Do you ever have days like this?

Yesterday was a two plus rosary day. I slept with my rosary last night, as I have been known to do in difficult times, and prayed throughout the night when I tossed and turned, partly due to the day I had and partly due to the corticosteroid that is revving me up.



First was Mass with Josh and Taylor and then RCIA with Taylor. The subjects: morality. Specifically: chastity, homosexuality, cohabitation, contraception. It required all my energy not to argue, I mean really argue. Did you know there are a lot of gray areas in those subjects? I didn't either. I thought that all Catholics are called to follow the laws of God, and that's pretty black and white. Thou shall not commit adultery is pretty clear. I said what I felt needed to be said and then felt dismissed with the back of a hand. In fact, I think Father probably wanted to ask if anyone but I had a question or comment please say the word. Anyone but me. He knew what I had to say. Thank goodness Taylor and I are close enough to talk about these issues together. I pray for the remaining candidates and catechumens to be enlightened.



I came home to rancor. I struggled to put dinner on the table quickly (I had not put the roast in the crock pot before I left so I had to scramble to get dinner on) and almost as soon as we sat down and finished prayer (I believe our dinner prayer invites satan to come and dine with us) Noah started his nightly glaring at his sister. She can't do anything right in his book, and if she so much as makes herself known at the table, she gets a glare. Doug had had enough all day between the two of them, and a fight between the two of them erupted. Faith and I left the table in tears. Noah left and no one ate. Do you ever have days like this? Where you feel almost nothing, not even a nice dinner, is going to go right?The rest of our evening was spent each in our own silence and sullenness.


Satan is really tying some tight knots in our family right now. Do you think maybe bringing another Catholic into our family has him riled? He is taking every opportunity to work his way between us and God.

How many novenas can I pray? Mary, Undoer of knots... Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Monica, St. Anne, pray for us.


I like this prayer from Pope Francis, who has a long-standing dedication to Mary, Undoer of knots. Free us from the knots and confusion with which our enemy attacks...

Holy Mary, full of God's presence during the days of your life, you accepted with full humility the Father's will, and the Devil was never capable to tie you around with his confusion.

Once with your Son you interceded for our difficulties, and, full of kindness and patience you gave us example of how to untie the knots of our life. And by remaining forever Our Mother, you put in order, and make more clear the ties that link us to the Lord.

Holy Mother, Mother of God, and our Mother, to you, who untie with motherly heart the knots of our life, we pray to you to receive in your hands (the name of person), and to free him/her of the knots and confusion with which our enemy attacks.

Through your grace, your intercession, and your example, deliver us from all evil, Our Lady, and untie the knots that prevent us from being united with God, so that we, free from sin and error, may find Him in all things, may have our hearts placed in Him, and may serve Him always in our brothers and sisters. 

Amen

Hear my prayer and grant my desires...more St. Andrew Chaplets

Oh that beautiful prayer:

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment

in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!

to hear my prayer and grant my desires,

through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,

and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

All of the St. Andrew chaplets I had in my Etsy shop got snatched up, which means this beautiful prayer will be prayed over and over again by some of you dear readers during the Advent season. That makes me so happy that I ordered more supplies and made more chaplets. They are now available in my Etsy shop and will be in your hands by November 30, the Feast of St. Andrew and the first day of the Christmas novena.

Our Lady of Sorrows Novena

Tomorrow is the first day of the Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows. I have written before about my devotion to this particular title of Our Blessed Mother. I believe she has chosen it for me. So many people, all over the world, have found me to make them chaplets of Our Lady of Sorrows. I truly feel that this particular devotion is incredibly powerful. Mary knows the true pain a mother feels, and she is a great protector of the mother's heart.

You can start the novena tomorrow and finish on the 14th, or start on Saturday and finish on her feast day -- September 15.

Please also pop over the Kimberlee's blog, Pondered in my Heart -- she has a beautiful litany posted which would be perfect for praying on the feast day.

Tianna Mallett





The novena prayer is prayed every day for nine days (symbolic of the nine days the apostles and the Blessed Mother prayed after Our Lord ascended into heaven until Pentecost)

The Novena:

Most holy and afflicted Virgin, Queen of Martyrs, you stood beneath the cross, witnessing the agony of your dying Son. Look with a mother's tenderness and pity on men, who kneel before you. I venerate your sorrows and I place my requests with filial confidence in the sanctuary of your wounded heart.

