Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty Four – 9 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty Four – 9 November

Second Week

Day 24 of 33

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, No. 152-164

This devotion is a smooth, short, perfect and sure way of attaining union with our Lord, in which Christian perfection consists.
(a) This devotion is a smooth way:   It is the path which Jesus Christ opened up in coming to us and in which there is no obstruction to prevent us reaching Him.   It is quite true that we can attain to divine union by other roads but these involve many more crosses and exceptional setbacks and many difficulties that we cannot easily overcome.
(b) This devotion is a short way to discover Jesus:   either because it is a road we do not wander from, or because, as we have just said, we walk along this road with greater ease and joy and consequently with greater speed.   We advance more in a brief period of submission to Mary and dependence on her, than in whole years of self-will and self-reliance.
(c) This devotion is a perfect way to reach our Lord and be united to Him:   for Mary is the most perfect and the most holy of all creatures and Jesus, who came to us in a perfect manner, chose no other road for His great and wonderful journey.   The Most High, the Incomprehensible One, the Inaccessible One, He who is, deigned to come down to us poor earthly creatures who are nothing at all.   How was this done?   The Most High God came down to us in a perfect way through the humble Virgin Mary, without losing anything of His divinity or holiness.   It is likewise through Mary that we poor creatures must ascend to almighty God in a perfect manner without having anything to fear.
(d) This devotion to our Lady is a sure way to go to Jesus:  and to acquire holiness through union with Him.   The devotion which I teach is not new.   Indeed it could not be condemned without overthrowing the foundations of Christianity.   It is obvious then that this devotion is not new.   If it is not commonly practised, the reason is that it is too sublime to be appreciated and undertaken by everyone.   This devotion is a safe means of going to Jesus Christ, because it is Mary’s role to lead us safely to her Son.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Spirit, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ave Maris Stella: 
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary:  https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/ and the RosaryDAY TWENTY-FOUR SECOND WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 9 NOV 2018

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 9 November – Pope Benedict on the Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran

Thought for the Day – 9 November – Pope Benedict on the Feast of the Dedication of St John Lateran

In a sense, St John Lateran is the parish church of all Catholics, because it is the pope’s cathedral.   This church, is the spiritual home, of the people who are the Church.

Excerpt of Pope Benedict’s

Angelus Address 9 November 2008

“The Word of God during this Solemnity recalls an essential truth – the stone temple is the symbol of the living Church, the Christian community, that the Apostles Peter and Paul had, in their Letters, already understood as a “spiritual building”, constructed by God with the “living stones” that are the Christians, upon the one foundation that is Jesus Christ, who is in turn compared to the “cornerstone” cf. 1 Cor 3: 9-11, 16-17; 1 Pt 2: 4-8; Eph 2: 20-22).   “Brethren,… you are God’s building”, St Paul writes and he adds, “God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple” (1 Cor 3: 9c, 17).

The beauty and the harmony of churches, destined to render praise to God, invites us human beings too, though limited and sinful, to convert ourselves to form a “cosmos”, a well-ordered construction, in close communion with Jesus, who is the true Holy of Holies.   This reaches its culmination in the Eucharistic liturgy, in which the “ecclesia” that is, the community of baptised finds itself again united to listen to the Word of God and nourish itself on the Body and Blood of Christ.   Gathered around this twofold table, the Church of living stones builds herself up in truth and in love and is moulded interiorly by the Holy Spirit, transforming herself into what she receives, conforming herself ever more to her Lord Jesus Christ.   She herself, if she lives in sincere and fraternal unity, thus becomes a spiritual sacrifice pleasing to God.

Dear friends, today’s feast celebrates an ever current mystery – that God desires to build himself a spiritual temple in the world, a community that adores Him in spirit and truth (cf. Jn 4: 23-24).

But this occasion reminds us also of the importance of the concrete buildings in which the community gathers together to celebrate God’s praises.   Every communit,y therefore, has the duty to carefully guard their holy structures, which constitute a precious religious and historical patrimony.   For this we invoke the intercession of Mary Most Holy, so that she might help us to become, like her, a “house of God”, living temple of his love.”

gods-desire-to-build-pope-benedict-9-nov-2017

mary most holy pray for us - 9 nov 2018

Posted in CATECHESIS, franciscan OFM, MARIAN QUOTES, MARIAN TITLES, PAPAL SERMONS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 8 November – Pope Benedict on Blessed John Duns Scotus

Thought for the Day – 8 November – The Memorial of Blessed John Duns Scotus OFM (c 1265-1308)

Excerpt from Pope Benedict XVI’s

Catechesis on Blessed John Duns Scotus
General Audience – 7 July 2010

“The Immaculate Conception”

This morning, after several Catecheses on various great theologians, I would like to present to you another important figure in the history of theology.   He is Blessed John Duns Scotus, who lived at the end of the 13th century.   An ancient epitaph on his tombstone sums up the geographical coordinates of his biography:  “Scotland bore me, England received me, France taught me, Cologne in Germany holds me”.   We cannot disregard this information, partly because we know very little about the life of Duns Scotus.   He was probably born in 1266 in a village called, precisely, “Duns”, near Edinburgh.
Attracted by the charism of St Francis of Assisi, he entered the Family of the Friars Minor and was ordained a priest in 1291.   He was endowed with a brilliant mind and a tendency for speculation, which earned him the traditional title of Doctor subtilis, “Subtle Doctor”.

Mary is the subject of the Doctor subtilis’ thought.   In the times of Duns Scotus the majority of theologians countered with an objection that seemed insurmountable, the doctrine which holds that Mary Most Holy was exempt from original sin from the very first moment of her conception – in fact, at first sight the universality of the Redemption brought about by Christ might seem to be jeopardised by such a statement, as though Mary had had no need of Christ or His redemption.   Therefore the theologians opposed this thesis.   Thus, to enable people to understand this preservation from original sin Duns Scotus developed an argument that was later, in 1854, also to be used by Bl Pope Pius IX when he solemnly defined the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.   And this argument is that of “preventive Redemption”, according to which the Immaculate Conception is the masterpiece of the Redemption brought about by Christ because the very power of His love and His mediation obtained, that the Mother be preserved from original sin.   Therefore Mary is totally redeemed by Christ but already before her conception.   Duns Scotus’ confreres, the Franciscans, accepted and spread this doctrine enthusiastically and other theologians, often with a solemn oath, strove to defend and perfect it.

