The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall possess the earth.
Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the clean of heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for justice' sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men reproach you,
and persecute you,
and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake.

Salutations to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Salutations to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary Hail, Heart most holy. Hail, Heart most gentle. Hail, Heart most humble. Hail, Heart most pure. Hail, Heart most wise. Hail, Heart most patient. Hail, Heart most merciful. Hail, most loving Heart of Jesus and Mary. We revere Thee. We glorify Thee. We give Thee thanks. We love Thee. We offer Thee our heart. Receive it and possess it wholly. Purify it. Enlighten it. Sanctify it. That Thou may live and reign in it now, always and forever and ever. Amen

Rite of Eucharistic Devotion: Reposition

Rite of Eucharistic Devotion: Reposition Blest be God. Blest be his holy name. Blest be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Blest be his most precious blood. Blest be Jesus in th emost holy sacrament of the altar. Blest be the Holy Spirit, the Consoler. Blest be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blest be her holy and immaculate conception. Blest be her glorious assumption. Blest be the name of Mary, virgin and mother. Blest be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blest be God in his angels and in his saints.

Pious Invocations

Pious Invocations My God I love Thee. Amen. Jesus, Mary, I love you. Save souls. Amen. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus may the whole world burn with love for You! Amen. Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Amen. Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in you. Amen. Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Amen. Sacred Heart of Jesus, your kingdom come. Amen. Divine heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the holy souls in purgatory. Amen. Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto yours. Amen. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in your love for me. Amen. Glory, love, and thanksgiving be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen. Oh Mary, queen of the clergy, pray for us; obtain for us a number of holy priests. Amen. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Petition in Honor of the Precious Blood

Petition in Honor of the Precious Blood Precious Blood of Jesus, shed in the circumcision, make me pure of mind, heart and body. Precious Blood, oozing from every pore of Jesus in the Agony, enable me to love God's holy will above all. Precious Blood, flowing from the scourging at the pillar, inspire me with a sorrow for my sins, and a tolerance for suffering. Precious Blood, falling in profusion from the crown of thorns, grant me a ready acceptance of humiliations. Precious Blood, shed profusely in the crucifixion of our Lord, make me die entirely to self-love. Precious Blood, shed to the very last drop by the opening of Christ's Sacred Heart, give me that generous love which sacrifices all for God. Precious Blood, sacred price of my redemption, apply to me your infinite merits. Precious Blood, I adore you from the depths of my heart; I invoke you ardently, for you are my salvation, and by you I hope to obtain the joys of heaven. Amen.

Litany to Saint Philomena

Litany to Saint Philomena Lord have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord have mercy on us. God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Queen of Virgins, Saint Philomena, pray for us. Saint Philomena, filled with the most abundant graces from your very birth, pray for us. Saint Philomena, faithful imitator of Mary, pray for us. Saint Philomena, model of Virgins, pray for us. Saint Philomena, temple of the most perfect humility, pray for us. Saint Philomena, inflamed with zeal for the Glory of God, pray for us. Saint Philomena, victim of the love of Jesus, pray for us. Saint Philomena, example of strength and perseverance, pray for us. Saint Philomena, invincible champion of chastity, pray for us. Saint Philomena, mirror of the most heroic virtues, pray for us. Saint Philomena, firm and intrepid in the face of torments, pray for us. Saint Philomena, scourged like your Divine Spouse, pray for us. Saint Philomena, pierced by a shower of arrows, pray fro us. Saint Philomena, consoled by the Mother of God when in chains, pray for us. Saint Philomena, cured miraculously in prison, pray for us. Saint Philomena, comforted by angels in your torments, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who preferred torments and death to the splendors of a throne, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who converted the witnesses of your martyrdom, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who wore out the fury of your executioners, pray for us. Saint Philomena, protectress of the innocent, pray for us. Saint Philomena, patron of youth, pray for us. Saint Philomena, refuge of the unfortunate, pray for us. Saint Philomena, health of the sick and the weak, pray for us. Saint Philomena, new light of the church militant, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who confounds the impiety of the world, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who stimulates the faith and courage of the faithful, pray for us. Saint Philomena, whose name is glorified in Heaven and feared in Hell, pray for us. Saint Philomena, made illustrious by the most striking miracles, pray for us. Saint Philomena, all powerful with God, pray for us. Saint Philomena, who reigns in glory, pray for us. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. Pray for us, Great Saint Philomena, R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of ChriSaint Let us pray We implore Thee, O Lord, by the intercession of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, who was ever most pleasing to Thy eyes by reason of her eminent purity and the practice of all the virtues, pardon us our sins and grant us all the graces we need (and name any special grace you may require). Amen. Composed by Saint John Vianney

Litany to Old Testment Saints

Litany to Old Testament Saints Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. God of Abraham, Have mercy on us. God of Bethel, (El Bethel) Have mercy on us. Mighty One of Jacob, Have mercy on us. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Have mercy on us. God Almighty, (El Shaddai) Have mercy on us. God the Most High, (El-Elyon) Have mercy on us. Yahweh, Have mercy on us. Archangel Michael, Pray for us. Archangel Gabriel, Pray for us. Archangel Raphael, Pray for us. All you holy angels and archangels, Pray for us. Noah, Pray for us. All you holy people before the flood, Pray for us. Abraham, Pray for us. Isaac, Pray for us. Jacob, Pray for us. Joseph, Pray for us. All you holy patriarchs, Pray for us. Aaron, Pray for us. All you holy priests, Pray for us. Moses, Pray for us. Joshua, Pray for us. All you holy leaders, Pray for us. David, Pray for us. All you holy kings, Pray for us. Job, Pray for us. Tobit, Pray for us. All you holy men, Pray for us. Sarah, Pray for us. Rebecca, Pray for us. Rachel, Pray for us. Miriam, Pray for us. Deborah, Pray for us. Ruth, Pray for us. Hannah, Pray for us. Judith, Pray for us. Esther, Pray for us. All you holy women, Pray for us. Samuel, Pray for us. Jeremiah, Pray for us. Ezekiel, Pray for us. Daniel, Pray for us. Malachias, Pray for us. Elijah, Pray for us. Elisha, Pray for us. Isaias, Pray for us. All you holy prophets, Pray for us. Abel, Pray for us. Eleazar, Pray for us. Ananias, Pray for us. Azarias, Pray for us. Misael, Pray for us. All you holy martyrs and heroic witnesses, Pray for us. All you holy men and women, Old Testament saints of God, Make intercession for us. Be merciful, Spare us, O Lord. Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Lord. From all evil, O Lord, deliver us. From all sin, O Lord, deliver us. From breaking Your Commandments, O Lord, deliver us. From falling away from the Faith, From doubting Your Word, O Lord, deliver us. From denying Your Name, O Lord, deliver us. From fear of proclaiming Your Name, O Lord, deliver us. From lack of sincere repentance, O Lord, deliver us. From losing hope, O Lord, deliver us. From fear of fraternal correction, O Lord, deliver us. From doubt of Your Power, O Lord, deliver us. From all false desires, O Lord, deliver us. From lack of zeal in Your service, O Lord, deliver us. We sinners, We implore You, hear us. That we continue to walk by faith, We implore You, hear us. That we witness to You regardless of human respect, We implore You, hear us. That we grow in love for Your Holy Word, We implore You, hear us. That we appreciate the blessing of having children, We implore You, hear us. That we overcome evil by the power of good, We implore You, hear us. That we who have more respond more, We implore You, hear us. That the Jewish nation will recognize You, We implore You, hear us. That all non-Christians will come to the Light, We implore You, hear us. That You would give eternal rest to the faithful departed, We implore You, hear us. That You would grant my special intention, We implore You, hear us. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Amen.

