Our Morning Offering – 4 May
O Mary, powerful Virgin,
you are the mighty and glorious
protector of the Church;
you are the marvelous help of Christians;
you are terrible as an army in battle array;
you alone have destroyed every heresy
in the whole world.
In the midst of our anguish,
our struggles
and our distress,
defend us from the power of the enemy
and at the hour of our death
receive our souls in paradise. Amen
Our Morning Offering – 3 May
Most holy Mary,
Virgin of virgins,
shrine of the most Holy Trinity,
joy of the angels,
sure refuge of sinners,
take pity on our sorrows,
mercifully accept our sighs
and appease the wrath
of your most holy Son. Amen
Quote of the Day – 1 May
“He was chosen by the eternal Father as the trustworthy guardian and protector
of His greatest treasures, namely: His divine Son and Mary, Joseph’s wife.
He carried out this vocation with complete fidelity until at last God called him, saying
‘Good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of your Lord.’
– from a sermon by Saint Bernardine of Siena
Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo The Holy Family 1637
One Minute Reflection – 1 May
You shall set apart three cities…(where) a homicide may take
refuge …. to save his life when (he) unwittingly kills his neighbour………….Deuteronomy 19:2-4
REFLECTION – “Seek refuge in Mary because she is the city of refuge. We know that Moses set up three cities of refuge for anyone who inadvertently killed his neighbour.
Now the Lord has established a refuge of mercy – Mary – even for those who deliberately commit evil. Mary provides shelter and strength for the sinner.”……St Anthony of Padua
PRAYER – Lord Jesus, move me to take refuge in Your holy Mother if I am so unfortunate as to lose Your grace. Help me to flee to my city of refuge, for she will lead me to You. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us! Amen
May the Month of Mary
The month of May is the “month which the piety of the faithful has especially dedicated to Our Blessed Lady” and it is the occasion for a “moving tribute of faith and love which Catholics in every part of the world pay to the Queen of Heaven. During this month Christians, both in church and in the privacy of the home, offer up to Mary from their hearts an especially fervent and loving homage of prayer and veneration. In this month, too, the benefits of God’s mercy come down to us from her throne in greater abundance” (Paul VI: Encyclical on the Month of May, no. 1).
This Christian custom of dedicating the month of May to the Blessed Virgin arose at the end of the 13th century. In this way, the Church was able to Christianize the secular feasts which were wont to take place at that time. In the 16th century, books appeared and fostered this devotion.
The practice became especially popular among the members of the Jesuit Order — by 1700 it took hold among their students at the Roman College and a bit later it was publicly practiced in the Gesu Church in Rome. From there it spread to the whole Church.
The practice was granted a partial indulgence by Pius VII in 1815 and a plenary indulgence by Pius IX in 1859. With the complete revision of indulgences in 1966 and the decreased emphasis on specific indulgences, it no longer carries an indulgence; however it certainly falls within the category of the First General Grant of Indulgences. (A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful who, in the performance of their duties and in bearing the trials of life, raise their mind with humble confidence to God, adding — even if only mentally — some pious invocation.
Excerpted from Enchiridion of Indulgences.
The pious practice of honoring Mary during the month of May has been especially recommended by the Popes. Pius XII made frequent reference to it and in his great Encyclical on the Sacred Liturgy (Mediator Dei) characterized it as one of “other exercises of piety which although not strictly belonging to the Sacred Liturgy, are nevertheless of special import and dignity, and may be considered in a certain way to be an addition to the liturgical cult: they have been approved and praised over and over again by the Apostolic See and by the Bishops” (no. 182).
Paul VI wrote a short encyclical in 1965 using the Month of Mary devotion as a means of obtaining prayers for peace. He urged the faithful to make use of this practice which is “gladdening and consoling” and by which the Blessed Virgin Mary is honored and the Christian people are enriched with spiritual gifts” (no. 2).
In May of 2002 Pope John Paul II said, “Today we begin the month dedicated to Our Lady a favourite of popular devotion. In accord with a long-standing tradition of devotion, parishes and families continue to make the month of May a ‘Marian’ month, celebrating it with many devout liturgical, catechetical and pastoral initiatives!”
Devotion to Mary
“The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example, as well as the guide and inspiration, of everyone who, in and through the Church, seeks to be the servant of God and man and the obedient agent of the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit, as Pope Leo XIII reminded us, is the soul of the Church: All the activity and service of the members of the Church, beginning with the supreme participation of the Blessed Mother in the work of the Church, is vivified by the Holy Spirit as the body, in all its activities, is vivified by its soul. The Holy Spirit is the Paraclete, Advocate and Comforter which Christ Himself sent to be our consolation in the sorrowful mysteries of life, our source of moderation in the joyful mysteries of life, our added principle of exaltation in the glorious mysteries of life.
