Category: MORNING Prayers

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 28 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 28 April – The Memorial of St Louis Marie Grignion de Monfort “Proposed Doctor of the Church” – The cause for his declaration as a Doctor of the Church is now far advanced.

PRAYER TO JESUS
By St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort

Saint Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus is a reflection of his philosophy of “total consecration to Jesus Christ through Mary.”   Although St Louis is perhaps best known for his Mariology and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his spirituality is founded on the mystery of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ and is centred on Christ, as reflected in his collected works God Alone.

As the prayer suggests, St. Louis introduced the key concepts that underlie Roman Catholic Mariology today: that Jesus and Mary are son and mother, redeemer and redeemed and that the path to Jesus is through Mary. Theologically, the prayer reflects the inherent inclusion of Mariology in Christology.[3] This concept was echoed by Pope John Paul II about his reading of Montfort’s works:

“Then I understood that I could not exclude the Lord’s Mother from my life without neglecting the will of God-Trinity.”

LET US PRAY:
O most loving Jesus, deign to let me pour forth my gratitude before You,
for the grace You have bestowed upon me in giving me to Your holy Mother
through the devotion of Holy Bondage, that she may be my advocate
in the presence of Your majesty and my support in my extreme misery.
Alas, O Lord! I am so wretched that without this dear Mother
I should be certainly lost. Yes, Mary is necessary for me at Your side
and everywhere that she may appease Your just wrath,
because I have so often offended You; that she may save me from the eternal
punishment of Your justice, which I deserve; that she may contemplate You,
speak to You, pray to You, approach You and please You;
that she may help me to save my soul and the souls of others;
in short, Mary is necessary for me that I may always do Your holy will
and seek Your greater glory in all things.
Ah, would that I could proclaim throughout the whole world
the mercy that You hast shown to me!
Would that everyone might know I should be already damned,
were it not for Mary!
Would that I might offer worthy thanksgiving for so great a blessing!
Mary is in me.
Oh, what a treasure! Oh, what a consolation!
And shall I not be entirely hers?
Oh, what ingratitude! My dear Saviour, send me death rather than
such a calamity, for I would rather die than live without belonging entirely to Mary.
With St. John the Evangelist at the foot of the Cross,
I have taken her a thousand times for my own and as many times
have given myself to her but if I have not yet done it as You, dear Jesus, wishes,
I now renew this offering as You desire me to renew it.
And if You see in my soul or my body anything that does not belong to this august Princess,
I pray to You to take it and cast it far from me,
for whatever in me does not belong to Mary is unworthy of You.
O Holy Spirit, grant me all these graces.
Plant in my soul the Tree of true Life, which is Mary; cultivate it and tend it
so that it may grow and blossom and bring forth the fruit of life in abundance.
O Holy Spirit, give me great devotion to Mary, Your faithful spouse;
give me great confidence in her maternal heart and an abiding refuge in her mercy,
so that by her You may truly form in me Jesus Christ,
great and mighty, unto the fullness of His perfect age. Amen.

PRAYER TO JESUS - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT

Posted in MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 27 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 27 April

Her work was part of her religion and she often remarked that a lazy servant was lacking in a religious spirit.   She was put in charge of the children of the house and in time was appointed housekeeper. But she did not limit her work to household duties.  She visited prisons, the sick and the poor and was the only one in the house who could subdue the violent tempr of the head of the household.   She became a familiar figure in Lucca, making her rounds and extending love to as many as she could.
The life of St Zita shows that fidelity to ordinary duties is a sure way to holiness.    She was simply a servant girl but she made her work a song of praise to God and her whole life an expression of religious devotion.    Her life was full of the ordinary and this is what made her a saint.   That kind of holiness is within the reach of all of us!

St Zita, pray for us!

ST ZITA PRAY FOR US 2

ST ZITA - APRIL 27

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Quote of the Day – 27 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 27 April

“To begin is for everyone,
to persevere is for Saints!”

