Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, St JOHN the BAPTIST

Our Morning Offering – 24 June – Præcursor Altus – The Great Forerunner of the Morn

Our Morning Offering – 24 June –The Nativity of St John the Baptist

Præcursor Altus Luminis
The Great Forerunner of the Morn
By St Bede the Venerable,(673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

The great forerunner of the Morn,
The herald of the Word, is born
And faithful hearts shall never fail
With thanks and prais, his light to hail.

With heavenly message Gabriel came,
That John should be that herald’s name.
And with prophetic utterance told
His actions great and manifold.

John, still unborn, yet gave aright
His witness to the coming Light;
And Christ, the Sun of all the earth,
Fulfilled that witness at His Birth.

Of women-born shall never be
A greater prophet than was he,
Whose mighty deeds exalt his fame
To greater than a prophet’s name.

But why should mortal accents raise
The hymn of John the Baptist’s praise?
Of whom, or ere his course was run,
Thus spake the Father to the Son:

Behold My herald, who shall go
Before Thy Face Thy way to show,
And shine, as with the day-star’s gleam,
Before Thine Own eternal Beam.

All praise to God the Father be,
All praise, Eternal Son, to Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore,
For ever and forevermore.
Amen

Trans. J M Neale (1818-1866)

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, HYMNS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 23 June – Auctor Beate SæculiJesu, Jesu, Creator of the World!

Our Morning Offering – 23 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Octave Day of the Sacred Heart

Auctor Beate Sæculi
Jesu, Creator of the World!

Unknown Author

Jesu, Creator of the world!
Of all mankind Redeemer blest!
True God of God in whom we see
The Father’s Image clear expressed!

Thee Saviour, love alone constrained
To make our mortal flesh Thine own;
And as a second Adam come,
For the first Adam to atone.

That selfsame Love that made the sky,
Which made the sea and stars and earth,
Took pity on our misery,
And broke the bondage of our birth.

O Jesu! in Thy Heart Divine
May that same Love forever flow,
Forever mercy to mankind
From that exhaustless Fountain flow.

For this Thy Sacred Heart was pierced,
And both with blood and water ran;
To cleanse us from the stains of guilt,
And be the hope and strength of man.

Jesu! to Thee be glory giv’n,
Who from the Heart dost grace outpour,
With Father and with Holy Ghost,
Through endless ages evermore.

Trans. The Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK slightly adapted from  Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878) original translation
Music: PUER NOBIS, LM; adapted by Michael Praetorius, (1571-1621).
This particular Vespers Hymn is taken from the Feast of the Sacred Heart. In a Seminary or Monastery, this hymn would be sung. It has a very compelling melody, which adds to the beauty of a Hymn which extolls the mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ. The theme of the entire piece is Our Lord’s Sacred Heart and how It is the Fount of Mercy for all who come to Him. It tells how we should value the Infinite Redemption He wrought for us.

Posted in JESUIT SJ, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on FEAR, QUOTES on SUFFERING, QUOTES on WORRY/ANXIETY

Our Morning Offering – 21 June – O Holy Mary By St Aloysius de Gonzaga

Our Morning Offering – 21 June – The Feast of St Aloysius Gonzaga SJ (1568-1591) Confessor, Jesuit Seminarian, Mystic, Marian devote

O Holy Mary
By St Aloysius de Gonzaga (1568-1591)

O Holy Mary, my mistress,
into your blessed trust
and special custody
and into the grasp of your mercy
I this day, everyday
and in the hour of my death,
commend my soul and my body.
To you, I commit,
all my anxieties and miseries,
my life and the end of my life,
that by your most holy intercession
and by your merits,
all my actions may be directed
and disposed
according to your will
and that of your Son.
Amen

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 20 June – Be the Heart of My HeartBy St John Eudes

Our Morning Offering – 20 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Be the Heart of My Heart
By St John Eudes (1601-1680)
Apostle of the Sacred Heart

O Heart all Lovable
and all Loving of my Saviour,
be the Heart of my heart,
the Soul of my soul,
the Spirit of my spirit,
the Life of my life
and the sole Principle
of all my thoughts,
words and actions,
of all the faculties of my soul
and of all my senses,
both interior and exterior.
Amen

St John Eudes is the author of the Proper for the Mass and Divine Office of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ and the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin. St John was an ardent proponent of the Sacred Heart and dedicated himself to it’s promotion and celebration. The Masses he compiled for both the Sacred Heart of Jesus and for the Immaculate Heart of Mary, were both first celebrated during his lifetime. He preached missions across France, including Paris and Versailles, while earning recognition as a popular evangelist and confessor. St John Eudes was also a prolific writer and wrote on the two Holy Hearts despite opposition from the Jansenists.

