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 CATHOLIC SPIRITUAL  DIRECTION
 
 

Jesus dies on the cross

Good Friday

"Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven."   --Saint Pope Pius X
 
LENT

 

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday this week on March 5th and ends on Easter Sunday, April 20th.

Lent is the period of 40 days including weekdays and Saturdays from Ash Wednesday, March 5 through Easter Sunday April 20th.

 
GOALS FOR LENT
1) To confess and turn away from all sin in our lives through Penance/Confession and Prayer.
 
2) To increase our love for God by attending Mass and receiving the Body of Christ.
 
3) To increase our love for our neighbor by forgiving our neighbor their faults and by doing good works to help our neighbor and the community.   This Lent ask God to give you the Grace  to forgive those who have  offended you the most.
 
4) Pray for the end of Abortion.  Say rosaries for the unborn.  Say the Divine Mercy Chaplet for the end of abortion.  Vote prolife. If your able,  pray outside local abortion clinics asking God to save the lives of the children that will be killed each week there and throughout the world.
 
5) ABSTINENCE is a penitential practice consisting of refraining from the consumption of meat and is to be observed by all Catholics who are 14 years of age and older.  Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence in which meat is not to be eaten.  Pastors and parents are encouraged to see that children who are not bound by the obligation to fast and abstain are led to appreciate an authentic sense of penance.  
FASTING AND ABSTINENCE:  In addition to abstinence, fasting is to be observed by all Catholics between the ages of 18-59 years (inclusive). There are two days for this:  Ash Wednesday and Good Friday (no meat is to be eaten on these two days). On days of fasting, one full meal is allowed.  Two smaller meals, sufficient to maintain strength, may be taken according to one's needs, but together they should not equal another full meal.  Eating between meals is not permitted, but liquids are allowed.  Note:  If a person is unable to observe the above regulations due to ill health or serious reasons, they are urged to practice other forms of self-denial that are suitable to their condition.

 

5) Praying for the women who are considering having an abortion.

 
 
 
INDEX:
 
Saint for Today or Feast Day

Divine Mercy Novena - starts on Good Friday

Our Lady of Sorrows

Magnificent Prayers
of Saint Bridget

The Dolorous Passion
of Our Lord Jesus Christ

 

SAINT PATRICK PRAYER LITANY

 

Crowds flock to newest Catholic saint

 

Litany of Saint Joseph

 

Litany of Victory of the Virgin Mary

 

Spiritual Direction

 

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions 2025

 

 

Litany prayer to Saint Jude

 

How God punishes a nation for the sin of abortion.

Divine Mercy picture and Chaplet

FBI reports dramatic increase in crime in 2021 and 2022

 

 

Leroy Carhart did late term abortions in Maryland starting in 2010 through 2021 in the 7th, 8th and 9th months of pregnancy in his office, legal in Maryland and legal according to Roe Vs. Wade. Three women died. The U.S. Congress including Senator Kamala Harris failed to protect the babies that were murdered.

 

How God views abortions of mankind-Saint Faustina

 

 

 

Homosexual marriage banned in Russia

 

 

Teaching young children about the immoral homosexual lifestyle in schools or through
propaganda  is banned in Russia

 

 

Estimated Number of Abortions
in United States in 2023: 1,033,600 babies

 

 

 

SAINT ANTHONY NINE DAY NOVENA
 

 

 

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for healing
at 4pm Eastern Time

 

 

 

 
 
Saint Teresa of Avila Recommends praying  to Saint  Joseph and Saint Peter of Alcantara for answers to prayer 
 
 
President Biden desecrates Easter Sunday by calling March 31st a transgender recognition day
 

 

Promises of the Divine Mercy Chaplet

 

 

Texas federal judge issues ruling  on abortion pill

 

How Our Lady Saved the World from a Nuclear War

 

 

Oklahoma governor signs the nation's strictest abortion ban

 
 
 
 

 

Saint Faustina Suffered for Victims of Abortion

 

Jesus suffered as an unborn child

14 Amazing Promises Jesus Made to
Those Who Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

5 Saints Who Had Terrifying Visions of Hell

 

 

Oklahoma Senate advances six bills to ban most abortions

 

Judge blocks Louisiana law
requiring the Ten Commandments
in classroom

 

 
St. Andrew Christmas Novena


THE LITANY OF
THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

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

Promise of God the Father,
have mercy on us.

Ray of heavenly light,
have mercy on us.

Author of all good,
have mercy on us.

Source of heavenly water,
have mercy on us.

Consuming Fire,
have mercy on us.

Ardent Charity,
have mercy on us.

Spiritual Unction,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of love and truth,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of counsel and fortitude,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of knowledge and piety,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of the fear of the Lord,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of grace and prayer,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of peace and meekness,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of modesty and innocence,
have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit, the Comforter,
have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier,
have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit,
Who governest the Church,
Gift of God the Most High,
have mercy on us.

Spirit Who fillest the universe,
have mercy on us.

Spirit of the adoption of the children of God,
have mercy on us.

Holy Spirit,
inspire us with horror of sin.

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

Holy Spirit,
shed Thy light into our souls.

Holy Spirit,
engrave Thy law in our hearts.

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

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

Holy Spirit,
teach us to pray well.

Holy Spirit,
enlighten us with Thy heavenly inspirations.

Holy Spirit,
lead us in the way of salvation.

Holy Spirit,
grant us the only necessary knowledge.

Holy Spirit,
inspire in us the practice of good.

Holy Spirit,
grant us the merits of all virtues.

Holy Spirit,
make us persevere injustice.

Holy Spirit,
be our everlasting reward.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Send us Thy Holy Spirit.

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

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

Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy faithful,
And enkindle in them the fire of Thy love.

Let Us Pray.

Grant, O merciful Father,
that Thy Divine Spirit may 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.
 

 
"At the evening of life, you will be examined in love. Learn to love as God desires to be loved and abandon your own ways of acting." Saint John of the Cross
 
 
MASS READINGS FOR TODAY
Friday, April 18, 2025
Good Friday

1st Reading

Book of Isaiah 52,13-15.53,1-12.
See, my servant shall prosper, he shall be raised high and greatly exalted.
Even as many were amazed at him-- so marred was his look beyond that of man, and his appearance beyond that of mortals--
So shall he startle many nations, because of him kings shall stand speechless; For those who have not been told shall see, those who have not heard shall ponder it.
Who would believe what we have heard? To whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
He grew up like a sapling before him, like a shoot from the parched earth; There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him.
He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, One of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem.
Yet it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, While we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins, Upon him was the chastisement that makes us whole, by his stripes we were healed.
We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; But the LORD laid upon him the guilt of us all.
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth; Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearers, he was silent and opened not his mouth.
Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, and who would have thought any more of his destiny? When he was cut off from the land of the living, and smitten for the sin of his people,
A grave was assigned him among the wicked and a burial place with evildoers, Though he had done no wrong nor spoken any falsehood.
(But the LORD was pleased to crush him in infirmity.) If he gives his life as an offering for sin, he shall see his descendants in a long life, and the will of the LORD shall be accomplished through him.
Because of his affliction he shall see the light in fullness of days; Through his suffering, my servant shall justify many, and their guilt he shall bear.
Therefore I will give him his portion among the great, and he shall divide the spoils with the mighty, Because he surrendered himself to death and was counted among the wicked; And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses.
 

 

Psalms 31(30),2.6.12-13.15-16.17.25.
In you, O LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your justice rescue me,
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
You will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

For all my foes I am an object of reproach,
a laughingstock to my neighbors, and a dread to my friends;
they who see me abroad flee from me.
I am forgotten like the unremembered dead;
I am like a dish that is broken.

But my trust is in you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my God.
In your hands is my destiny; rescue me
from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors."

Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
Take courage and be stouthearted,
all you who hope in the LORD.
 

 

Letter to the Hebrews 4,14-16.5,7-9.
Brothers and sisters: Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin.
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.
In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered;
and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.
 

 

Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint John 18,1-40.19,1-42.
Jesus went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley to where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
Judas his betrayer also knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.
So Judas got a band of soldiers and guards from the chief priests and the Pharisees and went there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
Jesus, knowing everything that was going to happen to him, went out and said to them, "Whom are you looking for?"
They answered him, "Jesus the Nazorean." He said to them, "I AM." Judas his betrayer was also with them.
When he said to them, "I AM," they turned away and fell to the ground.
So he again asked them, "Whom are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus the Nazorean."
Jesus answered, "I told you that I AM. So if you are looking for me, let these men go."
This was to fulfill what he had said, "I have not lost any of those you gave me."
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it, struck the high priest's slave, and cut off his right ear. The slave's name was Malchus.
Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into its scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?"
So the band of soldiers, the tribune, and the Jewish guards seized Jesus, bound him,
and brought him to Annas first. He was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
It was Caiaphas who had counseled the Jews that it was better that one man should die rather than the people.
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Now the other disciple was known to the high priest, and he entered the courtyard of the high priest with Jesus.
But Peter stood at the gate outside. So the other disciple, the acquaintance of the high priest, went out and spoke to the gatekeeper and brought Peter in.
Then the maid who was the gatekeeper said to Peter, "You are not one of this man's disciples, are you?" He said, "I am not."
Now the slaves and the guards were standing around a charcoal fire that they had made, because it was cold, and were warming themselves. Peter was also standing there keeping warm.
The high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and about his doctrine.
Jesus answered him, "I have spoken publicly to the world. I have always taught in a synagogue or in the temple area where all the Jews gather, and in secret I have said nothing.
Why ask me? Ask those who heard me what I said to them. They know what I said."
When he had said this, one of the temple guards standing there struck Jesus and said, "Is this the way you answer the high priest?"
Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken wrongly, testify to the wrong; but if I have spoken rightly, why do you strike me?"
Then Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
Now Simon Peter was standing there keeping warm. And they said to him, "You are not one of his disciples, are you?" He denied it and said, "I am not."
One of the slaves of the high priest, a relative of the one whose ear Peter had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"
Again Peter denied it. And immediately the cock crowed.
Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was morning. And they themselves did not enter the praetorium, in order not to be defiled so that they could eat the Passover.
So Pilate came out to them and said, "What charge do you bring (against) this man?"
They answered and said to him, "If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you."
At this, Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law." The Jews answered him, "We do not have the right to execute anyone,"
in order that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled that he said indicating the kind of death he would die.
So Pilate went back into the praetorium and summoned Jesus and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"
Jesus answered, "Do you say this on your own or have others told you about me?"
Pilate answered, "I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests handed you over to me. What have you done?"
Jesus answered, "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom did belong to this world, my attendants (would) be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not here."
So Pilate said to him, "Then you are a king?" Jesus answered, "You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice."
Pilate said to him, "What is truth?" When he had said this, he again went out to the Jews and said to them, "I find no guilt in him.
But you have a custom that I release one prisoner to you at Passover. Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"
They cried out again, "Not this one but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a revolutionary.
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged.
And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak,
and they came to him and said, "Hail, King of the Jews!" And they struck him repeatedly.
Once more Pilate went out and said to them, "Look, I am bringing him out to you, so that you may know that I find no guilt in him."
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he said to them, "Behold, the man!"
When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, "Crucify him, crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Take him yourselves and crucify him. I find no guilt in him."
The Jews answered, "We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."
Now when Pilate heard this statement, he became even more afraid,
and went back into the praetorium and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" Jesus did not answer him.
So Pilate said to him, "Do you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you and I have power to crucify you?"
Jesus answered (him), "You would have no power over me if it had not been given to you from above. For this reason the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin."
Consequently, Pilate tried to release him; but the Jews cried out, "If you release him, you are not a Friend of Caesar. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar."
When Pilate heard these words he brought Jesus out and seated him on the judge's bench in the place called Stone Pavement, in Hebrew, Gabbatha.
It was preparation day for Passover, and it was about noon. And he said to the Jews, "Behold, your king!"
They cried out, "Take him away, take him away! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."
Then he handed him over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus,
and carrying the cross himself he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, in Hebrew, Golgotha.
There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, with Jesus in the middle.
Pilate also had an inscription written and put on the cross. It read, "Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews."
Now many of the Jews read this inscription, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that he said, 'I am the King of the Jews.'"
Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."
When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down.
So they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be," in order that the passage of scripture might be fulfilled (that says): "They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they cast lots." This is what the soldiers did.
Standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary of Magdala.
When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple there whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son."
Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.
After this, aware that everything was now finished, in order that the scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I thirst."
There was a vessel filled with common wine. So they put a sponge soaked in wine on a sprig of hyssop and put it up to his mouth.
When Jesus had taken the wine, he said, "It is finished." And bowing his head, he handed over the spirit.
Now since it was preparation day, in order that the bodies might not remain on the cross on the sabbath, for the sabbath day of that week was a solemn one, the Jews asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken down.
So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and then of the other one who was crucified with Jesus.
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs,
but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out.
An eyewitness has testified, and his testimony is true; he knows that he is speaking the truth, so that you also may (come to) believe.
For this happened so that the scripture passage might be fulfilled: "Not a bone of it will be broken."
And again another passage says: "They will look upon him whom they have pierced."
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, secretly a disciple of Jesus for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he could remove the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted it. So he came and took his body.
Nicodemus, the one who had first come to him at night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes weighing about one hundred pounds.
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom.
Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried.
So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day; for the tomb was close by.



 

 


 
SAINT FOR TODAY OR FEAST DAY
April 16

From the Visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich

THE LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII 

The Nailing of Jesus to the Cross

    THE preparations for the crucifixion being finished four archers went to the cave where they had confined our Lord and dragged him out with their usual brutality, while the mob looked on and made use of insulting language, and the Roman soldiers regarded all with indifference, and thought of nothing but maintaining order. When Jesus was again brought forth, the holy women gave a man some money, and begged him to pay the archers anything they might demand if they would allow Jesus to drink the wine which Veronica had prepared; but the cruel executioners, instead of giving it to Jesus, drank it themselves. They had brought two vases with them, one of which contained vinegar and gall, and the other a mixture which looked like wine mixed with myrrh and absinthe; they offered a glass of the latter to our Lord, which he tasted, but would not drink.

    There were eighteen archers on the platform; the six who had scourged Jesus, the four who had conducted him to Calvary, the two who held the ropes which supported the cross, and six others who came for the purpose of crucifying him. They were strangers in the pay of either the Jews or the Romans; and were short thick-set men, with most ferocious countenances, rather resembling wild beasts than human beings, and employing themselves alternately in drinking and in making preparations for the crucifixion.

     This scene was rendered the more frightful to me by the sight of demons, who were invisible to others, and I saw large bodies of evil spirits under the forms of toads, serpents, sharp-clawed dragons, and venomous insects, urging these wicked men to still greater cruelty, and perfectly darkening the air. They crept into the mouths and into the hearts of the assistants, sat upon their shoulders, filled their minds with wicked images, and incited them to revile and insult our Lord with still greater brutality. Weeping angels, however, stood around Jesus, and the sight of their tears consoled me not a little, and they were accompanied by little angels of glory, whose heads alone I saw. There were likewise angels of pity and angels of consolation among them; the latter frequently approached the Blessed Virgin and the rest of the pious persons who were assembled there, and whispered words of comfort which enabled them to bear up with firmness. 

    The executioners soon pulled off our Lord’s cloak, the belt to which the ropes were fastened, and his own belt, when they found it was impossible to drag the woollen garment which his Mother had woven for him over his head, on account of the crown of thorns; they tore off this most painful crown, thus reopening every wound, and seizing the garment, tore it mercilessly over his bleeding and wounded head. Our dear Lord and Saviour then stood before his cruel enemies, stripped of all save the short scapular which was on his shoulders, and the linen which girded his loins. His scapular was of wool; the wool had stuck to the wounds, and indescribable was the agony of pain he suffered when they pulled it roughly off. He shook like the aspen as he stood before them, for he was so weakened from suffering and loss of blood that he could not support himself for more than a few moments; he was covered with open wounds, and his shoulders and back were torn to the bone by the dreadful scourging he had endured. He was about to fall when the executioners, fearing that he might die, and thus deprive them of the barbarous pleasure of crucifying him, led him to a large stone and placed him roughly down upon it, but no sooner was he seated than they aggravated his sufferings by putting the crown of thorns again upon his head. They then offered him some vinegar and gall, from which, however, he turned away in silence. The executioners did not allow him to rest long, but bade him rise and place himself on the cross that they might nail him to it. Then seizing his right arm they dragged it to the hole prepared for the nail, and having tied it tightly down with a cord, one of them knelt upon his sacred chest, a second held his hand flat, and a third taking a long thick nail, pressed it on the open palm of that adorable hand, which had ever been open to bestow blessings and favours on the ungrateful Jews, and with a great iron hammer drove it through the flesh, and far into the wood of the cross. Our Lord uttered one deep but suppressed groan, and his blood gushed forth and sprinkled the arms of the archers. I counted the blows of the hammer, but my extreme grief made me forget their number. The nails were very large, the heads about the size of a crown piece, and the thickness that of a man’s thumb, while the points came through at the back of the cross. The Blessed Virgin stood motionless; from time to time you might distinguish her plaintive moans; she appeared as if almost fainting from grief, and Magdalen was quite beside herself. When the executioners had nailed the right hand of our Lord, they perceived that his left hand did not reach the hole they had bored to receive the nail, therefore they tied ropes to his left arm, and having steadied their feet against the cross, pulled the left hand violently until it reached the place prepared for it. This dreadful process caused our Lord indescribable agony, his breast heaved, and his legs were quite contracted. They again knelt upon him, tied down his arms, and drove the second nail into his left hand; his blood flowed afresh, and his feeble groans were once more heard between the blows of the hammer, but nothing could move the hard-hearted executioners to the slightest pity. The arms of Jesus, thus unnaturally stretched out, no longer covered the arms of the cross, which were sloped; there was a wide space between them and his armpits. Each additional torture and insult inflicted on our Lord caused a fresh pang in the heart of his Blessed Mother; she became white as a corpse, but as the Pharisees endeavoured to increase her pain by insulting words and gestures, the disciples led her to a group of pious women who were standing a little farther off.

     The executioners had fastened a piece of wood at the lower part of the cross under where the feet of Jesus would be nailed, that thus the weight of his body might not rest upon the wounds of his hands, as also to prevent the bones of his feet from being broken when nailed to the cross. A hole had been pierced in this wood to receive the nail when driven through his feet, and there was likewise a little hollow place for his heels These precautions were taken lest his wounds should be torn open by the weight of his body, and death ensue before he had suffered all the tortures which they hoped to see him endure. The whole body of our Lord had been dragged upward, and contracted by the violent manner with which the executioners had stretched out his arms, and his knees were bent up; they therefore flattened and tied them down tightly with cords; but soon perceiving that his feet did not reach the bit of wood which was placed for them to rest upon, they became infuriated. Some of their number proposed making fresh holes for the nails which pierced his hands, as there would be considerable difficulty in removing the bit of wood, but the others would do nothing of the sort, and continued to vociferate, ‘He will not stretch himself out, but we will help him;’ they accompanied these words with the most fearful oaths and imprecations, and having fastened a rope to his right leg, dragged it violently until it reached the wood, and then tied it down as tightly as possible. The agony which Jesus suffered from this violent tension was indescribable; the words ‘My God, my God,’ escaped his lips, and the executioners increased his pain by tying his chest and arms to the cross, lest the hands should be torn from the nails. They then fastened his left foot on to his right foot, having first bored a hole through them with a species of piercer, because they could not be placed in such a position as to be nailed together at once. Next they took a very long nail and drove it completely through both feet into the cross below, which operation was more than usually painful, on account of his body being so unnaturally stretched out; I counted at least six and thirty blows of the hammer. During the whole time of the crucifixion our Lord never ceased praying, and repeating those passages in the Psalms which he was then accompanying, although from time to time a feeble moan caused by excess of suffering might be heard. In this manner he had prayed when carrying his cross, and thus he continued to pray until his death. I heard him repeat all these prophecies; I repeated them after him, and I have often since noted the different passages when reading the Psalms, but I now feel so exhausted with grief that I cannot at all connect them.