In this regard I would like to highlight a fact that I consider relevant.   Concerning the teaching on the Immaculate Conception, important theologians like Duns Scotus enriched what the People of God already spontaneously believed about the Blessed Virgin and expressed in acts of devotion, in the arts and in Christian life in general with the specific contribution of their thought.   Thus faith both in the Immaculate Conception and in the bodily Assumption of the Virgin was already present in the People of God, while theology had not yet found the key to interpreting it in the totality of the doctrine of the faith.   The People of God therefore precede theologians and this is all thanks to that supernatural sensus fidei, namely, that capacity infused by the Holy Spirit that qualifies us to embrace the reality of the faith with humility of heart and mind. In this sense, the People of God is the “teacher that goes first” and must then be more deeply examined and intellectually accepted by theology.

May theologians always be ready to listen to this source of faith and retain the humility and simplicity of children!   I mentioned this a few months ago saying: “There have been great scholars, great experts, great theologians, teachers of faith who have taught us many things.   They have gone into the details of Sacred Scripture… but have been unable to see the mystery itself, its central nucleus…. The essential has remained hidden!… On the other hand, in our time there have also been “little ones” who have understood this mystery.   Let us think of St Bernadette Soubirous; of St Thérèse of Lisieux, with her new interpretation of the Bible that is “non-scientific’ but goes to the heart of Sacred Scripture”

Dear brothers and sisters, Bl Duns Scotus teaches us that in our life the essential is to believe that God is close to us and loves us in Jesus Christ and, therefor,e to cultivate a deep love for Him and for His Church.   We on earth are witnesses of this love.   May Mary Most Holy help us to receive this infinite love of God, which we will enjoy eternally to the full in Heaven, when our soul is at last united to God for ever in the Communion of Saints.

Blessed John Duns Scotus, Pray for Us!bl john duns scotus pray for us - 8 nov 2018 no 2

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY, Uncategorized

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty Two – 7 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty Two – 7 November

Second Week

Day 22 of 33

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, Nos. 106-110
Marks of authentic devotion to our Lady

106.   First, true devotion to our Lady is interior, that is, it comes from within the mind and the heart and follows from the esteem in which we hold her, the high regard we have for her greatness and the love we bear her.

107.   Second, it is trustful, that is to say, it fills us with confidence in the Blessed Virgin, the confidence that a child has for its loving Mother.   It prompts us to go to her in every need of body and soul with great simplicity, trust and affection.

108.   Third, true devotion to our Lady is holy, that is, it leads us to avoid sin and to imitate the virtues of Mary.   Her ten principal virtues are:  deep humility, lively faith, blind obedience, unceasing prayer, constant self-denial, surpassing purity, ardent love, heroic patience, angelic kindness and heavenly wisdom.

109.   Fourth, true devotion to our Lady is constant.   It strengthens us in our desire to do good and prevents us from giving up our devotional practices too easily.   It gives us the courage to oppose the fashions and maxims of the world, the vexations and unruly inclinations of the flesh and the temptations of the devil.   Thus, a person truly devoted to our Blessed Lady is not changeable, fretful, scrupulous or timid.

110.   Fifth, true devotion to Mary is disinterested.   It inspires us to seek God alone in His Blessed Mother and not ourselves.   The true subject o,f Mary does not serve his illustrious Queen for selfish gain.   He does not serve her for temporal or eternal well-being but simply and solely, because she has the right to be served and God alone in her.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Spirit, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ave Maris Stella:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/ and the RosaryDAY TWENTY-TWO SECOND WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 7 NOV 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty-one – 6 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty-one – 6 November

Second Week

Day 21 of 33

From Secret of Mary:   Nos. 23-24
True Devotion to Our Blessed Lady

If we would go up to God and be united with Him, we must use the same means He used to come down to us to be made Man and to impart His graces to us.    This means is a true devotion to our Blessed Lady.

There are several true devotions to our Lady, here I do not speak of those which are false.   The first consists in fulfilling our Christian duties, avoiding mortal sin, acting more out of love than with fear, praying to our Lady now and then, honouring her as the Mother of God, yet without having any special devotion to her.

The second consists in entertaining for our Lady more perfect feelings of esteem and love, of confidence and veneration.   It leads us to join the Confraternities of the Holy Rosary and of the Scapular, to recite the five or the fifteen decades of the Holy Rosary, to honour Mary’s images and altars, to publish her praises and to enrol ourselves in her modalities.   This devotion is good, holy and praiseworthy if we keep ourselves free from sin.   But it is not so perfect as the next, nor so efficient in severing our soul from creatures, in detaching ourselves in order to be united with Jesus Christ.

The third devotion to our Lady, known and practised by very few persons, is this I am about to disclose to you, predestinate soul.   It consists in giving one’s self entirely and as a slave to Mary and to Jesus through Mary and after that, to do all that we do, through Mary, with Mary in Mary and for Mary.    We should choose a special feast day on which we give, consecrate and sacrifice to Mary voluntarily, lovingly and without constraint, entirely and without reserve – our body and soul, our exterior property such as house, family and income and also our interior and spiritual possessions, namely, our merits, graces, virtues and satisfactions.

Recite:  Litany of the Holy Spirit, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ave Maris Stella:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary:    https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/11/05/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-second-week-day-twenty-5-november/  and the Rosary DAY TWENTY-ONE SECOND WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 6 NOV 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty – 5 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Second Week – Day Twenty – 5 November

Second Week

Day 20 of 33
Theme for the Week:  Knowledge Of The Blessed Virgin

Acts of love, pious affection for the Blessed Virgin, imitation of her virtues, especially her profound humility, her lively faith, her blind obedience, her continual mental prayer, her mortification in all things, her surpassing purity, her ardent charity, her heroic patience, her angelic sweetness and her divine wisdom: “there being,” as St Louis De Montfort says, “the ten principal virtues of the Blessed Virgin.”

We must unite ourselves to Jesus through Mary – this is the characteristic of our devotion, therefore, Saint Louis De Montfort asks that we employ ourselves in acquiring a knowledge of the Blessed Virgin.

Mary is our sovereign and our mediatrix, our Mother and our Mistress.   Let us then endeavour to know the effects of this royalty, of this mediation and of this maternity, as well as the grandeurs and prerogatives which are the foundation or consequences thereof.   Our Mother is also a perfect mould wherein we are to be moulded in order to make her intentions and dispositions ours.   This we cannot achieve without studying the interior life of Mary, namely, her virtues, her sentiments, her actions, her participation in the mysteries of Christ and her union with Him.

