PATRON SAINT OF TEENAGERS St.Pancras (290 - 304)

SAINT OF THE DAY

Feast Day: May 12



St.Pancras

(290 - 304)




Pancras was born in 290 AD in Synnada, Phrygia a kingdom in the west central part of Anatolia (modern Turkey).


He is also known by the names Pancritas and Pancratius. He was orphaned at an early age and taken to Rome by his uncle, Dionysius.


Pancras converted to Christianity after meeting Christians in Rome and through the influence of Dionysius


Pancras lived during the rule of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (r.284-305). Emperor Diocletian mounted some of the fiercest persecutions of the early Church especially in the East of the Empire.


Converting to Christianity during this period was highly dangerous and at the age Pancras announced his Christian faith publically.


He was arrested and then beheaded. He was only 14 years old. He is the patron saint of teenagers.

IN PRAISE OF SAINT JOSEPH

 

“ HE IS HOLY JOSEPH, because according to the opinion of a great number of doctors, he, as well as St. John the Baptist, was sanctified even before he was born. He is Holy Joseph, because his office, of being Spouse and Protector of Mary, specially demanded sanctity. He is Holy Joseph, because no other Saint but he lived in such and so long intimacy and familiarity with the source of all holiness, JESUS CHRIST, God incarnate, and VIRGIN MARY, the holiest of creatures. ” 

—St. John Henry Newman

IN PRAISE OF SAINT JOSEPH 

“ JOSEPH, patron Saint of workers, blending skill with charity, silent carpenter, we praise you! Joining work with honesty, you taught Christ with joy to labor, sharing His nobility.

JOSEPH, close to JESUS and MARY, lived with Them in poverty, shared with Them their home and labor, worked with noble dignity. May we seek God’s will as you did, leader of His family!

JOSEPH, inspiration for workers, man of faith and charity, make us honest, humble, faithful, strong with Christ’s true liberty, Make our labor and our leisure fruitful to eternity!

O BLESSED SAINT JOSEPH, ever watchful guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen people of Jesus Christ, keep us free from the blight of error and corruption, and be our ally in the conflict with the powers of darkness. As of old you rescued the Holy Child Jesus from the plots of Herod, so now defend us and the whole world from all evils and harm. Keep us one and all under your continual protection, so that by your help and example, we may lead a holy life, die a happy death, and come to possess eternal life in heaven. AMEN. “

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PRAYER OF PROTECTION: BREASTPLATE OF SAINT PATRICK

 

Have you ever read the Breastplate of St. Patrick (also known as St. Patrick's Hymn)? Such a beautiful prayer and especially fitting during these times! 

Here are some things you might not know about this famous prayer, often known as The Breastplate of St Patrick

☘️It is a prayer of protection, which is why it’s called the “breastplate”— a protective piece of armor for battle. 

☘️Madeleine L’Engle used it as the basis for her book, A Swiftly Tilting Planet (my favorite of the time quartet— any other fans of Madeleine L’Engle 

☘️The prayer is said to have been written in approximately 433AD by St Patrick himself! 

ST. PATRICK OF IRELAND (MARCH 17TH) 

On the 17th of March, we celebrate the life, miracles, and continued intercessions of St. Patrick, Apostle to Ireland, Enlightener of the Celtic People, and Patron Saint of the Irish! 

Though enslaved by the pagan Irish as a child in the 5th Century AD, St. Patrick escaped and later became a bishop and missionary to the Irish, and established a great Church in Ireland that stands into the present day. His life was characterized by forgiveness, bravery, faithfulness to the Gospel, and great miracles done through him by God’s grace. May we learn to be like St. Patrick in our continued calling to share an Orthodox Christian Gospel all around the world! 

First Version Of the Prayer

ST. PATRICK’S BREASTPLATE

I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation.




I arise today

Through the strength of Christ's birth and His baptism,

Through the strength of His crucifixion and His burial,

Through the strength of His resurrection and His ascension,

Through the strength of His descent for the judgment of doom.




I arise today

Through the strength of the love of cherubim,

In obedience of angels,

In service of archangels,

In the hope of resurrection to meet with reward,

In the prayers of patriarchs,

In preachings of the apostles,

In faiths of confessors,

In innocence of virgins,

In deeds of righteous men.



I arise today

Through the strength of heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the rock.



I arise today

Through God's strength to pilot me;

God's might to uphold me,

God's wisdom to guide me,

God's eye to look before me,

God's ear to hear me,

God's word to speak for me,

God's hand to guard me,

God's way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me,

God's hosts to save me

From snares of the devil,

From temptations of vices,

From every one who desires me ill,

Afar and anear,

Alone or in a mulitude.



I summon today all these powers between me and evil,

Against every cruel merciless power that opposes my body and soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of pagandom,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of women and smiths and wizards,

Against every knowledge that corrupts man's body and soul.



