Category: NOVENAS

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Eighth Day – 13 August – Mary, the Queen of Mercy

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY EIGHT:
Mary, the Queen of Mercy

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary is, then, a Queen and what a consolation to know it!–
a Queen always mild and gentle, always willing to confer benefits upon us.
Hence the Church teaches us, to call her the Mother of mercy.
The pious and learned Poet and Writer, Jean Charlier de Gerson (1363-1429) says:
“God’s dominion comprises Justice and mMrcy. He divided it, retaining the administration of Justice for Himself and relinquishing, in a certain sense, the dispensation of mercy to Mary, by conferring through her hands, all graces He grants to mankind.”
H,ow consoling, then, the assurance that our merciful Mother is so mighty and so loving a queen!

Practice: So great is the tenderness of Mary’s maternal heart: “that never was it known that anyone who fled to her protection, implored her help and sought her intercession, was left unaided. How many prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, ascend daily to the throne of this our exalted and merciful protectress!
There is not a cry of an afflicted, struggling and suffering soul that she does not graciously hear. Join, therefore, confidently in the prayer of Holy Church, “Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy.” Approach her with filial trust.
Neglect not to honour her yourself and do all in your power, to lead others to do her honour.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Eight

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
Holy Church teaches me
that despite the glory to which thou wast exalted,
thou didst not forget thy miserable clients
and that, in Heaven,
thy mercy is still greater
than it was during thy life on earth.
Therefore, I come to thee
and trustingly lay at thy feet,
all my needs, miseries and petitions.
My Queen, my Mother,
turn not thy gracious eyes from me.
Remember me to thy Divine Son;
cease not to pray for me
and take me under thy protection,
so that I may finally have
the happiness to see and praise thee
in thy glory forever and ever.
And once more, at thy feet,
I beg thee to hear and grant,
my special petition …………………….

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Seventh Day – 12 August – Mary’s Joy in Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY SEVEN:
Mary’s Joy in Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
By St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
According to Holy Scripture and the Doctrine of the Church, there are, in Heaven, various grades of glory and joy, according to the rank and merit of the Saints.
They attain this higher grade of glory and joy, by the increase of their ability to enjoy the happiness of Heaven.
Their intellect is enabled to contemplate, more profoundly, the incomprehensible Essence of God.
Their power of perception, is augmented so that they may more readily recognise and admire, the splendour of the Angels, Saints and heavenly mansions.
Their will is enabled to be united, in a higher degree with God. From this we may conclude that Mary’s joy in Heaven transcends all human conception.
Her heavenly glory and reward consists in the perfect adaptation of her whole being, to the enjoyment of God and of eternal happiness

Practice: Look up, Christian soul, to this great and brilliant Queen of Heaven.
She is your gentle Mother and assures you of her help and the diadem she wears upon her brow is a proof that she has the power to help you.
Do not, therefore, refuse the hand of this mighty ally in Heaven, for she will lift you from the depths of your misery, from the dangers of temptation and lead you strong and victorious, into the Presence of her Divine Son.
Thus, you will enter into a new and supernatural life in Christ, to share in the grace-laden Mysteries of His Light, Passion and Triumph.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Seven

O Great and glorious Queen of Heaven, Mary!
I beseech thee, by that exalted throne
upon which God has raised thee,
above all Angels and Daints;
let me one day, appear amongst them,
to join them in their praise of thee.
Obtain for me the grace
of never ceasing to honour thee,
as thou dost deserve to be honoured,
and thereby, to become worthy
of thy mighty protection in life and death.
I beseech thee too, O holy Mother,
for the granting of this, my special petition:
…………………………………

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence: (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, QUEENSHIP of MARY, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Sixth Day – 11 August – Mary Crowned in Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, Day Six:
Mary Crowned in Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary’s glory received its culmination by her coronation as Queen of Heaven and earth.
It was meet that in her, should be fulfilled, the words of Holy Scripture: “Come from Libanus, my Spouse, come, thou shalt be crowned” (Cant. 4:81) and, that her own prophetic words, “He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52) should be exemplified in her.
For it was reasonable and becoming that she, who once with Jesus, wore the crown of shame and contempt, should now share with Him, the crown of immortal glory.
It was but fair and just that, the immaculate being, who was chosen above all inhabitants of heaven and earth, to be the true and worthy Mother of God, should now be solemnly installed over all creatures in Heaven and on earth, as the Queen of Angels and men and that, to her, should be offered homage, praise and honour, by the blessed spirits and by the souls of the Saints.
But the crown which she received,is not one made of gold and precious stones, it is composed of the virtues with which Mary, in faithful co-operation with Divine grace, embellished herself.
It consists, too, of all the homage and glory, which she receives, as Queen of Heaven.
The most precious gem, in this crown, is the filial love and gratitude, Jesus shows toward His Mother in Heaven.

