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Favorite Catholic Prayers
 Sign of the Cross
In the name of the
Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The Sign of the Cross is made by the right hand
touching the forehead at the word "Father," the chest at the word
"Son," and the left and right shoulders at the words
"Holy Spirit."
Gloria
Glory be to the
Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
Our Father
Our Father, who
art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done
on earth as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen
Act
of Faith
O my God, I firmly
believe that you are one God in three divine Persons, Father, Son and Holy
Spirit. I believe that your divine Son became flesh, died for our sins,
and that he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these
and all the truths that the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have
revealed them, Who can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.
Act
of Hope
O my God, relying on your almighty power, infinite mercy and promises, I
hope to obtain pardon for my sins, the help of your grace, and life
everlasting through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen
Act
of Love
O my God, I love you above all things, with my whole heart and soul,
because you are all good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as
myself for the love of you. I forgive all who have injured me and ask
pardon of all who I have injured. Amen
Act
of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended you, and I detest all my
sins, because of your just punishments, but most of all, because they
offend you, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I
firmly resolve, with the help of your grace, to sin nor more, and to avoid
the near occasions of sin. Amen
Prayer
of Thanksgiving
Almighty Father, you are lavish in bestowing all your gifts, and we give
you thanks for the favors you have given to us. In your goodness you have
favored us and kept us safe in the past. We ask that you continue to
protect us and to shelter us in the shadow of your wings. We ask this
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For
the Sick
O God, your Son accepted our sufferings to teach us the virtue of patience
in human illness. Hear the prayers we offer for our sick brothers and
sisters. May all who suffer pain, illness or disease realize that they are
chosen to be saints, and know that they are joined to Christ in his
suffering for the salvation of the world, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
For
All the Faithful Departed
God, Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your
servants and handmaids the forgiveness of all their sins. Through our
devout prayers may they obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Lord,
hear our prayers; in your mercy, bring us to your place of peace and light
the soul(s) of your servant(s) [Name(s)], whom you have summoned from this
world. Call [Name(s)] to be numbered in the fellowship of your
saints. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
 PRAYER
TO ST. JUDE, PATRON SAINT OF HOPELESS CAUSES
Most holy apostle, Saint Jude,
faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you
universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, of things almost despaired
of. Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Make use I implore you, of
that particular privilege given to you, to bring visible and speedy help
where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great
need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my
necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (Here make your
request) and that I may praise God with you and all the elect forever. I
promise, O blessed Saint Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, to
always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully
encourage devotion to you. Amen.
 Prayer
of ST. TERESA OF AVILA
“Let nothing disturb thee; Let nothing dismay thee; All thing pass; God
never changes. Patience attains all that it strives for. He who has God
Finds he lacks nothing: God alone suffices.”
Spanish: Nada te turbe. Nada te espante.
Todo se pasa. Dios no se muda.
La paciencia todo lo alcanza.
Quien a Dios tiene nada le falta.
Sólo Dios basta.
 Prayer
of ST. TERESA OF LISIEUX
O glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty
God has raised up to aid and counsel mankind, I implore your Miraculous
Intercession. So powerful are you in obtaining every need of body and soul
our Holy Mother Church proclaims you a "Prodigy of Miracles . . . the
Greatest Saint of Modern Times." Now I fervently beseech you to answer my
petition [describe your petition here] and to carry out your promises of
spending Heaven doing good on earth . . . of letting fall from Heaven a
Shower of Roses. Henceforth, dear Little Flower, I will fulfill your plea
"to be made known everywhere" and I will never cease to lead others to Jesus
through you. Amen.
 Prayer
of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow
love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where
there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where
there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to
be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as
to love; for it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are
pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen
 PrayerS
of
St. Ignatius Loyola
Suscipe
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my
entire will, All I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord,
I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you
will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is
enough for me. Amen
Anima Christi
Soul of Christ, sanctify me; Body of Christ, save me; Water from the side of Christ, wash me; Passion of Christ, strengthen me; Good
Jesus, hear me; Within the wounds, shelter me; From turning away, keep me; From
the evil one, protect me; At the hour of my death, call me; Into your presence
lead me; to praise you with all your saints Forever
and ever. Amen
Prayer for Generosity
Lord, teach me to be generous. Teach me to serve you as you deserve; to give and
not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to
seek for rest, to labor and not to ask for reward,
save that of knowing that I do your will. Amen
 Prayer
to St. Lucy, Patron Saint of Eyesight
Relying on Your goodness, O God, we humbly ask you, by the intercession of
your servant, Saint Lucy, to give perfect vision to our eyes, that we may
serve for your greater honor and glory. And we pray for the salvation of our
souls in this world, that we may come to the enjoyment of the unfailing
light of the Lamb of God in heaven. St. Lucy, virgin and martyr, hear our
prayers and answer our petitions. Amen.
