St. Andrew's Prayer from the Liturgical Year

 

Prayer from the Liturgical Year, 1901

God grants us to meet thee, O Blessed Andrew, at the threshold of the mystic Season of Advent, on which we are so soon to enter. When Jesus, our Messias, began his public life, thou hadst already become the obedient disciple of the Precursor, who preached His coming: thou wast among the first of them who received the Son of Mary as the Messias foretold in the law and the prophets. But thou couldst not keep the heavenly secret from him who was so dear to thee; to Peter, then, thou didst bear the good tidings, and didst lead him to Jesus.

O blessed Apostle! we also are longing for the Messias, the Saviour of our souls; since thou hast found him, lead us also unto him. We place under thy protection the holy period of expectation and preparation, which is to bring us to the day of our Saviour's Nativity, that divine mystery in which He will manifest Himself to the world. Assist us to render ourselves worthy of seeing Him on that great night. The baptism of penance prepared thee for receiving the grace of knowing the Word of life; pray for us that we may become truly penitent and may purify our hearts, during that holy time, and thus be able to behold Him, who has said: Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.

Thou hast a special power of leading souls to Jesus, O glorious Saint! for even he, who was to be made the pastor of the whole flock, was presented to the Messias by thee. By calling thee to Himself on this day, our Lord has given thee as the patron of Christians who, each year, seeking again that God in whom thou art now living, pray to thee to show them the way which leads to Jesus.

Thou teachest us this way; it is that of fidelity, of fidelity even to the Cross. In that way thou didst courageously walk: and because the Cross leads to Jesus Christ, thou didst passionately love the Cross. Pray for us, O holy Apostle! that we may begin to understand this love of the Cross; and that having understood it, we may put it in practice. Thy brother says to us in his Epistle: Christ having suffered in the flesh, be you also armed with the same thought. Thy feast, O blessed Andrew! shows us thee as the living commentary of this doctrine. Because thy Master was crucified, thou wouldst also be crucified. From the high throne to which thou hast been raised by the Cross, pray for us, that the Cross may be unto us the expiation of the sins which are upon us, the quenching of the passions which burn within us, and the means of uniting us by love to Him, who, through love alone for us, was nailed to the Cross.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

                                       

"Hail and blessed be the hour and the moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,

at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.

In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires

(here mention your requests)

through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother.

Amen."

 

The Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is often called simply the “Christmas Novena” or the “Christmas Anticipation Prayer,” because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) until Christmas.

The First Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.
(It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer fifteen times a day
from the feast of St. Andrew (30th November) until Christmas will obtain what is asked.)

Imprimatur

+MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York

New York, February 6, 1897

Prayer to St. Andrew as your Patron Saint

 

Saint Andrew, 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 First Warning of Advent: Christ is nigh! Let us give up Sin, and practise Virtue

 

 Rom. xiii. 12: The night is passed, and the day is at hand:

"Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light."

ADVENT

The word Advent is from the Latin adventus for "coming" and is associated with the four weeks of preparation for Christmas. Advent always contains four Sundays, beginning on the Sunday nearest the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, (November 30) and continuing until December 24. It blends together a penitential spirit, very similar to Lent, a liturgical theme of preparation for the Second and Final Coming of the Lord, called the Parousia, and a joyful theme of getting ready for the Bethlehem event.

Since the 900s Advent has been considered the beginning of the Church year. This does not mean that Advent is the most important time of the year. Easter has always had this honor.

The traditional color of Advent is purple or violet which symbolizes the penitential spirit. Religious traditions associated with Advent express all these themes.

Week 1 of Advent

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Prayer For The Advent Wreath

Lord, our God, we praise You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, for He is Emmanuel, the Hope of all people.
He is the Wisdom that teaches and guides us.
He is the Savior of us all.
O Lord,
let your blessing come upon us as we light the first (purple) candle of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a sign of Christ's promise of salvation.
May He come quickly and not delay.
We ask this in His holy name. Amen.

Waiting

First Sundy of Advent: Solicitude for Eternal Salvation
by Bishop Ehrler, 1891


"But when these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption is at hand" (Luke 21 : 28).

Our Lord, in the Gospel of this day, directs our attention to the end of the world and the Last Judgment. He speaks of the terrible signs which shall then appear in the heavens, when the light of the sun shall grow dim, the moon shall no longer give her light, the stars shall fall from the firmament, and the world shall be covered with more than Egyptian darkness; and of those other signs which shall then appear upon the earth--of the violent disturbance of the sea, of the distress of nations, and the withering away of men through fear. All these things warn us to enter upon the new Ecclesiastical Year with serious thoughts, and to profit by this season of grace for the advancement of our eternal interests. "When these things begin to come to pass, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is at hand." "Brethren, now is the hour for us to rise from sleep: for now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. The night is passed, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light (Rom. 13: 11-12)".

In the natural year, spring, summer, autumn, and winter follow each other in visible and endless succession; so, also, the ecclesiastical year revolves in a mysterious orbit, elevating and consecrating the various seasons by its graces and blessings. We are thus doubly warned and invited to sanctify ourselves and to travel onward to our heavenly goal. Yet, for vast numbers, these merciful dispensations of Providence are profitless. Time passes, the years, months, and days rush swiftly by, and there is no growth in virtue, no progress in holiness, to be discerned in their souls. How many years have you, my brethren, already spent without gaining any thing for eternal life! Far from increasing in merit, your sins and vices, perhaps, have rendered you utterly bankrupt in divine grace. Most justly, then, does the Apostle exhort us, today, "to cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light;" and, to the end that you profit by his warnings, and those of the present Gospel, I will explain to you that the care for your salvation is:

I. The most necessary;
II. The most sublime; and
III. The sweetest duty of our life.

I. The care of our soul is the most necessary duty of our life.

1. All the other cares which engross our attention, have reference to the perishable things of this earthly life. But can you name to me a care or a duty as pressing and important as that of our eternal salvation? All other cares are but transient, superficial, trivial; the care of our souls involves our deepest and holiest interests, the decision of our lot for all eternity. Before many years, this body of ours, the object of so much solicitude, which we feed and clothe so carefully, will return to dust. The goods and joys of life are as glittering dust, which will be swept away by the storm preceding the General Judgment, and which is of no value in the eyes of God and his Saints. The friends and relatives whose well-being is very near our heart, are little more than transient acquaintances whom we meet and part from at a wayside inn, bidding them farewell after a short greeting. "I have seen all things that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit." (Eccles. i: 14.) Our souls will not die nor decay. Their eternal happiness or misery depends on the care or carelessness we manifest in their regard. Is there then a greater necessity than to care for our immortal soul?

