Category: NOVENAS

Posted in franciscan OFM, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY ONE – 14 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY ONE – 14 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

“Jesus keeps nothing for Himself of what is done for love of Him, and He will repay us very lavishly.
Don’t let us make our happiness depend on enjoying wonderful health,
or else we should be just like those foolish worldly people to whom it is not given to know the secrets of heaven….
Continue to love Jesus and make an effort to love Him more and more,
without wanting to know anything else, He alone will steer us to the haven of salvation.”

Let us Pray:

Gracious God,
You generously blessed Your servant, Padre Pio, with the gifts of the Spirit.
You marked his body with the five wounds of Christ Crucified,
as a powerful witness to the saving Passion and Death of Your Son
and as a stirring inspiration to many people of Your infinite mercy, forgiveness and love.
In the confessional, Padre Pio laboured endlessly for the salvation of souls.
Through his powerful intercession, many who suffered were healed of sickness and disease.
Endowed with the gift of discernment, he could read people’s hearts.
With dignity and intense devotion, he celebrated daily Mass,
inviting countless men and women to a greater union with Jesus Christ,
in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.
Through the intercession of Saint Pio,
we confidently beseech You to to grant us the grace of
………………… (state your petition here).
Help us to imitate his example of prayerful holiness and compassion,
so that we, too, may faithfully follow the Risen Lord
and one day rejoice in the Kingdom,
where You live and reign forever and ever. Amenday one - novena st pio - 14 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The HOLY CROSS

DAY NINE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 13 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY NINE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 13 September

Eternal Love

Lord Jesus, Your cross manifested Your decision
to always do the Father’s will.
That God you revealed shines so resplendently on the Holy Cross.
It is a God who loves because He is pure love.
On the Holy Cross, You gave everything – Your life.
By Your self-giving, we have been redeemed.
May our veneration of Your Holy Cross
enable us to live the challenge of love,
that we, too, may learn to trust, to understand
and to forgive.
That we may remove from our hearts,
hatred, mistrust and resentment
and be like You, a total gift of self.
May Your Holy Cross lead us to life
and communion with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)day nine - novena holy cross - 13 sept - eternal love

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

ANNOUNCING a NOVENA to ST PIUS of PIETRELCINA/St Padre Pio – Beginning Thursday 14 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

ANNOUNCING a NOVENA to ST PIUS of PIETRELCINA/St Padre Pio –
Beginning Thursday 14 September

“I want only to be a poor friar who prays… Pray, hope and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer… Prayer is the best weapon we have; it is the key to God’s heart…”

St Pius of Pietrelcina/St Padre Pio

announging a novena to st padre pio - beginning thurs 14 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The HOLY CROSS

DAY EIGHT – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 12 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY EIGHT – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 12 September

Death is Vanquished

Lord Jesus, you broke the power of death through the cross.
You are the first born from the dead.
Teach us then to accept our fears, pains and sufferings,
uniting them to your passion and death on the cross.
Give us the grace to believe that You always draw good from evil.
You are a powerful God because even in our most frightening times,
even in our gravest suffering, even death itself,
You have gone before to vanquish all!

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)

day eight - holy cross novena - death is vanquished - 12 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

DAY SEVEN – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 11 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY SEVEN – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 11 September

Total Offering

Jesus our Lord, You refused to drink the vinegar offered by the soldiers.
We know that this offering was to alleviate Your sufferings
because this drink lessens the pain, acting as anesthesia.
You refused as You wanted to feel the pain throughout the time
You hung on the cross.   You did not want to lessen Your sacrifice.
Help us, O Lord, to bear the pains of everyday life.
Let us savour our sufferings so that we may be able to live Your Holy Cross.
Inspire us not to run away but to accept and experience
all our sufferings and pain as proof of our love for You
and as reparation for our sins and the sins of the whole world.
Help us live our pain, help us to live Your Holy Cross. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)day seven - novena holy cross - total offering 11 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

DAY FIVE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 9 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY FIVE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 9 September

Patience and Silence in Suffering

Jesus, You hung on the cross of three hours
and Your executioners insulted You,
saying that You cannot save Yourself and others.
You could have used Your powers
but preferred to keep silent
and bear the insults of Your enemies.