Litany to Old Testment Saints

Litany to Old Testament Saints Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. God of Abraham, Have mercy on us. God of Bethel, (El Bethel) Have mercy on us. Mighty One of Jacob, Have mercy on us. God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Have mercy on us. God Almighty, (El Shaddai) Have mercy on us. God the Most High, (El-Elyon) Have mercy on us. Yahweh, Have mercy on us. Archangel Michael, Pray for us. Archangel Gabriel, Pray for us. Archangel Raphael, Pray for us. All you holy angels and archangels, Pray for us. Noah, Pray for us. All you holy people before the flood, Pray for us. Abraham, Pray for us. Isaac, Pray for us. Jacob, Pray for us. Joseph, Pray for us. All you holy patriarchs, Pray for us. Aaron, Pray for us. All you holy priests, Pray for us. Moses, Pray for us. Joshua, Pray for us. All you holy leaders, Pray for us. David, Pray for us. All you holy kings, Pray for us. Job, Pray for us. Tobit, Pray for us. All you holy men, Pray for us. Sarah, Pray for us. Rebecca, Pray for us. Rachel, Pray for us. Miriam, Pray for us. Deborah, Pray for us. Ruth, Pray for us. Hannah, Pray for us. Judith, Pray for us. Esther, Pray for us. All you holy women, Pray for us. Samuel, Pray for us. Jeremiah, Pray for us. Ezekiel, Pray for us. Daniel, Pray for us. Malachias, Pray for us. Elijah, Pray for us. Elisha, Pray for us. Isaias, Pray for us. All you holy prophets, Pray for us. Abel, Pray for us. Eleazar, Pray for us. Ananias, Pray for us. Azarias, Pray for us. Misael, Pray for us. All you holy martyrs and heroic witnesses, Pray for us. All you holy men and women, Old Testament saints of God, Make intercession for us. Be merciful, Spare us, O Lord. Be merciful, Graciously hear us, O Lord. From all evil, O Lord, deliver us. From all sin, O Lord, deliver us. From breaking Your Commandments, O Lord, deliver us. From falling away from the Faith, From doubting Your Word, O Lord, deliver us. From denying Your Name, O Lord, deliver us. From fear of proclaiming Your Name, O Lord, deliver us. From lack of sincere repentance, O Lord, deliver us. From losing hope, O Lord, deliver us. From fear of fraternal correction, O Lord, deliver us. From doubt of Your Power, O Lord, deliver us. From all false desires, O Lord, deliver us. From lack of zeal in Your service, O Lord, deliver us. We sinners, We implore You, hear us. That we continue to walk by faith, We implore You, hear us. That we witness to You regardless of human respect, We implore You, hear us. That we grow in love for Your Holy Word, We implore You, hear us. That we appreciate the blessing of having children, We implore You, hear us. That we overcome evil by the power of good, We implore You, hear us. That we who have more respond more, We implore You, hear us. That the Jewish nation will recognize You, We implore You, hear us. That all non-Christians will come to the Light, We implore You, hear us. That You would give eternal rest to the faithful departed, We implore You, hear us. That You would grant my special intention, We implore You, hear us. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Amen.

