"When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." Luke 2: 21
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"When eight days were completed for his circumcision, he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." Luke 2: 21 |
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Prayers To pray is simply to turn one's heart, mind, and will to God. No words are needed. It is also prayer to simply rest in His presence, or to work or play while offering our activities it to Him. Sometimes, however, written prayers help us, so some of the many wonderful prayers written over the centuries are available here. Additions are welcome. |
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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." |
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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 |
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Our Father Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed by 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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Prayer to St. Jude, patron 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. |
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Hail Holy Queen 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. |
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Prayer to St. Theresa 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. |
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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 |
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Prayers of St. Ignatius Loyola 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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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Grace After Meals We give you thanks, O Almighty God, for these your benefits, Who lives and reigns, world without end. Amen. |
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Consecration of the 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 |
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Prayer to the Holy Spirit for Holiness 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. |
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By 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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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Guardian Angel prayer Angel of God, my guardian dear |
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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) |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. 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. Pray "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. 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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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 |
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Our Lady of Lourdes 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 |
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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?" |
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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." |
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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. |
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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. |
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St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 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. |
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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. 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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