Bridget, Patron Saint of Sweden and Europe - Prayer for Conversion
(an indulgence of 300 days, once a day)
With trusting hearts we turn to thee, Blessed Bridget, in these hostile and unbelieving days, to implore thine intercession in behalf of those who are separated from the Church of Jesus Christ. By that clear knowledge thou didst have of the bitter sufferings of our crucified Redeemer, the price of our salvation, we offer thee our supplications to obtain the grace of faith for those who are outside the one true fold, that so the sheep who are scattered may return to the one true Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saint Bridget, fearless in thy service of God, pray for us.
Saint Bridget, patient in the midst of suffering and humiliation, pray for us.
Saint Bridget, wonderful in thy love for Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
Our Father ...
Hail Mary ...
Glory Be ...
-----
(copied from The Raccolta : a Manual of Indulgences, #629, in some versions #394)
https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Raccolta/aJHKTdv3gncC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=629
https://saintsbooks.net/BooksList.html#Misc.
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Friday, May 29, 2015
My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge
Short daily renewal of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
+
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, I renew my consecration to you and to your Immaculate Heart. Please accept me, my dear Mother, and use me as you wish to accomplish your designs upon the world. I am all yours, my Mother, my Queen, and all that I have is yours.
+
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, I renew my consecration to you and to your Immaculate Heart. Please accept me, my dear Mother, and use me as you wish to accomplish your designs upon the world. I am all yours, my Mother, my Queen, and all that I have is yours.
+
* * *
Our Lady assured Lucy of Fatima, June 13, 1917:
"I will never abandon you, my child. My Immaculate Heart will be your refuge and the way that will lead you to God."
* * *
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Novena to Archangel St. Raphael for a plenary indulgence
NOVENA IN HONOR OF S RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Pius IX, by a rescript of the S Congr of Indulgences Nov. 28, 1876, granted to all the faithful, who with contrite hearts, at any time during the year, devoutly make the novena in honor of St. Raphael the archangel, with any formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority,
An indulgence of three hundred days, once a day.
A plenary indulgence during the novena if truly penitent, having confessed and
communicated they pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL ARCHANGEL
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travellers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and refuge of sinners. I entreat thee to help me in all my needs, and in all the trials of this life as thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the "physician of God", I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor is for my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
His Holiness Leo XIII by a rescript of the S Congr of Indulgences June 21, 1890, granted to the faithful who shall recite the above prayer
- - -
source: The New Raccolta: Or, Collection of Prayers and Good Works, to which the Sovereign Pontiffs Have Attached Holy Indulgences, c.1903
The Sovereign Pontiff, Pope Pius IX, by a rescript of the S Congr of Indulgences Nov. 28, 1876, granted to all the faithful, who with contrite hearts, at any time during the year, devoutly make the novena in honor of St. Raphael the archangel, with any formula of prayer, provided it be approved by competent ecclesiastical authority,
An indulgence of three hundred days, once a day.
A plenary indulgence during the novena if truly penitent, having confessed and
communicated they pray for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff.
PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL ARCHANGEL
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious by thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travellers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate and refuge of sinners. I entreat thee to help me in all my needs, and in all the trials of this life as thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the "physician of God", I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if this favor is for my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
His Holiness Leo XIII by a rescript of the S Congr of Indulgences June 21, 1890, granted to the faithful who shall recite the above prayer
An indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
- - -
source: The New Raccolta: Or, Collection of Prayers and Good Works, to which the Sovereign Pontiffs Have Attached Holy Indulgences, c.1903
Thursday, May 29, 2014
"Think no longer about yourself, about your perfection, or how to attain sanctity, about your defects, or your present and future troubles. No, I will see to your sanctification. You must henceforth think only of Me and of souls; of Me to love, of souls to save." -- Our Lord to Sr. Benigna Consolata Ferrero
The Brown Scapular
OUR LADY ON THE BROWN SCAPULAR: "Wear it devoutly and perseveringly," she says to each soul, "it is my garment. To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life."