Litany of the Passion

Litany of the Passion Lord, have mercy Christ, have mercy Lord, have mercy Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Jesus, the eternal Wisdom, Have mercy on us. Jesus, conversing with men, Have mercy on us. Jesus, hated by the world, Have mercy on us. Jesus, sold for thirty pieces of silver, Have mercy on us. Jesus, prostrate in prayer, Have mercy on us. Jesus, strengthened by an angel, Have mercy on us. Jesus, agonizing in a bloody sweat, Have mercy on us. Jesus, betrayed by Judas with a kiss, Have mercy on us. Jesus, bound by the soldiers, Have mercy on us. Jesus, forsaken by your disciples, Have mercy on us. Jesus, before Annas and Caiaphas, Have mercy on us. Jesus, struck by a servant on the face, Have mercy on us. Jesus, accused by false witnesses, Have mercy on us. Jesus, declared worthy of death, Have mercy on us. Jesus, spit upon in the face, Have mercy on us. Jesus, blindfolded, Have mercy on us. Jesus, smitten on the cheek, Have mercy on us. Jesus, thrice denied by Peter, Have mercy on us. Jesus, delivered up to Pilate, Have mercy on us. Jesus, despised and mocked by Herod, Have mercy on us. Jesus, clothed in a white garment, Have mercy on us. Jesus, rejected for Barabbas, Have mercy on us. Jesus, torn by sources, Have mercy on us. Jesus, bruised for our sins, Have mercy on us. Jesus, regarded as a leper, Have mercy on us. Jesus, covered with a purple robe, Have mercy on us. Jesus, crowned with thorns, Have mercy on us. Jesus, struck with a reed, Have mercy on us. Jesus, demanded for crucifixion, Have mercy on us. Jesus, condemned to death, Have mercy on us. Jesus, given up to your enemies, Have mercy on us. Jesus, laden with the Cross, Have mercy on us. Jesus, led as a lamb to the slaughter, Have mercy on us. Jesus, stripped of your garmenets, Have mercy on us. Jesus, fastened with nails to the Cross, Have mercy on us. Jesus, wounded for our iniquities, Have mercy on us. Jesus, praying for your murderers, Have mercy on us. Jesus, reputed with the wicked, Have mercy on us. Jesus, blasphemed on the Cross, Have mercy on us. Jesus, reviled by the malefactor, Have mercy on us. Jesus, giving Paradise to the thief, Have mercy on us. Jesus, commending Saint John to your Mother as her son, Have mercy on us. Jesus, forsaken by your Father, Have mercy on us. Jesus, given fall and vinegar to drink, Have mercy on us. Jesus, testifying that all things written concerning you were accomplished Have mercy on us. Jesus, commending your spirit into the hands of your Father, Have mercy on us. Jesus, obedient even unto death, Have mercy on us. Jesus, pierced with a lance, Have mercy on us. Jesus, made a propiation for us, Have mercy on us. Jesus, taken down from the Cross, Have mercy on us. Jesus, laid in a sepulcher, Have mercy on us. Jesus, rising gloriously from the dead, Have mercy on us. Jesus, ascending into heaven, Have mercy on us. Jesus, our Advocate with the Father, Have mercy on us. Jesus, sending down the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Jesus, exalting your Mother, Have mercy on us. Jesus, who shall come to judge the living and the dead, Have mercy on us. Be merciful, spare us, O Lord. Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord. From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus. From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus. From anger, hatred, and every evil will, deliver us, O Jesus. From war, famine, and pestilence, deliver us, O Jesus. From all dangers of mind and body, deliver us, O Jesus. From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your most pure conception, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your miraculous nativity, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your humble circumcision, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your baptism and fasting, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your labors and watchings, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your cruel scourging and crowning, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your thirst, and tears, and nakedness, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your precious death and Cross, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your glorious resurrection and ascension, deliver us, O Jesus. Through your sending forth the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, deliver us, O Jesus. On the day of judgment, we sinners, we beseech you, hear us. That you would spare us, we beseech you, hear us. That you would pardon us, we beseech you, hear us. That you would bring us to true penance, we beseech you, hear us. That you would pour into our hearts the grace of the Holy Spirit, we beseech you, hear us. That you would defend and propagate your Church, we beseech you, hear us. That you would preserve and increase all societies assembled in your holy Name, we beseech you, hear us. That you would bestow upon us true peace, humility, and charity, we beseech you, hear us. That you would give us perseverance in grace and in your holy service, we beseech you, hear us. That you would deliver us from unclean thoughts, the temptations of the devil, and everlasting damnation, we beseech you, hear us. That you would unite us to the company of your Saints, we beseech you, hear us. That you would graciously hear us, we beseech you, hear us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you, because by your holy Cross you have redeemed the world.

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Litany of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us. Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, save us. Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word or God, save us. Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us. Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Agony, save us. Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us. Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, save us. Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us. Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us. Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us. Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us. Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us. Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us. Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us. Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us. Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us. Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us. Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us. Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us. Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us. Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us. Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us. Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us. Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us. Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us. Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord. V. Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood. R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom. Almighty and eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be appeased by his blood. Grant, we beg of Thee, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. This Litany in honor of Jesus in His Most Precious Blood was drawn up by the Sacred Congregation of Rites and promulgated by Pope John XXIII on February 24, 1960. The devotion to Jesus in His most Precious Blood was first popularized by Saint Gaspar del Bufalo (1786-1837, feast Dec. 28) who founded the Missioners of the Most Precious Blood. A partial Indulgence is granted to the faithful who recite this litany.

Litany of the Love of God

Litany of the Love of God Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us. Thou Who art Infinite Love, Have mercy on us. Thou Who didst first love me, Have mercy on us. Thou Who commandest me to love Thee, Have mercy on us. With all my heart, I Love Thee, O My God With all my soul, I Love Thee, O My God With all my mind, I Love Thee, O My God With all my strength, I Love Thee, O My God Above all possessions and honors, I Love Thee, O My God Above all pleasures and enjoyments, I Love Thee, O My God More than myself, and everything belonging to me, I Love Thee, O My God More than all my relatives and friends, I Love Thee, O My God More than all men and angels, I Love Thee, O My God Above all created things in heaven or on earth, I Love Thee, O My God Only for Thyself, I Love Thee, O My God Because Thou art the sovereign Good, I Love Thee, O My God Because Thou art infinitely worthy of being loved, I Love Thee, O My God Because Thou art infinitely perfect, I Love Thee, O My God Even hadst Thou not promised me heaven, I Love Thee, O My God Even hadst Thou not menaced me with hell, I Love Thee, O My God Even shouldst Thou try me by want and misfortune, I Love Thee, O My God In wealth and in poverty, I Love Thee, O My God In prosperity and in adversity, I Love Thee, O My God In health and in sickness, I Love Thee, O My God In life and in death, I Love Thee, O My God In time and in eternity, I Love Thee, O My God In union with that love wherewith all the saints and all the angels love Thee in heaven, I Love Thee, O My God In union with that love wherewith the Blessed Virgin Mary loveth Thee, I Love Thee, O My God In union with that infinite love wherewith Thou lovest Thyself eternally, I Love Thee, O My God My God, Who dost possess in incomprehensible abundance all that is perfect and worthy of love, annihilate in me all guilty, sensual, and undue love for creatures. Kindle in my heart the pure fire of Thy love, so that I may love nothing but Thee or in Thee, until being so entirely consumed by holy love of Thee, I may go to love Thee eternally with the elect in heaven, the country of pure love. Amen.

Litany of the Holy Ghost

Litany of the Holy Ghost Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Father all powerful, have mercy on us Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us. Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us. Holy Trinity, hear us Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts. Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us. Ray of heavenly light, have mercy on us Author of all good, have mercy on us Source of heavenly water, have mercy on us Consuming fire, have mercy on us Ardent charity, have mercy on us Spiritual unction, have mercy on us Spirit of love and truth, have mercy on us Spirit of wisdom and understanding, have mercy on us Spirit of counsel and fortitude, have mercy on us Spirit of knowledge and piety, have mercy on us Spirit of the fear of the Lord, have mercy on us Spirit of grace and prayer, have mercy on us Spirit of peace and meekness, have mercy on us Spirit of modesty and innocence, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, the Comforter, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church, have mercy on us Gift of God, the Most High, have mercy on us Spirit Who fillest the universe, have mercy on us Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us Holy Ghost, inspire us with horror of sin. Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth. Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls. Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love. Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well. Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations. Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge. Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good. Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues. Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice. Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Send us Thy Holy Ghost. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety. V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful, R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love. Let Us Pray Grant, 0 merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. R. Amen

Litany of the Cross

Litany of the Cross The cross is the hope of Christians the cross is the resurrection of the dead the cross is the way of the lost the cross is the savior of the lost the cross is the staff of the lame the cross is the guide of the blind the cross is the strength of the weak the cross is the doctor of the sick the cross is the aim of the priests the cross is the hope of the hopeless the cross is the freedom of the slaves the cross is the power of the kings the cross is the water of the seeds the cross is the consolation of the bondsmen the cross is the source of those who seek water the cross is the cloth of the naked. We thank you, Father, for the cross.