Christ shield me today

Against poison, against burning,

Against drowning, against wounding,

So that reward may come to me in abundance.



Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.



I arise today

Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through a confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation



Almighty God, in Thy providence Thou chosest Thy servant, St. Patrick, to be the Apostle to the Irish people, to bring those who were wandering in darkness and error to the true light and knowledge of Thy Holy Gospel, and to enter into Thy Holy Orthodox Church: Grant us so to walk in the way, so as to imitate Thy blessed servant; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who livest and reignest with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.


St. Patrick, pray for us!




Second Version of the Prayer

The Breastplate of St. Patrick


I bind unto myself today

The strong Name of the Trinity,

By invocation of the same,

The Three in One and One in Three.




I bind this day to me for ever.

By power of faith, Christ's incarnation;

His baptism in the Jordan river;

His death on Cross for my salvation;

His bursting from the spicèd tomb;

His riding up the heavenly way;

His coming at the day of doom;*

I bind unto myself today.




I bind unto myself the power

Of the great love of the cherubim;

The sweet 'well done' in judgment hour,

The service of the seraphim,

Confessors' faith, Apostles' word,

The Patriarchs' prayers, the Prophets' scrolls,

All good deeds done unto the Lord,

And purity of virgin souls.




I bind unto myself today

The virtues of the starlit heaven,

The glorious sun's life-giving ray,

The whiteness of the moon at even,

The flashing of the lightning free,

The whirling wind's tempestuous shocks,

The stable earth, the deep salt sea,

Around the old eternal rocks.




I bind unto myself today

The power of God to hold and lead,

His eye to watch, His might to stay,

His ear to hearken to my need.

The wisdom of my God to teach,

His hand to guide, His shield to ward,

The word of God to give me speech,

His heavenly host to be my guard.




Against the demon snares of sin,

The vice that gives temptation force,

The natural lusts that war within,

The hostile men that mar my course;

Or few or many, far or nigh,

In every place and in all hours,

Against their fierce hostility,

I bind to me these holy powers.




Against all Satan's spells and wiles,

Against false words of heresy,

Against the knowledge that defiles,

Against the heart's idolatry,

Against the wizard's evil craft,

Against the death wound and the burning,

The choking wave and the poisoned shaft,

Protect me, Christ, till Thy returning.




Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me.

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.




I bind unto myself the Name,

The strong Name of the Trinity;

By invocation of the same.

The Three in One, and One in Three,

Of Whom all nature hath creation,

Eternal Father, Spirit, Word:

Praise to the Lord of my salvation,

Salvation is of Christ the Lord.




St. Patrick, pray for us!




Third Version of the prayer :

Breastplate of St. Patrick

I bind N. today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity.

I believe in a Threeness, with confession of a Oneness in the Creator of the Universe.




I bind N. today to the virtue of Christ’s birth with His baptism,

to the virtue of His crucifixion with His burial,

to the virtue of His resurrection with His ascension,

to the virtue of His coming to the Judgment of Doom.




I bind N. today to the virtue of ranks of Cherubim, in obedience of Angels,

[in service of Archangels],

in hope of resurrection for reward,

in prayers of Patriarchs, in preaching of Apostles,

in faiths of Confessors,

in innocence of Holy Virgins,

in deeds of righteous men.




I bind N. today to the virtue of Heaven,

in light of Sun,

in brightness of Snow,

in splendor of Fire,

in speed of Lightning,

in swiftness of Wind,

in depth of Sea,

in stability of Earth,

in compactness of Rock.




I bind N. today to God’s Virtue to pilot him/her,

God’s might to uphold him/her,

God’s wisdom to guide him/her,

God’s eye to look before him/her,

God’s ear to hear him/her,

God’s Word to speak to him/her,

God’s hand to guard him/her,

God’s way to lie before him/her,

God’s shield to protect him/her,

God’s host to secure him/her,

Against snares of demons,

Against seductions of vices,

Against lusts of nature,

Against everyone who wishes ill to him/her,

Afar and anear, Alone and in a multitude.

So have I invoked all these virtues between N.

Against every cruel, merciless power which may come

Against his/her body and his/her soul,

Against incantations of false prophets,

Against black laws of heathenry,

Against false laws of heretics,

Against craft of idolatry,

Against spells of women and smiths and druids,

Against every knowledge that defiles men’s souls.




Christ to protect N. today,

Against poison,

Against burning,

Against drowning,

Against death-wound, until a multitude of rewards come to N.!

Christ with him/her,

Christ before him/her,

Christ behind him/her,

Christ in him/her!

Christ below him/her,

Christ above him/her.

Christ at his/her right,

Christ at his/her left!

Christ in breadth,

Christ in length,

Christ in height!

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of him/her,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks to him/her,

Christ in every eye that sees him/her,

Christ in every ear that hears him/her!