So He was for the Blessed Mother; so also He is for the least of us; so also He is for the rest of the Church, even for those who are its unconscious but conscientious members.
Wherever there is faith there is the example of Mary, because she lived by faith as the Scriptures remind us….
If, then, piety is the virtue which binds us to the sources of all life, to God, to our parents, to the Church, to Christ, certainly Christian piety binds us, in grateful love, to Mary — or our acceptance of Christ and of the mystery of our kinship with Him is imperfect, partial, and unfulfilled.”
Our Morning Offering – 11 April
Hail, Sweet Jesus!
Prayer to Christ
in His Passion and Death
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622)
Doctor of the Church
Hail, sweet Jesus!
Praise, honour and glory be to Thee, O Christ,
Who, of Thou own accord, embraced death,
and recommending Thyself to Thy heavenly Father,
bowing down Thy venerable Head,
did yield up Thy Spirit.
Truly thus giving up Thy life for Thy sheep,
Thou hast shown Thyself, to be the Good Shepherd.
Thou died, O Only-begotten Son of God.
Thou died, O my beloved Saviour,
that I might live forever.
O how great hope,
how great confidence have
I reposed in Thy Death and Thy Blood!
I glorify and praise Thy Holy Name,
acknowledging my infinite obligations to Thee.
O good Jesus,
by Thy bitter Death and Passion,
give me grace and pardon.
Give unto the faithful departed,
rest and life everlasting.
Amen
The HOLY FATHER’S PRAYER INTENTION FOR APRIL 2017
Devotion for the Month of April – The Blessed Sacrament
Every Catholic Church contains a tabernacle in which the Body of Christ is reserved between Masses and the faithful are encouraged to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Frequent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament is a path to spiritual growth.
The practice of Eucharistic adoration on earth not only brings us grace but prepares us for our life in Heaven. As Pope Pius XII wrote in Mediator Dei (1947):
“These exercises of piety have brought a wonderful increase in faith and supernatural life to the Church militant upon earth and they are re-echoed to a certain extent by the Church triumphant in heaven which sings continually a hymn of praise to God and to the Lamb “who was slain.”
This month, why not make a special effort to spend some time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament? It doesn’t need to be long or elaborate: You can start simply by making the Sign of the Cross and uttering a short profession of faith, such as “My Lord and my God!” as you pass a Catholic church. If you have the time to stop for five minutes, all the better.
“My Lord, I offer Thee myself in turn as a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Thou hast died for me and I in turn make myself over to Thee. I am not my own. Thou hast bought me; I will by my own act and deed complete the purchase. My wish is to be separated from everything of this world; to cleanse myself simply from sin; to put away from me even what is innocent, if used for its own sake, and not for Thine. I put away reputation and honour and influence and power, for my praise and strength shall be in Thee. Enable me to carry on what I profess. Amen.”
AN EXPLANATION OF AN OFFERING OF ONESELF TO CHRIST IN THE EUCHARIST
We should leave each visit to the Blessed Sacrament renewed in our commitment to live a Christian life. This Offering of Oneself to Christ in the Eucharist, written by John Henry Cardinal Newman, reminds us of the sacrifice that Christ made for us, in dying on the Cross and asks Christ in the Blessed Sacrament to help us to dedicate our lives to Him. It is the perfect prayer to end a visit to the Blessed Sacrament.
Novena to St Joseph
The primary feast of St Joseph is on 19 March, the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the foster father of Jesus Christ.
Indeed, the Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of March to Saint Joseph and urges us to pay special attention to his life and example.
Fathers, in particular, should cultivate devotion to Saint Joseph, whom God Himself chose to care for His Son. As we learn more about Saint Joseph, we can teach our own boys about the virtues of fatherhood through his example.
“Would that I could persuade all men to be devoted to this glorious Saint [St. Joseph], for I know by long experience what blessings he can obtain for us from God. I have never known anyone who was truly devoted to him and honoured him by particular services who did not advance greatly in virtue: for he helps in a special way those souls who commend themselves to him. It is now very many years since I began asking him for something on his feast and I have always received it. I f the petition was in any way amiss, he rectified it for my greater good . . .
” I ask for the love of God that he who does not believe me will make the trial for himself—then he will find out by experience the great good that results from commending oneself to this glorious Patriarch and in being devoted to him.”
“Since we all must die, we should cherish a special devotion to St. Joseph, that he may obtain for us a happy death. All Christians regard him as the advocate of the dying who had honoured him during their life and they do so for three reasons:
“First, because Jesus Christ loved him not only as a friend but as a father and on this account his mediation is far more efficacious than that of any other Saint.