Litany of Saint Raphael

Litany of Saint Raphael Lord, have mercy on us. Christ have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us. Saint Raphael, pray for us. Saint Raphael, filled with the mercy of God, etc. Saint Raphael, perfect adorer of the Divine Word, Saint Raphael, terror of demons, Saint Raphael, exterminator of vices, Saint Raphael, health of the sick, Saint Raphael, our refuge in all our trials, Saint Raphael, guide of travelers, Saint Raphael, consoler of prisoners, Saint Raphael, joy of the sorrowful, Saint Raphael, filled with zeal for the salvation of souls, Saint Raphael, whose name means God heals, Saint Raphael, lover of chastity, Saint Raphael, scourge of demons, Saint Raphael, in pestilence, famine and war, Saint Raphael, angel of peace and prosperity, Saint Raphael, endowed with the grace of healing, Saint Raphael, sure guide in the paths of virtue and sanctification, Saint Raphael, help of all those who implore your assistance, Saint Raphael, who was the guide and consolation of Tobias on his journey, Saint Raphael, whom the Scriptures praise: Raphael, the holy angel of the Lord, was sent to cure, Saint Raphael, our advocate, Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. Pray for us, Saint Raphael, to the Lord Our God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ Lord, Jesus Christ, by the prayer of the Archangel Raphael, grant us the grace to avoid all sin and to persevere in every good work until we reach our heavenly destination, You Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Litany of Saint Anthony of Padua

Litany of Saint Anthony of Padua Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us. God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us. God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Anthony, glory of the Friars Minor, Saint Anthony, ark of the testament, Saint Anthony, sanctuary of heavenly wisdom, Saint Anthony, destroyer of worldly vanity, Saint Anthony, conqueror of impurity, Saint Anthony, example of humility, Saint Anthony, lover of the Cross, Saint Anthony, martyr of desire, Saint Anthony, generator of charity, Saint Anthony, zealous for justice, Saint Anthony, terror of infidels, Saint Anthony, model of perfection, Saint Anthony, consoler of the afflicted, Saint Anthony, restorer of lost things, Saint Anthony, defender of innocence, Saint Anthony, liberator of prisoners, Saint Anthony, guide of pilgrims, Saint Anthony, restorer of health. Saint Anthony, performer of miracles, Saint Anthony, restorer of speech to the mute, Saint Anthony, restorer of hearing to the deaf, Saint Anthony, restorer of sight to the blind, Saint Anthony, disperser of devils, Saint Anthony, reviver of the dead. Saint Anthony, tamer of tyrants, From the snares of the devil, Saint Anthony deliver us. From thunder, lightning and storms, Saint Anthony deliver us. From all evil of body and soul, Saint Anthony deliver us. Through your intercession, Saint Anthony protect us. Throughout the course of life, Saint Anthony protect us. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. Saint Anthony, pray for us. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. O my God, may the pious commemoration of Saint Anthony, your Confessor and Proctor, give joy to your Church, that she may ever be strengthened with your spiritual assistance and merit to attain everlasting joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows

Litany of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. God, the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us. God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us. Mother of the Crucified, pray for us. Sorrowful Mother, pray for us. Mournful Mother, pray for us. Sighing Mother, pray for us. Afflicted Mother, pray for us. Foresaken Mother, pray for us. Desolate Mother, pray for us. Mother most sad, pray for us. Mother set around with anguish, pray for us. Mother overwhelmed by grief, pray for us. Mother transfixed by a sword, pray for us. Mother crucified in thy heart, pray for us. Mother bereaved of thy Son, pray for us. Sighing Dove, pray for us. Mother of Dolors, pray for us. Fount of tears, pray for us. Sea of bitterness, pray for us. Field of tribulation, pray for us. Mass of suffering, pray for us. Mirror of patience, pray for us. Rock of constancy, pray for us. Remedy in perplexity, pray for us. Joy of the afflicted, pray for us. Ark of the desolate, pray for us. Refuge of the abandoned, pray for us. Shield of the oppressed, pray for us. Conqueror of the incredulous, pray for us. Solace of the wretched, pray for us. Medicine of the sick, pray for us. Help of the faint, pray for us. Strength of the weak, pray for us. Protectress of those who fight, pray for us. Haven of the shipwrecked, pray for us. Calmer of tempests, pray for us. Companion of the sorrowful, pray for us. Retreat of those who groan, pray for us. Terror of the treacherous, pray for us. Standard-bearer of the Martyrs, pray for us. Treasure of the Faithful, pray for us. Light of Confessors, pray for us. Pearl of Virgins, pray for us. Comfort of Widows, pray for us. Joy of all Saints, pray for us. Queen of thy Servants, pray for us. Holy Mary, who alone art unexampled, pray for us. Pray for us, most Sorrowful Virgin, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. O God, in whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of grief pierced through the most sweet soul of Thy glorious Blessed Virgin Mother Mary: grant that we, who celebrate the memory of her Seven Sorrows, may obtain the happy effect of Thy Passion, Who lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes

Litany of Our Lady of Lourdes Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Christ have mercy; Christ have mercy. Lord have mercy; Lord have mercy. Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us. God the Father of Heaven; Have mercy on us. God the Son, Redeemer of the world; Have mercy on us. God the Holy Spirit; Have mercy on us. Holy Trinity, one God; Have mercy on us. Holy Mary; Pray for us. Holy Mother of God; Pray for us. Mother of Christ; Pray for us. Mother of our Savior; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, help of Christians; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, source of love; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the poor; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the handicapped; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of orphans; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all children; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of all nations; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, mother of the Church; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, friend of the lonely; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of those who mourn; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, shelter of the homeless; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, guide of travelers; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, strength of the weak; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, refuge of sinners; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, comforter of the suffering; Pray for us. Our Lady of Lourdes, help of the dying; Pray for us. Queen of heaven; Pray for us. Queen of peace; Pray for us. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Spare us O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Graciously hear us, O Lord. Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world; Have mercy on us. Christ hear us; Christ graciously hear us. Let us pray: Grant us, your servants, we pray you, Lord God, to enjoy perpetual health of mind and body. By the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may we be delivered from present sorrows, and enjoy everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Litany of Mary of Nazareth