 Prayer
of St. Gertrude the Great for the Souls in Purgatory
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.
 St.
Patrick's SHIELD
As I arise today, may the strength of God pilot me, the power of God uphold me, the wisdom of God guide me. May the eye of God look before me, the ear of God hear me, the word of God speak for me. May the hand of God protect me, the way of God lie before me, the shield of God defend me, the host of God save me. May Christ shield me today...Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit, Christ when I stand, Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. Amen.
 Prayer
to St. Gerard, Patron Saint of MotherHOOD
O good St. Gerard, powerful intercessor before the throne of God, wonder-worker
of our day, I call upon you and seek your help. While on earth, you always
fulfilled God's designs; help me, too, always do God's holy will. Beseech the
master of life, from whom all parenthood proceeds, to bless me with offspring,
that I may raise up children to God in this life and heirs to the kingdom of
God's glory in the life to come. Amen.
For Mother With Child
O almighty and everlasting God, through the Holy Spirit, you prepared the body
and soul of the glorious virgin Mary to be a worthy dwelling place of your
divine Son. Through the same Holy Spirit, you sanctified St. John the Baptist,
while still in his mother's womb. Hear the prayers of your humble servant who
implores you, through the intercession of St. Gerard, to protect me amid the
dangers of childbearing and to watch over the child with which you blessed me.
May this child be cleansed by the saving water of baptism and, after a Christian
life on earth, may we, both mother and child, attain everlasting bliss in
heaven. Amen. |
 Prayer
Before a Crucifix
Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in your
sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech that
you would impress upon my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and
Charity, true repentance for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment,
while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and
mentally contemplate your five most precious wounds, having before my eyes
that which David spoke in prophecy of you, O good Jesus: "They have
pierced my hands and feet, they have numbered all my bones." Amen
 PRAYER
AFTER COMMUNION
O sacred banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the memory of his passion
is recalled, the mind is filled with grace, and
a pledge of future glory is given to us.
Spanish:
"¡Oh sagrado banquete, en el cual Cristo se nos da co-mo alimento, se hace
un recuerdo de su pasión, el alma se llena de gracia y se nos da una
prenda de la vida eterna!"
Apostles'
Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.
On the third day, he rose again.
He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father
Almighty. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen.
Grace
Before Meals
Bless us, O Lord, and these your gifts which we are about to receive from
your bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen
Grace
After Meals
We give you thanks, O Almighty God, for these your benefits, Who lives and
reigns, world without end. Amen.
 CONSECRATION OF FAMILY
We consecrate to Thee, O Jesus of Love, the trials, the joys, and all the
happiness of our family life. We beseech Thee to pour out Thy blessings
upon all its members, absent and present, living and dead. And when one
after the other we have fallen asleep in Thy Blessed Bosom, O Jesus, may
all of us, in Paradise, find again our family in Thy Sacred Heart. May the
Divine Assistance remain always with us, and may the Souls of the Faithful
Departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. Charles E. Olson
PRAYER
TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Breathe into
me, Spirit of God, that I may think what is holy.
Drive me, Spirit of God, that I may do what is holy.
Draw me, Spirit of God, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, Spirit of God, that I may preserve what is holy.
Guide me, Spirit of God, that I may never lose what is holy.