Posted in CHRIST the JUDGE, DIVINE Mercy, Goodness, Patience, DOCTORS of the Church, DYING / LAST WORDS, FATHERS of the Church, GOD ALONE!, HOLY COMMUNION, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FORGIVENESS, QUOTES on LOVE of GOD, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, Quotes on SALVATION, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on TRUST and complete CONFIDENCE in GOD, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 14 June – Lord, I Know that I Am Not Worthy By St Basil the Great

Our Morning Offering – 14 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Feast of St Basil the Great (329-379) Bishop of Caesarea, Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church.

Lord, I Know that I Am Not Worthy
Prayer before Holy Communion
By St Basil the Great (329-379)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Lord, I know that I am not worthy
to receive Thy Holy Body and Precious Blood;
I know that I am guilty
and that I eat and drink
condemnation to myself,
not discerning the Body and Blood
of Christ, my God.
But trusting in Thy loving kindness,
I come to Thee, Who hast said –
Whoever eats My Body and drinks My Blood,
will dwell in Me and I in him
’;
Therefore, Lord, have compassion on me
and do not put to shame Thy sinful servant
But deal with me according to Thy great mercy
And grant that these Holy Gifts,
may be for me,
healing, cleansing, enlightenment,
protection, salvation and sanctification
of soul and body.
May they cast out from me
every dark delusion,
sinful deed or work of the evil one.
May they move me to trust
and love Thee always,
to amendment of life,
increase of virtue,
obedience to Thy commandments,
communion of the Holy Spirit,
provision for my final journey
and a good defence before the dreadful
seat of judgement.
Amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Holy Name PRAYERS, JANUARY month of THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on HOPE, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, SAINT of the DAY, The HOLY NAME

Our Morning Offering – 13 June – Sweet Jesus, Thy Name is Joy By St Anthony of Padua

Our Morning Offering – 13 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and the Feast Day of St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231) Confessor, Doctor of the Church

Sweet Jesus, Thy Name is Joy
By St Anthony of Padua OFM (1195-1231)
Doctor of the Church

Sweet Jesus,
is there anything sweeter than Thee?
To remember Thee is more delightful
than everything else.
Thy Name is joy – it is the true
Gate of our Salvation.
What else are Thou, Jesus,
if not our Saviour?
Be our Redeemer.
Give us the virtues of hope and love,
just as Thou hast given us faith,
our primary joy.
Give us the words which we need
to praise Thee always.
With the help and through the prayers
of Thy Mother.
Thou who art blessed throughout the ages.
Amen

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 12 June – Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart in the Blessed Sacrament By St Margaret Mary Alacoque

Our Morning Offering – 12 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Within the Octave of Corpus Christi

Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart
in the Blessed Sacrament
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary and Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,
Whom I believe to be really present
in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
receive this most profound Act of Adoration
to supply for the desire I have,
to adore Thee unceasingly
and in thanksgiving,
for the sentiments of love
which Thy Sacred Heart
has for me in this Sacrament.
I cannot better acknowledge them,
than by offering Thee,
all the Acts of Adoration,
resignation, patience and love
which this same Heart has made
during its mortal life
and which it makes still
and which it shall make eternally in Heaven,
in order that through it,
I may love Thee, praise Thee
and adore Thee worthily,
as much as it is possible for me.
I unite myself to this Divine Offering
which Thou dost make to Thy Divine Father
and I consecrate to Thee,
my whole being,
praying Thee, to destroy in me,
all sin and not to permit
that I should be separated from Thee,
in time and eternally.
Amen.