“Second, because St. Joseph has obtained special power against the evil spirits, who tempt us with redoubled vigour at the hour of death.
“Third, the assistance given St. Joseph at his death by Jesus and Mary obtained for him the right to secure a holy and peaceful death for his servants. Hence, if they invoke him at the hour of death he will not only help them but he will also obtain for them the assistance of Jesus and Mary.”
St Joseph we ask for your assistance in all our needs starting tomorrow, pray for us!
March – The Month of St Joseph
The Catholic Church dedicates the entire month of March to Saint Joseph and urges us to pay special attention to his life and example. In the 20th century, several popes had a deep devotion to Saint Joseph and Pope Saint Pius X (1903-14) approved a public litany, the Litany of Saint Joseph, while Pope John XXIII (1958-63) wrote A Prayer for Workers, asking Saint Joseph to intercede for them.
Fathers, in particular, should cultivate devotion to Saint Joseph, whom God Himself chose to care for His Son. As we learn more about Saint Joseph, we can teach our own boys about the virtues of fatherhood through his example.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Joseph,
Illustrious Scion of David,
Light of Patriarchs,
Spouse of the Mother of God,
Chaste guardian of the Virgin,
Foster-father of the Son of God,
Watchful defender of Christ,
Head of the Holy Family,
Joseph most just,
Joseph most chaste,
Joseph most prudent,
Joseph most valiant,
Joseph most obedient,
Joseph most faithful,
Mirror of patience,
Lover of poverty,
Model of workmen,
Glory of home life,
Guardian of virgins,
Pillar of families,
Solace of the afflicted,
Hope of the sick,
Patron of the dying,
Terror of demons,
Protector of Holy Church, pray for us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
L. He made him lord over his house,
R. And the ruler of all his possessions.
Let us pray.
O God, who in Your ineffable providence did vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse of Your most holy Mother: grant, we beseech You, that we may have him for an intercessor in heaven, whom we venerate as our protector on earth. Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.
1 February – The Holy Father’s Intentions
That all those who are afflicted, especially the poor, refugees and marginalised, may find welcome and comfort in our communities.
Since the 16th century Catholic piety has assigned entire months to special devotions. The month of February has been primarily associated with the Holy Family, probably due to the feast of Our Lord’s presentation at the temple, celebrated on February 2. At the very outset of Christ’s work on earth, God showed the world a family in which, as Pope Leo XIII teaches, “all men might behold a perfect model of domestic life, and of all virtue and holiness.” The harmony, unity, and holiness which characterised this Holy Family make it the model for all Christian families.
Prayer for the Protection of the Holy Family:
Grant unto us, Lord Jesus,
ever to follow the example of Your Holy Family,
that in the hour of our death
Your glorious Virgin Mother
together with blessed Joseph
may come to meet us
and we may be worthily received by You
into everlasting dwellings:
who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen
Our Morning Offering – 12 January
O sweet Name of Jesus,
holy above all names in heaven and on earth
and to which every knee,
both of men and of angels in heaven,
on earth and in hell shall bend.
You are the the way of the just,
the glory of the saints,
the hope of those in need,
the balm of the sick,
the love of the devout
and the consolation of those that suffer.
O, Jesus be to me a help and a protector
so that Your Name may be blessed for all times…
Thomas A Kempis – (Manualis Parvulorum XIII)
One Minute Reflection – 10 January
And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything of me in my name, I will do it…John 14:13-14
REFLECTION – The Holy Name of Jesus is, first of all, an all-powerful prayer. Our Lord Himself solemnly promises that whatever we ask the Father in His Name we shall receive. God never fails to keep His word.
Each time we say “Jesus,” it is an act of perfect love, for we offer to God the infinite love of Jesus………….st Alphonsus Liguori
PRAYER – Lord God, grant me the courage to confess my faith in the Name above all names and proclaim each moment the Holy Name of Your Son, thus giving You honour and glory. Jesus Name above all Names, be my standard and my beacon! Amen
Our Morning Offering – 10 January
Prayer to the Holy Name – St. Alphonsus Liguori
O my Jesus, You are the Saviour
who has given Your blood and Your life for me,
I pray You to write Your adorable name on my poor heart;
so that having it always imprinted in my heart by love,
I may also have it ever on my lips,
by invoking it in all my necessities.
If the devil tempts me,
Your name will give me strength to resist him;
if I lose confidence, Your name will animate me to hope;
if I am in affliction, Your name will comfort me,
by reminding me of all You have endured for me.