St. Augustine
 Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the
fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created and you
shall renew the face of the earth. O God, who has instructed the hearts of your faithful by the light of the
Holy Spirit, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may have a right judgment
in all things and evermore rejoice in his consolations. Through Christ Our
Lord, Amen
 Morning
Prayer
My God, I thank you for protecting me through
the night. I praise you and give you thanks for all the blessings you have
bestowed on me. In union with Jesus, I consecrate to you all my thoughts,
words, actions, joys, and sufferings of this day. Mary my mother, bless me
this day and protect me from dangers. My Guardian Angel and all my
patrons, pray for me. Amen
Night
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, you have given your followers an
example of gentleness and humility, a task that is easy, a burden that is
light. Accept the prayers and work of this day, and give us the rest that
will strengthen us to render more faithful service to you who live and
reign forever and ever. Amen
The
Angelus
To be recited three times a day at 6am, noon and 6pm daily, except during the
Easter season:
Dawn — At 6:00 am., around dawn, we give thanks to God as our
Creator and praise the masterpiece of His Creation, Mary, the Beloved
Daughter of God the Father, the First Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Midday
— At noon, when the sun reaches its zenith, we give
thanks to God as our Redeemer, and praise the first one to be redeemed,
Mary, the Admirable Mother of God the Son, the Second Person of the
Blessed Trinity.
Evening
— At 6:00 pm, when the sun is at its twilight, we give
thanks to God as our Savior, and praise the greatest one to be saved, who
is already body and soul in heaven: Mary, the Faithful Spouse of God the
Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Blessed Trinity.
Let us pray the Angelus daily and benefit from the immense graces
that Jesus bestows through His Immaculate Mother to all those who honor
the Incarnation of the Word of God, the greatest intervention of God in
history as reflected in the beautiful verses of the Angeles:
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary...
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord
R. Let it be done unto me according to your word.
Hail Mary...
V. And the Word was made flesh
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we,
to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message
of an angel, may, by his Passion and Cross, be brought to the glory of his
Resurrection through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The
Regina Caeli
(Said instead of the Angelus during the Easter Season)
Rejoice, O Queen of Heaven, Alleluia!
For he whom you did merit to bear, Alleluia! Has risen as he said,
Alleluia!
Pray for us to God, Alleluia!
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, Alleluia!
R. For the Lord has risen indeed, Alleluia!
Let us pray:
O God, who has given joy to the whole world through the Resurrection of
your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ; grant that through the prayers of his
Virgin Mother Mary, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through
the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Guardian
Angel prayer
Angel of God, my
guardian dear
To whom God's love commits me here
Ever this day (night) be at my side
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen
 Prayer
to St. Michael
Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our defense against
the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly
pray; and do thou O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God,
thrust into Hell Satan and the other evil spirits who prowl about the
world for the ruin of souls. Amen (Pope Leo XIII -1878-1903)
Serenity
Prayer
Lord God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage
to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen
PRAYER FOR HEALING
Lord Jesus,
through the power of the Holy Spirit, go back into my memory as I sleep.
Every hurt that has ever been done to me, heal that hurt. Every hurt that I
have ever caused another person, heal that hurt. All the relationships that
have been damaged in my whole life that I am not aware of , heal those
relationships. But, O Lord, if there is anything that I need to do, If I
need to go to a person because he or she is still suffering from my hand,
bring to my awareness that person. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be
forgiven. Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the
empty spaces with your love. Amen.
 CROSS
IN MY POCKET
I carry a cross in my pocket, a simple reminder to me
of the fact that I am a Christian no matter where I may be. This
little cross is not magic nor is it a good luck charm. It isn't meant to
protect me, from every physical harm. It's not for identification for all
the world to see. It's simply an understanding between my Savior and me.
When I put my hand in my pocket to bring out a coin or key, the
cross is there to remind me of the price he paid for me. It reminds me,
too, to be thankful for my blessings day by day, and strive to serve him
better in all that I do and say. It's also a daily reminder of the peace
and comfort I share with all who know my master
and give themselves to his care. So, I carry a cross in my pocket
reminding no one but me that Jesus Christ is Lord of my life if only I'll
let him be. Amen |
 THE
ROSARY
There are many devotions in the Catholic Church
that help us in our growth as Christians. Among them the holy Rosary
occupies a pre-eminent place because of its beauty, simplicity and the depth
of its richness. It is universal in its appeal. Children lisp it on their
mother's lap. Mature people have recourse to it in times of difficulty. It
comes as a solace in old age. It strengthens family bonds. The Rosary is a
compendium of the Gospel. It contains in capsule form all the essentials of
the Gospel.
