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There are two wonderful Novena’s (that I am aware of) happening within the Archdiocese of St. Louis in preparation for the celebration of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.  One is at the Oratory of St. Francis de Sales and the other at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and the first mass begins this evening.

I thought I would post this wonderful Novena I found in an old book entitled Mary, help of Christians, and the fourteen saints invoked as holy helpers by John James Burke.  In a time of radical cultural upheaval and attacks from every direction on the family and purity of the minds and hearts of our precious young it is a most important time to know we have the best advocate on our team!  Oh, Mary, our pure and spotless Virgin Mother, hear our prayer and protect the innocence of our children!  We beg you with humble hearts to guide and guard us as we navigate through grace the road towards our eternity…

FIRST DAY

The Predestination of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

Practice

In Mary appeared the woman who was to crush the serpent’s head, who was to repair by her willing co-operation with God’s designs the damage wrought by the disobedience of our first parents, and who was to become our mother and mighty advocate with God. The designs of God concerning Mary were fully accomplished. God also has designs concerning us. Our life was planned by Him from all eternity, and we were destined to co-operate with Him harmoniously and conscientiously in working out our salvation. Have we corresponded with God’s designs? Did we not oppose them by yielding to our evil inclinations and passions? What a disparity between God’s intentions concerning us and our own co-operation, between His merciful designs and our cowardly resistance to them!

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Behold, Virgin immaculate, at thy sacred feet I bow, while my heart overflows with joy in union with thine own, because from eternity thou wast the Mother-elect of the eternal Word, and was preserved stainless from the taint of Adam’s sin. Forever praised, forever blessed be the Most Holy Trinity, who in thy conception poured out upon thy soul the riches of that matchless privilege. I humbly pray thee, most gracious Mother, obtain for me the grace to overcome the bitter results of original sin. Make me victorious over them, that I may never cease to love my God.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

SECOND DAY

Mary’s Imaculate Conception

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

According to the definition of Pope Pius IX, ^ the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is that privilege by which she was preserved, in view of the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ, from original sin in the first moment of her conception.

By solemnly proclaiming the dogma of Mary’s immaculate conception, the Church confirmed anew the fundamental principles of Christianity which in our times are so frequently attacked, derided, or forgotten. God reserved the solemn proclamation of this dogma, which seemingly has no practical bearing on the Christian life, for our age, to recall to our mind the doctrines resulting from it.

Practice

The most important of these doctrines is that of original sin, which to-day is rejected by many as a debasement of human nature, and is forgotten by others as having no practical influence on our moral state. By the promulgation of the doctrine of the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Church solemnly declares and defines as an article of faith, that the Blessed Virgin Mary is conceived without the stain of original sin by a special privilege and grace of God. If, then, Mary’s sinlessness is an exception, the general rule remains in force, and all other human beings enter this world in the state of original sin.

Thus, by the proclamation of the dogma of the immaculate conception, the Church combats human pride and sensuality, the foremost vices of the age.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mary, unsullied lily of heavenly purity, I rejoice with thee, because at thy conception’s earliest dawn thou wast full of grace and endowed with the perfect use of reason. I thank and adore the ever-blessed Trinity, who gave thee such high gifts. I am overwhelmed with shame in thy presence, to see myself so poor in grace. O thou who wast filled with heavenly grace, impart some portion of it to my soul, and make me share the treasures of thy immaculate conception.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

THIRD DAY

Mary, the Victrix of Satan

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

The immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary inaugurated the fulfilment of the divine promise made to our first parents in paradise in the words addressed to the serpent: “I shall put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed; she shall crush thy head” (Gen. iii. 15). Mary is the woman in whom Satan never had a part. Her intimate connection with God was announced by the angel: “Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with thee.” Now was fulfilled the saying of the Psalmist, “The Most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle. God is in the midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it in the morning early” (Ps. xlv. 5-6). Mary was chosen to be the glorious tabernacle of the Son of God “in the morning early,” that is, in the first moment of her existence. God called her into being that she might assume the exalted dignity of the Mother of His Son, and therefore granted her the singular privilege of exemption from original sin. In her were fulfilled Solomon’s prophetic words of praise, “Thou art all fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in thee” (Cant. iv. 7). It was in view of her Son’s merits applied to her beforehand that God thus produced in her the image of the new man regenerated in the Holy Ghost.

Practice

The spirit of darkness holds mankind enslaved., but one human being escapes him. A destructive fire lays waste the whole earth, but one tree remains unscathed. A terrible tyrant conquers the whole world, but one fortified city repelshis assaults. This human being retaining liberty, this tree escaping destruction, this city repelling the enemy’s attack is the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Will the almighty and merciful God, who has accomplished such great things in Mary, who has selected her for His Mother, not listen to her prayers when she intercedes for us ? St. William of Paris exclaims: “No other created being can obtain for us so many and so great graces from God as His Mother. By the all-powerful might of her intercession He honors her not only as His handmaid, but also as His Mother.” Therefore we ought not be surprised when the holy Fathers maintain that a single sigh of Mary is more effective with God than the combined intercession of all the angels and saints. If, then, Mary’s power is so great, she will surely hear us when we invoke her help in our combat with Satan. Having conquered him herself, she will also help us to conquer him.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mary, thou mystical rose of purity, my heart rejoices with thine at the glorious triumph which thou didst gain over the infernal serpent by thy immaculate conception, and because thou wast conceived without stain of original sin. I thank and praise with my whole heart the ever-blessed Trinity, who granted thee this glorious privilege; and I pray thee to obtain for me strength to overcome all the wiles of the infernal foe, and never to stain my soul with sin. Be thou mine aid; make me, by thy protection, victorious over the common foe of our eternal welfare.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

FOURTH DAY

Mary without actual Sin

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

Mary conceived without sin is the most blessed daughter of the eternal Father, the real and true Mother of the divine Son, the elect spouse of the Holy Ghost. But in the world, in what condition do we behold her? She dwells not in a splendid palace; she is not surrounded by a retinue of servants ready at every moment to do her bidding; she is not exempt from trials and suffering. On the contrary, she is poor; she lives in obscurity, and suffered so much on earth that, without shedding her blood, she merits to be styled the queen of martyrs. Her heart was transfixed with the sword of sorrow. Mary is not exempt from tribulations and adversity; but one thing God does not permit to touch her, i.e., sin. Hence Holy Church applies to her the words, “Thou art all fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in thee” (Cant. iv. 7).

Practice

Although we were not preserved from sin like Mary, yet God in His ineffable goodness and mercy granted us the grace to be cleansed from sin and to be clothed with the garment of sanctifying grace in Baptism. No treasure of the world can be compared with this prerogative. But as we bear this grace in a fragile vase, we must be most careful to protect and preserve it in ourselves and others from all danger. Let the Blessed Virgin Mary be our example. Well knowing the inestimable value of the grace conferred upon her, she guarded it with the greatest care. Although exempt from concupiscence and “full of grace,” she was so distrustful of herself as if she were in continual danger. How much more, then, must we use precaution to preserve in ourselves and in others this treasure of grace, since we feel in ourselves constantly the law of the flesh, which resists the law of the spirit, and urges us on to evil, whilst the world and the devil never weary in placing snares for us in order to accomplish our ruin. Therefore let us have recourse to Mary, and invoking her aid bravely resist all temptations.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mirror of holy purity, Mary, Virgin immaculate, great is my joy while I consider that, from thy immaculate conception, the most sublime and perfect virtues were infused into thy soul, and with them all the gifts of the Holy Ghost. I thank and praise the Most Holy Trinity, who bestowed on thee these high privileges. I pray thee, gentle Mother, obtain for me grace to practise virtue, and to make me worthy to become partaker of the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

FIFTH DAY

Mary Full of Grace

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

Man’s relation to God as His child was severed by sin. The beautiful image of God imprinted on man’s soul was disfigured by it. But with the immaculate conception of Mary, a being full of grace, an object of God’s supreme complacency entered this world. After the lapse of four thousand years God, in His wisdom, power, and love, for the first time again created a human being in that state in which He had originally created our first parents. Mary, from the first moment of her existence was, in virtue of the sanctifying grace infused into her soul, most intimately united with God, and endowed with the most precious gifts of heaven. Because she was predestined to become the Mother of the Redeemer of mankind, it was befitting that she should unite in herself all the gifts becoming to such an ineffable dignity. Hence she surpassed in grace and holiness all other created beings, and was consecrated a worthy temple of the incarnate Word. Therefore she was saluted by the angel as “full of grace,” and the Church, in our behalf, addresses the Almighty: “O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant, that, as in view of the death of that Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that, cleansed from all sin by her intercession, we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory.”

Practice

The world considers men according to their rank and station, their wealth and knowledge. God recognizes in them but one difference, that caused by the presence or absence of sanctifying grace in their soul. A soul in the state of sanctifying grace is God’s friend; without it, His enemy. A man dying in the state of sanctifying grace is sure of eternal bliss. Therefore we ought to prize this grace above all else, and do everything in our power to preserve it. St. Leo exhorts us, “Recognize, O man, thy dignity! As thou hast received divine grace, beware of returning to your former sinful condition by a wicked life.”

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mary, bright moon of purity, I rejoice with thee, because the mystery of thy immaculate conception was the beginning of salvation for the race of man and the joy of the whole world. I thank and bless the ever-blessed Trinity, who thus did magnify and glorify thee; and I beg of thee to obtain for me the grace so to profit by thy dear Son’s death and passion, that His precious blood may not have been shed in vain for me upon the cross, but that, after a holy life, I may reach heaven in safety.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

SIXTH DAY

Mary, Our Refuge

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

We carry the precious treasure of sanctifying grace in a frail vessel. Our inclination to evil remains with us, and continues to impel us to that which is forbidden. On whom shall we call for aid? Call on Mary! She is conceived without sin. She, the lily among thorns, who never lost God’s friendship, is our advocate. Let her, who was found worthy to become the Mother of our Redeemer, inspire you with trust and confidence. The Church invokes her as the refuge of sinners, and under no other title does she show her love for us more convincingly and her power with God more efficiently.