Teach us the virtue of patience as we bear the insults
and harsh words of people who don’t like us.
Inspire us to respond with silence
and give us the grace that we may be able to pray for them.
In this way, through our patience,
we help You redeem our troubled world. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)day five - 9 sept - patience and silence in suffering

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The HOLY CROSS

DAY FOUR – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 8 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY FOUR – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 8 September

The compassion of the suffering Christ

Jesus our Christ, whilst You hung on the cross,
You forgave those who were laughing at You
and asked Your beloved disciple to take care of Your mother.
You welcomed the good thief into paradise.
You continued to be compassionate and serve others fully.
You did not allow the terrible pain to hinder Your love.
Give us the special grace not to be desperate in our moments of sufferings.
Enable us to bear pain with courage and dignity,
to, even in the midst of pain,
to be of help and service to others. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)day four - 8 september - holy cross novena - the compassion of the suffering christ

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, The HOLY CROSS

DAY THREE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 7 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY THREE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 7 September

Jesus suffers humiliation

Jesus, you manifested Your power through Your miracles
but in carrying the Cross, You showed
that God preferred to be humility than to be conquest.
You were beaten and spat upon,
mocked and derided.
You suffered humiliation for love of all
as You struggled under the weight of the heavy Cross.
You did this to show Your oneness with the powerless of the earth.
You took the side of the helpless
and You shamed the arrogant and the powerful.
May we, Lord, in our relationship with our brothers and sisters,
avoid domineering attitudes and instead, be of service to them.
May the glory of your cross help us understand
that hearts can never be conquered through imposition or arrogance
but through disinterested service.
Make us servants to one another
and may self-giving characterize our relationships with all.
Amen.

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)

day three - 7 sept - jesus suffers humiliation - the holy cross novena

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

DAY TWO – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 6 September

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DAY TWO – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 6 September

Jesus Falls and Simon of Cyrene Assists Him in carrying the Cross

Jesus, you fell three times while carrying Your cross.
You were exhausted by the tortures and the lack of sleep
and Your executioners had to ask the help of Simon the Cyrene
to help You carry the cross.  You were nearly dead when you reached Calvary.
Simon of Cyrene was the most blessed person
because he was transformed by helping You carry Your cross.
Make us remember, dear Jesus, in our moments of suffering and trials,
that we, too, help carry Your cross and that it is an honour to suffer with You.
Give us hearts that easily respond to the sufferings around us,
believing that when we help the needy and the abandoned,
we are actually serving You. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)

day two - 6 Sept - jesus falls and simon of cyrene assists

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

DAY ONE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS

Posted on by AnaStpaul

DAY ONE – NOVENA in honour of the EXALTATION of the HOLY CROSS – 5 September

‘Jesus Carries the Cross’

Jesus our Lord, You carried Your cross through the streets of Jerusalem,
with Your head bloodied by the crown of thorns.
Your enemies mocked You and your friends abandoned You.
You carried the cross, the sins of all humanity,
on Your shoulders and in the silence of Your sufferings, we are reborn.
Jesus our Lord, You taught us that we should also carry others’ sins.
to suffer in silence, yet our sufferings can make reparation for our sins
and the sins of all the word.
Teach us, O Lord, to accept situations that we cannot change
and carry them as you carried Your cross
through the streets of Jerusalem. Amen

DAILY PRAYER:

Dear Lord Jesus
Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified
and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption
and salvation of our souls,
to bear the sins of all the history of humanity,
from Adam to the end of time.
look down upon us and grant the petition we ask
…………….( mention your intention)
We trust completely in Your Mercy.
Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace,
sanctify our work,
give us and all those who are dear to us,
our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings,
bless our families,
and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted,
Your Peace, which is the only true peace,
so that by obeying Your Commandments
we may come at last to the glory of Heaven.

O Cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share
in the triumph of Christ Jesus. Amen
Glory Be. (3x)

day one - 5 sept - jesus carries the Cross

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

Announcing a Novena for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on 14 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

This feast was observed in Rome before the end of the seventh century.   It commemorates the recovery of the Holy Cross, which had been placed on Mount Calvary by St. Helena and preserved in Jerusalem but then had fallen into the hands of Chosroas, King of the Persians.   The precious relic was recovered and returned to Jerusalem by Emperor Heralius in 629.