St Josemaria Escriva

5d3faf20d7bfad7a887cee641a7f48f1

Posted in MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 27 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 27 April

Comfort and upbuild one another as indeed you are doing…..1 Thes 5:11

REFLECTION – “If on any particular day we do nothing more than give a little joy to a neighbour, that day will not be wasted. For we have succeeded in giving comfort to an immortal soul.”………Bl Contardo Ferrini T.O.S.F.

Bl Contardo Ferrini - quote

PRAYER – God of all consolation, teach me to put all my trust in You. Grant me the grace to then go and offer my neighbour all the Christian consolation and assistance in every tribulation. Be my help in all things my God and allow me to pass Your help to others in need St Zita you were a true light to all those more in need than yourself, although you suffered, you never complained but instead gave good for evil. Please pray for us all, amen.

ST ZITA AND 1 THES 5-11

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 27 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 27 April

Help us, O Lord, our God
By St Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)
Mellifluous Doctor

Help us, O Lord, our God,
since we cannot flee from the body,
nor the body flee from us.
We must carry it about, because it is bound up with us.
We cannot destroy it; we are forced to preserve it.
But the world surrounds us and assails us
through the five gateways of sense.
Alas! Everywhere we are in conflict,
everywhere darts fly against us,
everywhere there are temptations,
there are snares!
Deliver us, we beseech You, from our enemies;
defend us from all dangers to the soul
and to the body, Lord,
that at length we may come to Your eternal rest,
through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

help us o lord our god-st bernard

Posted in MORNING Prayers, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 26 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 26 April – The Feast Day of Our Lady of Good Counsel

In the Alban Hills, not far from the city of Rome, lies the little town of Genazzano, where the miraculous image of Our Lady of Good Counsel is venerated.    The story of the picture dates back to 1467.    Pilgrims assembled on the feast of St. Mark were startled by a mysterious rustling sound and strains of sweet music.    Looking toward the sky, they beheld what seemed a soft cloud.    Slowly it descended and rested in front of the unfinished wall of the church dedicated to the Mother of God under the title of Good Counsel.    The picture rests suspended in the air without any visible means of support to maintain its stable condition and this for five centuries!   Although painted on a piece of plaster no thicker than an ordinary visiting card, the image has withstood the ravages of time.   The artist of the painting is unknown.

It is said that the figures themselves represent Mother and Child after they had returned from the temple where Mary heard the sad prophesies of Simeon.    Mary’s eyes are half-veiled as though she were lost in contemplation, taking counsel with her God.    The little Child does not return the gaze of the beholder, as happens in so many pictures, rather He draws our eyes upward to Mary as if to tell us to look for Counsel there, in the very Seat of Wisdom.    It is a picture to be loved, a plain and common picture a pious image to be copied and hung in the homes of the poor. That is all the sweet Mother of Good Counsel asks for her picture: a home in our midst, by our firesides, a family to guard and watch over, hearts that will love and venerate her.

275px-OurLadyGenazzano02

Overshadowed by the Holy Ghost, Mary became the Mother of God.    His gifts of Wisdom, Understanding, and Counsel belong to her.    She is Our Mother of Good Counsel because she is the Spouse of God the Holy Ghost. If to her was granted the wisdom to counsel her Son, surely she has the wisdom to counsel poor humanity.    In her there is the wisdom of ages. For 2000 years, she has been watching the children of men upon this earth.    Our Lady of Good Counsel knows how to help us.    She can help us. She wants to aid and counsel us!    Once she sees upon a soul the sign of the Cross of her Son, that soul may count upon all her assistance.    She loves with an undying love all those for whom her Son died.

God trusted her with His own Son, Who clung to her till life was done. Through sorrow none can comprehend she mothered Jesus to the end. And if you think her love may fail, You thrust within her heart a nail!

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL

Our Lady of Good Counsel, please be with us and pray for us!

OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL PRAY FOR US

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Quote of the Day – 26 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 26 April

“Enter into the Church
and wash away your sins,
For there is a hospital for sinners
and not a court of law.”