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, DOCTORS of the Church, DOMINICAN OP, EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 11 June – Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium

Our Morning Offering – 11 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – The Solemnity of Corpus Christi, The Most Holy Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ and Sunday within the Octave – The Second Sunday after Pentecost

Pange Lingua Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium
Sing, My Tongue
By St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Eng trans – Fr Edward Caswell CO (1814-1878)
(Excerpt on the image – the 4 last stanzas)

Sing, my tongue, the Saviour’s glory,
Of His Flesh, the Mystery sing;
Of the Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our Immortal King,
Destined, for the world’s redemption,
From a noble Womb to spring.

Of a pure and spotless Virgin
Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
Stayed, the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His Life of woe.

On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the Paschal Victim eating,
First fulfils the Law’s command;
Then as Food to all His brethren
Gives Himself with His own Hand.

Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
By His Word to Flesh He turns;
Wine into His Blood He changes,
What though sense no change discerns.
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.

Down in adoration falling,
Lo, the Sacred Host we hail,
Lo, o’er ancient forms departing
Newer rites of grace prevail,
Faith for all defects supplying,
When the feeble senses fail.

To the Everlasting Father
And the Son Who comes on high
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honour, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen. Alleluia.

Written by St Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) the Angelic and Common Doctor of the Church, for the very first Solemnity of Corpus Christi, this Hymn is considered the most beautiful of Aquinas’ Hymns and one of the seven great Hymns of the Church.

The last two stanzas make up the Tantum Ergo (Down in Adoration Falling) which is used at Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Hymn is also used on Maundy Thursday during the procession from the Sanctuary to the Altar of Repose, where the Blessed Sacrament is kept until Good Friday.

PANGE, Lingua, Gloriosi Corporis Mysterium

Corporis mysterium,
Sanguinisque pretiosi,
quem in mundi pretium
fructus ventris generosi
Rex effudit Gentium.

Nobis datus, nobis natus
ex intacta Virgine,
et in mundo conversatus,
sparso verbi semine,
sui moras incolatus
miro clausit ordine.

In supremae nocte cenae
recumbens cum fratribus
observata lege plene
cibis in legalibus,
cibum turbae duodenae
se dat suis manibus.

Verbum caro, panem verum
verbo carnem efficit:
fitque sanguis Christi merum,
et si sensus deficit,
ad firmandum cor sincerum
sola fides sufficit.

Tantum ergo Sacramentum
veneremur cernui:
et antiquum documentum
novo cedat ritui:
praestet fides supplementum
sensuum defectui.

Genitori, Genitoque
laus et iubilatio,
salus, honor, virtus quoque
sit et benedictio:
procedenti ab utroque
compar sit laudatio.
Amen. Alleluia.

Posted in AUGUST - The Immaculate Heart of Mary, IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, MATER DOLOROSA - Mother of SORROWS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS to the SAINTS, QUOTES on UNITY/with GOD, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS, SEPTEMBER-The SEVEN SORROWS of MARY and The HOLY CROSS, The HEART

Our Morning Offering – 10 June – Prayer to the Two Holy Heartsof Jesus and Mary

Our Morning Offering – 10 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” – Saturday Within the Octave of Corpus Christi and Mary’s Saturday

Prayer to the Two Holy Hearts
of Jesus and Mary

O Heart of Jesus, pierced for our sins
and giving us Your Mother on Calvary!
O Heart of Mary, pierced by sorrow
and sharing in the sufferings of your Divine Son
for our redemption!
O Sacred union of these Two Hearts!
Praised be the God of Love who united them together!
May we unite our hearts and every heart,
so that all hearts may live in unity and in imitation
of that Sacred unity which exists in these Two Hearts.
Triumph, O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary!
Reign, O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus!
– in our hearts, in our homes and families,
in the hearts of those who as yet do not know You
and in all nations of the world.
Establish in the hearts of all mankind the sovereign triumph
and reign of Your Two Hearts so that the earth may resound
from pole to pole with one cry:
Blessed forever be the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary!