Practice: Indeed, “eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man,” what the heavenly Father has prepared in the mansions of eternal bliss, for His beloved Daughter, the Son for His Blessed Mother, and the Holy Ghost, for His chosen Spouse.
She is now Queen of Heaven and earth – of Heaven, for she is the Queen of all Angels and Saints; of earth, for as Mother of God, she is the Mother of all mankind, the mediatrix between the Redeemer and the redeemed.
You, too, may contribute a gem toward the crown of your heavenly Mother, by paying her filial homage, imitating her virtues and preserving, for the love of her, your innocence and purity of heart and body.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Six

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
I beseech thee, through the everlasting
crown of glory with which God
has crowned thee, Queen of Heaven and earth;
obtain for me, through thy mighty intercession,
the grace to persevere in virtue to the end,
so that finally,
I may attain the crown of bliss
prepared by God.
for those that love Him.
I beseech thee too, glorious Queen and Mother,
for this my special petition ………………

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in MARIAN NOVENAS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – The Fifth Day, 10 August – Mary’s Glorious Entrance into Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY FIVE

The Fifth Day:
Mary’s Glorious Entrance into Heaven

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Joy greater, than human heart can conceive, fills the heavenly spirits when a soul enters Heaven, to receive its reward. What jubilant transports, then, must those have been, with which they hailed the entrance into heavenly bliss of the most pure and holy Virgin, the Mother of the Son of God, body and soul, transfigured in glory!
And she is and shall be, for all eternity, their mistress and Queen!
What an ineffable joy, too, for the Blessed Virgin, to behold the countless numbers of Angels, to admire their beauty, their purity, their intense love of God!
But as the feeble light of a candle disappears before the splendour of the sun’s rays, thus are these choirs of Angels, obscured by the ineffable glory of her Divine Son, coming to welcome His Mother.
Who can describe this moving meeting?
What a superabundant reward for love and suffering!
What an ocean of joy and bliss, when the Son of God presented His Mother before the throne of His heavenly Father, Who greeted her as His Beloved Daughter!
What a joy to behold the Holy Ghost, Whose pure Spouse she had been, even on earth!
These transports of bliss baffle all attempts at description.

Practice: Although we are unable to have an adequate perception of Mary’s glory in Heaven, by which she is raised above all Angels and Saints, yet, it is in our power, to do one thing – we can rejoice at the glory of our Blessed Mother and join the heavenly spirits and the Saints, in paying homage to her.
Let us resolve to do this and never to forget that Mary attained to the largest share of her Divine Son’s glory because, she was foremost in sharing His sufferings. Let this encourage us to bear our cross, to bear it with our Saviour, even to the height of Calvary, there to die with Him.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Five

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
I beseech thee through the preparation
with which thou wast glorified by God–
by the Father ,as His most Beloved Daughter,
by the Son, as His Immaculate Mother
and by the Holy Ghost,
as His most pure Spouse, in Heaven;
obtain for me the grace
to share, to some extent, this,
thy glory and, therefore,
to live so that I may deserve it.
And too most Blessed Mother,
this, my special Petition: ………………….

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in NOVENAS, QUOTES on DEATH, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – The Fourth Day – 9 August – Reasons for the Bodily Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY FOUR

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Reasons for the Bodily Assumption
of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven

Meditation: The wages of sin is death. Now, as the Blessed Virgin, from the first moment of her existence was preserved from all sin and even from original sin, it necessarily follows that death could have no permanent dominion over her and that, her body would not be permitted to see corruption.

  1. This sinless body had been the medium by which the Body of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who was the conqueror of death, had been formed. How, then, could such a highly privileged body, a pure and virginal body, be permitted to pass through corruption and decay?
  2. As Mary had yielded up her sacred person to be a dwelling-place for the Lord of Heaven, it seems fitting that this same Lord, in His turn, should give the Kingdom of Heaven to her as her resting-place. St Bernard expresses this sentiment as follows: “When Our Lord came into this world, Mary furnished Him with the noblest dwelling on earth, the temple of her virginal womb. In return, the Lord,on this day, raises her up to the highest throne in Heaven.”

Practice:
If You desire to look forward to death, without fear and to expect your dissolution with confidence, follow the Apostle’s injunction, “Therefore, whilst we have time, let us do good works, to all men” (Gal. 6:10). Avoid sin, perform good works, be patient in affliction and strive to expiate the punishment due to your sins by voluntary acts of penance, thus reducing your inclination to sin. Therefore, offer up to God, every morning, in a spirit of penitence, all your labours, trials and sufferings.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Four

Glorious Virgin
and Mother of God, Mary!
I beseech thee through the ineffable glory,
thou didst make for thy departure
from this world by a life of retirement,
full of merits and virtue,
dedicated to God alone;
obtain for me the grace,
of, following thy example,
that I may detach my heart from this world
and patiently bear affliction and adversity,
carefully avoid sin
and always strive to advance
in the love of God.
Obtain for me too, I beg thee Holy Mother,
this my special petition ……………………

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence: (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in INDULGENCES, MARIAN Aspirations and Ejaculations, MARIAN NOVENAS

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Third Day, The Empty Tomb – 8 August

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, DAY THREE

The Third Day:
The Empty Tomb

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
St John Damascene (675-749) Father and Doctor of the Church, writes:
“St Thomas was not with the other Apostles when the Blessed Virgin died but arrived in Jerusalem on the third day after that event.
Ardently desiring to see once more and to venerate the sacred body which had given flesh and blood to his Beloved Master, the grave was opened for this purpose. The body could nowhere be seen and a delicious perfume filled the empty tomb.
The Apostles then became convinced, that as God had preserved the body of Mary free from sin before, in and after the Birth of His Son, He was pleased, likewise, after her death, to preserve that same body from corruption and, to glorify it in Heaven.”