Litany of Mary of Nazareth Glory to you, God our Creator... Breathe into us new life, new meaning. Glory to you, God our Savior... Lead us into the way of peace and justice. Glory to you, healing Spirit... Transform us to empower others. Mary, wellspring of peace... Be our guide. Model of strength... Be our guide. Model of gentleness... Be our guide. Model of trust... Be our guide. Model of patience... Be our guide. Model of courage... Be our guide. Model of risk... Be our guide. Model of openness... Be our guide. Model of perseverance... Be our guide. Oppressed woman... Lead us to life. Liberator of the oppressed... Lead us to life. Marginalized woman... Lead us to life. Comforter of the afflicted... Lead us to life. Cause of our joy... Lead us to life. Sign of contradiction... Lead us to life. Breaker of bondage... Lead us to life. Political refugee... Lead us to life. Mother of the liberator... Pray for us. Mother of the homeless... Pray for us. Mother of the dying... Pray for us. Mother of the nonviolent... Pray for us. Widowed mother... Pray for us. Unwed mother... Pray for us. Mother of a political prisoner... Pray for us. Mother of the condemned... Pray for us. Mother of the executed criminal... Pray for us. Woman of mercy... Empower us. Woman of faith... Empower us. Woman of contemplation... Empower us. Woman of vision... Empower us. Woman of wisdom and understanding... Empower us. Woman of grace and truth... Empower us. Woman, pregnant with hope... Empower us. Woman, centered in God... Empower us. Seeker of sanctuary... Empower us. First disciple... Empower us. Sharer in Christ's ministry... Empower us. Participant in Christ's passion... Empower us. Seeker of God's will... Empower us. Witness of Christ's resurrection... Empower us. Mary, Queen of Peace, we entrust our lives to you. Shelter us from war, hatred and oppression. Teach us to live in peace, to educate ourselves for peace. Inspire us to act justly, to reverence all God has made. Root peace firmly in our hearts and in our world. Amen.

Litany for Priests

Litany for Priests Jesus, meek and humble of heart, give all priests Thy spirit of humility; Jesus, poor and worn out for souls, give all priests Thy spirit of zeal; Jesus, full of patience and mercy for sinners, give all priests Thy spirit of compassion; Jesus, victim for the sins of the world, give all priests Thy spirit of sacrifice; Jesus, lover of the little and the poor, give all priests Thy spirit of charity. Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us; and obtain for us numerous and holy priests and religious. Amen.

Dialogued Prayer on the Beautitudes

Dialogued Prayer on the Beatitudes Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Keep us from being preocuppied with money and worldly goods, and with trying to increase them at the expense of justice. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." Help us not to be ruthless with one another, and to eliminate the discord and violence that exists in the world around us. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." Let us not be impatient under our own burdens and unconcerned about the burdens of others. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they shall be filled." Make us thirst for you, the fountain of all holiness, and actively spread your influence in our private lives and in society. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Grant that we may be quick to forgive and slow to condemn. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God." Free us from our senses and our evil desires, and fix our eyes on you. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God." Aid us to make peace in our families, in our country, and in the world. Lord Jesus, you said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of justice, for the kingdom of heaven in theirs." Make us willing to suffer for the sake of right rather than to practice injustice; and do not let us discriminate against our neighbors and oppress and persecute them.

Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament

Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament Blessed be God. Blessed be his holy name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Blessed be the name of Jesus. Blessed be his most Sacred Heart. Blessed be his most Precious Blood. Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar. Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed be her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse. Blessed be God in his angels and in his saints.

Aspiration of Love to Jesus Christ I. My Jesus, Thou alone art sufficient for me. My love, do not permit me to separate myself from Thee. When shall I be able to say, "My God, I cannot lose Thee any more?" II. Lord, who am I, that Thou shouldst desire so much to be loved by me? And whom shall I love, if I love not Thee, my Jesus? Here I am, Lord; dispose of me as Thou pleasest. Give me Thy love; I ask nothing more. Make me all Thine before I die. III. Eternal Father, for the love of Jesus Christ have pity on me. My God, I wish for Thee alone, and nothing more. IV. O my Jesus! would that I could be entirely spent for Thee, as Thou didst spend Thyself entirely for me! If I had died while I was in sin, I could no more have loved Thee; now that I can love Thee, I will love Thee as much as I can. To Thee do I consecrate all the remainder of my life. I wish only, and I wish in all things, that which Thou dost desire. When I see Thee for the first time, my Jesus, may it be with a look of mercy. May I die rather than ever offend Thee again. Thou wilt not leave me, I will not leave Thee; so shall our love endure in this world and in the next. VI. I should be too ungrateful, O my Jesus, if I loved Thee but little, after so many graces. Thou didst give Thyself all to me; I give myself all to Thee. Thou lovest those that love Thee. I love Thee; do Thou also love me. If I love Thee but little, give Thou me the love Thou requirest of me. What hast Thou not done to oblige me to love Thee? Make me conquer all things to please Thee. VII. Accept the love of a soul which has offended Thee so deeply. Show me the immense good Thou art, that I may love Thee exceedingly. I desire to love Thee exceedingly in this life, that I may love Thee exceedingly in the next. VIII. I hope to love Thee for all eternity. O Eternal God! Oh that I had always loved Thee! Oh that I had died rather than have offended Thee! I give Thee my will, my liberty; dispose of me as Thou pleasest. May my only happiness be to please Thee, O Infinite Goodness. O my God! I rejoice in that Thou art infinitely happy. IX. Thou art omnipotent; make me a Saint. Thou hast sought me while I was fleeing from Thee; Thou didst love me when I despised Thy love; abandon me not, now that I seek Thee and love Thee. May I this day give myself wholly to Thee. X. Send me any chastisement, but deprive me not of the power of loving Thee. I thank Thee that Thou givest me time to love Thee. I love Thee, my Jesus, I love Thee; and I hope to die repeating, "I love Thee, I love Thee." XI. I desire to love Thee without reserve, and to do all that I know to be pleasing to Thee. I love Thy good pleasure more than all the pleasures of the world. I accept all the troubles that may happen to me, provided I love Thee, O my God. O my Jesus! that I could die for Thee, as Thou didst die for me! XII. Oh that I could make all men love Thee as Thou deservest! O will of God, thou art my love. O God of love, give me love.

