In Search of
The Authentic Life
“Pater Meus Servat Vineam”
The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus started yesterday (you can still do it!) and the one to the Immaculate Heart of Mary starts today. Find a novena you like. Here’s a great resource:
There’s never been a more important time!
[Edited since posting.]
Here is our Ascension Rosary Meditation, written some time ago…
Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, has risen triumphantly from the dead, but the Story is not over yet. He appeared to his Mother and the Apostles for forty days, preparing them to cross the threshold, the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth through the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. When this task was sufficient, as the Apostles looked on, "He was raised up: and a cloud received Him out of their sight." (Acts 1:9) The Ascension of Our Lord is paralleled only by His Coming at the End of Time, wholly unique events in human history, singular in glory, majesty and wonder. In the Old Law, the Father condescends to come to earth, as when He speaks to Moses in the Burning Bush and the institution of the Ten Commandments. Now the Son, establishing the New Law, rises up, showing us how real and attainable Heaven is. Our Lord opened access to Heaven on the Holy Cross and in His Ascension, He makes the leap Himself. He wants us to follow Him there-that was the whole purpose of His life on earth and the whole purpose of our own lives. To ensure we get there, He creates the physical, visible bridge to Heaven, the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
A number of the Mysteries of the Holy Rosary involve the meeting of Heaven and earth. The Ascension, the Assumption and the Crucifixion each traverse the distance from earth to Heaven. The Descent of the Holy Ghost, the Annunciation, the Baptism of Our Lord and the Transfiguration each involve Heaven coming down to earth. Heaven also meets earth in the miracles and apparitions of the Church. Lourdes is unique in that the miraculous water stays with us to this day and Fatima was unique in the witnessing of the "Miracle of the Sun" by thousands. Our Holy Church calls down the powers of Heaven in every sacrament. Our Lord's Ascension was His final sign that we are free to enter Heaven with Him, through the Church that could be built only upon His departure.
Heaven and earth are not just places. They represent the relationship between God and His children. As any parent/child relationship, it is bound to be difficult. It’s difficult for the child to see the wisdom of the parent and it’s difficult for the parent to let the child go when it is time. We can easily see the similarity here in how we perceive God. But can we see how God perceives us? As much as we love our own children and grieve over their absence, how much more does the Father love and grieve over us? So much, that He sent His only Son to die for us. The wrenching a parent feels when setting the child free, is only a faint hint of what the Father feels over one lost soul. That is why He cannot leave us alone. That is why He keeps interfering. From the manna in the desert to the Bread of Life, He cannot bear to leave His children starving. How much longer will He allow the innocent to spiritually starve in this corrupt culture? The Ascension tells us there is another world He has prepared for us, that Heaven is our true home, sainthood our natural state.
Though our Blessed Lord rose away from earth on that day when the Apostles saw him lifted up to the sky, He remains with us always. He has established His perennial Presence in the Holy Eucharist, residing in every tabernacle throughout the world. He has built His Church, preserving all His precepts. What more could He have done for us? The Gospel of Saint Matthew ends with these words: "...teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world." (Matt 28:18-20) The angels say, "This Jesus who is taken up from you into Heaven, shall so come, as you have seen Him going into Heaven," foretelling the Second Coming at the End of Time. (Acts 1:11) Dearest Jesus, Who ascended in glory to show me Heaven, may I always trust that Thou remain with me in this world, even in my most difficult moments. Amen.
Here is also, our PDF Litany of the Ascension, also written previously, but just new & improved…eventually we will try to get Imprimaturs…we have consulted with a canon lawyer and internet publishing of original prayers is allowed…
+++ LITANY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD PDF +++
AND DON’T FORGET…The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Ghost starts tomorrow! Here is one version…
O Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the Lord of Heaven and of Earth, Our Lady of Guadalupe, guide and protect the Roman Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV. Through your intercession, may he receive in abundance the grace of the Successor of Saint Peter: the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity of our Bishops and of all our brothers and sisters in the Mystical Body of your Divine Son. Unite Pope Leo’s heart to your Immaculate Heart, leading him to rest his heart ever more securely in the glorious pierced Heart of Jesus, so that he may confirm us in the Catholic faith, in the worship of God in spirit and truth, and in a good and holy Christian life.
In the tumult of the present time, keep Pope Leo securely within the hollow of your mantle, in the crossing of your arms, protecting him from Satan, the father of lies, and from every evil spirit. Implore Our Lord to grant him, in particular, the wisdom and courage to be a true Shepherd of the Church throughout the world. With you, I place all my trust in Christ, the Good Shepherd, Who alone is our help and salvation. Amen.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother, have mercy upon us!