A Council held in Jerusalem, in the year 1672, declared:
“It is beyond all doubt, that the Blessed Virgin is not only a great and miraculous sign on earth because she bore God in the flesh and yet remained a virgin but, she is also, a great and miraculous sign in Heaven because she was taken up to Heaven, with soul and body.
For although her sinless body was enclosed in the tomb, yet, like the body of Our Lord, it arose on the third day and was carried up to Heaven.”

Although the Doctrine of the bodily Assumption of Mary into Heaven, was not defined by the Church as an Article of Faith in the strict sense, yet, the learned Pope Benedict XIV rdeclares, “It would be presumptuous and blameworthy in anyone, to call into doubt or to question, this beautiful and consoling belief of ages.”

Practice: Let us rejoice at the thought of the glorious resurrection of our dear Mother. Let us unite ourselves in spirit with the Apostles in Heaven and with Holy Church, to congratulate her on this extraordinary privilege.
But let us also rejoice at the thought of our own resurrection. True, it shall not take place immediately after death but. it is, therefore, not the less certain and it depends on us, to make it glorious and blessed.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Three

Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary!
As thy sacred body, after death,
was preserved from corruption
and, united with thy sinless soul,
was borne to Heaven by the Angels;
obtain for me the grace
that my life and death be holy,
so that on the Day of Judgement,
I may arise to glory everlasting.
Obtain for me too, I beg thee,
the granting of this my special petition:
……………………………
Amen

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in MARIAN Aspirations and Ejaculations, MARIAN NOVENAS, MARIAN REFLECTIONS, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Second Day – 7 August

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption DAY TWO

The Second Day: At Mary’s Deathbed and Tomb

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:

Ancient legend relates that, led by Heaven, all the Apostles, except St Thomas, Wwho joined them a little later, assembled at the Blessed Virgin’s deathbed. After she had breathed forth her pure spirit, her sacred remains were prepared for the grave by wrapping the body in new white linen and decking it with flowers . Meanwhile ,the Apostles, assembled in another room, sang Psalms and Hymns, in praise of their departed Mother. The Apostles, all the disciples and the faithful dwelling in Jerusalem, followed the blessed remains to the grave chanting Psalms and Hymns. Arriving in the valley of Josaphat, the body was gently placed in a sepulcher of stone, not far from the Garden of Olives. After the entombment ,the Apostles and crowds of the faithful, lingered near the sacred spot in prayer, meditation and chanting of Psalms in which Angels’ voices were heard to mingle.

Practice: Join in spirit with the Apostles and faithful in their prayer and meditation at the grave of our Blessed Mother. Contemplate and review her whole life. Could a course like hers have terminated more appropriately than with so beautiful, painless and tranquil a passing away? Prepare yourself, even now, for your departure from this life. Do not postpone the settlement of your affairs, spiritual and temporal, until the last uncertain hours. Above all, remove now, or as soon as possible, all doubts, anxieties and irregularities of conscience because, delay is dangerous and leads to impenitence and because, in the last hours, the powers of hell usually assail the departing soul with all their might.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day Two

Glorious Virgin,
who for thy consolation
didst deserve to die comforted
by the sight of thy dear Son Jesus
and in the company of the Apostles and Angels,
pray for us, that at that awful moment we, too,
may be comforted by receiving Jesus
in the most holy Sacrament
and may feel see nigh,
when we breathe forth our soul.
Obtain for me too, I beseech thee,
this my special petition ………………..
Amen

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence . (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN NOVENAS, REDEMPTORISTS CSSR, THE ASSUMPTION

Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – The First Day

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Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – DAY ONE

First Day: Mary’s Death Was Without Pain

Preparatory Prayer
by St Alphonsus Maria de Liguori (1696-1787)
Most Zealous Doctor of the Church

O Mary, Virgin most Blessed
and Mother of Our Lord
and Redeemer Jesus Christ,
through thy mercy I beseech thee,
to come to my aid
and to inspire me
with such confidence in thy power
that I may have recourse to thee,
pray to thee
and implore thy aid,
in all needs of soul and body.
Amen

Meditation:
Mary, the Virgin Mother of God, was conceived without original sin. She never dimmed by actual sin, the lustre of sanctifying grace which beautified her soul.
Nevertheless, she had to pass through the dark prtal of death, before she was assumed, body and soul, into Heaven.
She had not been endowed with the privilege of immortality, with which God had invested our first parents in paradise.
It was meet that she should be like unto her Divine Son in everything, even in death.
But as she had drained, the bitter cup of suffering during her whole life and especially, when standing beneath the Cross, her death was to be free from pain and suffering.
She quietly passed away, yielding up her spirit, in a yearning desire to be united forever, with her Divine Son in Heaven.