Luke 2:16-21, 45-52
And they came with haste and they found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in the manger.   And seeing, they understood of the word that had been spoken to them concerning this child.   And all that heard, wondered and at those things that were told them by the shepherds.   But Mary kept all these words, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God, for all the things they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.   And after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel, before he was conceived in the womb…

…And not finding him, they returned into Jerusalem, seeking him.   And it came to pass, that, after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, hearing them and asking them questions.   And all that heard him were astonished at his wisdom and his answers.   And seeing him, they wondered.   And his mother said to him: Son, why have you done so to us?  behold your father and I have sought you sorrowing. And he said to them:  How is it that you sought me? did you not know, that I must be about my father’s business?   And they understood not the word that he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was subject to them.   And his mother kept all these words in her heart.   And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and grace with God and men.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Ave Maris Stella:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/

St Louis de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary (below) and the Rosary

St Louis De Montfort’s Prayer to Mary

Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father!   Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son!   Hail Mary, faithful spouse of the Holy Spirit!   Hail Mary, my dear Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign!   Hail my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul! Thou art all mine by mercy and I am all thine by justice.   But I am not yet sufficiently thine.   I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others.   If thou still see in me anything which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and to make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine.   Destroy in me all that may be displeasing to God, root it up and bring it to nought, place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee.

May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind, may thy profound humility take the place of my pride, may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination, may thy continuous sight of God fill my memory with His presence, may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine, may thy virtues take the place of my sins, may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me.

Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus and His divine will, that I may have no other soul but thine to praise and glorify the Lord, that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine.    I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotion or spiritual pleasures.   It is thy privilege to see God clearly, it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss, it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in Heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men and demons, it is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou will.

Such is, O heavenly Mary, the “best part,” which the Lord has given thee and which shall never be taken away from thee – and this thought fills my heart with joy.   As for my part here below, I wish for no other, than that which was thine – to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants.

The only grace I beg thee to obtain for me is that every day and every moment of my life I may say:  Amen, so be it’s all that thou didst do while on earth;  Amen, so be it’s all that thou art now doing in Heaven;  Amen, so be it-to all that thou art doing in my soul, so that thou alone may fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity.   Amen.

Pray The RosaryDAY TWENTY SECOND WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 5 NOV 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Eighteen – 3 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Eighteen – 3 November

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 18 of 33

Luke 17:1-10

On Leading Others Astray:  And he said to his disciples:  ‘It is impossible that scandals should not come, but woe to him through whom they come.   It were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck and he cast into the sea, than that he should scandalise one of these little ones.’
On Brotherly Correction:  ‘Take heed to yourselves.   If your brother sin against you, reprove him:   and if he do penance, forgive him.   And if he sin against you seven times in a day and seven times in a day be converted unto you, saying, I repent, forgive him.’
The Power of Faith :  And the apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith.   And the Lord said: ‘If you had faith like to a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree,   Be you rooted up and be you transplanted into the sea and it would obey you. ‘
Humble Service:  But which of you having a servant ploughing, or feeding cattle, will say to him, when he is come from the field:  Immediately go, sit down to meat:   And will not rather say to him: Make ready my supper and gird yourself and serve me, whilst I eat and drink and afterwards you shalt eat and drink?   Does he thank that servant, for doing the things which he commanded him?   I think not.   So you also, when you shall have done all these things that are commanded you, say:  We are unprofitable servants; we have done that which we ought to do.’

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapter 47
That All Grievous Things Are to Be Endured For the Sake of Eternal Life

My son, be not wearied out by the labours which you have undertaken for My sake, nor let tribulation cast you down ever at all but let My promise strengthen and comfort you under every circumstance. I am well able to reward you, above all measure and degree. You shall not long toil here, nor always be oppressed with griefs. Wait a little while, and you shall see a speedy end of your evils.

Recite:   Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/DAY EIGHTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 3 NOV 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on HUMILITY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11

One Minute Reflection – 3 November – Today’s Gospel: Luke 14:1, 7-11 – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B and The Memorial of St Martin de Porres (1579-1639)

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled
but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”…Luke 14:11

REFLECTION – “Humility is not just about self-mistrust but about the entrusting of ourselves to God.   Distrusting ourselves and our own strength produces trust in God and from that trust generosity of soul is born.

The most holy Virgin, Our Lady, gave us an outstanding example of this when she spoke these words:  “Behold I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38).   When she said she was the handmaid of the Lord she was performing the greatest act of humility it is possible to do and all the more so in that she was contradicting the praise given her by the angel – that she would be mother of God, that the child to be born from her womb would be called Son of the Most High, a greater dignity than any we might imagine – I say, she opposed her lowliness and unworthiness to all these praises and greatness by saying that she was the handmaid of the Lord.   Yet note how, no sooner had she rendered her duty to humility than she practised outstanding generosity by saying:  “May it be to me according to your word”.
What she wanted to say was:  It is true I am in no way capable of this grace if one is to consider what I am of myself but insofar as what is good in me comes from God and what you say to me is His own most holy will, I believe it may happen and will happen. And so, without the least hesitation, she said:  “Let it be done to me according to your word”St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Churchluke 14 11 for everyone who exalts himself - humility is not just about - st francis de sales - 3 nov 2018

PRAYER – Lord Jesus, help us to appreciate and live Your spiritual values and give them the first place in our hearts.   Grant that we may always seek them first and remain forever united with You.   Send Your Spirit with his gifts and blessings and may the Mother of all Virtue, assist us in our need.   Help us to follow the path of humility St Martin so splendidly showed us, that we may obtain from You, as he did, a place in Your Kingdom. St Martin de Porres, pray for us, amen.mater admirabilis - pray for us - 5 may 2018 - better edit.

st-martin-pray-for-us-3-nov-2017

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 3 November – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Our Morning Offering – 3 November – Saturday of the Thirtieth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Most Holy Mary
By St Francis de Sales (1567-1622) Doctor of the Church

Most Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God,
I am unworthy to be your servant.
Yet moved by your motherly care for me
and longing to serve you,
I choose you this day to be my Queen,
my Advocate and my Mother.
I firmly resolve ever
to be devoted to you
and to do what I can to encourage others
to be devoted to you.
My loving Mother,
through the Precious Blood of your Son shed for me,
I beg you to receive me
as your servant forever.
Aid me in my actions
and beg for me, the grace
never by thought, word, or deed
to be displeasing in your sight
and that of your most holy Son.
Remember me, dearest Mother,
and do not abandon me at the hour of death.
Amenmost holy mary by st francis de sales - 3 nov 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Seventeen – 2 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Seventeen – 2 November

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 17 of 33

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, No. 228

Of Judgement and the Punishment of Sinners!    In all things look to the end and how you will stand before that strict Judge (Heb. 10:31) to whom nothing is hidden, who is not appeased with gifts, nor admits excuses but will judge according to right.   O wretched and foolish sinner, who sometimes are in terror at the countenance of an angry man, what answer will you make to God who knows all your wickedness (Job 9:2)!   Why do you not provide for yourself (Luke 16:9) against the day of judgement, when no man can be excused or defended by another but everyone shall be a sufficient burden for himself!