St John Chrysostom (347-407)
Father and Doctor of the Church

ENTER INTO THE CHURCH-STJOHNCHRYSOSTUM

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 26 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 26 April

Through (Jesus) let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is,
the fruit of lips which acknowledge his name……………Hebrews 13:15

EBREWS 13-15

REFLECTION – “The hour has sounded for joyful chants – Alleluia!
Let us praise God with our life,
with our voice, with our heart
and with our deeds.”………….St Augustine

THE HOUR HAS SOUNDED-ST AUGUSTINE

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to give You constant praise in my heart At the same time, let this attitude bear fruit in my life – producing truly Christ-like deeds. Help me to always be a witness to Your Son, truly risen. St Pope Cletus, ordained by St Peter and martyred for Christ, pray for us, amen.

ST POPE CLETUS - PRAY FOR US

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 26 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 26 April

Make Your Dwelling in me

By St John Damascene

Hold dominion over my heart, O Lord!
Keep it as Your inheritance.
Make Your dwelling in me,
along with the Father and the Holy Spirit.
Widen in me the cords of Your tabernacle,
even the operations of Your Most Holy Spirit.
For You are my God and I will praise You,
together with the Eternal Father
and your quickening Spirit,
now, henceforth and forever. Amen

HOLD DOMINION OVER MY HEART O LORD-STJOHNDAMASCENE

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Joseph the Worker – Day Four – 25 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Joseph the Worker – 25 April

“We are often called upon to do ‘mindless’ work.   But our spiritual task is to transform it.   Emptying the trash can be considered mindless but if I see it as a contribution to the well-being of my family, it can be immensely significant to me.”

Msgr Lorenzo Albacete

Let us Pray:

DAY FOUR

DAY 4 NOVENA STJOSEPHTHEWORKER

Glorious St Joseph,
in your diligent daily labour,
you provided for the household
of the Holy Family.
Patron of all workers,
you model how work is a
participation in God’s own activity.
Silent and glorious carpenter of Nazareth,
model of workers, by the work of your
hands you gave your contribution to the work of the Creator,
you earned your living, and
you provided for the needs of the Holy Family.
Intercede for all workers, in the difficulties
of their daily lives especially for the unemployed,
in their anxieties for tomorrow,
so that through the guidance of God,
the great Architect and Builder, they all
may use their strength and talents
to make visible God’s new creation,
to offer a concrete service to society
and to earn wages worthy of their efforts.
With confidence and trust
we make our intention
(make your intention)
I pray to you, dear St Joseph, through our Lord,
Jesus Christ, your dearly beloved foster Son,
in union with the Father and the Holy ,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 25 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 25 April

St Mark was the inadvertent cause of a quarrel between St Paul and St Barnabas.   Saints are not immune to human failings and it is good to know that saints sometimes struggle to get along in peace and harmony – they argue!   So, we should not be too discouraged by our own failings – rather, we should try to turn all things to the good.   God writes straight with crooked lines and St Mark fulfilled in his life what every Christian is called to do:  proclaim to all people the Good News that is the source of salvation – this is our job too!

St Mark Pray for us!

ST MARK PRAY FOR US

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 25 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 25 April

Jesus appeared to the Eleven and said to them:
“Go into the whole world
and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.
Whoever believes and is baptised will be saved;
whoever does not believe will be condemned.
These signs will accompany those who believe:
in my name they will drive out demons,
they will speak new languages.
They will pick up serpents with their hands,
and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not harm them.
They will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

Mark 16:15-18

MARK 16-15-18

 

 

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 25 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 25 April

At once the man’s ears were opened; he was freed from the impediment and began to speak plainly……….Mark 7:35

MARK 7-35

REFLECTION – “The knot in his tongue was untied
and he spoke plainly. You too have the tongue
untied and can use it when you wish.
Why do you use it for evil rather than for good?
You take care to choose among foods,
what you wish to eat.
You should be just as careful to choose
what you want to say!”……….St Augustine

HIS TONGUE WAS UNTIED-ST AUGUSTINE

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to realise the wonderful way of communicating with others that You have given to me. Let me always use for good and for Your glory. Almighty Father, You chose St Mark the Evangelist and ennobled him grace to preach the Gospel. May his teaching help us in our lives, that we may walk faithfully in the footsteps of Christ, Your Son. St Mark, pray for us, amen!