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Queen of the Apostles, pray for us!
Saints Peter and Paul, pray for us!
Pope Saint Leo the Great, pray for us!
You can also print the prayer directly from the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe and order prayer cards. It is also available in other languages. You can get the prayer cards from their gift shop too, along with many other great things and it helps support a wonderful ministry.
Composed by Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke
From Cardinal Burke:
“The Church and the world have arrived at a most turbulent moment in their histories which are intimately related, for the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ is the instrument by which Our Lord continues His mission which is the salvation of the world. For the mission of Christ, the mission of the Church, the Roman Pontiff, the Successor of Saint Peter, fulfills an essential, indeed critical, service. According to the will of Our Lord, he “is the perpetual and visible source and foundation of the unity both of the bishops and of the whole company of the faithful” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 882).
The Sacred College of Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church will be soon gathering together in Papal Conclave to elect the Successor of Saint Peter, Vicar of Christ, Shepherd of the Universal Church. The intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title Our Lady of Guadalupe is greatly needed so that the Cardinals in Conclave will humbly obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit and thus choose the most worthy man to fulfill the service of the Roman Pontiff, the Vicar of Christ on earth.
Therefore, I ask that you join me in a Nine-Day Novena for the Papal Conclave…to Our Lady of Guadalupe, that she might plead for the Church at a time of great trial and danger, just as she came to the rescue of the Church at Tepeyac in 1531.”
A friend sent this litany to me. I don’t know where she got it, but it’s worth saying!
*** The Conclave begins May 7th and it usually only takes a few days for a Pope to be elected. ***
Before March is over, I’d like to present this beautiful prayer by Saint Patrick. It is also known as “The Deer’s Cry.” This is a literal translation from the Old Irish text. Saint Patrick, pray for us!
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of the invocation of the Trinity
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the Incarnation of Christ with His Baptism
The virtue of His Crucifixion with His Burial
The virtue of His Resurrection with His Ascension
The virtue of His Coming on the Judgement Day
I bind to myself today
The virtue of the love of seraphim
In the obedience of angels
In the hope of resurrection unto reward
In prayers of Patriarchs
In predictions of Prophets
In preaching of Apostles
In faith of Confessors
In purity of holy Virgins
In deeds of righteous men
I bind to myself today
The power of Heaven
The light of the sun
The brightness of the moon
The splendour of fire
The flashing of lightning
The swiftness of wind
The depth of sea
The stability of earth
The compactness of rocks
I bind to myself today
God's Power to guide me
God's Might to uphold me
God's Wisdom to teach me
God's Eye to watch over me
God's Ear to hear me
God's Word to give me speech
God's Hand to guide me
God's Way to lie before me
God's Shield to shelter me
God's Host to secure me
Against the snares of demons
Against the seductions of vices
Against the lusts of nature
Against everyone who meditates injury to me
Whether far or near
Whether few or with many
I invoke today all these virtues
Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul
Against the incantations of false prophets
Against the black laws of heathenism
Against the false laws of heresy
Against the deceits of idolatry
Against the spells of smiths and wizards
Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man
Christ, protect me today
Against every poison, against burning
Against drowning, against death-wound
That I may receive abundant reward
Christ with me, Christ before me
Christ behind me, Christ within me
Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ at my right, Christ at my left
Christ in the fort
Christ in the chariot seat
Christ in the boat
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
I bind to myself today
The strong virtue of an invocation of the Trinity
I believe the Trinity in the Unity
The Creator of the Universe
Amen
*** THE BREASTPLATE OF SAINT PATRICK PDF Printable ***
This prayer was taken from Emerald Isle, which also tells part of Saint Patrick’s story.
SAINT PATRICK, PRAY FOR US!
From today’s trad Mass:
O God, Who didst deign to send blessed Patrick, Thy confessor and bishop, to preach Thy glory to the nations, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those commands which Thou dost set before us we may by Thy mercy be able to fulfill.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that, giving thanks for the favors we have received, we may, by the intercession of blessed Patrick, Thy confessor and bishop, obtain blessings still greater. Amen.
~ ~ ~
I belong here because I am here.
~ ~ ~
When you look beyond the horizon, the obstructions collapse.
~ ~ ~
Envy is the inability to receive another person’s gifts, which were meant for you.
~ ~ ~
The mystic surrenders his life to the Mystery.