2. This affair cannot be neglected without incurring the greatest damage. Many evils may attend the neglect or careless conduct of our earthly affairs, but temporal calamities are rarely irremediable or utterly barren of good. There is scarcely any earthly calamity which can not either be repaired or soon forgotten. You may win back lost possessions, or gain still larger ones. Other and better friends may take the place of those whose loss you mourn; and the most delicate health may be restored. All temporal things may be given back to man, or he can console himself for their loss with the hope of higher possessions in the future. But if, through indifference, your soul is once lost, all is lost--And Lost Forever! Nothing can compensate you for this loss or misery. Not a single moment of the time wasted in any other occupation than in the care of our souls, will be given back to us a second time. He who has not saved his soul for everlasting life in the short span allotted to him, is cast out into exterior darkness. He is a branch cut off from the vine to be thrust into the fire. Like the foolish virgins, he stands without a nuptial chamber whose door shall never open to him. As in the case of the unprofitable servant, the talent buried by him, is delivered into the hand of another. Is there any other care on which such momentous interests depend?

3. This care admits of no delay and of no substitute. Time flies with lightning speed, and we should not waste a single hour of it. That which is put off, is already lost. What is neglected today, cannot be recovered tomorrow. There is no tomorrow, or the next day; there is only today and now. Neither can you employ a substitute in this matter. I, myself--you, yourselves--must care for the immortal soul God has given each one of us. Though you possessed along retinue of servants, though you claimed command over thousands, not one or all of that great army of subordinates could relieve you of this important duty. No friend, on earth or in heaven, can take your place in this momentous concern.

4. What does the Sacred Scripture say of this necessary care? "Martha, Martha! thou art careful, and art troubled about many things. But one thing is necessary (Luke 10: 41-42)." Martha is fulfilling the holy duties of hospitality to Christ himself, yet he says to her: "But one thing is necessary." "What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, and lose his own soul (Matt. 8 : 33)?" Alas! where are those who daily put the question to themselves: "What shall I do, that I may have life everlasting (Matt. 19 : 16)?"


II. The care of our soul is not only the most necessary, but also the most sublime business and duty of our life.

1. What is the value of the soul in the eyes of the world? In the judgment of the world, a soul is of little or no worth. Countless myriads of men go through life in poverty and want, covered with miserable rags. The world passes them contemptuously by. In great armies, they are led to battle, and a cannon-ball mows down whole ranks of them, as a scythe mows down the grass of the field. Millions, again, are bound in the chains of slavery, and are only prized, like animals, for their physical beauty or strength. Hundreds and thousands are employed in the unwholesome air of mills and factories, which slowly, but surely, poisons their lives, that others may live in ease and luxury, or that the capital of employers may be increased. My God! of what worth is a man in the eyes of the world? A valueless creature--he is made still more wretched by the ruin which sin brings on his soul. For a transitory pleasure, for the gratification of a sensual lust, some men are as ready to sell their souls to the devil, as Judas was to sell his Lord and Master for thirty pieces of silver.

2. But what is a human soul in the eyes of God? A jewel of such value that human reason cannot comprehend it.

(a.) From all eternity, the soul of man was the object of God's thoughts. He made her according to His own image and likeness; for which reason, she surpasses in beauty and dignity all visible things. He built the universe for her, to lead her, as a queen, into her own palace. All visible things are assigned to her service.

(b.) The Son of God left the glory of his Father, became man, and embraced a life of poverty and suffering for the sake of our soul. He shed his precious blood to cleanse her from sin. For her, he established His Church, and dwells day and night in the most holy Sacrament of the Altar, as an unceasing renewal of his love for her.

(c.) The Holy Ghost has consecrated the human soul as His temple, in order to make his abode in her with the Father and the Son. He has adorned her with the richest gifts of His grace; He descends into her in a sevenfold stream, enlightening her with the beams of His wisdom. He is her counsellor and her strength. He supports and protects the Church from error, so that she may continue her efficacy for the salvation of mankind to the end of time.

(d.) As if this were not enough, God, so to say, moves the heavens, that He may save our soul, His beloved bride, for whose protection he sends down the blessed spirits. He gives her the name of a saint, whom He appoints to watch over her as her patron; and, finally, He commits her to the care of a guardian angel. Could God do more in order to show us the value of our soul?

3. And what value does the devil set upon a human soul? He is willing to pay a big price for it; he is willing to give for her all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.

4. And what do men think of the soul so highly prized by God and the evil one? Alas! how foolishly the great mass of men act! They live as if they had no souls. They exchange that priceless treasure for the perishable things of this world, for a handful of barley and a piece of bread, for a sinful enjoyment. They barter away the bride of heaven, entrusted to their care, for the gratification of a base passion.


III. The care of our soul, through the mercy of God, is, at the same time, both light and sweet. Convinced as we are of the value of our soul, no sacrifice should be too great, no labor too hard, if it is for her salvation. But the Lord has made the care, for our soul, easy and sweet. "Come to me, all you that labor, and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you." "My yoke is sweet, and my burden is light (Matt. 11 : 28, 30)." He calls His service and the care for the salvation of our soul, a burden and a yoke, but He declares, as well, that joy and delight will be the portion of him who loves this burden, and carries this yoke cheerfully, unto the end.