Traditional Guardian Angel Prayers

Traditional Guardian Angel Prayers -------¤¤¤¤¤-----


Prayer When Unable to Assist at Daily Mass
Novena Prayer to One's Guardian Angel
St. Gertrude's Prayer to One's Guardian Angel
Prayer to All Guardian Angels
Angel of God Prayer
Prayer to Our Guardian Angel
Good Night Prayer


Prayer When Unable to Assist at Daily Mass

Go, my Angel Guardian dear,
To church for me, -----the Mass to hear.
Go, kneel devoutly at my place
And treasure for me every grace.
At the Offertory time
Please offer me to God Divine.
All I have and all I am,
Present it with the Precious Lamb.
Adore for me the great Oblation.
Pray for all I hold most dear
Be they far or be they near.
Rmember too, my own dear dead
For whom Christ's Precious Blood was shed.
And at Communion bring to me
Christ's Flesh and Blood, my food to be.
To give me strength and holy grace
A pledge to see Him face to face
And when the Holy Mass is done
Then with His blessing, come back home.


Novena Prayer to One's Guardian Angel
[A novena is made by saying a prayer for nine days in succession.]

O HOLY ANGEL, whom God, by the effect of His goodness and His tender regard for my welfare, has charged with the care of my conduct, and who assists me in all my wants and comforts me in all my afflictions, who supports me when I am discouraged and continually obtains for me new favors, I return thee profound thanks, and I earnestly beseech thee, O most amiable protector, to continue thy charitable care and defense of me against the malignant attacks of all my enemies. Keep me away from all occasions of sin. Obtain for me the grace of listening attentively to thy holy inspirations and of faithfully putting them into practice. In particular, I implore thee to obtain for me the favor which I ask for by this novena. [Here mention your petition.] Protect me in all the temptations and trials of this life, but more especially at the hour of my death, and do not leave me until thou hast conducted me into the presence of my Creator in the mansions of everlasting happiness. Amen.


St. Gertrude's Prayer to One's Guardian Angel


O MOST holy Angel of God, appointed by God
to be my guardian, I give thee thanks for all the
benefits which thou hast ever bestowed on me in
body and soul. I praise and glorify thee that thou
condescended to assist me with such patient
fidelity, and to defend me against all the
assaults of my enemy. Blessed be the hour in
which thou were assigned me for my guardian,
my defender and my patron. In acknowledgment
and return for all thy loving ministries to me, I
offer thee the infinitely precious and noble Heart
of Jesus, and firmly purpose to obey thee
henceforward, and most faithfully to serve
my God. Amen.


Prayer to All Guardian Angels

O PURE AND HAPPY Spirits whom the Almighty selected to become the Angels
and Guardians of men. I most humbly prostrate myself before thee to thank thee for the charity and zeal with which thou dost execute this commission. Alas, how many pass a long life without ever thanking their invisible friends, to whom they owe a thousand times their preservation!

O charitable Guardians of those Souls for whom Christ died, O flaming Spirits,
who cannot avoid loving those whom Jesus eternally loved, permit me to address
thee on behalf of all those committed to thy care, to implore for each of them a
grateful sense of thine many favors and also the grace to profit by thine charitable
assistance.

O Angels of those happy infants who are as yet "without spot before God,"
I earnestly beseech thee to preserve their innocence.

O Angels of youth, conduct them, exposed to so many dangers, safely to the bosom of God, as Tobias was conducted back to his father.

O Angels of those who employ themselves in the instruction of youth,
animate them with thy zeal and love, teach them to emulate thy purity and
continual view of God, that they may worthily and successfully co-operate
with the invisible Guardians of their young charges.

O Angels of the clergy, of those "who have the eternal Gospel to preach to them
that sit upon the earth," present their words, their actions and their intentions to
God, and purify them in that fire of love that consumes thee.

O Angels of the missionaries who have left their native land and all who were dear to them in order to preach the Gospel in foreign fields, protect them from the dangers which threaten them, console in their hours of discouragement and solitude, and lead them to those souls who are in danger of dying without Baptism.

O Angels of infidels and pagans, whom the True Faith has never enlightened, intercede for them, that they may open their hearts to the rays of grace, respond to the message delivered by God's missioners and acknowledge and adore the one true God.

O Angels of all who travel by air, land or water, be their guides and companions, protect them from all dangers of collision, fire, and explosion and lead them safely to their destination.

O Guardian Angels of sinners, charitable guides of those unhappy mortals whose perseverance in sin would embitter even thine unutterable joys, wert thou not established in the peace of God! Oh join me, I ardently beseech thee, in imploring their conversion!

And thou, O Guardian Angels of the sick, I entreat thee especially to help, console and implore the spirits of joy for all those who are deprived of health, which is among God's most precious gifts to man. Intercede for them, that they may not succumb to despondency or lose by impatience the merits they can gain in carrying with resignation and joy the cross which Christ has laid upon them as a special token of His love.

O Angels of those are at this moment in the agonies of death, strengthen, encourage and defend them against the attacks of their infernal enemy.

O faithful Guides, holy spirits, adorers of the Divinity, Guardian Angels of all creatures, protect us all; teach us to love, to pray, to wage combat on earth, so that one day we may reach Heaven and there be happy for all eternity! Amen.

O Angels of those who are lingering in Purgatory, intercede for them that God
may permit thee to bring them some balm; console them that they may know
that we are praying for them and that we ask thee to join in our entreaties.


Angel of God

ANGEL OF GOD, my Guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here,
Ever this day [or night] be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.


Prayer to Our Guardian Angel

O HOLY Guardian Angel, my dear friend and solicitous guide on the dangerous way of life, to thee be heartfelt thanks for the numberless benefits which have been granted me through thy love and goodness and for the powerful help by which thou hast preserved me from so many dangers and temptations. I beg of thee, let me further experience thy love and thy care. Avert from me all danger, increase in me horror for sin and love for all that is good. Be a counselor and consoler to me in all the affairs of my life, and when my life draws to a close, conduct my soul through the valley of death into the kingdom of eternal peace, so that in eternity we may together praise God and rejoice in His glory. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

O Angel of God, make me worthy of thy tender love, thy celestial companionship and thy never-failing protection!


Good Night Prayer
GOOD NIGHT, my Guardian Angel,
The day has sped away;
Well spent or ill, its story
Is written down for aye.
And now, of God's kind Providence,
Thou image pure and bright,
Watch o'er me while I'm sleeping-----
My Angel dear, good night!

Mother of Our Creator

(1) MARY, you are the Mother of our Creator because you are the Mother of the Son of God, who is also our Creator. Of you and in you He assumed human nature. Since the three Divine Persons are only one God, they possess the same power, the same wisdom, the same goodness, the same will. St. John tells us that the Divine Word cooperated in the work of creation: "All things were made through him (the Word), and without him was made nothing that has been made" (John 1,3). Your Creator dwelt in your womb and was born to you, His creature. You can say with truth: "He who created me rested in my tabernacle" (Ecclus 24,12).