PRAYING
THE ROSARY
Rosary beads consist
of a small cross, a series of beads in a circular arrangement of five strands of
ten beads each separated by a single bead. On each bead in the string of ten beads a Hail Mary is prayed; the
single beads are the for the Lord's Prayer.
The purpose of the rosary,
however, is not to recite rote prayers but to repeat prayers you know by
heart as you contemplate, actively meditate on, a mystery of Christianity.
A mystery in
this context is an important event whose whole meaning you won't fully
understand in this world.
For 900 years there have been three series of mysteries: the Joyous Mysteries
(Christ's Incarnation) the Sorrowful Mysteries (Christ's suffering and
death) and the Glorious Mysteries (Christ's resurrection). Pope John Paul
II has added a new set of areas of contemplation -- the Luminous Mysteries,
which encompass Christ's ministry on earth. This isn't so much an addition
to a tradition as the filling of a gap. The Joyful Mysteries end with
Christ being found, at age 12, teaching in the temple. The Sorrowful Mysteries
start with Christ suffering in Gethsemane the night before his death. It
was odd to contemplate the Joyful Mysteries one day and jump to the Sorrowful
Mysteries the next; something was missing -- what Jesus said and did as an
adult.
The rosary had been as it was for almost a millennium. Why did
Pope John
Paul change it? "He is making a statement at the end of his life
about what's important to him," says Father C.J. McCloskey of
Washington's Catholic Information Center. "By adding these mysteries he is
saying, 'This is another invitation to look closely at the life of
Christ--to contemplate and meditate.'" While meditating, the person
reciting the prayers is brought closer to Jesus and his
Mother Mary.
 PRAYER
TO MARY, QUEEN OF HEAVEN
August Queen of Heaven, sovereign Mistress of the Angels,
who didst receive from the beginning the mission and the power to crush
the serpent’s head, we beseech thee to send thy holy Angels, that under
thy command and by thy power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter
them on every side, resist their bold attacks, and drive them hence into
the abyss of woe. Most holy Mother, send thy
Angels to defend us and to drive the cruel enemy from us. Amen.
All ye holy Angels and Archangels help and defend us.
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 Begin
by making THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
recite the
CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.
He was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
and born of the Virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried.
He descended into hell.
On the third day He rose again.
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
Amen.
Pray
the Lord's Prayer and three
Hail Mary's for the virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity;
end with Glory Be
OUR FATHER Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, On earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread, And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
HAIL MARY Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
GLORY BE to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen.
"HAIL
HOLY QUEEN" after the five decades:
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 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.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray. O God, Whose Only-Begotten Son, by His life, death and
resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life: grant, we
beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy
Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and
obtain what they promise, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The following prayers may
be added after the "Hail, Holy Queen":
Fatima Prayer:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead
all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy.
For the intentions of the Pope, recite the "Our Father", one "Hail
Mary", and one "Glory Be." Close with the sign of the cross. |
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 THE MYSTERIES OF THE ROSARY
The Rosary is divided into three parts, each having five mysteries. While reciting each mystery, begin by praying one "Our Father",
three "Hail Mary's" and the "Glory Be" (which makes up one decade):
THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES
(Recite Mondays and
Saturdays, and Sundays during Advent)
1. The annunciation that Mary is to be Mother of the Savior (Lk 1:26-38).
2. The visitation of Mary to Elizabeth (Lk 1:39 47).
3. The nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ (Lk 2:1-7).
4. The presentation of the Infant Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:22- 32).
5. The finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple (Lk 2:41-52)
THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES
(Recite Tuesdays and Fridays, also Sundays during Lent):
1. The agony of Christ in the garden (Mk 14:32-36).
2. The scourging of Jesus (Jn 18:28-38;19:1).
3. The crowning with thorns (Mk 15:16-20).
4. The carrying of the cross (Jn 19:l2-16).
5. The crucifixion of Jesus (Lk 23:33-34; 39-46).
THE GLORIOUS
MYSTERIES
 (Recite
Sundays and Wednesdays, also Sundays from Easter until
Advent)