1. What does the Lord require from us that we may save our soul?

(a.) A firm and living faith in His holy word, announced by His own divine lips, or by the mouth of His infallible Church. Is this a sacrifice too great and oppressive? Is not faith the light of life, and our strength in every difficulty and trial? Is it not our hope and consolation in the dark and bitter hour of death? Faith beautifies our life, and pours heavenly peace into our hearts. How miserable and wretched we should be if deprived of this light and balm! Mustwe not exclaim with St. Peter: "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6 : 69)."

(b.) God commands us to love Him with our whole heart, with our whole soul, and with all our strength. Is this difficult or impossible? Is He not the supreme Being, and the best of Fathers? Is He not the most amiable Being, worthy of all our affections? And are we not happy in His love ?

(c.) He commands us to keep the commandments. "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments (Matt. 19 : 17)." They are the foundation of our happiness, here and hereafter. And if some commandments involve a sacrifice, is not every sacrifice made for the love of God, the source of new joys?

2. Christ Himself has done the greater part of the work of our salvation. "I will come and heal him," said He to the Centurion who implored Him to speak only a word from a distance for the cure of his servant. "I myself will come and heal her," said the Son of God, when He was about to deliver our soul from sin and perdition. And He has healed her by fulfilling for us the entire law so that nothing more is left for us than to partake of His merits. "He that spared not even His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how hath He not also, with Him, given us all things (Rom. 8: 32)"? What there is yet left to be done, the Lord will help us to accomplish by giving us His grace; and fortified by that grace, we may exclaim with St. Paul: "I can do all things in him who strengtheneth me (Phil. 4: 13)."

3. Furthermore, our Lord has solemnly promised that He will give an eternal reward for every effort made through love of Him. "He that shall persevere to the end, He shall be saved (Matt 10: 22.)." "To him that overcometh, I will, give the hidden manna (Apoc. 2 : 17)." No labor done, no sacrifice made for God and the salvation of our soul, is vain or fruitless. "Our present tribulation which is momentary and light, worketh for us above measure exceedingly an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4: 17,18.)." What will men not do in hope of a reward? And how seldom is the promised reward worthy of the toil that purchases it! The sea hides in its bosom a mighty ruin of shipwrecked treasures; but the ocean of human life conceals in its depths still vaster wrecks of disappointed hopes and fruitless labors. Men never weary of launching their frail bark on the same treacherous sea; but no matter what loss or ruin may come to temporal things, God never deceives the hopes of man in the matter of his soul's salvation.

When Jacob had served Laban, his father-in-law, for a long time, he approached him and said: "Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how great thy possession hath been in my hands. It is reasonable, therefore, that I should now provide also for my own house (Gen. 30 : 29, 30)." Let this be the sentiment wherewith you enter into the New Year: "Many, many years have I served the world and sin. It is reasonable, that I should now provide also for my own house." Yes, it is time for us all to love God and care for our immortal soul. Amen.

_________________________________



Hymn: Veni,veni Emmanuel
(8th Century)

O Come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.


O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory o'er the grave.

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.


O come, Thou Dayspring, from on high,
And cheer us by Thy drawing nigh;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.


O come, Thou Key of David, come
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high
And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.


O come, Adonai, 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! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

_________________________________



The First Warning of Advent:
Christ is nigh! Let us give up Sin, and practise Virtue.


Rom. xiii. 12 : The night is passed, and the day is at hand:
"Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and put on the armour of light."

Hark, an awful voice is sounding;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

Startled at the solemn warning,
Let the earth-bound soul arise;
Christ her Sun, all sloth dispelling,
Shines upon the morning skies.

Hark, an awful voice is sounding;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

Lo, the Lamb so long expected,
Comes with pardon down from heaven:
Let us haste with tears of sorrow,
One and all to be forgiven.

Hark, an awful voice is sounding;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

So when next He comes with glory,
Wrapping all the earth in fear,
May He then, as our Defender,
On the clouds of heaven appear.

Hark, an awful voice is sounding;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

Honour, glory, virtue, merit,
To the Father and the Son,
With the Everlasting Spirit,
While Eternal ages run.

Hark, an awful voice is sounding;
"Christ is nigh," it seems to say;
"Cast away the dreams of darkness,
O ye children of the day!"

Blessing the Advent Wreath at Home

 

The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent.

1514 When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family; the shorter rite may appropriately be used for this purpose.

1515 When the Advent Wreath is used in the home, the opening prayer of the Sunday Mass is recited when the candles are lighted. The lighting of the candles may be preceded or followed by an Advent hymn and a Scripture reading. The lighting of the Advent Wreath may fittingly be included as a part of the evening meal.

1516 The Advent Wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or a lay minister. 

1. Make the Sign of the Cross:

All make the Sign of the Cross. The leader begins:
Our help is in the name of the Lord.

2.Pray the Responsory:

All respond:
Who made heaven and earth.

The leader may use these or similar words to introduce the blessing:
In the short days and long nights of Advent, we realize how we are always needing salvation by our God. Around this wreath, we shall remember God's promise.

3.Read Isaiah

Then the Scripture is read:
Listen to the words of the prophet Isaiah:  9:1-2

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light.

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom, a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing.

The reader concludes: The word of the Lord.

All respond: Thanks be to God.

After a time of silence, all join in prayers of intercession and in the Lord's Prayer:
Our Father.

4. Pray the Prayer of Blessing:

Then the leader invites:
Let us now pray for God's blessing upon us and upon this wreath.

After a short silence, the leader prays:

Lord our God,
we praise you for your Son, Jesus Christ:
he is Emmanuel, the hope of the peoples,
he is the wisdom that teaches and guides us,
he is the Savior of every nation.

Lord God,
let your blessing come upon us
as we light the candles of this wreath.
May the wreath and its light
be a sign of Christ's promise to bring us salvation;
may he come quickly and not delay.

