Prayers
Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - September
Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Queen of the most holy Rosary, help of Christians, refuge of the human race, victorious in all the battles of God, we prostrate ourselves in supplication before thy throne, in the sure hope of obtaining mercy and of receiving grace and timely aid in our present calamities, not through any merits of our own on which we do not rely, but only through the immense goodness of thy Mother’s Heart.
In thee and in thy Immaculate Heart, at this grave hour of human history, do we put our trust; to thee we consecrate ourselves, not only with all of Holy Church, which is the Mystical Body of thy Son Jesus, and which is suffering in so many of her members, being subjected to manifold tribulations and persecutions, but also with the whole world, torn by discords, agitated with hatred, the victim of its own iniquities.
Be thou moved by the sight of such material and moral degradation, such sorrows, such anguish, so many tormented souls in danger of eternal loss! Do thou, O Mother of mercy, obtain for us from God a Christ-like reconciliation of the nations, as well as those graces which can convert the souls of men in an instant, those graces which prepare the way and make certain the long-desired coming of peace on earth.
O Queen of Peace, pray for us, and grant peace unto the world in the truth, the justice, and the charity of Christ. Above all, give us peace in our hearts, so that the kingdom of God may spread its borders in the tranquility of order.
Accord thy protection to unbelievers and to all those who lie within the shadow of death; cause the Sun of Truth to rise upon them; may they be enabled to join with us in repeating before the Savior of the world: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.”
Give peace to the nations that are separated from us by error or discord, and in a special manner to those peoples who profess a singular devotion toward thee; bring them back to Christ’s one fold, under the one true Shepherd.
Obtain full freedom for the holy Church of God; defend her from her enemies; check the ever-increasing torrent of immorality; arouse in the faithful a love of purity, a practicing Christian life, and an apostolic zeal, so that the multitude of those who serve God may increase in merit and number.
Finally, even as he Church and all mankind were once consecrated to the Heart of thy Son Jesus, because He was for all those who put their hope in Him an inexhaustible source of victory and salvation, so in like manner do we consecrate ourselves forever to thee also and to thy Immaculate Heart, O Mother of us and Queen of the world; may thy love and patronage hasten the day when the kingdom of God shall be victorious and all the nations, at peace with God and with one another, shall call thee blessed and intone with thee, from the rising of the sun to its going down, the everlasting “Magnificat” of glory, of love, of gratitude to the Heart of Jesus, in which alone we can find truth, life and peace. Amen.
Advent Sundays - December
First Sunday of Advent
O Come O Come Emmanuel!
O come, O come Emmanuel! and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
O come Thou rod of Jesse free, Thine own from Satan’s Tyranny;
From depths of Hell thy people save. And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
Take courage and fear not.
Behold our God will come and will save us
Leader: It is now the hour for us to rise from sleep because now our salvation is nearer than when we came to believe. (Romans 13, 11)
All: In that day the mountains shall drop down sweetness and the hills shall flow with milk and honey, alleluia.
Leader: Drop down dew from above ye heavens and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.
All: Be glad, O daughter of Sion and rejoice exceedingly, O daughter of Jerusalem, alleluia.
Leader: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight His paths.
All: Behold the Lord shall come, and all His saints with Him and there shall be a great light on that day, alleluia.
Leader: Remember us, O Lord in the favor of Thy people and visit us with Thy salvation.
All: All you that thirst, come to the waters: seek the Lord while He may be found, alleluia.
Second Sunday of Advent
O Come O Come Emmanuel!
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer, our spirits by Thine Advent here,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might, who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times didst give the law, in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
Take courage and fear not.
Behold our God will come and will save us
Leader: Brethren: Whatever things have been written have been written for our instruction, that through the patience and consolation of Scriptures we may have hope.
All: Behold in the clouds of Heaven the Lord will come with great power, alleluia.
Leader: Drop down dew from above ye heavens and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.
All: Sion, the city of our strength a Savior, a wall and a bulwark shall be set therein; open ye the gates, for God is with us, alleluia.
Leader: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight His paths.
All: Behold the Lord shall appear, and shall not lie: if He make any delay, wait for Him, for He will come, and will not be slack, alleluia.
Leader: Remember us, O Lord in the favor of Thy people and visit us with Thy salvation.
All: The mountains, and the hills shall sing praise before God and all the trees of the forest shall clap their hands: because the Lord, the Ruler, will come into His eternal kingdom, alleluia, alleluia.
Leader: The Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord.
All: And all kings of the earth Thy glory.