Obtain for me a greater purity of heart
and a fervent love of the spiritual life.
May all my actions be done for the greater glory of God
in unions with the divine heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Hear and answer our prayers and intentions
according to Your most merciful will.
Amen

Posted in EUCHARISTIC, EUCHARISTIC Adoration, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING, SACRED HEART ASPIRATIONS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Our Morning Offering – 9 June – Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart By St Margaret Mary Alacoque

Our Morning Offering – 9 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Prayer in Adoration of the Sacred Heart
By St Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)
Visionary and Apostle of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Jesus Christ, my Lord and my God,
Whom I believe to be really present
in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar,
receive this most profound Act of Adoration
to supply for the desire I have,
to adore Thee unceasingly
and in thanksgiving,
for the sentiments of love
which Thy Sacred Heart
has for me in this Sacrament.
I cannot better acknowledge them,
than by offering Thee,
all the Acts of Adoration,
resignation, patience and love
which this same Heart has made
during its mortal life
and which it makes still
and which it shall make eternally in Heaven,
in order that through it,
I may love Thee, praise Thee
and adore Thee worthily,
as much as it is possible for me.
I unite myself to this Divine Offering
which Thou dost make to Thy Divine Father
and I consecrate to Thee,
my whole being,
praying Thee, to destroy in me,
all sin and not to permit
that I should be separated from Thee,
in time and eternally.
Amen.

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 7 June – O Heart of Jesus! By St Gertrude

Our Morning Offering – 7 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

O Heart of Jesus!
By St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

Sanctity of the Heart of Jesus,
consecrate my heart;
Providence of the Heart of Jesus,
watch over my heart;
Unchangeableness of the Heart of Jesus,
strengthen my heart;
Purity of the Heart of Jesus,
purify my heart;
Obedience of the Heart of Jesus,
subjugate my heart;
Amiability of the Heart of Jesus,
make Thyself known to my heart;
Divine attractions of the Heart of Jesus,
captivate my heart;
Riches of the Heart of Jesus,
do ye suffice for my heart;
Floods of grace and blessing
which flow from the Heart of Jesus,
inundate my heart.
O Heart of Jesus! be Thou my joy,
my peace, my repose in this world
and in the next.
O Heart of Jesus! adored in Heaven,
Invoked on earth, feared in hell,
Reign over all hearts,
Reign throughout all ages,
Reign forever in celestial glory.
Amen

Posted in CONSECRATION Prayers, JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – Daily Consecration to theSacred Heart of Jesus

Our Morning Offering – 6 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

Daily Consecration to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus

Prayers to the Sacred Heart
1936 – 15th Edition, Dublin

O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
filled with infinite love,
broken by our ingratitude
and pierced by our sins,
yet loving us still,
accept the Consecration
we make to Thee,
of all that we are
and all that we have.
Take every faculty
of our souls and bodies,
only day by day
draw us, nearer and nearer
to Thy Sacred Heart,
and there, as we shall hear the lesson,
teach us Thy Holy Way.
Amen

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, GOD ALONE!, GOD the FATHER, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES on THANKSGIVING

Our Morning Offering – 5 June – Eternal God, Our Refuge By St Boniface

Our Morning Offering – 5 June – The Memorial of St Boniface (672-754) Martyr “The Apostle of Germany,” Confessor, Bishop

Eternal God, Our Refuge
By St Boniface (672-754)
Martyr

Eternal God,
the refuge and help of all Thy children,
we praise Thee for all Thou hast given us,
for all Thou hast done for us,
for all that Thou art to us.
In our weakness, Thou art strength,
in our darkness, Thou art light,
in our sorrow, Thou art comfort and peace.
We cannot number Thy blessings,
we cannot declare Thy love –
for all Thy graces, we bless Thee.
May we live as in Thy presence,
and love the things that Thou loves
and serve Thee in our daily lives,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, FEBRUARY - THE BLESSED TRINITY (Traditional), Our MORNING Offering, The MOST HOLY & BLESSED TRINITY

Our Morning Offering – 4 June – Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Our Morning Offering – 4 June – Trinity Sunday

Holy God, We Praise Thy Name

Holy God, we praise Thy Name.
Lord of all, we bow before Thee.
All on earth Thy sceptre claim;
all in heav’n above adore Thee.
Infinite Thy vast domain,
everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark, the loud celestial hymn,
angel choirs above are raising.
Cherubim and seraphim,
in unceasing chorus praising,
fill the heav’ns with sweet accord:
Holy, holy, holy Lord.

Holy Father, Holy Son,
Holy Ghost, three we name Thee
While in essence only One,
Undivided God, we claim Thee
and adoring, bend the knee,
while we own the Mystery.

