those princes of love is to share their thrones with us, that we may partake in their felicity. If you are captivated by beauty, learn that the Angels are beautiful beyond description, and that their beauty is not subject to decay. Besides, the love and constancy of these amiable friends are incomparable ; the former includes every species of love—the latter is so great that whatever ingratitude we evince towards them, they seem to overlook it, incessantly watching over all that concerns us, defending us against our enemies, and rendering us every service. If you are of those souls who act by the movements of grace, and live to God alone, you must love the Angels. If the motive of the will of God influence you, you must be devout to them, since these blessed Spirits are the objects of his complacency and the masterpieces of his love.

If the kings of the earth were willing to receive you into their friendship, surely you would not refuse it. Now, consider that it depends on yourself to form an eternal alliance with the heavenly Princes, and by their influence to be one day crowned with them in the celestial empire.

Love the Angels, apostolic men ! for they are the missionaries of paradise.

Love the Angels, preachers of the world, they are profoundly skilled in the science of eternity.

Love the Angels, priests! for it is by their ministry the divine oblation is made.

Love the Angels, religious ! those admirable spirits are always retired in God.

Love the Angels, seculars ! those good intelligences pity you in the dangers to which you are continually exposed.

Love the Angels, married persons! the succour afforded Tobias by the Archangel Raphael, evinces the care of your state.

Love the Angels, widows and orphans! they are indefatigable in providing for persons in distress.

Love the Angels, virgins; again I say to you, love the Angels ! they are great friends of virginity, being charmed to see frail mortals live on earth as they live in heaven.

Love the Angels, just souls ! they are infallible guides in the way to God

Love the Angels, sinners ! they will obtain your pardon.

Love the Angels, afflicted souls! they are the consolation of the miserable, and the help of the distressed.

Love the Angels, ye rich and great! they will teach you that nothing is worth regarding but eternity.

Love the Seraphim, O men! they are the princes of pure love.

Love the Cherubim, they are skilled in the science of the saints.

Love the Thrones, they patronize peace of heart and tranquillity of soul.

Love the Dominations, they will teach you the art of self-government.

Love the Virtues, they are masters in the school of perfection.

Love the Powers, they are your defence.

Love the Principalities, they preside over states and kingdoms.

Love the Archangels, they are zealous for your wellbeing, and obtain for you a thousand benedictions.

Love the Angels, they are celestial stars, whose influence we oftener feel, because placed nearer to this nether sphere.

Henceforward be all love for those blessed spirits, who so ardently love you. Bless them, my God! those who are devout to your Angels. Bless those who on reading this poor little work will give themselves to this devotion. Bless them with the benedictions of the just, making them walk in your ways. Bless them with the benediction of Abraham, the spirit of sacrifice—with the benediction of Isaac, the spirit of conformity— with the spirit of Jacob, the spirit of lively faith Bless them -with the benediction of the elect. Bless them with the benediction of the Angels, making them sharers in your neverending joys ! Great and august Queen of Paradise, bless them with your protection that, being all united in seeking the interest of God alone, God alone may reign in their hearts for ever. Amen.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Our Morning Offering – 1 October – Indulgenced Prayers to the Angels

Ye angels, archangels, thrones and dominions, ye principalities and powers, ye virtues of heaven, ye cherubim and seraphim, bless ye the Lord forever.

(300 days every time said)

Bless the Lord, all ye His angels, ye strong in power, who perform His word.

Bless the Lord, all ye his virtues, ye ministers of His, who do His will.

(300 days every time said)

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle, that we may not be lost in the tremendous judgment.

(300 days every time said)

St. Michael, first defender of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.

(300 days every time said)

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle; be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. Restrain him, O God, we humbly beseech Thee, and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the divine power thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits, who roam through the world, seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

(3 years every time said)

Vouchsafe, O Lord our God, to send down Thy holy Archangel Raphael for our helper; and may he, whom we believe ever to stand before Thy Majesty, put up our poor prayers to be blessed by Thee. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

(3 years every time said)

Angel of God my guardian dear,

To whom His love commits me here,

Ever this day (or this night) be at my side

To light and guard, to rule and guide.

Amen.

(300 days every time said. Plenary indulgence at the point of death if the prayer was frequently said during life)

Angel, who didst support Our Lord Jesus Christ, come and support us, too; come, and do not delay.