Practice

May trust confidently in Mary’s intercession and aid in all temptations and trials, if we but have recourse to her. Therefore St. John Damascene writes: “Come to my aid, O Mother of my Redeemer ! Thou art my help, my consolation in life. Come to my aid, and I shall escape unscorched from the fire of temptation; amongst a thousand I shall remain unharmed; I shall brave the storms of assault unwrecked. Thy name is my shield, thy help my armor, thy protection my defense. With thee I boldly attack the enemy and drive him off in confusion; through thee I shall achieve a triumphant victory.” In all temptations, therefore, let us have recourse to Mary and through her intercession we shall overcome them.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mary Immaculate, most brilliant star of purity, I rejoice with thee because thy immaculate conception has bestowed upon the angels in paradise the greatest joy. I thank and bless the everblessed Trinity, who enriched thee with this high privilege. O let me, too, one day enter into this heavenly joy, in the company of angels, that I may praise and bless thee, world without end.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

SEVENTH DAY

Mary, the Mother of Chastity

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

Scripture and the Fathers agree in the statement that the Blessed Virgin Mary made the vow of perpetual virginity. For when the Archangel Gabriel brought God’s message to the immaculate spouse of St. Joseph, that she was to become the Mother of the Most High, she asked, “How shall this be done, because I know not man?” (Luke i. 34.) Indeed, Mary would not have been, in the full and most excellent sense of the word, the “Virgin of virgins,” had she not from her own free choice vowed her virginity to God.

During the whole Christian era there have been heroic souls who made the vow of perpetual chastity, consecrating themselves to God. Trusting in the powerful protection of the immaculate Virgin, they persevered in their resolve to bear this priceless treasure before God’s throne despite the dangers of the world, the temptations of concupiscence, and the assaults of hell, and with the help of the queen of virgins they achieved a triumphant victory.

Practice

Since the fall of Adam our senses are in rebellion against the law of God. “I see another law in my members, fighting against the law of my mind, and captivating me in the law of sin” (Rom. vii. 23). Chastity is the virtue which causes us the greatest struggles. St. Augustine says: “The fiercest of all combats is the one for the preservation of chastity, and we must engage in it every day.” Fierce as this combat is, the aid which Mary gives her children to achieve victory is all-powerful. She sustains them by her maternal love and protection. Those who lead a chaste life receive the Divine Spirit, are happy in this life, and will receive a special crown in heaven.

Among the means for the preservation of chastity, the following are specially recommended: The assiduous and constant practice of selfdenial; the frequentation of the sacraments; the daily invocation of Mary for her aid and protection ; scrupulous avoidance of the occasions of sin. St. Chrysostom writes: “He errs who believes that he can overcome his sensual propensities and preserve chastity by his own efforts. God’s mercy must extinguish nature’s ardor.” Have recourse to the intercession of the immaculate Virgin and rest assured that you will obtain this mercy.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

Mary immaculate, rising morn of purity, I rejoice with thee, gazing in wonder upon thy soul confirmed in grace from the very first moment of thy conception, and rendered inaccessible to sin. I thank and magnify the ever-blessed Trinity, who chose thee from all our race for this special privilege. Holy Virgin, obtain for me utter and constant hatred of all sin above every other evil, and let me rather die than ever again fall into sin.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

EIGTH DAY

The Image of the Immaculate Concption

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

Christian art represents the Immaculate Conception as follows: The Blessed Virgin appears standing on a globe, about which is coiled a serpent holding an apple in its mouth. One of Mary’s feet rests upon the serpent, the other is placed on the moon. Her eyes are raised toward heaven; her hands are either joined in prayer, or she holds a lily in her right, and places the left on her breast. Her dress is white; her ample mantle is of blue color. A crown of twelve stars encircles her head. These emblems typify in a most striking manner Mary’s power and glory. “And a great sign appeared in heaven. A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars” (Apoc. xii. 1).

PRACTICE

He representation of the Immaculate Conception is very instructive. (1) Mary appears standing on the globe. This signifies that being human, she’ belongs to the earth, and yet is exalted above the world and sin; also, that she trampled under foot earthly possessions, vanities, and joys. (2) A serpent is coiled about the globe, bearing an apple in its mouth. This reminds us of the fall of our first parents, and of the consequences of their sin. (3) Mary’s foot rests on the serpent, indicating that she never was under Satan’s dominion, but was preserved from sin in the first moment of her existence. (4) Mary stands on the moon. The moon, on account of its changes, is an emblem of inconstancy. We see it at Mary’s feet, to be reminded that we ought to be constant in faith and virtue. (5) Mary wears a crown, to indicate that she is a queen. The crown is composed of twelve stars: she is the queen of heaven. (6) Mary’s dress is white, to denote her spotless purity and innocence. (7) She folds her hands in prayer, reminding us to imitate her example. (8) Or she holds a lily in her right hand, to indicate her virginity and chastity, and the sweet odor of her virtues. (9) Mary’s mantle is blue, which color is emblematic of humility. Its folds are ample, to remind us that all who have recourse to her find a secure refuge in all dangers and necessities.

Therefore let us invoke her intercession in the words of Holy Church: “We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions, and deliver us from all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin!”

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

O spotless sun! O Virgin Mary! I congratulate thee. I rejoice with thee because in thy conception God gave thee grace greater and more boundless than He ever shed on all His angels and all the saints, together with all their merits. I am thankful and I marvel at the surpassing beneficence of the ever-blessed Trinity, who conferred on thee this privilege. O make me correspond with the grace of God and never abuse it. Change this heart of mine; make me now begin to amend my life.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

NINTH DAY

The Feast of the Immaculate Concption

Preparatory Prayer

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth.

Holy Church, our Mother, purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything which might contribute to assist us in preparing for the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary feast of purity, in Advent.

The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could not appear before she was born of whom He was to be born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in this world.

MEDITATION

Early in the Christian era the feast of Mary’s immaculate conception was observed in several countries. St. Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, introduced it in England. A great number of Popes favored the doctrine of Mary’s absolute sinlessness, and the adversaries of the Immaculate Conception were bidden to be silent and not publicly assert or defend their view. In 1477, Pope Sixtus IV prescribed the feast of the Immaculate Conception to be observed in the whole Church, and made it obligatory on priests to recite the special canonical office and to use the Mass formula published for the purpose. In 1846, the bishops of the United States assembled in plenary council in Baltimore elected the Blessed Virgin under the title of her immaculate conception Patroness of the Church in their country.

Finally, Pope Pius IX, after consulting with the bishops throughout the world, and having implored the Holy Ghost for His guidance in prayer and fasting, promulgated, on December 8, 1854, the dogma which teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary was in her conception, by a special grace and through the merits of her divine Son, preserved from the stain of original sin. This doctrine was received throughout the world with ineffable joy; and, indeed, no one who loves the Blessed Virgin can help rejoicing at this her most glorious privilege.

The invocation, “Queen conceived without the stain of original sin,” was added to the Litany of Loreto. In 1866, at the Second Plenary Council in Baltimore, the feast of the Immaculate Conception was raised to the rank of a holyday of obligation for the Church of the United States.

Practice

In the inscrutable designs of His providence God ordained that the mystery of the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary should be proclaimed an article of faith as late as the middle of the nineteenth century. But, then, its proclamation was attended by circumstances that undeniably proved that the Holy Father in pronouncing the dogma had been inspired and guided by the Holy Ghost.

Let us praise God and thank Him for bestowing this glorious privilege on our beloved Mother, and let us often invoke her under her favorite title, the Immaculate Conception. St. Alphonsus Liguori tells us that the devotion to this mystery is especially efficacious in overcoming the temptations of impurity. Therefore he was accustomed to recommend to his penitents thus tempted to recite three times every day the Hail Mary in honor of Mary immaculate. And the Venerable John of Avila assures us that he never found any one who practised a true devotion to the Immaculate Conception of Mary, who did not in a short time obtain the gift of that virtue which renders us so dear to her immaculate heart.

Prayer of the Church

O God, who through the immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. Litany of Loreto.

Prayer

O living light of holiness, model of purity, Mary immaculate, virgin and mother! As soon as thou wast conceived thou didst profoundly adore thy God, giving Him thanks that in thee the ancient curse was revoked, and blessing came again upon the sinful sons of Adam. O make this blessing kindle in my heart love for God; and do thou fan this flame of love within me, that I may love Him constantly and one day in heaven eternally enjoy Him, there to thank Him more and more fervently for all the wondrous privileges conferred on thee, and to rejoice with thee for thy high crown of glory.

Hail Mary full of grace…

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy Ghost, thou didst bring forth. Indulgence. 2oo days, every time. (Pius VI, November 21, I793)

Thanks once again to my very dear friend who is becoming my Novena secretary (ie. she is always letting me know when to begin all the most important Novenas! God Reward Her!!) I am now passing this notification on to all you great prayer warriors!Novena for the Holy Souls in Purgatory composed by the great Saint, St. Alphonsus Ligouri.