The lessons from the Breviary tell us that Emperor Heraclius carried the Cross back to Jerusalem on his shoulders.   He was clothed with costly garments and with ornaments of precious stones.   But at the entrance to Mount Calvary a strange incident occurred. Try as hard as he would, he could not go forward. Zacharias, the Bishop of Jerusalem, then said to the astonished monarch:  “Consider, O Emperor, that with these triumphal ornaments you are far from resembling Jesus carrying His Cross.”   The Emperor then put on a penitential garb and continued the journey.

Triumph of the Cross
This day is also called the Exaltation of the Cross, Elevation of the Cross, Holy Cross Day, Holy Rood Day, or Roodmas.   The liturgy of the Cross is a triumphant liturgy.   When Moses lifted up the bronze serpent over the people, it was a foreshadowing of the salvation through Jesus when He was lifted up on the Cross.   Our Mother Church sings of the triumph of the Cross, the instrument of our redemption.   To follow Christ we must take up His cross, follow Him and become obedient until death, even if it means death on the cross.   We identify with Christ on the Cross and become co-redeemers, sharing in His cross.

We make the Sign of the Cross before prayer which helps to fix our minds and hearts to God.   After prayer we make the Sign of the Cross to keep close to God.   During trials and temptations our strength and protection is the Sign of the Cross.   At Baptism we are sealed with the Sign of the Cross, signifying the fullness of redemption and that we belong to Christ.   Let us look to the cross frequently and realise that when we make the Sign of the Cross we give our entire self to God — mind, soul, heart, body, will, thoughts.

O cross, you are the glorious sign of victory.
Through your power may we share in the triumph of Christ Jesus.

annuncing a novena - exalatation of the cross

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY NINE – 7 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Ninth Day: Devotion to St. Dominic

This is the covenant with them which I myself have made, says the Lord:  and my words that I have put into your mouth shall never leave your mouth, nor the mouths of your children, nor the mouths of your children’s children, from now on and forever, says the Lord. (Isaiah 59:21)

As St. Dominic lay dying just outside of Bologna at St. Mary of the Hills, he requested to be taken back at once to Bologna that he might be buried “under the feet of my brethren.”   There, having assured his spiritual children that he would be of greater assistance where he was going, he left them his last will and testament:  “Behold, my children, the heritage I leave you:  have charity for one another, guard humility, make your treasure out of voluntary poverty.”

Be therefore followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

O wondrous hope that you did give at the hour of death to those who mourned you, when you did promise to help them even after death.

St Dominic, keep your word and aid us by your prayers.

You who did shine by so many signs in the bodies of the afflicted, bear us the help of Christ and heal our souls in illness and unrest.

St Dominic, keep your word and aid us by your prayers.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.

St Dominic, keep your word and aid us by your prayers.

Pray for us, blessed St Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O God, who enlightened Your Church
by the merits and teachings of blessed Dominic, Your confessor
grant through his intercession
we may never be destitute of temporal help
and may always increase in spiritual growth.
that persevering until death, we may,
ever work for the glory of God
and the salvation of souls,
especially the return to the one, true, faith
of our family and friends who have lapsed.
Finally, we ask for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY NINE - NOVENA TO ST DOMINIC

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY EIGHT – 6 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Eighth Day: The Death of St Dominic

Well done, good and faithful servant; because you have been faithful over a few things, I will place you over many. Enter into the joy of the Lord. (Matthew 25:2)

St. Dominic died at Bologna, August 6, 1221, at midday.   Father Ventura, prior of Bologna, was present and thus describes the death of St. Dominic.   “Father Dominic returned from Venice about the end of July.   Although very weary with traveling, he conversed on the affairs of the Order with me till late.   I begged him to rest that night but he prayed in the Church till Matins at midnight and then was present in choir.   Afterwards he complained of his head and his last illness began.   Lying on a straw mattress, he called the novices around him and exhorted them to fervour with cheerful words and smiling coun­tenance.   After being carried to a hill not far off, for better air, he preached to his brethren and was then anointed.   Fearing that he would not be buried ‘under the feet of his brethren,’ he was carried back to the convent.   The brethren re­cited prayers for a departing soul.   When they came to the words, ‘Come to his help, ye saints of God;  hasten to meet him, ye angels of the Lord:  receive his soul and offer it in the sight of the Most High,’ having lifted his hands to Heaven, he gave up his spirit.”

Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered the heart of man to conceive what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O most kind father, St. Dominic,
by your saintly life and death,
bless and guide us in the path of your holy way,
that persevering until death, we may,
ever work for the glory of God
and the salvation of souls,
especially the return to the one, true, faith
of our family and friends who have lapsed.
Finally, we ask for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY EIGHT-NOVENA ST DOMINIC 6 AUG

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Nine – 5 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Nine – 5 August

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Ninth Day: Transfiguration and the Blessed Trinity

The event of the transfiguration marks a decisive moment in the ministry of Jesus. A revelatory event which prefigures the glory of the Resurrection, it was given to the disciples to prepare them for the tragedy of the Cross. The Resurrection of Jesus is the epiphany of the Trinity. The Father raises Jesus from the dead and the first gift of the glorification is the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Let us Pray:

O Christ,
With the Father, You sent us
the Spirit of Love, to guide and inspire,
lead. assist and transfigure us.
You will reform our lowly body
and make it like Your glorious one,
we pray for our brothers and sisters
who have died that they may share
Your glory forever.
Amen

DAY NINE - TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA

 

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY SIX – 4 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Sixth Day: Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and the Mother of God

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts!   My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.   Even the sparrow finds a home and the swallow a nest in which she puts her young by your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God! (Psalms 84:2-4)

The Eucharist and the Mother of God were objects of Dominic’s special devotion.   Before the tabernacle he spent his nights, finding there rest after his labours;  and arriving weary and foot sore from a journey, he always visited the Blessed Sacrament before refreshing his body.   However much fatigued, he always celebrated Mass and if possible sang it.   During the celebration of Mass tears were often seen flowing down his face, moving all to devotion.

Of God’s Mother he was always an ardent and reverent lover.   His life, his work, his Order were placed under her protection, and he invoked her in every difficulty and danger.   He began the custom of saying the Hail Mary before preaching.   The Blessed Mother filled him with heavenly favors, watched over him with motherly care and gave him the habit of his Order.   A tradition cherished in his Order and supported by the testimonies of many popes, ascribes to him the first teaching of devotion to the recitation of the Rosary.   His disciples were called “Friars of Mary” and have carried her Rosary and scapular to the uttermost parts of the earth.

I myself am the bread of life.   No one who comes to me shall ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me shall ever thirst. (John 6:35)

I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope.   In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue.   Come to me, all you that desire me, and be filled with my goodness. (Sirach 24: 18; John 14:6)

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O most blessed father, St. Dominic,
who loved our Lord Jesus Christ
in the most perfect manner
and served Mary, His Virgin Mother,
with most fervent devotion,
pray for us, your children,
that we may ever grow in love
of the Sacrament of the Altar,
and that, next to God,
we may at all times trust in the protection
of the Queen of Heaven,
so that at the hour of death
we may be received by her into heaven
and ever abide under the mantle of her love.
We pray that we may grow
in love and devotion
for our Lord Jesus in the Holy Eucharist
and attach ourselves, with unfailing confidence,
to His Holy Mother’s protection.
We ask too Holy St Dominic,
that our prayers and yours,
may draw back those
who have lapsed from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY SIX-NOVENA TO ST DOMINIC

 

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Eight – 4 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Eight – 4 August

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Eighth Day:  Our Courage in Your Shining Face!

The Transfiguration of the Lord is one shining moment in the life of the apostles that prepares them for the trials ahead.   Peter, James and John experience the glory in the mountain of Transfiguration.
This is a foretaste of the glory that will be theirs in the Father’s kingdom
and it will help them survive with courage the “terrible” days when Jesus undergoes His passion and death
and when they themselves are persecuted in His name.

