Showing posts sorted by relevance for query contrition. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query contrition. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

A BEAUTIFUL ACT OF CONTRITION








A BEAUTIFUL ACT OF CONTRITION


Forgive me my sins, O Lord, forgive me my sins; the sins of my youth, the sins of my age, the sins of my soul, the sins of my body; my idle sins, my serious voluntary sins; the sins I know, the sins I do not know; the sins I have concealed for so long, and which are now hidden from my memory.


I am truly sorry for every sin, mortal and venial, for all the sins of my childhood up to the present hour.


I know my sins have wounded Thy Tender Heart, O My Savior, let me be freed from the bonds of evil through the most bitter Passion of My Redeemer.

Amen.




O My Jesus, forget and forgive what I have been.

Amen.

Thursday, July 22, 2021

Say this Prayer to Jesus in front of a Crucifix as an Act of Contrition


 

Act of Contrition In Front Of The Crucifix

My Jesus, by the pain You did endure when Your Left hand was pierced with the nail, give me true sorrow for my sins.
My Jesus, by the pain You did endure when Your right hand was pierced with the nail, give me perseverance in Your grace.
My Jesus, by the pain You did endure when Your left foot was pierced with the nail, deliver me from the pains of hell. My Jesus, by the pain You did endure when
Your right foot was pierced with the nail, give me the grace to love You eternally in heaven. My Jesus, by the wound that was made in Your Sacred Heart, give me the grace to love You always in this life and in the next. Have mercy on us, Jesus, our Love. Pray for us, Mary, our hope.
Amen

St. Alphonsus Liguori

Monday, December 6, 2021

These 15 Prayers Were Taught By the Lord Jesus To Saint Bridget

 



The

Fifteen Prayers

Revealed by Our Lord to Saint Bridget of Sweden In the Church of St. Paul at Rome

Are published under sanction of the Decree of November 18, 1966, published in the Acta Apostolicae Sedis, Vol. 58, No. 16 of December 29, 1966.

Prayers Approved by Pope Pius IX


Pope Benedict XV expressed himself as follows on the Revelations of St. Bridget:

“The approbation of such revelations implies nothing more than, after mature examination, it is permissible to publish them for the unit of the faithful.  Though they don’t merit the same credence as the truths of religion, one can, however, believe them out of human faith, conforming to the rules of prudence by which they are probable, and supported by sufficient motives that one might believe in them piously.

(Les Petits Bollandistes, tome XII)



The 14th of June 1303, at the moment Bridget was born, Benedict, the curate of Rasbo, prayed for the happy deliverance of Ingeborde.  Suddenly he found himself enveloped by a luminous cloud out of which Our Lady appeared:


“A child has been born at Birger; her voice will be heard by the entire world.”


Sagii, die XXIV Aprilis 1903 

Imprimature. 

FJ. Girard, V.G.


These prayers have been copied from a book printed in Toulouse in 1740 and published by the P. Adrien parvilliers of the Company of Jesus, Apostolic Missionary of the Holy Land, with approbation, permission and recommendation to distribute them.


Pope Pius IX took cognizance of these Prayers with the prologue; he approved them May 31, 1862, recognizing them as true and for the good  of Souls.


Visitors to the Church of St. Paul at Rome can see the crucifix, above the Tabernacle in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, sculptured by Pierre Cavallini, before which St. Bridge knelt when she received these 15 prayers from Our Lord.  The following inscription is placed in the church to commemorate the event: “Pendentis, Pendente Dei verba accepit aure accipit et verbum corde Brigitta Deum.  Anno Jubilei MCCCL.”


As St. Bridget for a long time wanted to know the number of blows Our Lord received during His Passion, He one day appeared to her and said: “I received 5480 blows on My Body.  If you wish to honor them in some way, say 15 Our Fathers and 15 Hail Mary’s with the following Prayers (which He taught her) for a whole year.  When the year is up, you will have honored each one of My Wounds.”


Promises of St. Bridget Prayers

When someone says these prayers for a year's time, these are the promises promised by Our Lord:


1) "I will deliver fifteen souls of his lineage from Purgatory."