Day 1

Jesus, my Savior I have so often deserved to be cast into hell how great would be my suffering if I were now cast away and obliged to think that I myself had caused my damnation. I thank Thee for the patience with which Thou hast endured me. My God, I love Thee above all things and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee because Thou art infinite goodness. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of perseverance. Have pity on me and at the same time on those blessed souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession. Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 2

Woe to me, unhappy being, so many years have I already spent on earth and have earned naught but hell! I give Thee thanks, O Lord, for granting me time even now to atone for my sins. My good God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. Send me Thy assistance, that I may apply the time yet remaining to me for Thy love and service; have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 3

My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I love Thee above all things, and repent with my whole heart of my offenses against Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. And thou, Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 4

My God! because Thou art infinite goodness, I am sorry with my whole heart for having offended Thee. I promise to die rather than ever offend Thee more. Give me holy perseverance; have pity on me, and have pity on those holy souls that burn in the cleansing fire and love Thee with all their hearts. O Mary, Mother of God, assist them by thy powerful prayers.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 5

Woe to me, unhappy being, if Thou, O Lord, hadst cast me into hell; for from that dungeon of eternal pain there is no deliverance. I love Thee above all things, O infinite God and I am sincerely sorry for having offended Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. O Mary, Mother of God, come to their assistance with thy powerful intercession.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 6

My Divine Redeemer, Thou didst die for me on the Cross, and hast so often united Thyself with me in Holy Communion, and I have repaid Thee only with ingratitude. Now, however, I love Thee above all things, O supreme God; and I am more grieved at my offences against Thee than at any other evil. I will rather die than offend Thee again. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me, and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 7

God, Father of Mercy, satisfy this their ardent desire! Send them Thy holy Angel to announce to them that Thou, their Father, are now reconciled with them through the suffering and death of Jesus, and that the moment of their deliverance has arrived.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 8

Oh my God! I also am one of these ungrateful beings, having received so much grace, and yet despised Thy love and deserved to be cast by Thee into hell. But Thy infinite goodness has spared me until now. Therefore, I now love Thee above all things, and I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. I will rather die than ever offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance. Have compassion on me and, at the same time, on the holy souls suffering in Purgatory. Mary, Mother of God, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Day 9

My God! How was it possible that I, for so many years, have borne tranquilly the separation from Thee and Thy holy grace! O infinite Goodness, how long-suffering hast Thou shown Thyself to me! Henceforth, I shall love Thee above all things. I am deeply sorry for having offended Thee; I promise rather to die than to again offend Thee. Grant me the grace of holy perseverance, and do not permit that I should ever again fall into sin. Have compassion on the holy souls in Purgatory. I pray Thee, moderate their sufferings; shorten the time of their misery; call them soon unto Thee in heaven, that they may behold Thee face to face, and forever love Thee. Mary, Mother of Mercy, come to their aid with thy powerful intercession, and pray for us also who are still in danger of eternal damnation.

Say one Our Father, one Hail Mary,

and the Prayer to Our Suffering Savior

for the Holy Souls in Purgatory .

Prayer to Our Suffering Savior for the Holy Souls in Purgatory

O most sweet Jesus, through the bloody sweat which Thou didst suffer in the Garden of Gethsemane, have mercy on these Blessed Souls. Have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel scourging, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most painful crowning with thorns, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross to Calvary, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer during Thy most cruel Crucifixion, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the pains which Thou didst suffer in Thy most bitter agony on the Cross, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

O most sweet Jesus, through the immense pain which Thou didst suffer in breathing forth Thy Blessed Soul, have mercy on them.

R. Have mercy on them, O Lord.

(Recommend yourself to the Souls in Purgatory and mention your intentions here)

Blessed Souls, I have prayed for thee; I entreat thee, who are so dear to God, and who are secure of never losing Him, to pray for me a miserable sinner, who is in danger of being damned, and of losing God forever. Amen.

Happy feast of dear Saint Clare!

I was privilidged to have spent last evening with my family at the final night of the Novena to dear Clare at the Poor Clare monastery in Illinois.  Father spoke so well of Clare’s fourth letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague in his homily that I thought I might read the entire letter today and post here its beautiful content.  (You can read that letter below.)

After mass the Poor Clares distributed to the faithful a sacramental bread they bake for the celebration of their Seraphic Mother’s day. This tradition comes from the miracle of the bread associated with Pope Gregory IX’s visit to Clare’s monastery in Assisi.  It is said the Pope dined with the sisters and he asked Clare to bless the bread. After her prayer, crosses miraculously appeared on the tops of all the loaves.  The photo above is one of those fine little breads…

Now here is Clare:

“Happy, indeed, is the one permitted to share in this sacred banquet so as to be joined with all the feelings of her heart to him

Whose beauty all the blessed hosts

of the heavens unceasingly admire,

Whose affection moves,

whose contemplation invigorates,

Whose generosity fills,

Whose sweetness replenishes,

Whose remembrance pleasantly brings light,

Whose fragrance will revive the dead,

And whose glorious vision will bless

All the citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem,

Because the vision of him is the

splendor of everlasting glory,

The radiance of everlasting light,

and a mirror without tarnish.

Look into this mirror every day,

O queen, spouse of Jesus Christ,

And continually examine your face in it,

So that in this way you may adorn yourself

completely, Inwardly and outwardly,

Clothed and covered in multicolored apparel,

Adorned in the same manner with

flowers and garments

Made of all the virtues as is proper,

Dearest daughter and spouse of the most high King.

Moreover, in this mirror shine blessed poverty, holy humility, and charity beyond words, as you will be able, with God’s grace, to contemplate throughout the entire mirror. Look closely, I say, to the beginning of the life of this admired one, indeed at the poverty of him who was wrapped in swaddling clothes and placed in a manger.

O marvelous humility!

O astonishing poverty!

The King of the angels,

The Lord of heaven and earth is

Laid to rest in a manger!

Consider also the midst of his life, his humility, or at least his blessed poverty, the countless hardships, and the punishments that he endured for the redemption of the human race. Indeed, ponder the final days of this mirrored one, contemplate the ineffable love with which he was willing to suffer on the tree of the cross and to die there a kind of death that is more shameful than any other. That mirror suspended upon the wood of the cross from there kept urging those passing by of what must be considered, saying: O all you who pass by this way, look and see if there is any suffering like my suffering. In response let us with one voice and in one spirit answer him who is crying out and lamenting: I will remember this over and over and my soul will sink within me. Therefore, seeing this, O queen of the heavenly King, you must burn ever more strongly with the fervor of charity! Furthermore, as you contemplate his indescribable delights, riches, and everlasting honors, and heaving a sigh because of your heart’s immeasurable desire and love may you exclaim:

Draw me after you, Heavenly Spouse, we shall run in the fragrance of your perfumes! I shall run and not grow weary until you bring me into the wine cellar, until your left hand is under my head and your right arm blissfully embraces me; and you kiss me with the most blissful kiss of your mouth.”

– St. Clare of Assisi letter to Agnes.

I guess I could have posted this greeting earlier today but at least it is coming before the new day!

Having just returned from the Novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel I wanted to point everyone to a wonderful audio homily from Fr. Chowning.  How blessed to have a Carmelite Friar saying mass on this feast day.  The homily was so wonderful I just can’t encourage you enough to have a listen. In fact, stop on over to the Meditations from Carmel Podcast to have a look and listen to all the wonderful things going on at the Annual Outdoor Novena to our Lady of Mt. Carmel.

Here is a little meditation from Father’s homily:  ”Prayer is that intimate loving relationship with God who dwells within us and when we open ourselves up to that relationship we are transformed, we come to know that we are loved.  And once we know we are loved by God, this creates beauty within us.  It also allows us to see the beauty in other people and the beauty of the world around us.  Intimate prayer with God allows God to imprint His beauty, and His goodness and His love in us.  And, to bring out the beauty and the goodness and the love with which He has created in us.  Because He created out of love and for love, woven into the very fibers of our being is an image of the Trinity, a God of love, a God of relationship.“

It is about an hour to our wonderful feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, I am just back from the Novena up the hill at the Carmelite Monastery. What a special day of getting ready to celebrate!  And, what a grace to have had such a beautiful evening mass with the Carmelite Friar, Father Daniel Chowning, OCD from the Discalced Carmelite Hermit Community in Hinton, West Virginia. His homily tonight (on the Immaculate Conception) was awesome! You can listen in here.

But as I ready for bed my thoughts have drifted to dear St. Therese. She was near her death as this same feast day drew upon her so many years ago. She lie in her sick bed, full of pain and suffering in both mind and body. We all know how this great Saint traveled through a dark desert during her last year on this earth, and yet, she continued to walk strongly in dark, blind faith through this trial. It is hard to believe she could compose such beautiful sentiments during this time of her greatly suffering soul but she did. Here is an excerpt from Story of a Soul…

“A very heavy cross awaited her before going to join her Spouse. From August 16 to September 30, the happy day of her death, she was unable to receive Holy Communion, because of her continual sickness. Few have hungered for the Bread of Angels like this seraph of earth. Again and again during that last winter of her life, after nights of intolerable pain, she rose at early morn to partake of the Manna of Heaven, and she thought no price too heavy to pay for the bliss of feeding upon God. Before depriving her altogether of this Heavenly Food, Our Lord often visited her on her bed of pain. Her Communion on July 16, the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, was specially touching. During the previous night she composed some verses which were to be sung before Communion.

Thou know’st the baseness of my soul, O Lord, Yet fearest not to stoop and enter me. Come to my heart, O Sacrament adored! Come to my heart . . . it craveth but for Thee! And when Thou comest, straightway let me die Of very love for Thee; this boon impart! Oh, hearken Jesus, to my suppliant cry: Come to my heart!

In the morning, when the Holy Viaticum was carried to the Infirmary, the cloisters were thickly strewn with wild flowers and rose-petals. A young Priest, who was about to say his first Mass that day in the Chapel of the Carmel, bore the Blessed Sacrament to the dying Sister; and at her desire, Sister Mary of the Eucharist—whose voice was exceptionally sweet—sang the following couplet:

Sweet martyrdom! to die of love’s keen fire:
The martyrdom of which my heart is fain!
Hasten, ye Cherubim, to tune your lyre;
I shall not linger long in exile’s pain!
. . . . . .

Fulfill my dream, O Jesus, since I sigh
Of love to die!”

Deacon Anthony Ochoa and Fr. Michael Houser

Last night the Carmelite Nuns began their Annual Outdoor novena in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel at the Carmel of St. Joseph here in St. Louis. In an effort to let you pray this novena with us the community will be sharing photos and audio from each night of the Novena. You may listen and pray along with us in the Rosary and Benediction services which are held in the chapel before the Novena begins on the front lawns of the Monastery. Then you may listen to the homilist from each mass.

