September is the Month of Our Lady of Sorrows, Part 2

We look to the Doctor of the Church, Saint Alphonsus de Liguori, to contemplate Our Lady’s Sorrows this month.  Saint Alphonsus is one of the prime theologians on the Seven Sorrows of Mary.  He was born in the month of September, 1696, in the city of Marianella, Italy.  He became a bishop and founded the Redemptorists.  He lived a long life and died not far from the place of his birth, in 1787.

One of the best-known works of Saint Alphonsus is The Glories of Mary.  This is a collection of 5 books in one, one of which is “Of the Dolours of Mary.”  In this part, Alphonsus meditates on all Seven Sorrows and provides a prayer for each.  Following is an excerpt from the First Sorrow, “The Prophecy of Simeon.”  This Sorrow deals with Our Lady’s knowledge and anguish at the future sufferings of her Son. 

Today, for those paying attention, we are all in anticipation of how the crises in the world will play out.  Let us learn peace and acceptance from Our Lady of Sorrows.  Not complacency, but inner peace in the midst of these concerns.  We know God will always be with His children.

St. Alphonsus de Liguori’s Meditations on the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Saint Alphonsus begins with this sentiment:

“Mary was the Queen of Martyrs, for her martyrdom was longer and greater than that of all the Martyrs.”

In this valley of tears every man is born to weep, and all must suffer, by enduring the evils which are of daily occurrence. But how much greater would the misery of life be, did we also know the future evils which await us! “Unfortunate, indeed, would his lot be,” says Seneca, “who, knowing the future, would have to suffer all by anticipation.”

Our Lord shows us this mercy. He conceals the trials which await us, that, whatever they may be, we may endure them but once. He did not show Mary this compassion; for she, whom God willed to be the Queen of Sorrows, and in all things like His Son, had to see always before her eyes and continually to suffer all the torments that awaited her; and these were the sufferings of the Passion and death of her beloved Jesus; for in the temple Saint Simeon, having received the Divine Child in his arms, foretold to her that that Son would be a mark for all the persecutions and oppositions of men.

“Behold, this Child is set . . . for a sign which shall be contradicted.”

And therefore, that a sword of sorrow should pierce her soul:

“And thy own soul a sword shall pierce.”

…Since, then, Jesus, our King, and His most holy Mother, did not refuse, for love of us, to suffer such cruel pains throughout their lives, it is reasonable that we, at least, should not complain if we have to suffer something. Jesus, crucified, once appeared to Sister Magdalen Orsini, a Dominicaness, who had been long suffering under a great trial, and encouraged her to remain, by means of that affliction, with Him on the cross. Sister Magdalen complainingly answered: “O Lord, Thou wast tortured on the cross only for three hours, and I have endured my pain for many years.” The Redeemer then replied: “Ah, ignorant soul, what dost thou say? From the first moment of My conception I suffered in heart all that I afterwards endured dying on the cross.” If, then, we also suffer and complain, let us imagine Jesus, and His Mother Mary, addressing the same words to ourselves.

Prayer

Ah, my Blessed Mother, it is not one sword only with which I have pierced thy heart, but I have done so with as many as are the sins which I have committed. Ah, Lady, it is not to thee, who art innocent, that sufferings are due, but to me, who am guilty of so many crimes. But since thou hast been pleased to suffer so much for me, ah, by thy merits, obtain me great sorrow for my sins, and patience under the trials of this life, which will always be light in comparison with my demerits, for I have often deserved Hell.

Amen.

September 12th is the feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary.  From the Collect of the Tridentine Mass:

“Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that Thy faithful, happy under the invocation and protection of the most holy Virgin Mary, may, by her dear intercession, be delivered from all evils on earth and be worthy to attain unto eternal joys in Heaven.”

And again from Saint Alphonsus:

“Oh, my sweet Lady and Mother, I love thee much, and because I love thee, I love also thy holy name.  I purpose and hope with thy aid always to invoke it in life and death.”

Notable feasts for the rest of the month:

14th-Exaltation of the Holy Cross

15th-SEVEN SORROWS OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY / OUR LADY OF SORROWS

17th-Stigmata of Saint Francis of Assisi / Saint Hildegard of Bingen, Doctor of the Church

21st-Saint Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist

23rd-Saint Pio of Pietrelcina / Ember Wednesday of September or Autumn

24th-OUR LADY OF RANSOM

25th-Ember Friday

26th-Ember Saturday

29th-Saints Michael, Gabriel & Raphael, the Archangels

30th-Saint Jerome, Doctor of the Church

****** Prepper Challenge for september ******

What is My Contribution?  What is My Special Gift?