I bind N. today to a strong virtue, an invocation of the Trinity. I

believe in a Threeness with confession of a Oneness, in the Creator of

[the universe.]

Salvation is the Lord’s, salvation is the Lord’s, salvation is Christ’s.

May Thy salvation, O Lord, be always with us.

#stpatricksday #stpatrick #saintpatricksday #saintpatrick #stpattysday #prayer #orthodoxprayer #ancientfaith #irishsaint 

NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Novena to the Holy Spirit

Following the Ascension of Our Lord, tradition says that the disciples gathered in the upper room together with Our Blessed Mother for the novena, nine days of prayer in anticipation of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was given to the disciples to empower them to “be my witnesses … even to the ends of the earth.” (Acts1:8)

Today, as disciples of Jesus, we too join together in prayer for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our parish, our faith communities, our families, and in ourselves. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses of love of God for our world.

This novena to the Holy Spirit has been designed for either individual or communal prayer. The spiritual impact of serious prayer and reflection is immeasurable.

Invocation To The Holy Spirit 

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and enkindle in them (in us) the fire of Your love. O

Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, and console me. Tell me what to do, direct my

every choice. I promise to submit myself to all You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me. Let me only know

Your will. Grant this through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Day One

Needing the Spirit “Drawing Near” Ezekiel 36:26-28: I will give you a new heart and place a new spirit within you, taking from

your bodies your stony hearts and giving you natural hearts. I will put my Spirit within you and make you live by my statutes, careful

to observe my decrees. You shall live in the land I gave your fathers, you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

Meditation: Our need is God’s opportunity. But we must acknowledge our need. Often this means helplessness before some weakness or

sickness and an admission of our need for help. Next comes faith in the power of God’s Spirit, available to us to meet that need. Our faith

must find some expression before any need will be met. That expression of faith is all God is looking for, and He will manifest His power in

our lives. Faith is the key that allows us to receive the storehouse of God’s resources.

Prayer for the Day: Lord, I know I can come before You with confidence that by Your grace you accept me. I ask You Lord to make

my life what You desire of it. Cleanse me, heal me, restore me and through Your divine power draw me near to You in everything.

Thank You for supplying me with all I need through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day Two

Needing the Spirit “Beloved of God” Romans: 8:2, 5, 14- 16: For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has freed you from the

law of sin and death. Those who live according to the flesh are concerned with things of the flesh, but those who live according to the spirit

the things of the spirit. For those who are lead by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall

back into fear. But you received a spirit of adoption by which we cry, “Abba, Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we

are children of God.

Meditation: And greater works than these shall you do. Each individual has the ability to do good works through the power of God’s Spirit.

This is one of the wonders of the world, the miracle of the earth, that God’s power goes out to bless the human race through the agency of

so many people who are actuated by His grace. We need not be held back by doubt, despondency and fear. A wonderful future lies before

any person who depends on God’s power; a future of tremendous power to do good work.

Prayer for the Day: Lord, You said in Your Word that those who are led by the Spirit of God are Your own children. Lord, I turn

from setting my mind on the things of the flesh and I ask to be focused on things of the Spirit that I might please You. Holy

Spirit, come to the aid of my weakness and intercede for me in accordance with the mind of God. Oh, how I long to call You

“Abba!” Help me be open to the Spirit that I can truly testify that I am Your beloved child. Amen.

Day Three 

Needing the Spirit “Peace” Galatians 5:22-25: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with

its passions & desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.

Meditation: This is the time for my spirit to touch the Spirit of God. I know that the feeling of the Spirit-touch is more important than all the

sensations of material things. I must seek a silence in which my spirit can receive and become aware of the touch of the Spirit of God. Just a

moment’s contact and all the fever of life leaves me. Then I am well, whole, calm, and able to rise and minister to others. God’s touch is

a potent healer. I must feel that touch and sense God’s presence.

Prayer of the Day: Blessed Jesus, please give to me stillness of soul and let Your mighty calmness reign in me. Rule me Lord of gentleness, Lord of peace. Give me great power of self-control over my words, thoughts and actions. From all irritability, want of

meekness, want of kindness; deliver me, dear Lord. Amen.

Day Four

Desiring the Spirit “Belief” Luke 11:9- 13: And I tell you, ask and you will receive: seek and you will find; knock and the door will

be opened to you. For anyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then

who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask

him.

Meditation: God is all around us. His Spirit pervades the universe, and yet we do not let His Spirit in. We try to get along without His help

and we make a mess of our lives. We can do nothing of any value without God’s help. Our human relationships depend on God. When we

let God’s Spirit rule our lives, we learn how to get along with others and how to help them. Prayer for the Day: Lord, I believe that Jesus

Christ is Your Son, and that we are saved through His grace. Grant that the Holy Spirit may strengthen my belief that I may glorify Him

in all my works. Amen.

