Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mother of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, inspire me to grieve sincerely, for the sins which weigh heavily upon the souls of men.
Sorrowfully I recall the bitter and harsh punishments heaped upon thy Divine Son, when He was cruelly scourged at the pillar, unmercifully crowned with thorns. I recall His sad journey to Calvary, His Crucifixion and ignominious death on the Cross. Yet, they were but the instruments of pain. It was my sins which really caused His Precious Blood to be shed. His excessive love willed that He should suffer for my salvation. Thus, I will give my little love to make amends and atone for a thoughtless and unappreciative world.
Oh Immaculate Heart of Mary, thy who suffered and shared with Him each pain caused and inflicted by our sins, intercede for us that we may be privileged to unite our hearts with thine in an effort to make reparation for our sins and the sins of ungrateful mankind. Amen.
Our Lady of Fatima inflame our hearts with the love of Reparation.
Pray your Daily Rosaryafter each Day’s Novena Prayerwith the same Intention.
Announcing a Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary Begins 28 September
The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary is celebrated on 7 October.
Please join me in praying a Novena in honour of Our Lady of the Rosary for the nine days preceding her Feast on 7 October and, of course, October is the Month of the Holy Rosary.
This Feast was instituted to commemorate the victory of Christianity over the forces of Islam at the battle of Lepanto on 7 October 1571. The victory was brought about through the recitation of the Rosary. In thanksgiving for another victory over the same foes in Hungary in 1715, the Feast was extended to the entire Church. In the course of centuries the Rosary has been a source of abundant blessings. In her apparitions at Lourdes, France, in 1858 and again at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, Mary urged Catholics to pray the Rosary daily in order to bring about the conversion of sinners and a lasting world peace. We should resolve to say the Most Holy Rosary everyday. Besides being a beautiful tribute of love and filial piety, to our Heavenly Mother, it will be our support and joy in life and our consolation at the hour of death.
Thought for the Day – 15 August – Meditations with Antonio Cardinal Bacci (1881-1971)
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Even as Christ, by His Own Power, rose from the grave, so, by reason of His intervention, the soul of Mary was re-united, after a short separation, with her body and she was taken up, body and soul into everlasting glory. It was fitting that this privilege should have been bestowed upon the Mother of God. It would have been unbecoming for the Immaculate flesh , in which the Divine Body of Jesus was formed, to have been allowed to corrupt in the grave. It was fitting too that she, who was to be proclaimed Queen of Angels and of men, should have come immediately to her throne of glory, with her humanity integral and unimpaired. Her resurrection was, moreover, the reward of her virginal purity. From the first moment of her conception, she was preserved free from Original Sin and from every evil inclination and, throughout her life, she advanced, further and further, in the way of perfection.
We shall rise one day too, O Blessed Mother. Grant in your great love for us that we may so imitate your example. to deserve to rise in glory and to be associated with you, in everlasting happiness.”
The Ninth Day: Mary in Heaven, the Help of Christians on Earth
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 succour as Mother of mercy is not confined to individuals. She is the protectress and helper of the whole Church. All over the earth, wherever we cast our glance, in the records of the history of times, long past and those of recent occurrence, we find testimony of the graces and benefits, obtained through her intercession. The feasts celebrated by the Church, throughout the year, what are they but evidences of gratitude, offered to the Queen of Heaven for the oftentimes, miraculous delivery from war, pestilence and other great afflictions? Hence she is rightly invoked as the “Help of Christians.”
The processional Statue of St John Bosco’s Our Lady Help of Christians in Turin
Practice: In our days, too, storms and dangers threaten the Church. Let us, therefore, by calling on Mary for help, do our part toward shortening the days of visitation and trial. Let us not confine our petitions, to her, within the narrow limits, of our own personal needs but let us join in the cry for assistance ascending to the Mother of mercy, throughout all Christendom. Let us daily, for Holy Church, send up our petition to Mary’s heavenly throne: “Help of Christians, pray for us!”