(300 days every time said)

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Thought for the Day – 1 October – The Glories of the Holy Angels

The Glories of the Holy Angels

Venerable H. Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux

DEDICATORY EPISTLE TO OUR BLESSED LADY OF ANGELS

Great Queen of Paradise! Sovereign of those holy spirits who are confirmed in grace and glory! prostrate at your feet, where the greatest sinners obtain pardon—the weak, strength—the tepid, forvour—and the just, sanctity—I offer and present to you this little work, designed to promote the knowledge and love of the Holy Angels, your faithful subjects, and the illustrious Princes of your celestial Court. To whom could I more justly dedicate it, since, as the mistress of these glorious Spirits, you must be of all others most interested for their glory.

Besides, blessed mother! you know (and it is gratifying to me to repeat it) that I have nothing which is not yours—for I consider it a greater happiness to be your slave, than to enjoy all the honours the world could bestow. Bless, then, O holy Virgin! this little work; diffuse upon it your choicest benedictions; make it evident that it is all yours, by the unction which will be found in every page that through the adorable merits of Jesus, your beloved Son, it may establish among men a true and fervent devotion to the Holy Angels, to the honour of God alone, our beginning, our last end, our only all in all things—God alone ! God alone ! God alone !

TO MY GOOD ANGEL GUARDIAN

Most faithful Guardian of all that I am! when I reflect on my ingratitude and your unceasing cares, my mind is bewildered, and I know not what to say, but that you are a heavenly Intelligence, a Spirit of Light and Love, and a Prince of the celestial realms—while I am but dust and ashes, a miserable sinner, and the last of men. Great Prince! why do you love me so tenderly? why is there not one moment of my life undistinguished by your favours? What shall I render you in return for them? I have nothing to offer, dear Guardian of my heart, except the firm resolution of loving you henceforward with your blessed companions in glory. Present my resolution, together with this little work, to those holy choirs; it will be better received from you; and tell them, in your angelic manner, how sorry I am for not having always loved them. Tell them how much I wish to see their devotion extended, and that all men should know and love the Holy Angels, for the glory of God alone. It is this God alone, most amiable of friends! that I desire in all things. Amen—Amen—God alone! God alone! God alone! the end of all devotion to the glorious Virgin, the Angels and Saints. Amen.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Devotion for October, The Month of the Most Holy Rosary & the Holy Angels

The Holy Rosary
By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)

Accept, mighty Maid, we beseech thee,
This prayer with its fragrance of flowers;
With one soul we seek thus to reach thee
And hail thee, God’s Mother and ours.

Thy heart is made glad by our praying;
Thy bounty is generous and wise;
Thy hands are enriched for conveying
What God’s tender Mercy supplies.

We kneel at thy Shrines in the Churches;
Oh, gently look down from above,
And welcome the heart that then searches
For worthy expressions of love.

Let others present precious caskets
Of gems, or heap Altars with gold;
Slight prayer-beads shall serve us for baskets
To bring thee the garland they hold.

With violets lowly we fashion
This wreath and with these combined
Red roses–our faith in the Passion
With Chastity’s lilies entwined.

Our minds, as the Mysteries vary,
Are active, our hands play their part;
And always thy name, Holy Mary,
Oft-uttered, rejoices the heart.

Be with us, we trust thee to guide us
Through life and when labouring breath
At the last, seeks thine aid, be beside us
To help at the hour of our death.

Make friends for yourself of the holy Angels.

St. Leo

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day Four – 1 October

Day Four – We Pray for the Virtue of Humility
and our personal intention:

May Almighty God
give us compassion
and humility in our hearts.
Let us be kind, gentle, generous,
loving, giving and forgiving
wherever we may go.
Allow pride to never get the best of us
as You fulfill our dreams.
Help us not to have a boastful tongue
against our brothers.
Let humility invade our souls…
Amen

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day Three – 30 September

Day Three – We Pray for the Priesthood and Consecrated Life
and our personal intention:

To Our most holy Mother.
To you do we pray first with heartfelt thanks
for those who have said YES to the Father.
Help them to trust in you and your Son, Jesus,
in all the challenges that they face.
Teach them patience in all things
and to accept all that happens
and when it happens, in God’s time.
We join them in total consecration to you.
Reclaim us all as you own
and mould us in all ways necessary
to conform to God’s will.
We love you, Mother Mary,
Help us all!

