Divine Mercy Novena: Ninth Day

NOTE: THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Ninth Day

Today bring to Me The Souls Who Have Become Lukewarm and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy.

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love let these tepid souls, who, likecorpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love; and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: Eighth Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Eighth Day

Today bring to Me The Souls Who Are Detained in Purgatory and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only know the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice.

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your most merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: Seventh Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Seventh Day

Today bring to Me The Souls Who Especially Venerate and Glorify My Mercy and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your Mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident in Your Mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God: Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: Sixth Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Fifth Day

Today bring to Me The Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy, and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls and upon little children, who are enfolded in the abode of the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight you take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: Fifth Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Fifth Day

Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion.

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your Own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy in song

Recently came across this YouTube clip of the Divine Mercy Chaplet in song. We pray the chaplet to this contemporary version often, and have seen the EWTN video many times too.

Enjoy!

Divine Mercy Novena: Fourth Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Fourth Day

Today bring to Me Those Who Do Not Believe In God and Those Who Do Not Yet Know Me. I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy.

Most Compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: Third Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Third Day

Today bring to Me All Devout and Faithful Souls and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought Me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were that drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in the great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your Merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.

Oops!...Missing a day of your Novena

My family and many of our friends have made a tradition of celebrating Divine Mercy Sunday. Most of us prepare by making the Novena of Chaplets along with Saint Faustina's Novena to the Divine Mercy. Sometimes we get super busy, and we end up missing a day here or there. Some of you may wonder: Does the Novena count if we miss a day?

Dr. Stackpole, director of the John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy, based in Stockbridge, Mass. addresses this issue:

Which one of us has not found ourselves in a similar "fix"? We start our Novena or some other devotional exercise with the best intentions, but the troubles and cares of the day, or the day after, or the day after that, crowd in upon us, and we miss our daily prayer time, or inadvertently skip what we had hoped to do. If we miss a day or two, have we really prayed the Novena? Does it still "count" with regard to the promise that Jesus made: "By this Novena, I will grant every possible grace to souls" (Diary, 796)?

First of all, we must clarify what the "Novena" is to which Jesus was making reference. He tells us: It is a "Novena of Chaplets," from Good Friday to Easter Saturday, and not the longer Novena intentions dictated by our Lord to St. Faustina (found in entries 1209-29). It is customary to use these longer Novena intentions with the Chaplet, and that is certainly a laudable practice, but our Lord's promise of special graces was not made with regard to the intentions, but only with regard to the recitation of Chaplets.

Secondly, there is a basic Biblical principle to keep in mind that applies to all of our Lord's promises to St. Faustina, or to any other saint of the Church regarding special graces and favors. Simply put: "Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (I Sam. 16:7; cf. Heb. 4:12). He knows our every good intention, our every natural weakness, and all the circumstances beyond our control that can get in the way of the fulfillment of our devout desires. What matters to Him is not how much of the novena (or litany, or rosary, or how many first Fridays or first Saturdays) we were able to accomplish, but simply the fact that we honestly tried, and the sincere love with which we did what we could. That good intention in itself is precious to Him! As St. Therese, the Little Flower, once said, "The Lord looks not on the magnitude of the things we do, but on the love with which we do them."

My advice to those who miss a day of a novena is simply to make a special act of adoration of the infinitely generous, merciful, and compassionate God before continuing with the next day of your Novena (for example, you can use the Prayer for Divine Mercy from St. Faustina's Diary entry 1570; "O Greatly Merciful God, Infinite Goodness..." — a wonderful prayer of hope and trust). On the one hand, such a prayer, said with a sincere heart, more than makes up for any negligence involved - if any was involved at all — in the missed novena day. On the other hand, if the novena day was missed through human weakness (tiredness, forgetfulness) or extenuating circumstances, then this prayer extols the compassionate generosity of our Savior, who keeps His promises to us anyway!

To read the entire article, go to "What If I Miss a Day of My Novena?," at divinemercy.org.

Divine Mercy Novena: Second Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.

"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
Second Day

Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave Me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind.