 

     When the crucifixion of Jesus was finished, the commander of the Roman soldiers ordered Pilate’s inscription. to be nailed on the top of the cross. The Pharisees were much incensed at this, and their anger was increased by the jeers of the Roman soldiers, who pointed at their crucified king; they therefore hastened back to Jerusalem, determined to use their best endeavours to persuade the governor to allow them to substitute another inscription. 

    It was about a quarter past twelve when Jesus was crucified; and at the moment the cross was lifted up, the Temple resounded with the blast of trumpets, which were always blown to announce the sacrifice of the Paschal Lamb.

 

CHAPTER XXXIX

Erection of the Cross

    WHEN the executioners had finished the crucifixion of our Lord, they tied ropes to the trunk of the cross, and fastened the ends of these ropes round a long beam which was fixed firmly in the ground at a little distance, and by means of these ropes they raised the cross. Some of their number supported it while others shoved its foot towards the hole prepared for its reception—the heavy cross fell into this hole with a frightful shock—Jesus uttered a faint cry, and his wounds were torn open in the most fearful manner, his blood again burst forth, and his half dislocated bones knocked one against the other. The archers pushed the cross to get it thoroughly into the hole, and caused it to vibrate still more by planting five stakes around to support it. 

    A terrible, but at the same time a touching sight it was to behold the cross raised up in the midst of the vast concourse of persons who were assembled all around; not only insulting soldiers, proud Pharisees, and the brutal Jewish mob were there, but likewise strangers from all parts. The air resounded with acclamations and derisive cries when they beheld it towering on high, and after vibrating for a moment in the air, fall with a heavy crash into the hole cut for it in the rock. But words of love and compassion resounded through the air at the same moment; and need we say that these words, these sounds, were emitted by the most saintly of human beings—Mary—John—the holy women, and all who were pure of heart? They bowed down and adored the ‘Word made flesh,’ nailed to the cross; they stretched forth their hands as if desirous of giving assistance to the Holy of Holies, whom they beheld nailed to a cross and in the power of his furious enemies. But when the solemn sound of the fall of the cross into the hole prepared for it in the rock was heard, a dead silence ensued, every heart was filled with an undefinable feeling of awe—a feeling never before experienced, and for which no one could account, even to himself; all the inmates of hell shook with terror, and vented their rage by endeavouring to stimulate the enemies of Jesus to still greater fury and brutality; the souls in Limbo were filled with joy and hope, for the sound was to them a harbinger of happiness, the prelude to the appearance of their Deliverer. Thus was the blessed cross of our Lord planted for the first time on the earth; and well might it be compared to the tree of life in Paradise, for the wounds of Jesus were as sacred fountains, from which flowed four rivers destined both to purify the world from the curse of sin, and to give it fertility, so as to produce fruit unto salvation. 

    The eminence on which the cross was planted was about two feet higher than the surrounding parts; the feet of Jesus were sufficiently near the ground for his friends to be able to reach to kiss them, and his face was turned to the north-west.

 

CHAPTER XL

Crucifixion of the Thieves

    DURING the time of the crucifixion of Jesus, the two thieves were left lying on the ground at some distance off; their arms were fastened to the crosses on which they were to be executed, and a few soldiers stood near on guard. The accusation which had been proved against them was that of having assassinated a Jewish woman who, with her children, was travelling from Jerusalem to Joppa. They were arrested, under the disguise of rich merchants, at a castle in which Pilate resided occasionally, when employed in exercising his troops, and they had been imprisoned for a long time before being brought to trial. The thief placed on the left-hand side was much older than the other; a regular miscreant, who had corrupted the younger. They were commonly called Dismas and Gesmas, and as I forget their real names I shall distinguish them by these terms,  calling the good one Dismas, and the wicked one Gesmas.  Both the one and the other belonged to a band of robbers who infested the frontiers of Egypt; and it was in a cave inhabited by these robbers that the Holy Family took refuge when flying into Egypt, at the time of the massacre of the Innocents. The poor leprous child, who was instantly cleansed by being dipped in the water which had been used for washing the infant Jesus, was no other than this Dismas, and the charity of his mother, in receiving and granting hospitality to the Holy Family, had been rewarded by the cure of her child; while this outward purification was an emblem of the inward purification which was afterwards accomplished in the soul of Dismas on Mount Calvary, through that Sacred Blood which was then shed on the cross for our redemption. Dismas knew nothing at all about Jesus, but as his heart was not hardened, the sight of the extreme patience of our Lord moved him much. When the executioners had finished putting up the cross of Jesus, they ordered the thieves to rise without delay, and they loosened their fetters in order to crucify them at once, as the sky was becoming very cloudy and bore every appearance of an approaching storm. After giving them some myrrh and vinegar, they stripped off their ragged clothing, tied ropes round their arms, and by the help of small ladders dragged them up to their places on the cross. The executioners then bound the arms of the thieves to the cross, with cords made of the bark of trees, and fastened their wrists, elbows, knees, and feet in like manner, drawing the cords so tight that their joints cracked, and the blood burst out. They uttered piercing cries, and the good thief exclaimed as they were drawing him up, ‘This torture is dreadful, but if they had treated us as they treated the poor Galilean, we should have been dead long ago.’

  

      The executioners had divided the garments of Jesus, in order to draw lots for them; his mantle, which was narrow at the top, was very wide at the bottom, and lined over the chest, thus forming a pocket between the lining and the material itself; the lining they pulled out, tore into bands, and divided. They did the same with his long white robe, belt, scapular, and undergarment, which was completely saturated with his Sacred Blood. Not being able to agree as to who was to be the possessor of the seamless robe woven by his Mothers which could not be cut up and divided, they brought out a species of chessboard marked with figures, and were about to decide the point by lots, when a messenger, sent by Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea, informed them that there were persons ready to purchase all the clothes of Jesus; they therefore gathered them together and sold them in a bundle. Thus did the Christians get possession of these precious relics.

 

 

CHAPTER XLI

Jesus Hanging on the Cross Between Two Thieves

       THE tremendous concussion caused by the fall of the cross into the hole prepared for it drove the sharp points of the crown of thorns, which was still upon the head of our dear Saviour, still deeper into his sacred flesh, and blood ran down again in streams, both from it and from his hands and feet. The archers then placed ladders against the sides of the cross, mounted them and unfastened the ropes with which they had bound our Lord to the cross, previous to lifting it up, fearing that the shock might tear open the wounds in his hands and feet, and that then the nails would no longer support his body. His blood had become, in a certain degree, stagnated by his horizontal position and the pressure of the cords, but when these were withdrawn, it resumed its usual course, and caused such agonising sensations throughout his countless wounds, that he bowed his head, and remained as if dead for more than seven minutes. A pause ensued; the executioners were occupied with the division of his garments; the trumpets in the temple no longer resounded; and all the actors in this fearful tragedy appeared to be exhausted, some by grief, and others by the efforts they had made to compass their wicked ends, and by the joy which they felt now at having at last succeeded in bringing about the death of him whom they had so long envied. With mixed feelings of fear and compassion I cast my eyes upon Jesus,—Jesus my Redeemer,—the Redeemer of the world. I beheld him motionless, and almost lifeless. I felt as if I myself must expire; my heart was overwhelmed between grief, love, and horror; my mind was half wandering, my hands and feet burning with a feverish heat; each vein, nerve, and limb was racked with inexpressible pain; I saw nothing distinctly, excepting my beloved Spouse hanging on the cross. I contemplated his disfigured countenance, his head encircled with that terrible crown of thorns, which prevented his raising it even for a moment without the most intense suffering, his mouth parched and half open from exhaustion, and his hair and beard clotted with blood. His chest was torn with stripes and wounds, and his elbows, wrists, and shoulders so violently distended as to be almost dislocated; blood constantly trickled down from the gaping wounds in his hands, and the flesh was so torn from his ribs that you might almost count them. His legs and thighs, as also his arms, were stretched out almost to dislocation, the flesh and muscles so completely laid bare that every bone was visible, and his whole body covered with black, green, and reeking wounds. The blood which flowed from his wounds was at first red, but it became by degrees light and watery, and the whole appearance of his body was that of a corpse ready for interment. And yet, notwithstanding the horrible wounds with which he was covered, notwithstanding the state of ignominy to which he was reduced, there still remained that inexpressible look of dignity and goodness which had ever filled all beholders with awe.

    The complexion of our Lord was fair, like that of Mary, and slightly tinted with red; but his exposure to the weather during the last three years had tanned him considerably. His chest was wide, but not hairy like that of St. John Baptist; his shoulders broad, and his arms and thighs sinewy; his knees were strong and hardened, as is usually the case with those who have either walked or knelt much, and his legs long, with very strong muscles; his feet were well formed, and his hands beautiful, the fingers being long and tapering, and although not delicate like those of a woman, still not resembling those of a man who had laboured hard. His neck was rather long, with a well-set and finely proportioned head; his forehead large and high; his face oval; his hair, which was far from thick, was of a golden brown colour, parted in the middle and falling over his shoulders; his beard was not any great length, but pointed and divided under the chin. When I contemplated him on the cross, his hair was almost all torn off, and what remained was matted and clotted with blood; his body was one wound, and every limb seemed as if dislocated. 

    The crosses of the two thieves were placed, the one to the right and the other to the left of Jesus; there was sufficient space left for a horseman to ride between them. Nothing can be imagined more distressing than the appearance of the thieves on their crosses; they suffered terribly, and the one on the left-hand side never ceased cursing and swearing. The cords with which they were tied were very tight, and caused great pain; their countenances were livid, and their eyes inflamed and ready to start from the sockets. The height of the crosses of the two thieves was much less than that of our Lord.

 

 

CHAPTER XLII

First Word of Jesus on the Cross

     As soon as the executioners had crucified the two thieves and divided the garments of Jesus between them, they gathered up their tools, addressed a few more insulting words to our Lord, and went away. The Pharisees, likewise, rode up to Jesus, looked at him scornfully, made use of some opprobrious expressions, and then left the place. The Roman soldiers, of whom a hundred had been posted round Calvary, were marched away, and their places filled by fifty others, the command of whom was given to Abenadar, an Arab by birth, who afterwards took the name of Ctésiphon in baptism; and the second in command was Cassius, who, when he became a Christian, was known by the name of Longinus: Pilate frequently made use of him as a messenger. Twelve Pharisees, twelve Sadducees, as many Scribes, and a few Ancients, accompanied by those Jews who had been endeavouring to persuade Pilate to change the inscription on the Cross of Jesus, then came up: they were furious, as the Roman governor had given them a direct refusal. They rode round the platform, and drove away the Blessed Virgin, whom St. John led to the holy women. When they passed the Cross of Jesus, they shook their heads disdainfully at him, exclaiming at the same time, ‘Vah! thou that destroyest the temple of God, and in three days buildest it up again, save thyself, coming down from the Cross. Let Christ, the King of Israel, come down now from the Cross, that we may see and believe.' The soldiers, likewise, made use of deriding language.

    The countenance and whole body of Jesus became even more colourless: he appeared to be on the point of fainting, and Gesmas (the wicked thief) exclaimed, ‘The demon by whom he is possessed is about to leave him.’ A soldier then took a sponge, filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and presented it to Jesus, who appeared to drink. ‘If thou art the King of the Jews,’ said the soldier, ‘save thyself, coming down from the Cross.’ These things took place during the time that the first band of soldiers was being relieved by that of Abenadar. Jesus raised his head a little, and said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And Gesmas cried out, ‘If thou art the Christ, save thyself and us.’ Dismas (the good thief) was silent, but he was deeply moved at the prayer of Jesus for his enemies. When Mary heard the voice of her Son, unable to restrain herself, she rushed forward, followed by John, Salome, and Mary of Cleophas, and approached the Cross, which the kind-hearted centurion did not prevent. The prayers of Jesus obtained for the good thief a most powerful grace; he suddenly remembered that it was Jesus and Mary who had cured him of leprosy in his childhood, and he exclaimed in a loud and clear voice, ‘How can you insult him when he prays for you? He has been silent, and suffered all your outrages with patience; he is truly a Prophet—he is our King—he is the Son of God.’ This unexpected reproof from the lips of a miserable malefactor who was dying on a cross caused a tremendous commotion among the spectators; they gathered up stones, and wished to throw them at him; but the centurion Abenadar would not allow it.

    The Blessed Virgin was much comforted and strengthened by the prayer of Jesus, and Dismas said to Gesmas, who was still blaspheming Jesus, ‘Neither dost thou fear God, seeing thou art under the same condemnation. And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this man hath done no evil. Remember thou art now at the point of death, and repent.’ He was enlightened and touched: he confessed his sins to Jesus, and said: ‘Lord, if thou condemnest me it will be with justice.’ And Jesus replied, ‘Thou shalt experience my mercy.’ Dismas, filled with the most perfect contrition, began instantly to thank God for the great graces he had received, and to reflect over the manifold sins of his past life. All these events took place between twelve and the half-hour shortly after the crucifixion; but such a surprising change had taken place in the appearance of nature during that time as to astonish the beholders and fill their minds with awe and terror.

 

 

CHAPTER XLIII

Eclipse of the Sun.—Second and Third Word of Jesus on the Cross

    A LITTLE hail had fallen at about ten o’clock,—when Pilate was passing sentence,—and after that the weather cleared up, until towards twelve, when the thick red-looking fog began to obscure the sun. Towards the sixth hour, according to the manner of counting of the Jews, the sun was suddenly darkened. I was shown the exact cause of this wonderful phenomenon; but I have unfortunately partly forgotten it, and what I have not forgotten I cannot find words to express; but I was lifted up from the earth, and beheld the stars and the planets moving about out of their proper spheres. I saw the moon like an immense ball of fire rolling along as if flying from the earth. I was then suddenly taken back to Jerusalem, and I beheld the moon reappear behind the Mountain of Olives, looking pale and full, and advancing rapidly towards the sun, which was dim and over shrouded by a fog. I saw to the east of the sun a large dark body which had the appearance of a mountain, and which soon entirely hid the sun. The centre of this body was dark yellow, and a red circle like a ring of fire was round it. The sky grew darker and the stars appeared to cast a red and lurid light. Both men and beasts were struck with terror; the enemies of Jesus ceased reviling him, while the Pharisees endeavoured to give philosophical reasons for what was taking place, but they failed in their attempt, and were reduced to silence. Many were seized with remorse, struck their breasts, and cried out, ‘May his blood fall upon his murderers!’ Numbers of others, whether near the Cross or at a distance, fell on their knees and entreated forgiveness of Jesus, who turned his eyes compassionately upon them in the midst of his sufferings. However, the darkness continued to increase, and every one excepting Mary and the most faithful among the friends of Jesus left the Cross. Dismas then raised his head, and in a tone of humility and hope said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when thou shalt come into thy kingdom.’ And Jesus made answer, ‘Amen, I say to thee, This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise.’ Magdalen, Mary of Cleophas, and John stood near the Cross of our Lord and looked at him, while the Blessed Virgin, filled with intense feelings of motherly love, entreated her Son to permit her to die with him, but he, casting a look of ineffable tenderness upon her, turned to John and said, ‘Woman, behold thy son;’ then he said to John, ‘Behold thy mother’ John looked at his dying Redeemer, and saluted this beloved mother (whom he henceforth considered as his own) in the most respectful manner. The Blessed Virgin was so overcome by grief at these words of Jesus that she almost fainted, and was carried to a short distance from the Cross by the holy women.

 

    I do not know whether Jesus really pronounced these words, but I felt interiorly that he gave Mary to John as a mother, and John to Mary as a son. In similar visions a person is often conscious of things which are not written, and words can only express a portion of them, although to the individual to whom they are shown they are so clear as not to require explanation. For this reason it did not appear to me in the least surprising that Jesus should call the Blessed Virgin ‘Woman, instead of ‘Mother.’ I felt that he intended to demonstrate that she was that woman spoken of in Scripture who was to crush the head of the serpent, and that then was the moment in which that promise was accomplished in the death of her Son. I knew that Jesus, by giving her as a mother to John, gave her also as a mother to all who believe in him, who become children of God, and are not born of flesh and blood, or of the will of man, but of God. Neither did it appear to me surprising that the most pure, the most humble, and the most obedient among women, who, when saluted by the angel as ‘full of grace,’ immediately replied, ‘Behold Me handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to thy word,’ and in whose sacred womb the Word was instantly made flesh,—that she, when informed by her dying Son that she was to become the spiritual mother of another son, should repeat the same words with humble obedience, and immediately adopt as her children all the children of God, the brothers of Jesus Christ. These things are much easier to feel by the grace of God than to be expressed in words. I remember my celestial Spouse once saying to me, ‘Everything is imprinted in the hearts of those children of the Church who believe, hope, and love.’

 

 

CHAPTER XLIV

The Fear felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem.—Fourth Word of Jesus on the Cross

    IT was about half-past one o’clock when I was taken into Jerusalem to see what was going on there. The inhabitants were perfectly overcome with terror and anxiety; the streets dark and gloomy, and some persons were feeling their way about, while others, seated on the ground with their heads veiled, struck their breasts, or went up to the roofs of their houses, looked at the sky, and burst forth in bitter lamentations. Even the animals uttered mournful cries, and hid themselves; the birds flew low, and fell to the ground. I saw Pilate conferring with Herod on the alarming state of things: they were both extremely agitated, and contemplated the appearance of the sky from that terrace upon which Herod was standing when he delivered up Jesus to be insulted by the infuriated rabble. ‘These events are not in the common course of nature,’ they both exclaimed: ‘they must be caused by the anger of the gods, who are displeased at the cruelty which has been exercised towards Jesus of Nazareth.’ Pilate and Herod, surrounded by guards, then directed their hasty trembling steps through the forum to Herod’s palace. Pilate turned away his head when he passed Gabbatha, from whence he had condemned Jesus to be crucified, the square was almost empty; a few persons might be seen re-entering their houses as quickly as possible, and a few others running about and weeping, while two or three small groups might be distinguished in the distance. Pilate sent for some of the Ancients and asked them what they thought the astounding darkness could possibly portend, and said that he himself considered it a terrific proof of the anger of their God at the crucifixion of the Galilean, who was most certainly their prophet and their king: he added that he had nothing to reproach himself with on that head, for he had washed his hands of the whole affair, and was, therefore, quite innocent. The Ancients were as hardened as ever, and replied, in a sullen tone, that there was nothing unnatural in the course of events, that they might be easily accounted for by philosophers, and that they did not repent of anything they had done. However, many persons were converted, and among others those soldiers who fell to the ground at the words of our Lord when they were sent to arrest him in the Garden of Olives.

    The rabble assembled before Pilate’s house, and instead of the cry of ‘Crucify him, crucify him!’ which had resounded in the morning, you might have heard vociferations of ‘Down with the iniquitous judge!’ ‘May the blood of the just man fall upon his murderers!’ Pilate was much alarmed; he sent for additional guards, and endeavoured to cast all the blame upon the Jews. He again declared that the crime was not his; that he was no subject of this Jesus, whom they had put to death unjustly, and who was their king, their prophet, their Holy One; that they alone were guilty, as it must be evident to all that he condemned Jesus solely from compulsion.

    The Temple was thronged with Jews, who were intent on the immolation of the Paschal lamb; but when the darkness increased to such a degree that it was impossible to distinguish the countenance of one from that of the other, they were seized with fear, horror, and dread, which they expressed by mournful cries and lamentations. The High Priests endeavoured to maintain order and quiet. All the lamps were lighted; but the confusion became greater every moment, and Annas appeared perfectly paralysed with terror. I saw him endeavouring to hide first in one place, and then in another. When I left the Temple, and walked through the streets, I remarked that, although not a breath of wind was stirring, yet both the doors and windows of the houses were shaking as if in a storm, and the darkness was becoming every moment more dense.