The theme of Saturday evening’s mass was Mary, Disciple of the Lord. Mass was celebrated by Father Michael Houser the Associate Pastor, Holy Trinity Parish. Father Houser was assisted in mass by Transitionary Deacon Anthony Ochoa. The choir was a selection of beautiful voices from the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus who also reside in St. Louis.

Rosary and Benediction

listen to the homilist

I found the most wonderful book to help ready the soul for the feast of the Sacred Heart.  It is called the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, Readings for the month of June.  I will include the reading for today below.  First though, is a clip from the introduction of the book and a prayer to the Sacred Heart from Saint Gertrude.

“THE month of June contains two feasts which appeal in a special manner to all devout souls. They are the feasts of Corpus Christi and the Sacred Heart. One is the complement of the other…the two feasts seem to breathe the same spirit.”

“The Sacred Heart and the Eucharist can never be disassociated. Devotion toward the one increases love for the other. These pious thoughts will help souls to know the Heart of Our Saviour better and, consequently, will foster love for the Sacred Humanity of Jesus Christ residing in the Most Blessed Sacrament.”  - J. CARDINAL GIBBONS, Archbishop of Baltimore.

THE PRAYER OF ST. GERTRUDE TO THE SACRED HEART.

Hail, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and quickening source of eternal life, infinite treasury of the Divinity, burning furnace of divine love! Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary. O my amiable Saviour, consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed! Pour down on my soul those graces that flow from Thy love, and let my heart be so united to Thine that our wills may be one, and mine in all things conformed to Thine. May Thine be the standard and rule of my desires and actions! Amen.

Meditation for June 19^th.

OBEDIENCE, THE GLORIOUS HOMAGE OF THE EUCHARISTIC HEART. ADORATION.

“THE Son of God, obedience personified: “lived only to love, to cultivate, and to satisfy the demands of obedience. During the thirty years of humble labor at Nazareth, He was subject to them. During the three years of His apostolate, His bread that which He loved above everything else and upon which He lived, was to accomplish the will of God who sent Him.  During His Passion, on the terrible eve of that most agonizing last day of His life, to which He gave Himself up to testify to the world with what love He would fulfill the Father’s commands, He clung to obedience:”That the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father hath given Me commandment, so do I. Arise, let us go hence!”

Lastly, to perpetuate here below under the humiliating yoke of human masters and in conditions of dependence and abasement which surpass all that He endured during His mortal life, to perpetuate an obedience which in heaven is all glory and felicity, He delivered Himself to His Apostles and gave to every priest full power over His Body and Blood by binding Himself in the fetters of the sacramental state. Every day of the world, even to the very last, shall we see this almighty God, this King of the nations, crowned with glory, “obeying the voice of a man,” laboring and suffering for the good of a redeemed people.

Is obedience, then, so great, so noble, so beautiful as to have power to allure, to conquer, to captivate the Son of God to such a degree? Ah! it is to God the most glorious homage that He can receive from His creatures. It is the homage of their intelligent will, the spiritual sacrifice of their immortal soul, the free gift of their meritorious life, offered by love to His good pleasure: It is for man true sanctity and consummate perfection:  “Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is all man”.  Beholding Jesus Christ rendering obedience to all priests whether good or bad says Blessed Margaret Mary,” and placing Himself in their hands to die mystically, concealing Himself in the Host that, with out showing any resistance, He may be immolated and sacrificed according to their designs, I am prompt at the call of obedience. Like a host of immolation, I place myself in the hands of my superiors for whatever they may command that, dying to my own will, to my passions, inclinations, and aversions, they may dispose of me as they please without my allowing the repugnance I may feel to appear. “And the violence I shall have to do myself will be to honor that which Jesus does Himself on entering souls sullied by sin. He has such horror for these souls that every time He enters them, He there renews the mortal agony of the Garden of Olives.

THANKSGIVING.

At the moment in which He offered Himself freely to suffer for the crimes of all and to assume their burden, He recalled the Father s promise: “If He shall lay down His life for sin, He shall see a long-lived seed  Of His sufferings and His obedience, mingled with His Blood, He formed remedies to cure us of the evil of independence and all the disorders it brings with it.

By His bruises we are healed.”In His obedience, He multiplied the most perfect acts, examples the most sublime of all the virtues, in order to induce us to imitate them and to teach us obedience sanctified and perfect: Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps.  Lastly, in this rude school of obedience, and tried by all kinds of sorrows, He formed for Himself a Heart of infinite compassion to bear with all our difficulties, struggles, and even falls, in the fulfillment of the perpetual and universal duty of obedience, which is the very foundation of man s life here below: “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And now, become by His sacramental state obedience consummated, mercifully continuing before our eyes the lessons of the humblest, the meekest, the most heroic, and the most persevering obedience, He gives Himself as the food, the strength, the consolation, and the pledge of infinite reward to all who, in order to reign with Him, bind themselves to Him till death in the bonds of Christian charity: “And being consummated, He became to all that obey Him, the cause of eternal salvation”.

Once when Blessed Margaret Mary had some difficulty in submitting to obedience, the Divine Master let her see His sacred Body covered with the wounds that He had received for her love. He reproached her with ingratitude and with tepidity in over coming herself for love of Him. “What dost Thou will me to do, O My God,”she asked, “since my will is stronger than I?” Jesus told her that, if she would place it in the wound of His Sacred Side, she would have no trouble in surmounting self. “O my Saviour,”she exclaimed, “do Thou place it therein so deeply and shut it up so securely that it can never come out!”  She tells us that from that moment everything appeared to her so easy that she never again had any difficulty in overcoming herself.

REPARATION

Man, alas! disdains to receive from the Most High the light to guide him in his way. He pretends to have, like God Him self, the knowledge of good and evil ; there fore choosing death by despising the divine commandment, he is condemned to darkness and torture for time and eternity. It is just that, refusing to obey God willingly, he should be chained in spite of himself under the murderous yoke of the leader of all revolts. It is just that, not having wished to accomplish the noble commands of the Lord and of His Church, he should be obliged to submit to the cruel and ignominious caprices of the demons and to the reprobate. The confession they are then obliged to make, can do them no good: “For we have not obeyed Thy commandments, therefore are we delivered to spoil and to captivity and to death, and are made a fable and a reproach to all nations! It is true that every disobedience is not opposed to the absolute will of the Creator, and does not carry with it a total revolt of the human will. A great number of these acts of disobedience regard things not imposed upon us as necessary. Respecting the substance of the precepts, some souls violate only the accidental circumstances; others only half comprehend or half will. These are slight disobediences, partial or venial. God punishes them with temporal pains during life or after, in order to pardon them in the end. But whatever they be, they displease His Heart. If He at once casts the gravely disobedient into the abyss of death, He declares His Heart turned away from those tepid souls that disobey in all things. He threatens to “vomit them out of His mouth”.  Let us seriously examine ourselves upon this capital point of the Christian life. Let us remember that the most deeply rooted inclination of fallen nature, the most impetuous, the most difficult to destroy or even to repress, is the passion of independence, of resistance to authority, and tendency to disobedience. Let us listen to the severe admonitions on this subject given by the Sacred Heart to the most intimate confidante of Its thoughts, Blessed Margaret Mary: “My Divine Master having ordered me to rise every night between Thursday and Friday, in order to recite five Pater and Ave prostrate on the ground, I replied to Him: My Lord, Thou knowest that I am not my own, and that I shall do what my superioress orders me. I do not intend it otherwise,” replied my Lord; “for, all powerful as I am, I desire nothing from thee but in dependence on thy superioress.  Hearken to these words from the mouth of Truth: All religious disunited and separated from their superiors, must be looked upon as vessels of reprobation, in whom ah good liquors are changed into corruption, and upon whom the Divine Sun of Justice darting His rays, produces the same effect as the sun shining upon mire. Such souls are so utterly rejected by My Heart that, the more they try to approach Me by the Sacraments, prayer, and other exercises, the more I withdraw from them in horror. They will fall from one hell to another, for it is this disunion that has lost so many, and that will lose so many more. Since every superior holds My place, be he good or bad, the inferior who injures him wounds his own soul in the same measure. It is vain for him after so doing to weep at the door of My mercy.  He shall not be heard”

PETITION.

Lastly, humility, that perfect form of the religious fear of God, will bow our neck under the yoke of obedience, will bend our will to that of superiors, so that we shall even prefer the non-success of obedience to the success of revolt. Like the proud, alas! have in our excitement and eagerness, preferred the present and deceitful satisfactions of disobedience. Lacking humility, we have not sought the conscientious and lasting observance of the divine commandments: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Therefore it is that, wishing to propose the yoke of His law, sweet but inevitable, the Divine Master manifested His meek and humble Heart to all men crushed under the weight of inexorable obligations, that they may seek in It, as in an inexhaustible source, humility, meekness, and sweetness, without which it is impossible for obedience to be sincere or lasting: “Learn that I am meek and humble of Heart: “take up My yoke upon you, for My yoke is sweet and My burden light.” After having earnestly implored grace of the most obedient Heart of Jesus, which we adore in the consummation of obedience in the Blessed Sacrament, let us take the resolution to obey, each in his own state, every law to which we are subject, every superior who has authority over us. Let us obey all the general obligations of the Christian who has authority over us. Let us obey all the general obligations of the Christian contained in the Gospel, in the commandments of God and of the Church, in the liturgical laws. Let us render obedience to all the Decrees, all the directions of the Sovereign Pontiff, the universal Pastor, and to the lawful ordinances of diocesan Bishops. Let us, each in what concerns him, obey the laws that regulate particular states; for instance, the laws of marriage, of trade, of public functions, of the priesthood, and of the religious state. Let us render obedience to those that have a right to exact it; wives to their husbands, children to parents, servants to masters, employees and workmen to employers, subjects to the legitimate laws and to magistrates, parishioners to their pastors, penitents to confessors, religious to superiors, vicars to rectors, priests to their Bishop. It is at this price that notable victories of the spirit over the flesh are gained, of humility over pride, and the public ascendency of Christians over the enemies of their Faith: “The obedient man shall speak of victories “Lord, give to Thy servant a docile heart”. Ask Our Eucharistic Lord to increase your spirit of recollection. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. (300 days Indulgence, when said before the Blessed Sacrament)

– Father Albert Tesnière, 1847-1909

*** photo from the Shrine of Good Saint Anne, Hecktown, PA.

History:

This Traditional Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost comes from a 1912 version from the Holy Ghost Fathers.  These Fathers are also known by the title of the Spiritians, a community founded in Paris by Claude Francis Poullart des Places, an affluent businessman and lawyer.  Poullart’s life changed direction when he developed relationships with and began assisting the homeless and poor chimney sweeps of Paris.  In 1703 the Spiritians were born for the purpose of preparing missionaries for the most abandoned souls. In 1848 the Spiritians merged with the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and the Congregation of the Holy Heart of Mary and together, with the aid of St. Katherine Drexel’s Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament founded Duquesne University.