Luke 16:1-8
The Crafty Steward

And he said also to his disciples:   There was a certain rich man who had a steward and the same was accused unto him, that he had wasted his goods.   And he called him and said to him:  How is it that I hear this of you? give an account of your stewardship, for now you cannot be steward any longer.   And the steward said within himself:  What shall I do, because my lord takes away from me the stewardship?   To dig I am not able, to beg I am ashamed.   I know what I will do, that when I shall be removed from the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.   Therefore, calling together every one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first:   How much do you owe my lord?   But he said:  A hundred barrels of oil.   And he said to him:  Take your bill and sit down quickly and write fifty.   Then he said to another:  And how much do you owe?   Who said: A hundred quarters of wheat.   He said to him:  Take your bill and write eighty.   And the lord commended the unjust steward, forasmuch as he had done wisely, for the children of this world are wiser in their generation than the children of light.

Recite:  Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella – See here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/DAY SEVENTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 2 NOV 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Sixteen – 3 November

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Sixteen – 3 November

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 16 of 33

From True Devotion To the Blessed Virgin Mary, No. 228
Preparatory Exercises

During the first week they should offer up all their prayers and acts of devotion to acquire knowledge of themselves and sorrow for their sins.   Let them perform all their actions in a spirit of humility.   With this end in view they may, if they wish, meditate on what I have said concerning our corrupted nature and consider themselves during six days of the week as nothing but sails, slugs, toads, swine, snakes and goats.
Or else they may meditate on the following three considerations of St Bernard: “Remember what you were – corrupted seed; what you are – a body destined for decay; what you will be -food for worms.”
They will ask our Lord and the Holy Spirit to enlighten them saying, “Lord, that I may see,” or “Lord, let me know myself,” or the “Come, Holy Spirit”.
Every day they should say the Litany of the Holy Spirit, with the prayer that follows, as indicated in the first part of this work.
They will turn to our Blessed Lady and beg her to obtain for them that great grace which is the foundation of all others, the grace of self-knowledge.   For this intention, they will say each day the Ave Maris Stella and the Litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 2, Chapter 5
Of Self-consideration

We cannot trust overmuch to ourselves (Jer. 17:5), because grace oftentimes is wanting to us and understanding also.   Little light is there in us and this we quickly lose by our negligence.   Oftentimes too, we perceive not our inward blindness how great it is. Oftentimes, we do evil and excuse it worse (Psalm 141:4).   We are sometimes moved with passion and we think it zeal.   We reprehend small things in others and pass over our own greater matters (Matt. 7:5).   Quickly enough, we feel and weigh, what we suffer at the hands of others but we mind not how much others suffer from us.   He, that well and rightly considers his own works, will find little cause to judge hardly of another.

Recite:  Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella    See here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/ DAY SIXTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 1 NOV 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, FATHERS of the Church, JESUIT SJ, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CONVERSION, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on OBEDIENCE, QUOTES on PERSEVERANCE, QUOTES on REPENTANCE, QUOTES on SANCTITY, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:22–30

One Minute Reflection – 31 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 13:22–30 – Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time, Year B and the Memorial of St Alphonsus Rodriguez SJ (1532-1617)

“Strive to enter through the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be able…”…Luke 13:24.

REFLECTION – “Strive to enter in by the narrow door.”   This reply may seem perhaps to wander from the scope of the question.   The man wanted to learn whether there would be few who are saved but He explained to him the way whereby he might be saved himself.   He said, “Strive to enter in by the narrow door.”   What do we answer to this objection? … It was a necessary and valuable thing to know how a man may obtain salvation.   He is purposely silent to the useless question.   He proceeds to speak of what was essential, namely, of the knowledge necessary for the performance of those duties by which people can enter the narrow door.
I now consider it my duty to mention why the door to life is narrow.   Whoever would enter must first, before everything else, possess an upright and uncorrupted faith and then a spotless morality, in which there is no possibility of blame, according to the measure of human righteousness.   One who has attained to this in mind and spiritual strength will enter easily by the narrow door and run along the narrow way.
“Wide is the door and broad the way that brings down many to destruction.”   What are we to understand by its broadness?   It means an unrestrained tendency toward carnal lust and a shameful and pleasure-loving life.   It is luxurious feasts, parties, banquets and unrestricted inclinations to everything that is condemned by the law and displeasing to God.   A stubborn mind will not bow to the yoke of the law.   This life is cursed and relaxed in all carelessness.   Thrusting from it the divine law and completely unmindful of the sacred commandments, wealth, vices, scorn, pride and the empty imagination of earthly pride spring from it.   Those who would enter in by the narrow door must withdraw from all these things, be with Christ and keep the festival with him.”…St Cyril of Alexandria (376-444) Father & Doctor (Commentary on Luke, Homily 9strive to enter - luke 13 24 - whoever would enter - st cyril of alex - 31 oct 2018

PRAYER – Shed Your clear light on our hearts, Lord, so that walking continually in the way of Your commandments, we may never be deceived or misled.   Grant that the prayers of our Blessed Mother and St Alphonsus Rodriguez, who always held Your Light up for others to see by, give us strength.   Through Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.sancta maria -mary most holy - pray for us - 10 may 2018

st alphonsus rodriguez pray for us no 2- 31 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Fourteen – 30 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Fourteen – 30 October

Readings and Prayers

First Week
Theme for the Week: Knowledge Of Self

Day 14 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis:  Book 3, Chapter 13

Of the Obedience of One in Humble Subjection, After the Example of Jesus Christ

My son, he that endeavours to withdraw himself from obedience, withdraws himself from grace and he who seeks for himself private benefit (Matt. 16:24), loses those which are common.   He that does not cheerfully and freely submit himself to his superior, it is a sign that his flesh is not as yet perfectly obedient unto him but oftentimes kicks and murmurs against him.
Learn, therefore, quickly to submit yourself to your superior, if you desire to keep your own flesh under the yoke.   For more speedily is the outward enemy overcome, if the inward man be not laid waste.   There is no worse, nor more troublesome enemy to the soul, than you are unto yourself, if you be not well in harmony with the Spirit.
It is altogether necessary that you take up a true contempt for yourself, if you desire to prevail against flesh and blood.
Because as yet you love yourself too inordinately, therefore, you are afraid to resign yourself wholly to the will of others.   And yet, what great matter is it, if you, who are but dust and nothing, subject yourself to a man for God’s sake, when I, the Almighty and the Most Highest who created all things of nothing, humbly subjected Myself to man for your sake?

