Inspirational spiritual quotes by Saint Ignatius of Loyola that will enrich your life

“Act as if everything depended on you; trust as if everything depended on God.”

“Love is shown more in deeds than in words.”

“He who goes about to reform the world must begin with himself, or he loses his labor.”


“Never say or do anything until you have asked yourself whether it will be pleasing to God, good for yourself, and edifying to your neighbor.”

 “He who avoids temptation avoids sin.”

 “Truth always shines with the brightness which belongs to it, while falsehood is wrapped in darkness; to dispel this darkness it is enough to put falsehood in the presence of truth.”

St. Ignatius on Overcoming Desolation

For St. Ignatius of Loyola, at least in the beginning stages, the enemy’s tactic is to bring us into desolation, to bring us to despair and thereby break our resolve to persevere in the Christian life. Ignatius offers a series of “rules,” or principles, which can help us work against this depressing and downward movement of desolation.

Rules one through four

Rules one through four lay out what he means by consolation and desolation and how the good and evil spirit operate upon us: the good spirit (i.e., the Holy Spirit, good angels) gives peace and builds us up with consolation by a growth of faith, hope, and love, giving us a greater sense of God’s presence in our lives, often making it easier to pray and overcome sin. The evil spirit (the devil, demons, our sinfulness) tries to bring us down with desolation by an increased anxiety and a sense of God’s absence, leading to discouragement and a decreased desire to pray and engage in spiritual exercises. As we will see, both consolation and desolation fall under God’s providence, but in different ways: for Ignatius, the good spirit gives consolation, while God only permits the evil spirit to give desolation.

Rules five through nine

Rules five through nine offer counsel regarding what to do in desolation and how to think about it when it occurs.

Rule five stipulates that, in desolation, never make a (spiritual) change. Ignatius here counsels us to stick to the spiritual resolutions we came to while in consolation. The reason is because desolation is the time of the lie—it’s not the time for sober thinking. That is, in our disheartened state, we’re more prone to be deceived. This could pertain to big or small matters. For example, suppose I had planned to begin every morning with a Scripture meditation; and one morning, I wake up and I just don’t feel like praying. For Ignatius, if I give in to this temptation, my desolation is likely to worsen. But if I resist and hold fast to my initial resolution, I may find my desolation beginning to wane.

In our disheartened state, we’re more prone to be deceived.

In terms of larger matters, suppose someone entertains doubts about their vocation in a time of intense desolation—say, a priest, a married person, or a consecrated religious. Since desolation is the time of the lie, it’s likely that the enemy is at work. Ignatius’ counsel again is to stick resolutely to the decision we came to while in consolation, before the desolation set in.

Rule six asks us to actively resist desolation, particularly by prayer and meditation. However, when we’re in the midst of desolation, the last thing we want to do is pray or meditate, since God feels so absent from our lives. For this reason, the very act of praying, of crying out to God for help, already works to undo the movement of desolation. For even in our faint prayer, there is a hint of faith that believes someone is listening.

As for meditation, it is helpful to meditate on a past time when God brought us through desolation. This can give us hope that he can and will bring us through the present desolation as well. For in desolation, we’re likely to doubt the reality of our encounter with God in the past; we’re tempted to see it as simply the product of our imagination. Thus, actively remembering and bringing to mind the reality of God’s work in our lives in the past helps to awaken our hearts to the possibility of his work in our lives in the present.

Rule seven calls us to think about desolation as a trial permitted by God; that is, to think about our desolation in a faith-based way. This runs contrary to the movement of desolation; for in desolation, the world feels meaningless. And the experience of meaningless suffering tends to erode our hope and confidence. Whereas, if we see meaning in our suffering, if we choose to see it as a trial permitted by God, it can give us strength.

Rule eight gives us a glimpse of the spiritual boldness of Ignatius. He counsels us, when in desolation, to choose to believe that consolation will return soon. This again is contrary to the movement of desolation, since in the midst of it, we are often tempted to see it as a permanent state—that it will always be like this. But by believing that consolation will return soon, one is already undermining the power of desolation.

In rule nine, Ignatius pauses to consider God’s purposes for allowing desolation. The first reason is due to our negligence. We might be pursuing the Lord actively in most of our life, but perhaps in one area we’ve become spiritually negligent. Desolation can then be a “wake-up call,” calling us back to renew our conversion. The second reason is to teach us some spiritual lesson, and the third is to show us our absolute need for grace—our radical dependence upon God. In desolation, we should examine the first reason (negligence), and once we rule that out, we can be assured that God has either the second or third in mind for us.

Rule ten

Rule ten switches gears and offers counsel for what to do in consolation. Here, Ignatius calls us to prepare for future desolation. For Ignatius, the ebb and flow of consolation and desolation is the normal path of the Christian life. It is what we should expect. Desolation is often so devastating precisely because it takes us by surprise. But if we realize that the present consolation will eventually give way to desolation, and we anticipate this ahead of time, we are better prepared to withstand the trial of desolation.

The ebb and flow of consolation and desolation is the normal path of the Christian life.

In consolation, when our spiritual energy is high, we should anticipate the temptations we’re likely to face when desolation comes. For example, we can firm up our resolve now:

• Not to change our spiritual resolutions when desolation hits (rule 5)
• To choose to pray and meditate upon God’s prior faithfulness to us in the midst of desolation (rule 6)
• To choose to think of future desolation in the light of faith, when the experience of desolation will suggest that our suffering is meaningless (rule 7)
• To believe consolation will return soon, even though the experience of desolation will often make us think otherwise (rule 8).