Friday, February 01, 2013
Which Church Is The True Church?
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. "If anyone lacks wisdom ... let him ask in faith."
A man who rejects the Faith does not ask in faith. First accept the Faith, in humility accept the Holy Faith, then ask what you will of God. The Holy Faith is the teaching of Jesus Christ as practiced by His first apostles and passed on from them to the followers after them, generation after generation, down to present times.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. [James 1:5-6]
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. Neither human weakness, nor human error, nor the gates of hell shall cause it to be otherwise. It is recorded in the New Testament that there were in those days many communities of Christians, that the apostles preached in many places and made many converts. These communities grew, including the one in Rome (refer to Romans), and the Holy Faith and its priestly orders were passed down from generation to generation. St. Peter, who Christ named Rock and to whom he said "upon this Rock I will build my church", died in Rome in the 1st century A.D. As the head of the Christians in Rome and as well the head that all the faithful looked to, he is rightly considered the first bishop of Rome and the first Pope, and this priestly office has had its rightful and recognized successors from that time down to the present. The timeline of Peter's successors can be viewed here : The List of Popes.
Q: Which church is the true Church?
A: The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
Q: Where can I find the the true Church?
A: Wherever a community of Christians uphold sacred apostolic tradition, the most important being priestly orders. (Learn more here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_W8fsT7SLQ)
A man who rejects the Faith does not ask in faith. First accept the Faith, in humility accept the Holy Faith, then ask what you will of God. The Holy Faith is the teaching of Jesus Christ as practiced by His first apostles and passed on from them to the followers after them, generation after generation, down to present times.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. [James 1:5-6]
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. Neither human weakness, nor human error, nor the gates of hell shall cause it to be otherwise. It is recorded in the New Testament that there were in those days many communities of Christians, that the apostles preached in many places and made many converts. These communities grew, including the one in Rome (refer to Romans), and the Holy Faith and its priestly orders were passed down from generation to generation. St. Peter, who Christ named Rock and to whom he said "upon this Rock I will build my church", died in Rome in the 1st century A.D. As the head of the Christians in Rome and as well the head that all the faithful looked to, he is rightly considered the first bishop of Rome and the first Pope, and this priestly office has had its rightful and recognized successors from that time down to the present. The timeline of Peter's successors can be viewed here : The List of Popes.
Q: Which church is the true Church?
A: The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
Q: Where can I find the the true Church?
A: Wherever a community of Christians uphold sacred apostolic tradition, the most important being priestly orders. (Learn more here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_W8fsT7SLQ)
Which Church Is The True Church?
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. "If anyone lacks wisdom ... let him ask in faith."
A man who rejects the Faith does not ask in faith. First accept the Faith, in humility accept the Holy Faith, then ask what you will of God. The Holy Faith is the teaching of Jesus Christ as practiced by His first apostles and passed on from them to the followers after them, generation after generation, down to present times.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. [James 1:5-6]
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. Neither human weakness, nor human error, nor the gates of hell shall cause it to be otherwise. It is recorded in the New Testament that there were in those days many communities of Christians, that the apostles preached in many places and made many converts. These communities grew, including the one in Rome (refer to Romans), and the Holy Faith and its priestly orders were passed down from generation to generation. St. Peter, who Christ named Rock and to whom he said "upon this Rock I will build my church", died in Rome in the 1st century A.D. As the head of the Christians in Rome and as well the head that all the faithful looked to, he is rightly considered the first bishop of Rome and the first Pope, and this priestly office has had its rightful and recognized successors from that time down to the present. The timeline of Peter's successors can be viewed here : The List of Popes.
Q: Which church is the true Church?