Practice:
If you have dispossessed your heart of all unruly attachment to the goods and enjoyments of this earth, you, too, may hope for a happy and tranquil transition, from this land of exile, to your home in Heaven.
Therefore, if you are still attached to the transitory things of this life, disengage your heart from them now.
The voluntary renouncement of earthly goods, alone is meritorious before God.
The separation from them, enforced by the strong hand of death, is of no supernatural value.

Prayer of the Church: We beseech Thee, O Lord, pardon the shortcomings of Thy servants that we who, by our own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Novena Prayer: Day One

O Most benign Mother Mary!
I rejoice that by thy happy and tranquil death,
the yearning of thy heart was appeased
and thy life, so rich in merit and sacrifice,
received its crown.
I rejoice that after passing from this life,
thou, O most loving Mother,
was made the glorious and powerful
Queen of Heaven
and dost exercise thy influence as such,
for the benefit of thy frail, exiled children on earth.
Obtain for me, I beseech thee,
this my special petition ………………..
and a happy death
that I may praise and glorify
thy might and kindness,
forever in Heaven.
Amen

Hail Mary …….

Ejaculation: Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation!

Indulgence. – (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A Plenary Indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall have said it everyday for a month, under the usual conditions.

Posted in DOGMA, MARIAN NOVENAS, MARIAN QUOTES, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, THE ASSUMPTION, To JESUS through MARY

Reminder – The Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption – Begins tomorrow

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The Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption
Begins 6 August in preparation
for the Feast on 15 August – a Holy Day.

“We never give more honour to Jesus
than when we honour His Mother,
and we honour her,
simply and solely,
to honour Him all the more perfectly.
We go to her only as a way
leading to the goal we seek – Jesus, her Son.” s

St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)

Please join us as we pray a Novena in reverence and filial devotion
to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Assumed into Heaven, our Queen and our Mother Mary.

We pray in preparation for the great Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady, Body and Soul as defined and declared as Dogma on 1 November 1950, by Pope Pius XII.
Thus he solemnly proclaimed that the belief whereby, the Blessed Virgin Mary, at the close of her earthly life, was taken up, body and soul, into the Glory of Heaven, definitively forms part of the deposit of faith, received from the Apostles.

Our Novena will include a brief Meditation with practical reflection, a preparatory prayer by St Alphonsus Liguori and the daily prayer each morning for nine days. See you here!

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, FRUITS of the SPIRIT, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – NINTH DAY 

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Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

NINTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold Gifts, descend.
Give them comfort when they die,
Give them life with Thee on high,
Give them joys which never end.

THE FRUITS of the HOLY GHOST

The Gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues,
by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to Divine inspiration.
As we grow in the knowledge and love of God, under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous,
the practice of virtue becomes more perfect.
Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation
and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit.
These Fruits, in turn, render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts,
in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign!

Prayer

Come, O Divine Spirit,
fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits,
Thy charity, joy,
peace, patience,
benignity, goodness,
faith, mildness and temperance,
that I may never weary
of the service of God
but by continued faithful submission,
to Thy inspiration,
may merit to be united eternally with Thee,
in the love of the Father
and the Son.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, QUOTES on WISDOM, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – EIGHTH DAY 

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps which go astray!

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts.
Of Wisdom it is written:
“all good things come to me with her
and innumerable riches through her hands.”
It is the gift of Wisdom which strengthens our faith,
fortifies hope, perfects charity and promotes the practice of virtue
in the highest degree.
Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things Divine,
in the appreciation of which, earthly joys lose their savour,
whilst the Cross of Christ, yields a Divine sweetness,
according to the words of the Saviour:
“Take up thy cross and follow Me,
for My Yoke is sweet and My Burden light.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom
and reveal to my soul,
the Mysteries of heavenly things,
their exceeding greatness,
power and beauty.
Teach me to love them above
and beyond all the passing joys
and satisfactions of earth.
Help me to attain them
and possess them forever.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – SEVENTH DAY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Heal our wounds our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away!

THE GIFT OF COUNSEL

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence,
enabling it to judge promptly and rightly, that which must be done,
especially in difficult circumstances.
Counsel applies, the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding, to the innumerable concrete cases
which confront us, in the course of our daily duty,
as parents, teachers, public servants and Christian citizens.
Counsel is supernatural common-sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation.
“Above all things, pray to the Most High,
that He may direct thy way in truth.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Counsel,
help and guide me in all my ways,
that I may always fulfill Thine Holy Will.
Incline my heart to that which is good;
turn it away from all that is evil
and direct me,
by the straight path of Thy commandments,
to that goal of eternal life
for which I long.
Amen

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – SIXTH DAY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

THE GIFT OF UNDERSTANDING

Understanding, as a Gift of the Holy Ghost,
helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion.
By faith we know them but, by Understanding,
we learn to appreciate and relish them.
It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning, of revealed truths and through them, to be quickened to newness of life.
Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive but, inspires a mode of life,
which bears eloquent testimony, to the faith which is in us, we begin to:
“walk worthily of God in all things,
pleasing Him and increasing,
in the knowledge of God.”