Your community and the Church are going to need you in the coming days.  What will you specialize in that will be a significant contribution?  Every prepper tends to develop a skill or two that is specialized.  What interests you?  What is a “sustainable” skill that will have value even in a grid-down (no electricity) situation?  Do you already have a skill?  Can you improve it?  Can you learn a new one?  Think and pray about it!

Noah was the Original Prepper ~ Build Your Ark!

Octave of Pentecost: Veni Sancte Spiritus!

How great it is to be a traditional Roman Catholic-we get a Pentecost octave! 7 days to be joyful at the Descent of the Holy Ghost!

Oh, but don’t forget we also have the Ember Days this week, which are supposed to be penitential. The Ember Days of Summer (or Pentecost) always fall within the Octave of Pentecost. So Holy Church in her wisdom has given us a little conundrum, as sometimes happens.

Traditionally, we eat meat at only one meal on Ember Wednesday and Saturday (Ember Friday, of course, is a day of abstinence for many faithful Catholics, as it is a Friday-note, within this Octave, it is not a solemnity, as within the Easter Octave, in which Friday penance is abrogated…let me make that clear, there is a Friday penance within the Octave of Pentecost). We also pray for the blessings of the coming season and beseech God’s mercy. There are other aspects of the Ember Days, which you can research-we do have a topic on it to the right>>> The Ember Day Tridentine Masses are quite inspiring and reading them is a perfect addition to your prayers. So IMHO, do honor the Ember Days this week but in a spirit of joy that we have been given the Paraclete, the Third Person of the Holy Trinity!

In a previous post, I gave a link to the Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts. Day Four concerns itself with the Gift of Fortitude. We desperately need this virtue during these times of change and turbulence which are upon the world. The Holy Ghost gives us great strength and consolation. Here is an excerpt:

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. 'He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.'

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good.

Amen.

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

I think you’ll be as impressed as I was by the following Catholic singing quartet of siblings. Here is the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” with the notes from the video…

The "Veni Creator Spiritus" is a 9th century Latin hymn attributed to the Benedictine monk St. Rabanus Maurus. It is used as a hymn for the Vespers of Pentecost, as well as for the Octave of Pentecost, where it is still celebrated. Since the 11th century at the latest, the “Veni Creator Spiritus” has also been sung at synods, ordinations and conclaves.

Harpa Dei ~ Veni Creator Spiritus

Have you started your Novena to the Holy Ghost for Pentecost?

You can still do it! Go here…

EWTN Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts

April is the Month of the Holy Eucharist, Part 2

As of Septuagesima (in the trad Liturgical Calendar), we have entered “The Cycle of Easter:  The Mystery of the Redemption,” which remains until next Advent.  This Cycle contains:  Septuagesima, Lent, Passiontide, Easter or Paschal Time and Time After Pentecost.  We are still in Easter Time, a time of great joy, after the penance of Lent, when we rejoice that +++ “It is Finished” +++ and we have so great a Resurrected Savior.

Indeed He is Risen!

We have the Month of the Holy Eucharist, Divine Mercy celebrated this month, and a deeply concerning war going on.  It seems a theme of reparation and mercy is in order right now.  We also have the Major Rogation Day or Greater Rogations on the 25th.  This is an historical day of penance, similar to the Ember Days.  Here are some great links for you to peruse…

Apostolate of Eucharistic Adoration:  Eucharistic Reparation

EWTN UK:  7 Powerful Ways to Make Reparation for the Blasphemies Against Our Lord in the Eucharist

Bishop Schneider’s Crusade of Eucharistic Reparation

From I Am Jesus website:

“Pope Pius VII granted an indulgence to everyone who, with contrition for his sins and with devotion, says the following Act of Reparation to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament…Pope Pius VII, who was head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 14 March 1800, to his death in 1823. He reigned during the time of dramatic conflicts with Napoleon, and his spiritual leadership was instrumental in restoring the Church. Immediately upon becoming Pope, he bravely left the safety of Venice for Rome which was still occupied by Napoleon’s army, to face whatever persecution might arise. His papacy brought about the restoration of the Church after the armies of the French Revolution had devastated the papacy under Pius VI. Written at a time when the Church was under attack, Pope Pius VII wrote this beautiful Act of Reparation Prayer for the laity.”