A: The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
A man who rejects the Faith does not ask in faith. First accept the Faith, in humility accept the Holy Faith, then ask what you will of God. The Holy Faith is the teaching of Jesus Christ as practiced by His first apostles and passed on from them to the followers after them, generation after generation, down to present times.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and he will be given it. But he should ask in faith, not doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed about by the wind. [James 1:5-6]
When Jesus founds a church it stays founded. Neither human weakness, nor human error, nor the gates of hell shall cause it to be otherwise. It is recorded in the New Testament that there were in those days many communities of Christians, that the apostles preached in many places and made many converts. These communities grew, including the one in Rome (refer to Romans), and the Holy Faith and its priestly orders were passed down from generation to generation. St. Peter, who Christ named Rock and to whom he said "upon this Rock I will build my church", died in Rome in the 1st century A.D. As the head of the Christians in Rome and as well the head that all the faithful looked to, he is rightly considered the first bishop of Rome and the first Pope, and this priestly office has had its rightful and recognized successors from that time down to the present. The timeline of Peter's successors can be viewed here : The List of Popes.
Q: Which church is the true Church?
A: The One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church
Monday, September 03, 2012
grace comes often only at a given moment
"... grace comes often only at a given moment; it may perhaps not come again."
An Open Letter to Confused Catholics
By His Grace Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
On Ecumenism
Friday, April 13, 2012
Works of Mercy
We will be asked for a particular account of the works of mercy we have performed on the Day of Judgment. A work of mercy is a work by which we help our neighbour in his spiritual or corporal needs. Traditional lists of them are:
A. Corporal works of mercy:
1. To give food to the hungry
2. To give drink to the thirsty
3. To give clothing to the naked
4. To give lodging to pilgrims
5. To visit the sick
6. To visit those in prison
7. To bury the dead.
B. Spiritual works of mercy:
1. To give counsel to those in doubt
2. To teach the ignorant
3. To admonish sinners
4. To console the afflicted
5. To forgive offenses
6. To bear patiently with persons who are difficult
7. To pray to God for the living and the dead.
[copied from: The Catechism of St. Pius X - http://www.ewtn.com/library/CATECHSM/PIUSXCAT.htm#Mercy]
A. Corporal works of mercy:
1. To give food to the hungry
2. To give drink to the thirsty
3. To give clothing to the naked
4. To give lodging to pilgrims
5. To visit the sick
6. To visit those in prison
7. To bury the dead.
B. Spiritual works of mercy:
1. To give counsel to those in doubt
2. To teach the ignorant
3. To admonish sinners
4. To console the afflicted
5. To forgive offenses
6. To bear patiently with persons who are difficult
7. To pray to God for the living and the dead.
[copied from: The Catechism of St. Pius X - http://www.ewtn.com/library/CATECHSM/PIUSXCAT.htm#Mercy]
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Daily Prayer to a Saint
+ Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. ____ and I give You thanks for all the graces You have bestowed upon her/him. I ask You to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to her/him by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Your goodness and promise, St. _____ might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen. +
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Proclamation of the Birth of Christ
(chanted at all Christmas Eve Masses and the Midnight Mass)
Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time
when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image.
Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.
Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt.
Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges;
one thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week according the prophecy of Daniel.
In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome,
the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.
Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.
* * *
Entrance Hymn - Adeste Fideles
Adeste fideles, laeti triumphantes venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte, Regem angelorum.
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus Dominum!
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning. Jesus to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
(chanted at all Christmas Eve Masses and the Midnight Mass)
Today, the twenty-fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time
when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image.
Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant.
Twenty-one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah;
thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt.
Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges;
one thousand years from the anointing of David as king;
in the sixty-fifth week according the prophecy of Daniel.
In the one hundred and ninety-fourth Olympiad;
the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome,
the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus;
the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father,
desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.
Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.
* * *
Entrance Hymn - Adeste Fideles
Adeste fideles, laeti triumphantes venite, venite in Bethlehem.
Natum videte, Regem angelorum.
Venite adoremus, venite adoremus, venite adoremus Dominum!
O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold him, born the King of angels.
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning. Jesus to thee be all glory given.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing.
O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, O come let us adore him, Christ the Lord!