Day Five

Desiring the Spirit “Thirst” John 7: 37- 39: On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and exclaimed, “Let anyone

who thirsts come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as scripture says: Rivers of living water will flow from within him.” He said this

in reference to the Spirit that those who came to believe in him were to receive. There was of course no Spirit yet, because Jesus had not

yet been glorified.

Meditation: You need to be constantly recharged by the power of the Spirit of God. Commune with God in quiet times until the life from God,

the Divine life, by that very contact flows into your being and revives your fainting spirit. When weary, take time out and rest. Rest and gain

power and strength from God and then you will be ready to meet whatever opportunities come your way. Rest, allowing every care and

worry and fear to be enveloped by grace. Then the tide of peace and serenity, love and joy will flow into your consciousness even in the

midst of suffering. (2 Cor. 1:3-7) 

Prayer of the Day: Lord, allow my thirst to be satisfied. May your Spirit direct my heart to be awakened.

Allow me to seek You in all things and bring forth Your kingdom on earth. I ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day Six 

Desiring the Spirit “Trust” Luke 1: 35-38:

The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; hence the Holy Offspring to be born will be called

Son of God. Know that Elizabeth your kinswoman has conceived a son in her old age, she who was thought to be sterile is now in her sixth

month for nothing is impossible with God. Mary said, “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.”

Meditation : Once I am “born of the Spirit.” the Spirit is my life’s breath. Within me is the Life of life. It is the same Life that throughout the

ages has helped God’s children through peril, adversity, and sorrow. I must try never to doubt or worry but follow where the Life of the Spirit

leads. How often am I unaware of how God goes before me to prepare the way, to soften the heart, or to overrule resentment? As the

life of the Spirit grows, natural desires are placed within a new horizon – to be governed by the will of God. 

Prayer for the Day: Lord, let

me open my heart to fully trust in You and Your will. With You all things are possible. Grant that I may serve you and witness to Your word

with a willing spirit and a humble heart. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Day Seven

Receiving the Spirit “Repentance” Acts 2:38: Repent and be baptized every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for

the forgiveness of your sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Meditation: Seek conscious contact with God more and more each day. Become aware of God’s abiding Presence during the day. Be

conscious of His Spirit helping you. All that is done without God’s Spirit is passing. All that is done with God’s Spirit is life eternal. It is the

flow of life eternal through the mind, body and spirit that cleanses hearts, restores and renews. Come to know God’s eternal life in you

and renewing you. 

Prayer of the Day: Lord, you said in Your word that I am to repent; turn from sin and turn to You. Then I will receive the

gift of the Holy Spirit. Lord, cleanse me from all ungodliness and unrighteousness so that I may walk in the newness of life according to the

Spirit of holiness. T hank You for your forgiveness and for hearing this p rayer, for I pray in the Holy name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Day Eight

Receiving the Spirit “Submission” Hebrews 12:9: If we respected our earthly fathers who corrected us, should we not all the

more submit to the Father of spirits and live? Romans 5:3- 5: More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces

endurance, and endurance produces character and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has

been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Meditation: I believe that complete surrender of my life to God is the foundation to serenity. God has prepared for us many mansions. I do

not look upon that promise as referring only to the after-life. I do not look upon this life as something to be struggled through in order to get

the rewards of the next life. I believe that the kingdom of God has begun within us and we can enjoy eternal life here and now. 

Prayer for

the Day

 I come before You on my knees Lord, for I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth

that Jesus is Lord of my life. Lord, you promised that as many as receive Y ou, you give them the power to become children of God, who are

born of God. In submission to You, I receive You as Lord, and I pray to be filled continually with Your Holy Spirit, through Jesus Christ

the Lord. Amen.

Day Nine

Receiving the Spirit “Liberating the Spirit” 1 Corinthians 12:4-11: There are different gifts but the same Spirit; there are

different ministries but the same Lord; there are different works but the same God who accomplishes all of them in everyone. To each

person the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one the Spirit gives wisdom in discourse, to another the power to express knowledge. Through the Spirit one receives faith; by the same Spirit another is given the gift of healing, and still another

miraculous powers; prophesy is given to one; to another the power to distinguish one spirit from another; another receives the gift of

tongues; another the interpreting of tongues. But it is one in the same Spirit who produces these gifts, distributing them to each as he wills.

Meditation: Gently breathe in God’s Spirit, that Spirit which if not barred out by selfishness will enable you to do good works. This means

rather, that God will be able to do good works through you. You can become a channel for God’s Spirit to flow through you and into the

lives of others. The works that you do will only be limited by your spiritual development. 

Let your spirit be in harmony with God’s Spirit and

there is no limit to what you can do in the realm of human relationships.

 Prayer for the Day: Accomplish Your work in me O God, that

the many gifts You have given me through the Holy Spirit may lift up the people around me and bring glory to you. Let Your Spirit be free

in me to fully serve You with all my heart and unite me to work with others in unselfish love. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Cardinal Mercier O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I

should do; give me Your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.