 

2) "Fourteen souls of his lineage will be confirmed and preserved in grace."

 

3) "Fifteen sinners of his lineage will be converted."

 

4) "Whoever recites these prayers will obtain the first degree of perfection."

 

5) "Fifteen days before his death, I will give him My Precious Blood to drink lest he thirst eternally. "

 

6) "Fifteen days before his death he will conceive a deep contrition for all his sins and a perfect knowledge of them."

 

7) "I will place before him My Victorious Cross for his help and defense against the attacks of his enemies."

 

8) "Before his death I will come with My Dearest and Beloved Mother."

 

9) "I will graciously receive his soul, and will lead it into Eternal Joys."

 

10) "And having led it there, I will give him a special draught from the fountain of my deity, something I will not do for those who have not recited My Prayers."

 

11) "Let it be known that whoever may have been living in a state of mortal sin for thirty years, but who will recite devoutly, or have the intention to recite these prayers, I, the Lord will forgive him all of his sins."

 

12) "I will defend him against evil temptations."

 

13) "I will preserve and guard his five senses."

 

14) "I will preserve him from a sudden death."

 

15) "His soul will be delivered from eternal death."

 

16) "He will obtain all he asks for from God and the Blessed Virgin."

 

17) "If he has lived all his life doing his own will, and he is to die the next day, his life will be prolonged."

 

18) "Every time one recites these prayers he will gain a hundred days indulgences."

 

19) "He will be assured of being joined to the Supreme Choir of Angels."

 

20) "Whoever teaches these prayers to another will have continual joy and merit which will last throughout eternity."

 

21) "There, where these prayers are being said or may be said in the future, God will be present there by His Grace."


Prayers Taught by Jesus to Saint Bridget of Sweden

Prayers Approved by Pope Pius IX


First Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus Christ!  Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from all eternity in the Divine plan.


Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples, having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst foretell them Thy coming Passion.


Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: “My Soul is sorrowful even unto death.”


Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.


Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou was crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.


In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission of all my sins.  Amen


Second Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus! True liberty of angels, Paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of-cruelties, tormented Thee at will.  In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation.  Amen


Third Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy Loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged Thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulled Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy Limbs.  I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee.  Amen.


Fourth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine.  From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”


Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins.  Amen.


Fifth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless lost and unfortunate sinners.


Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: “This day, thou shalt be with Me in paradise.”  I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy.  Amen.


Sixth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou was fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary:  “Woman, behold thy son!”  and to St. John: “Son, behold thy Mother!”


I beg of Thee O my Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my affliction and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen


Seventh Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: “I thirst!” suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race.  I beg of Thee O my Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts; and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires.  Amen


Eighth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the vinegar and gall which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls.  Amen


Ninth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when, plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou was abandoned by Thy Father, saying: “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?”


Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen


Tenth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Who art the beginning and end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou was plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head.  In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee.  Amen


Eleventh Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me, hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away.  Amen


Twelfth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Mirror of Truth, symbol of unity, link of Charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou was covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable blood.  O great and universal pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal flesh for love of us!  Sweetest Jesus!  What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done! May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy passion, and may Thy love increase in my heart each day, until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O sweetest Jesus, in Heaven.  Amen


Thirteenth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  Strong Lion, Immortal and Invincible King, remember the pain which Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted, Thou didst bow Thy head, saying:  “It is consummated!”


Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish.  Amen


Fourteenth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, splendor and figure of His substance remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: “Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!”  And with Thy body all torn, and Thy Heart broken, and the bowels of Thy mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire.  By this precious death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world I may live for Thee alone.  I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen


Fifteenth Prayer 

Our Father – Hail Mary. 

O Jesus!  True and fruitful Vine!  Remember the abundant outpouring of Blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.


From Thy Side,  pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate flesh was destroyed, the very Substance of Thy Body withered, and the Marrow of Thy Bones dried up.