Monday, July 11, 2011
St. Benedict Medal / Crucifix
Special blessing and exorcism given by Fr. Robert Elias Barcelos, O.C.D - July 11, 2011 - Feast of St. Benedict
[below is copied from: http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/cspbmedl.htm]
On the front of the medal we find St. Benedict holding a Cross in one hand, and the Rule of St. Benedict in the other. At his sides are the words "Crux S. Patris Benedicti" ("The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict"), and below his feet: "Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX" ("From the holy mount of Casino, 1880"). On that date, Monte Cassino was given the exclusive right to produce this medal, and special Jubilee indulgences were added. Still on this front side of the medal we find inscribed in a circle the words:
"Ejus in obitu nostro presentia muniamur" ("May his presence protect us in our hour of death").
The reverse side of the medal is where the real exorcistic force reveals itself. In the center is a Cross. The Cross, which St. Benedict so loved and often used as a powerful exorcism, is the sign before which even Dracula shrinked. The vertical beam of the Cross bears the letters C.S.S.M.L., and the horizontal beam, the letters N.D.S.M.D. These are the first letters of the words:
CRUX SACRA SIT MIHI LUX, May the Holy Cross be a light unto me,
NON DRACO SIT MIHI DUX. And may the Dragon never be my guide.
The four large letters at the corners of the Cross, C S P B, stand for CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI: The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.
We are not through yet. In addition to the "Pax" ("peace") motto at the top, we find the following letters in a circle around the margin of this side: V.R.S.N.S.M.V.: S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. It almost looks masonic; except, of course, the Benedictines are quite willing to tell you what the letters stand for, and they are enough to make any secret society get the shakes:
VADE RETRO SATANA; NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA.
Get behind me, Satan; Never suggest vain thoughts to me.
SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS;
The cup you offer is evil;
IPSE VENENA BIBAS!
Drink the poison yourself!
[below is copied from: http://www.ewtn.com/library/mary/cspbmedl.htm]
On the front of the medal we find St. Benedict holding a Cross in one hand, and the Rule of St. Benedict in the other. At his sides are the words "Crux S. Patris Benedicti" ("The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict"), and below his feet: "Ex S M Casino MDCCCLXXX" ("From the holy mount of Casino, 1880"). On that date, Monte Cassino was given the exclusive right to produce this medal, and special Jubilee indulgences were added. Still on this front side of the medal we find inscribed in a circle the words:
"Ejus in obitu nostro presentia muniamur" ("May his presence protect us in our hour of death").
The reverse side of the medal is where the real exorcistic force reveals itself. In the center is a Cross. The Cross, which St. Benedict so loved and often used as a powerful exorcism, is the sign before which even Dracula shrinked. The vertical beam of the Cross bears the letters C.S.S.M.L., and the horizontal beam, the letters N.D.S.M.D. These are the first letters of the words:
CRUX SACRA SIT MIHI LUX, May the Holy Cross be a light unto me,
NON DRACO SIT MIHI DUX. And may the Dragon never be my guide.
The four large letters at the corners of the Cross, C S P B, stand for CRUX SANCTI PATRIS BENEDICTI: The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict.
We are not through yet. In addition to the "Pax" ("peace") motto at the top, we find the following letters in a circle around the margin of this side: V.R.S.N.S.M.V.: S.M.Q.L.I.V.B. It almost looks masonic; except, of course, the Benedictines are quite willing to tell you what the letters stand for, and they are enough to make any secret society get the shakes:
VADE RETRO SATANA; NUNQUAM SUADE MIHI VANA.
Get behind me, Satan; Never suggest vain thoughts to me.
SUNT MALA QUAE LIBAS;
The cup you offer is evil;
IPSE VENENA BIBAS!
Drink the poison yourself!
Friday, May 13, 2011
Novena to St. Raphael & Our Lady of Fatima
May 13, 2011 - May 21, 2011
+
Vouchsafe, Lord God, to send unto our assistance St. Raphael the Archangel. And may he, whom we believe, evermore standeth before the throne of Thy Majesty, offer unto Thee our humble petitions to be blessed by Thee through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(intentions)
Oh Most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I adore Thee profoundly.
I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity
of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world,
in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and
indifferences by which He is offended.
By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I beg the conversion of poor sinners.