Third Sunday of Advent
O Come O Come Emmanuel!
O come, O come Emmanuel! and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here, Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
O come Thou rod of Jesse free, Thine own from Satan’s Tyranny;
From depths of Hell thy people save. And give them vict’ry o’er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
Leader: Brethren: rejoice in the Lord always: again I say, rejoice. Let your moderation be known to all: for the Lord is near.
All: The Lord shall come and will not delay and He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and will manifest Himself to all nations, alleluia.
Leader: Drop down dew from above ye heavens and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.
All: Rejoice, O Jerusalem, with great joy, for the Savior will come to thee, alleluia.
Leader: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight His paths.
All: I will give salvation to Sion and my glory in Jerusalem, alleluia.
Leader: Remember us, O Lord in the favor of Thy people and visit us with Thy salvation.
All: The mountains and the hills shall be made low, the crooked shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth. Come O Lord and delay not, alleluia.
Leader: The Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord, and all the kings of the earth Thy glory.
All: Let us live justly and piously, looking for the blessed hope and coming of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Leader: Come O Lord, and delay not.
All: Incline Thy ear, O Lord, we beseech Thee, to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our mind by the grace of Thy visitation: Who livest and reignest, forever and ever. Amen
Fourth Sunday of Advent
O Come O Come Emmanuel!
O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheer, our spirits by Thine Advent here,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might, who to Thy tribes on Sinai’s height,
In ancient times didst give the law, in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! O Israel. To thee shall come Emmanuel.
Leader: Brethren: Whatever things have been written have been written for our instruction, that through the patience and consolation afforded by the Scriptures we may have hope.
All: Sound the trumpet in Sion for the day of the Lord is near: behold He will come to save us. Alleluia, alleluia.
Leader: Drop down dew from above ye heavens and let the clouds rain down the Just One. Let the earth be opened and bud forth a Savior.
All: Behold there will come the desired of all nations: and the house of the Lord shall be filled with glory, alleluia.
Leader: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight His paths.
All: The crooked shall be made straight and the rough way smooth. Come O Lord and delay not, alleluia.
Leader: Remember us, O Lord in the favor of Thy people and visit us with Thy salvation.
All: The Lord will come. Go forth to meet Him and say: great is His dominion and His Kingdom shall have no end. He is God, the Mighty Ruler, the Prince of Peace, alleluia.
Leader: The Gentiles shall fear Thy name, O Lord, and all kings of the earth Thy glory.
Reading from Isaias the Prophet
The land that was desolate and impassible shall be glad, and all the wilderness shall flourish like the lily. It shall bud forth and blossom and shall rejoice with joy and praise…
Strengthen the feeble hands and confirm the weak knees. Say to the faint-hearted: take courage and fear not behold you God… Himself will come and save you.
Then shall the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame leap as a hart and the tongue of the dumb shall be free.
And the redeemed of the Lord shall return and shall come into Sion with praise and everlasting joy upon their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.
Advent Prayer – Prayer to Obtain Favors
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 the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and His blessed Mother.
Imprimatur: Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York February 6, 1897
It is piously believed that whoever recites this prayer 15 times daily from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) until Christmas will obtain whatever is asked for.
Advent Prayer - Prayer to Obtain Favors - December
Advent Prayer – Prayer to Obtain Favors
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 the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and His blessed Mother.
Imprimatur: Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York February 6, 1897
It is piously believed that whoever recites this prayer 15 times daily from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) until Christmas will obtain whatever is asked for.
Angelus
Angelus
(Prayed at 6:00 a.m., noon and 6:00 p.m.)
V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost.
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.
V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be it done unto me according to thy Word.
Hail Mary…
(Genuflect):
V. And the Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt amongst 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 thee, O Lord, your grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ Thy 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.
V. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
R. And may the souls of the faithful departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Christmas Novena - December
Christmas Novena
First Day (December 16)
O God and Savior of our souls. Sweetest Infant Jesus, Whom the angels and shepherds adored in the stable of Bethlehem on that holy night when Thou wast born of the Virgin Mary, we offer Thee our love, adoration and thanksgiving for becoming Man for our redemption and salvation. Grant that we zealously fulfill Thy holy will, become inwardly renewed and inflamed with Thy holy love.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Second Day (December 17)
O Merciful Redeemer, Who deigned to remain in the chaste cloister of Mary’s womb, hidden and unknown though Thou art the Eternal Word and Wisdom of the Father; grant that we may learn from Thee to love solitude and silence in order to escape the evils found in the distractions of the world. Give us a clean mind and heart that we may glorify Thee and edify other by our purity and modesty.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Third Day (December 18)
O Infant God, Who from the moment of Thy conception in holy Mary’s womb, didst offer Thyself to the Eternal Father for the salvation of our souls, help us to work zealously for our salvation and that of others. May we always retain great confidence in Thy love.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Fourth Day (December 19)
O Sweetest Jesus, Who went up to Bethlehem in the womb of Mary to obey the commands of Caesar, who ordered all his subjects to be enrolled, grant us the grace to obey with cheerfulness those who hold Thy place over us.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Fifth Day (December 20)
O most adorable Jesus, Who upon Thy arrival at Bethlehem was rejected by so many, grant that we may follow Thy example in patiently bearing suffering and contempt. May we welcome Thee joyfully into our hearts when we receive the Sacraments and holy inspirations.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Sixth Day (December 21)
O Divine Infant, Who when rejected at Bethlehem, didst inspire Thy holy Mother to retire to a poor stable, where Thou wast born in humility in order to confound our pride and teach us humility, grant that we may become meek and humble of heart like Thee and conform our will to Thine.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Seventh Day (December 22)
O Divine Word, Who for love of us Thy poor creatures, was born in poverty, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger and among animals for our sake, teach us to love Thee more and more. Grant that we may renounce the spirit of the world and practice control of our senses to grow in perfection. Grant that we may be detached from creatures and daily grow in Thy love and grace.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Eighth Day (December 23)
O Divine Savior, O King of Peace, Who wast pleased to come among us when the entire world was tranquil, give us peace of soul and be born anew in our souls on Christmas.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Ninth Day (December 24)
O Divine Savior, O King of immortal glory, Who, in Thy great mercy came into the world to redeem us and to make us holy, grant that, renouncing sin and love of this world, we may live soberly, justly toward our neighbor, and piously before Thee, that so we may be united with Thee for all eternity.
Pater, Ave, Glory Be, Hail and Blessed (Advent Prayer)
Advent Prayer – Prayer to Obtain Favors
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 the piercing cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and His blessed Mother.
Imprimatur: Michael Augustine, Archbishop of New York February 6, 1897
It is piously believed that whoever recites this prayer 15 times daily from the feast of St. Andrew (November 30) until Christmas will obtain whatever is asked for.
Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus - June
Devotions to the
Sacred Heart of Jesus
V. Lord, have mercy on us.
R. Christ have mercy on us.
V. Lord, have mercy on us, Christ hear us.
R. Christ graciously hear us
V. God the Father of Heaven,
R. have mercy on us.
V. God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
R. have mercy on us.
V. God the Holy Ghost,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Holy Trinity one God,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the Virgin Mother’s womb,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, Substantially united to the Word of God,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of Heaven,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, glowing furnace of charity,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, vessel of justice and love,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, wherein are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, wherein dwelleth all the fullness of divinity,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, of Whom the Father is well pleased,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, of Whose fullness we have all received,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, patient and rich in mercy,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, fount of life and holiness,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our offenses,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, overwhelmed with reproaches,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, bruised for our iniquities,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, obedient even unto death,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, salvation for those who hope in Thee,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, hope for those who die in Thee,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. spare us O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. graciously hear us O Lord.
V. Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
R. have mercy on us.
V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart.
R. Make our hearts like unto Thine.
Let us pray.
Almighty and everlasting God, look upon the Heart of Thy most beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers unto Thee in the name of sinners; and do Thou of Thy great goodness grant them pardon when they seek Thy mercy, in the name of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, who livest and reignest with Thee for ever and ever. Amen.
An indulgence of 7 years. A plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, when this Litany together with its versicles and collect are devoutly said every day for a month. (S.C. of Rites, April 2, 1899; S. P. Ap., March 10, 1933).
Epiphany Blessing - January
EPIPHANY BLESSING
20+G+M+B+21
(20+GASPAR+MELCHIOR+BALTHAZAR+21)
THE CEREMONY OF THE BLESSING
(Epiphany chalk is used to write the inscription over all the doors in one’s house. Soft chalk of any color is best for writing on varnished or painted surfaces.)
On Epiphany or any day within the Octave of Epiphany, a priest or the father or senior member of the family recites the following prayer at the main entrance of the house. All family members should accompany the priest or head of the family as he or she goes from door to door sprinkling Epiphany water in each room.