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS

Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary – Day One – 28 September

Day One – We pray for the Holy Church
and our personal intention:

To Mary, Mother of God and our Mother,
who sees how the Catholic Faith
is assailed by the devil and the world,
To Thy protection, we entrust ourselves .
Kindly offer to Thy Divine Son our resolutions and
obtain from Him the graces necessary for us
to keep them unto the end.
Amen

Daily Prayer along with our Daily Rosary:

My dearest Mother Mary, behold me, your child, in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary, which I offer you, as a proof of my tender love for you, for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in atonement for the offences committed against your Immaculate Heart and for this special favour which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena: ………………………….. (Mention your request).

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me, I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother, that you want me
to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual Bouquet of Roses because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son, hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Our Lady of the Rosary,
pray for our Holy Mother Church
and for our country.

Sweet Heart of Jesus,
be my love.

Sweet Heart of Mary,
at the hour of my death,
lead me home.

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on WATCHING, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THE HOLY FAMILY - FAMILIAE SANCTAE, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The IMITATION of MARY, Thomas a Kempis

Thought for the Day – 9 May – OUR DUTIES TO MARY

Thought for the Day – 9 May – The Imitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)

Extracts from The Imitation
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
By Thomas à Kempis CRSA (1380-1471)
Imprimatur 17 February 1947
Translated from the French
Dr Célestin Albin de Cigala (1865-1928)

PART ONE
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
Chapter II
OUR DUTIES TO MARY

i. Choose, O my son, Mary for mother, for advocate and for model, before all things.
Greet her everyday with the Angelic Salutation. This salutation pleases her above all others.
If sometimes, the devil tempts you and turns you from your duties as a devout servant of Mary, do not permit that to stop you from invoking her always.

Think always of Mary; repeat the name of Mary, over and over.
Honour Mary; glorify Mary in everything; prostrate yourself before Mary; give yourself again to Mary.
Live with Mary; meditate with Mary; rejoice with Mary; weep with Mary; work with Mary; watch with Mary; act with Mary; rest with Mary.
With Mary, bear Jesus in your arms; live at Nazareth with Mary.
Go to Jerusalem, go with Mary; search, as Mary did, for Jesus.
Remain near the Cross with Mary, weep for Jesus; weep for Him with Mary; with Mary bury Jesus in the tomb; rise with Jesus and with Mary.
Rise to Heaven with Jesus and with Mary! Live always with Mary in life and in death.

ii. If you know how to think and act in this way, you will advance rapidly in perfection.
Mary will protect you with all her power and, Jesus will hear you in His gentle mercy.
What we do is very little. It is nothing. Nevertheless, if we do it with Mary, we shall rise, little by little, to God our Father.
We shall always find, consolation and joy, near Him.
Happy is he, who knows how to keep Jesus and Mary near him always, as hosts of his table, consolers in his troubles, aid in his danger, counsel in his doubt, protectors at his death.
Happy is he who, considering himself as a wayfarer in this world and, as a stranger, keeps Jesus for a Companion and Mary for a hostess.

iii. Prayer:
Ave Maria, Full of Grace!

O Mother, I come to you filled with hope.
I come to you recalling the exultant joy
which the Archangel Gabriel once brought to you,
when, falling on his knees before you,
he saluted your virginity, saying respectfully:
Hail, Mary, the Lord is with thee!
This greeting I say to you again,
O Mother, with the heart,
and, if I could, with the voice of all the faithful,
so that thus all creatures may sing with me
from the depth of their souls and their being:
Ave Maria, full of grace, the Lord is with thee,
thou art blessed, O Mother, among all women
and Jesus the fruit of thy womb,
is blessed on earth and in Heaven,
today and always.

(By Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471)
Soliloquy of the Soul, Chapter XVIII
)

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, Hail MARY!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, OUR Cross, QUEENSHIP of MARY, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, ROSARY QUOTES, SAINT of the DAY, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The WILL of GOD

Quote/s of the Day – 28 April – The Feast of St Paul of the Cross and St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

Quote/s of the Day – 28 April – The Feast of  St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775) Confessor, Found and St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

“Happy the soul which detaches itself
from its own pleasure,
from its own will,
from its own understanding.
A sublime lesson is this
and God will teach it,
to all those who place their happiness
in the Cross of Jesus Christ.
”

“Whatever may happen to us,
we ought not to be disturbed.
Let us calmly and quietly say:
‘the Will of God be done’–
let us leave all to God –
the Lord be blessed forever –
what He Wills,
I will, in time and in eternity.
”