The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.

MANNER OF PRAYING THE NOVENA

Each day the meditation and prayer for the particular day is said, followed by one (1) Our Father, one (1) Hail Mary and seven (7) Glory be to the Fathers, the Act of Consecration and the Prayer for the Seven Gifts.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY GHOST

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

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY GHOST

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul / the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth / the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude, that I may bear my cross with You I and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God find know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable / the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples / and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

FIRST DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

The Holy Ghost

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

SECOND DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

The Gift of Fear

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

THIRD DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

The Gift of Piety

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father 7 TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

FOURTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

FIFTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

The Gift of Knowledge

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

SIXTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

If Thou take Thy grace away,
nothing pure in man will stay,
All his good is turn’d to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

SEVENTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

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

The Gift of Counsel

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

EIGHTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

Bend the stubborn heart and will,
melt the frozen warm the chill.
Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

NINTH DAY OF THE NOVENA

Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee Adore,
in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend;

Give Them Comfort when they die;
Give them Life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost

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

Prayer

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

(Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts)

The beloved aeternus blog novena secretary just wrote to alert me/us to the following prayerful opportunity and good intention…

The Feast of Mary Queen of Apostles is May 23rd so a novena to her would begin today. It seems like a good idea to offer a novena for all of our Bishops since they are the successors to the Apostles.

DAY ONE

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel” (Gen 3:15). Through God’s loving foresight, Mary was placed, so to speak, on a path different from that on which all the common children of Eve, born with original sin, entered the world. The new path is that of the redeemed. The light of the cross illumined Mary’s conception, infancy and youth. Thus, she was worthy to be blessed among women. Together let us honour Mary Immaculate, Queen of Apostles, and ask her to give Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life, to all of us and to all people on earth.

Reflection and Resolution Prayer: O God, you sent the Holy Spirit upon the apostles as they were united in prayer with Mary, the Mother of Jesus. May the Queen of Apostles, the same Mother of us all, help us to serve your majesty faithfully, and to spread the glory of Your Name by word and example. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

“Our Father…”

“Hail Mary…”

“Glory be…”

Queen of Apostles, pray for us.

From the 1962 Roman Missal…

Remember, Christian soul, that thou hast this day, and every day of thy life:

God to glorify,

Jesus to imitate,

The Angels and Saints to invoke.

A soul to save,

A body to mortify,

Sins to expiate,

Virtues to acquire,

Hell to avoid,

Heaven to gain,

Eternity to prepare for,

Tie to profit by.

Neighbours to edify,

The world to despise,

Devils to combat,

Passions to subdue,

Death perhaps to suffer,

Judgment to undergo.

I really miss my old routine.  It used to be that I would drive the “mom bus” to pick up children from school a little earlier than their 3:15 pick up.  I would give myself an extra 30 minutes to read from one of my most FAVORITE books (St. Fautsina’s Diary) and then I would recite the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and then give my little ones a happy welcome from their day at school.  Oh, this was a joy…

So, this year, with a different schedule I am missing my time with Faustina.  I just opened by chance a page and loved this little quotation.  She struggled so incredibly in all aspects of her life.  One day it is physical, the other mental and spiritual.  (In fact, spiritual battles can (and most often) often occur not just from outside forces but from within our own weak and feeble minds!) I appreciated reading her struggle on this particular day of her life.  I thought I would share it.  I hope it makes me find more time to read her diary again.  Oh, it does wonders for the soul…

“J.M.J
Cracow, August 10, 1937
Notebook Four

All for You, Jesus, I desire to adore Your mercy with every beat of my heart and, to the extent that I am able, to encourage souls to trust in that mercy, as You yourself have commanded me, O Lord.

In my heart, in my soul, there is a dark night. My spirit has come up against an impenetrable wall that hides God from me. But this darkness is not of my doing. Strange indeed is this torture of which I fear to write in full. But even in this state, I am trying to be faithful to You, O my Jesus. Always and in all things, my heart beats for You alone.”

(photo above near Center Valley, Pa)

As we were away from St. Louis during Christmas I was not aware of a little story done on the Benedictine Community at St. Louis Abbey which was to show the quiet of prayer during this holy season. 

My son has been attending The Priory run by these fine Benedictines this year.  I thought I might write a bit about them and the school…

It has been such a BIG change for my son this school year for it is a rigorous schedule the boys maintain and from day one these young fellows are thrown (as it seems) into the deep.  The challenge comes not only from academics but from formation and initiation into a world of mature intellectual thought and behavior.  For some of the boys, like my son, they are still so young and so this challenge is quite difficult.  It is not easy on mothers I may add.  My heart hurts for him sometimes when I see him struggling so hard.  I try to be strong for him so he will grow strong and stay brave but it is difficult for me!  I must say that I am so proud of him for he met this challenge with determination of spirit and great courage of heart.  For example, I would like to share this little miracle.  It demonstrates God’s Fatherly help…

One of the biggest changes this academic year is the introduction into the daunting challenge of learning Latin.  Anyone who has ever attempted to cogitate this language knows the demands it places upon one’s intellect.  As I said, the school practices the philosophy of sink or swim and so from day one they were jumping off the high dive!  My son did pretty well for a couple of weeks and then BOOM – he might as well been trying to learn Swahili or Russian or Chinese.  Nothing made sense and grades plummeted to an all time low.  He was distraught because he was so very excited to actually study Latin this year.  He had been looking forward to it and was determined to make it something he would master.

As his hopes were being dashed and poor Mother and Father (who have no formal training in this language) were of little help, the aid of a tutor was enlisted.  The tutor, by the way, was Dad’s idea I had another…

I had been going to mass at the parish which is on the Abbey grounds and run by the Benedictine community since the beginning of the school term.  This was a big change to my early morning routine.  I was not sure I would be happy missing mass at the Carmelite Monastery but I chose to trust in Divine Providence.  The morning mass at the Abbey is at a suitable time and the actual church is quite and interesting one.  It is built in the round and looks quite different than your typical modern Catholic Church. (see my photo above).

The morning mass here (called St. Anselm’s) would have been o.k. for me to attend.  However, after a couple of weeks,  I found there is yet another mass said at the Abbey.  It is held at the same time as the other but in a different chapel.  The mass is offered at what is called the Oratory of Sts. Gregory and Augustine.   It is a newly instituted Oratory and because they have not yet established a proper church, for the time being masses are prayed in the lower level of  the Parish Hall.  What is different about this mass is that it is offered in the Traditional Latin form.

Our dear Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Burke was devoted to this form of mass and with his help and leadership it has enjoyed a great and enthusiastic welcome from many of the faithful in St. Louis.  Before attending this daily Latin mass, I had only been to a handful offered in Latin before.  While I enjoyed them, I admit to feeling a bit “lost” in my physical participation.  It is not any real fault that I was lost, I was just never educated to know this mass.  (This may give some clue as to my age — shhh!)   My soul, however, needed no manual to understand that my job as the faithful was to be united in to the mass in a contemplative way.  Somehow not having to verbally respond to every prayer allows one mind to think ever deeper into what is being celebrated. Besides, even with the eyes closed ones ears may yet hear that it is time to sit, kneel or stand and so this mass can be experienced in a new and different way.

My heart was intrigued enough to persist in attending this daily Latin mass (which I found did not take 2 hours to celebrate) and I hoped my mind would catch up with my soul in learning the prayers in a decent amount of time.  In their translation I have discovered that the Latin Mass prayers are so amazingly beautiful and I feel it is a bit sad we no longer use them.  The beauty of the prayer encouraged me to continue and after a few months I am finding it easier to follow along in the missal.  The mass is prayed in a style which encourages the faithful to prayerfully respond with the Altar Server and that, I believe, is a very nice practice for those who need to feel a stronger verbal participation necessary.  You can follow along with the Latin texts (if you are good with your missal) or you can read along with the translations.  Or, better yet, you can just open your heart and know you are with Christ witnessing His most redemptive act of infinite mercy and love.

So, anyway, back to the story… remember, my son is still struggling with his own “Latin issues”!

To help our son, my husband prescribes a tutor.  They will meet for 30 minutes before school twice a week.  However, I prescribe an alternative approach – prayer.

I told my son, who was next to tears at his failing grade, that I had a great and perfect plan to get him back on track and to become a skilled pupil of Latin by the end of the semester.  He looked at me quizzically but hopefully.  His little eyes desperate for the help of a Mother.  On Thursdays the boys start school late so the Monks and teachers can have their weekly meetings.  Knowing this I said, “how about starting on Thursday we go to school at the regular time (when the rest of your classmates are still sleeping) and attend the Latin Mass together.  We will offer a novena of 9 masses (9 Thursdays) for the intention of learning Latin to please our Heavenly Father and we will also ask our Blessed Mother to help you in class.  I am SURE that by the end of the Novena you will be an example Latin Scholarship!”

Now, you might think that any boy would say, “Mom, are you crazy?!!  Get up early on my day to sleep a little extra!  Mass in Latin are you nuts?!”  But I say to you, this boy was so enthusiastic and his trusting faith so immediate that it would warm your heart.  The next Thursday we were up and out the door before the dawn…

So, for 9 weeks he studied and for 9 weeks he prayed.