1. The resurrection of Jesus (Lk 24:1-6).
2. The ascension of Jesus into Heaven (Lk 24:50-53).
3. The descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).
4. The assumption of Mary into heaven (Songs 2:8-14).
5. The coronation of our Lady in heaven (Rev 12:1-6)
THE LUMINOUS
MYSTERIES
(Mysteries of Light)
In addition to the joyful, sorrowful, and glorious mysteries, Pope John
Paul II recommended that the Luminous Mysteries be recited on
Thursdays. The "Mysteries of Light" are drawn from the life of
Christ, and his public revelation of his divine nature and mission. They
are:
1) The Baptism of Christ in the Jordan (Mt 3:113-17)
2) The wedding feast at Cana (Jn 2:1-11)
3) The announcement of the Kingdom (Lk 4:14-21)
4) The Transfiguration (Mk 9:2-8)
5) The Institution of the Eucharist (Lk 22:14-20)
After each decade pray the FATIMA PRAYER
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
My God, I believe, I
adore, I hope and I love you. I ask pardon for those who do not believe,
do not adore, do not hope, and do not love you. Amen.
Send Your Prayer
Petitions to:
www.Fatima-Petitions.com
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Ave Maria
Hail Mary, full of grace,
the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou among women, and Blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now
and at the hour of our death. Amen
Salve
Regina (Hail Holy Queen)
Hail, Holy Queen,
Mother of mercy! Hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our
sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate
your eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show unto us the
blessed fruit of your 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. Amen
The
Memorare - St.
Bernard
Remember, O most
gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your
protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left
unaided. Inspired then with confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of
virgins, my Mother! To you do I come, before you I stand, sinful and
sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but
in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen
OUR
LADY OF LOU RDES
Ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of
sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my needs, my troubles, my
sufferings; cast on me a look of pity. By appearing in the grotto of
Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, from which
you dispense your favors, and already may sufferers have obtained the cure
of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical. I come, therefore, with
the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession.
Obtain most loving mother, my requests, through Jesus Christ your Son our
Lord. Amen
Prayer of the Immaculate Conception
O God, who by the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
didst prepare a worthy dwelling place for thy Son, we beseech thee that,
as by the foreseen death of this, thy Son, thou didst preserve her from
all stain, so too thou wouldst permit us, purified through her
intercession, to come unto thee. Through the same Lord Jesus Christ, thy
Son, who lives and reigns with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
world without end. Amen.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
 Our Lady of Guadalupe
appeared to Juan Diego on Mount Tepeyac in Mexico. When Juan Diego was
concerned by the illness of his uncle she
told him:
"Hear me and understand well,
my son, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be
disturbed. Do not fear sickness, nor any other anguish. Am I not here, who
is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are
you not happily in my fold, here in the crossing of my arms? What else do
you wish?"
For more information on how to
pray the rosary see:
http://www.catholiccompany.com/howtopraytherosary |
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Mission
Rosary - Pray for THE Missions AROUND THE WORLD
 The Pontifical Mission
Societies reintroduced the World Mission Rosary created by the late Bishop Fulton
Sheen in 1951, then national director for the Society for the Propagation of
Faith. On in his "Catholic Hour" radio broadcast Bishop
Sheen made an appeal to "Embrace the World in Prayer" through the mission
mysteries. Each of the five decades of the
World Mission Rosary have different colors
that represent different mission regions of the world:
- Yellow for the rising sun
over Asia
- Red for the blood of the
martyrs of the Americas
- White for Europe, home of the
Holy Father, and his call for new evangleization
- Blue for the island nations
of the world
- Green for the grasslands and
forests of Africa.
To this "geographical" rosary,
we reflect on the five points of evangelization described by Pope John Paul
II in his encyclical Redemptoris Missio, "On the Mission of the
Redeemer." These are: Inter-religious dialogue; Liturgy; Solidarity; Witness; Proclamation.
It is
suggested meditating on five Scriptural "Mission Mysteries": The Visit of
the Magi; Jesus Talks with the Samaritan Woman; Jesus Heals the Centurion's
Servant; Jesus Sends out his Disciples; and The Conversion of St. Paul.
 YELLOW-
ASIA
The First Mission
Mystery, The Visit of the Magi.
"Behold, wise men came from the east to Jerusalem" (Mt 2:1).
The Magi, astrologers of
Persia's Zoroastrian religion, could read stars the way you and I read the
newspaper. Around the year six BC, the planet Jupiter (signifying Kingship)
aligned with Saturn (governing Israel) and, appearing as one large star in
the sky, crossed the constellation Pisces (symbolizing birth). For the Magi,
the heavens themselves announced a newborn king of the Jews. The Mission
Mystery of the Magi teaches us that all who seek God with an open mind and
heart will be guided to the Lord.