Amen.
Hail Mary ... (3x)
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
St. Raphael Archangel, pray for us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
+
+
Vouchsafe, Lord God, to send unto our assistance St. Raphael the Archangel. And may he, whom we believe, evermore standeth before the throne of Thy Majesty, offer unto Thee our humble petitions to be blessed by Thee through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
(intentions)
Oh Most Holy Trinity,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
I adore Thee profoundly.
I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity
of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world,
in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and
indifferences by which He is offended.
By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary,
I beg the conversion of poor sinners.
Amen.
Hail Mary ... (3x)
Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us.
St. Raphael Archangel, pray for us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.
+
Sunday, January 23, 2011
15 Prayers of Our Lord's Passion
As attributed to St. Bridget of Sweden in a revelation, c.1370 A.D.
(each prayer is preceded by 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary)
+
Our Father...
Hail Mary ...
[1] O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from all eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples, having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst foretell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: My Soul is sorrowful even unto death.
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou was crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages. In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission of all my sins. Amen.
[2] O Jesus! True liberty of angels, Paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of-cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Saviour, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
[3] O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy Loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged Thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulled Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy Limbs. I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
[4] O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
[5] O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless lost and unfortunate sinners. Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
[6] O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou was fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!" and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!"
I beg of Thee O my Saviour, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my affliction and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
[7] O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst!", suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee O my Saviour, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts; and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
[8] O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the vinegar and gall which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
[9] O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when, plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou was abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Saviour, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
[10] O Jesus! Who art the beginning and end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou was plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
[11] O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me, hide me in Thy wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
[12] O Jesus! Mirror of Truth, symbol of unity, link of Charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou was covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O GReat and Universal Pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal Flesh for Love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done! May faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy Love increase in my heart each day, until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O Sweetest Jesus, in Heaven, Amen.
[13] O Jesus! Strong Lion, Immortal and Invincible King, remember the pain which Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted, Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated!" Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
[14] O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, Splendor and Figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart Broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst Expire. By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
[15] O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of Blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press. From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very Substance of Thy Body withered, and the Marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
[CLOSING PRAYER] O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
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(each prayer is preceded by 1 Our Father and 1 Hail Mary)
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Our Father...
Hail Mary ...
[1] O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from all eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples, having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst foretell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: My Soul is sorrowful even unto death.
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou was crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages. In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission of all my sins. Amen.
[2] O Jesus! True liberty of angels, Paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of-cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Saviour, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
[3] O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy Loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged Thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulled Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy Limbs. I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
[4] O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
[5] O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless lost and unfortunate sinners. Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
[6] O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou was fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!" and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!"
I beg of Thee O my Saviour, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my affliction and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
[7] O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst!", suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee O my Saviour, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts; and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
[8] O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the vinegar and gall which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
[9] O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when, plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou was abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Saviour, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
[10] O Jesus! Who art the beginning and end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou was plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
[11] O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me, hide me in Thy wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
[12] O Jesus! Mirror of Truth, symbol of unity, link of Charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou was covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O GReat and Universal Pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal Flesh for Love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done! May faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy Love increase in my heart each day, until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O Sweetest Jesus, in Heaven, Amen.
[13] O Jesus! Strong Lion, Immortal and Invincible King, remember the pain which Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted, Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated!" Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
[14] O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, Splendor and Figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart Broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst Expire. By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
[15] O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of Blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press. From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very Substance of Thy Body withered, and the Marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
[CLOSING PRAYER] O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
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Thursday, June 03, 2010
Novena of Reparation and Consecration to the Sacred Heart
Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus : Friday June 11, 2010
ACT OF REPARATION (256*)
O Sweetest Jesus, Thou dost pour forth Thy love abundantly on men, while they repay Thee most ungratefully with neglect, indifference and contempt. Behold us humbly kneeling in Thy presence; we would fain repair this heartless ingratitude on the part of men, and the manifold injuries that are everywhere done to Thy most loving Heart, by a special act of homage.