St Paul of the Cross CP (1604-1775)

“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us;
our only Lord, on Whom we must depend;
our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong;
our only Model, Whom we should imitate;
our only Physician, Who must heal us;
our only Shepherd, Who must feed us;
our only Way, Who must lead us;
our only Truth, Whom we must believe;
our only Life, Who must be our life
and our sole sufficiency in all things
that, in Him, we may have all in All.
Except the Name of Jesus,
there is no other name given under Heaven,
whereby we must be saved
and apart from Jesus Christ,
God has given us no other foundation of our salvation,
our perfection and our glory! 
”

“Never will anyone
who says his Rosary everyday,
be led astray.
This is a statement
that I would gladly sign
with my blood.
”

Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother
Prayer in Honour of Mary
By St Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)

Hail Mary,
Daughter of God the Father!
Hail Mary,
Mother of God the Son!
Hail Mary,
Spouse of the Holy Spirit!
Hail Mary,
Temple of the Most Holy Trinity!
Hail Mary, our mistress,
our wealth, our mystic rose.
Queen of our hearts, our Mother,
our life, our sweetness
and our dearest hope!
We are all Thine
and all we have is thine.
O Virgin, blessed above all things,
may thy soul be in us,
to magnify the Lord,
may thy spirit be in us,
to rejoice in God.
Place thyself, O faithful Virgin,
as a seal upon our hearts,
that in thee and through thee,
we may be found faithful to God.
Grant, most gracious Virgin,
that we may be numbered
among those, whom thou art
pleased to love, to teach and to guide,
to favour and to protect, as thy children.
Grant that with the help of thy love,
we may despise all earthly consolations
and cling to heavenly things,
until through the Holy Spirit,
thy faithful spouse and through thee,
His faithful spouse,
Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us
for the glory of the Father.
Amen

St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The ANNUNCIATION, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Quote/s of the Day – 25 March – The Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Isaias 7:10-15 – Luke 1:26-38 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/–

“Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee …”

Luke 1:28

“And Mary said:
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord:
b
e it done to me according to thy word.”
Luke 1:38

“… Answer the Angel quickly, then;
yes, through the Angel give your consent to your God.
Answer one syllable, receive the Word;
utter your own word and conceive that which is Divine .
Spek the word which is transitory
and embrace the Word which is everlasting!
…””

“May the Blessed Virgin,
unique in her merits,
stand in the presence of her Creator
interceding always in our favour.
She will be radiant in the fullness of glory,
she who brought forth,
from her virginal womb,
the King of glory.
”

St Amadeus of Lausanne (1108-1159) 

St Bernard (1091-1153)
Father and Doctor of the Church

“The prayers of Mary,
have the force of command with Jesus Christ.
Hence, it is impossible for the Son
not to grant a grace
for which the Mother asks.”

St Antoninus (1389-1459)

Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came
Sweet Lady of the Rosary
By St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)

Through thee, to us, our Saviour came,
Through thee, to Him, we fain would go.
Our lives are marred by wrong and shame,
Yet, confidence in thee we know.
The friendship thou dost give to all
Who love thy name, shall ever be
Assurance thou wilt hear our call,
Sweet Lady of the Rosary!

Thou art our Strength upon the way,
Our Morning Star, to cheer and guide;
Our Beacon Light to show the day,
And lead us to the Saviour’s Side;
A Comforter in ev’ry pain
We find, O Mother blest, in thee,
And seek we, never, thee in vain,
Fair Lady of the Rosary!

Thy praises, Mary, we would sing,
And all our faculties employ,
That unto thee our hearts might bring
A glory-crown of love and joy.
Bless thou each humble effort made
In thy regard and grant that we,
May by thy influence be swayed,
Our Lady of the Rosary!

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, INDULGENCES, MARIAN Antiphons, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MARIAN TITLES, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on MEDIOCRITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 29 October – Mary, Our Hope – “our life, our sweetness and our hope.”