Let me only know Your Will.

St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Breathe in me O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me

O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me then O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy.

Come, Holy Ghost (Veni Creator Spiritus)

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator blest, and in our hearts take up Thy rest;

come with Thy grace and heav'nly aid, to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.

O Comforter, to Thee we cry, Thou heav'nly gift of God most high,

Thou Fount of life, and Fire of love, and sweet anointing from above.

O Finger of the hand divine, the sevenfold gifts of grace are thine;

True promise of the Father thou, who dost the tongue with power endow.

Thy light to every sense impart, and shed thy love in every heart;

Thine own unfailing might supply to strengthen our infirmity.

Drive far away our ghostly foe, and thine abiding peace bestow;

If thou be our preventing Guide, no evil can our steps betide.

Praise we the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit with them One; and may the Son on us bestow the gifts that from the Spirit flow.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created.

R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples. Grant that the same Spirit

may perfect in our lives the work of Your grace and love. Grant us the Spirit of fear of the Lord that we may be filled with loving

reverence toward You; the Spirit of piety that we might find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others; the Spirit of

fortitude that we may bear our cross with You and, with courage overcome the obstacles that interfere with our salvation; the Spirit of

knowledge that we may know You and know ourselves and grow in holiness; the Spirit of understanding to enlighten our minds with the

light of Your truth; the Spirit of counsel that we may choose the surest way of doing Y our will, seeking first the kingdom. Grant us the Spirit

of wisdom that we may aspire to the things that last forever. Teach us to be Your faithful disciples and animate us in every way with Your

Spirit. Amen.

Novena to the Holy Spirit

Novena to the Holy Spirit Prayers

This novena commemorates the nine days between the Ascension of Our Lord and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost Sunday. During this time Our Lady and the twelve Apostles prayed in the upper room for the coming of the Paraclete.

O Holy Spirit, O my God, I adore Thee, and acknowledge, here in Thy divine presence, that I am nothing and can do nothing without Thee. Come, great Paraclete, Thou father of the poor, Thou comforter the best, fulfil the promise of our blessed Savior, Who would not leave us orphans, and come into the mind and the heart of Thy poor, unworthy creature, as Thou didst descend on the sacred day of Pentecost on the holy Mother of Jesus and on His first disciples. Grant that I may participate in those gifts which Thou didst communicate to them so wonderfully, and with so much mercy and generosity. Take from my heart whatever is not pleasing to Thee, and make of it a worthy dwelling-place for Thyself. Illumine my mind, that I may see and understand the things that are for my eternal good. Inflame my heart with pure love of Thee, that I may be cleansed from the dross of all inordinate attachments, and that my whole life may be hidden with Jesus in God. Strengthen my will, that I may be made conformable to Thy divine will, and be guided by Thy holy inspirations. Aid me by Thy grace to practice the divine lessons of humility, poverty, obedience, and contempt of the world, which Jesus taught us in His mortal life.

Oh, rend the heavens, and come down, consoling Spirit! that inspired and encouraged by Thee, I may faithfully comply with the duties of my state, carry my daily cross most patiently, and endeavor to accomplish the divine will with the utmost perfection. Spirit of love! Spirit of purity! Spirit of peace! Sanctify my soul more and more, and give me that heavenly peace which the world cannot give. Bless our Holy Father the Pope, bless the Church, bless our bishops, our priests, all Religious Orders, and all the faithful, that they may be filled with the spirit of Christ and labor earnestly for the spread of His kingdom.

O Holy Spirit, Thou Giver of every good and perfect gift, grant me, I beseech Thee, the intentions of this novena. May Thy will be done in me and through me. Mayest Thou be praised and glorified forevermore!

Amen.

EASTER MONDAY PRAYER

Easter Monday Prayer

Lord, I do believe. I believe You rose victorious over sin and death. Allow me, especially during this Octave of Easter, to enter into the great mystery of Your Resurrection. Help me to understand and experience this overwhelming glory in my life. I adore You with a profound love, dear Lord. Help me to worship You with all my might. Jesus, I trust in You.

-John Paul Thomas

🙏 EASTER PRAYER 🙏

 

EASTER PRAYER




+ In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. AMEN.




Lord Jesus Christ,

You have defeated death and

You gave us victory over our weaknesses

Lord, thank You for saving my soul

in the manner that I cannot do.

You faced pain and death for me,

You brought my shame, and broke

my chains on Calvary.

And You rise again, so that I may

rise again, too, on the Last Day.




Lead me, O Lord into a new life, a new direction.

Help me correct my mistakes, Lord.

Help me change myself to become new.

Help me to become a better person for You and for others. May I live for You, just as You live for me and for us all.

May I always believe that

my heart is Meant for noble things,

that it should love you above all,

Grant me O Lord, meaningful days ahead

And at the end of my life, to praise Your Holy Name.