ST MARK PRAY FOR US 2

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 25 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 25 April

Lord, strengthen us!
By St Augustine (354-430)
Doctor of Grace

Blessed are all Your saints, my God and King!
Who have through travail and in peace of soul
all traveled within the ship with You,
the tempestuous sea of mortality and have,
at last, made the desired port of peace and of felicity!
O, cast a gracious eye upon us who are
in our dangerous voyage still!
Remember, succour us in our distress and
think of those who lie exposed to the rough storms
of troubles and temptations!
Strengthen our weakness in Your strength,
that valiantly we may do Your will in this spiritual battle.
Help us against our own negligence,
our cowardice and defend us
from the treachery of our unfaithful hearts.
We are exceedingly frail and indisposed
to every virtuous and gallant undertaking.
Grant, O Lord, that we may bring our vessel safe to shore,
into our desired haven, Lord. Amen

LORD STRENGTHEN US - ST AUGUSTINE

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Joseph the Worker- Day Three – 24 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Joseph the Worker- Day Three – 24 April

“It is only by confronting the daily demans of work that we deepen our interior dynamism….Work itself is meant to become a spiritual act and this happens when it is experienced as being at the service of the quest for the Infinite.”

Msgr Lorenzo Albacete

Let us Pray: DAY THREE

day three novena st josephtheworker

Glorious St. Joseph,
model of all those who are devoted to labour,
obtain for me the grace to work conscientiously,
putting the call of duty above my many sins;
to work with thankfulness and joy,
considering it an honour to employ and develop,
by means of labour,
the gifts received from God;
to work with order,
peace, prudence and patience,
never surrendering to weariness or difficulties;
to work, above all,
with purity of intention,
and with detachment from self,
having always death before my eyes
and the account which I must render of time lost,
of talents wasted,
of good omitted,
of vain complacency in success
so fatal to the work of God.
I offer to you today my special intention for this novena
(mention your intention)
knowing that by your powerful intercession
you will assist me and all workers,
especially those seeking employment.
All for Jesus,
all for Mary,
all after thy example,
O Patriarch Joseph.
Such shall be my motto in life and death.

Amen

 

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 24 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 24 April

Many saints, like St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, realise that they are wasting their time in the midst of greed and foolish ambition and decide on another course.   Their gifts were turned to doing good and to this they devote the whole of their lives.   Sometimes, it is often easily apparent, that a change is demanded in our lives – feeling miserable, unsatisfied, uneasy, worried by the greed of the world, it’s lukewarmness or apathy and more!   Courage now is needed and that courage comes from he grace of God in prayer.   ‘You become what you love’ – what is it that you love?

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Pray for us!

ST FIDELIS PRAY FOR US 2ST FIDELIS OF SIGMARINGEN - APRIL 24

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Quote of the Day – 24 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – 24 April

“Woe to me if I should prove myself
but a half-hearted soldier in the service
of my thorn-crowned Captain.”

St Fidelis of Sigmaringen

WOE TO ME-ST FIDELIS

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 24 April

And so I say to you, you are Peter
and upon this rock I will build my church
and the gates of the netherworld
shall not prevail against it……….Matthew 16:18

REFLECTION – “O Catholic faith, how solid, how strong you are!   How deeply rooted, how firmly founded on a solid rock!   Heaven and earth will pass away but you can never pass away.    From the beginning the world opposed you but you mightily triumphed over everything.   This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith.    It has subjected powerful kings to the rule of Christ;  it has bound nations to His service. What made the holy apostles and martyrs endure fierce agony and bitter torments, except faith and especially faith in the resurrection?   What is it that today makes true followers of Christ cast luxuries aside, leave pleasures behind and endure difficulties and pain?    It is living faith that expresses itself through love.   It is this that makes us put aside the goods of the present in the hope of future goods.   It is because of faith that we exchange the present for the future.”…………………St Fidelis of Sigmaringen

PRAYER – Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we praise You and give You glory:  we bless You for calling us to be Your holy people.    Remain in our hearts and guide us in our love and service.    Help us to let our light shine before others and lead them to the way of faith.
Holy Trinity of love, we praise You now and for ever.   St Fidelis man of courage and true faith, pray for us, amen!