The period of consolation is also a great time to review these rules, in order to better have them at our fingertips. That way we’ll be able to use them more readily and effectively, giving us a greater awareness of the spiritual dynamic taking place in the midst of desolation.

Rule eleven

Rule eleven exhorts us to keep an even keel attitude in the spiritual life. That is, Ignatius counsels us to humble ourselves in consolation and seek a trusting confidence in desolation. In consolation, we often feel as if we’re on top of the world and can do anything. In such moments, Ignatius asks us to consider—while in consolation—how little we can accomplish in desolation. Conversely, in desolation, when we feel downtrodden, we need to seek a trusting confidence, knowing that the present desolation will eventually pass (see rule eight), and that God is at work in our lives even now (see rule seven).

For Ignatius, again, the ebb and flow between consolation and desolation is the normal path of the Christian life. If we’re aware of this, we won’t be so devastated when desolation hits. We’ll recognize it for what it is, as a temporary suffering and a unique occasion for growth.

Key for Ignatius is the fact that desolation, of itself, does not produce growth. For Ignatius, we grow through desolation only when we resist it. This resistance will not be our first inclination—for example, to pray or meditate during a period of desolation. Here, we have to rise above our spontaneous emotional response in the moment and choose to act and think in a faith-based way, contrary to the gravitational pull of desolation. In taking this initial step, we will often feel the grip of desolation loosening.

As we rise above our spontaneous emotional reaction and choose to resist desolation, eventually we get better at resisting—making it easier to resist the next time. Just like virtue, like acts become like habits, which incline us to future like acts. In God’s providence, this is one of the overarching reasons for allowing us to undergo the trial of desolation: that in resisting, we get better at resisting, and thereby break the devil’s ability to hold us down.

Rules twelve through fourteen

Rules twelve through fourteen shift gears, describing the tactics of the evil one. In rule twelve, Ignatius describes the essential weakness of the enemy in the beginning. That is, if we resist vehemently when we are first tempted, we place ourselves in the best position. But if we linger, the strength of temptation grows and snowballs upon us.

Rule thirteen describes the enemy as like a false lover who loves to work in secret. For Ignatius, if we ever find ourselves spiritually troubled and have a resistance to speak to a competent spiritual advisor, there’s a good chance the enemy is at work. We have to recognize this and act contrary to these movements.

Rule fourteen describes the enemy as like a brigand who will attack us at our weakest spot. Ignatius counsels us to anticipate this, in order to fortify ourselves preemptively beforehand. Such attacks often put us on our back because we are unsuspecting. We should seek to recognize our own personal triggers (certain people, situations, temptations, vices, etc.) that tend to bring us into desolation. If we recognize this ahead of time—and seek to strengthen ourselves accordingly—we are much more likely to withstand the enemy’s assault when it comes.

Again, for Ignatius, desolation is to be expected. He calls us not just to persevere through it as passive spectators, but to actively resist the movement of desolation. And in resisting, very often the power of desolation itself starts to give way. As we see this begin to happen, it gives us confidence in our power to continue to resist desolation in the future and not be held down by it.

How can Ignatius’ rules be a source of strength and hope as we strive to persevere in the spiritual life, even this very day?

This article, written by Dr. Andrew Swafford, was first published on the Ascension Blog. 

Magis Center 

A prayer against depression, by St. Ignatius Loyola

O Christ Jesus
When all is darkness
And we feel our weakness and helplessness,
Give us the sense of Your Presence,
Your Love and Your Strength.
Help us to have perfect trust
In Your protecting love
And strengthening power,
So that nothing may frighten or worry us,
For, living close to You,
We shall see Your Hand,
Your Purpose, Your Will through all things.

Powerful Novena to saint Martha in urgent need

Saint Martha, I resort to thy aid and protection. As proof of my affection and faith, I offer thee this light, which I shall burn every Tuesday. Comfort me in all my difficulties and through the great favors thou didst enjoy when the Savior was lodged in thy house, intercede for my family, that we be provided for in our necessities. I ask of thee, Saint Martha, to overcome all difficulties as thou didst overcome the dragon which thou hadst at thy feet. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

(Mention your request here…)

 Saint Martha, pray for us.

   Pray  3 Times: Our Father…  Hail Mary…  Glory Be…

The prayer should be recited for nine consecutive Tuesdays, lighting a candle on each Tuesday. 

For those who do the twenty-ninth of each month, it is recommended to confess and receive Holy Communion every Tuesday, visit the altar of the Saint and give alms to the poor in her honor.

On The Cardinal Virtues

There are two classes of virtues: Moral (or cardinal) and Theological. 

• Moral Virtues: These virtues are natural, in that they help to perfect our natural faculties (intellect, will, passions, etc.) As well, they are acquired by human actions. As we practice them, they increase in strength. We are aided in their practice by education and divine grace. 

Prudence – Justice – Temperance – Fortitude – 

• Theological Virtues: Faith –Hope – Love (Charity)

On The Cardinal Virtues

56 Q. Name the Cardinal Virtues.

A. The Cardinal Virtues are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance.

57 Q. Why are Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance called Cardinal virtues?

A. Prudence, Justice, Fortitude and Temperance are called cardinal virtues because all the moral virtues are founded and hinged around them. (in Latin, cardo means hinge)

58 Q. What is Prudence?

A. Prudence is the virtue that directs each action towards its lawful end and consequently seeks the proper means in order that the action be well accomplished in all points of view and thereby pleasing to Our Lord.