     The consternation produced by the sudden darkness at Mount Calvary was indescribable. When it first commenced, the confusion of the noise of the hammers, the vociferations of the rabble, the cries of the two thieves on being fastened to their crosses, the insulting speeches of the Pharisees, the evolutions of the soldiers, and the drunken shouts of the executioners, had so completely engrossed the attention of every one, that the change which was gradually coming over the face of nature was not remarked; but as the darkness increased, every sound ceased, each voice was hushed, and remorse and terror took possession of every heart, while the bystanders retired one by one to a distance from the Cross. Then it was that Jesus gave his Mother to St. John, and that she, overcome by grief, was carried away to a short distance. As the darkness continued to grow more and more dense, the silence became perfectly astounding; every one appeared terror-struck; some looked at the sky, while others, filled with remorse, turned towards the Cross, smote their breasts, and were converted. Although the Pharisees were in reality quite as much alarmed as other persons, yet they endeavoured at first to put a bold face on the matter, and declared that they could see nothing unaccountable in these events; but at last even they lost assurance, and were reduced to silence. The disc of the sun was of a dark-yellow tint, rather resembling a mountain when viewed by moonlight, and it was surrounded by a bright fiery ring; the stars appeared, but the light they cast was red and lurid; the birds were so terrified as to drop to the ground; the beasts trembled and moaned; the horses and the asses of the Pharisees crept as close as possible to one another, and put their heads between their legs. The thick fog penetrated everything.

    Stillness reigned around the Cross. Jesus hung upon it alone; forsaken by all,—disciples, followers, friends, his Mother even was removed from his side; not one person of the thousands upon whom he had lavished benefits was near to offer him the slightest alleviation in his bitter agony,—his soul was overspread with an indescribable feeling of bitterness and grief,—all within him was dark, gloomy, and wretched. The darkness which reigned around was but symbolical of that which overspread his interior; he turned, nevertheless, to his Heavenly Father, he prayed for his enemies, he offered the chalice of his sufferings for their redemption, he continued to pray as he had done during the whole of his Passion, and repeated portions of those Psalms the prophecies of which were then receiving their accomplishment in him. I saw angels standing around. Again I looked at Jesus—my beloved Spouse—on his Cross, agonising and dying, yet still in dreary solitude. He at that moment endured anguish which no mortal pen can describe,—he felt that suffering which would overwhelm a poor weak mortal if deprived at once of all consolation, both divine and human, and then compelled, without refreshment, assistance, or light, to traverse the stormy desert of tribulation upheld by faith, hope, and charity alone.

    His sufferings were inexpressible; but it was by them that he merited for us the grace necessary to resist those temptations to despair which will assail us at the hour of death,—that tremendous hour when we shall feel that we are about to leave all that is dear to us here below. When our minds, weakened by disease, have lost the power of reasoning, and even our hopes of mercy and forgiveness are become, as it were, enveloped in mist and uncertainty, —then it is that we must fly to Jesus, unite our feelings of desolation with that indescribable dereliction which he endured upon the Cross, and be certain of obtaining a glorious victory over our infernal enemies. Jesus then offered to his Eternal Father his poverty, his dereliction, his labours, and, above all, the bitter sufferings which our ingratitude had caused him to endure in expiation for our sins and weaknesses; no one, therefore, who is united to Jesus in the bosom of his Church must despair at the awful moment preceding his exit from this life, even if he be deprived of all sensible light and comfort; for he must then remember that the Christian is no longer obliged to enter this dark desert alone and unprotected, as Jesus has cast his own interior and exterior dereliction on the Cross into this gulf of desolation, consequently he will not be left to cope alone with death, or be suffered to leave this world in desolation of spirit, deprived of heavenly consolation. All fear of loneliness and despair in death must therefore be cast away; for Jesus, who is our true light, the Way, the Truth, and the Life, has preceded us on that dreary road, has overspread it with blessings, and raised his Cross upon it, one glance at which will calm our every fear. Jesus then (if we may so express ourselves) made his last testament in the presence of his Father, and bequeathed the merits of his Death and Passion to the Church and to sinners. Not one erring soul was forgotten; he thought of each and every one; praying, likewise, even for those heretics who have endeavoured to prove that, being God, he did not suffer as a man would have suffered in his place. The cry which he allowed to pass his lips in the height of his agony was intended not only to show the excess of the sufferings he was then enduring, but likewise to encourage all afflicted souls who acknowledge God as their Father to lay their sorrows with filial confidence at his feet. It was towards three o’clock when he cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eloi, Eloi, lamma sabacthani?’ ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ These words of our Lord interrupted the dead silence which had continued so long; the Pharisees turned towards him, and one of them said, ‘Behold, he calleth Elias;’ and another, ‘Let us see whether Elias will come to deliver him.’ When Mary heard the voice of her divine Son, she was unable to restrain herself any longer, but rushed forwards, and returned to the foot of the Cross, followed by John, Mary the daughter of Cleophas, Mary Magdalen, and Salome. A troop of about thirty horsemen from Judaea and the environs of Joppa, who were on their way to Jerusalem for the festival, passed by just at the time when all was silent round the Cross, both assistants and spectators being transfixed with terror and apprehension. When they beheld Jesus hanging on the Cross, saw the cruelty with which he had been treated, and remarked the extraordinary signs of God’s wrath which overspread the face of nature, they were filled with horror and exclaimed, ‘If the Temple of God were not in Jerusalem, the city should be burned to the ground for having taken upon itself so fearful a crime.’ These words from  the lips of strangers—strangers too who bore the appearance of persons of rank—made a great impression on bystanders, and loud murmurs and  exclamations of grief were heard on all sides; some individuals gathered  together in groups, most freely to indulge their sorrow, although a certain portion of the crowd continued to b1aspheme and revile all around them. The Pharisees were compelled to assume a more humble tone, for they feared an insurrection among the people, being well aware of the great existing excitement among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. They therefore held a consultation with Abenadar, the centurion, and agreed with him that the gate of the city, which was in the vicinity, should be closed, in order to prevent farther communication, and that they should send to Pilate and Herod for 500 men to guard against the chance of an insurrection, the centurion, in the meantime, doing all in his power to maintain order, and preventing the Pharisees from insulting Jesus, lest it should exasperate the people still more.

    Shortly after three o’clock the light reappeared in a degree, the moon began to pass away from the disc of the sun, while the sun again shone forth, although its appearance was dim, being surrounded by a species of red mist; by degrees it became more bright, and the stars vanished, but the sky was still gloomy. The enemies of Jesus soon recovered their arrogant spirit when they saw the light returning; and it was then that they exclaimed, ‘Behold, he calleth Elias.’

 

 

CHAPTER XLV

Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross.—His Death

    THE light continued to return by degrees, and the livid exhausted countenance of our Lord again became visible.  His body was become much more white from the quantity of blood he had lost; and I heard him exclaim, 'I am pressed as the grape, which is trodden in the winepress.  My blood shall be poured out until water cometh,  but wine shall here be made no more.'  I cannot be sure whether he really pronounced these words, so  as to be heard by others, or whether they were only an answer given to my interior prayer.  I afterwards had a vision relating to these words, and in it I saw Japhet making wine in this place.

    Jesus was almost  fainting; his tongue was parched, and he said: ‘I thirst.’ The disciples who ware standing round the Cross looked at him with the deepest expression of sorrow, and he added, ‘Could you not have given me a little water?’ By these words he gave them to understand that no one  would have prevented them  from doing so during the darkness. John was filled with remorse, and replied: ‘We did not think of doing so, O Lord.’ Jesus pronounced a few more words, the import of which was: ‘My friends and my neighbours were also to forget me, and not give me to drink, that so what was written concerning me might be fulfilled.’ This omission had afflicted him very much. The disciples then offered money to the soldiers to obtain permission to give him a little water: they refused to give it, but dipped a sponge in vinegar and gall, and were about to offer it to Jesus, when the centurion Abenadar, whose heart was touched with compassion, took it from them, squeezed out the gall, poured some fresh vinegar upon it, and fastening it to a reed, put the reed at the end of a lance, and presented it for Jesus to drink. I heard our Lord say several other things, but I only remember these words: ‘When my voice shall be silent, the mouths of the dead shall be opened.’ Some of the bystanders cried out: ‘He blasphemeth again.’ But Abenadar compelled them to be silent.

    The hour of our Lord was at last come; his death-struggle had commenced; a cold sweat overspread every limb. John stood at the foot of the Cross, and wiped the feet of Jesus with his scapular. Magdalen was crouched to the ground in a perfect frenzy of grief behind the Cross. The Blessed Virgin stood between Jesus and the good thief, supported by Salome and Mary of Cleophas, with her eyes riveted on the countenance of her dying Son. Jesus then said: 'It is consummated;’ and, raising his head, cried out in a loud voice, ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.’ These words, which he uttered in a clear and thrilling tone, resounded through heaven and earth; and a moment after, he bowed down his head and gave up the ghost. I saw his soul, under the appearance of a bright meteor, penetrate the earth at the foot of the Cross. John and the holy women fell prostrate on the ground. The centurion Abenadar had kept his eyes steadfastly fixed on the disfigured countenance of our Lord, and was perfectly overwhelmed by all that had taken place. When our Lord pronounced his last words, before expiring, in a loud tone, the earth trembled, and the rock of Calvary burst asunder, forming a deep chasm between the Cross of our Lord and that of Gesmas. The voice of God—that solemn and terrible voice—had re-echoed through the whole universe; it had broken the solemn silence which then pervaded all nature. All was accomplished. The soul of our Lord had left his body: his last cry had filled every breast with terror. The convulsed earth had paid homage to its Creator: the sword of grief had pierced the hearts of those who loved him. This moment was the moment of grace for Abenadar; his horse trembled under him; his heart was touched; it was rent like the hard rock; he threw his lance to a distance, struck his breast, and cried out: ‘Blessed be the Most High God, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob; indeed this Man was the Son of God!’ His words convinced many among the soldiers, who followed his example, and were likewise converted.

    Abenadar became from this moment a new man; he adored the true God, and would no longer serve his enemies. He gave both his horse and his lance to a subaltern of the name of Longinus, who, having addressed a few words to the soldiers, mounted his horse, and took the command upon himself. Abenadar then left Calvary, and went through the Valley of Gihon to the caves in the Valley of Hinnom, where the disciples were hidden, announced the death of our Lord to them, and then went to the town, in order to see Pilate. No sooner had Abenadar rendered public testimony of his belief in the divinity of Jesus, than a large number of soldiers followed his example, as did also some of the bystanders, and even a few Pharisees. Many struck their breasts, wept, and returned home, while others rent their garments, and cast dust on their heads, and all were filled with horror and fear. John arose; and some of the holy women who were at a short distance came up to the Blessed Virgin, and led her away from the foot of the Cross.

    When Jesus, the Lord of life and death, gave up his soul into the hands of his Father, and allowed death to take possession of his body, this sacred body trembled and turned lividly white; the countless wounds which were covered with congealed blood appeared like dark marks; his cheeks became more sunken, his nose more pointed, and his eyes, which were obscured with blood, remained but half open. He raised his weary head, which was still crowned with thorns, for a moment, and then dropped it again in agony of pain; while his parched and torn lips, only partially closed, showed his bloody and swollen tongue. At the moment of death his hands, which were at one time contracted round the nails, opened and returned to their natural size, as did also his arms; his body became stiff, and the whole weight was thrown upon the feet, his knees bent, and his feet twisted a little on one side.

    What words can, alas, express the deep grief of the Blessed Virgin? Her eyes closed, a death-like tint overspread her countenance; unable to stand, she fell to the ground, but was soon lifted up, and supported by John, Magdalen, and the others. She looked once more upon her beloved Son—that Son whom she had conceived by the Holy Ghost, the flesh of her flesh, the bone of her bone, the heart of her heart—hanging on a cross between two thieves; crucified, dishonoured, condemned by those whom he came on earth to save; and well might she at this moment be termed ‘the queen of martyrs.’ 

    The sun still looked dim and suffused with mist; and during the time of the earthquake the air was close and oppressive, but by degrees it became more clear and fresh.

    It was about three o’clock when Jesus expired. The Pharisees were at first much alarmed at the earthquake; but when the first shock was over they recovered themselves, began to throw stones into the chasm, and tried to measure its depth with ropes. Finding, however, that they could not fathom its bottom, they became thoughtful, listened anxiously to the groans of the penitents, who were lamenting and striking their breasts, and then left Calvary. Many among the spectators were really converted, and the greatest part returned to Jerusalem perfectly overcome with fear. Roman soldiers were placed at the gates, and in other principal parts of the city, to prevent the possibility of an insurrection. Cassius remained on Calvary with about fifty soldiers. The friends of Jesus stood round the Cross, contemplated our Lord, and wept; many among the holy women had returned to their homes, and all were silent and overcome with grief.

 

 

 

 
Divine Mercy Novena
Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave St. Faustina an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said:
"These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.' The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."
In her diary, St. Faustina wrote that Jesus told her:
"On each day of the novena you will bring to My heart a different group of souls and you will immerse them in this ocean of My mercy ... On each day you will beg My Father, on the strength of My passion, for the graces for these souls."
 

The different souls prayed for on each day of the novena are:
DAY 1 (Good Friday)  - All mankind, especially sinners
DAY 2 (Holy Saturday) - The souls of priests and religious
DAY 3 (Easter Sunday)  - All devout and faithful souls
DAY 4 (Easter Monday) - Those who do not believe in Jesus and those who do not yet know Him
DAY 5 (Easter Tuesday) - The souls of separated brethren
DAY 6 (Easter Wednesday) - The meek and humble souls and the souls of children
DAY 7 (Easter Thursday) - The souls who especially venerate and glorify Jesus' mercy
DAY 8 (Easter Friday) - The souls who are detained in purgatory; 
DAY 9 (Easter Saturday) - The souls who have become lukewarm.
 

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy may also be offered each day for the day's intention, but is not strictly necessary to the Novena.
 

 

 

First Day, GOOD FRIDAY
"Today bring to Me all mankind, especially all sinners,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. In this way you will console Me in the bitter grief into which the loss of souls plunges Me."
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, whose very nature it is to have compassion on us and to forgive us, do not look upon our sins but upon our trust which we place in Your infinite goodness. Receive us all into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart, and never let us escape from It. We beg this of You by Your love which unites You to the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon all mankind and especially upon poor sinners, all enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion show us Your mercy, that we may praise the omnipotence of Your mercy for ever and ever. Amen.
 

 

 

 

Second Day, Holy Saturday
"Today bring to Me the Souls of Priests and Religious,
and immerse them in My unfathomable mercy. It was they who gave me strength to endure My bitter Passion. Through them as through channels My mercy flows out upon mankind."
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, from whom comes all that is good, increase Your grace in men and women consecrated to Your service,* that they may perform worthy works of mercy; and that all who see them may glorify the Father of Mercy who is in heaven.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the company of chosen ones in Your vineyard -- upon the souls of priests and religious; and endow them with the strength of Your blessing. For the love of the Heart of Your Son in which they are enfolded, impart to them Your power and light, that they may be able to guide others in the way of salvation and with one voice sing praise to Your boundless mercy for ages without end. Amen.
* In the original text, Saint Faustina uses the pronoun "us" since she was offering this prayer as a consecrated religious sister. The wording adapted here is intended to make the prayer suitable for universal use. 
 

Third Day, EASTER SUNDAY
"Today bring to Me all Devout and Faithful Souls,
and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness." 
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, from the treasury of Your mercy, You impart Your graces in great abundance to each and all. Receive us into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart and never let us escape from It. We beg this grace of You by that most wondrous love for the heavenly Father with which Your Heart burns so fiercely.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon faithful souls, as upon the inheritance of Your Son. For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, grant them Your blessing and surround them with Your constant protection. Thus may they never fail in love or lose the treasure of the holy faith, but rather, with all the hosts of Angels and Saints, may they glorify Your boundless mercy for endless ages. Amen.
 

Fourth Day, Easter Monday
"Today bring to Me those who do not believe in God and those who do not know Me, 
I was thinking also of them during My bitter Passion, and their future zeal comforted My Heart. Immerse them in the ocean of My mercy."  
 

PRAYER

Most compassionate Jesus, You are the Light of the whole world. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who do not believe in God and of those who as yet do not know You. Let the rays of Your grace enlighten them that they, too, together with us, may extol Your wonderful mercy; and do not let them escape from the abode which is Your Most Compassionate Heart.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who do not believe in You, and of those who as yet do not know You, but who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Draw them to the light of the Gospel. These souls do not know what great happiness it is to love You. Grant that they, too, may extol the generosity of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
*Our Lord's original words here were "the pagans." Since the pontificate of Pope John XXIII, the Church has seen fit to replace this term with clearer and more appropriate terminology.
 

Fifth Day, Easter Tuesday
"Today bring to Me the Souls of those who have separated themselves from My Church*, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. During My bitter Passion they tore at My Body and Heart, that is, My Church. As they return to unity with the Church My wounds heal and in this way they alleviate My Passion."  
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, Goodness Itself, You do not refuse light to those who seek it of You. Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Church. Draw them by Your light into the unity of the Church, and do not let them escape from the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart; but bring it about that they, too, come to glorify the generosity of Your mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls of those who have separated themselves from Your Son's Church, who have squandered Your blessings and misused Your graces by obstinately persisting in their errors. Do not look upon their errors, but upon the love of Your own Son and upon His bitter Passion, which He underwent for their sake, since they, too, are enclosed in His Most Compassionate Heart. Bring it about that they also may glorify Your great mercy for endless ages. Amen.
 

*Our Lord's original words here were "heretics and schismatics," since He spoke to Saint Faustina within the context of her times. As of the Second Vatican Council, Church authorities have seen fit not to use those designations in accordance with the explanation given in the Council's Decree on Ecumenism (n.3). Every pope since the Council has reaffirmed that usage. Saint Faustina herself, her heart always in harmony with the mind of the Church, most certainly would have agreed. When at one time, because of the decisions of her superiors and father confessor, she was not able to execute Our Lord's inspirations and orders, she declared: "I will follow Your will insofar as You will permit me to do so through Your representative. O my Jesus " I give priority to the voice of the Church over the voice with which You speak to me" (497). The Lord confirmed her action and praised her for it.
 

 

Sixth Day, Easter Wednesday
Today bring to Me the Meek and Humble Souls and the Souls of Little Children,
and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.  
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.
 

Seventh Day, Easter Thursday
Today bring to Me the Souls who especially venerate and glorify My Mercy*,
and immerse them in My mercy. These souls sorrowed most over my Passion and entered most deeply into My spirit. They are living images of My Compassionate Heart. These souls will shine with a special brightness in the next life. Not one of them will go into the fire of hell. I shall particularly defend each one of them at the hour of death.
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, whose Heart is Love Itself, receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls of those who particularly extol and venerate the greatness of Your mercy. These souls are mighty with the very power of God Himself. In the midst of all afflictions and adversities they go forward, confident of Your mercy; and united to You, O Jesus, they carry all mankind on their shoulders. These souls will not be judged severely, but Your mercy will embrace them as they depart from this life.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls who glorify and venerate Your greatest attribute, that of Your fathomless mercy, and who are enclosed in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls are a living Gospel; their hands are full of deeds of mercy, and their hearts, overflowing with joy, sing a canticle of mercy to You, O Most High! I beg You O God:

Show them Your mercy according to the hope and trust they have placed in You. Let there be accomplished in them the promise of Jesus, who said to them that during their life, but especially at the hour of death, the souls who will venerate this fathomless mercy of His, He, Himself, will defend as His glory. Amen.
 

*The text leads one to conclude that in the first prayer directed to Jesus, Who is the Redeemer, it is "victim" souls and contemplatives that are being prayed for; those persons, that is, that voluntarily offered themselves to God for the salvation of their neighbor (see Col 1:24; 2 Cor 4:12). This explains their close union with the Savior and the extraordinary efficacy that their invisible activity has for others. In the second prayer, directed to the Father from whom comes "every worthwhile gift and every genuine benefit,"we recommend the "active" souls, who promote devotion to The Divine Mercy and exercise with it all the other works that lend themselves to the spiritual and material uplifting of their brethren.
 