Act of Reparation by Pope Pius VII

Jesus, my God, my Saviour, true God and true Man, with that most profound homage with which the faith itself inspires me, I adore and love Thee with my whole heart, enclosed in the most august Sacrament of the Altar, in reparation for all the acts of irreverence, profanation, and sacrilege, which I may ever have been so unhappy as to have committed, as well as for all such like acts that ever have been done, or which may be done, though God forbid they should be, in ages yet to come.

I adore Thee, therefore, my God, not indeed as Thou deservest, nor as much as I am bound to adore, but as far as I am able; and I would that I could adore Thee with all the perfection of which all reasonable persons are capable. Meantime I purpose now and ever to adore Thee, not only for those Catholics who adore Thee not, and love Thee not, but also in the stead of, and for the conversion of all heretics, schismatics, impious atheists, blasphemers, impostors, Mahometans, Jews, and idolaters.

Jesus, my God, mayest Thou be ever known, adored, loved, and praised every moment, in the most holy and divine Sacrament. I adore Thee every moment, O living Bread of Heaven, Great Sacrament! Jesus, Heart of Mary, I pray Thee send Thy blessing on my soul. Holiest Jesus! Loving Saviour! I give Thee my heart. May all know, adore, and praise every moment, always, the most holy and divine Sacrament.

AMEN.

Notable feasts coming up…

25th-Saint Mark, Evangelist / Major Rogation Day (prayer and penance)

28th-Saint Louis de Montfort

29th-Saint Catherine of Siena, one of 4 women Doctors of the Church

30th-Pope Saint Pius V / Saint Catherine of Siena (trad)

*** Prepper Challenge for the Spring ***

With current events in mind, it’s the same as it was for March, let's make it this season's challenge...Make a plan!

“15 Points Preparedness Worksheet”

“Biblical Support for Preparedness”

~ Noah was the original prepper ~

Divine Mercy Sunday

During this concerning time of war and crisis, there is nothing more important we can do than beseech the Divine Mercy!

Here are some good links for today…Did you pray the Chaplet Novena starting Good Friday? You still can!…

EWTN Divine Mercy

There is a Plenary! Vatican Document

A Feast of Unfathomable Grace: Divine Mercy Sunday

Divine Mercy On This Blog

Lenten Thoughts on the Sorrowful Mysteries

As I was meditating on the Sorrowful Mysteries last night, I realized that each Mystery shows a particular aspect of suffering for Our Lord. This isn’t rocket science, I know, but it never struck me before in this exact way. These sufferings are universal to us all, at one time or another. I am also meditating through the lens of this most concerning present war. Those who see before others, share a particular burden and responsibility, which the Agony in the Garden speaks to, in terms of anticipation of things to come.

Of course, one could contemplate these things for a lifetime, and with the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, keep receiving new insights. That is the wonder of the Holy Rosary. Here is what I came up with (I am keeping it very simple, so you can develop your own ideas about each one):

1) The Agony in the Garden: Mental Anguish

2) The Scourging at the Pillar: Physical Suffering

3) The Crowing with Thorns: Humiliation

4) The Carrying of the Cross: Exhaustion

5) The Crucifixion: All of the Above, including Death

If you click on “Lent” or “Rosary Meditations” to the right>>>, you can find more extensive Sorrowful Mystery meditations.

In This Month of Saint Joseph: A (relatively) New Prayer!

…As of 10 years ago, when I posted it on this blog…

O Saint Joseph

O Saint Joseph, Guardian of Our Lord and Our Lady, intercede for us before the Divine Majesty.  O holy and humble carpenter, pray for God's children in all our great need.  We pray this in the Name of the Christ Child, once held in your loving arms. 

Amen.

This prayer has been received well and it is about time for a PDF! Here it is…

“O Saint Joseph” PDF Printable

Here is the original post, where I explain why I wrote it: A New Prayer to Saint Joseph!

BONUS PDF…not too late to start this for the month of March…

THIRTY DAYS PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH

A New Prayer to Saint Francis of Assisi!