Thought for the Day – 29 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Mary, Our Hope”

“In the beautiful prayer, known as the Salve Regina or Hail, Holy Queen, the Church salutes Mary as “our life, our sweetness and our hope.”
Mary is our hope, because, she gave us our Saviour, Jesus and, because, she prays to Him continually for the graces which we need.
Following the example of Luther, modern protestants raise the objection that Mary cannot be regarded as a source of hope, because, all our trust should be placed in God.
Anyone who places his trust in creatures, draws down God’s curse upon himself, they say and, they go on to quote from Jeremias: “Cursed be the man who trusteth in man” (Jer 17:5).
But this is true only, when we trust in creatures independently of God, as if we can derive any good from them, without recourse to God.
We invoke Mary, however, as the Mother of God and our mediatrix with Him.
She is our hope, insofar as she obtains for us from God, the graces and favours which we require.
St Bernard assures us, that God has placed in Mary’s hands, all the riches which He wishes to bestow on us (Serm de aquaed).
“He will never experience eternal ruin,” says St Anselm, “for whom Mary has once prayed.”
St Bernard calls upon Mary as the foundation of all his hope (Ibid).
Let us remember, that Mary is our loving Mother who wishes us to pray to her because, she knows that if she intercedes on our behalf, she will certainly be heard.
It should be most consoling to us to have such a good and powerful Mother in whom, we can safely trust in every peril and in every necessity.
Let us pray to her with love and faith, in the certainty that, we shall be answered in the way that is best for us.
Let us say along with St John Damascene: “O Mother of God, if I place my trust in you, I shall be saved. If I am under your protection, I have nothing to fear because to be devoted to you, is to possess a weapon of salvation which God grants only to those, whom He desires to redeem” (Serm de Nat, cap 4).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DANTE ALIGHIERI!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY QUOTES, The INCARNATION, The REDEMPTION

Thought for the Day – 28 October – “Mary, Mother of God”

Thought for the Day – 28 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
“Mary, Mother of God”

“The near-infinite greatness of Mary, flows from the fact, that she is the Mother of God.
The Eternal Word of the Father, consubstantial with Him in nature and equal to Him in Majesty, willed to become man in order to set us free from the slavery of sin and to regain Heaven for us.
He became man in the chaste womb of the Virgin Mary.
He took a human body and soul and was born of her, as the God-Man.
For this reason, there is attributed to His Divine Person, the title of Son of Mary and to Mary, the title of Mother of God.

There is a relationship between Mary and each of the three Divine Persons, for she is the daughter of God the Father, the spouse of the Holy Spirit by whose power the Word became incarnate in her and the mother of the Word made Man.
She is, moreover, in the words of Dante, the “termine fisso di eterno consiglio” (Paradiso 33:1-3).
In other words, she is the centre of the eternal plan which God established for the redemption of the human race.
It was God’s eternal design to reunite creation to the Uncreated, by means of Mary.
She became the mother of the Eternal Word, in whom the divine and human natures were indissolubly united.
He redeemed us by His infinite merits but, in this work of redemption, He employed the co-operation of His holy Mother.
All the graces, privileges and virtues of Mary, flow from this great mystery of her divine Motherhood.
As befitted the future Mother of God, she was conceived free from the stain of original sin and full of grace.
Her mortal life was a continuous ascent towards the highest peak of sanctity.
When she died, she was assumed body and soul into Heaven, where she was crowned in glory, as Queen of Angels and Queen of Saints.
When we consider the sublime nobility of Our Lady, we should be moved to love and venerate her.
This love and veneration does not subtract in the slightest from God’s glory, because, she is the Mother of God.
In fact, it is a great advantage to us, to imitate her and to call on her to intercede for us.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION, The RESURRECTION

Thought for the Day – 14 October – The First Glorious Mystery – The Resurrection of Our Lord

Thought for the Day – 14 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The First Glorious Mystery
The Resurrection of Our Lord

“Do we wish to share also in the joy of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?
Let us imitate Mary.
First of all, we must participate as she did in the sufferings of Christ.
By meditating frequently on the Passion and Death of Christ, we can nourish in our hearts, an intense love for Him Who suffered so much for our salvation.
Let us learn to carry our cross, as He carried His, with resignation and with conformity to God’s Will.
Spiritual joy is always the fruit of renunciation and love.

We cannot be happy with Jesus triumphant ,if we have not first imitated Jesus suffering.
We cannot rise gloriously into Heaven, if we have not first walked patiently with Mary along the Way of Calvary!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 13 October – The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery – The Crucifixion

Thought for the Day – 13 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery
The Crucifixion

“At last, Jesus reaches Calvary, breathless and reduced to utter exhaustion.
The instrument of torture is taken from Him and laid upon the ground.
Our divine Redeemer suffers acute pain as Her is again stripped of His garments, which have stuck to His wounds.
Now, He is stretched, an innocent victim, on the altar of sacrifice, the Cross.
One of the executioners grasps His hand, pierces it with a large nail and attaches it to the wood.
Then, he does the same with the other hand and with the two feet.
His Mother is close at hand.
She feels in her heart the blows of the hammer which lacerate the living flesh of Jesus.
Jesus remains silent “as a meek lamb that is carried to be a victim” (Jer 11:19).