Eighth Day, Easter Friday
"Today bring to Me the Souls who are in the prison of Purgatory,
and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. Let the torrents of My Blood cool down their scorching flames. All these souls are greatly loved by Me. They are making retribution to My justice. It is in your power to bring them relief. Draw all the indulgences from the treasury of My Church and offer them on their behalf. Oh, if you only knew the torments they suffer, you would continually offer for them the alms of the spirit and pay off their debt to My justice."  
 

PRAYER

Most Merciful Jesus, You Yourself have said that You desire mercy; so I bring into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart the souls in Purgatory, souls who are very dear to You, and yet, who must make retribution to Your justice. May the streams of Blood and Water which gushed forth from Your Heart put out the flames of Purgatory, that there, too, the power of Your mercy may be celebrated.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg You, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded: Manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way but only through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion. Amen.
 

Ninth Day, Easter Saturday
"Today bring to Me the Souls who have become Lukewarm,
and immerse them in the abyss of My mercy. These souls wound My Heart most painfully. My soul suffered the most dreadful loathing in the Garden of Olives because of lukewarm souls. They were the reason I cried out: 'Father, take this cup away from Me, if it be Your will.' For them, the last hope of salvation is to run to My mercy." 
 

PRAYER

Most compassionate Jesus, You are Compassion Itself. I bring lukewarm souls into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart. In this fire of Your pure love, let these tepid souls who, like corpses, filled You with such deep loathing, be once again set aflame. O Most Compassionate Jesus, exercise the omnipotence of Your mercy and draw them into the very ardor of Your love, and bestow upon them the gift of holy love, for nothing is beyond Your power.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon lukewarm souls who are nonetheless enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. Father of Mercy, I beg You by the bitter Passion of Your Son and by His three-hour agony on the Cross: Let them, too, glorify the abyss of Your mercy. Amen. 
 
 

 

 

How God views the abortions of mankind according to Saint Faustina

 

Poland was killing thousands of unborn babies by abortion in the 1930's in Warsaw



 

"She wrote in her diary that Jesus Himself said that He was about to destroy one of the most beautiful cities of our country like Sodom was destroyed on account of the crimes perpetrated there.  Having read about these things in the Diary I asked her what does the prophecy mean?  She answered confirming what she wrote and replying to a further question of mine, on account of what kind of sins God was going to inflict these punishments.  She answered: especially for the killing of infants not yet born, the most grievous crime of all."

The Most Grievous Crime of All

This crime against unborn children and women was already growing, seeping in from the Soviet Union, which in 1920 became the first country in the world to legalize abortion.  Available upon request and often for no cost, by the mid-1920s, hospitals there were so severely congested by abortion procedures that special clinics had to be opened to free up beds, and many doctors began to become concerned.
Abortion was banned in Poland without exceptions until 1932.  In that year, restrictions were loosened, and the new Penal Code legalized abortion when there were medical reasons and, for the first time in Europe when the pregnancy resulted from a criminal act. Warsaw, the cosmopolitan capital of Poland, now comes to be known as “the place to go” if one “needs” an abortion. It is reported that as much as one out of every three pregnancies was terminated there between the two world wars.
Toward the end of 1937, less than 12 months before her death, St. Faustina again mentions God’s anger with her country, recording in Diary entry 1533:
I saw the anger of God hanging heavy over Poland.  And now I see that if God were to visit our country with the greatest chastisements, that would still be great mercy because, for such grave transgressions, He could punish us with eternal annihilation.  I was paralyzed with fear when the Lord lifted the veil a little for me.  Now I see clearly that chosen souls keep the world in existence to fulfill the measure of justice.
SEE: 

 



 

 
 
 
The Miraculous Responsory of Saint Anthony
 Picture below is the Miracle of the Fish that came
 to listen to Saint Anthony preach.

 

[Say your prayer request]
V. If, then, thou seekest miracles,
Death, error, all calamities,
The leprosy and demons flee,
The sick, by him made whole, arise.
R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
 

And withered limbs he doth restore,

While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.
V. All dangers vanish from our path,
Our direst needs do quickly flee:
Let those who know repeat the theme:
Let Paduans praise St. Anthony.
R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
 
And withered limbs he doth restore,
While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.
V. To the Father and the Son let glory be,
And Holy Ghost eternally.
R. The sea withdraws and fetters break,
 

And withered limbs he doth restore,

While treasures lost are found again,
When young or old his help implore.
V. Pray for us, O blessed Anthony,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

 

Let us pray:
Let Thy Church, O God, be gladdened
by the pious invocation of blessed Anthony Thy Confessor:
that she may be evermore defended by Thy spiritual assistance
and merit to possess everlasting joy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE END OF ABORTION IN THE UNITED STATES

 

Pray for a constitutional amendment to ban all abortion

 

"Then people brought little children to him, for him to lay his hands on them and pray.  The disciples scolded them, but Jesus said, 'Let the little children alone, and do not stop them from coming to me; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of Heaven belongs.'  Then he laid his hands on them and went on his way." 
           The Bible,  Matthew  21:13-15

 

"You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb.  I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful.  I know it with all my heart.  When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there — you saw me before I was born.  The days allotted to me had all been recorded in you book, before any of them ever began."

                  The Bible:  Psalm 139: 13-16

 

 

 

DIVINE MERCY PRAYER TO END ABORTION IN U.S. :

 

You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(Repeat three times)
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!

 

 

PRAY THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET FOR AN ABORTION BAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEE MORE ON ABORTION

 

 

MISSOURI'S BAN ON ABORTION

Missouri's ban on abortion began on June 24, 2022, when the state's "trigger law" took effect. The law was signed into effect by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization. 

Officials in Missouri signed the state's "trigger law" into effect after the Supreme Court ruled that abortion was not a constitutional right. (The Beacon)  

 
 
SAINT JOSEPH, THE WORKER
Spouse of the Blessed Virgin and
Patron of the Universal Church.
ST. JOSEPH was by birth of the royal family of David, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter when God raised him to the highest sanctity, and fitted him to be the spouse of His Virgin Mother, and foster-father and guardian of the Incarnate Word. Joseph, says the Holy Scripture, was a just man; he was innocent and pure, as became the husband of Mary; he was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus; he was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of the holy house; above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine calls. His conversation was with angels rather than with men. When he learned that Mary bore within her womb the Lord of heaven, he feared to take her as his wife; but an angel bade him fear not, and all doubts vanished. When Herod sought the life of the divine Infant, an angel told Joseph in a dream to fly with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed. This sudden and unexpected flight must have exposed Joseph to many inconveniences and sufferings in so long a journey with a little babe and a tender virgin, the greater part of the way being through deserts and among strangers; yet he alleges no excuses; nor inquires at what time they were to return. St. Chrysostom observes that God treats thus all His servants, sending them frequent trials to clear their hearts from the rust of self-love, but intermixing seasons of consolation. "Joseph," says he, "is anxious on seeing the Virgin with child; an angel removes that fear. He rejoices at the Child's birth, but a great fear succeeds: the furious king seeks to destroy the Child, and the whole city is in an uproar to take away His life. This is followed by another joy, the adoration of the Magi; a new sorrow then arises: he is ordered to fly into a foreign unknown country, without help or acquaintance." It is the opinion of the Fathers that upon their entering Egypt, at the presence of the child Jesus, all the oracles of that superstitious country were struck dumb, and the statues of their gods trembled and in many places fell to the ground. The Fathers also attribute to this holy visit the spiritual benediction poured on that country, which made it for many ages most fruitful in Saints. After the death of King Herod, of which St. Joseph was informed in another vision, God ordered him to return with the Child and His Mother into the land of Israel, which our Saint readily obeyed. But when he arrived in Judea, hearing that Archelaus had succeeded Herod in that part of the country, and apprehensive that he might be infected with his father's vices, he feared on that account to settle there, as he would otherwise probably have done for the education of the Child; and therefore, being directed by God in another vision, he retired into the dominions of Herod Antipas, in Galilee, to his former habitation in Nazareth. St. Joseph, being a strict observer of the Mosaic law, in conformity to its direction annually repaired to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our Saviour, now int the twelfth year of His age, accompanied His parents thither. Having performed the usual ceremonies of the feast,they were returning with many of their neighbors and acquaintance towards Galilee; and never doubting but that Jesus was with some of the company, they travelled on for a whole day's journey before they discovered that He was not with them. But when night came on and they could hear no tidings of Him among their kindred and acquaintance, they, in the deepest affliction, returned with the utmost speed to Jerusalem. After an anxious search of three days they found Him in the Temple, discoursing with the learned doctors of the law, and asking them such questions as raised the admiration of all that heard Him, and made them astonished at the ripeness of His understanding; nor were His parents less surprised on this occasion. When His Mother told Him with what grief and earnestness they had sought Him, and asked, "Son, why hast Thou thus dealt with us? Behold Thy Father and I sought Thee in great affliction of mind," she received for answer, "How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But though thus staying in the Temple unknown to His parents, in all other things He was obedient to them, returning with them to Nazareth, and there living in all dutiful subjection to them. As no further mention is made of St. Joseph, he must have died before the marriage of Cana and the beginning of our divine Saviour's ministry. We cannot doubt that he had the happiness of Jesus and Mary attending at his death, praying by him, assisting and comforting him in his last moments; whence he is particularly invoked for the great grace of a happy death and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that hour.
 
Reflection.  -St. Joseph, the shadow of the Eternal Father upon earth, the protector of Jesus in His home at Nazareth, and a lover of all children for the sake of the Holy Child, should be the chosen guardian and pattern of every true Christian family.
 
 
 
[MENTION YOUR PRAYER REQUEST]
[Ask Saint Joseph to end all abortions world-wide and for the end of war in Ukraine]
[Mention your own prayer]
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 Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, spouse of St. Joseph,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, confirmed in grace,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, guardian of the Word Incarnate,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, favorite of the King of Heaven,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, ruler of the family of Jesus,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, spouse of the ever-blessed Virgin,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, foster father to the Son of God,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, example of humility and obedience,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, mirror of silence and resignation,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, patron of innocence and youth,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, exited with Christ into Egypt,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, intercessor for the afflicted,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, advocate of the humble,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, model of every virtue,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, honored among men,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, in whom is the union of all Christian perfections,
Pray for us.

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

Let Us Pray.

Assist us, O Lord,
we beseech Thee,
by the merits of the spouse
of Thy most holy Mother,
that what our unworthiness cannot obtain,
may be given us by his intercession with Thee,
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.

Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O thou Saint Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession, and obtain for me from thy divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee, and Jesus asleep in thy arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.  Amen!
 

DIVINE MERCY

 
"I want this image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy. On that day, the depths of My Mercy will be open to all. Whoever will go to confession and Holy Communion on that day will receive complete forgiveness of sin and punishment. Mankind will not enjoy peace until it turns with confidence to My Mercy."
 
 
On Divine Mercy Sunday an Indulgence/Blessing of Mercy is promised by Our Lord Jesus:
 
 
 
The Image
On February 22, 1931, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ appeared to this simple nun, bringing with Him a wonderful message of Mercy for all mankind. Sister Faustina Kowalska tells us in her diary under this date: "In the evening, when I was in my cell, I became aware of the Lord Jesus clothed in a white garment. One hand was raised in blessing, the other was touching the garment at the breast. From the opening in the garment at the breast there came forth two large rays, one red, and the other pale, In silence I gazed intently at the Lord; my soul was overwhelmed with fear, but also with great joy. After a while Jesus said to me:   'paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the inscription: Jesus, I trust in You.' "
Some time later, Our Lord again spoke to her: "The pale ray stands for the Water which makes souls righteous; the red ray stands for the Blood which is the life of souls. These two rays issued forth from the depths of My most tender Mercy at that time when My agonizing Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross . . . Fortunate is the one who will dwell in their shelter, for the just hand of God shall not lay hold of him."
SisterFaustina2.jpg (8096 bytes)Jesus said to Sister Faustina, "Encourage souls to place great trust in My fathomless mercy.  Let the weak, sinful soul have no fear to approach Me, for even if it had more sins than there are grains of sand in the world, all would be drowned in the unmeasurable depths of My mercy."
 
 
 
 
The Novena
Jesus further asked that this Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. He gave her an intention to pray for on each day of the Novena, saving for the last day the most difficult intention of all, the lukewarm and indifferent of whom He said: "These souls cause Me more suffering than any others; it was from such souls that My soul felt the most revulsion in the Garden of Olives. It was on their account that I said: 'My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass Me by.'   The last hope of salvation for them is to flee to My Mercy."
The Chaplet
In 1933, God gave Sister Faustina a striking vision of His Mercy.   Sister tells us: "I saw a great light, with God the Father in the midst of it. Between this light and the earth I saw Jesus nailed to the Cross and in such a way that God, wanting to look upon the earth, had to look through Our Lords wounds. And I understood that God blessed the earth for the sake of Jesus."   Of another vision on September 13, 1935, she writes: I saw an Angel, the executor of God's wrath... about to strike the earth ... I began to beg God earnestly for the world with words which I heard interiorly.   As I prayed in this way, I saw the Angel's helplessness, and he could not carry out the just punishment...
The following day an inner voice taught her to say this prayer on ordinary rosary beads:
"First say one: 'Our Father',  one 'Hail Mary' and 'I Believe (Apostles Creed)'.
 Then on the large beads say the following words:
'Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.'
 On the smaller beads you are to say the following words:
'For the sake of His sorrowful Passion have mercy on us and on the whole world.' "
 
In conclusion you are to say these words three times:
'Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.'
Jesus said later to Sister Faustina: "Say unceasingly this chaplet that I have taught you. Anyone who says it will receive great Mercy at the hour of death. Priests will recommend it to sinners as the last hope. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this Chaplet even once, will receive grace from My infinite Mercy. I want the whole world to know My infinite Mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy."
Subsequent History
One day in the same year, 1935, Sister Faustina wrote to her spiritual director: "The time will come when this work, which God so commends, [will be] as though in complete ruin, and suddenly the action of God will come upon the scene with great power which will bear witness to the truth. It will he as a new splendor for the church, though it has been dormant in it from long ago.
This indeed came to pass. On the 6th of March, 1959, the Holy See, acting on information that was inaccurately presented, prohibited  "the spreading of images and writings advocating devotion to the Divine Mercy in the form proposed by Sister Faustina." As a result, there followed almost twenty years of total silence. Then, on the 15th of April, 1978, the Holy See, after a thorough examination of original documents previously unavailable to it, completely reversed its decision and again permitted the devotion. The one man primarily responsible for this reversal of decision was Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, the Archbishop of Cracow. On October 16, 1978 he was elevated to the See of Peter as Pope John Paul II. On March 7, 1992, Sr. Faustina's virtues were declared heroic; on December 21, 1992, a healing through Sr. Faustina's intercession was declared a miracle; and on April 18, 1993, Pope John Paul II had the honor to declare the Venerable Servant of God Sister Faustina Blessed.  Sister Faustina Kowalska was declared a Saint by Pope John Paul II on  Divine Mercy Sunday, April 30, 2000.
(With Ecclesiastical Approval)
The Humble Instrument
On October 5, 1938, a young religious by the name of Sister Faustina (Helen Kowalska) died in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Cracow, Poland.  She came from a very poor family that had struggled hard on their little farm during the terrible years of World War I.  Sister had had only three years of very simple education.  Hers were the humble tasks in the convent, usually in the kitchen or the vegetable garden, or as porter.  The Apostle of Divine Mercy---Saint Faustina Kowalska of the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy  (1905 -- 1938).
 
A novena to obtain graces through the intercession of Saint Faustina Kowalska
0 Jesus, who filled Your handmaid Saint Faustina with profound veneration for Your boundless Mercy, deign, if it be Your holy will, to grant me, through her intercession, the grace for which I fervently pray . . .
My sins render me unworthy of Your Mercy, but be mindful of Saint Faustina's spirit of sacrifice and self-denial, and reward her virtue by granting the petition which, with childlike confidence, I present to You through her intercession.
Saint Faustina, pray for us. 
 
"I want this image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter; that Sunday is to be the Feast of Mercy. On that day, the depths of My Mercy will be open to all. Whoever will go to confession and Holy Communion on that day will receive complete forgiveness of sin and punishment. Mankind will not enjoy peace until it turns with confidence to My Mercy."
____________
 

Litany to the Divine Mercy

 
from St. Faustina Kowalska's Diary
 
Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, fountain gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of Jesus,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the founding of the Holy Church,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, crown of all God?s handiwork,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls,
I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope,
I trust in You.
Let us pray:
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.

 

 

 
PRAY THE FOLLOWING PRAYER FOR THE CONVERSION OF OUR PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO BE CHRISTIAN AND COMPLETELY PROLIFE:
 
DIVINE MERCY PRAYER: 
You expired, Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole world. O Fount of Life, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelop the whole world and empty Yourself out upon us.

(Repeat three times)
O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You!
 
Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Our Country and for the World.
 
 
 “The fruit of abortion is nuclear war.” 
-Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta.  

 

 

 

From the Book: DIARY: Divine Mercy in My Soul, the writings of Saint Maria Faustina
 
Jesus on one occasion asked Saint Faustina to suffer for "the souls murdered in the wombs of wicked mothers."
NOTEBOOK IV: 
Section 1276:   September 16, 1937.  I wanted very much to make a Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament today, but God's will was otherwise.  At eight o'clock I was seized with such violent pains that (31) I had to go to bed at once.  I was convulsed with pain for three hours; that is, until eleven o'clock at night.  No medicine had any effect on me, and whatever I swallowed I threw up.  At times, the pains caused me to lose consciousness.  Jesus had me realize that in this way I took part in His Agony in the Garden, and that He himself allowed these sufferings in order to offer reparation to God for the souls murdered in the wombs of wicked mothers.  I have gone through these sufferings three times now.  They always start at eight o'clock in the evening and last until eleven.  No medicine can lessen these sufferings.  When eleven o'clock comes, they cease by themselves, and I fall asleep at that moment.  The following day, I feel very weak.
 
This happened to me for the first time when I was at the sanatorium.  The doctors couldn't get to the bottom of it, and no injection or medicine helped me at all (32) nor did I myself have any idea of what the sufferings were about.  I told the doctor that never before in my life had I experienced such sufferings, and he declared he did not know what sort of pains they are.  But now I understand the nature of these pains, because the Lord himself as made this known to me... Yet when I think that I may perhaps suffer in this way again, I tremble.  But I don't know whether I'll ever again suffer in this way; I leave that to God.  What it pleases God to send, I will accept with submission and love.  If only I could save even one soul from murder by means of these sufferings!
 
Section 1277:  On the day after these sufferings, I can sense the condition of souls and their disposition towards God; I am pervaded with true knowledge.
 
****************
 
LITANY OF DIVINE MERCY
(SAY THIS PRAYER FOR UNBORN CHILDREN)
 
Divine Mercy, gushing forth from the bosom of the Father, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of GOD, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, fountain gushing forth from the mystery of the Most Blessed Trinity, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, human or angelic, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the Person of the Incarnate Word, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the Heart of JESUS, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the Heart of JESUS for us, and especially for sinners, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the founding of Holy Church, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in our justification through JESUS CHRIST, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing us especially at the hour of death, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of GOD, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of His hands, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, crown of all of god's handiwork, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, in which we are all immersed, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, sweet relief for anguished hearts, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, only hope of despairing souls, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls, I trust in You.
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope, I trust in You.
 
 
Eternal GOD, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself. Amen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIFTH COMMANDMENT:
"Thou shalt not kill."
 
When people vote for a prochoice candidate because they want women to be to obtain abortions whenever they choose, they violate the fifth commandment and become accessories to the crime of murder.  Part of obeying the Fifth Commandment means to protect innocent life.
 
What is considered an accessory to murder?
A person who aids a murder offender before or after the crime is  referred to as an accessory to murder. They are never at the scene of the crime itself.
 