The thoughts shared here which are not in quotes, are recent meditations of mine which I have crystallized into simple ideas. All writing on this site is by CF Mathews, unless otherwise noted.
A new feature we recently started is monthly homeschool activities (see topic to the right>>>). In Part 1, our reader Jenna gave some ideas on how to observe the monthly devotions, so we will use some of those…
Homeschool Activities for March
Can you find a 9-day novena to Saint Joseph? Do you think you can pray it this month or sometime during Lent? Try to get all 9 days in a row! (Mothers, you might want to abbreviate the prayers for young children.)
Write a short prayer to Saint Joseph and memorize it.
Which feast in honor of Mary do we celebrate this month? Where is this account found in Holy Scripture?
For more information on traditional monthly dedications, see the link below from Catholic Online. History and indulgences are discussed. Below is an excerpt of the month of March…
“St. Joseph (feast, 19 March); indulgences, three hundred days daily for those who privately or publicly perform some pious practice in honour of St. Joseph, during the month, a plenary indulgence on any day of the month under the usual conditions ( Pius IX, "Rescript Congr. Indulg.", 27 April, 1865). This month of devotions may commence in February and be concluded 19 March ( Pius IX, 18 July, 1877). March can be replaced by another month in case of legitimate impediment (Raccolta, 404). The practice of a triduum [A time frequently chosen for prayer or for other devout practices, whether by individuals in private, or in public by congregations or special organizations in parishes, in religious communities, seminaries, or schools. The form of prayer or devotion depends upon the occasion or purpose of the triduum. The three days usually precede some feast, and the feast then determines the choice of the pious exercises.] before the feast of St. Joseph has been recommended by Leo XIII (Encycl. "Quamquam pluries", 15 August, 1889).”
And here is a post from June, 2016…we now have a full 10 years of posts here…
[Edited since posting.]
“He humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross. For which cause God also hath exalted him, and hath given him a name which is above all names: That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.”
Philippians 2:8
“O God, Who didst constitute Thine only-begotten Son the Savior of mankind, and didst bid Him to be called Jesus: mercifully grant, that we who venerate His holy Name of earth, may fully enjoy also the vision of Him in heaven.”
Collect of the Feast of the Holy Name
From Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
+ JESUS +
Son of the Living God Splendor of the Father Brightness of Eternal Light King of Glory
Sun of Justice Son of the Virgin Mary Most Amiable Most Admirable Mighty God
Father of the World to Come Angel of Great Counsel Most Powerful Most Patient
Most Obedient Meek & Humble of Heart Lover of Chastity Lover of Us God of Peace
Author of Life Model of Virtues Zealous for Souls Our God Our Refuge Father of the Poor
Treasure of the Faithful Good Shepherd True Light Eternal Wisdom Infinite Goodness
Our Way & Our Life Joy of Angels King of Patriarchs Master of Apostles
Teacher of Evangelists Strength of Martyrs Light of Confessors Purity of Virgins
Crown of All Saints
Have Mercy on Us!
Please see our PDF below, for study and prayer honoring the Holy Name this month…
Most Holy Name of Jesus + Scripture and Prayers ~ PDF Printable
We are in the second month now of what we call here, at Nomen Christi Apostolate, the Christological Triad of the Months, mirroring the Marian Triad of the Months beginning in summer. December was the Month of the Divine Infancy, this is the Month of the Holy Name and February is the Month of Our Lord’s Passion. We encourage a meditation upon the Person and life of our Blessed Lord. These 3 months bring us from His birth to His death on the Cross for our salvation. And this month, we consider the significance of the Name of Jesus Christ and what it tells us about Him, and what it demands of His children. Please feel free to email us with any insights and we may post them. This idea is unique to this ministry and has no ecclesiastical recognition as of yet.
The March for Life in Washington DC continues, even with the blessing of the overturning of Roe vs. Wade. The event is on Friday, January 24th. If you cannot attend the March, please consider attending a local pro-life witness. According to 2023 Guttmacher Institute statistics, 2,813 unborn children are killed each day in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. May God look upon the United States with mercy at this very concerning time. Please note, as indicated below, penance is still recommended in the USA on January 22nd (according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.)
Here are a few notable feasts of January…please think about attending Holy Mass or saying related prayers, etc, as a family…
12th-Holy Family
12th/13th-Baptism of Our Lord
22nd-Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, Day of Prayer & Penance for the Unborn (USA only)
God bless you all in this blessed New Year!