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service, that they may perform worthy works of mercy, and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard - upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation, and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.

Divine Mercy Novena: First Day

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

The Feast of Mercy is celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. To prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, make the Novena to The Divine Mercy* (It Begins on Good Friday) - which Jesus instructed Saint Faustina to write down and to make before the Feast of Mercy.


"I desire that during these nine days you bring souls to the fount of My Mercy, that they may draw strength therefrom, and refreshment and whatever graces they have need of, in the hardships of life, and especially at the hour of death."

"On each day you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My Mercy, and I will bring all these souls into the house of My Father..."

"On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My bitter Passion, for graces for these souls."

To learn more about St. Faustina, click here.

*Note: People may of course make this Novena to the Divine Mercy but it would be secondary to the Novena of Chaplets which MUST be made in preparation for the Feast of Mercy.
************************************************************************************************
First Day

Today bring to Me All Mankind, especially all sinners and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me.

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins, but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.

Remembering Loved Ones and the Poor Souls

Praying for the poor souls in purgatory - especially those who may have no one else to pray for them - is a special devotion for me.

Every October our family takes time to remember our departed loved ones. We usually receive mailings from various Catholic organizations asking us to list the names of our departed loved ones on a special card, and return it to them. The Passionist Monastery (Chicago IL) and the Association of Marian Helpers (Stockbridge MA) are the two orders we regularly respond to. Although we pray for our loved ones throughout the year, it is great to acknowleged them during November - the "month of poor souls."

PRAYERS FOR THE SOULS IN PURGATORY

O God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of our departed loved ones, the remission of all their sins, that by means of our pious supplicationsk they may obtain the joys of heaven, which they have ever earnestly desired. We as this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer of St. Gertrude

Eternal Father, I offer thee the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughthout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen

LINKS ON THE HOLY SOULS

• How to Intercede for Poor Souls (Divine Mercy)
• Eucharist and the Holy Souls in Purgatory (From author, Susan Tassone)
• Mission to Empty Purgatory
• Seven Days of Prayer for the Souls in Purgatory
• Special Prayers for the Holy Souls (Catholic Tradition)
• The Holy Souls In Purgatory (Seven Dolors)
• Christmas in July: Summer Devotions for the Holy Souls

Remember your loved ones and the poor souls . Pray for them often - It is an act of charity that you can perform for them.

St. Peregrine: Patron Saint Of Cancer Patients

This post is dedicated to my mother, Eliza, who is a cancer patient.


Whenever someone utters the word CANCER - I cringe and get uneasy...and I've been hearing the word fairly often in the past few years. In July 2006 my husband's stepfather died after months of battling the disease. Shortly after my mother was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

As you can tell, cancer has been on my mind these days, and so I thought this would be a great opportunity to write about the Patron saint of victims of cancer, AIDS, and other life-threatening diseases - ST. PEREGRINE.

Who was Saint Peregrine? Why is he the patron saint of cancer patients?

St. Peregrine Laziosi
1260-1345
Feast Day: May 1

Peregrine Laziosi was born of a wealthy family at Forli, Italy, in 1260. As a youth he was active in politics as a member of the anti-papal party. During one uprising, which the Pope sent St. Philip Benizi to mediate, Philip was struck in the face by Peregrine. When Philip offered the other cheek, Peregrine was so overcome that he repented and converted to Catholicism. Following the instructions of the Virgin Mary received in a vision, Peregrine went to Siena and joined the Servites.

It is believed that he never allowed himself to sit down for thirty years, while as far as possible, observing silence and solitude. Sometime later, Peregrine was sent to Forli to found a new house of the Servite Order. An ideal priest, he had a reputation for fervent preaching and being a good confessor. When he was afflicted with cancer of the foot and amputation had been decided upon, he spent the night before the operation, in prayer. The following morning he was completely cured. This miracle caused his reputation to become widespread.

He died in 1345 at the age of eighty-five, and he was canonized by Pope Benedict XIII in 1726. St. Peregrine, like St. Paul, was in open defiance of the Church as a youth. Once given the grace of conversion he became one of the great saints of his time. His great fervor and qualities as a confessor brought many back to the true Faith.