 RED -
THE AMERICAS
The Second Mission
Mystery, Jesus and the Samaritan Woman. "True worshipers will worship
the Father in spirit and truth" (Jn 4:23).
Jesus scandalized his disciples
by talking with the Samaritan woman. He rejected arbitrary barriers that
separated people into "us" and "them." Samaritans were notorious for
changing gods as often as this woman changed husbands. That explains her
sudden interest in where Jews worshiped. Jesus assured her that, when
worshiping God, spirit and truth mattered most. She left her water jar --
her deepest thirst quenched -- and became a missioner to her villagers and
led them to Christ.
 WHITE
- EUROPE
The Third Mission Mystery, Jesus cures the centurion's servant. "I have not
found such great faith even in Israel" (Lk 7:9).
There was no love lost between Jews
and Romans who represented the ruling Empire. Jews were a proud but
subjugated people. Each considered the other the enemy. Unlike the typical
centurion, who oppressed the people, this Roman officer helped the Jews and
even built a synagogue for them. Love for his servant who was ill enabled
the man to reach out to Jesus for help. For Jesus, solidarity with human
suffering knew no nationality. When people express solidarity with other
races, religions or nationalities, both sides find liberation.
 GREEN
- AFRICA
The Fourth Mission Mystery, the Conversion
of St. Paul. "Immediately he began to proclaim Jesus is the Son of God"
(Acts 9:20).
Saul (later "Paul") of Tarsus was Christianity's sworn enemy
and became one of its greatest advocates. His is the story of perfect
conversion: not just changing religions, but changing his heart. The Risen
Lord came to Saul, not while he was praying in the Temple or studying the
Bible, but while he was tracking down and arresting Christians. "Why do you
persecute me?" the Lord asked. Paul realized that when one persecuted
Christians, he persecuted Jesus. Paul remains the greatest spokesperson for
the teachings of Jesus. He transformed the Church from a small, persecuted
sect of Judaism into a truly universal faith that embraces all peoples. This
mission mystery compels us never to dismiss others as beyond God's reach,
even those whose previous actions showed them to be our enemies.
 BLUE -
ISLAND NATIONS
The Fifth Mission
Mystery, Jesus Sends out His Disciples. "Go, preach the Good News to all
creation" (Mk 16:15).
The disciples could hardly
contain their joy: Christ is risen! Life triumphed over death! This good
news was too good to keep to themselves. Heedless of their own safety, the
disciples spread out, unarmed and defenseless, empowered only by the Spirit
of God. This was the original "Mission Impossible": Spread the Good News to
the ends of the earth. Here is the mission mystery: from this ragtag group
of disciples facing certain annihilation, Christianity spread and flourished
throughout the world.
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Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus
 V/
Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Christ, have mercy.
R/ Christ, have mercy.
V/ Lord, have mercy.
R/ Lord, have mercy.
V/ Jesus, hear us. R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.
Response for following petitions: Have mercy on us
 God, the Father of Heaven . . .
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world . . .
God, the Holy Spirit . . . Holy Trinity, One God . . .
Jesus, Son of the living God . . .
Jesus, Splendor of the Father . . . Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light . . .
Jesus, King of Glory . . . Jesus, Sun of Justice . . .
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary . . .
Jesus, Most Amiable . . . Jesus, Most Admirable . . .
Jesus, the Mighty God . . .
Jesus, Father of the world to come . . . Jesus, Angel of Great Counsel . . .
Jesus, Most Powerful . . . Jesus, Most Patient . . .
Jesus, Most Obedient . . .
Jesus, Meek and humble of Heart . . . Jesus, Lover of Chastity . . .
Jesus, our Lover . . .
Jesus, God of Peace . . . Jesus, Author of Life . . .
Jesus, Model of Virtues . . .
Jesus, Zealous for souls . . . Jesus, our God . . .
Jesus, our Refuge . . .
Jesus, Father of the Poor . . . Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful . . .
Jesus, Good Shepherd . . .
Jesus, True Light . . . Jesus, Eternal Wisdom . . .
Jesus, Infinite Goodness . . .