59 Q. What is Justice?

A. Justice is the virtue which disposes us to give everyone what belongs to him.

60 Q. What is Fortitude?

A. Fortitude is the virtue which renders us courageous to the point of not fearing danger, not even death, for the service of God.

61 Q. What is temperance?

A. Temperance disposes us to control the inordinate desires that please the senses and makes us use temporal goods with moderation.

Back to the Catechism of St Pius X Menu

St. Augustine is a role model for temperance, “the cardinal virtue that helps us overcome weaknesses of the flesh.

 "Temperance and work are the two best custodians of virtue" - Don Bosco

2 Timothy 1: ⁷ for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

Saint Anne´s Fertility Prayer

Having recognized the will of God and that of her husband Joachim, she prayed with humble subjection and confidence that it be fulfilled: 

“Most High God, my Lord, Creator and Preserver of the universe, whom my soul reveres as the true God, infinite, holy and eternal! Prostrate in thy real presence I will speak, though I am but dust and ashes proclaiming my need and my affliction. Lord God uncreated, make us worthy of thy benediction, and give us holy fruit, in order that we may offer it to thy service in the temple. Remember, O Lord, that Anne, thy servant, the mother of Samuel, was sterile and that by thy generous mercy she received the fulfillment of her desires. I feel within me a courage which incites and animates me to ask Thee to show me the same mercy. Hear then, O sweetest Lord and Master, my humble petition: remember the sacrifices, offerings and services of my ancestors and the favors, which Thy almighty arm wrought in them. I wish to offer to Thee, O Lord, an oblation pleasing and acceptable in thy eyes: but the greatest in my power, is my soul, my faculties and inclinations given to Thee, and my whole being. If Thou look upon me from thy throne giving me issue, I will from this moment sanctify and offer it for thy service in the temple. Lord God of Israel, if it should be thy pleasure and good will to look upon this lowly and impoverished creature, and to console thy servant Joachim, grant me my prayer and may in all things be fulfilled thy holy and eternal will.”  “Mystical City of God,” written by Venerable Mary of Agreda 

Prayer to St. Anne as your Patron Saint

Saint Anne, whom I have chosen as my special patron, pray for me that I, too, may one day glorify the Blessed Trinity in heaven. Obtain for me your lively faith, that I may consider all persons, things, and events in the light of almighty God. Pray, that I may be generous in making sacrifices of temporal things to promote my eternal interests, as you so wisely did.

Set me on fire with a love for Jesus, that I may thirst for His sacraments and burn with zeal for the spread of His kingdom. By your powerful intercession, help me in the performance of my duties to God, myself and all the world. 

Win for me the virtue of purity and a great confidence in the Blessed Virgin. Protect me this day, and every day of my life. Keep me from mortal sin. Obtain for me the grace of a happy death. Amen 

The Prayers of St. Bridget

to be said in honor of the Blessed Wounds of Our Divine Savior

O Most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, eternal sweetness of those who love Thee, and joy, desire, and firm hope of the hopeless; solace of the sorrowful, and most merciful lover of all penitent sinners, Who hast said, Thy delight is to be with the children of men, for the love of whom Thou didst assume human nature in the fulness of time; remember, most sweet Lord Jesus, all those sharp sorrows which did pierce Thy sacred soul, from the first instant of Thy incarnation, until the time of Thy sorrowful passion, preordained from all eternity; remember, O most amiable Savior, all that bitter anguish Thou didst suffer, when at Thy last supper Thou didst wash the feet of Thy, disciples, didst feed them with the sacred banquet of Thy precious body and blood, and most sweetly comforting them, didst foretell them Thy ensuing passion; after which going to Mount Olivet, Thou saidst, "My soul is sorrowful unto death." Remember, I beseech Thee, O most sweet Saviour, that bitter grief and anguish which Thy sacred soul did suffer, when praying there several times to Thy heavenly Father, Thou didst sweat water and blood; Thou wast betrayed by Thy own disciple, apprehended by Thy chosen people, accused by false witnesses, unjustly arraigned before three judges, and in Thy chosen city, in the paschal solemnity, in the flourishing age of Thy youth, wrongfully condemned, bound, beaten, spurned, spit upon, despoiled of Thy garments, clothed with others in scorn; wast blindfolded, buffeted, spit upon again, bound naked to a pillar, most cruelly scourged, crowned with thorns, struck with a reed, and afflicted with innumerable other torments, pains, and injuries. O my Lord Jesus, by the memory and merit of all that bitter pain and anguish before Thou breathedst Thy last upon the cross, vouchsafe to grant me, before my death, true contrition, entire confession, a flowing fountain of tears, full satisfaction, and plenary remission of all my sins. Amen.

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c,

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, overflowing fountain of heavenly delights, remember, I beseech Thee, that grief and sorrow which Thou didst suffer, when Thy cruel enemies, like fierce lions with furious and dreadful looks, compassing Thee round about, did pluck out Thy hair, spit up on Thy sacred face, lacerate, buffet Thee; and with all manner of unheard of injuries, outrages, and torments, did most cruelly and basely blaspheme, scorn, and affront Thee. O most sweet Lord Jesus, by all those most barbarous and inhuman outrages Thou didst suffer, vouchsafe to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, that, protected under the shadow of Thy wings, I may safely arrive at the port of eternal glory. Amen.

O most gracious Lord Jesus Christ, be propitious to me, a sinner.