Through this bitter Passion and through the outpouring of Thy precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony.  Amen


Conclusion


O Sweet Jesus!  Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever.  Amen


O Jesus! True liberty of angels, Paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of-cruelties, tormented Thee at will.  In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation.  Amen



Monday, May 15, 2023

Prayer For Virtues To Grow in Holiness



 Grow in Holiness Through this Prayer of Virtues by Saint Thomas Aquinas
If you want to grow in holiness try praying for virtues with this beautiful and humble prayer asking God for assistance by Saint Thomas Aquinas. He is one of the great teachers of the Church, and has been honored with the titles Doctor of the Church and Angelic Doctor.


Grow in Holiness with the Help of God
If you want to grow in holiness you must do two things, work at it, and ask for it. Praying for virtues is important in receiving grace to overcome your sinful habits. But you must also know what the Church teaches about virtue and try to amend your life for love of God and practice living virtuously. On our own we can never hope to change ourselves, but it is through the grace of God that we are able to grow in holiness. Try praying for virtues with this beautiful and humble prayer asking God for assistance by Saint Thomas Aquinas. He is a wonderful resource for us to learn about growing in virtue, and his many writings can teach us about our faith.


A Prayer to Acquire the Virtues by Saint Thomas Aquinas

O God, all-powerful and all-knowing,

without beginning and without end,

You Who are the source,

the sustainer,

and the rewarder of all virtues,

Grant that I may abide on the firm ground of faith,

be sheltered by an impregnable shield of hope,

and be adorned in the bridal garment of charity.

Grant that I may through justice be subject to You,

through prudence avoid the beguilements of the devil,

through temperance exercise restraint,

and through fortitude endure adversity with patience.

Grant that whatever good things I have,

I may share generously with those who have not

and that whatever good things I do not have,

I may request humbly from those who do.

Grant that I may judge rightly

the evil of the wrongs I have done

and bear calmly

the punishments I have brought upon myself,

and that I may never envy my neighbor’s possessions

and ever give thanks for Your good things.

Grant that I may always observe modesty in the way I dress,

the way I walk,

and the gestures I use,

restrain my tongue from frivolous talk,

prevent my feet from leading me astray,

keep my eyes from wandering glances,

shelter my ears from rumors,

lower my gaze in humility,

lift my mind to thoughts of heaven,

contemn all that will pass away,

and love You only.

Grant that I may subdue my flesh

and cleanse my conscience,

honor the saints and praise You worthily,

advance in goodness,

and end a life of good works with a holy death.

Plant deep in me, Lord,

all the virtues,

that I might be devout in divine matters,

discerning in human affairs,

and burdensome to no one in fulfilling my own bodily needs.

Grant to me, Lord,

fervent contrition,

pure confession,

and complete reparation.

Order me inwardly

through a good life,

that I might do what is right

and what will be meritorious for me

and a good example for others.

Grant that I may never crave to do things impulsively,

nor disdain to do what is burdensome,

lest I begin things before I should

or abandon them before finishing.

Amen.

I am all Thine Lord Jesus and all that I have is Thine through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen



About Saint Thomas Aquinas

Born in 1225, Saint Thomas Aquinas was an Italian Dominican friar, philosopher, and Catholic priest. He is also honored as a Doctor of the Church. Thomas Aquinas has written extensively on how one can grow in holiness and on prayer. His works on faith and reason are invaluable resources for Christians. He is an immensely influential philosopher and theologian.

Saint Thomas Aquinas has many theological works and prayers that have enriched the faithful for nearly a millennia. During his life of nearly 50 years he had a deep profound love of Christ and worked to grow in holiness himself by praying for virtues and living the gospel teachings with discipline.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

PRAYERS FOR THE WEDNESDAY DEVOTION TO SAINT JOSEPH

 