Now, the executioners raise up the Cross and fix it in the hold already prepared for it.
The shock of this impact sends a shudder of terrible pain through the Victim’s members and entire frame.
Behold Him now, suspended between Heaven and earth, the Mediator between God and humanity, the Victim of Expiation for the innumerable sins of men.

Come near to the Cross and kiss the bloodstained feet.
While the Jews are insulting Him and most of the Apostles have abandoned Him, let us tell Him how much we love Him.
Let us tell Him of our sorrow for our sins and of our determination to make amends for our faults and for our ingratitude, by living in accordance with His teachings and example.
”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, PAPAL MESSAGES, PAPAL SERMONS, Quotes on SALVATION, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Quote/s of the Day – 13 October –

Quote/s of the Day – 13 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Our Lady of Fatima: The Sixth & Final Apparition

“None who persevered in devotion
to the Holy Rosary, will be condemned.
”

St Dominic (1170-1221)

“You must know that when you
‘hail’ Mary, she immediately greets you!
Do not think that she is one of those rude women
of whom there are so many, on the contrary,
she is utterly courteous and pleasant.
If you greet her, she will answer you right away
and converse with you!
”

St Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444)

“If you persevere in reciting the Rosary,
this will be a most probable sign
of your eternal salvation.
”

Blessed Alain de la Roche OP (1428-1475)

“Let not even one day pass
without saying the Holy Rosary,
no matter how burdened with many cares
and labours you may be
!”

Pope Pius XI (1857-1939)

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Hail MARY!, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN HYMNS, MARIAN POETRY, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The ANNUNCIATION, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The INCARNATION

Our Morning Offering – 9 October – Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came, Sweet Lady of the Rosary!

Our Morning Offering – 9 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels”

Through Thee, to Us, Our Saviour Came
Sweet Lady of the Rosary
By St Amadeus of Lausanne O.Cist (1108-1159)

Through thee, to us, our Saviour came,
Through thee, to Him, we fain would go.
Our lives are marred by wrong and shame,
Yet, confidence in thee we know.
The friendship thou dost give to all
Who love thy name, shall ever be
Assurance thou wilt hear our call,
Sweet Lady of the Rosary!

Thou art our Strength upon the way,
Our Morning Star, to cheer and guide;
Our Beacon Light to show the day,
And lead us to the Saviour’s Side;
A Comforter in ev’ry pain
We find, O Mother blest, in thee,
And seek we, never, thee in vain,
Fair Lady of the Rosary!

Thy praises, Mary, we would sing,
And all our faculties employ,
That unto thee our hearts might bring
A glory-crown of love and joy.
Bless thou each humble effort made
In thy regard and grant that we,
May by thy influence be swayed,
Our Lady of the Rosary!

Posted in CHRIST the WORD and WISDOM, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, HOLY WEEK, INGRATITUDE, JULY - The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MIRACLES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD, The PASSION

Thought for the Day – 8 October – The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Thought for the Day – 8 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The First Sorrowful Mystery
The Agony of Jesus
in the Garden of Gethsemane

“Let us pay particular attention to the scene in Gethsemane.
Jesus is lying prostrate on the ground.
He has given everything for sinful humanity.
He has given His heavenly teaching, His miracles and His mercy.
Even more, He has given Himself in the Blessed Eucharist which He has instituted in the form of food and drink, to sustain men on their earthly journey.

Now, He lies prostrate in prayer.
Near Him, are His Apostles who, already forgetful of the immense favours which they have received, are asleep!

Not far away, there is another Apostle, Judas, who has sold his Master for thirty pieces of silver, as a slave would be sold and is about to deliver Him to His executioners.
But Jesus can see across the centuries – many other Judases, so many traitors, who will be indifferent and sleep, never thinking of Him and neglecting to make any return for His Infinite Love.
His Passion is beginning now, here in Gethsemane and will be protracted throughout the centuries.
Before His Crucifixion, He drinks the bitter chalice of human ingratitude and, in His tremendous Agony, He perspires drops of Blood
!”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/08/thought-for-the-day-8-october-the-first-sorrowful-mystery-the-agony-of-jesus-in-the-garden-of-gethsemane/

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, franciscan OFM, MARIAN TITLES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on PRAYER, ROSARY QUOTES, St Francis de Sales, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – The Feast of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Quote/s of the Day – 7 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – The Feast of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary/Our Lady of Victory of Lepanto

“The Rosary is the most divine of devotions.”

St Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

“… [I] resolved to recite a Rosary
for anyone who caused me trouble.
Then I heard the Voice
from the Tabernacle say,
‘Your prayers for those
who mortify you,
are very pleasing to Me.
In exchange, I am ready
to grant you many graces.
‘”

St Serafino of Montegranaro (1540-1604)

“The greatest method of praying
is to pray the Rosary.
”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

“Never will anyone
who says his Rosary everyday,
be led astray.
This is a statement
that I would gladly sign
with my blood.
”

St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

“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 labours.
”

Pope Pius XI (1857-1939)

Posted in Hail MARY!, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MOTHER of GOD, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Our Morning Offering – 7 October – The Holy Rosary by Pope Leo XIII

Our Morning Offering – 7 October – “The Month of The Most Holy Rosary and The Holy Angels” – Our Lady of the Holy Rosary/Our Lady of Victory – Commemorating the Victory of Lepanto – 1571

The Holy Rosary
By Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903)

Accept, mighty Maid, we beseech thee,
This prayer with its fragrance of flowers;
With one soul we seek thus to reach thee
And hail thee, God’s Mother and ours.

Thy heart is made glad by our praying;
Thy bounty is generous and wise;
Thy hands are enriched for conveying
What God’s tender Mercy supplies.

We kneel at thy Shrines in the Churches;
Oh, gently look down from above,
And welcome the heart that then searches
For worthy expressions of love.

Let others present precious caskets
Of gems, or heap Altars with gold;
Slight prayer-beads shall serve us for baskets
To bring thee the garland they hold.

With violets lowly we fashion
This wreath and with these combined
Red roses–our faith in the Passion
With Chastity’s lilies entwined.

Our minds, as the Mysteries vary,
Are active, our hands play their part
And always thy name, Holy Mary!
Oft-uttered, rejoices the heart.

Be with us, we trust thee to guide us
Through life and when labouring breath
At the last, seeks thine aid, be beside us
To help at the hour of our death.
Anen

Posted in "Follow Me", DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, INGRATITUDE, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on DISCIPLESHIP, QUOTES on EVANGELISATION, QUOTES on GRATITUDE, QUOTES on SACRED SCRIPTURE, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Thought for the Day – 4 October – The Second Joyful Mystery – Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth

Thought for the Day – 4 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The Second Joyful Mystery
Mary’s Visit to St Elizabeth

“But are we as grateful to God as we ought to be!
Do we correspond with His graces?
Are we prepared to make any sacrifice in order to share with others the gifts with which He has enriched us?

Let us remember that gratitude is a virtue which is very pleasing to God and draws down on us other graces and gifts.

In his panegyric on Trajan, the younger Pliny observes that the best means of soliciting new favours, is to show gratitude for those which we have already received.
On the other hand, as St Bernard points out, ingratitude is like a scorching wind, which dries up the dew of Divine Mercy (Sermon 5 in Cant).
Let us be grateful to God, therefore and do our best to share with others the gifts which we have received.
“Because He Who is mighty has done great things for me and Holy is His Name!” (Lk 1:46-55).”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, DECEMBER - The DIVINE INFANCY and The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, IMMACULATE CONCEPTION Prayers and Novena, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, MOTHER of GOD, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, The ANNUNCIATION, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE, The IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, The INCARNATION

Thought for the Day – 3 October – The First Joyful Mystery – The Annunciation

Thought for the Day – 3 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

“Month of the Holy Rosary”
The First Joyful Mystery
The Annunciation

“The Rosary is both a vocal and a mental prayer.
When reciting the first five decades, we should meditate on the principal joyful mysteries of our Faith, beginning with the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin.
In other words, during the first decade, we should visualise the scene described in the Gospel.

“The Angel Gabriel was sent from God to a Town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David and the Virgin’s name was Mary. And, when the Angel had come to her, he said “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women” (Lk 1:26-28).