Afflicted with cancer, Peregrine turned to God and was richly rewarded for his Faith, enabling him over many years to lead others to the truth. He is the patron of cancer patients.

St. Peregrine, Catholic.org, http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=237 (accessed October 2007)

He was cured of cancer, after he received a vision of Christ on the cross reaching out His hand to touch his impaired limb.

Prayer to Saint Peregrine

O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you.

For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.

(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)

Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.

Novena to St. Peregrine

Glorious wonder-worker, St. Peregrine, you answered the divine call with a ready spirit, and forsook all the comforts of a life of ease and all the empty honors of the world to dedicate yourself to God in the Order of His holy Mother.

You labored manfully for the salvation of souls. In union with Jesus crucified, you endured painful sufferings with such patience as to deserve to be healed miraculously of an incurable cancer in your leg by a touch of His divine hand.

Obtain for me the grace to answer every call of God and to fulfill His will in all the events of life. Enkindle in my heart a consuming zeal for the salvation of all men. Deliver me from the infirmities that afflict my body (especially.....).

Obtain for me also a perfect resignation to the sufferings it may please God to send me, so that, imitating our crucified Savior and His sorrowful Mother, I may merit eternal glory in heaven.

St. Peregrine, pray for me and for all who invoke your aid. Amen

Welcome

Welcome Back To Me

I'm finally ready to start blogging again after taking some time off to care for our newest adoptive daughter.

To get back in the groove, I decided to change things. This new (and hopefully improved) look was satisfying to work on. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for stopping by!

Prayers and Devotionals

• Daily Prayer Page






• Devotional Prayer Booklet Online






• Divine Office






• The Journey - Daily Meditations






• The Pieta Prayer Book Online






• Popular Catholic Prayers






• Today's Readings

Saints and Holy Souls

• Devotion to Saint Jospeh






• Holy Souls






• Prayers Related to the Saints

Devotions to Our Savior, Jesus Christ

• Devotion to the Drops of Blood of Jesus






• Devotion to the Five Wounds






• Devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus






• Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus






• Devotion to the Infant Child of Prague






• Devotion to the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ






• Divine Mercy Devotion






• Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus-Catholic Encyclopedia






• Magnificent Prayers of St. Bridget of Sweden






• Sacred Heart Page - ETWN






• The Two Hearts Ablaze - Sacred Heart of Jesus

Marian Devotions

Chaplet of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, assist me in this necessity. O Immaculate Virgin and Star of the Sea, help me and show me that you are my mother and protector.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of heaven and earth. I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to help me in my needs for there are none who can withstand you grace. Pray for me and help me to obtain assistance in this life. Amen

Say three Our Father, three Hail Marys and Glorias.

• The Brown Scapular






• Devotion to Maria Bambina (Baby Mary)






• The Fiat Rosary






• The Holy Rosary






• The Holy Rosary






• The Miraculous Medal






• The Two Hearts Ablaze - The Immaculate Heart of Mary






• Our Lady's Tears - Seven Sorrows






• The Three Hail Marys Devotion

Resources on Devotions and Piety

• Awake My Soul: Contemporary Catholics on Traditional Devotions (BOOK)






• Catholic Devotions (ONLINE)






• Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy (BOOK)






• Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy (ONLINE)






• Directory on Popular Piety and the Liturgy, Commentary (BOOK)






• Encyclopedia Of Catholic Devotions And Practices (BOOK)






• Habits of Devotion: Catholic Religious Practice in Twentieth-Century America (BOOK)






• How-to Book of Catholic Devotions (BOOK)






• Theology Library: Popular Devotions (ONLINE)






• Popular Devotional Practices: Q & A (ONLINE)

Sacramentals

• Catholic Devotions - Sacramentals






• Sacramentals- CCC 1667-1679






• Sacramentals - Catholic Encyclopedia






• Sacramentals: What are they?

Busy Summer and More Children = Less Blogging

Wondering why I haven't posted lately?