Present them, I beseech you, on my behalf to Jesus Christ, though the merits of his own most sacred Passion and death, together with your sufferings at the foot of the cross. Through the united efficacy of both, obtain the granting of my petition. To whom shall I have recourse if my wants and miseries if not to you, Mother of Mercy? You have drunk so deeply of the chalice of your Son, you can compassionate our sorrows.

Holy Mary, your soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow at the sight of the passion of your divine Son. Intercede for me and obtain from Jesus (mention your request) if it be for his honor and glory and for my good. Amen.

Begin St. Monica Novena

Saint Augustine and Saint Monica (1846), by Ary Scheffer

St. Monica Novena

Exemplary mother of the Great Augustine, you perseveringly

 pursued your wayward son…not with wild threats but with

 prayerful cries to heaven. Intercede for all mothers in our day so

 that they may learn to draw their children to God.

 Teach us to remain close to all God’s children, even the prodigal

 sons and daughters who have sadly gone astray.

 Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows

 pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired

 or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith,

 you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband,

 Patricius and your beloved son, Augustine.

Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my

 plea for (names of those you are praying for) and grant me the grace

 to accept His will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

 in the unity of the Holy Spirit, One God forever and ever. Amen.

Pray Hail Mary 3 times

Pray Glory Be 3 times

St. Monica, pray for us

Intentions

Day one

 Today we pray for all God’s people currently absent from our Home.

 May the Holy Spirit open their ears and hearts so they may hear this

 invitation to come home. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day two

 Today we pray for those who were baptized Catholic, but were not

 blessed with families to guide them to spiritual maturity. May the

 Holy Spirit guide them back to our Catholic family. (Pray Novena

Prayers)

Day three

 Today we pray for those who have been hurt by someone in the

 Church. May those of us in the Church today be a source of healing.

(Pray Novena Prayers)

Day Four

 Today we pray for those who take issue with the Church’s teachings.

 May the Holy Spirit open their hearts and minds to the truth and

 wisdom of those teachings. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day Five

 Today we pray for those whose sins make them feel unworthy to come

 to God. May they feel the warm embrace of Our Father’s loving

 forgiveness. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day six

 Today we pray for all those who believe in their hearts but are fearful

 of judgment or institutions. May they find the support and joy of

 belonging to our Church community. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day seven

 Today we pray for those who are resisting Your call due to pressures

 from friends and family members. May the Holy Spirit give them

 strength in their convictions and may the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of

 their friends and family with love and support. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day eight

 Today we pray for those who feel abandoned by God. May they come

 to see God working in their lives, restore their faith in Him, and come

 home to His church. (Pray Novena Prayers)

Day Nine

 Today we pray for those who are ready to come home and just need

 to be invited. May the Holy Spirit open our hearts and eyes to them

 that we may be the inviting and welcoming presence they seek. (Pray

 Novena Prayers)

A chaplet winner

The winner of the St. Andrew chaplet is Dessi from Life with Small Blessings. Let me know just where to send your little chaplet, Dessi, and I'll get it in the mail.

For those who did not win, but would like a chaplet, I have two styles available in my Etsy shop.

PS For a printable copy of the prayer, you can go to Joyfilled Family, or Under Her Starry Mantle. Lovely.

Novena for the Annunciation

Wednesday is the first day of the Novena for the Feast of the Annunciation on March 25...just a little reminder.

GENTILESCHI, Orazio
Annunciation

 

O most holy Virgin Mary, 
to whom God sent the Angel Gabriel
to announce that you should be
the mother of His Only-Begotten Son,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

Holy, lovely Mary
We give our all to you
What is past and present,
And the future, too.
Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception
of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help, pray for us

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Advent, as in, the preparation for Christmas, can be difficult at best. With the passing of Thanksgiving, Christmas is in my face everywhere, and I have a difficult time convincing the children that we do not celebrate the birth of Jesus four weeks before His birthday. "Do you celebrate your birthday four weeks before your birthday?" I ask.  "No," they say, "but every one else does it."

Sigh. It is so very hard to keep the secularist celebration out of my domestic church.