A surprise came concluding the 9th mass.  Father asked if my son would serve the mass for him the following week.  (That was a happy shocker!)  Also, on the 9th week he brought home his first 100% grade in Latin.  And, not too surprisingly he now has an A- average.

Please draw your own conclusions…

p.s.  Please don’t forget to have a look at the short little multi-media presentation on the Monks at the Abbey.  I thought it was not half bad…

I will post meditations for praying the rosary for the intention of the election.  I found them at the back of the church today.  Our Bishop Hermann wrote a letter read at all the masses throughout the Archdiocese yesterday.  I am so pleased to have such a wonderful and truthful man of Christ as our administrator at this time while we await a new Archbishop.  Here is his letter:

“We are living in destiny changing times! Our own personal destiny and the destiny of our nation are at stake! We are living in a time of widespread abortion and infanticide. This coming election may very well be the most important election for the cause of life or death.

If you are over 35 years of age, consider yourself lucky to be alive, because up until you were born, it was illegal in this country to kill children. If you are under 35, consider yourself lucky that you are one of the gifted survivors. Over 47 million of your generation were not so lucky and were killed.

In a letter to his people, Bishop Robert Finn of Kansas City-St. Joseph wrote:

Our Catholic moral principles teach that a candidate’s promise of economic prosperity is insufficient to justify their constant support of abortion laws, including partial-birth abortion, and infanticide for born-alive infants. Promotion of the Freedom of Choice Act is a pledge to eliminate every single limit on abortions achieved over the last thirty-five years. The real freedom that is ours in Jesus Christ compels us, not to take life, but to defend it.

Together with the other bishops of Missouri, I am asking all the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis to make next week a special week of prayer for the protection of human life. I am asking ever parish to offer one Holy Hour of Adoration on one day this following week for the cause of life and human dignity, and I am encouraging all parishioners to attend, if at all possible. If you can’t attend, make a good Confession or ask others to join you in praying the Rosary.

I am also encouraging every family to say the daily Rosary for this same intention. When Christian Europe was threatened by overwhelming odds in 1571, prayer to Our Lady of the Rosary brought about a tremendous victory. If they could do it then, we can do this today. With God’s help, we can make these kinds of choices. This is our calling. We are to be a people of hope. Let us ask Our Lady of Guadalupe to intercede for us.”

The Joyful Mysteries:

Annunciation – As we meditate, dear Jesus, on your holy conception in the womb of our Blessed Mother, we are sad witnesses of a new slaughter of the Innocents, the voluntary destruction of unborn children.  May the grace of Your taking our human nature bring to our country a president and legislators, who uphold the dignity and the sanctity of every human life.

Visitation – Dear Blessed Mother, as you brought Jesus to St. Elizabeth and to St. John the Baptist, please bring your Divine Son into the minds and hearts of each candidate for office in our country and every voter.  May we fiercely guard our first unalienable right, the right to life.

Nativity – Our Lady of Guadalupe, heavenly missionary to the New World, as you brought Jesus to our continent and ended human sacrifice, please continue to be our protector, defender and shield.  Teach our legislators and citizens to walk in the path of moral well-being that there may be realized in each and all the sublime ideal of one nation under God, Who is the only true governor of our beloved America.

The Presentation –  The Child is presented in the Temple because the Child belongs to God,  May all in our country deeply cherish the sanctity of life and elect leaders, who uphold God’s loving commandments.

The Finding in the Temple –  Dearest Jesus, as You taught in the Temple, please impart Your holy wisdom to each one of us that we may know the truth, and guard the truth.  May those who govern and those who vote not consider their own personal opinions or special interests but consider only God’s holy and loving will.

I’m just back from collecting my son who was on his first “retreat” with his new classmates and the beautiful Benedictine Monks who teach them. They were off in the outback woods of Southeastern Illinois since early Sunday climbing rocks and praying all the hours. He said the learned how to “chant” along and I am so pleased to hear that. I will report that he looked like the scrubbiest, most dirty boy to get off the bus, but I am so very glad to have him back home!

Now, all day I have wanted to post a reminder to you all. Today we may begin a Novena of prayer to “La Madre” (as the Discalced Carmelites like to call her). The rest of the world knows her as St. Teresa of Avila. You can pray along with the prayer below which was written by a most beautiful admirer of hers, Saint Alphonsus Liguori. Saint Alphonsus centers his prayer each day on one special attribute he finds in Teresa.  It is quite a beautiful testament to his affection for her.

You may also want to listen along to the Podcast if that suits. You can listen to the mp3 files of each day’s prayers at Meditations from Carmel.

Novena to St. Teresa of Avila

by St. Alphonsus of Liguori

( Pray especially beginning on October 7 and ending on October 15 , the Feast of St. Teresa.)

First Day: O most amiable Lord Jesus Christ! We thank Thee for the great gift of faith and of devotion to the Holy Sacrament, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits and by those of Thy faithful spouse, to grant us the gift of a lively faith, and of a fervent devotion toward the most Holy Sacrament of the altar; where Thou, O infinite Majesty! hast obliged Thyself to abide with us even to the end of the world, and wherein Thou didst so lovingly give Thy whole Self to us.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Second Day: O most merciful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of hope which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy holy spouse, to give us a great confidence in Thy goodness, by reason of Thy Precious Blood, which Thou hast shed to its last drop for our salvation.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Third Day: O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of love which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most loving spouse, to give us the great, the crowning gift of Thy perfect love.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Fourth Day: O most sweet Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of great desire and resolution which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, that she might love Thee perfectly; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most generous spouse, to give us a true desire, and a true resolution of pleasing Thee the utmost of our power.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Fifth Day: O most kind Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the great gift of humility which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most humble spouse, to grant us the grace of a true humility, which may make us ever find our joy in humiliation, and prefer contempt before every honour.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Sixth Day: O most bountiful Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of devotion towards Thy sweet mother, Mary and her holy spouse, Joseph, which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most dear spouse, to give us the grace of a special and tender devotion towards Thy most holy mother, Mary, and towards Thy beloved foster-father, Joseph.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Seventh Day: O most loving Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the wonderful gift of the wound in the heart which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy seraphic spouse, to grant us also a like wound of love, that, henceforth, we may love Thee and give our mind to the love of nothing but Thee.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Eighth Day: O most beloved Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the eminent gift of the desire for death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most constant spouse, to grant us the grace of desiring death, in order to go and possess Thee eternally in the country of the blessed.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Ninth Day: Lastly, O dearest Lord Jesus Christ! we thank Thee for the gift of the precious death which Thou didst grant to Thy beloved Teresa, making her sweetly to die of love; we pray Thee, by Thy merits, and by those of Thy most affectionate spouse, to grant us a good death; and if we do not die of love, yet, that we may at least die burning of love for Thee, that so dying, we may be able to go and love Thee for evermore with a more perfect love in heaven.

Say one Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be.

V. St. Teresa, pray for us:

R. That we may become worthy of the promises of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray: Graciously hear us, O God of our salvation! that as we rejoice in the commemoration of the blessed virgin Teresa, so we may be nourished by her heavenly doctrine, and draw from thence the fervour of a tender devotion; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen

Its Tuesday so I thought to post a reminder about the novena and election prayer we can participate in. I also found this video from Grassroots films. I tried to embed the video into the blog but I could not get it to work so you’ll have to click the link to see it. It is quite beautiful…

It has come to my attention, from a most good and faithful source, who happens to be my official “novena reminder” and prayer coach (I love this lady and her beautiful brown scapular!) that starting today we in America can begin a novena for the Presidential Election. If a soul would so wish to dedicate the following Nine Tuesdays to this novena prayer most surely it would have a great efficacious value. Also it was suggested to dedicate this prayer through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother under the title of the Immaculate Conception (Patroness of Our Land). Even if a soul could not remember the entire Novena Prayer and just prayed from their heart “Oh Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee” I’m sure our Mother would find that prayer very pleasing.

The following prayer was written by Fr. John Hardon. S.J. and has found its way into many a vestibule and pew in St. Louis. (Where I found mine.) I thought it would be good to share…

Prayer for the Election

Lord Jesus Christ,

You told us to give Ceasar what belongs to Ceasar
and to God what belongs to God.
Enlighten the minds of our people in America.
May we choose a President of the United States
and other government officials according to
Your Divine Will.

Give our citizens the courage to choose leaders
of our nation who respect the sanctity of unborn human life,
the sanctity of marriage,
the sanctity of marital relations,
the sanctity of the family
and the sanctity of the aging.

Grant us wisdom to give You what belongs to You, our God.
If we do this as a nation, we are confident You will give us
an abundance of Your blessings
through our elected leaders.

Amen.

My dear Novena Secretary has once again come to my rescue to remind me of the Novena which starts today to Our Lady of Czestochowa. I took the photo above when she and I visited the Black Madonna Shrine here a couple of summers ago. I am sure it would be a wonderful time to visit the National Shrine in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and I am just sorry I was not able to make a visit there last month when I was visiting my family.

According to tradition, it is believed that Saint Luke the Evangelist is the original artist of this painting in which Mary is depicted holding the Christ Child. This sacred picture, enshrined and venerated at the renowned Marian Shrine in Poland, was brought from Jerusalem through Constantinople and was bestowed to the Princess of Ruthenia. It was brought to Poland in 1382 through the efforts of Ladislaus of Opole who discovered it in a castle at Belz. To ensure its protection, he invited the Monks of Saint Paul the first Hermit from Hungary to come to Poland to be the guardians of the Picture.

Now, there are several different Novena Prayers to Our Lady of Czestochowa which I found online and you can use. Click here for one and click here for the Pauline Father’s Novena Prayer (they maintain the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Pennsylvania. There is a nice collection of prayers here and a history on the Black Madonna.

Novena Prayer

Under your bejeweled mantle, I seek refuge Most Holy Immaculate Virgin and Mother. How sweet it is for me to venerate you under the title of Our Lady of Czestochowa and Queen of Jasna Gora.