Our Father, &c. Hail Mary, &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent creator and fabricator of the world, and repairer of mankind, Who can tamest both heaven and earth in Thy hand, and whose immensity no bound can limit; remember, I beseech Thee, that bitter pain and anguish which Thou didst endure when the perfidious Jews pierced Thy delicate and tender hands and feet with most rough and blunt nails stretching them forth violently with cords to the holes which they had made in the cross. Thus they heaped pain upon pain, most cruelly disjointing all Thy bones, breaking all Thy veins, and renewing all Thy sacred wounds. O most sweet Jesus, by the memory of all these pains and torments on the cross, vouchsafe to give me Thy fear and love, with perfect charity towards my neighbor. Amen.

O most pious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, heavenly physician of human nature, and eternal King, remember, I beseech Thee, all those bitter pains which Thou didst endure in Thy sacred members, who, being hoisted upon the cross with all Thy precious body rent and torn, all Thy bones being so disjointed that not one remained in its right place; not having from the crown of Thy head unto the soles of Thy feet any part left whole; so that no anguish could be compared to Thine; at which time, being unmindful of Thy own torments, Thou didst mercifully pray to Thy heavenly Father for Thy cruel enemies, saying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." O most meek and merciful Lord Jesus, by this Thy admirable benignity, goodness, love, and mercy, and by all thy bitter pains and torments, grant that the memory of Thy dolorous passion may be to me a most powerful protection of my soul and body against all the deceits, temptations, and molestations of the devils, my cruel enemies. Amen.

O most merciful Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, mirror of eternal brightness, and wisdom of the omnipotent Father; remember the bitter grief and sorrow Thy sacred soul did feel, when beholding, in the clear mirror of Thy divine presence, the predestination of the elect, who, through the merits of thy most wholesome passion, were to be saved; and the reprobation of the wicked, who were for their ingratitude to be damned; and the abyss of Thy immense mercy, by which Thou didst commiserate and shed tears for us, miserable, lost, forlorn sinners; and chiefly by that mercy Thou didst show to the thief upon the cross, saying to him, "This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise;" I beseech Thee, O most sweet Lord Jesus, my Lord and my God, to show the like mercy to me, now and at the hour of my death. Amen. 

O most sweet Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, omnipotent king and most amiable friend, remember the bitter grief and sorrow Thy sacred soul did suffer, when, being forsaken by all Thy friends and acquaintance, Thou didst hang naked, rent, and torn upon the cross, having none to comfort or compassionate Thee, but only the blessed Virgin Mary, Thy mother, who standing under the cross, in the bitterness of her soul, accompanied Thee in all Thy torments; unto whom Thou didst commend Thy beloved disciple St. John, in Thy place, saying unto her, "Woman, behold thy son!" and after, to Thy disciple, "Behold thy mother!" O most sweet Lord Jesus, by that sword which did then transpierce her sacred soul; and by that tender love and compassion wherewith Thou didst behold the sad distress of Thy sorrowful Mother, have pity and compassion on me, I beseech Thee, my dearest Lord, and mercifully help, comfort, succor, and assist me in all my tribulations, adversities, necessities, sorrows, and sufferings, both spiritual and corporal. Amen.

O most blessed Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet and blessed Lord Jesus; crown of joy, treasure of felicity, sweet source of consolation, and unexhausted fountain of mercy; Who, hanging on the cross, out of the most inflamed desire Thou hadst for the salvation of our souls, saidst, I thirst for the redemption of mankind. O dearest Lord, by this Thy ardent charity, inflame our hearts with Thy holy love, enkindle our desires to accomplish diligently all good works, and wholly extinguish in me the heat of all evil concupiscence, and worldly affections. Amen.

O most excellent Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, the true light of those who believe in Thee; suavity of our hearts, and sovereign solace of all faithful souls, by that bitter gall and vinegar Thou didst taste upon the cross at the hour of Thy death, grant us, miserable sinners, grace worthily to receive at all times (and particularly at the hour of death) Thy most precious body and blood: that by virtue of this divine banquet and all other salutary sacraments, we may be preserved from all evils, sins, and punishments; and being replenished with all joy, securely appeal in Thy divine presence. Amen.

O most sweet Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, king of virtues, and source of all delights, remember, I beseech Thee, that excessive pain and anguish Thou didst endure for us sinners on the cross, when through the bitterness of death, and the impious blasphemies, derisions, scorns, and reproaches of the Jews, with a loud voice and weeping eyes, Thou didst cry to Thy heavenly Father, with this sad complaint: "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?" O most sweet Lord Jesus, by this Thy bitter torment, sorrow, grief, and anguish, vouchsafe, I beseech Thee, to have pity on me, and succor me in all my sorrows, sufferings, and tribulations, and particularly at the hour of my death; O then, my dear Lord and my God, vouchsafe to assist and succor me, and do not forsake me, I beseech Thee. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sacred Lord Jesus, Alpha and Omega; the beginning and end of all things, and mirror of all virtues; remember how, from the crown of Thy head to Thy feet, Thou wast immerged in the deluge of Thy dolorous passion, for the love of us vile sinners. O most sweet Lord Jesus, by the length, breadth, greatness, and multitude of Thy most sacred wounds, take from me the love of the world; and teach me, by true and perfect charity, always to keep Thy holy laws and commandments. Amen.

O most wise Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, sovereign goodness, eternal beatitude of Thy saints, and most profound abyss of mercy! by the deep and dolorous wounds, which did not only transpierce Thy sacred flesh, but even Thy bowels, and the marrow of Thy bones, be merciful to me a sinner, who now am drowned in my sins and iniquities, and hide me in Thy sacred wounds from the face of Thy wrath, until Thy indignation be passed away and appeased. Amen.