Prayer

Come, O Spirit of Understanding
and enlighten our minds,
that we may know and believe
all the Mysteries of salvation
and may merit, at last,
to see the eternal light of Thy Light
and in the light of glory,
to have a clear vision of Thee
and the Father and the Son.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Your purity,
the unerring keenness of Your justice
and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul.
In You I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve You
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against You.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Your light,
listen to Your Voice
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You,
by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore You, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, t
o keep me in Your grace,
that I may never sin against You.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to You always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Your servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – FIFTH DAY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

FIFTH DAY

Foreword and Indulgences CLICK HERE : Foreword

Light immortal! Light Divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill!

THE GIFT OF KNOWLEDGE

The Gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things,
at their true worth, in their relationship to God.
Knowledge unmasks the pretence of creatures, reveals their emptiness
and points out their only true purpose, as instruments, in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God, even in adversity and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life.
Guided by its light, we put first things first
and prize the friendship of God, beyond all else.
“Knowledge is a fountain of life
to him who possesseth it.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge
and grant that I may perceive
the Will of the Father;
show me the nothingness of earthly things,
that I may realise their vanity
and use them, only for Thy glory
and my own salvation,
looking ever beyond them
to Thee and Thine Eternal Rewards.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts FOURTH DAY 

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

FOURTH DAY

Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the Gift of Fortitude, the soul is strengthened against natural fear
and supported to the end, in the performance of duty.
Fortitude imparts to the will, an impulse and energy
which move it to undertake, without hesitancy, the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample underfoot, human respect
and, to endure, without complaint, the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation.
“He who shall persevere unto the end,
he shall be saved.”

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude,
uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity,
sustain my efforts, after holiness,
strengthen my weakness,
give me courage against all the assaults
of my enemies
that I may never be overcome
and separated from Thee, my God
and greatest Good.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – Third Day

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

THIRD DAY

Thou, of all consolers best,
Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts, a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect,
for His sake. persons and things consecrated to Him,
as well as those, who are vested with His authority,
His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head,
our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers.
He who is filled with the gift of Piety, finds the practice of his religion,
not a burdensome duty but, a delightful service.
Where there is love, there is no labour.

Prayer

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety,
possess my heart.
Enkindle therein, such a love for God,
that I may find satisfaction
only in His service
and for His sake,
lovingly submit
to all legitimate authority.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Thy Purity,
the unerring keenness of Thy Justice
and the might of Thy Love.
Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul.
In Thee, I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve Thee
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against Thee.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Thy Light,
listen to Thine Voice
and follow Thy gracious inspirations.
I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee,
by Thy compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore Thee, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Thy grace
that I may never sin against Thee.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and of the Son,
to say to Thee, always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Thine servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, NOVENAS, PENTECOST, QUOTES on FEAR

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – SECOND DAY

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY

Come. Father of the poor.
Come, treasures which endure,
Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us
with a sovereign respect for God
and makes us dread nothing so muc,
as to offend Him by sin.
It is a fear that arises,
not from the thought of hell
but, from sentiments of reverence
and filial submission to our Heavenly Father.
It is the fear, which is the beginning of wisdom,
detaching us from worldly pleasures,
which could, in any way,
separate us from God.
“They who fear the Lord,
will prepare their hearts
and in His sight,
will sanctify their souls. ”

Prayer

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear,
penetrate my inmost heart,
that I may set You,
my Lord and God,
before my face forever,
help me to shun all things
which may offend You
and make me worthy
to appear before
the pure Eyes of Your Divine Majesty
in Heaven, where You live and reign,
in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity,
God world without end.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Your purity,
the unerring keenness of Your justice
and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul.
In You I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve You
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against You.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Your light,
listen to Your Voice
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You,
by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore You, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, t
o keep me in Your grace,
that I may never sin against You.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to You always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Your servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in 7 GIFTS of the HOLY GHOST: Wisdom, Understanding, Prudence, Strength, Knowledge, Piety, Fear, HOLY SPIRIT, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

Foreword

The Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all Novenas, since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself, when He sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love, so sorely needed by every Catholic today. To encourage devotion to the Holy Spirit, the Church has granted the following indulgences:

“The faithful who devoutly assist at the public Novena in honour of the Holy Spirit, immediately preceding the Solemn Feast of Pentecost, may gain a Partial Indulgence for themselves or, as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.”

  1. An Indulgence of 10 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
  2. A Plenary Indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the exercises and go to Confession, receive Holy Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.

“Those who make a private Novena in honour of the Holy Spirit, either before the Solemn Feast of Pentecost or at any other time in the year, may also gain a Partial Indulgence for themselves or, as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.”