Jesus, our Way and our Life . . . Jesus, Joy of the Angels . . .
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs . . .
Jesus, Master of the Apostles . . . Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists . . .
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs . . . Jesus, Light of Confessors . . .
Jesus, Purity of Virgins . . .
Jesus, Crown of all Saints . . .
V/ Be merciful,
R/ spare us, O Jesus!
V/ Be merciful,
R/ graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Response for following petitions:
"Deliver us, O Jesus."
 From all evil . . .
From all sin . . .
From your wrath . . . From the snares of the devil . . .
From the spirit of fornication . . . From everlasting death . . .
From the neglect of your inspirations . . .
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation . . .
Through your Nativity . . . Through your Infancy . . .
Through your Most Divine Life . . . Through your Labors . . .
Through your Agony and Passion . . . Through your Cross and Sufferings . .
Through your Death and Burial . . .
Through your Resurrection . . . Through your Ascension . . .
Through your Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist . . .
Through your Joys . . . Through your Glory . . .
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, R/ have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Jesus hear us. R/ Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, you have said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you"; mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the grace of your most divine love, that we may love you with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease to praise you.
Make us, O Lord, to have a perpetual fear and love of your Holy Name, for you never fail to govern those whom you solidly establish in your love. You, who live and reign forever and ever. R/ Amen.
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The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows
of Mary
 This
devotion was originated in the thirteenth century It recalls the Seven
Sorrows (Dolors) the Virgin Mary endured through her whole life,
especially for her long martyrdom that began with the prophecy of Simeon
and was consummated on Calvary. The Seven Sorrows rosary consists of
seven Hail Mary's for each of the Seven Sorrows. One Our Father is said
before each group of seven Hail Mary's, which are separated by a medal.
On the three beads of the rosary at the end, three Hail Mary's are said
in honor of the Tears of Our Sorrowful Mother. While reciting the
prayers meditate upon her Seven Sorrows.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
1) The Prophesy of Simeon over the Infant Jesus.
Reflect on and sympathize in the sorrow of our Blessed Lady, when she
presented her child in the Temple, and heard from the aged Simeon that a
sword of grief would pierce her soul on his account.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
2) The Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt
Reflect on her sorrow when, to escape the cruelty of King Herod, she was
forced to fly into Egypt with St. Joseph and her beloved child.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
3) The Loss of the Child Jesus for Three Days in Jerusalem
Reflect on her grief, when, in returning from Jerusalem she perceived
that she had lost her son Jesus, whom she sought sorrowing during three
days.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
4. Meeting Christ on the Road to Calvary
Reflect on her meeting her son Jesus, all bruised and mangled, carrying
his cross to Calvary, and seeing him fall under His heavy weight.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus Christ
Reflect on her standing by when her son was lifted up on the cross and
the blood flowed in streams from his sacred wounds.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
6. Our Lord is Taken Down from the Cross (Pieta)
Reflect on her sorrow when her son was taken down from the cross, and
she received him into her arms.
Our Father and Seven Hail Mary's
7. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is Buried in the Tomb
Reflect on her following his sacred body as it was borne by Joseph of
Arimathea and Nicodemus to the sepulcher, enclosed there and hidden from
her sight.
End the Chaplet with Three Hail Mary's in honor of the Sorrowful tears
of Our Lady
V. Pray for us, O most Sorrowful Virgin
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ
Let us pray:
Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our
death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, your Mother,
whose holy soul was pierced at the time of your Passion by a sword of
grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, who lives and reigns
with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen."
FOUR SPECIAL GRACES - Promised to those devoted to the Seven
Sorrows of Mary revealed by Our Lord to St. Elizabeth of Hungary:
1) The grace of True Repentance for all their sins should they invoke
The Blessed Virgin Mother in the name of her Sorrows before their death.
2) Jesus would protect them in their tribulations all who remember this
devotion; they would have His special protection especially at the hour
of death.
3) Jesus would impress upon their minds the remembrance of His Passion,
and that they should have their reward for it in Heaven.
4) That He would commit such devout persons to the hands of Mary, so
that she might obtain for these souls all the graces she wanted to
lavish upon them.
|
 DIVINE
MERCY Chaplet
1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary and The
Apostles Creed.
2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your
dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and
those of the whole world.