Spare Thy people Lord, we pray,
By a thousand snares surrounded.
Keep us without sin today,
Never let us be confounded.
Lo, I put my trust in Thee,
Never Lord, abandon me.

Fr Ignaz Franz Poland (1719-1790) (Attri)
Archbishop of Schlawa, Germany, Hymnist, Musician
He also functioned as the Assessor for Theological Affairs at the Apostolic Vicariate. He wrote hymn lyrics and compiled religious music.
Translated by Fr Clarence A Walworth (1820-1900)
Convert, writer. He was one of the Founders of the Order of the Paulists in the USA.

Posted in IMMACULATE HEART PRAYERS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN Saturdays, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SACRED and IMMACULATE HEARTS, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 3 June –

Our Morning Offering – 3 June – Ember Saturday of Pentecost – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” and First Saturday

To the Two Loving Hearts
By St John Eudes (1601-1680)

O Jesus, only Son of God, only Son of Mary,
I offer You the most loving Heart
of Your divine Mother
which is more precious
and pleasing to You than all hearts.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus,
I offer you the most adorable Heart
of your well-beloved Son,
who is the life and love and joy of your Heart.

Blessed be the Most Loving Heart
and Sweet Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ
and the most glorious
Virgin Mary, His Mother,
in eternity and forever.
Amen

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the KING Prayers, CHRIST the LIGHT, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – O Holy Spirit of God By Fr Erasmus Rotterdam

Our Morning Offering – 2 June – Pentecost Friday

O Holy Spirit of God
By Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (1466-1536)
(Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam)

O Holy Spirit of God
with Your holy breath,
You purify the hearts and minds of humankind,
comforting them,
when they are in sorrow,
leading them,
aright when they have gone astray,
kindling them,
when their hearts are cold,
reconciling them,
when they are at variance
and enriching them,
with Your many gifts.
By Your working,
all things live.
We make our prayer to You,
maintain and day by day,
increase, the gifts which You
have granted us,
so that with Your Light
before us and within us,
we may pass through this world,
without stumbling
and without straying.
Who with the Father and the Son,
are One God,
now and forever.
Amen

Fr Erasmus of Rotterdam was a Dutch Philosopher and Theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the northern Renaissance. As a Catholic Priest, he was an important figure in classical scholarship who wrote in a pure Latin style.

Posted in JUNE-THE SACRED HEART, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, PARTIAL Indulgence, SACRED HEART PRAYERS

Our Morning Offering – 1 June – Indulgenced Prayer to the Sacred Heart by Pope Leo XIII

Our Morning Offering – 1 June – “The Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus”

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS
Pope Leo XIII

Indulgence 100 Days, Once a day
Raccolta 167
13 March 1901.

O DIVINE Heart of JESUS,
grant, we beseech Thee,
eternal rest to the souls in purgatory,
the final grace to those who shall die today,
true repentance to sinners,
the light of the faith to pagans
and Thy Blessing to me and mine.
To Thee, O most compassionate Heart of JESUS!
I commend all these souls
and I offer to Thee, on their behalf,
all Thy merits,
together with the merits
of Thy most Holy Mother
and of all the Saints, Angels
and all the Sacrifices of the Holy Mass,
Communions, prayers and good works,
which shall be accomplished today,
throughout the Christian world.
Amen

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, franciscan OFM, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Prayer for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost by St Bonaventure

Our Morning Offering – 31 May – Pentecost Wednesday

Prayer for the Gifts
of the Holy Ghost
By St Bonaventure (1221-1274)
Seraphic Doctor of the Church

We beg the All-Merciful Father through Thee,
His Only-Begotten Son, made Man for our sake,
Crucified and Glorified for us,
to send upon us, from His treasure-house,
the Spirit of Sevenfold Grace,
Who rested upon Thee in all His fullness.

The Spirit of Wisdom,
enabling us to relish the fruit of the tree of life,
which is indeed Thyself.
The Gift of Understanding,
to enlighten our perceptions.
The Gift of Prudence,
enabling us to follow in Thine Footsteps.
The Gift of Strength,
to withstand our adversary’s onslaught.
The Gift of Knowledge,
to distinguish good from evil,
by the light of Thine holy teaching.
The Gift of Piety,
to clothe ourselves with charity and mercy.
The Gift of Fear,
to withdraw from all ill-doing
and live quietly in awe
of Thy Eternal Majesty.