We are not ready yet, I tell my children, and it has nothing to do with colored lights and presents. You must prepare for Jesus. You must clean yourself...prepare Him a perfect home.

Yesterday I was looking through a special prayer book for an Advent prayer. Instead I found this novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help which I began to help my preparation. I thought you might like to join me. What better way to prepare for the coming of Our Lord than to ask His own mother for help? These prayers bring me to tears just to read them.

Mother of Mercy, have pity on me.

FIRST NOVENA PRAYER IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP
(First, Fourth and Seventh Day)

Behold at thy feet, O Mother of Perpetual Help, a wretched sinner who has recourse to thee and confides in thee. O Mother of mercy, have pity on me.

I hear thee called by all the refuge and the hope of sinners: be then, my refuge and my hope. Assist me, for the love of Jesus Christ; stretch forth thy hand to a miserable fallen creature who recommends himself to thee, and who devotes himself to thy service for ever.

I bless and thank Almighty God, who in His mercy has given me this confidence in thee, which I hold to be a pledge of my eternal salvation.

It is true that in the past I have miserably fallen into sin, because I had not recourse to thee. I know that, with thy help, I shall conquer.

I know, too, that thou wilt assist me, if I recommend myself to thee; but I fear that, in time of danger, I may neglect to call on thee, and thus lose my soul.

This grace, then, I ask of thee, and this I beg, with all the fervor of my soul, that in all the attacks of hell I may ever have recourse to thee. O Mary, help me. O Mother of Perpetual Help, never suffer me to lose my God.  

Nine Hail Marys


O Lord Jesus Christ, who gave us your Mother Mary, whose renowned image we venerate, to be a Mother ever ready to help us; grant we beseech You, that we who constantly implore her motherly aid, may merit to enjoy perpetually the fruits of Your redemption, Who lives and reigns forever and ever.    Amen.

REMEMBER, O MOST GRACIOUS VIRGIN MARY, THAT NEVER WAS IT KNOWN THAT ANYONE WHO FLED TO THY PROTECTION OR SOUGHT THY AID WAS LEFT UNAIDED......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SECOND NOVENA PRAYER TO OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP
(Second, Fifth and Eighth Day)

O Mother of Perpetual Help, grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name, which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying. O purest Mary, O sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips. Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me, whenever I call on thee; for, in all my temptations, in all my needs, I shall never cease to call on thee, ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.

O what consolation, what sweetness, what confidence, what emotion, fill my soul when I utter thy sacred name, or even only think of thee. I thank the Lord for having given thee, for my good so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name. But I will not be content with merely uttering thy name. Let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee, Mother of Perpetual Help.


Nine Hail Marys
O Lord Jesus Christ, who gave us your Mother Mary, whose renowned image we venerate, to be a Mother ever ready to help us; grant we beseech You, that we who constantly implore her motherly aid, may merit to enjoy perpetually the fruits of Your redemption, Who lives and reigns forever and ever.    Amen.

REMEMBER, O MOST GRACIOUS VIRGIN MARY, THAT NEVER WAS IT KNOWN THAT ANYONE WHO FLED TO THY PROTECTION OR SOUGHT THY AID WAS LEFT UNAIDED......


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIRD NOVENA PRAYER TO OUR MOTHER OF PERPETUAL HELP

(Third, Sixth and Ninth Day)

O Mother of Perpetual Help, thou art the dispenser of all the gifts which God grants to us miserable sinners; and for this end He has made thee so powerful, so rich, and so bountiful, in order that thou mayest help us in our misery. Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners
who have recourse to thee: come to my aid, for I recommend myself to thee.

In thy hands I place my eternal salvation, and to thee I entrust my soul. Count me among thy most devoted servants; take me under thy protection, and it is enough for me. For, if thou protect me, I fear nothing; not from my sins, because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them; nor from the
devils, because thou art more powerful than all hell together; nor even from Jesus, my judge, because by one prayer from thee He will be appeased.

But one thing I fear: that in the hour of temptation I may through negligence fail to have recourse to thee and thus perish miserably. Obtain for me, therefore, the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final
perseverance, and the grace ever to have recourse to thee, O Mother of Perpetual Help.