  1. An Indulgence of 7 years on any (and every) day of the Novena.
  2. A Plenary Indulgence under the usual conditions but, if a public Novena is held, this Indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully hindered from being part of the same.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Your clear celestial height,
Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important — eternal salvation.
Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin.
Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness
and indifference.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength and of Love.
With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will and inflames the heart with love of God.
To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity.
We know not what we should pray for as we ought.
But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”

Prayer

Almighty and eternal God,
Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us
by water and the Holy Spirit
and hast given us forgiveness of all sins,
vouchsafe to send forth upon us from Heaven,
Your sevenfold Spirit,
the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding,
the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude,
the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety
and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear.
Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary – ONCE.
Glory be to the Father – SEVEN TIMES.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
To be recited daily during the Novena

On my knees,
I, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses,
offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God.
I adore the brightness of Your purity,
the unerring keenness of Your justice
and the might of Your love.
You are the Strength and Light of my soul.
In You I live and move and am.
I desire never to grieve You
by unfaithfulness to grace
and I pray with all my heart to be kept
from the smallest sin against You.
Mercifully guard my every thought
and grant that I may always watch for Your light,
listen to Your Voice
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You,
by Your compassion, to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds
and trusting in His Precious Blood
and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart,
I implore You, Adorable Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, t
o keep me in Your grace,
that I may never sin against You.
Give me grace O Holy Spirit,
Spirit of the Father and the Son,
to say to You always and everywhere,
“Speak Lord for Your servant hears.”
Amen.

Posted in NOVENAS, PENTECOST, The HOLY GHOST

REMINDER – The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit Begins on Friday 19 May

Posted on by AnaStpaul

The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit

“We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Spirit,
for each one of us greatly needs
His protection and His help.
The more we are lacking in wisdom,
weak in strength,
burdened with trouble,
prone to sin,
the more we should turn to Him,
Who is the never-ceasing Fount of Light,
Strength, Consolation and Holiness.”

St Pope Leo the Great (400-461)
Father and Doctor of the Church

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – Day Nine, 19 March

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NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY NINE

(REMINDER:
St Joseph’s Feast Day is transferred to 20 March this year
as 19 March is Laetare Sunday)

Terror of Demons

Look down on us, Saint Joseph,
Protector of Our Lord,
Who followed you through deserts
And gave you blessed reward;
Our foes are yet about us,
Be our strength now at our side,
Be light against the darkness.
Saint Joseph, be our guide and protector!
We venerate your justice,
The gospels praise your name,
You are the Saint all humble,
Who gained eternal fame.
In your devoted family
Our souls in trust confide,
Direct our way to Heaven.
Saint Joseph, be our guide.
We implore your powerful intercession,
to obtain from the gentle Heart of Jesus
all the help and graces necessary
for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly protection from the powers of evil
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
O guardian of the Word Incarnate
we feel animated with confidence,
that your prayers on our behalf,
will be graciously heard,
before the throne of God.
St Joseph, Terror of Demons, Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father …

Posted in NOVENAS, Of a Holy DEATH & AGAINST A SUDDEN DEATH, of the DYING, FINAL PERSEVERANCE, DEATH of CHILDREN, DEATH of PARENTS, QUOTES on DEATH

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – Day Eight – 18 March – Patron of a Holy Death

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NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY EIGHT

Patron of a Holy Death

O glorious Saint Joseph,
faithful follower of Jesus Christ,
to you we raise our hearts and hands,
to implore your powerful intercession,
to obtain from the gentle heart of Jesus
all the help and graces necessary
for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a holy death
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
O guardian of the Word Incarnate
we feel animated with confidence,
that your prayers on our behalf,
will be graciously heard,
before the throne of God.
St Joseph, Patron of the Dying, Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father …

Posted in NOVENAS, PRAYERS for VARIOUS NEEDS, QUOTES on the FAMILY, QUOTES on WORK/LABOUR

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – DAY SEVEN – Patron of Workers – 17 March

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NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY SEVEN

Patron of Workers

Dear Saint Joseph,
you were yourself once faced
with the responsibility
of providing the necessities of life,
for Jesus and Mary.
Look down with fatherly compassion upon us
in our anxiety over inabilities
to support our families.
Please help any insuch need, to find gainful employment very soon,
so that this heavy burden of concern,
will be lifted from their hearts
and that they soon may be able to provide for those
whom God has entrusted to their care.
Help them to guard against bitterness and discouragement,
so that they may emerge from this trial,
spiritually enriched with virtue
and with even greater blessings from God.
We raise our hearts to you
to implore your powerful intercession
in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus
all the graces necessary
for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death,
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
We feel confident, that your prayers on our behalf,
will be graciously heard before the throne of God
St Joseph Most Holy Patron of Workers,
Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father …

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – 16 March – DAY SIX – Patron of the Church