O most sweet Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, mirror of truth, pledge of union, bond of charity, remember the innumerable multitude of all those painful wounds wherewith Thou wast covered from head to foot, all Thy holy body most cruelly rent and torn by the impious, and dyed with Thy most precious, blood; all which most dreadful dolors Thou didst endure for us vile sinners. O most gracious Lord engrave these Thy dolors deeply in my heart, and write them there with Thy precious blood, that in them I may always read Thy love and dolors; so that the memory of Thy painful passion may daily be renewed in me, and my love increased towards Thee, and I remain perpetually thankful to Thy immense charity to the last period of my life, until I come to enjoy Thee, my only dear Lord and most desired treasure, abounding with all joy and felicity; which through thy goodness be pleased to grant, O most sweet Lord Jesus. Amen,

O most noble Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, most victorious Lion, invincible, triumphant, and immortal King; remember, I beseech Thee, all that bitter pain and anguish Thou didst endure when, all the forces of Thy soul and body failing, bowing down Thy sacred head, Thou saidst, "It is consummated." O dearest Lord, by these Thy deadly dolors, have mercy on me at my last passage, when my heart and soul shall be in anguish and anxiety. Amen.

O most noble Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, figure of His substance, splendor of His glory; remember that most earnest recommendation, wherewith Thou didst commend Thy sacred soul to Thy almighty Father upon the cross, saying, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit;" at which time Thou didst hang naked upon the cross, with Thy most holy body all wounded, rent, and torn, pouring forth streams of most precious blood; with Thy face pale and wan, Thy head crowned with thorns, Thy arms extended, Thy hands nailed, Thy veins broken, Thy bones disjointed, Thy bowels of mercy opened, Thy eyes weeping and obscured, Thy voice failing, Thy palate thirsting, and Thy whole heart broken. O my most merciful Lord, unto all those cruel pains and torments didst Thou deliver Thy most sacred, innocent, tender, pure, and precious body, for the redemption of us, most wretched, vile, and miserable sinners, and in this manner renderest Thy sweet soul to Thy heavenly Father, by which most precious and innocent death of Thine, and by virtue of the holy cross, I beseech Thee, O Father of mercy, and omnipotent King of saints, to give me grace to resist the world, the flesh, and the devil; that being dead to all terrestrial things, I may live to Thee alone, and have the happiness to be received by Thee at my last passage, when this my miserable exile shall be ended. Amen.

O most pious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus, most flourishing, true, and faithful vine; remember the superabundant effusion of Thy precious blood which Thou didst pour forth so plenteously from all parts of Thy holy body, like a cluster of pressed grapes, when Thou Thyself alone didst tread the wine-press on the cross, and out of Thy pierced side didst give us water and wine to drink, not leaving so much as one drop, being then like a bundle of pure and precious myrrh: Thou wast hanged on high upon the cross, at which time the marrow of Thy bones dried up, and Thy most delicate and tender body wholly fainted and failed. O most sweet Lord Jesus, by this most liberal effusion of Thy precious blood, by all the sacred wounds of Thy bitter passion, vouchsafe to wound my heart with that tender love wherewith the holy heart of Thy most blessed Mother was wounded under the cross, that tears of love and penance may be my bread day and night; and convert me wholly to Thee, that my heart may be Thy perpetual habitation, my conversation pleasing and acceptable to Thy divine Majesty, and the end of my life so precious in Thy sight, that having finished this mortal pilgrimage, I may be admitted into immortal glory, to praise and glorify Thee, my sovereign Lord, in the sweet society of Thy holy angels and saints to all eternity. Amen. 

O most gracious Lord Jesus, be propitious to me, a sinner. &c.

O Most sweet Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, vouchsafe to receive these prayers, in union with that most excellent love wherewith Thou didst suffer all the wounds of Thy most precious body; and be merciful to me Thy poor unworthy servant, and to all sinners, with all faithful souls, both living and dead; graciously granting to us all, mercy, grace, remission of sins, and life everlasting. Amen. 

Prayer to obtain true repentance

Patronage

Against sexual temptation, penitent sinners, reformed prostitutes

Prayer Of Thanksgiving For The Tears Of St. Mary Magdalene

St. Mary Magdalen Said To St. Mechtilde:
“Whoever shall give God thanks for all the tears I shed upon the feet of Jesus, our most merciful God will grant him, through my intercession, remission of all his sins before his death, and a great increase of love of God”.

O most merciful Jesus, I give Thee thanks for that work of piety which the blessed Mary Magdalen wrought on Thee, when she washed Thy feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed them and anointed them with fragrant ointment; whereby she obtained from Thee such signal grace that Thou did pour into her heart and soul so great a love of Thee, that she could love nothing apart from Thee; beseeching Thee, that by her merits and intercessions Thou would vouchsafe to give me tears of true repentance and pour into my heart Thy Divine love (Name Your Request). Amen. (3 Our Fathers, 3 Hail Marys, 3 Glory Be’s).

Aspiration: 


O most loving Jesus, give me an earnest will to forsake all evil, and to return to Thee, my chief good, to repent of my sins out of true love, to guard against them for the future, to shun the occasion by which I have hitherto been enticed into sin, and by the practice of good works to redeem the time lost. Grant me this, O Jesus, by Thy bitter passion and death, and through the intercession of the holy penitent Magdalen. Amen. 

Litany In Honour Of Saint Mary Magdalene.
(State your prayer request again to Saint Mary Magdalene).

Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us,
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost,
have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us.


Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us. *

Refuge of sinners, *
Queen conceived without sin, *


St. Mary Magdalen, *

St. Mary Magdalen, model of all true penitents, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who made no delay in returning to God, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who being once converted, despised all earthly pleasures, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who had no other grief but that of having offended infinite goodness, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who turned all that had served to sin into periods of love and sorrow, *

St. Mary Magdalen, whose eyes, once instruments of sin, are now bathed in tears, *

St. Mary Magdalen, whose lips, once defiled, are now made pure by the hallowed kiss of Jesus' feet, *

St. Mary Magdalen, whose hands, once sinful, are now holy by the sacred touch of Jesus' feet, *

St. Mary Magdalen, whose hair, once adorned to please creatures, is now used to wipe Jesus' feet, *

St. Mary Magdalen, whose penance was a true holocaust to divine love, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who heard the blessed words, "Thy sins are forgiven, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who left Jesus' feet with the consoling words--"Go in peace", *

St. Mary Magdalen, who followed Jesus even to Calvary, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who assisted at the agony of Jesus, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who received drops of blood falling from the cross, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who heard the loud cry, "All is consummated!", *

St. Mary Magdalen, who saw Jesus expiring, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who mingled thy tears with those of the sorrowful Mother, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who went early to the sepulcher, to embalm the body of Jesus, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who, in thy grief, noticed not the bright host of heaven, *

St. Mary Magdalen, who would not be comforted until the life-giving voice had said: "Mary!" *

St. Mary Magdalen, who wast the first apostle of the Resurrection, *



Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us


Let Us Pray:

O my God! may thy love be the sole principle of my penance. Let my sorrow be to have offended Thee, my supreme good, my first beginning and last end. May my tears flow from a heart wounded with love. I grieve for the past, and firmly resolve never more to offend Thee.


"Not that in heaven my home may be,
Nor lest I die eternally,
Nor from the hope of joy above me,
But even as thyself didst love me,
So love I, and will ever love Thee,
Because thou art my God, my king for evermore" Amen

Saint Mary Magdalene can obtain the gift of true repentance for all those who invoked her

Patronage

Against sexual temptation, penitent sinners, reformed prostitutes

How Our Lord Pierced Magdalen’s Heart During the Passion


Revelations of St. Mechtilde
The Love of the Sacred Heart

Chapter 9 – How Our Lord Pierced Magdalen’s Heart During the Passion

Faithful souls followed our Lord when the disciples took flight. Later on, the Sacred Heart was to ask for consolation to repair so many injuries and so much ingratitude, but first it loaded them with great graces. The most highly privileged was Saint Mary Magdalen: she was also the most loving.

On the day of Saint Mary Magdalen’s feast, Mechtilde saw our Lord sweetly folding the humble penitent to His Sacred Heart. Mechtilde was astonished, remembering the words, “and incorruption brings near to God” (Wisdom 6:20) and here was Magdalen! But our Lord reassured Mechtilde: “The intensity of love that she bore Me on earth,” He said, “is the measure of the union which associates her with Me in heaven.”

And Mechtilde cried: “Oh, dearest Lord, teach me how I may praise you as the loving Saint does.” Our Lord replied: “You must do it in the five wounds that love imprinted in her soul at the time of My Passion. When I was hanging on the Cross and near the end, seeing My eyes, which had so often looked with mercy on her, about to close in death, Magdalen’s heart was pierced as with a sharp arrow. She also saw death about to close My ears which had so often listened to her petitions; she witnessed the sorrow and tears of My Mother whom she tenderly loved for My sake. She then received another wound in her breast which was moved by compassion. She then saw My lips, which had so often said kind words to instruct and console her, above all those words Your faith has made you safe, go in peace (Luke 7:50), grow white in death and become incapable of speech. She again felt her heart pierced. Shortly afterwards, seeing My Heart and being moved again to great love for Me, her heart was pierced again. And at last, when she saw Me, her life, her joy and all her treasure, without whom she seemed unable to live, dead and laid in the tomb, her soul dying, so to speak, by the violence of its love, succumbed under inexpressible sorrow.”

Mechtilde saw Magdalen standing before our Lord. Her burning heart shone with the brightness of the sun and illumined her whole body. Heaven showed her that this fire had been kindled in Magdalen’s heart for the first time when she heard Christ say: “Thy sins are forgiven thee, go in peace” (Luke 7:50). It was so strong in her that from that time all her thoughts and actions were changed into it. Mechtilde also understood that in every soul consumed by divine love all its actions, thoughts, or sufferings, like branches thrown into the fire, are changed into the fire of love and increase it constantly by feeding it. If also other combustible matter, such as venial sin, is thrown in it is also consumed and destroyed. This soul would be entirely aflame, and on leaving the body the evil spirits would not dare to approach it. But they who are not burning with this fire, I mean divine love, whatever they may do, will not be able to destroy their sins. The evil they do will weigh them down and be a heavy load at the hour of death.

According to this doctrine, with what a great love must Magdalen’s heart have been filled! This holy fire had been enkindled on the day she was forgiven, but it had grown every day while she followed Jesus, listened to His words, and imitated His virtues. What had it become after she had received the five wounds in her heart at the time of the Passion? What was it after our Lord’s appearance to her on the morning of the Resurrection? What was it at the end of Magdalen’s life after her long years of penance in the Cave of Saint Baume?