We ask this through Christ our Lord

R. Amen.

5. Sprinkle the Advent Wreath With Holy Water

6. Pray the Advent Wreath Prayer for the First Week and Light the First Candle

The blessing may conclude with a verse from “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

O come, desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of humankind;

bid ev’ry sad division cease and be thyself our Prince of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

7. End With the Sign of the Cross

Blessing of the Christmas Tree in the Home

 

Description:

This blessing of the Christmas tree can be performed by the father of a family. This blessing can be done during Advent, or at Christmas. This was taken from the 1954 Collectio Rituum.

Prayer:

BLESSING OF A CHRISTMAS TREE FOR THE HOME

The father of the family recites the antiphon. The psalm is then recited alternately with the rest of the family.

Antiphon: Let all the trees of the forest sing for joy, for the Lord has come.

Psalm 95:

Sing to the Lord a new song; 

sing unto the Lord, all the earth.

Sing to the Lord, bless His name 

Proclaim His salvation day after day.

Declare His glory among the nations, 

His wonders among all the peoples.

For great is the Lord, and highly to be praised, 

to be feared above all the gods.

For all the gods of the heathen are vain idols; 

but the Lord made the heavens.

Majesty and beauty are before Him:

Power and splendor are in His sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, 

ascribe to the Lord glory and power; 

ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name.

Offer sacrifice, and enter His courts. 

Worship the Lord in holy attire.

Tremble before Him, all the earth. 

Proclaim among the nations "the Lord is king."

He has established the world that is not moved; 

He rules the people with equity.

Let the heavens rejoice and let the earth be glad; 

let the sea and all that it contains resound, 

let the fields exult and all that is in them.

Then shall the trees of the forest rejoice before the Lord, 

for He comes, for He comes to rule the earth.

He will rule the world with justice,

And the peoples according to His faithfulness.

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.

The antiphon is repeated by all together:

Antiphon: Let all the trees of the forest sing for joy, for the Lord has come.

FIRST READING:

The mother of the family reads:

After the fall of our first parents the earth was bare and desolate; the world stood in the darkness of sin. But when the Savior was born our earth shone with a new brightness; the glory of the Almighty had renewed the world, making it more beautiful than before. This tree once stood dark and empty in a cold world. But now resplendent with lights and bright adornments in its new glory, this Christmas tree reflects the new beauty that God brought to earth when "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." By a tree the whole world has been redeemed, and therefore, with great joy we celebrate the glory of this tree.

SECOND READING:

One of the children reads:

From the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke:

At that time it came to pass that while Mary and Joseph were at Bethlehem, the days for her to be delivered were fulfilled. And she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds in the same district living in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of God shone about them and they feared exceedingly. And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you news of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there has been born to you today in the town of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

All recite: Glory to God on high, * and on earth peace to men whom God has chosen. * We praise you. * We bless you. * We adore you. * We glorify you. * We worship you for your great glory. * Lord God, heavenly king, * God the Father all-powerful! * Lord Jesus Christ, only-begotten Son! * Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father! * You that take away the sins of the world, * have mercy on us. * You that take away the sins of the world, * receive our prayer. * You that sit at the right hand of the Father, * have mercy on us. * For you alone are the Holy One, * you alone are the Lord. * You alone are the Most High, O Jesus Christ, * with the Holy Spirit in the glory of God the Father. * Amen.

PRAYER

Father: Christ is the tree of life.

All: In the midst of the paradise of delights.

Father: He is the tree.

All: We are the branches.

Father: In Him was life

All: And the life was the light of men.

Father: The Lord be with you.

All: And with you also.

Father: Let us pray: Bless, we beseech Thee, O Holy God, Father Almighty, this noble tree which we have adorned in honor of the new birth of Thy only-begotten Son, and do Thou so adorn our souls with the manifold beauties of Thy graces that being internally enlightened by the splendor radiating from this tree, we like the wisemen may come to adore Him who is eternal Light and Beauty, the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord.

All: Amen.

From the 1954 Collectio Rituum.  

Supplication to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

 

SUPPLICA TO BE RECITED TODAY

To be prayed at 5 p.m. on November 27th, Feast of the Miraculous Medal, and in urgent necessities, any day, at that time.

O Immaculate Virgin, we know that always and everywhere you are willing to listen to the prayers of your exiled children in this valley of tears, but we also know that you have days and times in which you are pleased to spread more abundantly the treasures of your graces. And so, very well, O Mary, here we are, prostrate before You, precisely in that blessed day and time, chosen by you in the manifestation of your Medal.

We come to You, full of immense gratitude and unlimited confidence in this hour so beloved by You, to give you thanks for the great gift which you have bestowed upon us, giving us Your image, with the goal that it be for us living testimony of affection and your garment of protection. We promise you that, in accord with your wish, the holy Medal will be the sign of your presence, together with us; it will be our book by which we will learn to know, by your counsel, how much you have loved us, and what we must do so as to not render useless your many sacrifices, and those of Your Divine Son. Yes, your pierced Heart, represented in the Medal, takes possession always of our own and will make ours beat in unison with Yours. Our heart will be enflamed with love for Jesus and Your Heart will strengthen ours to be able to carry the cross behind Him each day.

This is your hour, O Mary, the hour of your inexhaustible goodnesss, of your mercy triumphant, the hour in which you birthed, through your Medal, that torrent of graces and prodigies that flooded the earth. Make this hour, O Mother, in which we remember you be the sweet stirring of your Heart, which moved you to come visit us and to bring us the remedy of so many evils. Make this hour also be our hour, the hour of our sincere conversion, the hour in which we will fully hear your will.

You, who have rightly promised in this fortunate hour that, many would be the graces received for those who ask with confidence: turn your eyes with kindness towards our supplications. We confess not meriting your graces; but to whom shall we turn, O Mary, if not to you, who are our Mother, in whose hands God has placed all his graces? Have therefore pity on us. We ask this by your Immaculate Conception, and for the love that moved you to give us Your Precious Medal. O, consoler of the afflicted, who has already been endeared by our wounds, look at the evils that oppress us.