AMEN.

Litany to the Holy Angels

 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, Queen of Angels

pray for us.

Holy Mother of God

pray for us.

Holy Virgin of Virgins

pray for us.

Saint Michael, who was ever the defender of the people of God,

pray for us.

St. Michael, who did drive from Heaven Lucifer and his rebel crew,

pray for us.

St. Michael, who did cast down to Hell the accuser of our brethren,

pray for us.

Saint Gabriel, who did expound to Daniel the heavenly vision,

pray for us.

St. Gabriel, who did foretell to Zachary the birth and ministry of John the Baptist,

pray for us.

St. Gabriel, who did announce to Blessed Mary the Incarnation of the Divine Word,

pray for us.

Saint Raphael, who did lead Tobias safely through his journey to his home again,

pray for us.

St. Raphael, who did deliver Sara from the devil,

pray for us.

St. Raphael, who did restore his sight to Tobias the elder,

pray for us.

All ye holy Angels, who stand around the high and lofty throne of God,

pray for us.

Who cry to Him continually: Holy, Holy, Holy,

pray for us.

Who dispel the darkness of our minds and give us light,

pray for us.

Who are the messengers of heavenly things to men,

pray for us.

Who have been appointed by God to be our guardians,

pray for us.

Who always behold the Face of our Father Who is in Heaven,

pray for us.

Who rejoice over one sinner doing penance,

pray for us.

Who struck the Sodomites with blindness,

pray for us.

Who led Lot out of the midst of the ungodly,

pray for us.

Who ascended and descended on the ladder of Jacob,

pray for us.

Who delivered the Divine Law to Moses on Mount Sinai,

pray for us.

Who brought good tidings when Christ was born,

pray for us.

Who comforted Him in His agony,

pray for us.

Who sat in white garments at His sepulcher,

pray for us.

Who appeared to the disciples as He went up into Heaven,

pray for us.

Who shall go before Him bearing the standard of the Cross when He comes to judgment,

pray for us.

Who shall gather together the elect at the End of the World,

pray for us.

Who shall separate the wicked from among the just,

pray for us.

Who offer to God the prayers of those who pray,

pray for us.

Who assist us at the hour of death,

pray for us.

Who carried Lazarus into Abraham’s bosom,

pray for us.

Who conduct to Heaven the souls of the just,

pray for us.

Who perform signs and wonders by the power of God,

pray for us.

Who are sent to minister for those who shall receive the inheritance of salvation,

pray for us.

Who are set over kingdoms and provinces,

pray for us.

Who have often put to flight armies of enemies,

pray for us.

Who have often delivered God’s servants from prison and other perils of this life,

pray for us.

Who have often consoled the holy martyrs in their torments,

pray for us.

Who are wont to cherish with peculiar care the prelates and princes of the Church,

pray for us.

All ye holy orders of blessed spirits,

pray for us.

From all dangers,

deliver us, O Lord.

From the snares of the devil,

deliver us, O Lord.

From all heresy and schism,

deliver us, O Lord.

From plague, famine and ware,

deliver us, O Lord.

From sudden and unlooked-for death,

deliver us, O Lord.

From everlasting death,

deliver us, O Lord.

Through Thy holy Angels,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would spare us,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would pardon us,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would govern and preserve Thy Holy Church,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would protect our Apostolic Prelate and all ecclesiastical orders,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would grant peace and security to kings and all Christian princes,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would give and preserve the fruits of the earth,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

That Thou would grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed,

we beseech Thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world,

have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

Bless the Lord, all ye Angels: Ye who are mighty in strength, who fulfill His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His words.

He hath given His Angels charge concerning thee, To keep thee in all thy ways.

Let us pray:

O God, Who dost arrange the services of Angels and men in a wonderful order, mercifully grant that our life may be protected on earth by those who always do Thee service in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost are one God now and forever. Amen.

O God, Who in Thine unspeakable Providence dost send Thine Angels to keep guard over us, grant unto Thy suppliants that we may be continually defended by their protection and may rejoice eternally in their society, through Jesus Christ Our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, forever and ever. Amen.

WHY CATHOLICS LOVE THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

 

WHY CATHOLICS LOVE THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION

It is a day of hope

For many Christians, the Feast of the Annunciation represents the coming of hope to the world. The birth of Jesus Christ was a symbol of the restoration of the broken relationship between God and humans.

It’s divine

The Feast of the Annunciation is a holy day. The pregnancy of the Virgin Mary is one of the greatest miracles to happen in Christian history. The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates divinity and otherworldliness.

It brings people together

On the Feast of the Annunciation, millions of people around the world forget any differences and come together to celebrate the announcement of the coming of Jesus Christ. It is beautiful to imagine millions of people reciting the Hail Mary together on this special day.

Annunciation Novena

Annunciation Novena

(March 16 to 24)

I greet you,

Ever-blessed Virgin,

Mother of God,

Throne of Grace,

miracle of Almighty Power!