Well - ever since our new daughter arrived in June, I haven't had much time to write. This happened to me last August, when we took in two new children. It gets kind of crazy for a few months, and I find myself in a period of spiritual dryness. Then when the dust settles, I get back on the blogging wagon (and my spiritual life perks ups again too).

The five kids and I have been keeping busy with summer outings: library programs, the puppet wagon, the children's museums, the Minnesota Zoo, the MN Science Museum (the Pompeii exhibit is very neat), the movies, the lake, and the swimming pool. I can't complain, though. I've gotten a terrific tan this summer.

I really want to continue with this blog...it has been fun and satisfying, but I find myself wondering if I should forge ahead or throw in the towel??? Mmmm, I wonder if there is a prayer for discerning one's blogging future?

Give Your Worries To God

We all deal with worry from time to time, and sometimes obsess over things that are out of our control. Worry is a heavy burden to carry. It can strip us of the joys of today.

I recently read about the use of a God Box to help let go of worries. A God Box is used to deposit even the most troublesome problems and prayers. The purpose of the box is to help you give your worries to God.

If you do a Google search you will find a variety of God Boxes available, including charms. Some companies offer nice cedar, teak or stained glass boxes. I even came across a site for Making a God Box. Read here.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span? Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin. But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not much more provide for you, O you of little faith? So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?' All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself. (NAB Matthew 6:25-34)

Fiat Rosary

While reading up on Mary's Fiat for a recent post, I came across information about the Fiat Rosary. Ever hear of this devotion?

Well this is the first I'm learning of the Fiat Rosary. The devotion was started around 1984 and stems from Cardinal Leon Suenen's F.I.A.T. Spirituality Movement, which encourages total openness to God in imitation of Mary.

*NOTE: FIAT's website states that Pope John Paul II supported the movement, which is a voluntary association with a spiritual program that links the Holy Spirit and Mary.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

According to the FIAT Spirituality USA Website:

This rosary originated from a spiritual experience by Veronica O'Brien during the night between 7 and 8 September, the feast of the Nativity of Mary, in 1984. Here is the account she herself gave the following day to Cardinal Suenens :

During the Nativity of Mary, I was saddened by the thought that although Mother's Day is becoming more and more popular and that the birthday of Mary, the Mother of all mothers, would not be celebrated in Christian homes.

In my prayers, I said to the Lord :"Jesus, tomorrow is the feast of the Nativity of your Mother. Every child in the world gives his mother a present for her birthday. What will you give your Mother, Jesus?'

And suddenly, as a spiritual flash of light, I saw in my mind an image of a small, reduced rosary, and I thought I heard the Lord say to me: 'Here is my birthday present to my Mother; it will help her to make me known to the very ends of the earth. Make it known all over the world.' "

If you're interested in the historical background of the F.I.A.T. Group visit F.I.A.T.'s website.

HOW TO PRAY THE FIAT ROSARY

The Beads

The FIAT Rosary is an abbreviated form of the standard five-decade rosary to honor our Blessed Mother and her FIAT to God. As you can see from the photos above, the rosary beads used to pray this devotion are a little different than what we are familiar with.

The medal on the Fiat rosary has a dove (representing the Holy Spirit) overshadowing Mary as a diamond. On the back, a visual representation of Veronica's trinitarian approach, three rings with the letters 'P', 'F' and 'S' identifying the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit with the word FIAT intertwined in the three rings. Below, a cross and the letter 'M' surrounded by 12 stars representing the Apostles.

The Prayer

As I mentioned before, the Fiat Rosary is shorter than the classical or Dominican rosary (It takes around eight minutes to get through it). It includes only parts of the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries, and comprises fewer Hail Marys.

The rosary starts with the Fiat Prayer, which introduces the recitation of the rosary. It brings together for our meditation the Holy Spirit and Mary. It sums up marvelously the contemplative and apostolic life to which each Christian is called.

Fiat Prayer

*said on the Fiat Medal

In the name of the Father,

the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy Spirit

Help us to relive, in union with Mary,

the joyful, luminous, sorrowful

and glorious mysteries of Jesus. Amen.