MATTHEW 16-18O CATHOLIC FAITH-ST FIDELISST FIDELIS PRAY FOR US

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY

Our Morning Offering – 24 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 24 April

Prayer in front of the Crucifix of San Damiano
Francis used to recite this prayer already in 1205-1206, during the period of his vocational discernment, when he would visit the small abandoned church of San Damiano, where there was a Byzantine Crucifix which is nowadays venerated in the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi.

Most High, glorious God,
enlighten the darkness of my heart
and give me true faith,
certain hope
and perfect charity,
sense and knowledge, Lord,
that I may carry out
Your holy and true command. Amen

SAN DAMIANO PRAYER - ST FRANCIS

Posted in ART DEI, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 23 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 23 April

The Christian hero is not the slayer of dragons or the knight who wields the sword.
The Christian hero is the saint, although saints like St Joan of Arc, could and did wield the sword too.
St George, whose Memorial it is today, got lost in legends and folklore but he was a real soldier who gave his life in witness to Christ.   He was a Martyr for Christ – the ultimate act of heroism.   If only we remembered him correctly and with honour, for this martyrdom for the One who saved us!

martyrdom-of-saint-george

Martyrdom of Saint George, c.1564 – Paolo Veronese

St George pray for us and we pray that your memory may be restored!

ST GEORGE - APRIL 23

Posted in EASTER, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Quote/s of the Day – 23 April – Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote/s of the Dat – 23 April – Divine Mercy Sunday

“There is nothing more man needs than Divine Mercy – that love which is benevolent, which is compassionate, which raises man above his weakness to the infinite heights to the holiness of God.”

THERE IS NOTHING MORE MAN NEEDS-STJP

 

“When we go before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament we represent the one in the world who is in most need of God’s Mercy.”   We “Stand in behalf of the one in the world who does not know Christ and who is farthest away from God and we bring down upon their soul the Precious Blood of The Lamb.”

WHEN WE GO BEFORE THE LORD

St Pope John Paul II

Posted in EASTER, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, SAINT of the DAY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 23 April Octave and Divine Mercy Sunday

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 23 April
Octave and Divine Mercy Sunday

DAILY MEDITATION: Kindle the faith of your people and show us Your Mercy!

But you are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises” of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.    Once you were “no people” but now you are God’s people; you “had not received mercy” but now you have received mercy………………..1 Peter 2:9-10

REFLECTION – “How much the world is in need of the mercy of God today!   In every continent, from the depths of human suffering, a cry for mercy seems to rise.   In those places where hatred and the thirst for revenge are overwhelming, where war brings suffering and the death of innocents, one needs the grace of mercy to pacify the minds and the hearts and make peace spring forth.   In those places where there is less respect for life and human dignity, one needs the merciful love of God, in whose light we see the ineffable value of every single human being.   Mercy is needed to ensure that every injustice may find its solution in the splendour of truth. …..As a gift to humanity, which sometimes seems bewildered and overwhelmed by the power of evil, selfishness, and fear, the Risen Lord offers His love that pardons, reconciles, and reopens hearts to love. It is a love that converts hearts and gives peace.   How much the world needs to understand and accept Divine Mercy!”…………St John Paul

PRAYER – “Lord, who reveal the Father’s love by Your death and Resurrection, we believe in You and confidently repeat to You today: Jesus, I trust in You, have mercy upon us and upon the whole world. Amen.” – St John Paul (During his last journey to Poland in August of 2002) St Adalbert of Prague pray for us!