 
How Our Lady Saved the World from a Nuclear War
Article from National Catholic Register
Joseph Pronechen Joseph Pronechen is staff writer with the National Catholic Register-October 13, 2019
Sr. Lucia of Fatima revealed that Our Lady told her if the consecration had not been made by John Paul II, there would have been a nuclear war.
(photo: Alexander Antropov/Pixabay/CC0)
Joseph Pronechen Blogs
October 13, 2019
On Sept. 1, 1983, flying from Anchorage to Seoul, a Korean Air Lines Boeing 747 with 269 people on board strayed off its planned route and flew over an island that violated Soviet air space. Quickly, a Russian fighter plane shot down.
The outrageous action prompted five Western European countries including Great Britain and Germany to okay accepting United States medium-range missiles beginning in November of that year.
With their military advantage rapidly shrinking, the Soviets were readying for war.
Then 205 days later, On March 25, 1984, St. John Paul II consecrated the world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. He invited all the bishops in the world to join him for this ceremony closing the Holy Year of Redemption. He did the consecration at St. Peter’s in Rome as he knelt before the statue of Our Lady of Fatima brought there from Fatima.
Less than two months later in 1984, on May 13, the 67th anniversary of the first apparition of Fatima, catastrophe hit the Russia fleet at the Severomorsk naval base located near Finland on the Barents Sea.
A fire, believed caused by a cigarette, turned catastrophic. Like a spark in a huge fireworks factory, it triggered the explosion of a huge stockpile of missiles.
Of 900 anti-aircraft missiles, 580 were destroyed. Of 400 surface-to-surface missiles able to carry nuclear warheads, 320 were obliterated. Upwards of 300 military personnel died.
It devastated the Soviet Union’s Northern Fleet.
Years later, Sr. Lucia wrote: “Everyone knows perfectly well that we went through one of the most critical moments in human history, when the great, mutually hostile powers planned a nuclear war that would have destroyed the world, if not the whole world, then the greater part of it. And what would have remained? What chances of survival? And who could have dissuaded those arrogant people, surrounded by their war plans…? Who, if not God.”
Grzegorz Gorny and Janusz Rosikon record this in Fatima Mysteries.
The following year, 1985, during an apparition in her convent, Sr. Lucia would reveal that Our Lady told her if that consecration had not been made by John Paul II, there would have been a nuclear war. Because of the consecration this didn’t happen. There was an undeniable link between it and the major destruction of weapons of the Soviet’s Northern Fleet.
Sr. Lucia would later tell this to Cardinals Antony Padiyara of India and Ricardo Vidal of the Philippines when they visited her in her convent.
A Preview in 1983?
A year earlier, there was also a major near-miss of nuclear war between Russia and the United States. Surely Our Lady of Fatima must have had a hand in preventing this horrendous possibility in 1983 because the year before, on May 13, 1982, in Fatima, John Paul II also made that Act of Entrustment of the world but it didn’t completely fulfill the requests of Our Lady because it wasn’t done in union with all the bishops in the world. He intended to do it that way, but the letters informing the bishops were sent too late. They result? They were unable to join him that time.
This event appeared to reflect what happened in 1942 during World War II. On Oct. 31 that year, Venerable Pius XII consecrated the world and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as Our Lady of Fatima had requested. But the consecration wasn’t done in union with all the bishops of the world either. It was a critical time in the war as the enemy was making major advances. Yet Sr. Lucia would say Our Lord showed his “delight” even though the consecration was incomplete and promised an end soon to the war. Shortly after, the tide turned as the Allies began to win key battles.
Similarly, John Paul II’s 1982 entrustment, even without all the bishops of the world, must have had the same effect when we consider what could have happened during that 1983 event to follow.
A year earlier, there was also a major near-miss of nuclear war between Russia and the United States. Surely Our Lady of Fatima must have had a hand in preventing this horrendous possibility in 1983 because the year before, on May 13, 1982, in Fatima, John Paul II also made that Act of Entrustment of the world but it didn’t completely fulfill the requests of Our Lady because it wasn’t done in union with all the bishops in the world. He intended to do it that way, but the letters informing the bishops were sent too late. They result? They were unable to join him that time.
This event appeared to reflect what happened in 196 he was brought to New York for an award from the Association of World Citizens and in 2013 given the Dresden peace prize.
But on May 19, 2017 when he died at age 77 from pneumonia in his small town, nobody knew until four months later when a foreign journalist started inquiring about him.
There is one piece of the story that has rarely been mentioned. And it surely seems to reflect indirectly on what Sr. Lucia said she was told in 1985.
We know the Soviets were atheists. Of course that included the military. But we have to wonder if that applied to Stanislav Petrov when we look at what he said in 2004 during an interview with Christian Science Monitor. He affirmed, “I wish I could say there is no chance of [an accidental nuclear launch today]. But when we deal with space — when we [play] God — who knows what will be the next surprise?”
Our Lady of Fatima had the answer and directions. It’s up to mankind to stop playing God and follow them.
 
 
Litany of Our Lady of Victory

[Pray for a Prolife Presidential win in Novmeber 2024]

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.
Our Lady of Victory,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Daughter of the Father,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Mother of the Son,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Spouse of the Holy Ghost,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Choice of the Most Holy Trinity,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Immaculate Conception,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Crushing the Head of the Serpent,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Over All the Children of Adam,
Pray for us.
Triumphant Over All Our Enemies,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Embassy of the Angel Gabriel,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Espousal to St. Joseph,
Pray for us.
Triumphant at the Scene of Bethlehem,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Flight Into Egypt,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Exile,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Humble Dwelling at Nazareth,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Finding Thy Divine Child in the Temple,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Earthly Life of Our Lord,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in His Passion and Death,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Resurrection,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Ascension,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Descent of the Holy Ghost,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Sorrows,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Joys,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy Entrance into the Heavenly Jerusalem,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Angels Who Remained Faithful,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Felicity of the Blessed,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Graces of the Just,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Announcement of the Prophets,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Desires of the Patriarchs,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Zeal of the Apostles,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Light of the Evangelists,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Wisdom of the Doctors,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Crowns of the Confessors,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Purity of the Numerous Bands of Virgins,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in the Triumph of the Martyrs,
Pray for us.
Triumphant in Thy All-Powerful Intercession,
Pray for us.
Triumphant under Thy Many Titles,
Pray for us.
Triumphant at the Hour of Our Death,
Pray for us.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, 
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, 
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who taketh away the sins of the world, 
Have mercy on us, Lord.
V. Pray for us, O Blessed Lady of Victory! 
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. 
Let Us Pray.

 
O Victorious Lady! Thou who has ever such powerful influence with Thy Divine Son, in conquering the hardest of hearts, intercede for those for whom we pray, that their hearts being softened by the rays of Divine Grace, they may return to the unity of the true Faith, through Christ, our Lord. Amen

Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who,
fled to Thy protection, 
implored Thy help, 
and sought Thy intercession, 
was left unaided. 
Inspired with this confidence, 
I fly unto Thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. 
To Thee I come; before Thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. 
O Mother of the Word Incarnate! despise not my petitions, 
but in Thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. 

 

 

 
 
 
NEED A PRAYER ANSWERED, NEED A MIRACLE, PRAY THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET
From the DIARY, DIVINE MERCY IN MY SOUL, BY Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska.
NOTEBOOK III, Section 1128:
"May 22, 1937. The heat is so intense today that it is difficult to bear.  We are all thirsting for rain, and still it does not come.  For several days the sky has been overcast, but there is not rain.  When I looked at (35) the plants, thirsting for the rain, I was moved with pity, and I decided to say the chaplet until the Lord would send us rain.  Before supper, the sky covered over with clouds, and a heavy rain fell on the earth.  I had been saying this prayer without interruption for three hours.  And the Lord let me know that everything can be obtained by means of this prayer." 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRAYER BEFORE THE NOVENA
GREAT Saint Joseph, prostrate at thy feet with feelings of unlimited confidence we beg thee to bless the Novena that I began in thy honor. I will meditate upon thy virtues; grant that I may learn fully to appreciate them. The knowledge of them will be the source of great confusion for me because of the poverty and destitution of my soul.
Great dispenser of the heavenly treasures, assist me in my poverty, help me to display thy virtues in my own soul. "Thou art never invoked in vain," says the seraphic Theresa of Jesus; be thou to me what thou hast been to that Spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; graciously hearken to me as thou didst hearken to her. Amen.
(MAKE YOUR PRAYER REQUEST)
 
PRAYERS TO BE SAID OVER THE NINE DAYS
FIRST DAY
SECOND DAY
THIRD DAY
FOURTH DAY
FIFTH DAY
SIXTH DAY
SEVENTH DAY
EIGHTH DAY
NINTH DAY
 
 
 
SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF THE LIFE OF FAITH
THE words of the great Apostle: "The just man liveth by faith," may be applied particularly to Saint Joseph who was the most just of men and whose life was ever  guided by faith. Joseph submitted his intelligence to the  holy truths of religion. He applied his heart from his tenderest infancy to the observance of the divine precepts.
p;In the trials and sorrows of life, Joseph was sustained by faith. He shaped his whole conduct by the desire to please God and he attained the great aim of man upon earth, which is to adore God, to serve Him, and hence to deserve the everlasting Truth.
Let us glorify this great Servant of God who possessed faith so universal, so simple, so enlightened, so firm, so constant, and, above all, so fruitful in good works.
 Let us examine ourselves with regard to this great virtue and see how we resemble him.
 Is my faith firm, unshaken? Is my conduct animated by faith! Is the predominant thought that directs my acts to please God, and to obtain merit for everlasting life? Have I tried to derive consolation and strength from the thought of faith in time of trial?
 
 PRAYER
GREAT Saint, model of the just living by faith,  revive that virtue in our souls.    May it be  principle,  the motive,  the aim of all my actions; consolation and my strength in the trials of this life, the source of abundant merit for everlasting life.  Amen
 
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 SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF HOPE
JOSEPH, abandoning himself entirely to the care of Divine Providence, glorified God by his life. Among all the virtues, hope is the most pleasing to God, because its infinite goodness. In the sufferings of this life it is the source of the greatest consolation and encouragement.
Joseph hoped in the Lord. He hoped for His grace in the accomplishment of His adorable will; for His help in time of trial; for His light in the difficulties of life. By hope he detached his heart from the perishable goods and the deceitful affections of this world. In the hour of trial he sustained his courage by hope, and fortified his heart with a peace that nothing could alter.
Let us imitate Saint Joseph. Let us elevate our hopes towards the only veritable and imperishable treasures. Let us trust in the wisdom and solicitude of Divine Providence. Let us rely upon the grace of the Lord; upon His goodness, and upon His power. Let us renew our confidence in the hour of trial. Let us avoid discouragement, which outrages the wisdom and goodness of God.
PRAYER
JOSEPH, do thou cause the gift of Christian hope to descend into my heart. May it enlighten me, console me, defend me. May it detach me from the earth so as to elevate my thoughts and my affections towards Heaven. May it henceforward inspire my whole conduct and give me the right to die like thee, saying: "Lord, I have hoped in Thee; I shall not be confounded."
 
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SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF CHARITY
JOSEPH loved God from his earliest youth and loved Him during his whole life. Joseph loved God with his whole heart, with his whole soul, with his whole strength. Joseph loved God with a love of preference, giving Him his first affections, and cutting off his heart from all that could hinder or alter his love for his Lord and Sovereign Master. Joseph loved God with a love of union, keeping himself; constantly united to God by prayer, meditation, the thought of His holy presence, and the most perfect conformity to the will of God.
 Joseph loved God with a love of immolation which prompted him to perfect devotedness, enabling him to perform with joy the greatest and most numerous sacrifices. Joseph loved God with a love of perseverance that experienced neither decrease nor alteration. He always loved God with all his power to love, and constantly endeavored to love Him more and more.
PRAYER
BLESSED Saint, enkindle in my cold heart a spark  of thy charity. May God be always the first and only object of my affections.   Keep my soul always, in sanctifying peace, and, if I should be so unhappy as to lose it,   give me the strength to recover it immediately by a sincere repentance.
Grant me such a love of my God  †  as will always keep me united to Him, and will be the principle and motive of all my actions. Grant me a generous love that will make me overcome all obstacles, and accept the greatest sacrifices rather than separate myself from the charity of my God. Amen.
 
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SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF PURITY
 "How beautiful is the chaste generation!" (Wisdom iv) "The whole weight of gold is as nothing in comparison with a pure soul." (Eccles. xxv)
SAINT Joseph was preeminent in purity because he feared God and faithfully observed His holy law; because he safeguarded his virtue by fear of the Sovereign Good and by prudence; because he sheltered it under the virginity of Mary, and felt the influence of Jesus, the divine Son of all sanctity.
How pure must he have been who was to become the worthy spouse of the Immaculate Virgin! How holy must he have been whose relations with the thrice holy God were so intimate.
 
PRAYER
JOSEPH, help me to understand the excellence of purity and how dear it is to the heart of God. Teach me to preserve carefully this delicate virtue and the shadow of the fear of God; to safeguard it by prayer, by vigilance, by shunning the world, by careful watch over my heart and my senses. Grant that I may hence forward close my heart to all disorderly affections; that I may deserve to enjoy like thee upon earth the friends and intimacy of Jesus, and that it may be given to me one day to sing in Heaven the canticle reserved for Virgins.
 
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SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF HUMILITY
JOSEPH excelled in humility because he realized that glory is due to God alone, and that, of himself, man is but misery and nothingness. By reason of his humility Joseph was accorded the most glorious privileges and entrusted with the most sublime mission. To accomplish His designs, God employs only the humble who do not claim for themselves the glory.
As Foster Father of Jesus and Spouse of the Queen Heaven and earth, Joseph was more highly honored than any king in this world. What pretexts, furnished by zeal for the glory of God, might have prompted him to speak, to put himself forward, to attribute to himself the greatness of the precursor of the Messiah, and the glories of the apostles! He rather conceals the astonishing prodigies which have been revealed to him, and the sublimity of the functions he exercises. Under an impenetrable veil he hides all that can draw upon him the esteem of men.
 
PRAYER
O JOSEPH, what a lesson for me ever so eager to appear, so anxious to display before the eyes of men the graces that I owe entirely to the liberality of God. Obtain that I may attribute to God the glory of all things;  that I may love the humble and hidden life; that I may not desire any other position than the one given by Providence; and that I may always be a docile instrument in the hands of God.
 
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 SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF PATIENCE
CONSIDER how Joseph suffered in his life time. He tasted, indeed, ineffable consolations, but he also endured much suffering. In contrast with the glories of his fallen family, his was a life of labor and self denial. What did he not have to suffer, especially after the Incarnation of the Son of God? It is verily Joseph who experienced that wherever Jesus enters, He comes with His Cross and His Crown of Thorns.
He suffers in perfect conformity with the Divine Will. Joseph renews his courage in the hope of eternal joys and treasures, in the examples of patience which are given him by Jesus and Mary. Thus, whatever may be his trials they cannot trouble the peace of his soul.
 
PRAYER
 JOSEPH, model of patience, teach me this virtue; which is so necessary in the midst of the sufferings and trials of this sorrowful life.
Grant that your example and that of Mary, as well as the hope of celestial joys, may ever renew my courage. Amen.
 
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SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF PRUDENCE
LET US honor in Saint Joseph the faithful and prudent servant to whom Almighty God entrusted the care of His family. Prudence inspired Saint Joseph to adopt as the foundation and rule of his conduct, the great principles of faith; God, the end of man in this world; God, the reward of man in eternity.
Remembering that life is short and uncertain, that upon a moment may depend our eternity, Saint Joseph wisely employs his time. He is careful to make a holy use of his senses and his other faculties in order to give to his Lord and Master a faithful account of the talents entrusted to him; he watches over the world around him, yielding to the world in the measure willed by God, but not giving himself up to it. He makes within himself a retreat accessible to God alone and impenetrable to creatures.
 
PRAYER
FAITHFUL and prudent servant, watch over my  weakness and my inexperience; obtain for me that prudence which reminds me of my end, which directs my paths, and which protects me from every danger. Amen.
 
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 SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF OBEDIENCE
 JOSEPH regarded obedience as rendering man particularly pleasing to God. What esteem Joseph had particularly for obedience, when he heard Mary answering the Angel: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done unto me according to thy word!" When he saw Jesus submit to his orders, anticipate his wishes, execute them faithfully and promptly! When he considered that the Incarnate Word would be obedient until death, even the death of the Cross.
 
PRAYER
JOSEPH, so faithful to display in thy conduct the obedience of Jesus and Mary, obtain for me this important virtue. Obtain for me a perfect docility of heart to accomplish the will of God, and that of those who replace Him. Inspire me by your example, to obey with promptness and generosity; obtain for me above all, the grace to obey without murmuring, without reasoning upon the orders given me, in spite of every pretext, and with an entire immolation of my own will.
 
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SAINT JOSEPH, MODEL OF DETACHMENT
SAINT Joseph loved poverty because it detaches man from all passing and perishable goods, delivers the soul from dangerous obstacles, and from a thousand evils and cares, and permits him to keep his eyes raised toward Heaven, instead of stooping, like a slave, toward the earth.
Saint Joseph loved poverty, because he saw it practised in the highest degree by Jesus Christ. Did he not regard it as a hidden and priceless treasure, when he contemplated Jesus in His abnegation, when he saw Him stretch out His divine hands to ask for the most necessary needs of life?
 Saint Joseph suffered the privations of life with patience, without murmur of complaint, using his poverty to detach himself more and more from worldly goods, and to seek the goods of Heaven.
 
PRAYER
() JOSEPH, make me understand the excellence of  poverty. Grant that I may enter into the interior dispositions which animated thee in regard to that virtue. Disclose to me the snares of riches, the dangers which are attached to them, the solicitude which they engender. Make me understand how much God favors us, when he refuses us riches, since he furnishes us a precious occasion to detach us from ourselves and from creatures, and to increase our merit for Heaven. Amen.
 
 
 
 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.
Saint Joseph, Pray for us.
Renowned offspring of David, Pray for us.
 Light of patriarchs, Pray for us.
 Spouse of the Mother of God, Pray for us.
Chaste guardian of the Virgin, Pray for us.
Foster Father of the Son of God, Pray for us.
Diligent protector of Christ, Pray for us.
Head of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Joseph, most just, Pray for us.
 Joseph, most chaste, Pray for us.
 Joseph, most prudent, Pray for us.
Joseph, most strong, Pray for us.
 Joseph, most obedient, Pray for us.
 Joseph, most faithful, Pray for us.
 Mirror of patience, Pray for us.
Glory of home life, Pray for us.
 Guardian of virgins, Pray for us.
 Pillar of families, Pray for us.
 Saint Joseph, Lover of poverty, Pray for us.
 Model of laborers, Pray for us.
 Solace of the wretched, Pray for us.
 Hope of the sick, Pray for us.
 Patron of the dying, Pray for us.
 Terror of demons, Pray for us.
 Protector of Holy Church, Pray for us.
 