Nine Hail Marys

O Lord Jesus Christ, who gave us your Mother Mary, whose renowned image we venerate, to be a Mother ever ready to help us; grant we beseech You, that we who constantly implore her motherly aid, may merit to enjoy perpetually the fruits of Your redemption, Who lives and reigns forever and ever.    Amen.

REMEMBER, O MOST GRACIOUS VIRGIN MARY, THAT NEVER WAS IT KNOWN THAT ANYONE WHO FLED TO THY PROTECTION OR SOUGHT THY AID WAS LEFT UNAIDED......

Printer Version here

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On the eighth day of Christmas...

...the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, and first day of the New Year, eight novenas to Mary that I put on the calendar this morning.




CHAMPAIGNE, Philippe de
The Presentation of the Temple


Novena for the Purification
First day January 24, last day February 1

O Blessed Mother of God,
who went up to the Temple according to the law
with your offering of little white doves,
pray for me that I too may keep the law
and be pure in heart like you.

Sweet heart of Mary,
be my salvation.

~~~~~

GENTILESCHI, Orazio
Annunciation

Novena for the Annunciation
First day March 16, last day March 24

O most holy Virgin Mary,
to whom God sent the Angel Gabriel
to announce that you should be the mother of His Only-Begotten Son,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

Holy, lovely Mary
We give our all to you
What is past and present,
And the future, too.
Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception
of the most blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God.

~~~~~

Novena to Our Lady of Fatima
First Day, May 4, last day May 12

Most Holy Virgin, who has deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three little shepherds the treasures of graces hidden in the recitation of the Rosary, inspire our hearts with a sincere love of this devotion, so that by meditating on the mysteries of our redemption that are recalled in it, we may gather the fruits and obtain the conversion of sinners, the conversion of Russia, and this favor that I so earnestly seek.... (State your request here...) which I ask of you in this novena, for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of all people. Amen, Recite the following prayers... 3 Our Father... 3 Hail Marys... 3 Glory Be...

~~~~~

Immaculate Heart of Mary

Charles Chambers


Novena to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
can be prayed at any time

O Most Blessed Mother,
heart of love,
heart of mercy,
ever listening,
caring, consoling,
hear my prayer.
As your child,
I implore your intercession
with Jesus your Son.
Receive with understanding and compassion
the petitions I place before you today,
especially...

(State your intentions here...)

I am comforted in knowing
your heart is ever open
to those who ask for your prayer.
I trust to your gentle care and intercession,
those whom I love and who are sick
or lonely or hurting.
Help all of us, Holy Mother,
to bear our burdens in this life
until we may share eternal life
and peace with God forever.

Amen

~~~~~

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
First day June 18, last day June 26

0 Mother of Perpetual Help,
thou art the dispenser of all the gifts
which God grants to us miserable sinners;
and for this end He has made thee so powerful,
so rich, and so bountiful,
in order that thou may help us in our misery.
Thou art the advocate of the most wretched and abandoned sinners
who have recourse to thee:
come to my aid,
for I recommend myself to thee.

In thy hands I place my eternal salvation,
and to thee I entrust my soul.
Count me among thy most devoted servants;
take me under thy protection,
and it is enough for me.
For, if thou protect me, I fear nothing;
not from my sins,
because thou wilt obtain for me the pardon of them;
nor from the devils,
because thou art more powerful than all hell together;
nor even from Jesus, my judge,
because by one prayer from thee He will be appeased.

But one thing I fear:
that in the hour of temptation
I may through negligence fail to have recourse to thee
and thus perish miserably.
Obtain for me, therefore,
the pardon of my sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance,
and the grace ever to have recourse to thee,
O Mother of Perpetual Help.

Say 3 Hail Mary...

~~~~~

Novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
First day July 7, last day July 15

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

~~~~~

Circle of García de Bouzas, 18th century

Museum of the Church of San Paio (Pelagius)
Santiago de Compostela, Spain


Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary
First day, September 29, last day October 6

(This Novena is to be said with a Rosary on each day.)

My dearest Mother Mary,
behold me, your child,
in prayer at your feet.
Accept this Holy Rosary,
which I offer you in accordance with your requests at Fatima,
as a proof of my tender love for you,
for the intentions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
in atonement for the offenses committed against your Immaculate Heart,
and for this special favour
which I earnestly request in my Rosary Novena:

(State your intention(s) here...)