Let your Medal shower over us and all our loved ones your beatific rays: cure our sick, give peace to our families, liberate us of all danger. May your Medal bring relief to those who suffer, console the ones who cry, and give light and strength to all. We especially ask you for the conversion of sinners, particularly for those who are our most beloved. Remember that for them you have suffered, have pleaded and cried. Save us, O Refuge of Sinners, with the goal that after we have all loved, invoked and served you on earth, we may be able to thank you and praise you eternally in Heaven. Amen.

Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal (Feast: November 27)

                              

OPENING PRAYER

V. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
R. Amen.

V. Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

V. Let us pray: O God, who didst instruct the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Spirit, grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise and ever to rejoice in His consolation, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
R. Amen.

V. O Mary, conceived without sin,
R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee. ( 3 times.)


Lord Jesus Christ who hast vouchsafed to glorify by numberless miracles the Blessed Virgin Mary Immaculate from the first moment of her Conception, grant that all who devoutly implore her protection on earth may eternally enjoy Thy presence in heaven who, with the Father and Holy Ghost livest and reignest, God, for ever and ever. Amen. O Lord Jesus Christ who for the accomplishment of Thy greatest works hast chosen the weak things of the world that no flesh may glory in Thy sight and who for a better and more widely diffused belief in the Immaculate Conception of Thy Mother hast wished that the Miraculous Medal be manifested to Saint Catherine Laboure grant, we beseech Thee that filled with like humility we may glorify this mystery by word and work. Amen.

MEMORARE

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or 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.

NOVENA PRAYER

O Immaculate Virgin Mary Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother penetrated with the most lively confidence in thy all powerful and never failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we thy loving and trustful children implore thee to obtain for us the graces and favors we ask during this Novena, if they be beneficial to our immortal souls, and the souls for whom we pray. [Here mention your intentions] Thou knowest, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of thy Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where thou art the Queen of angels and of men. Amen.

AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO
OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Inmmaculate, we dedicate and consecrate our selves to thee under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of thy affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward thee. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by thy loving protection and preserved in the grace of thy Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to thee every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, thy children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with thee, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen.

V. O Mary, conceived without sin,
R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee. ( 3 times.)

Consecration to Jesus Through Mary

 

TRUE DEVOTION TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN

by St. Louis de Montfort

"St. Louis De Montfort advises us to prepare for the consecration by exercises which certainly and not compulsory, but which assure its great efficacy because of the purity and other dispositions which they tend to develop in our souls.

Two different periods are assigned for these exercises:

1. a preliminary period of twelve days during which we endeavor "to free ourselves from the spirit of the world"; and
2. a second period of three weeks; the first devoted to the knowledge of ourselves, the second to that of the Blessed Virgin and the third to that of Jesus Christ.

These periods mentioned by St. Louis De Montfort do not constitute a rigorous and unchangeable division. According to circumstances, they may be lengthened or shortened. The faithful often take but three days to prepare for the annual renewal of their consecration.

The object of this consecration is to cast off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ, in order to acquire fully the spirit of Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin. Hence the practices suggested by St. Louis De Montfort: renouncement of the world, knowledge of self, of the Blessed Virgin and of Jesus Christ."

FIRST PERIOD - TWELVE PRELIMINARY DAYS

RENOUNCEMENT OF THE WORLD

"The first part of the preparation should be employed in casting off the spirit of the world, which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ."

The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the supreme dominion of God, a denial which is manifested in practice by sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of Christ, which is also that of Mary.

It manifests itself by the concupiscence of the flesh, by the concupiscence of the eyes and by the pride of life; by disobedience to God's laws and the abuse of created things. Its works are, first, sin in all its forms; and then all else by which the devil leads to sin; works which bring error and darkness to the mind, and seduction and corruption to the will. Its pomps are the splendor and the charms employed by the devil to render sin alluring in persons, places and things.

Prayers to be said every day: Veni Creator and Ave Maris Stella

Suitable reading for the twelve days: Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapters 5, 6, 7.

Imitation of Christ, Book I, chapters 13, 18, 25, Book III, chapters 10, 40.

Spiritual Exercises: Examine your conscience, pray, practice renouncement, mortification, purity of heart, this purity is the indispensable condition for contemplating God in heaven, to see Him on earth and to know Him by the light of faith.

VENI CREATOR

Come, O Creator Spirit Blest!

And in our souls take u thy rest;

Come with Thy grace and heavenly aid,

To fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

Great Paraclete! To Thee we cry,

O highest gift of God most high!

O font of life! O fire of love!

And sweet anointing from above

Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts art known,

The finger of God's hand we own;

The promise of the Father, Thou!

Who dost the tongue with power endow.

Kindle our senses from above,

And make our hearts o'erflow with love;

With patience firm and virtue high

The weakness of our flesh supply.

Far from us drive the foe we dread,

And grant us Thy true peace instead;

So shall we not, with Thee for guide,

Turn from the path of life aside.

O, may Thy grace on us bestow

The Father and the Son to know,

And Thee through endless times confessed

Of both the eternal Spirit bless.

All glory while the ages run

Be to the Father and the Son

Who rose from death; the same to Thee,

O Holy Ghost, eternally. Amen.

MAGNIFICAT

My soul magnifies the Lord

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.

For He has looked on His servant in her lowliness.

For behold, henceforth, all generations shall call me blessed;

for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name;

And His mercy is from age to age on those who fear Him.

He has shown strength with His arm, He has scattered the proud-hearted, 

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;

He has filled the hungry with good things, sent the rich away empty.

He has helped His servant Israel, remembering his mercy, as He spoke to our fathers to Abraham and to His seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, etc.

AVE MARIS STELLA

Hail bright star of ocean,

God's own Mother blest,

Ever sinless Virgin,

Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave

Which from Gabriel came,

Peace confirm within us,

Changing Eva's name.

Break the captives' fetters,

Light on blindness pour,

All our ills expelling,

Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a mother;

May the Word Divine,

Born for us thy infant,

Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling,

Mildest of the mild,

Freed from guilt, preserve us,

Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless,

Make our way secure,

Till we find in Jesus

Joy forevermore.