Let us Pray:

O Christ,
upon the mountaintop
You let the light of Your face
shine over Moses and Elijah.
Peter, James and John.
Shine Your Face upon Your Church,
that we may persevered with courage
and zeal to live for the glory of Your Kingdom.
We ask You too to bless Your people
who call on Your name,
as they strive to reach You
in Your kingdom of light and life. Amen

DAY EIGHT - TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA

 

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY FIVE – 3 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Fifth Day: The Spirit of Prayer
True devotion was in his mouth and no dishonesty was found upon his lips;  he walked with me in integrity and in uprightness and turned many away from evil. (Malachi 2:6)

As an unbridled tongue destroys a spirit of prayer, Dominic loved silence and retirement, that he might dwell with God.   His intimate friend, William of Montserrat, said that “Dominic always kept the silence prescribed by the custom and rule of the Order, abstained from idle words and always spoke either of God or to God.”

Dominic considered custody of the senses important and fed his soul constantly with spiritual reading.   His books were the Bible and Cassian’s Conferences of the Fathers of the Desert.   The Holy Scriptures he always carried and ordered his spiritual children diligently and unceasingly to read them.   At dinner one religious used to read aloud, that the souls of all might be fed on the Word of God.

If any man offends not in words, the same is a perfect man. (James 3:2)

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O most Holy Father St. Dominic,
who always showed yourself loving to all
and never despised, wounded or offended anyone,
obtain for me from our Saviour,
the grace to be severe only to myself
and my evil passions
and always gentle and loving toward my neighbour,
ever like him, pardoning all who injure or offend me.
We pray that we may learn
from our blessed St Dominic,
not to offend with words
neither in our thoughts or verbally
We ask too Holy St Dominic,
that our prayers and yours,
may draw back those
who have lapsed from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY FIVE - NOVENA ST DOMINIC

 

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Seven – 3 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Seven – 3 August

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Seventh Day:  Honour and Worship as we await Your second coming

Without the Risen Christ, Transfiguration has no meaning. It would appear to be just futile show without a happy ending. But the Resurrection confirms the glory that was shown during the transfiguration and which rightly belongs to Jesus. The glory will be manifested eventually in His second coming for the last judgment.

Let us Pray: 

O Christ,
You gave light to the world
when the glory of the Creator shone over You.
You predicted Your coming Glory
in the Resurrection
and the Holy Eucharist,
the eternal promise You made to us all,
to remain with us until the end of time.
We pray for all men and women of good will
that they walk in Your light,
as we worship You in the Holy Mass
and await Your second coming. Amen

DAY SEVEN - TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney – Day Nine– 3 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney

DAY NINE – We Pray for a DESIRE FOR HEAVEN

Let us Pray:

O Holy Priest of Ars, your precious remains are contained in a magnificent reliquary, the donation from the priests of France. But this earthly glory is only a very pale image of the unspeakable glory which you are enjoying with God. During the time you were on earth, you used to repeat in your dejected hours, ‘one will rest in the other life.” It is done, you are in eternal peace, and eternal happiness.
I desire to follow you one day. Until then, I hear you saying to me:
“You should work and fight as long as you are in the world.”
Teach me then to work for the salvation of my soul, to spread the good news and good example and to do good towards those around me in order that I will receive the happiness of the Elect with you.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession. Pray for me during this novena especially for … (mention silently your special intentions).
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

DAY NINE - NOVENA ST JOHN VIANNEY

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY FOUR – 2 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Fourth Day: St. Dominic’s Prayer

Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and inspired songs. Sing praise to the Lord with all your hearts.   Give thanks to God the Father always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-20)

Prayer was the breath of St. Dominic’s life, the light on his path, the staff on his pilgrimage.   He prayed always.   In childhood his delight was to serve Mass, to visit the Blessed Sacrament and to chant Office.   As a student, he learned wisdom more from prayer than from books.   He won more souls by prayer than by preaching or miracles.   In traveling, St Dominic prayed as he went, sometimes the Veni Creator Spiritus or the Ave Maris Stella or sometimes he recited psalms.   He often reminded his companions to think of God.   Many times St. Dominic spent the night in prayer before the altar.   His methods of prayer were various:  sometimes he lay prostrate, then stood erect, then knelt down.   For hours he would stand before a crucifix, genuflecting and making fervent ejaculations.   Often he stretched out his arms like a cross, pleading earnestly to God.   On occasion he was seen in rapture by the vehemence of his prayer.  “In all labours and trials, in hunger, thirst, fatigue, his heart turned always to God.”