Since visiting Assisi last October, my devotion to Saint Francis and Saint Chiara has only grown, so much, that I am now actively pursuing becoming a Third Order Franciscan, which has been on my mind for many years. I have a statue of Saint Francis in my yard and I find myself praying to him often, especially when I watch the wildlife (my house borders a wooded area). My dog is named after Saint Francis (Frankie) and I often pray to him about my dog, as I take delight in him and as I am sometimes concerned for him. I feel Saint Francis watches over my little Shihpoo.

So…I have found the need to write a short prayer, which I can say quickly any time, to deepen my relationship with this great saint, who I feel such a connection with and whose companion is my patron saint. This ministry, since we are about preparedness, is closely connected to the land, and therefore, nature….and farm animals. This is one reason why Saint Francis’ philosophy resonates so much with me. The following prayer was based in form, on my short prayer to Saint Joseph, (see next post) whom we honor this month. When planning the “Eclipse Pilgrimage of Mercy,” 2 years ago (see topic to the right), I incorporated “Canticle of Brother Sun & Sister Moon” into the prayers and also wrote my own “Brother Sun, Sister Moon,” poem about the eclipse…here’s the PDF.

In this terrible time of war, when there is so much loss of our best and brightest, on all sides, and they all have mothers somewhere, let us flee to Saint Francis for intercession and inner peace…and don’t forget it is a Franciscan Jubilee Year!

O Saint Francis

O Saint Francis, wonder of Assisi, intercede for us before the Triune Godhead. You, who loved the poor and all creation, help us in our earthly need. Having received the glorious stigmata, we trust your prayers will resound before the Almighty, unto our consolation.

Amen.

“O Saint Francis” PDF Printable

Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord

Today is Epiphany in the post-conciliar calendar of the USA. In the trad, it is always January 6th, immediately following the 12 Days of Christmas.

Here is the traditional Epiphany Blessing of the Home, which has become more popular in recent years. This version is Nomen Christi Apostolate’s, based on research involving several good sources. How wonderful to revive these treasures of our Holy Faith!

epiphany blessing of the home PDF

And here is our Epiphany Topic for further info.

The Epiphany Blessing format suggests singing a hymn at the end, here is…

“We Three Kings of Orient Are”

The Most Holy Name of Jesus, the Month of January and the Feast

[Edited since posting.]

In case you haven’t noticed, this ministry is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, “Nomen Christi” in Latin. So we always encourage honor and devotion to His Name. January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. The month begins with the feast of the Circumcision in the trad, which commemorates the moment Our Lord received His Holy Name and it was also the first shedding of His Blood. On the 3rd, we celebrate the feast of this Name in the post-con calendar and in the trad it is Sunday, the 4th. Let us find devotions this month which honor and glorify His Name and always defend it from profanation!

Here are some excerpts from the feast of the Holy Name Tridentine Mass:

“In the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth: and let every tongue confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.”

“O Lord our Lord: how admirable is Thy Name in the whole earth!”

“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 on earth, may fully enjoy also the vision of Him in heaven.”

“For there is no other Name under heaven given to man, whereby we must be saved.”

“Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations: that we may give thanks to Thy holy Name, and may glory in Thy praise.”

“Thou, O Lord, our Father and our Redeemer: from everlasting is Thy Name.”

“Alleluia, alleluia. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy Name. Alleluia.”

“I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify Thy Name for ever: for Thou, O Lord, art sweet and mild: and plenteous in mercy to all that call upon Thee, alleluia.”

“May Thy blessing, O most merciful God, by which every creature lives, sanctify, we beseech Thee, this our Sacrifice, which we offer unto Thee to the glory of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, that it may be well-pleasing to Thy Majesty for Thy praise, and profit us unto salvation.”

“All the nations Thou hast made shall come and adore before Thee, O Lord, and they shall glorify Thy Name: for Thou art great; and dost wonderful things: Thou art God alone. Alleluia.”

“O almighty and everlasting God, who didst create and redeem us, look graciously upon our prayer, and with a favorable and benign countenance deign to accept the Sacrifice of the saving Victim, which we have offered to Thy Majesty in honor of the Name of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ:

that through the infusion of Thy grace we may rejoice that our names are written in heaven, under the glorious Name of Jesus, the pledge of eternal predestination.”