We fly to your patronage, O Holy Mother of God; despise not these our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all danger, O glorious and blessed Virgin.

My most holy Mother, I behold the graces that you have already obtained for me, and the ingratitude that I have shown toward you. The thankless soul is no longer worthy of blessings, but not even on this account will I lose confidence in your mercy. O my mighty advocate have pity on me and obtain, I beseech you, this favor for me if it be for the glory of your Divine Son and the good of my soul.

(Pause and name the favor sought)

Speak for me, Queen of Jasna Gora. Your Son will do whatsoever you shall ask of Him. I beg you, take me under your protection and this is enough for me, to be one of your ever faithful servants. Amen.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired
with this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins my mother; to you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful; O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions; but in your clemency hear and answer me. Amen

O Mother of the Divine Infant in your arms, through your sacred image in Czestochowa you remind us of the constant presence of your Son and of your own motherly solicitude as a source of strength and courage in our daily trails, difficulties and labors.

we praise you and we love you.

O Queen whose image bears the scars of enemy attacks, you are to us a sign of hope, unity and victory,

we praise you and we love you.

O Virgin Helper, you aid us in ovecoming all evil and weakness,

we praise you and we love you.

When we are oppressed by doubts and temptations against faith,

be our help and our protection.

When we feel lonely, abandoned, and threatened,

be our help and protection.

When we are in danger of yielding to our evil habits and sins,

be our help and protection.

That you may strengthen us in faith and obatin for us the power to renew our lives in the spirit of God’s commandments and the Gospels of Christ,

we beseech you, O Lady of Jasna Gora, our Mother.

That you may continue to reign in our lives, on the personal, family , social and national levels.

we beseech you, O Lady of Jasna Gora, Our Mother

That you may obtain for us from your Son the special grace that we implore in this novena.

we beseech you, O Lady of Jasna Gora, our Mother.

O Almighty and merciful God, You gave the Polish Nation a wondrous help and defense in the most holy Virgin Mary and you honored her sacred image at Jasna Gora with remarkable veneration of the faithful. Grant in your mercy that under her protection, we may struggle confidently throughout our lives and, at the moment of death be victorious over our enemy.

We ask this grace in the name of Jesus, your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Matko, ja kocham Cię
(Mother I love you!)

Happy Feast Day!

I pray today many souls will be open to the invitation of protection and maternal love promised by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel to those who wear her garment of grace, the most holy scapular!

A quick note:

Last evening, at the novena, I was so fortunate and so completely blessed to receive a new scapular from some new friends. I have a special devotion to St. Terese of the Andes and met a wonderful married couple from Chile. We spoke at length about what a great feast happens in their county during the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel (July 16) and St. Teresa of the Andes (July 13). They said it is a National Holiday! WOW! They brought me a special scapular from Chile and on it is a photograph of dear St. Teresa of the Andes. Oh, I will treasure this gift. THANK YOU!!! You can see a celebratory video of her life here. I think it is called “Vivo solo para dios” which I believe is “live for God alone!” and it is from the Carmelite Missionaries (Carmelitas Misioneras) in Chile.

The photo above was taken last evening at the Novena. Here is a wonderful poem I found to celebrate the day…

BY this blest badge we wear, O holy Mother!
This token of thy love,
Look down on us with eyes of tenderest pity
From thy bright home above —

Thou who didst tread the Via Dolorosa
Through sorrow’s bitterest gloom,
Thou who didst stand beside the Cross in anguish,
Didst mourn beside the tomb;

Thou whose pure heart wast torn with grief whose
tortures
No mortal tongue may tell,
When died thy Son, our merciful Redeemer,
For those he loved so well.

Then, when our sins thy loving heart were breaking,
He gave us unto thee,
That thou our Mother and our Mediatrix
For evermore should be.

And thou hast proved a loving Mother to us,
Blessed Queen of love and light,
Who hast bestowed upon us this most glorious
Badge of the Carmelite —

Gift of thy love unto that chosen servant
Whose heart, wiih love aflame,
Sought daily with undying zeal to honor
Thy pure and holy name.

A boon he craved, a gift from thee, dear Mother
A token from thy hand,
Whose power would fan the flame of praise and
worship
To splendor clear and grand.

And thou didst hear his prayer — this badge thy
answer.
What rapturous surprise
Flooded his soul when from the opened heavens,
To glad his loving eyes,

Thou earnest to earth, the Infant Saviour bearing
Upon thy spotless breast,
And to thy sainted servant gave this armor
And shield for souls oppressed.

Mount Carmel’s caves, within whose shadows lonely
God’s priests and prophets prayed,
Thrilled to the music which uncounted angels
Singing around thee made.

And thence for evermore sweet strains of comfort,
Thy words of promise, flow —
Words which have fallen with a balm of healing
On many a wound of woe.

O dear, dear Mother ! through each passing moment
Look from thy home above,
And shield from tempting wiles the thousands
wearing
This livery of thy love.

Pray for thy children found in every station,
Peasant or prince or peer,
Merchant or soldier, or the rugged sailor
Whose stout heart knows no fear.

But oh ! all blessings choicest still and rarest
Flow round their hearts to-day
Who for Christ’s sake leave home and friends and
kindred,
To tread the ” narrow way ” ;

Whose every aim in life is consecrated
To God, and God alone ;
Whose prayers, a grand, perpetual adoration,
Like incense seek his throne.

Win them, sweet Mother, faith’s celestial guerdon,
To each give strengthening grace,
And let the influence of their lives heroic
Be felt in every place.

–By Marcella Agnes Fitzgerald
Poems, Published 1886 by The Catholic Publication Society, New York

I was a little worried, only a little mind you, when that first big thunderstorm hit at around 5p.m. or so. I decided quickly not to think too much about it and that rain or shine, the first night of the Annual Outdoor Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel would be wonderful. So, despite a second quick shower at about 7:45 when everyone was filing out of the chapel and onto the monastery grounds for Holy Mass, the night was splendid. In fact, you can see from the glorious image above that the Lord was present in all His beauty. For when the shower passed, His light was upon us.

Bishop Robert Herman, who is now our Archdiocese Administrator now that Archbishop Burke is going to Rome, came to celebrate the Eucharist for us. As is per usual, his homily was just wonderful. He is a charismatic speaker and you can here is homily from the OCDS website here. You will enjoy listening him speak about the importance of the Contemplative Life in today’s world. His passion and humor are to be thoroughly enjoyed!

I will try to post more later…

I don’t know what I was thinking, I guess I just wasn’t!

Last night when we arrived to Mount Grace for the Novena to the Sacred Heart I did not realize it was the last night! Maybe I was just deeply hoping the novena would continue throughout the whole entire summer, maybe I was in denial, maybe I was just stupid. However, when the organ sounded the entrance hymn of Come Holy Ghost and I turned around to see the Archbishop ready to process into the chapel, I knew the jig was up. The end was here. And I had a very sad private moment and a pang in my heart at the beginning of the mass. Oh, I wish I could communicate how much I love this annual novena! And, by the way, my children do to. I think my husband will even miss going tonight!

The mass was as usual, lovely. The highlight of the evening was after mass when Archbishop Burke blessed the Pink Sister’s new outdoor statue of St. Joseph. They have renovated a side garden next to the front of the chapel to make a swirling meditative path for walking and the most lovely statue of a 30ish St. Joseph with a 2 year old Jesus on his lap. Jesus is looking up and praying to His Heavenly Father. It really is a beautiful statue to be sure.

Now, I would like to mention here that it seems I am quite “attached” to this novena. And that would probably be a good and easy assessment to make of me. I am a poor soul and I suppose I rely greatly on this chapel, these beautiful nuns and this most beautiful novena to the Sacred Heart. Who could not be inspired by their continual adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, day and night, for the good of souls! Deo Gratias! It should raise your hearts to heaven!

However, as I am studying St. John of the Cross’s Ascent of Mount Carmel I must analyze myself a bit…

Saint John of the Cross discusses in detail all forms of misplaced attachment throughout his book. In Chapter 43 of Book III he discusses “the large variety of ceremonies that many people use as another motivating means for prayer.” He also in the previous chapter talks about the “three different kinds of places, I find, by which God usually moves the will.” To be sure, I am motivated by both this chapel and the novena itself and if I did not know St. John of the Cross better, I might think that he is cautioning me and making me think I am too attached to this novena. We know that we all must endeavor to quell attachments (for the good of our souls) however, I also take to heart the goodness of devotion as John says, “God alone knows why he chooses one place in which to receive praise more than another. What we should know is that he does all for our own benefit and so he may hear our prayers in these places – or anywhere we beseech him with integral faith”

I will post some photos now, but I am already missing my very cold pink lemonade and vanilla chocolate chip cookies (which the Sister’s most kindly share with us after every mass!) I don’t know how I’ll get to sleep tonight without them!

The following prayer is prayed each night at the Pink Sister’s Novena in honor of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, you revealed to St. Margaret Mary your desire to reign over Christian families. To fulfill this desire, we today proclaim your complete dominion over our family. From now on we wish to live your life, to cultivate in our home those virtues which bring us your peace, and avoid that worldliness which you have condemned. You will rule over our minds by simple faith and over our hearts by a love kept aflame by frequent Communion.

Divine Heart of Jesus, be pleased to preside over our family, to bless all we do, to dispel our troubles, sanctify our joys, lighten our sufferings. If one of us should ever offend you by sin, remind us, merciful Jesus, of your goodness and mercy to the penitent sinner. And when the hour of separation strikes, when death brings its grief into our midst, those of us who go and those of us who stay will be submissive to what you have decreed. Then it will be our consolation to remember that the day will come when our entire family, reunited in heaven, will be able to sing forever of your glory and mercy.

May the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, present to you this our Consecration and keep us ever mindful of it all the days of our life. All glory to the Sacred Heat of Jesus, our King and our Father!

Photo above was taken during Prayer before the Noontime mass on Friday.