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 Nine
Glorious Virgin and Mother of God, Mary, Queen of Heaven! Forget us not! Thou art the help of Christians; lighten our tribulations and help us with motherly intercession at the throne of thy Divine Son. With Holy Church, I join in the petition to thee: “Holy Mary, aid the miserable, assist the desponding, strengthen the weak, pray for thy people, plead for the clergy, intercede for the devout mothers, woman and consecrated woman. Let all who have recourse to thee experience the efficacy of thy succour!” And my holy Mother and Queen, forget not, 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.
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.
Our Morning Offering – 13 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” – –
The Memorare By St Bernard (1090-1153) Mellifluous Doctor
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother, to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen
(The Express Novena you will recall, is 9 times the Memorare within one day).
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.
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.
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.
The Fourth Day: Reasons for the Bodily Assumption of Mary 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: 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.
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?
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.
Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Third Day
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.
Novena to Our Lady of the Assumption, the Second Day
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.
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.
Begins 6 August in preparation for the Feast on 15 August – a Holy Day.
On 1 November 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Dogma of the Assumption. 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. To avoid all that is uncertain, the Pope did not state either the manner or the circumstances of time and place in which the Assumption took place — only the fact of the Assumption of Mary, body and soul, into the Glory of Heaven, is the matter of the definition.
Lord Jesus Christ, Thou has destroyed the power of death and given the hope of eternal life, for body and soul.
Thou granted Thy Mother a special place in Thy glory and did not allow decay to touch her body.
As we rejoice in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grant us renewed confidence in the victory of life over death. Amen.
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
THE NINETH DAY
(An Indulgence of 5 Years for this Prayer — Roman Missal)
Prayer to Venerate With Solemn Worship The Price of Our Salvation
Almighty and Everlasting God, who hast appointed thine Only-Begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world and hast been pleased to be reconciled unto u, by His Blood, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate with solemn worship, the price of our salvation, that the power thereof may here on earth. keep us from all things hurtful and the fruit of the same, may gladden us forever hereafter in Heaven . through the same Christ our Lord. Amen
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore, be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE EIGHTH DAY
Eternal father I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins and in supplication for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE SEVENTH DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Savior and my God, for all my needs, both temporal and spiritual, as an intercession for the Holy Souls in Purgatory and in an especial manner, for those who were most devoted to this price of our Redemption and to the sorrows and sufferings of our dear Mother, Mary most Holy.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE SIXTH DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for all men who are lovers of this great Treasure and who are united with me in adoring and glorifying It and who labour to spread this devotion.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus, Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE FIFTH DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for all those who are to pass this day to the other life, that Thou wouldst deliver them from the pains of hell and admit them with all speed, to the possession of Thy glory.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE FOURTH DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, f or all my relatives, friends and enemies, for those in need, in sickness, in tribulation and for all those, for whom Thou knowest that I am bound to pray and willest that I should pray.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Indulgenced Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE THIRD DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for the conversion of unbelievers, the rooting-up of all heresies and the conversion of all sinners, especially those within our homes and within Holy Mother Church.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE SECOND DAY
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for peace and concord among Catholic Kings and Princes, for the humbling of the enemies of our Holy Faith and the welfare of all Thy Christian people.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE NINTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Angels and the unknown Saints of all states.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who complains of the coldness and indifference of the lukewarm,and who promises so much to fervent souls, who have the generosity to relinquish all, in order to love Him without reserve.
Practice—Endeavour to discover the cause of your want of devotion and of your tepidity; adopt such measures as will enable you to arise from this state and embrace every means ,which may contribute to render you more agreeable in the eyes of Jesus Christ.
Practice–Perform some penance, some generous act of virtue, in reparation of the outrages which He receives.
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
Novena in Honour of The Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood of Jesus
(An Indulgence of 3 years–Pius VII, 1817)
THE FIRST DAY
Eternal Father, I offer thee the merits of the Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy beloved Son, my Saviour and my God, for the spread and exaltation of my dear Mother, Thy holy Church, for the preservation and welfare of her visible Head, the true sovereign Roman Pontiff, for the Cardinals, Bishops and Pastors of souls and for all the Priests of the Sanctuary.
Glory be to the Father, etc.
Blessed and praised for evermore, be Jesus Who hath saved us with His Blood!