She is one of the lovers of the Sacred Heart and her mission is to gain for it disciples from amongst the lost sheep. And Mechtilde teaches us how it is done: “She seemed to see, springing from our Lord’s feet, two trees covered with leaves and fruit, signifying the fruits of penance that Magdalen gathered, and distributed with joy to all who sought her help.” Mechtilde understood that she had obtained at our Lord’s feet the privilege of obtaining for all those who invoked her the gift of true repentance, and Saint Mary Magdalen said to her: “Every one who gives thanks to God for the tears I shed over the feet of Christ, and for my having washed those sacred feet and wiped them with my hair; and who praises Him for the love He then poured into my soul and heart, so in flaming me that I could never again love anything else; and begs tears of true repentance and the infusion of divine love, will see our Lord listen willingly, because of my merits, to his pious requests. Before death his sins will be forgiven and he will increase in the love of God.”

Sinful souls who have sullied your hearts like Magdalen, do you not feel great comfort in hearing such words? You, too, can reach the Heart of God. You can also burn with the same love as Magdalen and receive the same wounds!

Prayer to Saint Mary Magdalen

I give you thanks, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, for all the tears that Blessed Mary Magdalen shed at Your feet, for washing them with her hands, wiping them with her hair, and for the love with which you so entirely inflame her body and soul, filling her heart so that she never loved any other thing than Thyself. Therefore, I beg of Thee, Lord Jesus, that by her great merits you would grant me the tears of true repentance and fill me with Your divine love, so that before death all my sins may be forgiven by Thee, Jesus, Saviour of the World, King of glory, who lives and reigns with the same God, Father and Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Prayer to St. Mary Magdalen

I give Thee thanks, O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the
living God, for all the tears that Blessed Mary Magdalen
shed at Thy feet, for washing them with her hands,
wiping them with her hair, and for the love with
which Thou didst so entirely inflame her body
and soul,
filling her heart so that she never loved any
other thing
than Thyself. Therefore, I beg of Thee, Lord Jesus,
that by her great merits Thou wouldst grant me the tear
of true repentance and fill me with Thy divine love, so
that before death all my sins may be forgiven by Thee,
Jesus, Saviour of the World, King of glory, who livest
and reignest with the same God, Father and Holy Spirit,
world without end. Amen.

On the Conversion of St. Mary Magdalene

by Richard Challoner, 1807

Consider first, the sudden and wonderful change God was pleased to work in the heart of this glorious penitent. Behold a woman in the city that was a sinner, (saith St. Luke) when she knew that Jesus was at meat in the house of the Pharisee, brought an alabaster box of ointment; and standing behind at his feet, she began to wash His feet with her tears; and she wiped them with the hairs of her head, and she kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment, Luke vii. 37, 38. See here, my soul, a penitent indeed; thoroughly penetrated with the sense of the dreadful evil of her sins, and therefore not to be restrained, either by shame or fear, or any considerations of what the world would think, or say, from running immediately to her Saviour, though then at table, and in the midst of the Pharisees, and there to do public penance, without regard to their censures or contempt. O see what it is for a soul to have her eyes truly opened, to discover the deformity of her sins, and to view those odious monsters in their true shape, which have so long possessed her! She thinks every moment an age, till by running to our Lord, she can get rid of her guilt, whatever it may cost her, or whoever may scoff at her, or censure her for it.

Consider 2dly, the chiefest ingredients in Magdalen's conversion; her faith, her humility, her love, her penitential tears, and her dedicating now to the service of her Lord all that she had before employed in sin. Her faith, joined with her humble confidence in the goodness and mercy of her Saviour, appears in her running to Him to be washed and cleansed by Him from all her filth, in the true fountain of life. Her humility appears, in her not daring to come before His face, nor to address herself to Him in words, but standing behind at His feet, and speaking to His heart by floods of tears. Her ardent love shews itself, in her often kissing His feet, and in the penitential tears it produces; and is therefore taken notice of by our Lord, as the main disposition towards her justification. Many sins are forgiven her (said he) for she hath loved much, ver. 47. And now her hair, her precious ointments, her whole person, are wholly dedicated to her Saviour, to whom, from this time forward, she adheres, with such an inviolable fidelity, and unalterable affection, as not even to suffer herself to be kept off from him, either by the ignominy of the cross, or the horror of the sepulchre. See, sinners, what it is to be a perfect convert, what it is to be a penitent indeed.

Consider 3dly, the lessons all Christians may learn from Magdalen's conversion. And first, a sense of the wonderful mercies of God, who thus changes, in an instant, the greatest sinners into the greatest saints; that so we may never despair of the conversion of any one, nor ever presume to despise poor sinners, how abandoned soever, or to prefer ourselves before any of them ; since whatever they are to-day, to-morrow they may be great penitents, and great favourites of heaven. Secondly, we must learn, from this great example, a ready compliance with the graces and calls of God; with a courage and resolution to overcome the opposition we shall be sure to meet with in our return to God, from old habits, human respects, or any other considerations. Alas! if Magdalen had regarded the censures of the world, or delayed her conversion, for fear of what the Pharisees should say or think of her, in all appearance she would have died in her sins. Thirdly, we may learn by her example, that the most effectual means for the remission of all our sins, and the advancing of our souls to the perfection of all holiness, is an ardent love of our blessed Redeemer, and a repentance influenced by love. Happy we, if we can but learn of her to go daily in this penitential spirit to the feet of Christ! He never rejects a penitent.

Conclude, if thou hast followed Magdalen in her sins, to imitate her also in her conversion : and the more, and the greater thy sins have been, to make the greater return of love to Him, who has so mercifully spared thee in thy sins, and so lovingly forgiven thee that immense debt, which thou owedst to His justice.