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, 0 Lord,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, 0 Lord,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
 
V. He made him the lord of His household.
 R. And prince over all his possessions.
 
Let Us Pray
GOD, WHO in Thy ineffable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the spouse; of Thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may have for our advocate in heaven him whom we venerate as our protector on earth: Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
 
 
SAINT TERESA OF AVILA HIGHLY RECOMMENDS PRAYING TO SAINT JOSEPH TO OBTAIN FAVORS FROM GOD
FROM: THE LIFE OF SAINT TERESA, Chapter 6, The following are the words of Saint Teresa of Avila:
"I took for my advocate and lord the glorious Saint Joseph and commended myself earnestly to him; and I found that this my father and lord delivered me both from this trouble and also from other and greater troubles concerning my honour[91] and the loss of my soul, and that he gave me greater blessings than I could ask of him. I do not remember even now that I have ever asked anything of him which he has failed to grant. I am astonished at the great favours which God has bestowed on me through this blessed saint, and at the perils from which He has freed me, both in body and in soul. To other saints the Lord seems to have given grace to succour us in some of our necessities but of this glorious saint my experience is that he succours us in them all and that the Lord wishes to teach us that as He was Himself subject to him on earth (for, being His guardian and being called His father, he could command Him) just so in Heaven He still does all that he asks. This has also been the experience of other persons whom I have advised to commend themselves to him; and even to-day there are many who have great devotion to him through having newly experienced this truth.
    I used to try to keep his feast with the greatest possible solemnity[92]; but, though my intentions were good, I would observe it with more vanity than spirituality, for I always wanted things to be done very meticulously and well. I had this unfortunate characteristic that, if the Lord gave me grace to do anything good, the way I did it was full of imperfections and extremely faulty. I was very assiduous and skilful in wrongdoing and in my meticulousness and vanity. May the Lord forgive me. I wish I could persuade everyone to be devoted to this glorious saint, for I have great experience of the blessings which he can obtain from God. I have never known anyone to be truly devoted to him and render him particular services who did not notably advance in virtue, for he gives very real help to souls who commend themselves to him. For some years now, I think, I have made some request of him every year on his festival and I have always had it granted. If my petition is in any way ill directed, he directs it aright for my greater good.
    If I were a person writing with authority, I would gladly describe, at greater length and in the minutest detail, the favours which this glorious saint has granted to me and to others. But in order not to do more than I have been commanded I shall have to write about many things briefly, much more so than I should wish, and at unnecessarily great length about others: in short, I must act like one who has little discretion in all that is good. I only beg, for the love of God, that anyone who does not believe me will put what I say to the test, and he will see by experience what great advantages come from his commending himself to this glorious patriarch and having devotion to him. Those who practise prayer should have a special affection for him always. I do not know how anyone can think of the Queen of the Angels, during the time that she suffered so much with the Child Jesus, without giving thanks to Saint Joseph for the way he helped them. If anyone cannot find a master to teach him how to pray, let him take this glorious saint as his master and he will not go astray. May the Lord grant that I have not erred in venturing to speak of him; for though I make public acknowledgment of my devotion to him, in serving and imitating him I have always failed. He was true to his own nature when he cured my paralysis and gave me the power to rise and walk; and I am following my own nature in using this favour so ill."
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Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy – Jesus

Pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet with thousands of Catholics at Relevant Radio, the Drew Mariani Show, at 4pm Eastern Time, for Spiritual help and healing of sickness and the end of abortion:
 
The Chaplet of Divine Mercy is a prayer of intercession prayed on ordinary rosary beads in as little as ten minutes, yet its prayerful recitation comes with a plethora of graces and promises.  Jesus instructed Saint Faustina,
My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given you.  It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet. (Diary, 1541)
If the Lord is saying “It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet,” shouldn’t we take every opportunity to recite this prayer with intentions for our country, our neighbors, our world?
As are many of us today, St. Faustina was greatly concerned for all mankind.  Her lamentations then sound remarkably familiar to what one might hear today.  She records in Diary passage 929:
When I had rested near His sweetest Heart, I told Him, “Jesus, I have so much to tell You.”  And the Lord said to me with great love, “Speak, My daughter.”  And I started to enumerate the pains of my heart; that is, how greatly concerned I am for all mankind, that “they all do not know You, and those who do know You do not love You as You deserve to be loved.  I also see how terribly sinners offend You; and then again, I see how severely the faithful, especially Your servants, are oppressed and persecuted.  And then, too, I see many souls rushing headlong into the terrible abyss of hell.  You see, Jesus, this is the pain that gnaws at my heart and bones.  And, although You show me special love and inundate my heart with streams of Your joys, nevertheless, this does not appease the sufferings I have just mentioned, but rather they penetrate my poor heart all the more acutely.  Oh, how ardently I desire that all mankind turn with trust to Your mercy.  Then, seeing the glory of Your name, my heart will be comforted.”
How kindly and tenderly Jesus deals with her outpourings.  What a consolation for us who share St. Faustina’s heart.  St. Faustina continues:
Jesus listened to these outpourings of my heart with gravity and interest, as if He had known nothing about them, and this seemed to make it easier for me to talk.  And the Lord said to me, My daughter, those words of your heart are pleasing to Me, and by saying the chaplet you are bringing humankind closer to Me.  After these words, I found myself alone, but the presence of God is always in my soul.
The Lord asked St. Faustina to pray the chaplet for many causes as outlined below.  Let us pray the Chaplet of Mercy as often as possible for all the things St. Faustina prayed for and more.  Seek her intercession.  Ask her to pray each chaplet with you thankful for the goodness and generosity of the Lord.

Promises of the Chaplet for all Things

I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy.  (687)
My daughter, encourage souls to say the chaplet which I have given to you.  It pleases Me to grant everything they ask of Me by saying the chaplet.  (1541)

Promises of the Chaplet to Appease God’s Anger

This prayer will serve to appease My wrath.  (476)
When this chaplet is said by the bedside of a dying person, God’s anger is placated.  (811)
This chaplet mitigates God’s anger, as He Himself told me.  (1036)
It [the chaplet] appeases the anger of God.  (1565)

Promises of the Chaplet for Sinners

Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation.  Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy.  (687)
When hardened sinners say it, I will fill their souls with peace, and the hour of their death will be a happy one.  (1541)

Promises of the Chaplet for Storms

Today I was awakened by a great storm.  The wind was raging, and it was raining in torrents, thunderbolts striking again and again.  I began to pray that the storm would do no harm, when I heard the words:  Say the chaplet I have taught you, and the storm will cease.  I began immediately to say the chaplet and hadn’t even finished it when the storm suddenly ceased, and I heard the words:  Through the chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will.  (1731)
When a great storm was approaching, I began to say the chaplet.  Suddenly I heard the voice of an angel:  “I cannot approach in this storm, because the light which comes from her mouth drives back both me and the storm.”  Such was the angel’s complaint to God.  I then recognized how much havoc he was to have made through this storm; but I also recognized that this prayer was pleasing to God, and that this chaplet was most powerful.  (1791)

Promises of the Chaplet for the Faithful

The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death.  (754)
While I was saying the chaplet, I heard a voice which said, Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet.  O what a great multitude of souls I see!  They worshiped the Divine Mercy and will be singing the hymn of praise for all eternity.  (848)

Promises of the Chaplet for the Dying

I realize more and more how much every soul needs God’s mercy throughout life and particularly at the hour of death.  This chaplet mitigates God’s anger, as He Himself told me.  (1036)
At the hour of their death, I defend as My own glory every soul that will say this chaplet; or when others say it for a dying person, the pardon is the same.  When this chaplet is said by the bedside of a dying person, God’s anger is placated, unfathomable mercy envelops the soul, and the very depths of My tender mercy are moved for the sake of the sorrowful Passion of My Son.  (811)
 
 

OUR LORD’S PROMISES ATTACHED TO THE
PRAYING OF THE
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
AS REVEALED TO ST. FAUSTINA KOWALSKA

 
  1. “I promise that the soul that will venerate this image (of Divine Mercy) will not perish. I also promise victory over (its) enemies already here on earth, especially at the hour of death. I Myself will defend it as My own glory.” (Diary, 48)
 
  1. “The souls that say this chaplet will be embraced by My mercy during their lifetime and especially at the hour of their death.” (Diary, 754)
 
  1. “When hardened sinners say it, I will fill their souls with peace, and the hour of their death will be a happy one.” (Diary, 1541)
 
  1. “When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as a just Judge but as a merciful Savior.” (Diary, 1541)
 
  1. “Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death.” (Diary, 687)
 
  1. “Priests will recommend it to sinners as their last hope of salvation. Even if there were a sinner most hardened, if he were to recite this chaplet only once, he would receive grace from My infinite mercy…I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those souls who trust in My mercy.” (Diary, 687)
 
  1. “To priests who proclaim and extol My mercy, I will give wondrous power; I will anoint their words and touch the hearts of those to whom they will speak.” (Diary, 1521)
 
  1. “The prayer most pleasing to Me is prayer for the conversion for sinners. Know, my daughter, that this prayer is always heard and answered.” (Diary, 1397)
 
  1. “At three o’clock, implore My mercy, especially for sinners; and, if only for a brief moment, immerse yourself in My Passion, particularly in My abandonment at the moment of agony…I will refuse nothing to the soul that makes a request of Me in virtue of My Passion.” (Diary, 1320; also, cf. Diary, 1572)
 
  1. “Souls who spread the honor of My mercy…at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior.” (Diary, 1075)
 
  1. “The two rays denote Blood and Water…These two rays issued from the very depths of My tender mercy when My agonized Heart was opened by a lance on the Cross. These rays shield souls from the wrath of My Father…I desire that the first Sunday after Easter be the Feast of Mercy…whoever approaches the Fount of Life on this day will be granted complete remission of sins and punishment. Mankind will not have peace until it turns with trust to My mercy.” (Diary, 299-300)
 
  1. “I desire that the Feast of Mercy…be solemnly celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter…The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion (in a state of grace on this day) shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary, 699)
 
  1. “Through this chaplet you will obtain everything, if what you ask for is compatible with My will.” (Diary, 1731)
 
  1. “My mercy is greater than your sins and those of the entire world.” (Diary, 1485)
 
Note:  Excerpts taken from the Diary of St. Faustina Kowalska, titled Divine Mercy in My Soul, ©1987, Congregation of Marians of the Immaculate Conception, Stockbridge, MA 01263.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE LITANY OF MARY,
MOTHER OF GOD.


 
Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy,
Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy,
Lord, have mercy.

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 Spirit,
have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,
have mercy on us.

Holy Mary,
pray for us.

Holy Mother of God,
pray for us.

Holy Virgin of virgins,
pray for us.

Mother of Christ,
pray for us.

Mother of the Church,
pray for us.

Mother of Divine grace,
pray for us.

Mother most pure,
pray for us.

Mother most chaste,
pray for us.

Mother inviolate,
pray for us.

Mother undefiled,
pray for us.

Mother most amiable,
pray for us.

Mother most admirable,
pray for us

Mother of good counsel,
pray for us.

Mother of our Creator,
pray for us.

Mother of our Saviour,
pray for us.

Virgin most prudent,
pray for us.

Virgin most venerable,
pray for us.

Virgin most renowned,
pray for us.

Virgin most powerful,
pray for us.

Virgin most merciful,
pray for us.

Virgin most faithful,
pray for us.

Mirror of justice,
pray for us.

Seat of wisdom,
pray for us.

Cause of our joy,
pray for us.

Spiritual vessel,
pray for us.

Vessel of honour,
pray for us.

Singular vessel of devotion,
pray for us.

Mystical rose,
pray for us.

Tower of David,
pray for us.

Tower of ivory,
pray for us.

House of gold,
pray for us.

Ark of the covenant,
pray for us.

Gate of heaven,
pray for us.

Morning star,
pray for us.

Health of the sick,
pray for us.

Refuge of sinners,
pray for us.

Comforter of the afflicted,
pray for us.

Help of Christians,
pray for us.

Queen of angels,
pray for us.

Queen of patriarchs,
pray for us.

Queen of prophets,
pray for us.

Queen of apostles,
pray for us.

Queen of martyrs,
pray for us.

Queen of confessors,
pray for us.

Queen of virgins,
pray for us.

Queen of all saints,
pray for us.

Queen conceived without original sin,
pray for us.

Queen assumed into heaven,
pray for us.

Queen of the most holy Rosary,
pray for us.

Queen of peace,
pray for us.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world,
spare us, 0 Lord.

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world,
graciously hear us, 0 Lord

Lamb of God, You take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, 0 Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Grant, we beg You,
0 Lord God,
that we Your servants
may enjoy lasting health
of mind and body,
and by the glorious intercession
of the Blessed Mary ever Virgin,
be delivered from present sorrow
and enter into the joy
of eternal happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.
 
 
 
"At the evening of life, you will be examined in love. Learn to love as God desires to be loved and abandon your own ways of acting."  --- Saint John of the Cross
RECEIVING HOLY COMMUNION IN THE STATE OF GRACE
"Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in the state of Grace.  Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament penance." Sec. 1415. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition, revised in accordance with the official Latin text promulgated by Saint and Pope John Paul II.
Catholic Government officials who endorse the legalization and the acceptance of abortion are involved with mortal sin and should not receive Holy Communion until they have repented and confessed their sins to a priest. They have violated the sixth commandment, "Thou Shall not Kill."
 Anyone who has voted intentionally for Pro Abortion candidates with the intent of allowing abortions to take place in a country should not receive Holy Communion until they have repented and confessed their sins to a priest.
"If a person conscious of mortal sin receive this sacrament, he "eateth and drinketh judment to himself" (1 Corinthians 11:29).  Such receiving adds to the sin already on the reciver's soul, the new mortal sin of sacrilege."  Saint Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica, The Third Part, Question 80.  Tour of the Summa, Msgr. Paul J. Glenn.
I answer that, In this sacrament, as in the others, that which is a sacrament is a sign of the reality of the sacrament. Now there is a twofold reality of this sacrament, as stated above (III:73:6): one which is signified and contained, namely, Christ Himself; while the other is signified but not contained, namely, Christ's mystical body, which is the fellowship of the saints. Therefore, whoever receives this sacrament, expresses thereby that he is made one with Christ, and incorporated in His members; and this is done by living faith, which no one has who is in mortal sin. And therefore it is manifest that whoever receives this sacrament while in mortal sin, is guilty of lying to this sacrament, and consequently of sacrilege, because he profanes the sacrament: and therefore he sins mortally.
 
 
 
 
 
The Blessed Virgin Mary grants seven graces to the souls who honor her daily by saying seven Hail Mary's and meditating on her tears and dolors.  The devotion was passed on by St. Bridget.    The following are the seven sorrows of Mary with a suggested reading for each sorrow from the Bible and from the visions of Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich.   These readings are only suggested, a person may make up their own mental meditations of the seven sorrows as they pray the seven Hail Marys.
 
SEVEN SORROWS OF THE VIRGIN MARY:
  1. THE PROPHECY OF SIMEON.
    (St. Luke II, 34, 35)
  2. THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT.
    (St. Matthew II, 13-14)
  3. THE LOSS OF THE CHILD JESUS IN THE TEMPLE.
    (St. Luke II, 43-45)
  4. THE MEETING OF JESUS AND MARY ON THE WAY OF THE CROSS.
  5. THE CRUCIFIXION.
  6. THE TAKING DOWN OF THE BODY OF JESUS FROM THE CROSS.
  7. THE BURIAL OF JESUS.
    (John 19: 38-42)
 
 
 
 
     
    THE SEVEN GRACES GIVEN TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS THAT MEDITATE ON THE SEVEN SORROWS OF THE VIRGIN MARY
    (As revealed to Saint Bridget by the Blessed Mother)
    1. I will grant peace to their families.
       
    2. They will be englightened about the divine mysteries.
       
    3. I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
       
    4. I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.
       
    5. I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.
       
    6. I will visibly help them at the moment of their death, they will see the face of their Mother.
       
    7. I have obtained(This Grace) from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my   tears and dolors, will be taken directly from the earthly life to eternal happiness since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son and I will be their eternal consolation and joy.
     
     
    CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA:  SEVEN SORROWS OF THE VIRGIN MARY
     
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WORLD-WIDE REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED:
The Bible says:
"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14
 
Abortion was the number one cause of human death worldwide in 2019 by far, with over 42 million killed.
"There have been 42.4 million abortions in 2019 as of December 31st, according to Worldometers, an organization that keeps a running tally of major world statistics and was recognized as one of the best free reference websites by the American Library Association (ALA). Worldometers calculates abortion numbers based on the latest statistics published by the World Health Organization (WHO)."
 
The governments of the world need to outlaw abortion as soon as possible.
God will not overlook the immensity of this sin of abortion.  The world must repent.
 
 
The Most Reverend Venerable Fulton J. Sheen
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Titular Archbishop of Newport
Bishop Emeritus of Rochester

Archbishop Sheen on a set for one of his regular television programs
Church Catholic Church

Appointed October 21, 1966
Term ended October 6, 1969
Predecessor James Edward Kearney
Successor Joseph Lloyd Hogan
Other posts

Titular Archbishop of Neoportus (Latin: Newport, Wales; personal title, 1969–1979)
Auxiliary bishop of New York (1951–1966)
Titular bishop of Caesariana (1951–1966)

Orders
Ordination September 20, 1919
by Edmund M. Dunne
Consecration June 11, 1951
by Adeodato Giovanni Piazza
 
Personal details
Birth name Peter John Sheen
Born May 8, 1895[1]
El Paso, Illinois,[1] United States
Died December 9, 1979 (aged 84)
New York City, United States
Buried St. Patrick’s Cathedral, New York City (1979–2019)
St. Mary's Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, Illinois (since 2019)
 
Nationality American
Denomination Roman Catholic
Residence El Paso, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Bourbonnais, Illinois
Minnesota
Washington, D.C.
Louvain, Belgium
Rome, Italy
London, UK
New York City
Rochester, New York
Occupation Catholic archbishop, and televangelist and radio host on philosophy and theology
Profession Catholic archbishop and evangelist
Alma mater

St. Viator College
St. Paul Seminary
Catholic University of America
Catholic University of Leuven
Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas

Motto Da per matrem me venire (English: Grant that I may come [to You] through the mother [Mary])
Signature Fulton J. Sheen's signature
Coat of arms Fulton J. Sheen's coat of arms
Sainthood
Venerated in Roman Catholic Church (especially in the United States sees of Peoria, Rochester, and New York City)
Title as Saint Venerable
Attributes Archbishop's attire
Shrines Tomb (presently in St. Mary's Cathedral, Peoria, Illinois; formerly in St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York City); birthplace museum in El Paso, Illinois; Fulton Sheen Museum in the Diocesan Museums, Spalding Pastoral Center, Peoria; papers held at a theology school near Rochester, New York)
 
Ordination history of
Fulton J. Sheen
History
Episcopal succession
Styles of
Fulton J. Sheen
Reference style The Most Reverend
Spoken style Your Excellency
Religious style Your Excellency
Posthumous style Venerable


Fulton John Sheen (born Peter John Sheen, May 8, 1895 – December 9, 1979) was an American bishop (later archbishop) of the Catholic Church known for his preaching and especially his work on television and radio. Ordained a priest of the Diocese of Peoria in 1919,[1] Sheen quickly became a renowned theologian, earning the Cardinal Mercier Prize for International Philosophy in 1923. He went on to teach theology and philosophy at the Catholic University of America as well as acting as a parish priest before being appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of New York in 1951. He held this position until 1966, when he was made the Bishop of Rochester. He resigned in 1969[2] as his 75th birthday approached, and was made the Archbishop of the titular see of Newport, Wales.

For 20 years as Father Sheen, later Monsignor, he hosted the night-time radio program The Catholic Hour on NBC (1930–1950) before moving to television and presenting Life Is Worth Living (1952–1957). Sheen's final presenting role was on the syndicated The Fulton Sheen Program (1961–1968) with a format very similar to that of the earlier Life is Worth Living show. For this work, Sheen twice won an Emmy Award for Most Outstanding Television Personality, and was featured on the cover of Time Magazine.[3] Starting in 2009, his shows were being re-broadcast on the EWTN and the Trinity Broadcasting Network's Church Channel cable networks.[4] Due to his contribution to televised preaching, Sheen is often referred to as one of the first televangelists.[5]

The cause for his canonization was officially opened in 2002. In June 2012, Pope Benedict XVI officially recognized a decree from the Congregation for the Causes of Saints stating that he lived a life of "heroic virtues" – a major step towards beatification – and he is now referred to as "Venerable."[6][7] On July 5, 2019, Pope Francis approved a miracle that occurred through the intercession of Archbishop Sheen, clearing the way for his beatification.[8]
 

Contents

 
Miracle of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen:
Source: https://catholicherald.co.uk/news/2014/07/01/fulton-sheen-and-the-miracle-of-baby-james/
Fulton Sheen and the miracle of baby James
Madeleine Teahan
1 July, 2014
Bonnie Engstrom with her son, James Below:


Bonnie Engstrom’s third pregnancy was unlike any of her others. “My husband Travis and I had a really beautiful experience during the pregnancy with God providing for us and taking care of us,” she tells me. “We really felt like we were on the brink on something really special and amazing, even more than with the other babies. We would joke about how I must be pregnant with the future Pope because God was really faithful and generous with us throughout.”