Grant that we may be

inspired by the faith of our Baptism,

nourished by the Eucharist,

renewed in the grace of Pentecost.

So as to live

in word and deed,

always and everywhere,

as faithful witnesses of Christ and

the love of His Divine Heart. Amen.

We pray for: the Church …, the World…, intentions …

Now continue with the rosary...

Our Father

*said on bead following the medal

Joyful Mysteries - represent God the Father at work: the grain of wheat must be sown.

*said on a large blue bead, for Mary's fiat

Annunciation (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Visitation (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Nativity (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Sorrowful Mysteries - show God the Son at work: the grain of wheat must die.

*said on a large red bead, for Jesus' fiat

Agony (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Carrying of the Cross (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Crucifixion (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Glorious Mysteries - manifest God the Spirit at work: the grain of wheat must bear fruit.

*said on a large white or yellow bead, for our fiat

Resurrection (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Descent of the Holy Spirit (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Assumption of Mary (three Hail Marys and Glory Be)

Final invocations

*said on large amber bead

St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family,

Protect us.

St. Michael the Archangel, from the Powers of Evil,

Defend us.

All the Angels and Saints,

Pray for us. Amen.

O Mary teach us to say YES to the Lord,

O Mary, every moment of our lives.

O Mary, teach us to say THANKS to the Lord,

O Mary, every moment of our lives.

NOTE: Don't fret if you don't have a FIAT Rosary. You can pray with the ordinary Rosary using only the first three decades. The first ten Hail Marys would be on the Joyful Mysteries, the second decade would be on the Sorrowful Mysteries, and the third, on the Glorious Mysteries. During each decade, you may focus on any one of the mysteries, e.g. the Nativity, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection respectively.

So there you have it...the original Fiat Rosary. An updated version complete with diagram, and including the mysteries of light is available at FIAT Spirituality USA's website.

Magnificent Prayers of St. Bridget: Closing Prayer

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

Journey with me as I embrace a wonderful devotion based on Our Lord's Passion and Death - The Fifteen Prayers of St. Bridget of Sweden.

St. Bridget of Sweden desired for a long time to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His Passion. Jesus revealed to her:


"I received 5480 blows upon My Body. If you wish to honor them in some way, recite fifteen Our Fathers and fifteen Hail Marys with the following Prayers (which He then taught her) for an entire year. When the year is finished, you will have honored each of My Wounds."

To learn more about St. Bridget of Sweden, visit Catholic Culture.

Note: For many years these prayers were published with twenty-one promises given to St. Bridget. These promises offered wonderful graces and benefits to those who recited the prayers. In 1954, the Holy Office in Rome issued a Monitum prohibiting publication of the twenty-one promises. The Holy Office warned that the supernatural origin of the promises had not been proved in any way. For more information, read: Magnificent Prayers, Yes — Magnificent Promises, No.

************************************************************************************
Closing Prayer

Our Father - Hail Mary

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.

Magnificent Prayers of St. Bridget: Fifteenth Prayer

THIS IS ONE POST IN A SERIES.

Journey with me as I embrace a wonderful devotion based on Our Lord's Passion and Death - The Fifteen Prayers of St. Bridget of Sweden.

St. Bridget of Sweden desired for a long time to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His Passion. Jesus revealed to her:


"I received 5480 blows upon My Body. If you wish to honor them in some way, recite fifteen Our Fathers and fifteen Hail Marys with the following Prayers (which He then taught her) for an entire year. When the year is finished, you will have honored each of My Wounds."

To learn more about St. Bridget of Sweden, visit Catholic Culture.

Note: For many years these prayers were published with twenty-one promises given to St. Bridget. These promises offered wonderful graces and benefits to those who recited the prayers. In 1954, the Holy Office in Rome issued a Monitum prohibiting publication of the twenty-one promises. The Holy Office warned that the supernatural origin of the promises had not been proved in any way. For more information, read: Magnificent Prayers, Yes — Magnificent Promises, No.

************************************************************************************
Fifteenth Prayer

Our Father - Hail Mary

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.