Yet we are not unmindful that we, too, have had our part in this unworthy behavior; therefore are we moved to deep contrition, and above all, we beg Thy mercy for ourselves; we are ready to atone, by this voluntary act of expiation, for the crimes which we ourselves have committed, as also for the sins of those who, straying far from the way of their unbelief, to follow Thee, the Shepherd and Guide of their souls, or who trample upon the vows of their Baptism and shake off the sweet yoke of Thy law.
Not only are we anxious to expiate all these deplorable crimes, but in an especial manner do we purpose to make reparation for these following: immodesty and shameful excesses in life and dress; the many snares of corruption laid for the souls of the innocent; the neglect of holydays; the hateful blasphemies that are hurled against Thee and Thy Saints; the reproaches uttered against Thy Vicar on earth and all the priestly order; the neglect, also, of the very Sacrament of Thy love, as well as its profanation by horrifying sacrilege; and finally the public sins of the nations in rebellion against the just rights and the teaching authority of the Church established by Thee.
Would that we were able to atone for all these outrages even to the shedding of our blood! Meanwhile, in order to atone for the violations of the honor due to Thee, we offer unto Thee that selfsame satisfaction which of old Thou didst offer to the Father upon the holy Cross and which from day to day Thou dost continually renew upon the altars of Thy Church. To this we add the expiatory merits of Thy Virgin Mother, of all Thy Saints and of the devout faithful upon earth. With all our hearts we promise to atone, Thy grace assisting us, for our own past sins and those of all other men, as also for our coldness towards Thine exceeding great love, by a firm faith, spotless purity of life and the perfect fulfillment, so far as in us lies, of the law of the Gospel, and in particular of the precept of charity.
We likewise pledge ourselves in accordance with our strength to prevent such injuries from being done to Thee, and to invite as many as we can to follow Thee. Accept, we pray Thee, most gracious Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of Reparation, this our free-will offering of reparation, and be Thou pleased to keep us, by the great gift of final perseverance, faithful even unto death in our dutiful service of Thee, so that in the end we may all come to that our true native land, where Thou, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION (258*)
I, n... n.... give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being save to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart.
This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him.
I therefore take Thee, O Sacred Heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.
Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God Thy Father, and turn away from me the strokes of His righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in Thee, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness and bounty.
Do Thou consume in me all that can displease Thee or resist Thy holy will; let Thy pure love imprint Thee so deeply upon my heart, that I shall nevermore be able to forget Thee or to be separated from Thee; may I obtain from all Thy loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Thee, for in Thee I desire to place all my happiness and all my glory, living and dying in very bondage to Thee. (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
*copied from The Raccolta, 1952 Benziger Brothers
ACT OF REPARATION (256*)
O Sweetest Jesus, Thou dost pour forth Thy love abundantly on men, while they repay Thee most ungratefully with neglect, indifference and contempt. Behold us humbly kneeling in Thy presence; we would fain repair this heartless ingratitude on the part of men, and the manifold injuries that are everywhere done to Thy most loving Heart, by a special act of homage.
Yet we are not unmindful that we, too, have had our part in this unworthy behavior; therefore are we moved to deep contrition, and above all, we beg Thy mercy for ourselves; we are ready to atone, by this voluntary act of expiation, for the crimes which we ourselves have committed, as also for the sins of those who, straying far from the way of their unbelief, to follow Thee, the Shepherd and Guide of their souls, or who trample upon the vows of their Baptism and shake off the sweet yoke of Thy law.
Not only are we anxious to expiate all these deplorable crimes, but in an especial manner do we purpose to make reparation for these following: immodesty and shameful excesses in life and dress; the many snares of corruption laid for the souls of the innocent; the neglect of holydays; the hateful blasphemies that are hurled against Thee and Thy Saints; the reproaches uttered against Thy Vicar on earth and all the priestly order; the neglect, also, of the very Sacrament of Thy love, as well as its profanation by horrifying sacrilege; and finally the public sins of the nations in rebellion against the just rights and the teaching authority of the Church established by Thee.