I became of all men the most humble and the most abject (Luke 2:7; John 13:14), that you might overcome your pride with My humility.

O dust! learn to be obedient.   Learn to humble yourself, you earth and clay and to bow yourself down under the feet of all men.   Learn to break your own wishes and to yield yourself to all subjection.

Recite: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella ( See here:
https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/29/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-first-week-day-thirteen-29-october/ )DAY FOURTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 30 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY GHOST, The WORD, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Thirteen – 29 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – First Week – Day Thirteen – 29 October

Readings and Prayers

First Week

Day 13 of 33

Theme for the Week:  Knowledge Of Self

Prayers, examinations, reflection, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self, all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her that we hope for light to know ourselves.   It is near her, that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.

We should employ all our pious actions in asking for a knowledge of ourselves and contrition of our sins and we should do this in a spirit of piety.   During this period, we shall consider not so much the opposition that exists between the spirit of Jesus and ours, as the miserable and humiliating state to which our sins have reduced us.

Moreover, the True Devotion being an easy, short, sure and perfect way to arrive at that union with Our Lord which is Christlike perfection, we shall enter seriously upon this way, strongly convinced of our misery and helplessness.   But how attain this without a knowledge of ourselves’?

Luke 11:1-10

He was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.   Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us and do not subject us to the final test.”

And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed.   I cannot get up to give you anything.’   I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.   For everyone who asks, receives and the one who seeks, finds and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Recite:   Litany of the Holy Spirit, Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, & Ave Maris Stella (See below)DAY THIRTEEN FIRST WEEK- TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 29 oct 2018

First Week

Litany of the Holy Spirit

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Father all powerful, have mercy on us Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.
Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us
Holy Spirit, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Spirit, Who are equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us
Author of all good, have mercy on us
Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us Consuming fire, have mercy on us
Ardent charity, have mercy on us Spiritual unction, have mercy on us
Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us
Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us
Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us
Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us
Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us
Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us
Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, the Comforter, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us Holy Spirit, Who governs the Church, have mercy on us
Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us
Spirit Who fills the universe, have mercy on us
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, inspire us with horror of sin.
Holy Spirit, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Spirit, shed Your light in our souls.
Holy Spirit, engrave Your law in our hearts Holy Spirit, inflame us with the flame of Your love. Holy Spirit, open to us the treasures of Your graces Holy Spirit, teach us to pray well.
Holy Spirit, enlighten us with Your heavenly inspirations.
Holy Spirit, lead us in the way of salvation Holy Spirit, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Spirit, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Spirit, grant us the merits of all virtues.
Holy Spirit, make us persevere in justice.
Holy Spirit, be You our everlasting reward.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Send us Your Holy Spirit.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.

V. Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Your faithful,
R. And enkindle in them the fire of Your love.

Let Us Pray. Grant, O merciful Father, that Your Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who with You, in the unity of the same Spirit, lives and reigns forever and ever.
R. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel,pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us. Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us. Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Preparation for Consecration, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us. Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Vessel of honor, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of Heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of angels, pray for us.
Queen of patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of confessors, pray for us.
Queen of virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without Original Sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into Heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of peace, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray. Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, unto us Your servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Your eternal gladness. Through Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, O Star of the ocean,
God’s own Mother blest, ever sinless Virgin,
gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant, hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honour to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one.
Amen

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Twelve – 28 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Twelve – 28 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 12 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis:  Book 1, Chapter 25., cont.

But if you observe anything worthy of reproof, beware you do not the same.   And if at any time you have done it, labour quickly to amend you  rself. As your eye observe others, so are you by others noted again.

How sweet and pleasant a thing it is, to see brethren fervent and devout, obedient and well-disciplined!   How sad and grievous a thing it is, to see them walk disorderly, not applying themselves to that for which they are called!   How hurtful a thing it is, when they neglect the purpose of their calling and busy themselves in things not committed to their care!

Be mindful of the purpose you have embraced and set always before yourself the image of the Crucified.   Good cause you have to be ashamed in looking upon the life of Jesus Christ, seeing you have not as yet endeavoured to conform yourself more unto Him, though you have been a long time in the way of God.

A religious person that exercises himself seriously and devoutly in the most holy life and passion of our Lord, shall there abundantly find whatsoever is profitable and necessary for himself, neither shall he need to seek any better thing, besides Jesus. O if Jesus crucified would come into our hearts, how quickly and fully should we be.   A man fervent and diligent is prepared for all things.

It is harder toil to resist vices and passions, than to sweat in bodily labours.   He that avoids not small faults, by little and little falls into greater.   You will always rejoice in the evening, if you spend the day profitably.   Be watchful over yourself, stir up yourself, warn yourself and whatsoever becomes of others, neglect not yourself.  The more violent means you use against yourself, the more shall you progress. Amen.

Recite:  Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )DAY TWELVE - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 28 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Eleven – 27 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Eleven – 27 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 11 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis:   Book 1, Chapter 25

On the Fervent Amendment of our Whole Life

When a certain anxious person, who often times wavered between hope and fear, once overcome with sadness, threw himself upon the ground in prayer, before one of the altars in the Church and thinking these things in his mind, said “Oh, if I only knew how to persevere,” that very instant he heard within him, this heavenly answer: “And if thou did know this, what would thou do?  Do now what you would do and thou shall be perfectly secure.”   And immediately being consoled and comforted, he committed himself to the Divine Will and his anxious thoughts ceased.   He no longer wished for curious things, searching to find out what would happen to him but studied rather to learn what was the acceptable and perfect will of God for the beginning and the perfection of every good work.

“Hope in the Lord,” said the Prophet, “And do all good and inhabit the land and thou shall be fed of the riches thereof.”

There is one thing that keeps many back from spiritual progress and from fervour in amendment, namely – the labour that is necessary for the struggle.   And assuredly they especially advance beyond others in virtues, who strive the most manfully to overcome the very things which are the hardest and most contrary to them.   For there a man does profit more and merit more abundant grace, when he does most to overcome himself and mortify his spirit.   All have not, indeed, equal difficulties to overcome and mortify but a diligent and zealous person will make a greater progress though he have more passions than another, who is well regulated but less fervent in the pursuit of virtues.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )DAY ELEVEN - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 27 oct 2018

Posted in DOCTORS of the Church, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on MOTHERHOOD, SPEAKING of ....., The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY ROSARY/ROSARY CRUSADE

Quote/s of the Day – 27 Oct – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Quote/s of the Day – 27 Oct – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Speaking of:  Marian Gems

“She (Mary) is like a fiery chariot,
because she conceived within her the Word,
the only-begotten Son of God.
She carries and spreads,
the fire of love,
because her Son IS love.”

St Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) Doctor of the Churchshe mary is like a fiery chariot - st catherine of asiena - 27 oct 2018

“If every woman were an image
of the Mother of God, a spouse of Christ
and an apostle of the divine Heart,
she would fulfil her feminine vocation
no matter in what circumstances she lived
and what her external activities might be.”

St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross/Edith Stein (1891-1942)

if every woman - st teresa benedicta no 2 - 27 oct 2018

“O Blessed Rosary of Mary,
sweet chain which binds us to God,
bond of love which unites us to the angels,
tower of salvation against the assaults of hell,
safe port in our universal shipwreck,
we shall never abandon you.”

Bl Bartholomew Longo (1841-1926)o blessed rosary - bl bartholomew longo - 27 oct 2018

“Mary is the image and model of all mothers,
of their great mission to be guardians of life,
of their mission to be teachers
of the art of living
and of the art of loving.”

Pope Benedict XVImary is the image and model of all mothers - pope benedict - 27 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 27 October – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

Our Morning Offering – 27 October – Saturday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time, Year B

A Morning Salutation to Mary
A Coptic Catholic Prayer

We greet you,
glorious Mother of the Light
O Blessed Mary,
from the rising of the sun
to its setting
praise is due to you,
O Mother of God.
You are the second heaven,
the bright unfading flower,
the ever-virgin mother.
For the Father chose you
and the Holy Spirit overshadowed you
and the Son humbled Himself
and took flesh from you.
Therefore, ask Him to give peace
to the world He has created
and to deliver it from every tribulation.
And we shall sing to Him a new song
and bless Him,
now and forever,
Amena morning salutation to mary - coptic prayer - 27 ocat 2018 sat prayer to mary

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, Thomas a Kempis, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Ten – 26 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Ten – 26 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 10 of 33

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis:  Book 3, Chapter 10

That it is sweet to despise the world and to serve God.

Now, will I speak again, O Lord and will not be silent, I will say in the hearing of my God and my King Who is on high:  Oh, how great is the abundance of Your sweetness, O Lord, which You have hidden for those that fear You!

But what are You, for those who love You?   What, to those who serve You with their whole heart?   Unspeakable indeed is the sweetness of Your contemplation, which You bestow on those who love You.   In this most of all, have You shown me the sweetness of Your love, that when I had no being, You did make me and when I was straying far from You, You brought me back again, that I might serve You and You have commanded me to serve You.

O Fountain of everlasting love, what shall I say of You?   How can I forget You, Who have vouchsafed to remember me even after I was corrupted and lost?

Beyond all hope, You show mercy to Your servant and beyond all desert, have You manifested Your grace and friendship.   What return shall I make to You for this favour? For it is granted to all who forsake these things, to renounce the world and to assume the monastic life.   Is it much that I should serve You, Whom the whole creation is bound to serve?   It ought not to seem much to me to serve You but this does rather appear great and wonderful to me, that You vouchsafe to receive one so wretched and unworthy as Your servant.   It is a great honour, a great glory, to serve You and to despise all things for You for they who willingly subject themselves to Your holy service, shall have great grace.   They shall experience the most sweet consolation of the Holy Spirit, Who for the love of You, have cast aside all carnal delight.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be (See HERE: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )DAY TEN - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 26 oct 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on FAITH, QUOTES on JOY, QUOTES on LOVE, QUOTES on MERCY, QUOTES on PEACE, QUOTES on PRAYER, QUOTES on the CROSS of CHRIST, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY CROSS, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – The Memorial of St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)

Quote/s of the Day – 24 October – The Memorial of St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)

“The sun of our lives is the Eucharist.”the sun of our lives - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“The fountain of holy love
is in Jesus Christ
and we have Jesus with us,
in the Most Holy
Sacrament of the Altar.
From that throne of love,
how often He enlightens the minds of His children
and how many again find their peace of heart.”the fountain of holy love - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“The earth is filled with tabernacles – Praise Him!”the earth is filled with tabernacles - st luigi guanella 24 oct 2018

“Our union in heaven
will depend upon
our communion
with God on earth.”our union in heaven - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“Plant your heart
in Jesus Crucified
and all the thorns
will seem like roses.”plant your heart in jesus crucified - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“Whoever finds Mary,
finds the way to Salvation.”whoever finds mary - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“Charity lights the path to divine love.”charity lights the path - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“Imitate the Heart of Christ in love for the poor.”imitate the heart of christ no 2 - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“Refuse God nothing!”

St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)reguse god nothing - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

Posted in MORNING Prayers, PAPAL SERMONS, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on DEATH, QUOTES on ETERNAL LIFE, QUOTES on HOPE, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48

One Minute Reflection – 24 October – Today’s Gospel: Luke 12:39–48 – Wednesday of the Twenty Ninth week in Ordinary Time. Year B and The Memorial of St Anthony Mary Claret CMF (1807-1870) and St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)

“But know this, that if the householder had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into…”…Luke 12:39but know this if the householder - luke 12 39 24 oct 2018

REFLECTION – “There is need of living well but, there is even more need of dying well.   A good death is everything, especially today, where people think only of things and enjoyment here on earth, rejecting eternity.” … St Luigi Guanella (1842-1915)there is need of living well - st luigi guanella - 24 oct 2018

“The disciple is one, who awaits the Lord and His Kingdom.   May the Virgin Mary help us, not to be people and communities dulled by the present, or worse, nostalgic for the past but striving toward the future of God, toward the encounter with Him, our life and our hope.”...Pope Francis – Angelus, 7 August 2016the disciples is one who awaits the lord - pope francis - 24 oct 2018

PRAYER – Heavenly Father, help me to keep my death constantly before my eyes, for this is my final account.   I pray You for a holy life that my death may be holy and that I may come to You and live for all eternity with You.   When my hour is come, bid me come to You, Lord.   Hear the prayers of your Saints, Anthony Mary Claret and Luigi Guanella, who lived each moment of their lives for the glory of Your Kingdom.   We ask this through Christ, our Lord with the Holy Spirit, God forever, amen.st anthony mary claret pray for us - 24 oct 2018

st-luigi-guanella-pray-for-us-24 oct 2017

Posted in MARIAN PRAYERS, Our MORNING Offering, PAPAL PRAYERS, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 22 October – The Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

Our Morning Offering – 22 October – The Memorial of St Pope John Paul II (1920-2005)