FEAST OF THE HOLY PENITENT MARY MAGDALEN
by Leonard Goffine, Published 1896

Mary Magdalen, a sister of Lazarus and of Martha, of Bethany, was a notorious sinner in Jerusalem. Moved by the preaching of Jesus, she did public penance. She went openly into the house of the Pharisee with whom Jesus was sitting at table, threw herself at His feet, anointed them with precious ointment, washed them with her tears, and wiped them with her hair. Jesus, knowing her contrite heart, forgave her her sins (Luke vii. 37, 38), and from that time forward she became the most zealous and faithful of the women who were disciples of Our Lord. She followed Him, always ministered unto Him of her substance (Luke viii. 3), and when He died was standing under the cross. Prayer:

We beseech Thee, O Lord, that we may be helped by the intercession of blessed Mary Magdalen, at whose prayers Thou didst raise up again to life her brother Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. Who livest, etc. Amen.

EPISTLE. Cant. iii. 2-5; viii. 6, 7.

I will rise and will go about the city: in the streets and the broad ways I will seek him whom my soul loveth: I sought him and I found him not. The watchmen who keep the city found me: Have you seen him whom my soul loveth? When I had a little passed by them, I found him whom my soul loveth. I held him: and I will not let him go till I bring him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that bore me. I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes and the harts of the fields, that you stir not up, nor awake my beloved till she please. Put me as a seal upon thy heart, as a seal upon thy arm, for love is strong as death; jealousy as hard as hell; the lamps thereof are fire and flame. Many waters cannot quench charity, neither can the floods drown it: if a man should give all the substance of his house for love, he shall despise it as nothing.

The soul that, following the direction of the watchmen, that is, the priests, teachers, and rulers of the Church, seeks Jesus, He goes to meet, gives Himself up to, takes up His abode in, with all His love, with all His treasures. The soul which has found Christ for delight forgets all outward things, and no longer has love or joy but for and in Christ. How should it be otherwise? What can be wanting to him who truly possesses Christ? This love for Him Who loved us unto death shows itself by outward acts that are heroic. So Mary Magdalen loved Jesus. Follow her example.

GOSPEL. Luke vii. 36-50.

At that time : One of the Pharisees desired Jesus to eat with him. And He went into the house of the Pharisee, and sat down to meat. And behold a woman that was in the city, a sinner, when she knew that He sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, and standing behind, at His feet, she began to wash His feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. And the Pharisee, who had invited Him, seeing it, spoke within himself, saying : This man, if He were a prophet, would know surely who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth Him, that she is a sinner. And Jesus answering, said to him: Simon, I have somewhat to say to thee. But he said : Master, say it. A certain creditor had two debtors, the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And whereas they had not wherewith to pay, he forgave them both. Which, therefore, of the two loveth him most? Simon answering, said : I suppose that he to whom he forgave most. And He said to him: Thou hast judged rightly. And turning to the woman, He said unto Simon : Dost thou see this woman? I entered into thy house, thou gavest Me no water for My feet; but she with tears hath washed My feet, and with her hairs hath wiped them. Thou gavest Me no kiss; but she, since she came in, hath not ceased to kiss My feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint; but she with ointment hath anointed My feet. Wherefore I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much. But to whom less is forgiven, he loveth less. And He said to her: Thy sins are forgiven thee. And they that sat at meat with Him began to say within themselves: Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And He said to the woman: Thy faith hath made thee safe, go in peace.

Magdalen, who had sinned openly, openly did penance. In like manner, he who has given public scandal must seek to make amends for it by public good example.

Magdalen confessed her sins, says St. Ambrose, not with words, but with abundant tears of penitence. To tell her sins to Christ, the All-knowing, was not necessary; but what a confession was there in the posture of humiliation, and in the tears that flowed from the contrite sinner. Would you obtain forgiveness? Confess with contrition, like Magdalen.

The words, "Thy faith hath made thee safe," denote a faith active as love. Faith and love are in truth never separated, for he only truly believes who also loves; and he only loves according to God s will who believes in Him. Therefore believe in truth, love, and show your love by earnest hatred of every sin, by flying from occasions of sin, by fighting against your passions, by change of your life, and by humble confession, and as true as God lives you will be saved, as was Magdalen ; the peace of God will enter into your heart.

Aspiration:

O most loving Jesus, give me an earnest will to forsake all evil, and to return to Thee, my chief good, to repent of my sins out of true love, to guard against them for the future, to shun the occasion by which I have hitherto been enticed into sin, and by the practice of good works to redeem the time lost. Grant me this, O Jesus, by Thy bitter passion and death, and through the intercession of the holy penitent Magdalen. Amen.

"Wherefore I say to thee: Many sins are forgiven her, because she hath loved much."--Luke 7:47

(Can be Prayed as a Novena for Nine Consecutive Days)

St. Gertrude relates that St. Mary Magdalen said to St. Mechtilde: "Whosoever shall give God thanks for all the tears I shed upon the feet of Jesus, our most, merciful God will grant him, through my intercession, remission of all his sins before his death, and a great increase of love to God."

O Most merciful Jesus, I give Thee thanks for that work of piety which the blessed Mary Magdalen wrought on Thee when she washed thy feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed them and anointed them with fragrant ointment; whereby she obtained from Thee such signal grace that Thou didst pour into her heart and soul so great love of Thee that she could love nothing apart from Thee: beseeching Thee that by her merits and intercessions Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant me tears of true repentance, and pour into my heart Thy divine love. Amen. 

(Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory be the Father)