I beg you to present my petition to your Divine Son.
If you will pray for me,
I cannot be refused.
I know, dearest Mother,
that you want me to seek God’s holy Will concerning my request.
If what I ask for should not be granted,
pray that I may receive that which will be of greater benefit to my soul.

I offer you this spiritual “Bouquet of Roses” because I love you.
I put all my confidence in you,
since your prayers before God are most powerful.
For the greater glory of God
and for the sake of Jesus,
your loving Son,
hear and grant my prayer.
Sweet Heart of Mary,
be my salvation.

~~~~~

MAELLA, Mariano Salvador de
Immaculate Conception

Novena for the Immaculate Conception
First Day November 29, last day December 7

O Mary Immaculate!
Guard with loving care this country dedicated to thee.
Let thy purity keep it pure.
Watch over its institutions.
As thou art the Refuge of all sinners,
this country is the refuge of the exiled and the oppressed.
Guide it ever in the ways of peace.
Let not its prosperity be its ruin.
Alas! Many of its children,
who know not what they do,
are walking in uncertain paths,
which are dark, and lead them away from the truth.
Mother of all, pray for us and plead for them,
that we, thy children,
may love and adore thy adorable Son with more fervent faith,
and that those who are wandering in error’s path may,
through thy intercession,
return to the one Fold of the True Shepard,
to thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Mary, Undoer of Knots

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Our Blessed Mother has many different titles. So many, in fact, you could almost pick a new one for every day (which I did in May). It is nice to find a title that fits your need -- it makes it so easy to run to our Heavenly Mother when we see that she will help us with our problem du jour.

Recently my mother-in-law shared with me one I had not heard of, Mary Undoer of Knots. The title is inspired by Saint Irenaeus (Bishop of Lyon and martyred in 202), who made a comparison between Eve and Mary, saying: "Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it." From the meditation, an unknown artist painted a much-venerated painting which hangs in St. Peter church in Perlach, Germany.

The knots that Mary undoes are all of the problems that we take to her -- worries for our children, trials in our marriages, our struggles with the world. It is a beautiful visual to imagine Our Holy Mother untying the knots in which we become tangled in our daily lives.




I am on the eighth day of praying the novena to Mary, Undoer of Knots. If you would like to read more about this title of Mary, you can find more here. If you would like to pray the novena, you can find the information for obtaining a booklet (EWTN Catalog also has them).

The novena prayers are inspirational and rich with visual revelation. Some of my favorites lines in the prayers are:

"I entrust into your holy hands this knot in my life...and all the rancor and resentment it has caused in me."

"Undo this knot in my life...o, Mother, and ask Jesus to heal my paralytic faith which gets down hearted with the stones in the road. Along with you, dearest Mother, may I see these stones as friends. Not murmuring against them, but giving endless thanks for them, may I smile trustingly in your power."

"No one ever saw you angry; to the contrary, your words were so charged with sweetness that the Holy Spirit was manifested on your lips. Take away from me the bitterness, anger and hatred which this knot has caused me."

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Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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If you begin the Novena today, you will end on the feast day, June 19.



Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

I. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request)
Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

II. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request) Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

III. O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request) Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.
Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.
-- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque


This novena prayer was said to be recited every day by Padre Pio for all those who asked his prayers.

Source: EWTN

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Novena to the Holy Spirit

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My mother-in-law reminded me that tomorrow begins a Novena to the Holy Spirit in preparation for Pentecost.

Novena to the Holy Spirit

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love.
Grant us the Spirit of Fear Of The Lord that we may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
the Spirit of Piety that we may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others;
the Spirit of Fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation;
the Spirit of Knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness;
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten our minds with the light of Your truth;
the Spirit of Counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
Grant us the Spirit of Wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your Spirit.
Amen.

FIRST DAY
Creation Awaits Fulfillment

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

Almighty and eternal God, send forth Your Spirit, who brought order from chaos at the beginning of the universe, and peace to the Lord's disciples.
Grant that I, as your creation, baptized in your Spirit, may be filled with the seven gifts so that I may forever do your will and renew the face of the earth.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

SECOND DAY
Christ's Promise To Send The Paraclete

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