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O God,
who enlightened Your Church
by the virtues and preaching of St Dominic,
Your confessor and our father,
mercifully grant that by his prayers
we may be delivered from present dangers
and ever increase in spiritual blessings.
We pray too, that we may learn
from our blessed St Dominic,
to pray always, constantly living with You
in our hearts, minds and souls.
Pray too Holy St Dominic,
that our prayers and yours,
may draw back those
who have lapsed from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY FOUR - NOVENA TO ST DOMINIC 2 AUG

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Six – 2 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Six – 2 August

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Sixth Day: Equipping us for Service and Endurance

The value of the vision and the accompanying glory is its gift of equipping us for service and endurance.
No one can stay on the mountaintop of Tabor forever, for there are responsibilities in the valley.
Christ fulfilled His life’s work not in the glory but in the valley and it was there He was truly and completely the Messiah.

Let us Pray:
O Christ our Lord,
You took Peter, James and John
and led them up a high mountain by themselves
and there you equipped them, by Your glory,
with understanding and courage for the journey ahead.
We pray for ourselves,
that we may come to be transfigured and prepared,
for service to You, Your Holy Church and our neighbour
and be equipped with endurance to complete our mission
and to look forward in hope of being transfigured at the last day. Amen

DAY SIX - TRANSFIGURATIO NOVENA - 2 AUG

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney – Day Eight– 2 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney

DAY EIGHT – We Pray for EXQUISITE PURITY

Let us Pray:

O Holy Priest of Ars,
a witness of your life made this magnificent praise of you:
‘We would have taken him for an angel in a mortal body.”
You so edified others:
modesty and exquisite purity radiated from your body.
With such charm and with such enthusiasm,
you preached to others about these beautiful virtues
which you said resembled the perfume of a vineyard in bloom.
Please I beg you,to join your entreaties to those of Mary Immaculate
and Saint Philomena in order that I guard always,
as God asks me, the purity of my heart.
You, who have directed so many souls towards the heights of virtue,
defend me in temptations and obtain for me the strength to conquer them.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession.
Pray for me during this novena especially for …
(mention silently your special intentions).
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

DAY EIGHT - NOVENA ST JOHN VIANNEY 2 AUGUST

Posted in DOMINICAN OP, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY THREE – 1 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena to St Dominic

Third Day:  Compunction of Heart
Those who fear the Lord seek to please him, those who love him are filled with his law. Those who fear the Lord prepare their hearts and humble themselves before him. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord and not into the hands of men, for equal to his majesty is the mercy that he shows. (Sirach 2: 16-18)

ROSA PATIENTIAE               ROSE OF PATIENCE

Though so pure that Holy Church calls him “Ivory of Chastity” and Christian art puts a lily into his hands, Dominic was always weeping over sin.   His soul being full of contrition, acts of sorrow were constantly upon his lips.   On seeing towns or villages, he used to weep over the sins committed there against God.   But this sorrow was not merely hidden in the soul;  it bore fruit in works of penance.   Three times every night he scourged himself:  once for his own sins, once for those of others and once for the suffering souls.   He was a rule of abstinence, even on journeys never eating meat or food cooked with meat.   His fasts were strict and continual; even when traveling over Europe on foot, he fasted from September until Easter, though preaching daily.   He never had a room of his own but slept anywhere: on the ground, a bench, or the altar step.   Being a zealous lover of the rule, he punished faults but with such fatherly love that penance was accepted and even desired from his hands.

“If you have no sins of your own to weep for,” St. Dominic would say, “still weep, after the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and grieve for the sinners of the world that they may repent.”

Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:27)

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O zealous preacher of penance,
Holy Father St. Dominic,
whose ardent desire for the salvation of souls,
made you ever ready to endure the greatest labours and fatigues
and even to give your life in order to win them to God,
pray for us, that treading in the steps of Jesus Crucified,
the Redeemer and Physician of souls,
we may disregard all suffering
and generously sacrifice ourselves
for the needs of others.
Grant us we pray, true contrition and
sadness for our sins and for those of all the world.
Teach us how to do penance for all the pain we cause
our Lord and Saviour.
Pray too Holy St Dominic,
that our penance may draw back those
who have lapsed from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY THREE - NOVENA TO ST DOMINIC

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Five – 1 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Five – 1 August

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Fifth Day: For all the Church

The transfiguration anticipates the paschal mystery which begins with the cross. Jesus can attain His permanent glory in his resurrection. But first He must die on the cross. Transfiguration appears as a preparation and strengthening for the disciples to face the coming passion and death of Jesus, when His glory seems most unseen. It was given to the disciples to prepare them for the tragedy of the cross.