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY SIX

Patron of the Church

O most powerful Patriarch, Saint Joseph,
Patron of the Universal Church,
which has always invoked you
in anxieties and tribulations.
From the lofty seat of your glory,
lovingly regard the Catholic Church.
Let it move your paternal heart
to see the mystical Spouse of Christ,
weakened by sorrow and persecuted
by powerful enemies.
We beseech you, by the merits of the
most bitter sufferings of Christ,
to wipe away the tears of His pilgrim people,
to defend and liberate them
and to intercede with the Giver of peace and charity,
that every hostile power be overcome
and every error be destroyed,
so that the whole Church
may serve the God of all blessings
in perfect liberty and peace.
We too raise our hearts to you,
to implore your powerful intercession,
in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus,
all the graces necessary
for our spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death,
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
We feel confident, that your prayers on our behalf,
will be graciously heard, before the throne of God
St Joseph Most Holy Patron of the One Holy Catholic Church,
Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father 

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – Day Five – 15 March – Faithful Servant

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY FIVE

Faithful Servant

Saint Joseph, you lived for one purpose —
to be the personal servant of Jesus Christ,
the Word made flesh.
Your noble birth and ancestry,
the graces and gifts,
so generously poured out on you by God —
all this was yours, to serve our Lord.
Your every thought, word and action,
was a homage to the love and glory
of the Incarnate Word.
You fulfilled most faithfully
the role of a good and faithful servant
who cared for the House of God.
Glorious Saint Joseph,
Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin,
pray for me to have a pure, humble, faithful heart
and perfect resignation to the Divine Will.
Be my guide, my father
and my model, throughout life,
that I may die as you did,
in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph,
faithful follower of Jesus Christ,
I raise my heart to you
to implore your powerful intercession
in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus,
all the graces necessary
for my spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf
will be graciously heard before the throne of God
St Joseph Most Faithful, Pray for us!
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father 

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH, Day Four – 14 March – Most Chaste Spouse the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY FOUR

Most Chaste Spouse the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God

Saint Joseph,
Foster Father and Guardian of Jesus
and Protector of the Blessed Virgin,
to whose faithful keeping ,
Christ Jesus, Purity and Innocence itself
and Mary, the Virgin of virgins, were entrusted,
we pray and beseech you
by that twofold and most precious charge,
by Jesus and Mary,
to save us from all uncleanness,
to keep our minds untainted,
our hearts pure and our bodies chaste.
Help us always, to serve Jesus and Mary
in perfect chastity.
And for this special grace we now implore you,
……………. (Mention your request)
We humbly beg you to look graciously upon
the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ
purchased by His Blood
and to aid us in our necessities
with your power and strength.
May the wholesome fear of God, strengthen us,
that virtue may adorn our lives
and lead us to Heaven.
St Joseph, Most Chaste, Pray for us!
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father  …

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH, DAY THREE – 13 March – PROTECT OUR HOMES

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY THREE

PROTECT OUR HOMES

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector
and intercessor
of all who love and venerate you.
O most prudent Guardian of the Holy Family,
protect our home.
Pour forth from Heaven.
blessings on our family.
Remain in our midst.
Help us to live in love and harmony,
in peace and joy.
May the wholesome fear of God, strengthen us,
that virtue may adorn our lives and lead us to Heaven.
To you this day we give the key to our dwelling place.
Lock out all things that could do us harm.
Lock our home and our loved ones,
in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
And for this special grace we now implore you:
……………. (Mention your request)
We humbly beg you to look graciously upon
the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ
purchased by His Blood
and to aid us in our necessities
with your power and strength.
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
we feel confident that your prayers
on our behalf, will be graciously heard
before the Throne of God.
St Joseph Most Loving Husband and Guardian, Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, lGory be to the Father …

Posted in NOVENAS

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – DAY TWO, Prudent Guardian of the Holy Family – 12 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY TWO

Prudent Guardian of the Holy Family

To you, O Blessed Joseph, we come in our trials
and having asked the help of your most holy spouse,
we confidently ask your patronage too.
Through that sacred bond of charity,
which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the fatherly love,
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you to look graciously upon
the beloved inheritance which Jesus Christ
purchased by His Blood
and to aid us in our necessities
with your power and strength
and the special grace we now implore:
……………. (Mention your request)

O most prudent Guardian of the Holy Family,
defend the chosen family of Jesus Christ.
Most beloved father,
dispel the evil of falsehood and sin.
Our most mighty protector,
graciously assist us from Heaven
in our struggle with the powers of darkness.
And just as you once saved the Child Jesus from mortal danger,
so now, defend God’s Holy Church
from the snares of her enemies
and from all adversity.
Shield each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your help,
we may be able to live a virtuous life,
to die a holy death
and to obtain eternal happiness in Heaven.
St Joseph Most Prudent, Pray for us!
Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father …..