Would that we were able to atone for all these outrages even to the shedding of our blood! Meanwhile, in order to atone for the violations of the honor due to Thee, we offer unto Thee that selfsame satisfaction which of old Thou didst offer to the Father upon the holy Cross and which from day to day Thou dost continually renew upon the altars of Thy Church. To this we add the expiatory merits of Thy Virgin Mother, of all Thy Saints and of the devout faithful upon earth. With all our hearts we promise to atone, Thy grace assisting us, for our own past sins and those of all other men, as also for our coldness towards Thine exceeding great love, by a firm faith, spotless purity of life and the perfect fulfillment, so far as in us lies, of the law of the Gospel, and in particular of the precept of charity.
We likewise pledge ourselves in accordance with our strength to prevent such injuries from being done to Thee, and to invite as many as we can to follow Thee. Accept, we pray Thee, most gracious Jesus, through the intercession of Our Lady of Reparation, this our free-will offering of reparation, and be Thou pleased to keep us, by the great gift of final perseverance, faithful even unto death in our dutiful service of Thee, so that in the end we may all come to that our true native land, where Thou, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION (258*)
I, n... n.... give myself and consecrate to the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, my person and my life, my actions, pains and sufferings, so that I may be unwilling to make use of any part of my being save to honor, love and glorify the Sacred Heart.
This is my unchanging purpose, namely, to be all His, and to do all things for the love of Him, at the same time renouncing with all my heart whatever is displeasing to Him.
I therefore take Thee, O Sacred Heart, to be the only object of my love, the guardian of my life, my assurance of salvation, the remedy of my weakness and inconstancy, the atonement for all the faults of my life and my sure refuge at the hour of death.
Be then, O Heart of goodness, my justification before God Thy Father, and turn away from me the strokes of His righteous anger. O Heart of love, I put all my confidence in Thee, for I fear everything from my own wickedness and frailty, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness and bounty.
Do Thou consume in me all that can displease Thee or resist Thy holy will; let Thy pure love imprint Thee so deeply upon my heart, that I shall nevermore be able to forget Thee or to be separated from Thee; may I obtain from all Thy loving kindness the grace of having my name written in Thee, for in Thee I desire to place all my happiness and all my glory, living and dying in very bondage to Thee. (St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)
*copied from The Raccolta, 1952 Benziger Brothers
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Trapped by the Devil
If you, O Lord, will not give me who am miserable understanding, nor enlighten my heart, then, due to my great indifference, shall I be unable to recognize my ruin and decay.
Because I am trapped by the merciless enemy who oppresses me, with tears do I ceaselessly cry day and night to your goodness to deliver me from his snares. For hourly does he renew the trickery he wields against me; hourly does he disturb my soul with wanton thoughts and desire for pleasure.
May your power, O Christ, that rebuked the waves of the sea also rebuke him, that he may have no influence on me, your useless servant. Be quick to send, O Master, your grace that it might drive away from your servant the great serpent and all his defilements and evil thoughts. For the wounds that his arrows have inflicted on my heart have become fetid sores, and I in my folly try to hide them every way I can.
The good Physician calls me and demands no payment, nor does he spill my blood. But my slothfulness prevents me from going to him. He comes himself to heal me, but always finds me engaged in acts that prevent his remedies from rendering me their healing power.
O Lord, enlighten and sober me. Cure me and I will be cured!
-----Saint Ephrem the Syrian, deacon and hermit (+ 373). Reprinted in the Magnificat Feb.2010 p.33-34, from A Spiritual Psalter, Reflections on God, trans. by Antonina Janda, © 2004, The St. John of Kronstadt Press, www.sjkp.org.
Because I am trapped by the merciless enemy who oppresses me, with tears do I ceaselessly cry day and night to your goodness to deliver me from his snares. For hourly does he renew the trickery he wields against me; hourly does he disturb my soul with wanton thoughts and desire for pleasure.