Through the highest heaven

To the Almighty Three,

Father, Son and Spirit,

One same glory be. Amen.

SECOND PERIOD - FIRST WEEK

KNOWLEDGE OF SELF

"During the first week they should employ all their prayers and pious actions in asking for a knowledge of themselves and for contrition of their sins; and they should do this in a spirit of humility."

During this week, we shall consider not so much the opposition that exists between the spirit of Jesus and ours, as the miserable and humiliating state to which our sins have reduced us. Moreover, the True Devotion being an easy, short, sure and perfect way to arrive at that union with Our Lord which is Christian perfection, we shall enter seriously upon this way, strongly convinced of our misery and helplessness. But how attain this without a knowledge of ourselves?

Prayers: Litany of the Holy Ghost, Ave Maris Stella. Litany of the Blessed Virgin.

Reading: Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapters 24, 25.

Gospel of St. Luke, chapters 11, 13, 16, 17, 18.

Imitation of Christ, Book I, chapter 24; Book II, chapter 5; Book III, chapters 7, 8, 13, 20, 30, 47.

True Devotions to Mary Nos. 78-82, 227, 228.

Spiritual Exercises: Prayers, examens, reflection, acts of renouncement of our own will, of contrition for our sins, of contempt of self - all performed at the feet of Mary, for it is from her we hope for light to know ourselves, and it is near her that we shall be able to measure the abyss of our miseries without despairing.

LITANY OF THE HOLY GHOST

(For private devotion only)

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Father, all powerful, have mercy on us.

Jesus, Eternal Son of the Father, Redeemer of the world, save us.

Spirit of the Father and the Son, boundless life of both, sanctify us.

Holy Trinity, hear us.

Holy Ghost, Who proceedest from the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

Holy Ghost, Who art equal to the Father and the Son, enter our hearts.

Promise of God the Father, Have Mercy on us.

Ray of heavenly water...

Author of all good...

Source of heavenly water...

Consuming fire...

Ardent charity...

Spiritual unction...

Spirit of love and truth...

Spirit of wisdom and understanding...

Spirit of counsel and fortitude...

Spirit of the fear of the Lord...

Spirit of grace and prayer...

Spirit of peace and meekness...

Spirit of modesty and innocence...

Holy Ghost, the Comforter...

Holy Ghost, the Sanctifier...

Holy Ghost, Who governest the Church...

Gift of God, the Most High...

Spirit Who fillest the universe...

Spirit of the adoption of the children of God...

Holy Ghost, inspire us with the horror of sin.

Holy Ghost, come and renew the face of the earth.

Holy Ghost, shed Thy light in our souls.

Holy Ghost, engrave Thy law in our hearts.

Holy Ghost, inflame us with the flame of Thy love.

Holy Ghost, open to us the treasures of Thy graces.

Holy Ghost, teach us to pray well.

Holy Ghost, enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.

Holy Ghost, lead us in the way of salvation.

Holy Ghost, grant us the only necessary knowledge.

Holy Ghost, inspire in us the practice of good.

Holy Ghost, grant us the merits of all virtues.

Holy Ghost, make us persevere in justice.

Holy Ghost, be Thou our everlasting reward.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Ghost.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of wisdom and piety.

V. Come, Holy Ghost! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful

R. And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Let us pray

Grant, O merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame, and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen.

LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN

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, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God...

Holy Virgin of virgins...

Mother of Christ...

Mother of divine grace...

Mother most pure...

Mother most chaste...

Mother inviolate...

Mother undefiled...

Mother most amiable...

Mother most admirable

Mother of good counsel...

Mother of our Creator...

Mother of our Savior...

Virgin most prudent...

Virgin most venerable...

Virgin most renowned...

Virgin most powerful...

Virgin most merciful...

Virgin most faithful...

Mirror of justice...

Seat of wisdom...

Cause of our joy...

Spiritual vessel...

Vessel of honor...

Singular vessel of devotion...

Mystical rose...

Tower of David...

Tower of ivory...

House of gold...

Ark of the covenant...

Gate of heaven...

Morning star...

Health of the sick...

Refuge of sinners...

Comforter of the afflicted

Help of Christians...

Queen of angels...

Queen of patriarchs...

Queen of prophets...

Queen of Apostles...

Queen of Martyrs...

Queen of Confessors...

Queen of virgins...

Queen of all saints...

Queen conceived without original sin...

Queen assumed into heaven...

Queen of the most holy Rosary...

Queen of Peace...

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 takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

Grant unto us, Thy servants, we beseech Thee, O lord God, at all times to enjoy health of soul and body; and by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary, ever virgin, when freed from the sorrows of this present life, to enter into that joy which hath no end. Through Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

SECOND WEEK

Knowledge of the Blessed Virgin

"They shall devote the second week to the knowledge of the Blessed Virgin."

We must unite ourselves to Jesus through Mary - this is the characteristic of our devotion; therefore Saint De Montfort asks that the second week be employed in acquiring a knowledge of the Blessed Virgin.

Mary is our sovereign and our mediatrix, our Mother and our Mistress. Let us then endeavor to know the effects of this royalty, of this mediation, and of this maternity, as well as the grandeurs and prerogatives which are the foundation or consequences thereof. Our Mother is also a perfect mold wherein we are to be molded in order to make her intentions and dispositions ours. This we cannot achieve without studying the interior life of Mary; namely, her virtues, her sentiments, her actions, her participation in the mysteries of Christ and her union with Him.

Prayers: Litany of the Holy Ghost. Ave Maris Stella. Litany of the Blessed Virgin. St. Louis De Montfort’ s Prayer to Mary. Recitation of the Rosary.

Reading: Gospel according to St. Luke, chapters 1, 2. Gospel according to St. John, chapter 2. True Devotion Nos. 1-48, 90-93, 105-182, 213-225. Secret of Mary nos. 23-34.