Posted in NOVENAS, St JOSEPH

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH – Day One, Foster Father of Jesus -11 March

Posted on by AnaStpaul

NOVENA FOR THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT JOSEPH

DAY ONE

Foster Father of Jesus

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor
of all who love and venerate you.
You know that I have confidence in you
and that, after Jesus and Mary,
I come to you as an example of holiness,
for you are especially close to God.
Therefore, I humbly commend myself,
with all who are dear to me
and all for whom I pray,
to your intercession.
I beg of you, by your love for Jesus and Mary,
not to abandon me during life
and to assist me at the hour of my death.
Glorious Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Immaculate Virgin,
pray for me to have a pure, humble, charitable heart
and perfect resignation to the divine Will.
Be my guide, my father
and my model throughout life,
that I may die as you did,
in the arms of Jesus and Mary.
Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ,
I raise my heart to you to implore your powerful intercession
in obtaining from the Divine Heart of Jesus, all the graces
necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death,
and the special grace I now implore:
…………….. (Mention your request)
Guardian of the Word Incarnate,
I feel confident that your prayers on my behalf
will be graciously heard before the throne of God
St Joseph Most Just, Pray for us!
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father …

Posted in CARMELITES, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, NOVENAS, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face, The Nine Day – 21 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation Novena
in Reparation to the Holy Face
Day Nine

“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

(Console the Holy Face

and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Thy help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

THE NINTH DAY
Psalm 50:18-19:
For in sacrifice Thou take no delight,
burnt offering Thou wouldst refuse.
A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit,
a contrite and humble heart, O God,
Thou wilt not despise.

Sacred Face of our Lord and our God,
what words can we say
to express our gratitude?
How can we speak of our joy?
That Thou hast deigned to hear us,
that Thou hast chosen to answer us
in our hour of need.
We say this because we know,
that our prayers will be granted.
We know that Thou,
in Thy loving kindness,
listen to our pleading hearts
and will give, out of Thy fullness,
the answer to our prayers.

Mary, our Mother,
thank you for your intercession on our behalf.
Saint Joseph, thank you for your prayers.

Through the merits of your precious blood
and your Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Face
By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus
and the Holy Face (1873-1897)

O Jesus, Who, in Thy cruel Passion
didst become, the ‘reproach of men
and the Man of Sorrows,’
I worship Thy divine Face.
Once it shone with the beauty
and sweetness of the Divinity
but now, for my sake,
it is become as ‘the face of a leper.’
Yet, in that disfigured Countenance,
I recognise Thy infinite love
and I am consumed with the desire
of making Thee loved by all mankind.
The tears that flowed so abundantly
from Thy Eyes are, to me,
as precious pearls which I delight to gather,
that with their worth,
I may ransom the souls of poor sinners.
O Jesus, Whose Face is the sole beauty
which ravishes my heart,
I may not see, here below,
the sweetness of Thy glance,
nor feel the ineffable tenderness of Thy kiss,
I bow to Thy Will—but I pray Thee,
to imprint in me, Thy divine likeness
and I implore Thee,
so to inflame me with Thy love,
that it may quickly consume me
and that I may soon reach the vision
of Thy glorious Face in Heaven.
Amen.

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine,
be every Adoration Thine
(Three times)

Posted in BLESSED TRINITY PRAYERS, LENTEN PRAYERS & NOVENAS, NOVENAS, The HOLY FACE

Lenten Preparation Novena to the Holy Face,The Eighth Day – 20 February

Posted on by AnaStpaul

Lenten Preparation Novena
in Reparation to the Holy Face
Day Eight

“All those who, attracted by My Love and venerating My Countenance, shall receive, by virtue of My Humanity, a brilliant and vivid impression of My Divinity. This splendour shall enlighten the depths of their souls, so that in eternal glory the celestial court shall marvel at the marked likeness of their features, with My Divine Countenance.” … Our Lord Jesus Christ to St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)

(Console the Holy Face

and recite Daily Preparatory Prayer) below.

THE EIGHTH DAY:
Psalm 50:16-17:
O rescue me, God of my salvation
and my tongue shall extol Thy justice.
O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth shall declare Thy praise.

DAILY PREPARATORY PRAYER

O Most Holy and Blessed Trinity,
through the intercession of Holy Mary,
whose soul was pierced through
by a sword of sorrow
at the sight of the Passion of her Divine Son,
we ask Thy help,
in making a perfect Novena of Reparation with Jesus,
united with all His sorrows, love and total abandonment.
We now implore all the Angels and Saints
to intercede for us as we pray this Holy Novena
to the Most Holy Face of Jesus
and for the glory of the most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Amen

Most merciful Face of Jesus,
Who in this vale of tears,
was so moved by our misfortunes,
to call Thyself the healer of the sick
and the good Shepherd of the souls gone astray,
allow not Satan to draw us away from Thee
but keep us always under Thy loving protection,
together with all souls who endeavour
to console Thee.

Mary, our Mother, intercede for us.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Through the merits of Your Precious Blood
and Your Holy Face, O Jesus,
grant us our petition ………………
Pardon and mercy.
Amen

Omnipotentia Patris

O Omnipotence of the Father,
help my frailty
and save me from the depths of misery.

O Wisdom of the Son,
direct all my thoughts,
my words and my deeds.

O Love of the Holy Spirit,
be the source of all the actions of my mind,
that they may always be conformed
to God’s good pleasure.
Amen

Pray (1) Our Father, three (3) Hail Marys, one (1) Glory Be

O Bleeding Face, O Face Divine,
be every Adoration Thine
(Three times)