I greet you,

Sanctuary of the Most Holy Trinity

and Queen of the Universe,

Mother of Mercy

and refuge of sinners!

Most loving Mother,

attracted by your beauty and sweetness,

and by your tender compassion,

I confidently turn to you,

miserable as I am,

and beg of you to obtain for me

from your dear Son

the favor I request in this novena:

(mention your request here).

Obtain for me also,

Queen of heaven,

the most lively contrition for my many sins

and the grace to imitate closely

those virtues which you practiced so faithfully,

especially humility,

purity and obedience.

Above all,

I beg you to be my Mother and Protectress,

to receive me into the number of your devoted children,

and to guide me from your high throne of glory.

Do not reject my petitions,

Mother of Mercy!

Have pity on me,

and do not abandon me during life

or at the moment of my death.

Amen.

Today's Gospel Reading

Gospel Reading Today

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

'Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.

Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.

When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,

but before they lived together,

she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.

Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,

yet unwilling to expose her to shame,

decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,

“Joseph, son of David,

do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.

For it is through the Holy Spirit

that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,

because he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph awoke,

he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took his wife into his home.'

Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a

SAINT JOSEPH Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Foster Father of Jesus March 19 - Feast

SAINT JOSEPH

Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Foster Father of Jesus

March 19 - Feast

Oh, St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God. I place in you all my interests and desires. Oh, St. Joseph, do assist me by your powerful intercession, and obtain for me from your divine Son all spiritual blessings, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. So that, having engaged here below your heavenly power, I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of Fathers.

Oh, St. Joseph, I never weary of contemplating you, and Jesus asleep in your arms; I dare not approach while He reposes near your 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. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls - Pray for me.

Amen.

This prayer was found in the fifteenth year of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In 1505 it was sent from the Pope to Emperor Charles when he was going into battle. Whoever shall read this prayer or hear it or keep it about themselves, shall never die a sudden death, or be drowned, not shall poison take effect of them; neither shall they fall into the hands of the enemy; or shall be burned in any fire, or shall be overpowered in battle.

Prayer to Saint Joseph -Solemnity of Saint Joseph March 19

 Prayer to Saint Joseph

To thee, O Blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our tribulations, and while imploring the aid of thy most holy Spouse, we confidently invoke thy patronage also. By that love which united thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and by the fatherly affection with which thou didst embrace the Infant Jesus, we humbly beseech thee graciously to regard the inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased with His Blood and to help us in our necessities, by thy powerful intercession.

Protect, O most provident Guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen children of Jesus Christ; ward off from us, O most loving Father, all taint of error and corruption; graciously assist us from Heaven, O most powerful protector, in our struggle with the powers of darkness; and as thou didst once rescue the Child Jesus from imminent peril to His life, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity.

Shield each one of us with thy unceasing patronage that, imitating thy example and supported by thy aid, we may be enabled to live a good life, die a holy death, and secure everlasting happiness in Heaven.

Amen.

SAINT OF THE DAY St. John Ogilvie (Feast Day: March 11)

SAINT OF THE DAY

St. John Ogilvie

(Feast Day: March 11)

Pray for us!

Saint John Ogilvie’s Story

John Ogilvie’s noble Scottish family was partly Catholic and partly Presbyterian. His father raised him as a Calvinist, sending him to the continent to be educated. There, John became interested in the popular debates going on between Catholic and Calvinist scholars. Confused by the arguments of Catholic scholars whom he sought out, he turned to Scripture. Two texts particularly struck him: “God wills all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,” and “Come to me all you who are weary and find life burdensome, and I will refresh you.”

Slowly, John came to see that the Catholic Church could embrace all kinds of people. Among these, he noted, were many martyrs. He decided to become Catholic and was received into the Church at Louvain, Belgium, in 1596 at the age of 17.

John continued his studies, first with the Benedictines, then as a student at the Jesuit College at Olmutz. He joined the Jesuits and for the next 10 years underwent their rigorous intellectual and spiritual training. At his ordination to the priesthood in France in 1610, John met two Jesuits who had just returned from Scotland after suffering arrest and imprisonment. They saw little hope for any successful work there in view of the tightening of the penal laws. But a fire had been lit within John. For the next two and a half years he pleaded to be placed there as a missionary.

Sent by his superiors, he secretly entered Scotland posing as a horse trader or a soldier returning from the wars in Europe. Unable to do significant work among the relatively few Catholics in Scotland, John made his way back to Paris to consult his superiors. Rebuked for having left his assignment in Scotland, he was sent back. He warmed to the task before him and had some success in making converts and in secretly serving Scottish Catholics. But he was soon betrayed, arrested, and brought before the court.