Let Us Pray
Hear us O Holy Lord God, Father Almighty, Eternal God and send Thy Holy Angel from Heaven to watch over, cherish, be with and defend all who live in this house. I call upon Your Saints Gaspar, Melchior & Balthazar to protect my family and my home from every harm and danger, and I place the marks of thy holy names over the doors of my home to remain there as a constant reminder to us and all who enter here that my house is truly the house of the Lord.
O God, make the door of my house wide enough to receive all who need human love and companionship; narrow enough to shut out envy and pride and strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling block to children, nor straying feet, but rugged and strong enough to turn back the tempter’s power.
O God, make the door of my house the gateway to Thy eternal kingdom. I ask these things in the Name of Jesus Christ Thy Son.
Amen.
Memorare
Memorare
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.
(Indulgence of 3 years; Plenary, under usual conditions if recited daily for a month.)
Novena to the Holy Ghost - Ascension to Pentecost
NOVENA to the HOLY GHOST
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS
OF THE HOLY GHOST
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and Disciples deign to grant the same Holy Ghost to me that He may perfect in my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy 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 Thy 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 Thee 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 the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, 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 Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy Spirit. Amen.
FIRST DAY
The Holy Ghost
Only one thing is important ~ eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared ~ sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Holy Ghost daily, for “The Spirit helps our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asks for us.”
Let Us Pray
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit; the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
SECOND DAY
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our Heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”
Let Us Pray
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever; help me to shun all things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven where Thou livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
THIRD DAY
The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake, persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority: His Blessed Mother and the Saints, The Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.
Let Us Pray
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake, lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.
FOURTH DAY
The Gift of Fortitude
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 undertake 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.”
Let Us Pray
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.
FIFTH DAY
The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth ~ in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. “Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesses it.”
Let Us Pray
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father. Show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.
SIXTH DAY
The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths, and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to “walk worthy of God, in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Let Us Pray
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory, to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.
SEVENTH DAY
The Gift of Counsel
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all these, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth.”
Let Us Pray
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.
EIGHTH DAY
The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written, “all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: “Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”
Let Us Pray
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.
NINTH DAY
The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive, and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.
Let Us Pray
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits: Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, mildness, and modesty, chastity, continency, long-suffering, and faith, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration, may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed - November
Prayers for the Faithful Departed
-
O God the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our devout prayers, they may attain the pardon, which they have always desired. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen
-
O God the Lord of mercy, grant to Thy servants and handmaids a place of refreshment, light and happiness, and the brightness of Thy light. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
O God, the Giver of pardon, and the lover of man’s salvation, we beseech Thee, through the intercession of Blessed May, ever Virgin, and of all the Saints, to grant to the souls of the brethren, relations and benefactors of our congregation who have passed out of this life, the companionship of everlasting bliss. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Come to their assistance, ye Saints of God. Come forth to meet them, ye Angels of the Lord, receiving their souls. Offering them in the sight of the Most High. May Christ Who called thee, receive thee, and may the Angels lead thee into Heaven. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon them.
-
O God! To Whom it belongs always to show mercy and to spare, we humbly beseech Thee for the souls of Thy servants whom Thou hast called out of this world, that Thou wouldst not deliver them into the hands of the enemy, nor forget them forever, but command them to be received by the holy Angels, and taken to Paradise, their true home, so that as they hoped and believed in Thee, they may not suffer the pains of Hell, but possess everlasting joys. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
May eternal light shine upon them, O Lord, with Thy Saints forever for Thou art gracious. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them: with Thy Saints forever.
-
May the prayer of Thy suppliant people, we beseech Thee, O Lord, avail the souls of Thy servants and handmaids, that Thou may deliver them from all their sins and make them sharers in Thy Redemption. Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Grant we beseech Thee, O Lord, that the souls of Thy servants and handmaids may be cleansed by this sacrifice of the Mass and obtain forgiveness and eternal rest. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Be merciful, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to the souls of Thy servants, for whom we offer Thee a sacrifice of praise, humbly entreating Thy Majesty that, by this service of pious atonement, they may deserve to attain eternal rest. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
O God, Who alone art ever merciful and sparing of punishment, we humbly pray Thee in behalf of the souls of Thy servants, whom Thou hast commanded to go forth today from this world. Do not hand them over to the power of the enemy, and do not forget them forever; but command that their souls be taken up by the holy Angels, and brought home to Paradise, so that, since they hoped and believed in Thee, they may not undergo the punishments of Hell, but rather possess everlasting joys. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
May the Angels lead thee into Paradise; may the martyrs come to welcome thee on the way and lead thee into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the Choir of Angels welcome thee, and with the once poor Lazarus, mayst thou have everlasting rest.