Let us Pray:

O Christ,
before Your passion and death
You revealed the resurrection
to Your disciple on Mount Tabor;
we pray for Your holy church
which labours amid the cares
and anxieties of this world,
that in its trials we, who are the Church,
may always be transfigured
by the joy of Your Victory. Amen

DAY FIVE - TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney – Day Seven– 1 August

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney

DAY SEVEN – We Pray for strength against SATAN

Let us Pray:

O Holy Priest of Ars,
the infamous attacks of the devil
which you had to suffer
and the trials which disheartened you by fatigue,
would not make you give up the sublime task of converting souls.
The devil came to you for many years to disturb your short rest
but you won because of mortification and prayers.
Powerful protector,
you know the temptor’s desire to harm my baptised and believing soul.
He would have me sin, by rejecting the Holy Sacraments
and the life of virtue.
But good Saint of Ars dispel from me the traces of the enemy.
Holy Priest of Ars,
I have confidence in your intercession.
Pray for me during this novena especially for …
(mention silently your special intentions).
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

DAY SEVEN - NOVENA ST JOHN VIANNEY

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY TWO – 31 July

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Novena to St Dominic

Second Day: Humility
Your attitude must be that of Christ:  though he was in the form of God, he did not deem equality with God something to be grasped at.   Rather, he emptied himself and took the form of a slave, being born in the likeness of men.   He was known to be of human estate and it was thus that he humbled himself, obediently accepting even death, death on a cross! (Philippians 2:5-8)

DOCTOR VERITATIS                                   DOCTOR OF TRUTH

Humility is the foundation of perfection and in St. Dominic it was deep and strong.   So clear was his knowledge of the great majesty of God and his own nothingness that he lived always in holy fear and self-distrust.   Though most innocent, he considered himself to be a sinner, unworthy of the least grace.   Constantly he prostrated himself before God, praying for long periods of time.
Before entering a town to preach, he used to kneel down on the road, begging God not to punish the people for his sins but to make his labour fruitful.   When passing an altar or crucifix he would bow profoundly, in token of his nothingness.   Personal praise and honour he detested and three times refused the bishopric.   At the General Chapter he said to his brethren, “I deserve to be deposed from my office, for I am negligent and relaxed.” When asked where he would be buried, “Under the feet of my brethren,” the saint responded.
The saints, though great in virtue, look upon themselves as worthless, because they see themselves in the light of God and knowing Him they know themselves. “Our righteousness,” St. Dominic would say, “when compared to the righteousness of God, is mere uncleanness.”

Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls. …Matthew 11:29

Pray for us, blessed father, St. Dominic, that we may be made worthy of the prom­ises of Christ.

Let us pray:

O Holy Father St. Dominic,
true lover of humility,
the greater you appeared in the sight of men,
the more you humbled yourself before God.
Be to us a loving guide, that, following in your footsteps,
we may be enabled to withstand all the snares of the enemy
and spending our lives in earnest prayer,
self-denial and humility,
we may, at the hour of death,
be received with you into heaven.
Pray too Holy St Dominic,
that as the virtue of our humility grows,
we may draw back those
who have lapsed from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

 

 

DAY TWO - NOVENA TO ST DOMINIC - HUMILITY 31 JULY

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Four – 31 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Four – 31 July

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Fourth Day: Responsibility in our mission

In the transfiguration episode, we can see just how much Peter lived his calling with enthusiasm and with a sense of responsibility. “Master, it is wonderful for us to be here, so let us make three tents, one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  Here we see Peter in all his generosity.  At this moment he feels at the height of his power and ability.   He is growing in awareness of his responsibility, the weight he carries on his shoulders.

Let us Pray:

Loving Father,
You have so loved us
that we have been called to be Your sons,
Sons and daughters of God.
Help us to fulfil the mission given us by Your Son
with fidelity, responsibility and generosity.
Amen.