These are the things for which we petition.
Grant them for the honour of Thy Holy Name,
to which, with the Father and the Holy Ghost,
be all honour and glory, thanksgiving, renown
and Lordship, forever and ever.
Amen

Posted in CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR

Our Morning Offering – 30 May – Come O Holy Spirit! By St Alphonsus

Our Morning Offering – 30 May – Pentecost Tuesday

Come O Holy Spirit!
By St Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor

You made Mary full of grace
and inflamed the hearts of the Apostles
with a holy zeal,
enflame our hearts with Your love.
You are the Spirit of goodness,
give us the courage to confront evil.
You are Fire,
set us ablaze with Your Love.
You are Light,
enlighten our minds,
that we may see what is truly igood and true.
You are the Dove,
give us gentleness.
You are a Soothing Breeze,
bring calm to the storms which rage within us.
You are the Tongue,
may our lips ever sing God’s praises
You are the Cloud,
shelter us under the shadow of Your protection.
O Holy Spirit, melt the frozen,
warm the chilled
and enkindle in us,
an earnest desire to please You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen

Posted in AUGUSTINIANS OSA, CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 29 May – Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit By St Augustine

Our Morning Offering – 29 May – Pentecost Monday

Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit
By St Augustine (354-420)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I always may be holy.
Amen

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, CHRIST the KING Prayers, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, Our MORNING Offering, PENTECOST, PRAYERS for SEASONS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, PRAYERS on FAITH, The HOLY GHOST

Our Morning Offering – 28 May – Patris et Filii Concordia, Come Holy Spirit, Love of Father and Son.

Our Morning Offering – 28 May – Pentecost Sunday

Patris et Filii Concordia
Come Holy Spirit,
Love of Father and Son.

By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

O COME to me, my only Hope,
O Lord my God.
Come to me, true Light,
Father, Almighty God.
Come, Light from Light,
both Word and Son of God,
God Almighty.
Come Holy Spirit, Love of Father and Son,
One God Almighty.
Come One Almighty God,
Father and Son and Holy Spirit.

Teach faith, stir up hope, pour out love.
Thy will is present with me
(yet not from me but from Thee)
to leave the world and the earth
and to seek the Heavens.
But this will is a feeble feather, without Thy help.
Give wings of faith
that I might fly on high to Thee.
Amen

Posted in HOLY SPIRIT, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 May – Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart – A Prayer for Guidance By St Bede

Our Morning Offering – 27 May – The Vigil of Pentecost and the Memorial of St Bede the Venerable (673-735) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church

Almighty God, Open Thou My Heart
A Prayer for Guidance
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

ALMIGHTY God,
open Thou my heart
and enlighten me with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
to see those things which are well-pleasing to Thy will.
Direct my thoughts and understanding
to those things which it is proper to meditate upon
and to take in hand;
in such fashion, as by fitting character
and deeds, I might be found worthy
of the eternal joy of heavenly life.
Direct my acts to Thy commandments,
that I might, by labour
so unbrokenly study to bring them to fulfilment,
as to attain to an everlasting reward.
Amen

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 26 May – Immaculate Virgin By St Philip Neri

Our Morning Offering – 26 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and the Memorial of St Philip Neri (1515-1595) Confessor

Immaculate Virgin
By St Philip Neri (1515-1595)

Immaculate Virgin,
thou hast to save me.
Grant that I may always remember thee
and thou, do thou never forget me.
The happy day, when I shall go
to behold thy beauty in paradise,
seems a thousand years off.
So much do I long to praise and love thee
more than I can now do,
my Mother, my Queen,
my beloved, most beautiful,
most sweet, most pure,
Immaculate Mary.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Our Morning Offering – 25 May – The Octave Day of the Ascension – Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise By St Bede

Our Morning Offering – 25 May – The Octave Day of the Ascension

Sing We Triumphant Hymns of Praise
By St Bede the Venerable (673-735)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Sing we triumphant hymns of praise,
New hymns to Heaven exulting raise.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Christ, by a road before untrod,
Ascendeth to the Throne of God.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
The holy apostolic band
Upon the Mount of Olives stand,
Alleluia, alleluia.
And with the Virgin Mother see
Jesu’s resplendent Majesty.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