-
O God by Whose mercy rest is given to the souls of the faithful, in Thy kindness, have mercy on the Faithful Departed. Entrust them to the care of Thy holy Angels, that set free from the chains of sin, their souls may be with all Thy Saints and rejoice in Thee forever. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-
Grant, O Lord, this mercy to Thy departed servants, that they who in their desires did Thy will, may not receive the punishment of their misdeeds; and that as true faith has joined them to the company of the faithful here below, Thy mercy may make them the companions of the holy Angels in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-
Grant, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that while we lament the departure of the Faithful Departed out of this life, we may bear in mind that we are most certainly to follow them. Give us grace to make ready for that last hour by a devout and holy life, and protect us against a sudden and unprovided death. Teach us how to watch and pray that when Thy summons comes, we may go forth to meet the Bridegroom and enter with Him into life everlasting. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-
Almighty and most merciful Father, Who knows the weakness of our nature, bow down Thine ear in pity to Thy servants, upon whom Thou hast laid the heavy burden of sorrow. Take out of their hearts the spirit of rebellion, and teach them to see Thy good and gracious purpose working in all the trials, that Thou dost send them. Grant that they may not languish in fruitless and unavailing grief, nor sorrow as those who have no hope, but through their tears look meekly up to Thee, the God of all consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-
O God, Who in the apostolic priesthood, did raise Thy servants to the dignity of the episcopate and priesthood, grant we beseech Thee, to number them with Thy bishops and priests forever. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Incline Thy ear, O Lord to our prayers, by which we humbly entreat Thy mercy; bring the souls of Thy servants, which Thou hast summoned to go forth from this world, to the region of peace and light and command them to be numbered with Thy Saints. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Absolve, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the souls of Thy servants from every bond of sin, that they may be raised up in the glory of the resurrection and live among Thy Saints and elect. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Hear us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, and let the souls of the servants benefit by the offering of the sacrifice, by which Thou didst grant that the sins of the whole world should be forgiven. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
We beseech Thee, O Lord, in Thy goodness, to have mercy on the souls of Thy Faithful Departed Who Thou hast freed from the perils of this mortal life. Deign to number them forever among the saved. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
May this sacrifice, O Lord, cleanse the souls of the Faithful Departed from every taint of sin, for no one who has lived is altogether free from guilt; and for the sake of these offerings of loving propitiation, may they obtain Thy everlasting mercy. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
May the souls of the Faithful Departed, O Lord, we beseech Thee, enjoy light everlasting; for Thou didst deign to permit them in this world to share in the mysteries of everlasting mercy. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
O God, who commanded us to honor our parents, in Thy goodness, have mercy on the souls of our parents and forgive them their sins, and bring us to see them in the joy of eternal happiness. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Accept, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the sacrifice which we offer on behalf of the souls of our parents; grant them everlasting joy in the land of the living, and in company with them, let us share in the happiness of the Saints. Through Our Lord, Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God. World without end. Amen.
-
Enter not into judgement with Thy servants, O Lord; for in Thy sight shall no man be justified unless through Thee he find pardon for all his sins. Let not, therefore, we beseech Thee, the hand of Thy justice be heavy upon them whom the earnest prayer of Christian faith commends unto Thee, but by the help of Thy grace, may they escape the judgment of Thy vengeance who while they were living, were marked with the sign of the Holy Trinity: Who lives and reigns world without end.
-
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, hear our supplications, and through Thy infinite love and mercy, graciously grant to the souls of Thy servants departed the remission of all their sins, by which they may have deserved the severity of Thy just punishment in the world to come. Vouchsafe to them, grace and mercy before Thy tribunal, and let them attain to everlasting rest and happiness through the infinite merits of Jesus Christ. Amen.
-
O God, great and Omnipotent Judge of the living and the dead, before Whom we are all to appear after this short life to render an account of our works! Let our hearts, we pray Thee, be deeply moved by the sight of death. Let us be mindful of our frailty and mortality, that walking always in Thy fear and in the ways of Thy Commandments, we may, after our departure from this world, experience a merciful judgment and rejoice in everlasting happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
-
Mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the sacrifice which we offer Thee for the souls of Thy servants and handmaids, that to whom Thou didst confer the favor of Christian Faith Thou would also grant due reward. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen.
-
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that through devout prayers they may obtain the pardon which they have always desired.
-
Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the Faithful Departed from every bond of sin. And by the help of Thy grace may they be enabled to escape the avenging judgment and enjoy the bliss of everlasting light.