Spiritual Exercises: Acts of love, pious affections for the Blessed Virgin, imitation of her virtues, especially her profound humility, her lively faith, her blind obedience, her continual mental prayer, her mortification in all things, her ardent charity, her heroic patience, her angelic sweetness and her divine wisdom; "these being," as St. Louis De Montfort says, "the ten principal virtues of the Blessed Virgin."

ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT'S PRAYER TO MARY

Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father! Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son! Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost! Hail Mary, my dear Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign! Hail my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul! Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am all thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently thine. I know give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others. If thou still seest in me anything which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and to make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine. Destroy in me all that may be displeasing to God, root it up and bring it to naught; place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee.

May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness in my mind; may thy profound humility take the place of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination; may thy continuous sight of God fill my memory with His presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine, may thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up all that is wanting in me. Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus and His divine will; that I may have no other soul but thine to praise and glorify the Lord; that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine. I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotion or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privilege to see God clearly; it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men and demons; it is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest.

Such is, O heavenly Mary, the "best part" which the Lord has given thee and which shall never be taken away from thee - and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine; to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures; to suffer joyfully without human consolation; to die continually to myself without respite; and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death as the humblest of thy servants. The only grace I beg thee to obtain for me is that every day and every moment of my life I may say: Amen - Amen - so be it, to all that thou art now doing in heaven; Amen - so be it, to all that thou art doing in my soul, so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity. Amen.

THIRD WEEK

Knowledge of Jesus Christ

"During the third week, they shall apply themselves to the study of Jesus Christ."

What is to be studied in Christ? First the Man-God, His grace and glory; then His rights to sovereign dominion over us; since, after having renounced Satan and the world, we have taken Jesus Christ for our "Lord." What next shall be the object of our study? His exterior actions and also His interior life, namely, the virtues and acts of His Sacred Heart, His association with Mary in the mysteries of the Annunciation and Incarnation, during His infancy and hidden life, at the feat of Cana and on Calvary.

Prayers: Litany of the Holy Ghost. Ave Maris Stella. Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus or of the Sacred Heart. St. Louis De Montfort’ s Prayer to Jesus. The prayer: O Jesus living in Mary.

Reading: Gospel according to St. Matthew, chapters 26, 27. Gospel according to St. John, chapters 13 et ff. Imitation of Christ, Book II chapters 7, 11, 12; Book III, chapters 5, 6, 56; Book IV, chapters 1, 8, 13. True Devotion, nos. 60-67, 183, 212, 226-265.

Spiritual Exercises: Acts of love of God, thanksgiving for the blessings of Jesus, contrition and resolution.

LITANY OF THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Jesus hear us.

Jesus, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world...

God the Holy Ghost...

Holy Trinity, one God...

Jesus, Son of the living God...

Jesus, splendor of the Father...

Jesus, brightness of eternal light...

Jesus, King of glory...

Jesus, son of justice...

Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary...

Jesus, most amiable...

Jesus, most admirable...

Jesus, mighty God...

Jesus, Father of the world to come...

Jesus, angel of the great council...

Jesus, most powerful...

Jesus, most patient...

Jesus, most obedient...

Jesus, meek and humble of heart...

Jesus, lover of chastity...

Jesus, lover of us...

Jesus, God of peace...

Jesus, author of life...

Jesus, model of virtues...

Jesus, lover of souls...

Jesus, our God...

Jesus, our refuge...

Jesus, Father of the poor...

Jesus, treasure of the faithful...

Jesus, Good Shepherd...

Jesus, true light...

Jesus, eternal wisdom...

Jesus, infinite goodness...

Jesus, our way and our life...

Jesus, joy of angels...

Jesus, King of patriarchs...

Jesus, master of Apostles...

Jesus, teacher of Evangelists...

Jesus, strength of martyrs...

Jesus, light of confessors...

Jesus, purity of virgins...

Jesus, crown of all saints...

Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

From all evil, Jesus deliver us.

From all sin...

From Thy wrath...

From the snares of the devil...

From the spirit of fornication...

From everlasting death...

From the neglect of Thine inspirations...

Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation...

Through Thy nativity...

Through Thine infancy...

Through Thy most divine life...

Through Thy labors...

Through Thine agony and Passion...

Through Thy cross and dereliction...

Through Thy sufferings...

Through Thy death and burial...

Through Thy Resurrection...

Through Thine Ascension...

Through Thine Institution of the most Holy Eucharist...

Through Thy joys...

Through Thy glory...

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Jesus, hear us.

Jesus, graciously hear us.

LET US PRAY

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said: Ask and ye shall receive; seek and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you; grant, we beseech Thee to us who ask the gift of Thy divine love, that we may ever love Thee with all our hearts, and in all our words and actions, and never cease praising Thee.

Give us, O Lord, a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy Name; for Thou never failest to govern those whom Thou dost solidly establish in Thy love. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

LITANY OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

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 Holy Ghost...

Holy Trinity, one God...

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father...

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb of the Virgin Mother...

Heart of Jesus, substantially united with the Word of God...

Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty...

Heart of Jesus, holy temple of God...

Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High...

Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven...

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity...

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love...

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love...

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues...

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise...

Heart of Jesus, King and center of all hearts...

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge...

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells all the fullness of divinity...

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased...

Heart of Jesus, whose fullness we have all received...

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills...

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful...

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee...

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness...

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins...

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium...

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses...

Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death...

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance...

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation...

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection...

Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation...

Heart of Jesus, victim for sin...

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee...

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee...

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints...