I spoke to Bonnie days before the Vatican announced that its theologians had approved the miracle that occurred in her life, after she sought the intercession of Archbishop Fulton Sheen, the charismatic American televangelist who died in 1979.

Fulton Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois, close to where Bonnie Engstrom was raised. He was ordained for the Diocese of Peoria, Illinois, where Bonnie, her husband and five children now live. “I’ve always kind of known who he was because he was a local boy,” she explains when I ask how her devotion to Fulton Sheen developed. “But when I was pregnant with James, I started doing some research into his life and I started watching YouTube videos. So that was how I really started to appreciate who he was. Listening to him preach and seeing how powerful and dynamic he was ­ that was when my devotion to him started to grow.”

Bonnie’s “beautiful” pregnancy, coloured by a deepening devotion to Sheen, was followed by a beautiful labour “covered in prayer”. “James’s pregnancy had been a really healthy and normal pregnancy and we were planning my third home birth with him. The day I went into labour was a pretty normal day so I just kind of did what you do when you’re going to give birth. I have to say it was a really beautiful September evening and it felt really special. I was in active labour at night. I was praying, which was really important, and I knew that I had a bunch of people praying for me. It was a beautiful
labour. It really was.”

It is especially cruel when tragedy strikes within seconds of euphoria. Moments after James’s birth, the abundant joy of the previous nine months abruptly died: Bonnie’s baby was stillborn.

“When James was born the midwife scooped him up and put him in my hands. But I noticed that his legs and arms dangled down. He wasn’t moving. He wasn’t breathing. He wasn’t crying, he was kind of a blue colour. So I held him for a second and then my midwife took him and she began CPR.”

It was at this point that Bonnie fell into a state shock. Her friend, who was present at the birth, called an ambulance and her husband calmly performed an emergency baptism. At the moment that Travis traced water on his son¹s forehead and baptised him James Fulton, Bonnie’s friend began to pray for the intercession of the newborn¹s namesake.

“At that moment, in my head I couldn’t really think of anything,” Bonnie says. “But in my head I was saying Fulton Sheen’s name over and over again. And that was my way of praying ­ by calling on his name.”

By the time the paramedics arrived there was still no pulse. Bonnie spent the 20-minute journey to the hospital in a separate ambulance from her husband and baby, lying alone, unaware if her son was dead or alive.
Fulton

When they arrived at the hospital it was Travis’s turn to endure a solitary, harrowing wait. He lingered outside the hospital emergency room while doctors desperately tried to resuscitate his baby.

Five men eventually emerged with tears in their eyes. “They said to him: ‘Your son is alive’ and Travis understood in that moment that what they were really saying was: ‘He’s alive now but just for right now.’ The fact that they were crying meant that he knew that things were really bad.

“But when he came to see me, what he said to me was: ‘James is alive and everything’s going to be OK’, because he just had faith. My husband had faith. It was amazing. And because I was still in a state of shock I naïvely accepted it. My husband just had the faith in that moment.”

The miraculous breath had come after 61 excruciating minutes. James had breathed again at the moment doctors gave up their efforts and stopped to record his time of death.

“They then took me to the neonatal intensive care unit and then I saw how bad he looked. He was covered in wires and he wasn¹t breathing on his own. They had knocked him out. They had intubated him. Yeah, it was really…”

Bonnie’s voice begins to crack and she summons up the composure to complete the sentence: “…it was really sad.”

A small pause follows before she quietly adds: “It’s such a little word but I hope it conveys…” She trails off again. “It was really sad.”

Bonnie starts to explain to me the full extent of the miracle. “The way my doctor explained it to me was: ‘It’s amazing that James came back to life and it¹s a miracle that he is doing as well as he is.¹ Because he should have had massive organ failure and then they expected him to be very severely disabled. Then they thought that he would have very severe cerebral palsy. They thought that he would have to be strapped to a wheelchair for the rest of his life, have a feeding tube and probably be blind. They thought that mentally he would not be aware of anything. It was supposed to be pretty grim ­ and that was if he even lived.”

Bonnie was able to bring her baby home after seven weeks in hospital. “As he continued I think they gave us an increasingly better prognosis. So it went from very severely disabled to: ‘OK, so he’s going to have cerebral palsy. We just don¹t know what it will look like.’ But he continued to get better and seemed more and more like a normal baby… I mean, there was always some big question marks for about the first six to 12 months just because he was a baby, so we had to wait for him to hit his milestones to know how complete the miracle was.

“But my husband, and I and family and friends, were all at home interacting with James when he was two and a half months old, when he was five months old, and were sitting there thinking: ‘This kid is normal. He’s like any of our other babies we¹ve seen at this age. This really is a miracle.'”

Bonnie still prays to Fulton Sheen and he remains a central figure in her family’s life. I asked her what she most admired about him.

“The day he was ordained he made a promise to God that he would keep a holy hour every single day for the rest of his life and he kept that promise,” she says. “So for over 60 years he made a holy hour every single day and that devotion to the Eucharist is really a wonderful example for me. I think it would be a wonderful example to the world, which is why I hope he is a canonised saint.

“He would have to be really creative sometimes and he would find a church in the middle of nowhere to make that holy hour to keep that promise. He was really loyal to Christ and that prayer time meant a lot to him. His example is really beautiful to me.”

Bonnie also tells me that Sheen heroically carried many burdens, but only confided them to very few people who have refused to speak about them since. When St John Paul II visited St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in 1979 he was surprised to discover Sheen was not concelebrating Mass. When Sheen was invited to come forward, the pope embraced him, telling him: “You are a loyal son of the Church.” Sheen died a few months later.

“He suffered a lot,” Bonnie says. “But he never really talked about his suffering. Only the people closest to him knew about the pain in his body and the pain in his heart, and even they will not talk about it. Fulton Sheen didn¹t want to talk about it, because he didn¹t want to create scandal and feed gossip. That¹s just beautiful.”

“Nowadays if we have a problem with someone we write it on Facebook. But he really bore that internally. So when John Paul II sought him out and embraced him that was a really powerful moment.

“I think it was two months later that he died so it was a really beautiful ending to his life, to have the Holy Father tell him: ‘You are a faithful son of the Church.’ I mean, gosh, I would probably die too if Pope Francis said that to me.”
 
 
NEED A MIRACLE, TRY THIS PRAYER:
PRAYER TO OBTAIN A FAVOR THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF THE SERVANT OF GOD
 ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN
Eternal Father, You alone grant us every blessing in Heaven and on earth, through the redemptive mission of  Your Divine Son, Jesus Christ, and by the working of  the Holy Spirit. If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, ARCHBISHOP FULTON J. SHEEN, by granting the favor I now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request). I make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ,our Lord.  Amen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY
FEAST DAY:  OCTOBER 7TH
HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE,
THE LORD IS WITH THEE,
BLESSED ART THOU AMONGST WOMEN,
AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF THY WOMB JESUS,
HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD,
PRAY FOR US SINNERS
NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH. 
AMEN!
 
 
SEE SAINT LOUIS DE MONTFORT'S BOOK ON THE ROSARY: THE SECRET OF THE ROSARY
 
THE VIRGIN MARY POURS OUT SPECIAL GRACES  FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO SAY THE ROSARY! 
SAINT PADRE PIO PRAYED HIS ROSARY THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND WOULD SAY AT LEAST 15 DECADES OF THE ROSARY EACH DAY.  THE MESSAGE HE WANTED TO  LEAVE THE WORLD WITH BEFORE HE DIED WAS FOR PEOPLE TO PRAY THE ROSARY.
 
 


Our Lady of the Rosary
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Our Lady of the Rosary, also known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, is a title of the
Blessed Virgin Mary in relation to the Rosary. The Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary is on October 7, the anniversary of the decisive victory of the combined Christian fleet in 1571 at the Battle of Lepanto, defeating an Ottoman fleet off western Greece. It was formerly sometimes known as the Feast of Our Lady of Victory.

According to Dominican tradition, in 1214, St. Dominic was in Prouille, France attempting to convert the Albigensians back to the Catholic faith. The young priest had little success until one day he received a vision of the Blessed Virgin, who gave him the Rosary as a tool against heretics.[1] While Mary's giving the rosary to St. Dominic is generally acknowledged as a legend, the development of this prayer form owes much to the followers of St. Dominic, including the 15th century priest and teacher, Alanus de Rupe.[2]
On December 3, 1836, Fr. Charles Eléonor des Genettes had an interior locution directing him to dedicate the parish of Our Lady of Victory to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.[3]
On October 13, 1917, Our Lady of Fatima told the shepherd children, "I am the Lady of the Rosary".[4]
In 1987, during the civil war with the anti-clerical Sandinista government in Nicaragua, sacristan Bernardo Martinez reported seeing an apparition of Our Lady who urged him to pray the rosary and work for peace. One of the appearances was in the parish church of Our Lady of Victories near Cuapa.
 
CATHOLIC ENCYLOPEDIA:
Apart from the signal defeat of the Albigensian heretics at the battle of Muret in 1213 which legend has attributed to the recitation of the Rosary by St. Dominic, it is believed that Heaven has on many occasions rewarded the faith of those who had recourse to this devotion in times of special danger. More particularly, the naval victory of Lepanto gained by Don John of Austria over the Turkish fleet on the first Sunday of October in 1571 responded wonderfully to the processions made at Rome on that same day by the members of the Rosary confraternity. St. Pius V thereupon ordered that a commemoration of the Rosary should be made upon that day, and at the request of the Dominican Order Gregory XIII in 1573 allowed this feast to be kept in all churches which possessed an altar dedicated to the Holy Rosary. In 1671 the observance of this festival was extended by Clement X to the whole of Spain, and somewhat later Clement XI after the important victory over the Turks gained by Prince Eugene on 6 August, 1716 (the feast of our Lady of the Snows), at Peterwardein in Hungary, commanded the feast of the Rosary to be celebrated by the universal Church. A set of "proper" lessons in the second nocturn were conceded by Benedict XIII. Leo XIII has since raised the feast to the rank of a double of the second class and has added to the Litany of Loreto the invocation "Queen of the Most Holy Rosary". On this feast, in every church in which the Rosary confraternity has been duly erected, a plenary indulgence toties quoties is granted upon certain conditions to all who visit therein the Rosary chapel or statue of Our Lady. This has been called the "Portiuncula" of the Rosary.

THE POWER AND THE BLESSINGS THAT COME FROM PRAYING THE ROSARY
 THE FIFTEEN PROMISES OF MARY TO CHRISTIANS WHO RECITE THE ROSARY
These promises were given by the Blessed Mother to Saint Dominic and Blessed Alan.
 1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.

2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.

3. The rosary shall be a powerful armour against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.

4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.

5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.

6. Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God, and become worthy of eternal life.

7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.

8. Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.

9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.

10. The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.

11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.

12. All those who propagate the holy rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.

13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all the advocates of the rosary shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.

14. All who recite the rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only Son Jesus Christ.

15. Devotion of my rosary is a great sign of predestination.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Prayer to Mary, Undoer of Knots

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the Evil One himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.
[Mention your request here]
I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge!
Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION FOR TODAY 
Introduction to the
Devout Life
Saint Francis of Sales Bishop and Prince of Geneva
 
SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES
Feast Day: January 24th
(1567-1622)
Bishop of Geneva, Switzerland and a Doctor of the Church
 FRANCIS was born of noble and pious parents, near Annecy, A.D. 1567, and studied with brilliant success at Paris and Padua. On his return from Italy he gave up the grand Career which his father had marked out for him in the service of the State, and became a priest. He studied at Annecy, Paris, France and Padua, Italy.  He received a doctorate in law at the age of twenty-four. He was ordained a priest in 1593. When the Duke of Savoy had resolved to restore the Church in the Chablais, Francis offered himself for the work, and set out on foot with his Bible and breviary and one companion, his cousin Louis of Sales. It was a work of toil, privation, and danger. Every door and every heart were closed against him. He was rejected with insult and threatened with death. But nothing could daunt or resist him, and ere long the Church burst forth into a second spring. It is stated that he converted 72,000 Calvinists. He was then compelled by the Pope to become Coadjutor Bishop of Geneva, and succeeded the see A.D. 1602. At times the exceeding gentleness with which he received heretics and sinners almost scandalized his ends, and one of them said to him, " Francis of Sales will go to Paradise, of course; but I am not so sure of the Bishop of Geneva: I am almost afraid his gentleness will play him a shrewd turn."  "Ah," said the saint, " I would rather account to God for too great gentleness than for too great severity. Is not God all love? God the Father is the Father of mercy; God the Son is a Lamb; God the Holy Ghost is a Dove, that is, gentleness itself. And are you wiser than God ?"   He became an outstanding confessor and spiritual director and spiritually guided Blessed Marie Acarie and St. Jane Francis de Chantal.  He founded several schools.  He was gifted in spiritual writing and wrote the spiritual classics:  Introduction to the Devout Life and the Treatise on the Love of God.  In union with St: Jane Frances of Chantal he founded at Annecy the Order of the Visitation, which soon spread over Europe. Though poor, he refused provisions and dignities, and even the great see of Paris.  He died at Avignon, A.D. 1622. He was canonized in 1653 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877.
REFLECTION.-"You will catch more flies," St. Francis used to say, " with a spoonful of honey than with a hundred barrels of vinegar. Were there any thing better or fairer on earth than gentleness, Jesus Christ would have taught it us ; and yet he has given us only two lessons to learn of him—meekness and humility of heart."
 
 
Excerpt from Saint Francis de Sales' book, Introduction to the Devout Life:
CHAPTER XVII.
NINTH MEDITATION.
On the Choice upon to you between Heaven and Hell.
Preparation.
1. PLACE yourself in the Presence of God. 2. Humble yourself before Him, and ask His inspiration.
Considerations.
1. Imagine yourself alone with your good angel (46) in an open plain, as was Tobit on his way to Rages. Suppose the Angel to set before you Paradise, full of delights and joys; and on the other hand Hell, with all its torments. Contemplate both, kneeling in imagination before your guardian Angel. Consider that you are most truly standing between Hell and Paradise, and that both the one and the other are open to receive you, according to your own choice.
2. Consider that the choice you make in this life will last for ever in the next.
3. Consider too, that while both are open to receive you according to your choice, yet God, Who is prepared to give the one by reason of His Justice, the other by reason of His Mercy, all the while desires unspeakably that you should select Paradise; and your good Angel is urging you with all his might to do so, offering you countless graces on God's part, countless helps to attain to it.
4. Consider that Jesus Christ, enthroned in Heaven, looks down upon you in loving invitation: "O beloved one, come unto Me, and joy for ever in the eternal blessedness of My Love!" Behold His mother yearning over you with maternal tenderness--" Courage, my child, do not despise the Goodness of my Son, or my earnest prayers for thy salvation." Behold the Saints, who have left you their example, the (47) millions of holy souls who long after you, desiring earnestly that you may one day be for ever joined to them in their song of praise, urging upon you that the road to Heaven is not so hard to find as the world would have you think. "Press on boldly, dear friend,"--they cry. "Whoso will ponder well the path by which we came hither, will discover that we attained to these present delights by sweeter joys than any this world can give."
The Choice.
1. O Hell, I abhor thee now and for ever; I abhor thy griefs and torments, thine endless misery, the unceasing blasphemies and maledictions which thou pourest out upon my God;--and turning to thee, O blessed Paradise, eternal glory, unfading happiness, I choose thee for ever as my abode, thy glorious mansions, thy precious and abiding tabernacles. O my God, I bless Thy Mercy which gives me the power to choose--O Jesus, Saviour, I accept Thine Eternal Love, and praise Thee for the promise Thou hast given me of a place prepared for me in that blessed New Jerusalem, where I shall love and bless Thee for ever.
2. Dwell lovingly upon the example set before you by the Blessed Virgin and the Saints, and strive to follow where they point you. Give (48) yourself up to your guardian Angel, that he may be your guide, and gird up your courage anew to make this choice.
 