1 PETER 2-10AS A GIFT TO HUMANITY-ST JOHN PAULst adalbert of prague pray for us

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 23 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 23 April

YOU, WHO ARE RICH IN MERCY
By St Anselm of Canterbury (1033-1109)
Doctor magnificus (Magnificent Doctor);
Doctor Marianus (Marian Doctor)

My prayer is but a cold affair, Lord,
because my love burns with so small a flame
but You, Who are rich in mercy
will not mete out to them Your gifts
according to the dullness of my zeal
but as Your kindness is above all human love
so let your eagerness to hear me
be greater than the feeling in my prayers.
Do this for them and with them, Lord,
so that they may speed according to Your will
and thus ruled and protected by You,
always and everywhere,
may they come at last to glory and eternal rest,
through You who are the living and reigning God,
through all ages. Amen

YOU, WHO ARE RICH IN MERCY - ST ANSELM

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS

Quote of the Day – Easter Saturday – 22 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Quote of the Day – Easter Saturday – 22 April

“Now all things have been filled with light,
both heaven and earth and those beneath the earth;
so let all creation sing Christ’s rising,
by which it is established.”

St John Damascene – Paschal Canon

NOW ALL THINGS HAVE EEN FILLED WITH LIGHT - ST JOHN DAMASCENE

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, EASTER, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS

One Minute Reflection – 22 April – Seventh Day in the Easter Octave

Posted on by AnaStpaul

One Minute Reflection – 22 April – Seventh Day in the Easter Octave

DAILY MEDITATION:  “Lord I believe, help my unbelief!”

“He reproached them for their incredulity and obstinacy becasue they had refusd to believe those who had seen him after he had risen.   And he said to the, ‘Go out to the whole world;  proclaim the gospel to all creation.’………….Mark 16:14-15

REFLECTION – “The power of faith is enormous.   It is so great that it not only saves the believer:  thanks to one person’s faith others are saved also.    The paralytic at Capernaum did not have faith.    But the men who brought him to Jesus and let him down through the roof had it.   The soul of the sick man was ill as well as his body.   That is made clear in the Gospel:  “And when Jesus saw their faith he said…, ‘Rise, take up your pallet and go home'”.   The Gospel does not speak of “his” faith but of “their” faith. The stretcher-bearers believed and the paralytic had the benefit of being healed because of it. (Mark 2:1-11)    Then there is the death of Lazarus.   Four days had passed.   His dead body was already decomposing.   How could one who had been dead for so many days believe and himself ask for the Deliverer?   He could not possibly do so but his sisters provided the faith for him.   When they met the Lord, one sister fell down at his feet.    He asked, “Where have you laid him?”   The other sister said: “Lord, by this time there will be a bad smell”.    Then the Lord said, “If you believe you will see the glory of God”.  As if to say, “As regards faith, you must take the place of the dead man”.   And the faith of the sisters succeeded in calling Lazarus back from the hereafter. (John 11:1-44).    So if these two women by believing in place of the other were able to secure his resurrection, how much more certainly will you be able to secure it for yourself by your own faith in Jesus?

Perhaps your own faith is feeble.   Nevertheless, the Lord who is love will stoop down to you, provided only you are penitent and can say sincerely from the depths of your soul: “Lord, I believe. Help thou mine unbelief”. (Mark 9:23)……………………..The Power of Faith:  St Cyril of Jerusalem (c 315-386) Doctor of the Church

PRAYER – Loving Father, I believe that You love me. I ask you to watch over me and let me feel the love You shower on me.
I have been born again in baptism and long for the undying life You offer me. Strengthen my faith and help me to share this gift of faith
You have bestowed on me. Amen

MARK 16-14Perhaps your own faith is feeble-st cyril of jerusalem

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

NOVENA to ST JOSEPH, THE WORKER – DAY ONE – 22 APRIL

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to ST JOSEPH, THE WORKER

The Liturgical Memorial of St Joseph, the Worker (1 May) was established by Venerable Pope Pius XII (d.1958), to highlight the importance of work and of the presence of Christ and the Church in the working world.   It provides an occasion to reflect on – and witness to – the “Gospel of Work.”   In a particular way St Joseph, the carpenter of Nazareth, stands as Patron of all workers and craftsmen, revered as a singular model.   St John Paul, in his encyclical on human work, encourages us to live with the awareness that “work is a participation in God’s activity” – an awareness that “ought to permeate….even the most ordinary everyday activities.”   By our labour and personal industry, we “are unfolding he Creator’s work…..and contributing to the realisation in history of the Divine plan.”