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, fill me with devotion to God alone.
In the Risen Christ, I welcome You, O Spirit of truth, whom the Father sends in Jesus' name.
Wash clean the sinful soul, and rain down your grace that we may be one with the Church in fidelity to our Lord Jesus, Christ.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

THIRD DAY
The Soul Of Christ's Body, The Church

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

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart.
God, our Father, may I, through the grace of your Spirit, be forever filled with filial affection for you.
Grant that I may be inspired to love and respect all members of your family as brothers and sisters of Jesus, who, together with him, call you Abba, Father.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

FOURTH DAY
The Dignity Of The Christian

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

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity.
O, Divine Trinity, grant that we may be strengthened to see in ourselves and each other the dignity that is ours as temples of Your Holy Spirit, to be loved by one another as each of us is loved by Jesus.
We ask this through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

FIFTH DAY
Gifted To Serve And Build Others Up

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

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father.
Father, through Your Spirit, You invite us to participate in the fullness of Creation.
Help me to see that all gifts are from You and intended for your Glory.
For there are many different gifts, but always the same Spirit, many ways of serving, but 'always the same Lord.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

SIXTH DAY
Human Weakness And Sinfulness

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

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Understanding, enlighten our minds iixat we may appreciate and see more fully what we know by faith.
Come to us in our weakness and give voice to our petitions, for "the prayers that the Spirit makes for God's holy people are always in accordance with the mind of God."

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

SEVENTH DAY
Growth In The Freedom That Love Gives

Heal our wounds - our strength renew;
On our dryness, pour thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away!

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Counsel. Make my thoughts holy, my love pure, and my works pleasing to God.
Father, guided by Your Spirit, may I strive to make loving choices and respect all life.
May we be aware of our dignity as Your sons and daughters, redeemed with the Blood of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, Our Lord.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

EIGHTH DAY
Gifted Through The Spirit

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

Come, 0 Blessed Spirit of Wisdom, strengthen my faith, increase my hope, perfect my charity.
Father, enlighten us each day, in the silence of our hearts, to discern the voice of Your Spirit, to do what He asks of us and to understand the gifts He freely gives us.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

NINTH DAY
Sent With The Power To Reconcile

Thou on those who evermore,
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend;
Give them comfort when they die;
Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end.
Amen.

Father, through Jesus, Your Son, You sent the Paraclete to be at our side, to reconcile all Creation to you.
Grant that I may be forever open to Jesus' invitation to "Receive The Holy Spirit!" Father, open our hearts to accept Your forgiveness for our sins and to offer that same forgiveness to those who we feel have offended us.
For merciful forgiveness is the essence of Your love revealed in Your Son.
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Your Heavenly Fruits - Your charity, joy, peace patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness and temperance, that I may, by faithful submission to your Inspiration, merit to be united eternally with You in the love of the Father and the Son.
Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be To The Father, Act Of Consecration to the Holy Spirit, Prayer For The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit.


Art:
RESTOUT, Jean II
Pentecost


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St. Joseph the Worker Novena

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Begin a novena to St. Joseph on Wednesday and finish on April 30 the day before his feast day. Or begin it on Thursday and finish on his feast day.

O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in you all my interests and desires.

O Saint Joseph, assist me by your powerful intercession and obtain for me from your Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating you and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. Amen

O Saint Joseph, hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. O Saint Joseph, pray for me. (Mention your intention)

Amen.

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Election Novena

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If you did not begin a novena for election day, you can begin today and finish on November 4.

Novena to Our Lady of Victory

Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, 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.

Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.
Victorious daughter of the Father, pray for us.
Victorious Mother of the Son, pray for us.
Victorious Spouse of the Holy Spirit, pray for us.
Victorious servant of the Holy Trinity, pray for us.
Victorious in your Immaculate Conception, pray for us.
Victorious in crushing the serpent’s head, pray for us.
Victorious over all the children of Adam, pray for us.