If I find myself cold in Your love,
Your name will inflame me by reminding me
of the love You have shown me.
I have fallen into so many sins
because I did not call on You;
from henceforth Your name shall be
my defense,
my refuge,
my hope,
my only consolation,
my only love.
Thus do I hope to live and so do I hope to die,
having Your name always on my lips.
Amen
Act of Reparation for Blasphemies Uttered Against the Holy Name
O Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer, Son of the living God, behold,
we kneel before You and offer You our reparation;
we would make amends for all the blasphemies uttered against Your holy name,
for all the injuries done to You in the Blessed Sacrament,
for all the irreverence shown toward Your immaculate Virgin Mother,
for all the calumnies and slanders spoken against Your spouse,
the holy Catholic and Roman Church.
O Jesus, who has said: “If you ask the Father anything in My name,
He will give it to you,” we pray and beseech You for all our brethren
who are in danger of sin; shield them from every temptation to fall away
from the true faith; save those who are even now standing on the brink of the abyss;
to all of them give light and knowledge of the truth, courage and strength
for the conflict with evil, perseverance in faith and active charity!
For this do we pray, most merciful Jesus, in Your name, unto God the Father,
with whom You live and reign in the unity of the Holy Spirit world without end. Amen
Question Time with Fr John Flader
When I was growing up I was taught to bow my head whenever I said or heard the name “Jesus”. I have noticed that some priests still bow their heads in Mass but no one else seems to do it anymore except for some brought up within Convent Schools and homes of “the latin countries” and these will persist regardless. How has this come about?”
I TOO belong to the generation that learned to bow our heads at the name of Jesus, but, as you say, the custom seems to be falling into disuse.
So important is respect for the divine name that God chose to give us a separate commandment regarding it: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Deuteronomy 5:11).
Elsewhere in the Old Testament there are numerous passages that speak of the holiness of God’s name, among them: “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth”. (Psalm 8:1; cf. Zechariah 2:13; Psalm 29:2; 96:2; 113:1-2).
In the New Testament St James denounces those “who blaspheme that honourable name by which you are called” (James 2:7).
And St Paul, referring to Jesus emptying himself to take the form of a servant and then becoming obedient unto death, writes: “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
By way of concretising respect for the name of Jesus in a formal way the Second Council of Lyons in 1274 decreed that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow; whenever that glorious name is recalled, especially during the sacred mysteries of the Mass, everyone should bow the knees of his heart, which he can do even by a bow of his head”.
As regards what is to be done in Mass today, the General Instruction of the Roman Missal says: “A bow of the head is made when the three Divine Persons are named together and at the names of Jesus, of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the saint in whose honour Mass is being celebrated” (GIRM 275).
The importance of honouring the holy name of Jesus is seen too in the feast of that name, which has been celebrated, at least at the local level, since the end of the 15th century. The feast was inserted into the universal calendar by Pope Innocent XIII in 1721 and is now celebrated on 3 January.
Given the widespread misuse of the names of God and Jesus today in ordinary life, as well as on television, in films and in other forms of entertainment, it is especially important to do all we can to restore respect for the name of God.
Bowing our head when we pronounce or hear the name of Jesus is a good way to do this.
Also important is to make an internal act of reparation whenever we hear the name of God or Jesus blasphemed.
It should hurt us that the object of our love is mistreated in this way.
It may very well be that the custom of bowing the head at the name of Jesus will pass out of general use, as have other laudable customs in recent times but that does not prevent us personally from continuing to live it and passing on to our children this ancient custom.
LET US EACH ONE BRING IT BACK for the very Angels in Heaven bow at the name of Jesus. And even the demons in Hell.
DAILY PRAYER TO THE MOST HOLY NAME
by St. Bernardine of Siena
Jesus, Name full of glory, grace, love and strength!
You are the refuge of those who repent,
our banner of warfare in this life,
the medicine of souls,
the comfort of those who morn,
the delight of those who believe,
the light of those who preach the true faith,
the wages of those who toil,
the healing of the sick.
To You our devotion aspires;
by You our prayers are received;
we delight in contemplating You.
O Name of Jesus, You are the glory
of all the saints for eternity. Amen.
Prayer of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart for the Month of August
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary
and tender Mother of all people,
I consecrate myself to yourIImmaculate Heart
and recommend to you my family, my country and the whole human race.
Please accept my consecration, dearest Mother
and use me as you wish, to accomplish your designs upon the world.
O Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Heaven and earth,
rule over me, and teach me how to allow the Heart of Jesus
to rule and triumph in me and around me,
as it has ruled and triumphed in you. Amen.
AnaStpaul 
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