O Clement, O Loving,
Sweet Mother of God
By St Pope John Paul (1920-2005)

Mother of the Redeemer,
with great joy we call you blessed.
In order to carry out His plan of salvation,
God the Father chose you
before the creation of the world.
You believed in His love
and obeyed His word.
The Son of God desired you for His Mother
when He became man to save the human race.
You received Him with ready obedience
and undivided heart.
The Holy Spirit loved you
as His mystical spouse
and filled you with singular gifts.
You allowed yourself to be led
by His hidden powerful action.
We entrust to you the Church
which acknowledges you
and invokes you as Mother.
To you, Mother of human family
and of the nations,
we confidently entrust the whole humanity,
with its hopes and fears.
Do not let it lack the light of true wisdom.
Guide its steps in the ways of peace.
Enable all to meet Christ,
the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Sustain us, O Virgin Mary,
on our journey of faith
and obtain for us the grace
of eternal salvation.
O clement, O loving,
O sweet Mother of God
and our Mother, Mary!
Amenmother of the redeemer - o clement o loving sweet mother of god - by st john paul - 22 0ct 2018

Posted in EUCHARISTIC Adoration, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MORNING Prayers, PRACTISING CATHOLIC, QUOTES of the SAINTS, QUOTES on CHARITY, SAINT of the DAY, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The HOLY EUCHARIST / The HOLY MASS

Thought for the Day – 21 October – The Memorial of Blessed Karl of Austria (1887 – 1922)

Thought for the Day – 21 October – The Memorial of Blessed Karl of Austria (1887 – 1922)

“Practising Catholic – How to become a Saint”

From a young age and throughout his life, Karl of Austria demonstrated an awareness of God’s presence and Christian duty.   As a child, he loved praying at daily mass with his mother, Archduchess Maria Josefa, and was known for his charitable acts.   He knew all the prayers a typical Catholic youth would learn and loved praying them, particularly the rosary.   As a youth and later as an adult, he loved making pilgrimages to Marian shrines.

As a young child, he was concerned about the poor and needy, so he did odd jobs around his home in order to earn money to give to them.   There are records from when he was 18 years old recording his almsgiving and even as Emperor he continued his private charitable giving.   There is testimony from one of his aides who was in charge of distributing the Emperor’s alms from his personal household.   The aide informed him there was no more money left and Karl said:

“The need is so great, find the money from somewhere else and distribute that.”

Blessed Karl loved to pray throughout his life.   He received Holy Communion daily and at the end of mass prayed “Veni Creator.”   He prayed Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, and the rosary daily.   He frequently prayed the Litanies of the Sacred Heart, the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph;  he was a member of Our Lady’s Confraternity and wore the scapular.

Karl was devoted to adoring the Blessed Sacrament and could happily spend hours in adoration.  He was routinely found praying wherever he was, at home, in the office and on the battlefield.   He encouraged all of his soldiers to pray and frequently asked those around him to join him in prayer to begin a meeting or some action.   Furthermore, the Emperor had a devotion to the angels, especially Saint Michael the Archangel, whom he made patron saint of the imperial army.

Karl of Austria was obedient to the Holy Father, acknowledging him to be the Vicar of Christ and he treated bishops and priests with respect.   He was known as a loyal, kind, generous and jovial comrade, who lived and practised his faith without artifice.   From the testimony of those who knew him well, it is clear, that Blessed Karl took his faith seriously and fostered his relationship with God, devoutly following the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Blessed Karl of Austria, Pray for Us!bl karl of austria pray for us no 2 - 21 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN DEVOTIONS, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Three – 19 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Three – 19 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 3 of 33

Matthew 7:1-14

Stop judging, that you may not be judged.
For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.
Why do you notice the splinter in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove that splinter from your eye,’ while the wooden beam is in your eye?
You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.
Do not give what is holy to dogs,* or throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.g
Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,*
or a snake when he asks for a fish?
If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.
Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.
Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few.

DAY TWO - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 19 oct 2018

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be

(See See HERE:   https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )

 

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN DEVOTIONS, MARIAN PRAYERS, MORNING Prayers, St Louis-Marie Grignion de MONTFORT, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, TOTAL Consecration to JESUS through MARY

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary – Day Two 18 October

Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort’s Total Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

– Day Two 18 October

Readings and Prayers

12 Day Preparation

Day 2 of 33

Matthew 5:48, 6:1-15

Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect…Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them, otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven.   Therefore, when you give an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men.   Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.   That your alms may be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men.   Amen I say to you, they have received their reward.   But you when you shall pray, enter into your chamber and having shut the door, pray to your Father in secret and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens.   For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard.   Be not you, therefore, like to them, for your Father knows what is needful for you, before you ask him. Thus, therefore, shall you pray: 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.   Give us this day our daily bread.   And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive our debtors.   And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen.

For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences.   But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your
offences.

Recite: Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella, Magnificat and Glory Be
(See HERE:   https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/10/17/saint-louis-marie-de-montforts-total-consecration-to-jesus-through-mary-day-one-17-october/ )DAY TWO - TOTAL CONSECRATION - ST LOUIS DE MONTFORT 18 oct 2018

Posted in MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, ON the SAINTS, PAPAL SERMONS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

NOVENA to St John Paul the Great: DAY SIX – 18 OCTOBER

NOVENA to St John Paul the Great: DAY SIX – 18 OCTOBER

Little Known Fact #6:   In 1954, Father Karol Wojtyla was awarded a “Bronze Badge for Hiking Tourism.” Wojtyla won this badge for hiking on foot on multiple occasions during that year, totalling 166 km (103 miles).   More than half of these excursions were completed during the winter (November 1 – March 31).   Needless to say, Father Wojtyla enjoyed hiking.

REFLECTION:   “Divine Mercy: the Holy Father found the purest reflection of God’s mercy in the Mother of God.   He, who at an early age had lost his own mother, loved his divine mother all the more.   He heard the words of the crucified Lord as addressed personally to him:  “Behold your Mother.”   And so he did as the beloved disciple did:   he took her into his own home” (eis ta idia: Jn 19:27) – Totus tuus.   And from the mother he learned to conform himself to Christ.” – Pope Benedictday-six-novena-st-john-paul-18-oct-2017

Let us Pray:

O Holy Trinity, we thank You for having given to the Church Pope John Paul II and for having made him shine with Your fatherly tenderness, the glory of the Cross of Christand the splendour of the Spirit of love.

He, trusting completely in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd and has pointed out to us the way of holiness as the path to reach eternal communion with You Grant us, through his intercession, according to Your will, the grace that we implore,

………………….. [state your intention here].