Victorious over all enemies, pray for us.
Victorious in your response to the Angel Gabriel, pray for us.
Victorious in your wedding to St. Joseph, pray for us.
Victorious in the birth of Christ, pray for us.
Victorious in the flight to Egypt, pray for us.
Victorious in your exile, pray for us.
Victorious in your home at Nazareth, pray for us.
Victorious in finding Christ in the temple, pray for us.
Victorious in the mission of your Son, pray for us.
Victorious in His passion and death, pray for us.
Victorious in His Resurrection and Ascension, pray for us.
Victorious in the Coming of the Holy Spirit, pray for us.
Victorious in your sorrows and joys, pray for us.
Victorious in your glorious Assumption, pray for us.
Victorious in the angels who remained faithful, pray for us.
Victorious in the happiness of the saints, pray for us.
Victorious in the message of the prophets, pray for us.
Victorious in the testimony of the patriarchs, pray for us.
Victorious in the zeal of the apostles, pray for us.
Victorious in the witness of the evangelists, pray for us.
Victorious in the wisdom of the doctors, pray for us.
Victorious in the deeds of the confessors, pray for us.
Victorious in the triumph of all holy women, pray for us.
Victorious in the faithfulness of the martyrs, pray for us.
Victorious in your powerful intercession, pray for us.
Victorious under your many titles, pray for us.
Victorious at the moment of death, pray for us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Spare us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy, Lord.
Pray for us, blessed Lady of Victory.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

The Novena Prayer

Let us pray:
Our Lady of Victory, we have unshaken confidence in your influence with your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ. Humbly we ask your intercession for all of us associated under your title, Our Lady of Victory.
We beg your powerful assistance also for our own personal needs. (Please mention here your special intention in you own words.) In your maternal kindness please ask Jesus to forgive all our sins and failings, and to secure His blessings for us and for all the works of charity dedicated to your name. We implore you to obtain for us the grace of sharing Christ’s victory and your forever in the life that knows no ending. May we join you then to praise forever the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, on God, for all the ages to come. Amen.

Salve Regina (Hail Holy Queen)

Let us pray:
Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To Thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us.
And after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary,
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God:
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

The Memorare

Let us pray:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to Thy protection, implored Thy help, and sought Thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate! despise not my petitions, but in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

All this we ask of The Father in the name of Mary’s Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with Him and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer To Our Lady of Victory

Let us pray:
O Victorious Lady! Thou who has ever such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true Faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Rosary Follows…

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Election Day Novena from Priests for Life

O God, we acknowledge you today as Lord,
Not only of individuals, but of nations and governments.

We thank you for the privilege
Of being able to organize ourselves politically
And of knowing that political loyalty
Does not have to mean disloyalty to you.

We thank you for your law,
Which our Founding Fathers acknowledged
And recognized as higher than any human law.

We thank you for the opportunity that this election year puts before us,
To exercise our solemn duty not only to vote,
But to influence countless others to vote,
And to vote correctly.

Lord, we pray that your people may be awakened.
Let them realize that while politics is not their salvation,
Their response to you requires that they be politically active.

Awaken your people to know that they are not called to be a sect fleeing the world
But rather a community of faith renewing the world.

Awaken them that the same hands lifted up to you in prayer
Are the hands that pull the lever in the voting booth;
That the same eyes that read your Word
Are the eyes that read the names on the ballot,
And that they do not cease to be Christians
When they enter the voting booth.

Awaken your people to a commitment to justice
To the sanctity of marriage and the family,
To the dignity of each individual human life,
And to the truth that human rights begin when human lives begin,
And not one moment later.

Lord, we rejoice today
That we are citizens of your kingdom.

May that make us all the more committed
To being faithful citizens on earth.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Novena to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

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On July 16 we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. Tomorrow, Monday, is the day to begin a novena, ending the evening before her feast day. If you would like to join me for the novena, use the text below.