To whom the Angels, drawing nigh,
Why stand and gaze upon the sky?
Alleluia, alleluia.
This is the Saviour!” thus they say,
This is His noble triumph day!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Again ye shall behold Him, so
As ye today have seen Him go
.”
Alleluia, alleluia.
In glorious pomp ascending high,
Up to the portals of the sky.”
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

O grant us thitherward to tend,
And with unwearied hearts ascend,
Alleluia, alleluia.
Toward Thy Kingdom’s Throne, where Thou,
As is our faith, art seated now.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Be Thou our Joy and Strong Defence,
Who art our Future Recompense.
Alleluia, alleluia.
So shall the Light that springs from Thee
Be ours through all eternity.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

O Risen Christ, aAcended Lord,
All praise to Thee, let earth accord,
Alleluia, alleluia.
Who art, while endless ages run,
With Father and with Spirit One.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, MAY - The Blessed Virgin MARY'S MONTH, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 24 May – St John Bosco’s Prayer to Our Lady Help of Christians

Our Morning Offering – 24 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary” and the Feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians/Auxilium Christianorum

Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Help of Christians
By St John Bosco (1815-1888)

Most Holy Virgin Mary,
Help of Christians,
how sweet it is to come to thy feet
imploring thy perpetual help.
If earthly mothers cease not
to remember their children,
how can thou,
the most loving of all mothers, forget me?
Grant then to me, I implore thee
thy perpetual help in all my necessities,
in every sorrow and especially in all my temptations.
I ask for thy unceasing help
for all who are now suffering.
Help the weak,
cure the sick,
convert sinners.
Grant through thy intercession,
many vocations to the religious life.
Obtain for us, O Mary, Help of Christians,
that having invoked thee on earth
we may love and eternally thank thee in Heaven.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Our Morning Offering – 23 May – Æterna Cæli Gloria, Eternal Glory of Heaven By St Ambrose

Our Morning Offering – 23 May – Within the Octave of Ascension

Æterna Cæli Gloria
Eternal Glory of Heaven
By St Ambrose (340–397)
Father and Doctor of the Churh
Trans. John Mason Neale, (1818-1866)

Eternal glory of the sky,
Blest hope of frail humanity,
The Father’s Sole-begotten One,
Yet born a spotless Virgin’s Son!

Uplift us with Thine arm of might,
And let our hearts rise pure and bright
And, ardent in God’s praises, pay
The thanks we owe Him everyday.

The Day-star’s rays are glittering clear
And tell that day itself is near:
The shadows of the night depart;
Thou, holy Light, illume the heart!

Within our senses ever dwell,
And worldly darkness thence expel;
Long as the days of life endure,
Preserve our souls devout and pure.

The faith that first must be possessed,
Root deep within our inmost breast;
And joyous hope in second place,
Then charity, Thy greatest grace.

All laud to God the Father be,
All praise, eternal Son, to Thee;
All glory, as is ever meet,
To God the Holy Paraclete.

Posted in HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, The ASCENSION of the LORD

Our Morning Offering – 22 May – Our Hearts are Filled with Joy Today

Our Morning Offering – 22 May – Within the Octave of Ascension

Our Hearts are Filled with Joy Today
The Benedictines of Saint Cecilia’s Abbey, Ryde, UK

Greeting the dawn of this great feast
Our hearts are filled with joy today,
When we recall how Christ our God
Ascended to His realms of light.

Winner forever in the strife
Against the prince of death and sin,
Glory of all creation’s hope,
Before the Father’s face He stands.

Brightest of clouds hid Him from sight,
But pledge remained of life to come,
Since Paradise can now be ours
Which our first parents lost by sin.

Greatest of joys mankind can claim,
That He whom holy Mary bore,
Reigns at His Father’s side in pow’r,
His Cross and bitter Passion past.

Saving Avenger of our race,
To Him our grateful hearts we raise;
In His immortal deity
Our mortal nature dwells on high.

We have a lasting cause for joy,
Which all the saints and angels share;
Theirs is the bliss of seeing Him,
And we still know that He is near.