May your power, O Christ, that rebuked the waves of the sea also rebuke him, that he may have no influence on me, your useless servant. Be quick to send, O Master, your grace that it might drive away from your servant the great serpent and all his defilements and evil thoughts. For the wounds that his arrows have inflicted on my heart have become fetid sores, and I in my folly try to hide them every way I can.
The good Physician calls me and demands no payment, nor does he spill my blood. But my slothfulness prevents me from going to him. He comes himself to heal me, but always finds me engaged in acts that prevent his remedies from rendering me their healing power.
O Lord, enlighten and sober me. Cure me and I will be cured!
-----Saint Ephrem the Syrian, deacon and hermit (+ 373). Reprinted in the Magnificat Feb.2010 p.33-34, from A Spiritual Psalter, Reflections on God, trans. by Antonina Janda, © 2004, The St. John of Kronstadt Press, www.sjkp.org.
Monday, February 22, 2010
"This is the song of my sorrow"
An ancient chant from the Arab-Byzantine tradition for Good Friday. Sung in Arabic.
Two versions available for downloading from amazon.com :
1) Alyawm (Crucifixion) - from "Sacred Women" (track 1) by Sarband, featuring Fadia El-Hage
2) Al Yawm Ulliqa (The Lord is Suspended) - from "La Passion" by Sister Marie Keyrouz, Congrégation des Surs Basiliennes Chouérites
The lyrics are printed in their English translation in the CD jacket from version 1 above. They are as follows:
Today, He who had raised the earth from the waters was crucified on a piece of wood.
A crown of thorns was set upon the brow of the king of angels.
Draped in deceptive purple is He who can cast clouds in the sky.
Beaten is He who created Adam and baptized him in the Jordan River.
Nails are holding Him, the groom of the church, to the cross.
A lance is piercing Him, the Son of the Virgin.
We kneel down before Your pain, Messiah.
Let us also be witnesses to Your glorious resurrection.
Two versions available for downloading from amazon.com :
1) Alyawm (Crucifixion) - from "Sacred Women" (track 1) by Sarband, featuring Fadia El-Hage
2) Al Yawm Ulliqa (The Lord is Suspended) - from "La Passion" by Sister Marie Keyrouz, Congrégation des Surs Basiliennes Chouérites
The lyrics are printed in their English translation in the CD jacket from version 1 above. They are as follows:
Today, He who had raised the earth from the waters was crucified on a piece of wood.
A crown of thorns was set upon the brow of the king of angels.
Draped in deceptive purple is He who can cast clouds in the sky.
Beaten is He who created Adam and baptized him in the Jordan River.
Nails are holding Him, the groom of the church, to the cross.
A lance is piercing Him, the Son of the Virgin.
We kneel down before Your pain, Messiah.
Let us also be witnesses to Your glorious resurrection.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
God is Eternal and Infinite
There are many words in Hebrew that do not have an exact English equivalent. Some Hebrew words can mean many different things in English. For example, the word ___עוֹלָם___ (pronounced: nitzchiyut(?)) introduced in this chapter means both endless time (eternity) and endless space (universe). It can also mean world.~Source: Prayerbook Hebrew the Easy Way (ISBN 0939144328)
Sunday, September 06, 2009
The Pure Religion
22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Aug. 30, 2009)
Reading II
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Dearest brothers and sisters:
All good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Reading II
James 1:17-18, 21b-22, 27
Dearest brothers and sisters:
All good giving and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights,
with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.
He willed to give us birth by the word of truth
that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Humbly welcome the word that has been planted in you
and is able to save your souls.
Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this:
to care for orphans and widows in their affliction
and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
Psalm 15
LORD, Who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain?
Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart;
Who does not slander a neighbor, does no harm to another, never defames a friend;
Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken.
Whoever walks without blame, doing what is right, speaking truth from the heart;
Who does not slander a neighbor, does no harm to another, never defames a friend;
Who disdains the wicked, but honors those who fear the LORD; Who keeps an oath despite the cost,
lends no money at interest, accepts no bribe against the innocent.
Whoever acts like this shall never be shaken.
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