First Day O Beautiful Flower of Carmel, most fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, holy and singular, who brought forth the Son of God, still ever remaining a pure virgin, assist us in our necessity! O Star of the Sea, help and protect us! Show us that you are our Mother! (pause and mention petitions) Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Second Day Most Holy Mary, Our Mother, in your great love for us you gave us the Holy Scapular of Mount Carmel, having heard the prayers of your chosen son Saint Simon Stock. Help us now to wear it faithfully and with devotion. May it be a sign to us of our desire to grow in holiness. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Third Day O Queen of Heaven, you gave us the Scapular as an outward sign by which we might be known as your faithful children. may we always wear it with honor by avoiding sin and imitating your virtues. Help us to be faithful to this desire of ours. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Fourth Day When you gave us, Gracious Lady, the Scapular as our Habit, you called us to be not only servants, but also your own children. We ask you to gain for us from your Son the grace to live as you children in joy, peace and love. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Fifth Day O Mother of Fair Love, through your goodness, as your children, we are called to live in the spirit of Carmel. Help us to live in charity with one another, prayerful as Elijah of old, and mindful of our call to minister to God's people. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Sixth Day With loving provident care, O Mother Most Amiable, you covered us with your Scapular as a shield of defense against the Evil One. Through your assistance, may we bravely struggle against the powers of evil, always open to your Son Jesus Christ. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Seventh Day O Mary, Help of Christians, you assured us that wearing your Scapular worthily would keep us safe from harm. Protect us in both body and soul with your continual aid. may all that we do be pleasing to your Son and to you. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Eighth Day You give us hope, O Mother of Mercy, that through your Scapular promise we might quickly pass through the fires of purgatory to the Kingdom of your Son. Be our comfort and our hope. Grant that our hope may not be in vain but that, ever faithful to your Son and to you, we may speedily enjoy after death the blessed company of Jesus and the saints. (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Ninth Day O Most Holy Mother of Mount Carmel, when asked by a saint to grant privileges to the family of Carmel, you gave assurance of your Motherly love and help to those faithful to you and to your Son. Behold us, your children. We glory in wearing your holy habit, which makes us members of your family of Carmel, through which we shall have your powerful protection in life, at death and even after death. Look down with love, O Gate of Heaven, on all those now in their last agony! Look down graciously, O Virgin, Flower of Carmel, on all those in need of help! Look down mercifully, O Mother of our Savior, on all those who do not know that they are numbered among your children. Look down tenderly, O Queen of All Saints, on the poor souls! (pause and mention petitions) Say: Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.

Ascension Novena

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If you will join me in praying a Novena for the Feast of the Ascension , either begin today and end on the Vigil of the Feast of the Ascension, or begin on Wednesday and finish on the Feast Day -- May 1. In many dioceses in the U.S., the Feast of the Ascension has been moved to the following Sunday, May 4, 2008, so you also may begin this Friday.

Jesus, I honor You on the feast of Your Ascension into heaven. I rejoice with all my heart at the glory into which You entered to reign as King of heaven and earth. When the struggle of this life is over, give me the grace to share Your joy and triumph in heaven for all eternity.

I believe that You entered into Your glorious Kingdom to prepare a place for me, for You promised to come again to take me to Yourself. Grant that I may seek only the joys of Your friendship and love, so that I may deserve to be united with You in heaven.

In the hour of my own homecoming, when I appear before Your Father to give an account of my life on earth, have mercy on me.

Jesus, in Your love for me You have brought me from evil to good and from misery to happiness. Give me the grace to rise above my human weakness. May Your Humanity give me courage in my weakness and free me from my sins.

Through Your grace, give me the courage of perseverance for You have called and justified me by faith. May I hold fast to the life You have given me and come to the eternal gifts You promised.

You love me, dear Jesus. Help me to love You in return. I ask You to grant this special favor: (Mention your request).

By Your unceasing care, guide my steps toward the life of glory You have prepared for those who love You. Make me grow in holiness and thank You by a life of faithful service. Amen.

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St. Katharine Drexel Novena

This mural can be seen at the
St. Joseph Cathedral Sacred Heart Chapel
in Sioux Falls.

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Today I will begin a novena to St. Katharine Drexel. If you would like to join me, use the following prayer for nine days until the Feast of St. Katharine on March 3.

Compassionate God, who in your Son Jesus Christ healed the sick, touched the hearts of the troubled and sent disciples to announce good news to the poor, we offer this novena for peace and for the intentions of all those who are praying with us.

Ever Loving God, You called St. Katharine Drexel to teach the message of the Gospel and to bring the life of the Eucharist to Black and Native American peoples.

By her prayers and example, enable us to work for justice among the poor and oppressed.

Draw us all into the Eucharistic community of your Church that we may be one in you. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Our Father , Hail Mary , Glory Be

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