Continue, beloved St John Paul, we implore you, to sustain from heaven the faith of God’s people. We praise and thank You Father that St John Paul has been numbered among Your saints and make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever.

Totus Tuus, Amen.

Quote Day Six:   “Mary, who was present on the day of Pentecost, at the beginning of the life of the Church, with the Apostles, disciples and pious women, always remains present in the Church, she, the first woman missionary, is Mother and support, of all those who proclaim the Gospel!” (Rome, 12 Oct 1979)mary who was present on the day of pentecost - 18 oc 2018

Posted in FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Thought for the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist – St Luke the Painter and the Painter in Words.

Thought for the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist – St Luke the Painter and the Painter in Words.

“According to a pious tradition, Luke is thought to have painted the image of Mary, the Virgin Mother.   But the real portrait that Luke draws of Jesus’ Mother is the one that emerges from the pages of his work – in scenes that have become familiar to the People of God, he draws an eloquent image of the Virgin.   The Annunciation, the Visitation, the Nativity, the Presentation in the Temple, life in the home of Nazareth, Jesus’ discussion with the doctors and His being lost and Pentecost have provided abundant material down the centuries for the ever new creations of painters, sculptors, poets and musicians.

What is most important however is to discover that, through pictures of Marian life, Luke introduces us to Mary’s interior life, helping us at the same time to understand her unique role in salvation history.

Mary is the one who says fiat, a personal and total “yes” to God’s invitation, calling herself the “handmaid of the Lord” (Lk 1: 38).   This attitude of total assent to God and unconditional acceptance of His Word represents the highest model of faith, the anticipation of the Church as the community of believers.

The life of faith grows and develops in Mary through sapiential meditation on the words and events of Christ’s life (cf. Lk 2: 19, 51).   She “ponders in her heart” to understand the deep meaning of His words, in order to assimilate it and share it with others.

The Magnificat hymn (cf. Lk 1: 46-55) shows another important aspect of Mary’s “spirituality”:  she embodies the figure of the poor person, capable of putting all her trust in God, who casts down the mighty from their thrones and raises up the lowly.

Luke also describes the figure of Mary in the early Church, showing that she is present in the Upper Room as they await the Holy Spirit – “All these [the 11 Apostles] with one accord devoted themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren” (Acts 1: 14).

The group gathered in the Upper Room forms the original nucleus of the Church.   Within it Mary carries out a double role: on the one hand, she intercedes for the birth of the Church through the Holy Spirit;  on the other, she shares her experience of Jesus with the newborn Church.

Luke’s work thus offers the Church … a powerful stimulus to make the most of the “Marian dimension” of Christian life as she follows the way of Christ.” …St Pope John Paul 15 October 2000

Mary Immaculate, Pray for Us!mary immaculate - pray for us - 4 mary 2018

St Luke, Pray for Us!st luke pay for us -18 oct 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, FEASTS and SOLEMNITIES, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, SAINT of the DAY, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, The WORD

Quote of the Day – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

Quote of the Day – – 18 October – The Feast of St Luke the Evangelist

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my saviour.
For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness,
henceforth, all generations will call me blessed.”

Luke 1:46-48luke 1 46-48 - my soul proclaims the greatness of the lord - 18 oct 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC-PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH, MARIAN PRAYERS, MARIAN TITLES, Our MORNING Offering, PRAYERS of the CHURCH, The APOSTLES & EVANGELISTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Our Morning Offering – 18 October – Feast of St Luke

Our Morning Offering – 18 October – Feast of St Luke

Ave Maris Stella

Hail, O Star of the ocean,
God’s own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin,
gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave,
which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us,
changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters,
make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us,
for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother,
may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant
hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling,
mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us
meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless,
make our way secure
till we find in Jesus,
joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father,
honour to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit,
be the glory one.
Amenhail o star of the ocean - ave maris stella - 18 oct 2018

Posted in CATHOLIC DEVOTIONS of the Month, MARIAN QUOTES, MORNING Prayers, NOVENAS, PAPAL ENCYLICALS, QUOTES of the SAINTS, The BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

NOVENA to St John Paul the Great DAY TWO – 14 OCTOBER

NOVENA to St John Paul the Great DAY TWO – 14 OCTOBER

Little Known Fact #2:   While working in a factory during the Nazi Occupation of Poland, Karol Wojtyla heard that one of his co-workers was expecting a child.   The man worked the night shift and found out that his wife gave birth to their child.   After a full day of work during the day, Karol told his co-worker to go home to be with his family. Karol then worked the entire night shift in place of the new father.   He continued to work the night shift after his own shift until his co-worker’s wife regained her strength and he could return to work.

REFLECTION:  ”Follow me! In July 1958 the young priest Karol Wojtyla began a new stage in his journey with the Lord and in the footsteps of the Lord.   Follow me – Karol Wojtyla accepted the appointment, for he heard in the Church’s call the voice of Christ. And then he realised how true are the Lord’s words:  “Those who try to make their life secure will lose it but those who lose their life will keep it” (Lk 17:33).   Our Pope – and we all know this – never wanted to make his own life secure, to keep it for himself;   he wanted to give of himself unreservedly, to the very last moment, for Christ and thus also for us.   And thus he came to experience how everything which he had given over into the Lord’s hands came back to him in a new way.   His love of words, of poetry, of literature, became an essential part of his pastoral mission and gave new vitality, new urgency, new attractiveness to the preaching of the Gospel, even when it is a sign of contradiction.”Pope Benedictday-two-novena-st-john-paul-14-oct-2017

Let us Pray:

O Holy Trinity, we thank You for having given to the Church Pope John Paul II and for having made him shine with Your fatherly tenderness, the glory of the Cross of Christ and the splendour of the Spirit of love.

He, trusting completely in Your infinite mercy and in the maternal intercession of Mary, has shown himself in the likeness of Jesus the Good Shepherd and has pointed out to us the way of holiness as the path to reach eternal communion with You Grant us, through his intercession, according to Your will, the grace that we implore,

………………….. [state your intention here].

Continue, beloved St John Paul, we implore you, to sustain from heaven the faith of God’s people.   We praise and thank You Father that St John Paul has been numbered among Your saints and make our prayer through our Lord Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit, one God forever.

Totus Tuus, Amen.

Quote Day Two:   

“Mary is ‘the Mother of the Son of God.
As a result she is also the favourite daughter of the Father
and the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Because of this gift of sublime grace,
she far surpasses all other creatures,
both in heaven and on earth.”
(REDEMPTORIS MATER – 1987)mary-is-the-mother-of-the-son-of-god-st-john-paul-14-oct-2017