“This is the day which the Lord hath made: let us be glad and rejoice therein.”
Psalms 117:24
************** NEW FEATURE! Homeschool Activity: How many titles of Jesus can you memorize above (from the Litany of the Holy Name-print the PDF)??? ******************
Of course, November begins with the glorious All Saints Day. The Triduum of Death, beginning with the All Saints Day vigil, encourages us to meditate upon the Four Last Things:
However, Holy Church always calls us to be joyful and at peace. At every traditional Holy Mass we hear the words, “May the peace of the Lord be always with you” or “Pax Domini sit semper vobis cum.” All Saints Day is truly wondrous as we honor the entire Heavenly host and hope for our eventual union with them. This feast originated with the Church’s desire to honor the martyrs whose bones were kept at a particular church which was dedicated to all the saints, as this location was previously dedicated to “all the gods.” The Litany of the Saints, invokes both human saints and angels. All Souls Day, on the 2nd, is also a happy feast, as we know our prayers for the Holy Souls resound to God and expiate some, if not all (if a Plenary Indulgence is performed) of their cleansing in Purgatory.
See our previous 2 posts on the Plenary Indulgences which are so easy to obtain during the first week of November. Holy Church opens the Gates of Heaven this week in an incredible way!
What else can we do for the souls in Purgatory this month? After November 8th, you may still visit a cemetery with mental prayer for the Holy Souls, but the indulgence will be partial (you may do this any time of year). Other partial indulgences could be the recitation of the Office of the Dead or the De Profundis. Here’s also a well-known prayer by Saint Gertrude the Great, whose feast we celebrate on the 16th:
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.
We have 2 more “Greats” this month: Saint Leo on the 10th and Saint Albert on the 15th.
Let us not forget the feast of Christ King of the Universe, on the 24th, a Sunday. We celebrate 2 Marian feasts: The Presentation of Mary on the 21st and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal on the 27th. The following day, the 28th, we honor the seer of the Miraculous Medal, Saint Catherine Laboure.
On the 13th, we honor Mother Frances Cabrini, a 20th century saint. I had the privilege of viewing her body in New York City some years ago at her shrine. The body is filled out with wax. The saint’s heart remained incorrupt and was transported to Codogno, Italy, where she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is appropriate that her heart was preserved from corruption, as she was so devoted to the Heart of Our Lord.
We celebrate the Apostle Andrew on the 30th and December 1st begins Advent. If you plan to perform Advent exercises, think about preparing in advance.
Heavenly blessings to all in this month of the Holy Souls!
We discuss both trad and new feasts. Please consult your own calendar sources for further details.
Some Suggestions (what I do:)
I try to get as many plenaries as I can each year (I’ve only been doing this for a few years now)…in other words, I visit a lot of cemeteries! Visiting various cemeteries is an adventure unto itself. Sometimes, with all the hills, it feels like hiking. Many have interesting historic elements. I find it is always intriguing, educational and spiritually beneficial. Bringing young ones helps them to confront the reality of death, hopefully before experiencing the loss of a loved one. I lost my father suddenly from a heart attack, when I was barely 7 years old. Needless to say, this was a deeply traumatic first experience with death. We should not seek to shelter our children from death, as they will certainly deal with it eventually. When a neighbor passed, when my son was little, I brought him to the wake, so he could have that experience. He dealt very well with it. After all, death is a natural part of life and God gives us the grace to handle it with His help, however terrible it may be.
Each year, I make a plan for visiting cemeteries in my area, or where loved ones are buried….and I make a list of the next 8 people I would like to attempt to get into Heaven. I keep a running list of those I have already performed the plenary for. For those I feel especially indebted to, I may perform it more than once. I have a set of prayers that I say, in addition to the requirements.
Do not take these plenaries lightly, as it is without saying, a truly extraordinary thing that is being done. Of course, our own unworthiness to expiate punishment for sin and be the vehicle through which a soul enters the eternal bliss of the Beatific Vision, is foremost in our minds. But we trust in what Holy Church teaches. As we accept God’s mercy in Confession, we also accept His willingness to bring His children in Purgatory unto Himself, through our profoundly small efforts. So…one must enter into this spiritual effort with the utmost of piety, humility and unspeakable awe. This spirit should follow you from the moment you enter the cemetery, to the moment you leave…and even for the rest of the day. This first week of November is truly blessed and rare in our journey through the Liturgical Year. And it changes you.
© 2015-2025 Chiara F. Mathews Content may be reproduced or shared on the condition that this source is indicated.