Jesus, in splendour bright enthroned,
Keep all our hearts at rest in You,
Sending Your Spirit down to us,
To teach the Father’s love for all.
Amen

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MARIAN HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, Ven Servant of God John A Hardon

Our Morning Offering – 21 May – St Robert Bellarmine’s Hymn to Mary the Virgin

Our Morning Offering – 21 May – “The Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary”

St Robert Bellarmine’s Hymn to Mary the Virgin:
Among St Robert’s extant writing, there is a short poem of twenty stanzas which he composed in the nature of a Litany to the Blessed Virgin. The text was first published in Italian some fifty years ago and to the best of the writer’s knowledge, has never been translated into English. Each verse-line begins with the name “Virgin,” joined to a title and petition to Our Lady, starting with the letter “A” and going down the Italian alphabet to “V.” Thus the first seven verses begin with the invocation: “Vergine adorna … Vergine Bella …Vergine casta … Vergine degna … Vergine eletta … Vergine felice … Vergine gradita …

A translation to this tribute to the Virgin Mother reads as follows: – Servant of God Fr John A Hardon SJ (1914-2000).

Hymn to Mary the Virgin
By St Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)
Doctor of the Church.

Virgin adored and clothed with the sun,
grant me thine aid.
Virgin most beautiful, mystical rose,
take abode in my heart.
Virgin most chaste, all undefiled,
grant me true peace.
Virgin deserving of all honour and praise,
give me thy love.
Virgin elect and full of all grace,
lead me to God.
Virgin most blessed, star of the sea,
dispel the storms besetting me.
Virgin most virtuous, holy and sweet,
show me the way.
Virgin illustrious, with thy burning light,
enlighten thou my mind.
Virgin more precious than jewels or gold,
make reparation for me.
Virgin most worthy of all praise,
mother, daughter and immaculate spouse.
Virgin and Mother,
make me more pleasing to Jesus thy Son.
Virgin most innocent of any stain or fault,
make me more worthy of God.
Virgin enriched with every gift and grace,
obtain the remission of my sins.
Virgin most pure, grant me to enjoy
the bliss of heavenly love.
Virgin, thou lily among thorns,
I pray thee for the grace of a happy death.
Virgin more rare than the rarest dream,
bring joy to my heart.
Virgin so great, there is none like thee on earth,
bring peace to my soul.
Virgin most true, loving Mother too, Virgin Mary.
Amen.

Posted in FATHERS of the Church, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 19 May – Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts

Our Morning Offering – 19 May – The Memorial of St Alcuin of York (c735-804) “The Schoolmaster of Europe.” Deacon, Confessor

Eternal Light, Shine into our Hearts
By St Alcuin of York (c735-804)

Eternal Light, shine into our hearts,
Eternal Goodness, deliver us from evil,
Eternal Power, be our support,
Eternal Wisdom, scatter the
darkness of our ignorance,
Eternal Pity, have mercy on us
that with all our heart
and mind
and soul
and strength,
we may seek Thy Face
and be brought,
by Thine Infinite Mercy
to Thy Holy Presence;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord
Amen

Posted in "Follow Me", CHRIST the LIGHT, CHRIST, the WAY,TRUTH,LIFE, DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, HYMNS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The ASCENSION of the LORD, The HOLY FACE, The MOST HOLY REDEEMER, Our SAVIOUR

Our Morning Offering – 18 May – O Jesus, Redeemer of Mankind! By St Ambrose

Our Morning Offering – 18 May – The Ascension of the Lord

O Jesus, Redeemer of Mankind!
By St Ambrose (340-397)
Great Father & Doctor

O Jesus, Redeemer of mankind,
joy of our hearts, Creator of the world redeemed
and chaste Light of them who love Thee.

What mercy was it that led Thee
to take upon Thee our sins?
and suffer death, O Innocent Victim
that Thou might free us from death?

Thou broke the gates of hell
and the chains of them who were bound.
A Conqueror, with noblest triumph,
Thou now sittest at the Right Hand of the Father.

May Thy clemency lead Thee to repair our losses.
Oh! give us to see Thy Face
and enrich us with Thy blessed Light.

Be Thou our Guide and Path to Heaven;
be Thou the object of our hearts desire;
be Thou the joy of our tears
and the sweet recompense of a life spent for Thee!
Amen