******
 
 
 Introduction to the Devout Life
Preface by the Author     
COUNSELS AND PRACTICES SUITABLE FOR THE SOUL'S GUIDANCE FROM THE FIRST ASPIRATION AFTER A DEVOUT LIFE TO THE POINT WHEN IT ATTAINS A CONFIRMED RESOLUTION TO FOLLOW THE SAME.
I.   What True Devotion is . . . 1
II.   The Nature and Excellence of Devotion . . . 5
III. Devotion is suitable to every Vocation and Profession . . . 8
IV. The Need of a Guide for those Who Would enter upon and        advance in the Devout Life ...11
V.The First Step must be Purifying the Soul . . . 15
VI.The First Purification, namely, from Mortal Sin . . . 18
VII.The Second Purification, from all Sinful Affections . . . 20
VIII.  How to effect this Second Purification . . . 22
IX.   First Meditation--Of Creation . . . 24
X.Second Meditation--Of the End for which we were Created . . . 27
XI.   Third Meditation--Of the Gifts of God . . . 30
XII.Fourth Meditation--On Sin . . . 32
XIII. Fifth Meditation--On Death . . . 35
XIV.  Sixth Meditation--On Judgment . . . 38
XV.  Seventh Meditation--Of Hell . . . 41
XVI.   Eighth Meditation--On Paradise . . . 43
XVII.Ninth Meditation On the Choice open to you between Heaven and Hell . . . 45
XVIII. Tenth Meditation--How the Soul chooses the Devout Life . . . 48
XIX.  How to make a General Confession . . . 51
XX.A hearty Protest made with the object of confirming the Soul's resolution to serve God,   as a conclusion to its Acts of Penitence . . . 53
XXI. Conclusion of this First Purification . . . 56
XXII.The Necessity of Purging away all tendency to Venial Sins . . . 57
XXIII.It is needful to put away all Inclination for Useless and Dangerous Things . . . 60
XXIV.All Evil Inclinations must be purged away . . . 62
CONTAINING SUNDRY COUNSELS AS TO UPLIFTING THE SOUL TO GOD IN PRAYER AND THE USE OF THE SACRAMENTS.
I. The Necessity of Prayer . . . 64
II. A short Method of Meditation. And first, the Presence of God, the First Point of Preparation . . . 68
III. Invocation, the Second Point of Preparation . . . 72
IV. The Third Point of Preparation, representing the Mystery to be meditated to your Imagination . . . 73
V.Considerations, the Second Part of Meditation . . . 74
VI.  The Third Part of Meditation, Affections and Resolutions . . . 75
VII.The Conclusion and Spiritual Bouquet . . . 77
VIII. Some Useful Hints as to Meditation . . . 78
IX. Concerning Dryness in Meditation . . . 81
X. Morning Prayer . . . 83
XI.Evening Prayer and Examination of Conscience . . . 85
XII.On Spiritual Retirement . . . 87
XIII. Aspirations, Ejaculatory Prayer and Holy Thoughts . . . 90
XIV.Of Holy Communion, and how to join in it . . . 98
XV. Of the other Public Offices of the Church . . . 101
XVI.How the Saints are united to us . . . 103
XVII.How to Hear and Read God's Word . . . 105
XVIII.How to receive Inspirations . . . 107
XIX.On Confession . . . 111
XX. Of Frequent Communion . . . 116
XXI.How to Communicate . . . 120
CONTAINING COUNSELS CONCERNING THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE.
I. How to select that which we should chiefly Practise . . . 124
II.  The same Subject continued . . . 131
III.   On Patience . . . 136
IV.  On Exterior Humility . . . 142
V. On Interior Humility . . . 147
VI.  Humility makes us rejoice in our own Abjection . . . 153
VII. How to combine due care for a Good Reputation with Humility . . . 158
VIII.Gentleness towards others and Remedies against Anger . . . 163
IX. On Gentleness towards Ourselves . . . 169
X.   We must attend to the Business of Life carefully, but without Eagerness or Over-anxiety . . . 173
XI. On Obedience . . . 176
XII.On Purity . . . 180
XIII.   How to maintain Purity . . . 182
XIV.  On Poverty of Spirit amid Riches . . . 185
XV. How to exercise real Poverty, although actually Rich . . . 188
XVI.How to possess a rich Spirit amid real Poverty . . . 193
XVII.On Friendship: Evil and Frivolous Friendship . . . 196
XVIII. On Frivolous Attachments . . . 198
XIX.  Of Real Friendship . . . 201
XX. Of the Difference between True and False Friendship . . . 205
XXI.  Remedies against Evil Friendships . . . 208
XXII. Further Advice concerning Intimacies . . . 212
XXIII. On the Practice of Bodily Mortification . . . 215
XXIV.Of Society and Solitude . . . 223
XXV.On Modesty in Dress . . . 227
XXVI.  Of Conversation; and, first, how to Speak of God . . . 229
XXVII.Of Unseemly Words, and the Respect due to Others . . . 231
XXVIII.Of Hasty Judgments . . . 234
XXIX.On Slander . . . 241
XXX.  Further Counsels as to Conversation . . . 249
XXXI. Of Amusements and Recreations: what are allowable . . . 252
XXXII. Of Forbidden Amusements . . . 254
XXXIII.Of Balls, and other Lawful but Dangerous Amusements . . . 255
XXXIV. When to use such Amusements rightly . . . 259
XXXV.  We must be Faithful in Things Great and Small . . . 260
XXXVI.Of a Well-balanced, Reasonable Mind . . . 264
XXXVII. Of Wishes . . . 267
XXXVIII.Counsels to Married People . . . 270
XXXIX. The Sanctity of the Marriage Bed . . . 280
XL. Counsels to Widows . . . 281
XLI. One Word to Maidens . . . 289
 CONTAINING NEEDFUL COUNSELS CONCERNING SOME ORDINARY TEMPTATIONS.
I.  We must not trifle with the Words of worldly Wisdom . . . 290
II. The need of a Good Courage . . . 294
III. Of Temptations, and the difference between experiencing them and consenting to them . . . 296
IV. Two striking illustrations of the same . . . 300
V.Encouragement for the Tempted Soul . . . 302
VI. When Temptation and Delectation are Sin . . . 304
VII.Remedies for Great Occasions . . . 307
VIII.How to resist Minor Temptations . . . 310
IX.How to remedy Minor Temptations . . . 311
X. How to strengthen the Heart against Temptation . . . 313
XI. Anxiety of Mind . . . 315
XII.Of Sadness and Sorrow . . . 319
XIII.Of Spiritual and Sensible Consolations, and how to receive them . . . 323
XIV.Of Dryness and Spiritual Barrenness . . . 333
XV. In Illustration . . . 340
CONTAINING COUNSELS AND PRACTICES FOR RENEWING AND CONFIRMING THE SOUL IN DEVOTION.
I.   It is well yearly to renew Good Resolutions by means of the following Exercises . . . 346
II.  Meditation on the Benefit conferred on us by God in calling us to His Service . . . 348
III.Examination of the Soul as to its Progress in the Devout Life . . . 351
IV.  Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards God . . . 354
V.  Examination of your Condition as regards yourself . . . 357
VI.Examination of the Soul's Condition as regards our Neighbour . . . 358
VII. Examination as to the Affections of the Soul . . . 359
VIII. The Affections to be excited after such Examination . . . 361
IX.  Reflections suitable to the renewal of Good Resolutions . . . 362
X.  First Consideration--Of the Worth of Souls . . . 363
XI. Second Consideration--On the Excellence of Virtue . . . 364
XII.  The Example of the Saints . . . 366
XIII.  The Love which Jesus Christ bears to us . . . 367
XIV.The Eternal Love of God for us . . . 369
XV.  General Affections which should result from these Considerations, and Conclusion of the Exercise . . . 370
XVI.The Impressions which should remain after this Exercise . . . 372
XVII.An Answer to Two Objections which may be made to this Book . . . 373
XVIII.Three Important and Final Counsels . . . 375
 
 
 
[MENTION YOUR PRAYER REQUEST]
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 Spirit,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, spouse of St. Joseph,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, confirmed in grace,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, guardian of the Word Incarnate,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, favorite of the King of Heaven,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, ruler of the family of Jesus,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, spouse of the ever-blessed Virgin,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, foster father to the Son of God,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, example of humility and obedience,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, mirror of silence and resignation,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, patron of innocence and youth,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, exited with Christ into Egypt,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, intercessor for the afflicted,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, advocate of the humble,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, model of every virtue,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, honored among men,
Pray for us.

Saint Joseph, in whom is the union of all Christian perfections,
Pray for us.

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

Let Us Pray.

Assist us, O Lord,
we beseech Thee,
by the merits of the spouse
of Thy most holy Mother,
that what our unworthiness cannot obtain,
may be given us by his intercession with Thee,
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end.

Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
O Saint Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O thou Saint Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession, and obtain for me from thy divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. O Saint Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee, and Jesus asleep in thy arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. Saint Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.  Amen!
___________
 
BLESSED ANNE CATHERINE EMMERICH'S VISION:
 
 
 
"At the evening of life, you will be examined in love. Learn to love as God desires to be loved and abandon your own ways of acting."  ---Saint John of the Cross
PRAYERS FOR TODAY
 
 

THIRTY-THREE PETITIONS IN HONOUR OF THE SACRED HUMANITY
OF OUR LORD JESUS

O good Jesus, Word of the Eternal Father, Convert me.
O good Jesus, Son of Mary, Make me her child.
O good Jesus, My Master, Teach me.
O good Jesus, Prince of peace, Give me peace.
O good Jesus, my Refuge, Receive me.
O good Jesus, my Pastor, Feed my soul.
O good Jesus, Model of patience, Comfort me.
O good Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Make my heart like unto Thine.
O good Jesus, my Redeemer, Save me.
O good Jesus, my God and my All, Possess me.
O good Jesus, the true Way, Direct me.
O good Jesus, Eternal Truth, Instruct me.
O good Jesus, Life of the blessed, Make me live in Thee.
O good Jesus, my Support, Strengthen me.
O good Jesus, my Justice, Justify me.
O good Jesus, my Mediator, Reconcile me to Thy Father.
O good Jesus, Physician of my soul, Heal me.
O good Jesus, my Judge, Absolve me.
O good Jesus, my King, Govern me.
O good Jesus, my Sanctification, Sanctify me.
O good Jesus, Abyss of goodness, Pardon me. O good Jesus, Living Bread from Heaven, Satiate me.
O good Jesus, the Father of the prodigal, Receive me.
O good Jesus, Joy of my soul, Refresh me.
 O good Jesus, my Helper, Assist me.
 O good Jesus, Magnet of love, Attract me.
 O good Jesus, my Protector, Defend me.
 O good Jesus, my Hope, Sustain me.
O good Jesus, Object of my love, Make me love Thee.
 O good Jesus, Fountain of life, Cleanse me.
 O good Jesus, my Propitiation, Purify me.
 O good Jesus, my Last End, Let me obtain Thee.
 O good Jesus, my Glory, Glorify me. Amen.
V. Jesus, hear my prayer.
R. Jesus, graciously hear me.
 
Let Us Pray
 O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast said, "Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you," mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us the gift of Thy Divine charity, that we may ever love Thee with our whole hearts, and may never cease from praising Thee, Who livest and reignest world without end. R.
Amen.
***********
 
 
 
 
 

LITANY TO SAINT JOSEPH

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 Spirit, have mercy on us Holy Mary, pray for us St. Joseph, pray for us Blessed offspring of David, pray for us Light of patriarchs, pray for us Spouse of the mother of God, pray for us Chaste custodian of the Blessed Virgin, pray for us Guardian of the Son of God, pray for us Defender of Christ, pray for us Head of the Holy Family, pray for us O Joseph, most just, pray for us O Joseph, most chaste, pray for us O Joseph, most prudent, pray for us O Joseph, most forceful, pray for us O Joseph, most obedient, pray for us O Joseph, most faithful, pray for us Mirror of patience, pray for us Lover of poverty, pray for us Model of laborers, pray for us Patriarch of the home, pray for us Protector of virgins, pray for us Strength of the family, pray for us Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us Hope of the sick, pray for us Patron of the dying, pray for us Terror of demons, pray for us Protector of the church, pray for us Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, forgive us O Lord Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, hear us O Lord Lamb of God, you who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. Let us pray Lord Jesus, through the merits of the devoted spouse of your most holy Mother, help us, we beseech thee, that what of ourselves we cannot obtain, may be granted through the intercession of the Most Holy Patriarch, Saint Joseph. You who reign with God, the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GAELIC LITANY TO OUR LADY
 

O Great Mary,
pray for us.

O Mary, greatest of Maries,
pray for us.

O Greatest of women,
pray for us.

O Queen of angels,
pray for us.

O Mistress of the heavens,
pray for us.

O Woman full and replete with the grace of the Holy Spirit,
pray for us.

O Blessed and most blessed,
pray for us.

O Mother of Eternal Glory,
pray for us.

O Mother of the heavenly and earthly Church,
pray for us.

O Mother of Love and Indulgence,
pray for us.

O Mother of the Golden Heights,
pray for us.

O Honor of the sky,
pray for us.

O Sign of tranquillity,
pray for us..

O Gate of Heaven,
pray for us.

O Golden Vessel,
pray for us.

O Couch of Love and Mercy,
pray for us.

O Temple of Divinity,
pray for us.

O Beauty of virgins,
pray for us.

O Mistress of the tribes,
pray for us.

O Fountain of gardens,
pray for us.

O Cleansing of sins,
pray for us.

O Purifying of souls,
pray for us.

O Mother of orphans,
pray for us.

O Breast of infants,
pray for us.

O Solace of the wretched,
pray for us.

O Star of the sea,
pray for us.

O Handmaid of the Lord,
pray for us.

O Mother of Christ,
pray for us.

O Resort of the Lord,
pray for us.

O Graceful like the dove,
pray for us.

O Serene like the moon,
pray for us.

O Resplendent like the sun,
pray for us.

O Cancelling Eve's disgrace,
pray for us.

O Regeneration of life,
pray for us.

O Beauty of women,
pray for us.

O Leader of virgins,
pray for us.

O Garden Enclosed,
pray for us.

O Fountain sealed up,
pray for us.

O Mother of God,
pray for us.

O Perpetual Virgin,
pray for us.

O Holy Virgin,
pray for us.

O Prudent Virgin,
pray for us.

O Serene Virgin,
pray for us.

O Chaste Virgin,
pray for us.

O Temple of the Living God,
pray for us.

O Royal Throne of the Eternal King,
pray for us.

O Sanctuary of the Holy Spirit,
pray for us.

O Virgin of the Root of Jesse,
pray for us.

O Cedar of Mount Lebanon,
pray for us.

O Cypress of Mount Sion,
pray for us.

O Crimson Rose of the Land of Jacob,
pray for us.

O Blooming like the palm tree,
pray for us.

O Fruitful like the olive tree,
pray for us.

O Glorious Son-bearer,
pray for us.

O Light of Nazareth,
pray for us.

O Glory of Jerusalem,
pray for us.

O Beauty of the world,
pray for us.

O Noblest-Born of the Christian flock,
pray for us.

O Queen of Life,
pray for us.

O Ladder of Heaven,
pray for us.
 

 
 
 
 
 
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY FOR ABORTION TO BE OUTLAWED WORLD-WIDE
HISTORY
Over 800 years ago Christians were being captured and sold into slavery by the thousands, and nobody knew what to do about it. Then, in the year 1198, a man had an idea. St. John of Matha founded the Trinitarians to go to the slave markets, buy the Christian slaves and set them free. To carry out this plan, the Trinitarians needed large amounts of money. So, they placed their fund-raising efforts under the patronage of Mary. They were so successful at that, over the centuries, the Trinitarians were able to free thousands and thousands of people and to return them safely home. In gratitude for her miraculous assistance, St. John of Matha honored Mary with the title of "Our Lady of Good Remedy." Devotion to Mary under this ancient title is widely known in Europe and Latin America, and the Church celebrates her feast day on October 8. Our Lady of Good Remedy is often depicted as the Virgin Mary handing a bag of money to St. John of Matha. When in need - for whatever reason, but especially where you have had difficulty obtaining help - invoke the aid of Our Lady of Good Remedy, and you will surely experience the power of her intercession.
 
(We ask the Virgin Mary to bring end to all abortion.)
O QUEEN OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, Most Holy Virgin, we venerate thee. Thou art the beloved Daughter of the Most High God, the chosen Mother of the Incarnate Word, the Immaculate Spouse of the Holy Spirit, the Sacred Vessel of the Most Holy Trinity. O Mother of the Divine Redeemer, who under the title of Our Lady of Good Remedy comes to the aid of all who call upon thee, extend thy maternal protection to us. We depend on thee, Dear Mother, as helpless and needy children depend on a tender and caring mother.
Hail, Mary....
O LADY OF GOOD REMEDY, source of unfailing help, grant that we may draw from thy treasury of graces in our time of need.
Touch the hearts of sinners, that they may seek reconciliation and forgiveness. Bring comfort to the afflicted and the lonely; help the poor and the hopeless; aid the sick and the suffering. May they be healed in body and strengthened in spirit to endure their sufferings with patient resignation and Christian fortitude.
Hail, Mary....
DEAR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY, source of unfailing help, thy compassionate heart knows a remedy for every affliction and misery we encounter in life. Help me with thy prayers and intercession to find a remedy for my problems and needs, especially for... (Indicate your special intentions here).
On my part, O loving Mother, I pledge myself to a more intensely Christian lifestyle, to a more careful observance of the laws of God, to be more conscientious in fulfilling the obligations of my state in life, and to strive to be a source of healing in this broken world of ours.
Dear Lady of Good Remedy, be ever present to me, and through thy intercession, may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind, and grow stronger in the faith and in the love of thy Son, Jesus.
Hail, Mary.....
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of Good Remedy,
R. That we may deepen our dedication to thy Son, and make the world alive with His Spirit.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MORE ON ABORTION:  http://jesus-passion.com/ABORTION.htm
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jesus suffered as a baby so that unborn children would be protected from abortion.
 
 
FEAST DAY:  OCTOBER 19TH
PETER, while still a youth, left his home at Alcantara in Spain, and entered a convent of Discalced Franciscans. He rose quickly to high posts in the Order, but his thirst for penance was still unappeased, and in 1539, being then forty years old, he founded the first convent of the "Strict Observance." The cells of the friars resembled graves rather than dwelling-places. That of St. Peter himself was four feet and a half in length, so that he could never lie down ; he ate but once in three days; his sackcloth habit and a cloak were his only garments, and he never covered his head or feet. In the bitter winter he would open the door and window of his cell that, by closing them again, he might experience some sensation of warmth. Amongst those whom he trained to perfection was St. Teresa. He read her soul, approved of her spirit of prayer, and strengthened her to carry out her reforms. St. Peter died, with great joy, kneeling in prayer, October 18th, 1562, at the age of sixty-three.
REFLECTION.-If men do not go about barefoot now, nor under-go sharp penances, as St. Peter did, there are many ways of trampling on the world; and our Lord teaches them when He finds the necessary courage.
 
INTERCESSORY PRAYER:  Saint Teresa of Avila said concerning Saint Peter of Alcantara that, "The Lord once told me that no one should ask Him for anything in his name and not be heard."
Saint Peter of Alcantara, please pray for us today [state your prayer request.]
 
 
 
POPE FRANCIS PRAYER INTENTIONS FOR 2025

January

For the right to an education
Let us pray for migrants, refugees, and those affected by war, that their right to an education, which is necessary to build a better world, might always be respected.
February

For vocations to the priesthood and religious life
Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ's mission in the priesthood and religious life.
March

For families in crisis
Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other's gifts, even in their differences.
April

For the use of the new technologies
Let us pray that the use of the new technologies will not replace human relationships, will respect the dignity of the person, and will help us face the crises of our times.
May

For working conditions
Let us pray that through work, each person might find fulfilment, families might be sustained in dignity, and that society might be humanized.
June

That the world might grow in compassion
Let us pray that each one of us might find consolation in a personal relationship with Jesus, and from his Heart, learn to have compassion on the world.
July

For formation in discernment
Let us pray that we might again learn how to discern, to know how to choose paths of life, and reject everything that leads us away from Christ and the Gospel.
August

For mutual coexistence
Let us pray that societies where coexistence seems more difficult might not succumb to the temptation of confrontation for ethnic, political, religious, or ideological reasons.
September

For our relationship with all of creation
Let us pray that, inspired by Saint Francis, we might experience our interdependence with all creatures who are loved by God and worthy of love and respect.
October

For collaboration between different religious traditions
Let us pray that believers in different religious traditions might work together to defend and promote peace, justice, and human fraternity.
November

For the prevention of suicide
Let us pray that those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts might find the support, care, and love they need in their community, and be open to the beauty of life.
December

For Christians in areas of conflict
Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation, and hope.

 
 
 
 
 

OUR LADY OF GOOD REMEDY

PRAYER

Queen of Heaven and earth,
most Holy Virgin,
we venerate thee.
Thou art the beloved daughter
of the Most High God,
the chosen mother of the
Incarnate Word,
the immaculate spouse of
the Holy Spirit,
the sacred vessel of the
 Most Holy Trinity.
O Mother of the Divine Redeemer,
who under the title of
Our Lady of Good Remedy
comes to the aid of all
who call upon thee,
extend thy maternal protection to us.
We depend on thee,
dear Mother,
as helpless and needy children
depend on a tender and caring mother.

Pray the Hail Mary...


O Lady of Good Remedy,
source of unfailing help,
grant that we may draw
from thy treasury of graces
in our time of need.
Touch the hearts of sinners,
that they may seek
reconciliation and forgiveness.
Bring comfort to
the afflicted and the lonely;
help the poor and the hopeless;
aid the sick and the suffering.
May they be healed in body
and strengthened in spirit
to endure their sufferings
with patient resignation
and Christian fortitude.

Pray the Hail Mary...


Dear Lady of Good Remedy,
source of unfailing help,
thy compassionate heart knows a remedy
for every affliction and misery
we encounter in life.
Help me with thy prayers and intercession
to find a remedy for my problems and needs,
especially for...


(Mention your perso
nal intention)


On my part,
O loving Mother,
I pledge myself to a more intensely Christian lifestyle,
to a more careful observance of the laws of God,
to be more conscientious
in fulfilling the obligations of my state in life,
and to strive to be a source of healing
in this broken world of ours.

Dear Lady of Good Remedy,
be ever present to me,
and through thy intercession,
may I enjoy health of body and peace of mind,
and grow stronger in the faith
and in the love of thy Son, Jesus.

Pray the Hail Mary...


V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of Good Remedy,
R. That we may deepen our dedication to thy Son,
     
and make the world alive with His Spirit.

 
Unfailing Novena To The Virgin Mary Untier of Knots

Prayer to Mary, Undoer of Knots

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exists in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the Evil One himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.
[Mention your request here]
I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge!
Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.
 
 
 
 
AMERICAN WAR CASUALTIES
Each standard size cross-mark  represents 50,000 people killed.  The smaller cross-marks represent less than 50,000 deaths.   The war casualties represent all American combat-related deaths.  Statistics from 1982 World Almanac.
REVOLUTIONARY WAR                    25,324    
CIVIL WAR                                          496,332    †††††††††
WORLD WAR I                                   116,708    †††
WORLD WAR II                                  407,316    †††††††††
KOREAN WAR                                     54,246   ††
VIETNAM WAR                                     58,655   ††     
 WAR ON UNBORN CHILDREN      OVER  59,440,015  
...since abortion was legalized in 1973