His trial dragged on until he had been without food for 26 hours. He was imprisoned and deprived of sleep. For eight days and nights he was dragged around, prodded with sharp sticks, his hair pulled out. Still, he refused to reveal the names of Catholics or to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the king in spiritual affairs. He underwent a second and third trial but held firm.

At his final trial, he assured his judges: “In all that concerns the king, I will be slavishly obedient; if any attack his temporal power, I will shed my last drop of blood for him. But in the things of spiritual jurisdiction which a king unjustly seizes I cannot and must not obey.”

Condemned to death as a traitor, he was faithful to the end, even when on the scaffold he was offered his freedom and a fine living if he would deny his faith. His courage in prison and in his martyrdom was reported throughout Scotland.

John Ogilvie was canonized in 1976, becoming the first Scottish saint since 1250.

SAINT OF THE DAY St. Dominic Savio Feast Day: March 9

SAINT OF THE DAY 

St. Dominic Savio 

(Feast Day: March 9 )

Pray for us!

Dominic Savio was an Italian student of Saint John Bosco. He was studying to be a priest when he became ill and died at the age of 14, possibly from pleurisy. He was noted for his piety and devotion to the Catholic faith, and was eventually canonized. Wikipedia

Born: April 2, 1842, Chieri, Italy

Died: March 9, 1857, Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Italy

Feast: 6 May (formerly 9 March)

Patronage: choirboys, falsely accused people, juvenile delinquents

Canonized: 12 June 1954, Rome by Pope Pius XII

Major shrine: The Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin (his tomb)

Parents: Carlo Savio, Brigida Gaiato

Saint Dominic Savio’s Story

So many holy persons seem to die young. Among them was Dominic Savio, the patron of choirboys.

Born into a peasant family at Riva, Italy, young Dominic joined Saint John Bosco as a student at the Oratory in Turin at the age of 12. He impressed Don Bosco with his desire to be a priest and to help him in his work with neglected boys. A peacemaker and an organizer, young Dominic founded a group he called the Company of the Immaculate Conception which, besides being devotional, aided John Bosco with the boys and with manual work. All the members save one, Dominic, would, in 1859, join Don Bosco in the beginnings of his Salesian congregation. By that time, Dominic had been called home to heaven.

As a youth, Dominic spent hours rapt in prayer. His raptures he called “my distractions.” Even in play, he said that at times, “It seems heaven is opening just above me. I am afraid I may say or do something that will make the other boys laugh.” Dominic would say, “I can’t do big things. But I want all I do, even the smallest thing, to be for the greater glory of God.”

Dominic’s health, always frail, led to lung problems and he was sent home to recuperate. As was the custom of the day, he was bled in the thought that this would help, but it only worsened his condition. He died on March 9, 1857, after receiving the Last Sacraments. Saint John Bosco himself wrote the account of his life.

Some thought that Dominic was too young to be considered a saint. Saint Pius X declared that just the opposite was true, and went ahead with his cause. Dominic was canonized in 1954. His Liturgical Feast Day is October 9.

PRAYERS

Prayer to St Dominic

O Saint Dominic Savio, a model of purity, piety, penance and apostolic zeal for youth; grant that, through your intercession, we may service God in our ordinary duties with fervent devotion, and attain the grace of holy joy on earth, that we may one day love God forever in Heaven. Amen.

… St Dominic Savio, Pray for Us …

Prayer of Dominic Savio

To the 

Blessed Virgin Mary

O Mary, I give you my heart.

Grant me to be always yours.

Jesus and Mary, be ever my friends;

and, for love of you,

grant me to die a thousand deaths

rather than to have the misfortune

of committing a single mortal sin. Amen.

(By St Dominic Savio)

HOW CAN WE BE SAINTS -BY SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVA

 To Become a Saint

"If we struggle daily to become Saints, each of us in his own situation in the world... I assure you that God will make us into instruments that can work miracles.."

---Saint Josemaria Escriva 

Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer y Albás was a Spanish Roman Catholic priest. He founded Opus Dei, an organization of laypeople and priests dedicated to the teaching that everyone is called to holiness by God and that ordinary life can result in sanctity. Wikipedia

Born: January 9, 1902, Barbastro, Spain

Died: June 26, 1975, Rome, Italy

Patronage: Opus Dei; People with diabetes

Feast: 26 June

Siblings: Santiago Escriva

Parents: María de los Dolores Albás y Blanc, José Escrivá y Corzán

 

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Josemaria Escriva

O God, through the mediation of Mary our Mother,

you granted your priest Saint Josemaria countless graces,

choosing him as a most faithful instrument to found Opus Dei,

a way of sanctification in daily work and in the fulfillment

of the Christian’s ordinary duties.

Grant that I too may learn to turn all the circumstances

and events of my life into occasions of loving you

and serving the Church, the Pope and all souls

with joy and simplicity, lighting up the pathways

of this earth with faith and love.

Deign to grant me, through the intercession of Saint Josemaria,

the favor of … (make your request). Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father.