As we are getting ready for Pentecost, I remembered to dig out one of my favorite poems from a dear Carmelite, St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. It was a poem that was never completed and one of her last writings before she was taken off to Auschwitz and killed during  August of 1942. The manuscript itself remains in the Carmel in Echt and was probably written in the Summertime of 1942.

By St. Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)

Who are you, sweet light, that fills me
And illumines the darkness of my heart?
You lead me like a mother’s hand,
And should you let go of me,
I would not know how to take another step.
You are the space
That embraces my being and buries it in yourself.
Away from you it sinks into the abyss
Of nothingness, from which you raised it to the light.
You, nearer to me than I to myself
And more interior than my most interior
And still impalpable and intangible
And beyond any name:
Holy Spirit eternal love!

Are you not the sweet manna
That from the Son’s heart
Overflows into my heart,
The food of angels and the blessed?
He who raised himself from death to life,
He has also awakened me to new life
From the sleep of death.
And he gives me new life from day to day,
And at some time his fullness is to stream through me,
Life of your life indeed, you yourself:
Holy Spirit eternal life!

Are you the ray
That flashes down from the eternal Judge’s throne
And breaks into the night of the soul
That had never known itself?
Mercifully relentlessly
It penetrates hidden folds.
Alarmed at seeing itself,
The self makes space for holy fear,
The beginning of that wisdom
That comes from on high
And anchors us firmly in the heights,
Your action,
That creates us anew:
Holy Spirit ray that penetrates everything!

Are you the spirit’s fullness and the power
By which the Lamb releases the seal
Of God’s eternal decree?
Driven by you
The messengers of judgment ride through the world
And separate with a sharp sword
The kingdom of light from the kingdom of night.
Then heaven becomes new and new the earth,
And all finds its proper place
Through your breath:
Holy Spirit victorious power!

Are you the master who builds the eternal cathedral,
Which towers from the earth through the heavens?
Animated by you, the columns are raised high
And stand immovably firm.
Marked with the eternal name of God,
They stretch up to the light,
Bearing the dome,
Which crowns the holy cathedral,
Your work that encircles the world:
Holy Spirit God’s molding hand!

Are you the one who created the unclouded mirror
Next to the Almighty’s throne,
Like a crystal sea,
In which Divinity lovingly looks at itself?
You bend over the fairest work of your creation,
And radiantly your own gaze
Is illumined in return.
And of all creatures the pure beauty
Is joined in one in the dear form
Of the Virgin, your immaculate bride:
Holy Spirit Creator of all!

Are you the sweet song of love
And of holy awe
That eternally resounds around the triune throne,
That weds in itself the clear chimes of each and every being?
The harmony,
That joins together the members to the Head,
In which each one
Finds the mysterious meaning of his being blessed
And joyously surges forth,
Freely dissolved in your surging:
Holy Spirit eternal jubilation!

image above: Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry, Folio 79r – Pentecost the Musée Condé, Chantilly.

My daughter is to receive her first communion in a few weeks and when we were talking at bedtime the other evening she asked me if there was a special novena we could pray for the event. I thought that was such a sweet request and certainly a beautiful gracious thought to come to her. I have gone in search of such a novena. I was hoping to find one quite specific for a FIRST communion but was not able to. However, I did find this beautiful novena dedicated to “Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament”

If anyone knows of another such novena, please pass it along. I am going to make copies of this prayer and distribute it to all the second graders at school. During this “Easter Season of the Eucharist” would it not be great to spread this throughout all our parishes and schools!

Here is the prayer:

FIRST DAY
THE TITLE OF OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, Mother of Jesus and our tender Mother, we invoke thee under the title of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, because thou art the Mother of the Savior who lives in the Eucharist, and because it was from thee that He took the Flesh and Blood with which He there feeds us! We invoke thee under that title because, again, thou art the sovereign dispensatrix of all graces and, consequently, of those contained in the august Eucharist, also, because thou didst first fulfill the duties of the Eucharistic life, teaching us by thy example how to assist properly at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, how to communicate worthily, and how to visit frequently and piously the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!
LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

SECOND DAY
MARY AND THE HOLY MASS

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, after having been present at the death of thy Divine Son on Calvary, where thou didst unite thy immense sorrow to the Redeemer?Ts sacrifice, thou didst frequently assist at the real, though mysterious, renewal of that adorable sacrifice in the celebration of the Holy Mass. Teach us by thy example to esteem as it deserves the divine action performed at the altar, and obtain for us the grace to be able often, and even daily, to assist piously at the Holy Sacrifice.

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!
LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

THIRD DAY
MARY AND HOLY COMMUNION

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, thy Communions were the most fervent, the most holy that were ever made! When thou didst possess thy Divine Son in thy breast, thou didst love Him with a love exceeding that of any other creature soever for his God. Teach us to make Holy Communion the center of our life, and may that life be spent in preparing us for so great an action and in thanking God for so inappreciable a benefit!

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

FOURTH DAY
MARY AND THE REAL PRESENCE

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, who after the ascension of thy Divine Son, didst console thy exile on earth by thy Real Presence of Jesus in the Sacrament, and didst spend before the tabernacle the greater part of thy days and even thy nights, make us comprehend the treasure we possess on the altar. Inspire us to visit often the God of Love in the Sacrament in which He abides to receive the homage that He deserves by so many titles, and to guide, protect, and console us in this exile!
Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

FIFTH DAY
MARY, THE MODEL OF ADORERS

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, thou art our perfect Model in the service of the Divine Eucharist. With the most lively faith and the most profound respect thou didst adore Jesus hidden under the sacramental veils. After thy example, we desire to render to the Sacred Host all the honor due the Divinity and the glorified Humanity of the Son of God made Man. We wish to maintain at all times in the holy place the modesty and recollection becoming true adorers.

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

SIXTH DAY

MARY, THE MODEL OF THANKSGIVING

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, who didst return to Jesus so perfect Thanksgiving for the institution of the Divine Eucharist and the ineffable Gift in which the Savior exhausted His power and the treasures of His Heart, teach us to thank thy Divine Son for this great benefit, and especially to make our thanksgiving well when we have had the happiness of receiving Him in Holy Communion.
Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

SEVENTH DAY

MARY, THE MODEL OF REPARATION

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, thou didst adore thy Divine Son in His state of perpetual Victim, always immolated on our altars, incessantly demanding, by His death, grace and mercy for sinners. We unite with thy dolors and thy perfect reparation. We desire to accept our daily trials for love of Him, and with thee to console Jesus for the ingratitude of men and the outrages He daily receives in the Blessed Sacrament.

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

EIGHTH DAY

MARY, THE MODEL OF PRAYER

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, while the Apostles went to preach the Gospel, thou didst remain close to the tabernacle, supplicating for them the goodness of the Savior, and thy prayer obtained for them the grace to convert the world! Teach us to pray, above all, to pray near the tabernacle, where Jesus wills to abide continually in order to hear our petitions. Teach us to pray for the extension of the Eucharistic kingdom, for the salvation of the whole world, for the exaltation of the Holy Church, and most especially for the sanctification of the clergy and the conversion of sinners.
Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

NINTH DAY

MARY, THE DISPENSATRIX OF EUCHARISTIC GRACES

O Sacrament Most Holy, O Sacrament Divine, All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine. Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God!
O Virgin Immaculate, Mother most loving and admirable Model of adorers of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, thou art also the dispensatrix of the graces necessary to fulfill that great duty! Grant us, then, we beseech thee, as the fruit of this novena, the virtues that will render our adoration less unworthy of thy Divine Son. Teach us to honor so well this Mystery of mysteries that we may receive here below the graces it contains, in order to enjoy in heaven the eternal life of which it is the pledge!

Versicle:Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Response: That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ may come among us!

LET US PRAY

Lord Jesus Christ, our King and our God, who having become Man to make us sharers in Thy Divinity, art truly our Bread in the adorable Eucharist, grant, we beseech Thee, that in venerating so great a Mystery, we may be mindful of the most sweet Virgin Mary, of whom Thou didst will to be conceived by the operation of the Holy Ghost! Grant, also that we may imitate the worship that she rendered while on earth to this most august Sacrament, so we may behold Thy Eucharistic Kingdom spread and flourish throughout the whole world! O Thou who livest and reignest forever and ever!
Amen.

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

O Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the glory of Christians, the joy of the universal Church, and the hope of the world, pray for us. Kindle in all the faithful a lively devotion to the most Holy Eucharist, so that they may be worthy to receive Holy Communion every day. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, pray for us. Let us with Mary Immaculate adore, thank, supplicate, and console the most sacred and beloved Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.

I don’t know how I forgot this morning (I guess it has something to do with the transfer of his feast day this year) but today we can begin a novena to St. Joseph.  What I find so very beautiful about this particular novena prayer is how it mentions Joseph dying in the arms of Mary and Jesus.  What a beautiful death must his have been.  After a whole life of quiet service he was comforted to his passing by Jesus himself.

The novena prayer is the same prayer every day…

Saint Joseph, you are the faithful protector and intercessor of all who love
and venerate you. I have special confidence in you. You are powerful with
God and will never abandon your faithful servants.

I humbly invoke you and commend myself, with all who are dear to me, to your
intercession. By the love you have for Jesus and Mary, do not abandon me
during life, and assist me at the hour of my death.

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the immaculate Virgin, Foster-father of
Jesus Christ, obtain for me a pure, humble, and charitable mind, and perfect
resignation to the Divine Will. Be my guide, my father, and my model
through life that I may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and
Mary.

Loving Saint Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, I raise my heart to
you to implore your powerful intercession in obtaining from the Heart of
Jesus all the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare,
particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace I now
implore: (mention your request).

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I am confident that your prayers in my
behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.

MEMORARE

Remember, most pure spouse of Mary,
ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph,
that no one ever had recourse to your protection
or asked for your aid without obtaining relief.
Confiding, therefore, in your goodness,
I come before you and humbly implore you.
Despise not my petitions,
foster-father of the Redeemer,
but graciously receive them.

Amen.