3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following:
For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole
world.
(Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades).
4. Conclude with (three times):
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the
whole world.
In 1933, God gave Sister Faustina a striking vision of His Mercy, Sister
tells us: "I saw a great light, with God the Father in the midst of it.
Between this light and the earth I saw Jesus nailed to the Cross and
in such a way that God, wanting to look upon the earth, had to
look through Our Lord's wounds and I understood that God blessed
the earth for the sake of Jesus."
THE
STATIONS
OF THE CROSS
 The Stations of the Cross (or Way of the Cross; in Latin, Via Crucis; also
called the Via Dolorosa) refers to the depiction of the final hours of
Jesus, and the devotion commemorating the Passion. The object of the
Stations is to help the faithful to make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer
to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become
one of the most popular devotions for Roman Catholics. It may be done at
any time, but is most commonly done during the Season of Lent, especially
on Good Friday and on Friday evenings during Lent. Catholics
prayerfully remember the passion of Christ by walking the Stations of
the Cross with him. The traditional Fourteen Stations of the Cross
are:
1) Jesus is Condemned to Death
2) Jesus Bears His Cross
3) Jesus Falls
the First Time
4) Jesus Meets his Sorrowful Mother
5) Jesus is Helped
by Simon
6) Jesus Meets Veronica
7) Jesus Falls the Second Time
8)
Jesus Meets the Sorrowing Women
9) Jesus Falls the Third Time
10) Jesus
is Stripped of His Garments
11) Jesus is Nailed to the Cross
12) Jesus
Dies on the Cross
13) Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross
14) Jesus is
Laid in the Tomb.
 Often a Fifteenth Station is prayed: Jesus is Raised
from the Dead, because without his Resurrection
he would not have accomplished the salvation that was his mission.
Prayer after the
Stations: Jesus, you became an example of humility, obedience and
patience, and preceded me on the way of life bearing your cross. Grant
that, inflamed with your love, I may cheerfully take upon myself the
sweet yoke of your Gospel together with the mortification of the cross
and follow you as a true disciple so that I may be united with you in
Heaven. Amen.
For More Information
about the Stations of the Cross see Lent
TO PRAY STATIONS OF THE
CROSS ON LINE: http://www.ewtn.com/Devotionals/Stations/face.htm
|
 Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart
O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my
life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may
henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is
my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love,
renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.
I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection
of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and
inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure
refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my
justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I
have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but
placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine
infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee.
Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or
be separated from Thee. I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness,
grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my
happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted
servants. Amen.St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
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Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Most Holy Virgin Mary, tender Mother of men, to fulfill the desires of the
Sacred Heart of Jesus and the request of the Vicar of Your Son on earth, we
consecrate ourselves and our families to your Sorrowful and Immaculate
Heart, O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and we recommend to You, all the
people of our country and all the world. Please accept our consecration,
dearest Mother, and use us as You wish to accomplish Your designs in the
world.
O Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, and
Queen of the World, rule over us, together with the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Christ, Our King. Save us from the spreading flood of modern paganism;
kindle in our hearts and homes the love of purity, the practice of a
virtuous life, an ardent zeal for souls, and a desire to pray the Rosary
more faithfully.
We come with confidence to You, O Throne of Grace and Mother of Fair Love.
Inflame us with the same Divine Fire which has inflamed Your own Sorrowful
and Immaculate Heart. Make our hearts and homes Your shrine, and through us,
make the Heart of Jesus, together with your rule, triumph in every heart and
home. Amen.
Venerable Pope Pius XII
|
 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. You are the strength
and light of my soul and I desire never to grieve you by unfaithfulness.
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 Spirit,
Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in your grace that I may never sin
against you. Give me grace O Holy Spirit of the Father and the Son to say
to you always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for your servant
listens." Amen. |
 PRAYER
FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
O Lord Jesus Christ, before ascending into heaven you did promise to send
the Holy Spirit to finish your work in the souls of your Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect
in my soul, the work of your grace and your love. Grant me the Spirit of
Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire
only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to
enlighten my mind with the light of your divine truth, the Spirit of
Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining
heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with you and that
I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow
perfect in imitation of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find
the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be
filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to
displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of your true disciples,
and animate me in all things with your Spirit. Amen. |
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