Note the manner in which the Angel greets Mary.
He proclaims that she is full of grace, pleasing and acceptable to God.
He bows before her and says that she is blessed among women.

On previous occasions Angels had appeared to Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets but always, as superior beings bearing a command from Almighty God.
Why, then, does an Angel bow before this maiden and salute her with such reverence?

The reason is twofold.
Mary is the purest of creatures, immaculate from the moment of her conception; she is also destined to become the Mother of God, a destiny of quasi-infinite dignity.
Let we, poor sinners, bow before her also and beg her to obtain for us from God, the graces of forgiveness and of sanctification.
It is in this spirit, of loving humility that we should recite the First Decade of the Holy Rosary.
”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

Posted in GUARDIAN ANGELS - Prayers etc, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on ANGER, QUOTES on HUMILITY, QUOTES on MEEKNESS, QUOTES on PRIDE, QUOTES on PURITY, QUOTES on TEMPTATION, QUOTES on the DEVIL/EVIL

Thought for the Day – 2 October – Our Guardian Angels

Thought for the Day – 2 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

Our Guardian Angels

“The realisation that our Guardian Angel is always close at hand, should be a warning to us.
It should prevent us from doing anything displeasing to God.
Would we venture to do anything unbecoming in the presence of our Father or Mother, or of anyone for whom we have any regard?
Definitely not and still less, should we dare to perform an evil action in the presence of our Angel, to whom we owe such gratitude and in the presence of God, our Creator, Lord and Redeemer, Who could, at any moment, snap the thread which binds us to life and plunge us into eternity.

Furthermore, when pride convinces us that we are of some importance, let us turn to our Angel and pray for the virtue of humility.
When we begin to seethe with anger and long to utter words which are harsh and injurious, let us ask our Angel to pray on our behalf, for the gift of Christian gentleness.
When the devil fills our minds with impure images and thoughts, let us ask our Angel to beseech God to give us the Christian fortitude to resist temptation and to imitate his angelic purity.

Finally, when tepidity is sapping the vigour of our interior life, let us pray to our Guardian Angel in the hope of obtaining a share in his intimate union with God.

Let us pray the Guardian Angel prayer or at least say:
“My Guardian Angel enlighten me.
My Guardian Angel help me.
My Guardian Angel, protect me
.”
Amen.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci

PART ONE HERE:
https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/02/thought-for-the-day-2-october-our-guardian-angels/

Posted in ArchAngels and Angels, INDULGENCES, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, ROSARY QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

October, The Month of the Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels

1 October – Devotion for the Month of the Most Holy Rosary and the Holy Angels

An Indulgence of 7 years is granted to all the faithful who devoutly recite the Rosary during the Month of October–granted by Pope Leo XIII, in the same Encyclical, Supremo Apostolatus Officio.

Beginning on 1 September 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, Pope Leo XIII wrote a total of eleven Encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898.
In 1885, Pope Leo XIII ordered the Rosary to be recited everyday during the month of October in every Parish Church and Cathedral, throughout the world.
Those of the faithful who could not be present at this recital he exhorted to say it with their families or in private.

“The greatest method of praying
is to pray the Rosary.
”

St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Posted in DEVOTIO, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN QUOTES, MEDITATIONS - ANTONIO CARD BACCI, OCTOBER - The HOLY ROSARY and The HOLY ANGELS, QUOTES on the FAMILY, ROSARY QUOTES, ROSARY REFLECTIONS and QUOTES, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Thought for the Day – 1 October – The Month of the Holy Rosary

Thought for the Day – 1 October – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)

The Month of the Holy Rosary

“We should say the Rosary devoutly everyday.
This beautiful prayer is very pleasing to Our Lady and, the Church, is particularly anxious that we should recite it during the month of October.
Families who say the Holy Rosary together can hope for a special blessing from God and for the maternal protection of Mary.

If possible, every family should gather together in the evening and recite the Rosary before an image of our Blessed Mother.
If the parents set an example, their child will join them.
It is consoling to come together after the toil and trouble of the day, in order to confide our cares and hopes to Mary.

Do you say the Rosary everyday?
If you have neglected this pious practice, begin today!
Do not plead lack of time.
There is time for so many other things, so surely, there is time to pray and to entrust ourselves, in a special way, to the protection of our heavenly Mother!?

The practice of reciting the Holy Rosary, will win for you, the blessing of God and the patronage of the Blessed Virgin.”

Antonio Cardinal Bacci