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE EIGHTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Archangels and the Holy Innocents.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which is sensibly afflicted with the outrages and impieties of those who are rebels to the Church and good morals and, which desires to find faithful Christians, who will endeavour to repair these disorders.
Practice-–Perform some penance, some generous act of virtue, in reparation for the outrages which He receives.
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, that I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
NOVENA OF DEVOTION TO THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS Begins tomorrow 22 June
“Blood that but one drop of has the world to win All the world forgiveness of its world of sin.” (Adoro te Devote – St Thomas Aquinas)
In his book, The Precious Blood, Father Frederick William Faber CO (1814-1863). calls St Paul the “Doctor of the Precious Blood” owing to his evident fondness to preach on It in his epistles (Romans 3:25; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 9:12).
He recounts that the lives of Saints are replete with devotion to the Precious Blood, making special mention of St. John Chrysostom, St. Austin, St. Gertrude and St Catherine of Sienna, whom he considered the Prophetess of the Precious Blood for putting emphasis on It as the solution to the ills of her times.
Father Faber also remarks that the Precious Blood makes us appreciate more deeply, Christ’s Redemption of mankind, His Sacrifice and Passion.
It also makes us comprehend the beautiful doctrine and the august realities of the Blessed Sacrament as we kneel in front of the Tabernacle in humble adoration.
Over time the Church gave Her blessing to the devotion by approving societies like the Missionaries of the Precious Blood; enriching confraternities like that of St Nicholas in Carcere, in Rome and that of the London Oratory; attaching indulgences to prayers and scapulars in honour of the Precious Blood and instituting commemorative Feasts of the Precious Blood, Friday after the fourth Sunday in Lent and, since Pope Pius IX, the first Sunday of July.
Sadly, however, the Feast was removed from the Universal Calendar in 1969, the argument being that the cultus of the Precious Blood is included in the Mass and Divine Office of the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Nevertheless, we who follow the Traditional Calendar still celebrate this Feast and the Month of July, as dedicated to the Most Precious Blood, just as Pope Pius IX intended it to be.
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE SEVENTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Principalities, and the Holy Virgins and Widows.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which delights to be with the children of men and which, with tenderness, pities our miseries and our wants.
Practice-–Esteem the happiness you enjoy, in being able to converse with Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament and avail yourself of this advantage, as often as you can, without neglecting the duties of your state.
Prayer of St. Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, hat I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE SIXTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Powers, and the Holy Confessors.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, containing within itself the plenitude of graces and opening to diffuse them abundantly on those who address themselves to it.
Practice—Humble yourself in the presence of your Saviour for having so often abused his mercies and with new ardour and perfect confidence, implore Him to grant you grace.
Prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, hat I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE FIFTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Virtues and the Holy Doctors.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, endowed with all the virtues and making their practice easy to you, by the efficacy of its merits and the force of its example.
Practice–Meditate on that virtue which you particularly require; apply yourself to practise it and let not the day pass without making some acts of this virtue.
Prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, hat I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
Everyday unite your prayers and adorations with those of the Most Holy Virgin and of one of the nine choirs of Angels and Saints, to honour one of the dispositions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and to practise some virtue in its honour.
THE FOURTH DAY
With the Blessed Virgin, the Dominations and the Holy Martyrs.
Adore the Sacred Heart of Jesus, burning with love for you and implore, as a favour, that your love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus may be increased.
Practice-–Visit the Sacred Heart, as often as possible, to render to it your thanksgiving, for the love it bears for you and to profess your love for it.
Prayer of St Alphonsus Liguori to the Sacred Heart
O Adorable Heart of my Jesus, Heart created expressly. for the love of men! Until now, I have shown towards Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O my Jesus. Heart of my Jesus, Abyss of Love and of Mercy, how is it possible, hat I do not die of sorrow when I reflect on Thy Goodness to me and my ingratitude to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, hast given Thy Blood and Thy Life for me and, not content with this, Thou hast invented a means of offering Thyself everyday for me, in the Holy Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and outrages. Ah, Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great contrition for my sins and a lively love for Thee. Through Thy Tears and Thy Blood, give me the grace of perseverance in Thy fervent love, until I breathe my last sigh. Amen.
AnaStpaul 
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