All the works of God—the earth, the heavens, the angels—though great and glorious, are indeed very small compared with Him who created them all. How then can I understand your greatness and dignity as the Mother of this Creator? Your dignity is so great the although God should create a thousand worlds more beautiful than the one we inhabit, He could never create a greater Mother, because your dignity as Mother depends upon the dignity of your Son. None but God can fully understand the perfection of His own nature and none but God can estimate your greatness as Mother of the Creator.

(2) MARY, your Son is also our Creator in the spiritual sense, for He created a new human race. As a result of sin, mankind, groping hopelessly in the black night of ignorance, had lost almost all knowledge of God and His revelation, and the grace of becoming pleasing to God. Your Son came upon earth to free men from this miserable state—to enlighten them as to what they should do to become good and be saved. He raised them up from their spiritual death to the life of grace, blotting out their guilt, justifying and sanctifying them; He conquered even death itself. This new creation is accomplished in holy Baptism and is continued in the other sacraments which receive their power to impart grace from the merits of your Son.

Mother of Our Creator, teach me to admire the power, wisdom, and goodness of my Creator, and to adore Him. Since He has created all things for my benefit, help me to show myself grateful to Him and to make use of His gifts according to His will as you have ever done. Let me never ever offend Him by abusing my body with its senses, my soul with its faculties, my temporal good or anything else by committing sin. Help me to use God's gifts in His holy service and for the benefit of my immortal soul.

(3) MARY, you are all-powerful in your prayers with our Creator. The Creator is almighty, otherwise He could not have created anything; He is infinitely good; otherwise, He would not have been willing to create us; He is infinitely merciful, otherwise He would not have re-created us. You called this Creator your Son when after finding Jesus in the temple, you asked Him, "Son, why hast thou done so to us?" Surely, this almighty, this good and merciful Creator cannot refuse you, His Mother, when you intercede for us. The Son is pleased if His Mother makes a request of Him, and He will give you everything you may ask of Him. How great then should be my confidence in you!

Mother of Our Creator, I put complete confidence in your prayers, because you have a Mother's power over the Heart of Your Divine Son. Plead then that I may reach my goal in life, the vision of God who created me to live with Him and to share in His bliss for all eternity.

PRAYER

O God, You never fail us in Your Providence; we humbly beg You, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of Your Son, to remove all evils from us and provide us with that which will profit our souls. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (Feast of the Mother of Divine Providence, Sat. before third Sun. of Nov.)

Holy Mother Of Good Counsel

FOR many centuries our Blessed Mother has been honored under the title of Mother of good counsel. Shortly before the capture of Scutari in Albania by the Turks in 1467, a miraculous picture of this title, the author and age of which is unknown, is said to have been brought by angels from this city to Gennazano in Italy, where it is venerated in the church of the Augustinian Fathers and attracts many thousands of pilgrims every year. In 1903 Leo XIII approved a feast and a special Mass in honor of the Mother of good counsel, which is celebrated in many Places on April 26. The confusion of ideas in the world, especially in religious matters, and the widespread social and political turmoil surely emphasize the need of good counsel, which would show men the way out of the chaos of their making and lead them on the way of peace and salvation. The Mother of good counsel, filled with divine counsel, offers help to her helpless children.

DIVINE COUNSEL

The prophet Isaias speaks of the Messias as the Angel of the great counsel, that is, the messenger of God, sent to carry out the decree of man's redemption. Mary, the Mother of the Angel of the great counsel, must be expected to have a profounder knowledge than any other created mind of the reasons why the Passion and death of the Saviour was chosen as the means to redeem mankind. Pride had to be atoned by humiliation, disobedience by obedience unto death, sinful pleasure by suffering; thus men would come to realize more thoroughly the purpose of their existence, do penance for their sins, and strive after holiness of life.

The life of Mary shows that she fully understood this divine counsel. At the Annunciation she has but one question to ask: How shall this be done? She sees in the poverty of Bethlehem and in the flight to Egypt the divine counsel and she joyfully conforms to it without complaining. She does not waver in her total dedication to the Lord when told by Simeon that a sword of sorrows will pierce her heart, and she perseveres in this attitude of mind and will until all is consummated on Calvary. Thus understanding the divine counsel and having lived according to it, she is qualified to counteract the work of Eve, who listened to the evil spirit and by her counsel to Adam brought ruin and death to the whole human race.

MOTHERLY COUNSEL

So perfectly is Mary of the mind of the Angel of the great counsel that holy Church identifies her counsel with that of divine Wisdom. Against the background of her life, fully conformed to the divine counsel, we feel the truth and motherly concern of Mary, that speaks from the Epistle and Gradual of the feast of the Mother of good counsel; she speaks to us in the words of divine Wisdom inviting us to accept her counsel.

"As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odor, and my flowers are the fruit of honor and riches." Holy Scripture speaks of the sweet odor of prayer, of sacrifice, of a holy life, because it is Pleasing to God, stimulating and inspiring for those who observe it. A holy life is man's greatest honor, because it makes him like unto God and earns for him riches exceeding in value all the wealth of the earth, imperishable, everlasting.

"I am the Mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope." Fair love engenders holy fear; how could a true lover of God ever offend Him or refuse to fulfill His wishes? Mary is filled with the gift of the fear of the Lord. The fear and love of God impart true knowledge of the meaning of life, protect against the deceptions of the world, and arouse holy hope for the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.

"In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me all hope of life and of virtue." Jesus speaks of Himself as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God is our last end and we must know the way to Him; we know the way by believing the truth of His words and example; we follow the way by living a life of virtue, which will pass over into the life of glory in the blissful vision of God in life eternal. For doing all this we need grace and all grace comes to us through Mary, and thus through Mary we hope to reach our goal.

"Come over to me, all ye that desire me and be filled with my fruits. Blessed is the man that heareth me and that watcheth daily at my gates and waiteth at the posts of my door. He that shall find me, shall find life and have salvation from the Lord." Should it be too much to expect that we show interest in and a desire for the good things which Mary has to offer, that we watch and wait until we receive them?

Watch and wait! Her voice may reach us at any time, but it will be particularly clear and sweet on her feasts, or when we reflect on the mysteries of her life and with them also on her ways.

