Category: NOVENAS

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY EIGHT – 21 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY EIGHT – 21 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

Is it possible that you are never satisfied with yourself?   Jesus loves you with a loving partiality in spite of all your unworthiness.  He sends down a torrent of graces upon you and yet you complain.   It is about time this ended and you convinced yourself that you are greatly in the Lord’s debt.   Hence, less complaints, more gratitude and a great deal of thanksgiving.   You ought to ask Our Lord for just one thing – to love Him.   All the rest should be thanksgiving.

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.
His life was a celebration of love for You
and an oblation of himself in gratitude to You.
We pray that You will bless us too
with total love and thanksgiving.
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 eight - novena to st padre pio - 21 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY SEVEN – 20 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY SEVEN – 20 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

May the Grace and peace of the Holy Spirit always be at the centre of your heart. Place your heart in the open side of the Saviour and unite it with the King of your heart who is within it as on a royal throne, in order that He might receive homage and obedience from all other hearts. Keep your hearts door open, so that everyone can approach Him and gain an audience at all times. May the King of all saints also be the King of your heart!

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.
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
and teach us to visit Our Lord when He quietly waits in the Tabernacle,
begging Him to unite our hearts to His.
Gracious God, St Pio lived totally for You
teach us too this great act of self-giving and complete oblation.
Grant us the grace of approaching the Altar of Sacrifice
with thanksgiving and complete reverence.
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 seven - novena to st padre pio - 19 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY FIVE – 18 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY FIVE – 18 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

St Therese of the Child Jesus used to say, “I don’t want to choose either to die or to live but let Jesus do as He likes with me.”   I see clearly that this is the image of all souls who are stripped of self and filled with God… What St. Therese has said ought to be said by every soul inflamed with love of God.

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.
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.
Gracious God, St Pio lived totally for You
teach us too this great act of self-giving and complete oblation.
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 five - novena st pio - 18 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY FOUR – 17 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY FOUR – 17 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

I often think that there is only one thing in this base world which can soothe the most acute pain which pierces the heart when we see ourselves far from God, the source and consolation of distressed souls. That one thing is solitude, for here the soul enjoys sweet rest in the One who is its true peace. I want the heavenly Father to grant you the grace of stability in all your resolutions, not least of all your resolution to grow in holiness and to be silent and reduce to silence everything around you, so that you may hear the divine voice of the Beloved and establish with Him a tranquil and everlasting dialogue.
Recollect yourself continually, and may your whole life be hidden in Jesus and with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, that is to say, in the silence of meditation and prayer.
Try to be always more docile to grace and more and more generous with Jesus, making absolutely everything around you and within you to be silent. Don’t worry; rest trustfully in the divine Mercy.
Silently adore the delicacy of the workings of divine grace

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.
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 four - novena st pio - 17 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, Uncategorized

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY THREE – 16 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY THREE – 16 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

I am greatly comforted and very content in Jesus’ company and who could describe the help it is to me to have Him continually by my side? This company makes me much more careful not to do anything which would displease God. It seems to me as if Jesus is constantly watching me. If it sometimes happens that I lose the presence of God, I soon hear Our Lord calling me back to my duty. I cannot describe the voice He uses to call me back but I know that it is very penetrating and the soul who hears it finds it almost impossible to refuse what He asks.

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.
Whenever You called, he answered,
serving Your people for the greater good of their souls
and for your Glory.
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 three - novena to st padre pio - 16 sept

Posted in MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY TWO – 15 September

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA to St Padre Pio/St Pius of Pietrelcina – DAY TWO – 15 September

St Padre Pio you have said:

I implore you to be faithful and humble and always to keep the great Mother of God before your mental gaze, she who humbled herself more profoundly the more she was exalted. Never, ever be exalted at your virtues but repeat that everything comes from Godand give Him the honour and glory.

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 two - novena st pio 15 sept

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

Posted on by AnaStpaul

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