Let us pray:

day one novena st joseph the worker

~~This image is by Pietro Annigoni (1910-1988)~~

DAY ONE

Glorious St Joseph,
in your diligent daily labour,
you provided for the household
of the Holy Family.
Patron of all workers,
you model how work is a
participation in God’s own activity.
Our Lord Jesus Christ declared:
“My food is to do the will of him
who sent me and to accomplish his work.”
I pray for the sanctification of all human labour.
Through it, God never ceases to perfect
and govern the immense work of creation.
St Joseph, by your intercession,
protect the rights of all workers.
Enable all to find work that befits their dignity.
Do not let those who are unemployed become
discourage but aid them in obtainng fitting work.
United in your powerful help and intercession,
I offer you my own intentions……
(make your intention)
I pray you, dear St Joseph, through our Lord,
Jesus Christ, your dearly beloved foster Son,
in union with the Holy Spirit.
Amen

 

Posted in EASTER, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA – DAY NINE – Easter Saturday – Seventh Day of the Octave

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA – DAY NINE – Easter Saturday – Seventh Day of the Octave

VILNIUS IMAGE - DAY NINE DM NOVENA

“Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully.   My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls.   They were the reason I cried out: ‘Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.’   For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.” 

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself.   I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart.   In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame.   O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross:  let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen. 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PRAYERS of the SAINTS

Our Morning Offering – 22 April

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Our Morning Offering – 22 April

Lord, Grant us Your Grace
St Anselm of Canterbury

O Father, most merciful, Who,
in the beginning, created us;
Who, by the Passion of Your only begotten Son,
created us anew.
Work in us now, we beseech You, both to will
and to do your good pleasure!
And because we are weak
and can do no good thing on our own,
grant us Your grace.
Grant us your heavenly benediction,
that in whatever work we undertake
we may do all to Your honour and Your glory;
that being kept from sin,
daily increasing in good works,
so long as we live in the body,
we may always give service to You –
and after our departure,
we may receive pardon for all our sins,
attaining life eternal: through Him who,
with You and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns,
God, forevermore. Amen.

LORD GRANT US YOUR GRACE - S ANSELM

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA – Day Eight – Sixth Day of the Octave

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DIVINE MERCY NOVENA – Day Eight – Sixth Day of the Octave

day 8 dm novena

“Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory,

and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy.   Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me.   They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief.   Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf.   Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.”

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice.   May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny.    Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son;  for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY

Thought for the Day – 21 April – St Anselm of Canterbury – “Magnificent Doctor” / “Father of Scholasticism”

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Thought for the Day – 21 April – St Anselm of Canterbury – “Magnificent Doctor” / “Father of Scholasticism”

As a young boy in Aosta, Italy, Anselm thought of being a priest.    His father, angered by this desire, introduced his son to court life. Anselm forgot about his vocation.    But in 1060, Anselm learned of Lanfranc, the leader of monasticism in Normandy, France. Anselm entered Lanfranc’s monastery at Bec.    Three years later, Anselm became a prior, or head and began to publish his writings on the existence of God.

LanfrancLanfranc at St Dunstan's, Canterbury

What is it about these great Saints! The perseverance, the zeal and the prolific and endless gifts for all of us. So many lessons to be learnt, so many prayers to be said to them appealing for their intercession! The greatest lesson perhaps is their uncompromising gift of self to God, through thick and thin, in health and in suffering, in the good and the bad times, it is only God who counts and the glory of the Kingdom.

St Anselm, please pray for us all!