Watch and wait! Our Mother may keep silent and hide herself to put her children to the test. Impatience may do a great deal of harm. Let us wait until we catch the accents of her voice and feel within ourselves the glow of her love. Let us not, in our impatience for a word of consolation, run after the will-o-the-wisps of worldly diversions and joys. The loss would be too enormous, the disappointment too painful.

Brief as the counsel is, which the Mother of good counsel offers in the liturgy of the feast of this tide, it covers all needs of the Christian life: fear and love, truth and grace, virtue and perseverance, salvation from the Lord.

PRAYER

Most glorious Virgin, chosen by the eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the eternal Word made flesh, thou who art the treasurer of divine graces and the advocate of sinners, I who am thy most unworthy servant have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my guide and counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner obtain for Holy Church victory over her enemies and the spread of the kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen.

Mother Most Admirable

1) MARY, you are the Mother Most Admirable because God the Father has done great things for you. From all eternity He chose you to be the Mother of His Son. He spoke of you to our first parents immediately after the fall, when He cursed the serpent: "I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed; she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel" (Gen. 3,15). God announced you four thousand years before your birth, and pointed to you as the one who, through your Son, would destroy the power of the devil.

How admirable also was your entrance into this world! In order to give a worthy Mother to His Son, it was His will that the law of nature, according to which the descendants of Adam are all conceived in sin, should have no effect upon you, and that you should remain perfectly free from the stain of original sin. You were holy and full of grace in the very first moment of your life.

The great miracle of the Incarnation was wrought when the heavenly Father sent the Archangel Gabriel to greet you: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women" (Luke 1,28). Another miracle took place when you entered the house of your cousin Elizabeth. Enlightened by the Holy Spirit she recognized you as the Mother of her Lord; and the infant leaped for joy in her womb.

(2) MARY, God the Son has done great things for you. The Second Person of the most Holy Trinity, the Divine Word, chose you for His own Mother and merited for you all the graces that were necessary to make you worthy of the highest dignity ever bestowed upon a creature. Though a mortal being, you brought forth Him who is immortal and eternal; though a creature you are the Mother of your Creator. What greater miracle could be worked than that of a God confining Himself within the womb of a virgin?

And how wonderfully is all this done! You become the Mother of God without ceasing to be a virgin: a Mother because you conceived and brought forth the Son of God, and a virgin because at the conception and birth of the Son of God you preserved your virginal purity as inviolate as if you had never conceived.

(3) MARY, God the Holy Spirit has done great things for you. As "the Finger of God's right hand", He has formed in you and out of you the human nature of the eternal Word, and also formed you into the most perfect image of your Son. Through grace He took possession of you, adorned you with spiritual beauty, made you His holy temple, and by His indwelling prepared you to be a worthy sanctuary for the Son of God. You were in possession of the highest fullness of all the divine and moral virtues as well as of His seven Gifts. All this wonderful adornment, all your natural and supernatural privileges and riches, were the gifts of the Holy Spirit to you, His Immaculate Spouse.

God glorified you by miracles not only in your life, but also after your death. Never has there been a century in which numberless miracles have not been worked. At Lourdes and Fatima and at many other shrines you obtained sight for the blind, hearing for the deaf, speech for the dumb, the use of their limbs for the lame, and help for the afflicted.

Mother Most Admirable, I thank God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for all the wonderful things They have done for you, which make you a Mother Most Admirable to all your children. Teach me to have recourse to you in every need. The miracles which you worked for others you will work for me because you love me as your child just as you loved your other children for whom you have done wonderful things. If, however, I should not receive what I ask, I know I shall not have invoked you in vain; you will surely obtain for me something of far more benefit to my soul. My most earnest petition is that you make my soul pleasing to God, as yours always was, that I may deserve to admire you in heaven eternally as I have always admired you on earth.

PRAYER

Moved by the pleading of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in answer to whose prayers Jesus Christ, Your Son, wrought the first of His miracles, give us the grace, O Lord God, to prepare a clean heart for the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Your Son, so as to deserve to sit down to the everlasting banquet of eternity. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen. (Feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Nov. 27)

Mother Most Amiable

(1) MARY, you are the Mother Most Amiable in the eyes of God. You are a source of never-ending joy to Him, and the object of His most tender love. God the Father loves you more than all His other creatures, for you are more than His child—you are the Mother of His only-begotten Son. You also enjoy the most tender love of the Son of God, the Divine Word, for He elevated you alone of all women in the world to the dignity of divine motherhood. As the God-Man He showed His love for you in being subject to you for thirty years, in performing His first miracle at your request, and in remembering you with tender pity on the cross when He said to the beloved Apostle John, "Son, behold thy mother."

(2) MARY, the Holy Spirit gives you all His love, for you are the Masterpiece of His power. For love of you He worked a miracle at your conception, which preserved you from the stain of original sin and infused into your soul the fullness of grace in the first instant of your existence. He enlightened the Prophets concerning you many centuries before your birth, and bade them announce to the nations of the earth the happiness which would be given to the world through you. After Your birth He watched over you with great care in order to preserve you from even the least sin. He worked wonders for you by overshadowing you with the power of His Godhead, and accomplished in your virginal womb the Incarnation of the Son of God. No creature in heaven or on earth was ever loved so much by the Blessed Trinity.

Mother Most Amiable, God loved you so much because you loved Him above all things. Help me to love God above all things all the days of my life, just as you did. Help me to guard against sin and to observe the commandments, for Jesus said, "He who has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me" (John 14,21). Let me prove my love for God by frequent Communion and prayer—the most effective means of strengthening and preserving the love of God in my heart.

(3) MARY, you are the Mother Most Amiable also to men. You love us all more than our own mothers can, for you have cherished us all in your heart ever since the day your dying Son entrusted us to your care. Your heart is full of love and mercy toward us, and is always ready to do us good. In fact, you never feel happier than when you find an opportunity of doing us a favor.

On account of your holiness you are so amiable that after God there is nothing on earth that can be compared to you. What the sun is among the stars, you are among the angels and saints. You are a Lady of surpassing mildness, love and goodness. And since you are most gracious to all, all hearts turn to you in devoted affection.

Mother Most Amiable, obtain for me the grace to cherish a tender love for you, for I can do nothing better than to imitate God in His love for you; and I certainly cannot love you more than He does. Be to me a Mother Most Amiable in life and in death, but above all for all eternity in heaven.

PRAYER

O Lord God, we beg You to forgive the sins of Your servants, that we who are unable to please You by our own deeds, may be saved by the intercession of the Mother of Your Son, our Lord. Who lives and reigns with You forever. Amen. (Feast of the Assumption, Aug. 15)