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 takest away the sins of the world, 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, graciously regard the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders Thee on behalf of us sinners, and through their merit grant pardon to us who implore Thy mercy. In the name of Thy Son Jesus Christ; Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

R. Amen.

ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT'S PRAYER TO JESUS

O most loving Jesus, deign to let me pour forth my gratitude before Thee, for the grace Though hast bestowed upon me in giving me to Thy holy Mother through the devotion of Holy Bondage, that she may be my advocate in the presence of Thy majesty and my support in my extreme misery. Alas, O Lord! I am so wretched that without this dear Mother I should be certainly lost. Yes, Mary is necessary for me at Thy side and everywhere; that she may appease thy just wrath, because I have so often offended Thee; that she may save me from the eternal punishment of Thy justice, which I deserve; that she may contemplate Thee, speak to Thee, pray to Thee; approach Thee and please Thee; that she may help me to save my soul and the souls of others; in short, Mary is necessary for me that I may always do Thy holy will and seek Thy greater glory in all things. Ah, would that I could proclaim throughout the whole world the mercy that Thou hast shown to me! Would that everyone might know I should be already damned, were it not for Mary! Would that I might offer worthy thanksgiving for so great a blessing! Mary is in me. Oh, what a treasure! Oh, what a consolation! And shall I not be entirely hers? O, what ingratitude! My dear Savior, send the death rather than such a calamity, for I would rather die than live without belonging entirely to Mary. With St. John the Evangelist at the foot of the cross, I have taken her a thousand times for my own and as many times have given myself to her, but if I have not yet done it as Thou, dear Jesus, dost wish, I now renew this offering as Thou dost desire me to renew it. And if Thou seest in my soul or my body anything that does not belong to this august princess, I pray Thee to take it and cat it far from me, for whatever in me does not belong to Mary is unworthy of Thee.

O Holy Spirit, grant me all these graces. Plant in my soul the Tree of true Life, which is Mary; cultivate it and tend it so that it may grow and blossom and bring forth the fruit of life in abundance. O Holy Spirit, give me great devotion to Mary. Thy faithful spouse; give me great confidence in her maternal heart and an abiding refuge in her mercy, so that by her Thou mayest truly form in me Jesus Christ, great and mighty, unto the fullness of His perfect age. Amen.

O Jesus living in Mary,

come and live in Thy servants,

in the spirit of Thy holiness,

in the fullness of Thy might,

in the truth of Thy virtues, 

in the perfection of Thy ways

in the communion of Thy mysteries,

Subdue every hostile power

in Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father Amen.

THE CONSECRATION

"At the end of the three weeks," says St. Louis De Montfort, "they shall go to confession and to Communion, with the intention of giving themselves to Jesus Christ in the quality of slaves of love, by the hands of Mary. After Communion, which they should try to make according to the method given further on, they should recite the formula of their consecration, which they will also find further on. They ought to write it, or have it written, unless they have a printed copy of it; and they should sign it the same day they have made it. It would be well also that on that day they should pay some tribute to Jesus Christ and our Blessed Lady, either as a penance for their past unfaithfulness to the vows of their Baptism or as a testimony of their dependence on the dominion of Jesus and Mary. This tribute ought to be according to the devotion and ability of everyone; such as, a fast, a mortification, an alms or a candle. If they had but a pin to give in homage, yet gave it with good heart, it would be enough for Jesus, Who looks only at one's good will. Once a year at least, on the same day, they should renew the same consecration, observing the same practices during the three weeks. They might also once a month, or even once a day, renew all they have done in these few words: "I am all Thine and all that I have belongs to Thee, O my sweet Jesus, through Mary, Thy holy Mother.'"

Act of Consecration

Eternal and Incarnate Wisdom, most lovable and adorable Jesus, true God and true man, only Son of the eternal Father and of Mary always virgin, I adore you profoundly, dwelling in the splendour of your Father from all eternity and in the virginal womb of Mary, your most worthy Mother, at the time of your Incarnation.

I thank you for having emptied yourself in assuming the condition of a slave to set me free from the cruel slavery of the evil one.

I praise and glorify you for having willingly chosen to obey Mary, your holy Mother, in all things, so that through her I may be your faithful slave of love.

But I must confess that I have not kept the vows and promises which I made to you so solemnly at my baptism. I have not fulfilled my obligations, and I do not deserve to be called your child or even your loving slave.

Since I cannot lay claim to anything except what merits your rejection and displeasure, I dare no longer approach the holiness of your majesty on my own. That is why I turn to the intercession and the mercy of your holy Mother, whom you yourself have given me to mediate with you. Through her I hope to obtain from you contrition and pardon for my sins, and that Wisdom whom I desire to dwell in me always.

I turn to you, then, Mary immaculate, living tabernacle of God. The eternal Wisdom, hidden in you, willed to receive the adoration of both men and angels.

I greet you as Queen of heaven and earth. All that is under God has been made subject to you sovereignty.

I call upon you as the unfailing refuge of sinners. In your mercy you have never forsaken anyone.

Grant my desire for divine Wisdom and, in support of my petition, accept the promises and the offering of myself which I now make, conscious of my unworthiness.

I, an unfaithful sinner, renew and ratify today through you my baptismal promises, I renounce for ever Satan, his empty promises and his evil designs, and I give myself completely to Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Wisdom, to carry my cross after him for the rest of my life, and to be more faithful to him than I have been till now.

This day, with the whole court of heaven as witness, I choose you, Mary, as my Mother and Queen. I surrender and consecrate myself to you, body and soul, with all that I possess, both spiritual and material, even including the spiritual value of all my actions, past, present, and to come. I give you the full right to dispose of me and all that belongs to me, without any reservations, in whatever way you please, for the greater glory of God in time and throughout eternity.

Accept, gracious Virgin, this little offering of my slavery to honour and imitate that obedience which the eternal Wisdom willingly chose to have towards you, his Mother. I wish to acknowledge the authority which both of you have over this little worm and pitiful sinner. By it I wish also to thank God for the privileges bestowed on you by the Blessed Trinity. I solemnly declare that for the future I will try to honour and obey you in all things a your true slave of love.

O admirable Mother, present me to your dear Son as his slave now and for always, so that he who redeemed me through you, will now receive me through you.

Mother of mercy, grant me the favour of obtaining the true Wisdom of God, and so make me one of those whom you love, teach and guide, whom you nourish and protect as your children and slaves.

Virgin most faithful, make me in everything so committed a disciple, imitator, and slave of Jesus, your Son, the Incarnate Wisdom, that I may become, through your intercession and example, fully mature with the fullness of his glory in heaven. Amen.

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