DAY FOUR TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA 31 JULY

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney – Day Six– 31 July

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Novena In Honour of Saint John Marie Vianney

DAY SIX – We Pray for REAL PRESENCE

O Holy Priest of Ars,
whose only comfort in this world was the real presence of Jesus in the tabernacle,
was it not your great joy to distribute the Eucharist to the pilgrims who visited you?
You refused Communion to the souls who refused to reform
but to souls of goodwill you opened wide the doors of the Eucharistic Feast.
You, who each day at Holy Mass received Holy Communion with great loves,
give me some of your fervour.
With freedom from mortal sin,
obtain for me a sincere desire to profit from receiving Holy Communion.
Holy Priest of Ars, I have confidence in your intercession.
Pray for me during this novena especially for…
(mention silently your special intentions)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be.

DAY SIX - NOVENA ST JOHN VIANNEY - 31 JULY HOLY EUCHARIST

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

Novena to St Dominic – DAY ONE – 30 July

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Novena to St Dominic

First Day: The Force of Good Example
He shone in his days as the morning star, in the midst of a cloud and as the moon at the full; and as the sun, when it shines, so did he shine in the temple of God. (Sirach 50:6,7)

LUMEN ECCLESIAE:   LIGHT OF THE CHURCH

St Dominic was born in Spain in 1170.   With the dawn of reason his whole soul turned to God.   His childhood was most pious and his youth angelic in purity.   In the University of Palencia he was the model student.   At twenty five he became a canon regular at Osma and with the religious habit he put on the Lord Jesus and strove in all things to imitate Him.   His time was divided into prayer, study of Scripture and community duties. Silence and retirement were his delight; works of penance and tears of contrition his meat and drink. Going in 1205 to France, he spent many years in every kind of labour for the conversion of the Albigensian heretics.  Like Jesus Christ he passed the day in apostolic work, the night in prayer.   His penance was extreme but to others he was gentle, sweet and kind.   Many were converted by his miracles, many by the example of his holy life.   Six times he journeyed to Rome, once to Spain, once to Paris, walking barefoot, praying or singing on the road; preaching in the towns and villages, spending the nights in contemplation.   He founded in 1215 the Order of Friars Preachers for the conversion of souls.   He was a man of truly apostolic heart, a column of the Faith, a trumpet of the Gospel, the light of Christ to men.   He died at Bologna in 1221.

Let us pray:

O most enlightened teacher of divine truth,
Holy father St Dominic,
who taught what was profitable for salvation
and made yourself all things to all men,
that you might win all to Christ;
help us to close our ears and hearts to all false doctrine
and whatever may be harmful to our souls
and to open them joyfully to the truths of Holy Church.
Pray for us, blessed St Dominic,
that we may be examples to others,
especially to those who have fallen away
from the one, true faith
and for this our special intention …
(make your request)
Through Christ our Lord. Amen

DAY ONE - NOVENA ST DOMINIC 30 JULY

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA in Honour of and preparation for, the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Three – 30 July

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA Transfiguration of our Lord – Day Three – 30 July

Explanation of this Novena here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/25/announcing-a-novena-in-honour-of-the-transfiguration-of-our-lord/

The Revelation of Christ’s Divine Glory

Third Day: Way of Witnessing to the Resurrection
The Transfiguration was necessary to help the apostles increase their faith and recognise the divinity of Jesus and His union with the Father, the Spirit and the prophets of the Old Testament.
Maybe there is another kind of transfiguration that is needed for us so that, like the apostles, when the vision was over, we may be able to “look up and see no one, but only Jesus.”
The transfiguration to which we refer is the indwelling of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the word, in our neighbour, and in ourselves.
This kind of transfiguration will enable us to see the common things of earth, sky and sea with a new wonder and fresh joy.
It will also enable us to see the presence of Jesus within ourselves and in the people who cross our path, even if they drive us crazy. We may think that such an attitude is too difficult to acquire but it is something that we can continuously ask for and desire.

Let us Pray:

O God, according to Your plan, You have called us to holiness
by Your grace which You have revealed in Jesus Christ.
Through Your Gospel You show us the way
so that we may share in Your mission of the glorious splendour of unending life. Amen

DAY THREE - TRANSFIGURATION NOVENA 30 JULY