WEDNESDAY DEVOTION
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most chaste spouse of the Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who implored your help and sought your intercession were left unassisted. Full of confidence in your power I fly unto you and beg your protection. Despise not O Guardian of the Redeemer my humble supplication, but in your bounty, hear and answer me. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS
Saint Joseph, Terror of Demons, cast thy solemn gaze upon the devil and all his minions, and protect us with thy mighty staff. Thou fled through the night to avoid the devil’s wicked designs; now with the power of God, smite the demons as they flee from thee! Grant special protection, we pray, for children, fathers, mothers, families, and the dying. By God’s grace, no demon dares approach while thou art near, so we beg of thee, Saint Joseph, always be near to us!
Amen.
Saint Joseph, terror of demons, pray for us.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO ST JOSEPH
O dearest Saint Joseph,
I consecrate myself to your honour
and give myself to you,
that you may always be my father,
my protector and my guide
in the way of salvation.
Obtain for me a greater purity of heart
and fervent love of the interior life.
After your example may I do all my actions
for the greater glory of God,
in union with the Divine Heart of Jesus
and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
O Blessed Saint Joseph,
pray for me,
that I may share in the peace
and joy of your holy death.
Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
O Glorious St. Joseph, thou who has power to render possible even things which are considered impossible, come to our aid in our present trouble and distress. Take this important and difficult affair under thy particular protection, that it may end happily (mention your request).
O dear St. Joseph, all our confidence is in thee. Let it not be said that we would invoke thee in vain; and since thou are so powerful with Jesus and Mary, show that thy goodness equals thy power.
Amen.
St. Joseph, friend of the Sacred Heart, pray for us.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH, TERROR OF DEMONS WHOM WE CELEBRATE EACH WEDNESDAY
To thee, O blessed Joseph, we have recourse in our affliction, and having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we now, with hearts filled with confidence, earnestly beg thee also to take us under thy protection. By that charity wherewith thou wert united to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly love with which thou didst cherish the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray that thou wilt look down with gracious eye upon that inheritance which Jesus Christ purchased by His blood, and wilt succor us in our need by thy power and strength.
Defend, O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen off-spring of Jesus Christ. Keep from us, O most loving Father, all blight of error and corruption. Aid us from on high, most valiant defender, in this conflict with the powers of darkness. And even as of old thou didst rescue the Child Jesus from the peril of His life, so now defend God's Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Shield us ever under thy patronage, that, following thine example and strengthened by thy help, we may live a holy life, die a happy death, and attain to everlasting bliss in Heaven.
Amen.

LITANY TO SAINT JOSEPH
A Wednesday Devotion
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Jesus, hear us, Jesus, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the World, 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.
St. 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.
Lover of poverty, pray for us.
Model of artisans, pray for us.
Glory of home life, pray for us.
Guardian of virgins, pray for us.
Pillar of families, 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 takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus.
He made him the lord of his household And prince over all his possessions.
Let us pray:
O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.
Saint Joseph, pray for us.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH FOR A HAPPY DEATH
O Glorious Saint Joseph, behold I choose thee today for my special
patron in life and at the hour of my death. Preserve and increase
in me the spirit of prayer and fervor in the service of God.
Remove far from me every kind of sin; obtain for me that my
death may not come upon me unawares, but that I may have
time to confess my sins sacramentally and to bewail them
with a most perfect understanding and a most sincere and
perfect contrition, in order that I may breathe forth my soul
into the hands of Jesus and Mary.
Amen.



Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Annunciation Novena (March 16 to 24)





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.







Sunday, January 27, 2019

A Novena to Saint Expeditus (for Urgent Cases)


Expeditus was a Roman centurion in Armenia who was martyred on April 19, 303, for converting to Christianity. When Expeditus decided to convert, the Devil took the form of a raven and tried to convince him to hold off until the next day. Expeditus declared, "I'll be a Christian today!" and stomped on the raven. For that reason, Saint Expeditus has long been considered the patron saint of, among others, procrastinators!
Icons of Saint Expeditus picture him with a cross with the word "Hodie" ("Today") in his right hand, while under his right foot, a raven says, "Cras" ("Tomorrow").
In this novena, we ask Saint Expeditus to intercede for us for all the graces that we need in our life, from the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity, to the gift of final perseverance (to continue to believe and to hope through the moment of our death).
It is common, though not strictly necessary, to begin each day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus with the Act of Contrition.

 First Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus


Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images
On the first day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the gift of faith.

Prayers for the First Day

Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the lively faith which was granted you by God, I ask you to awaken the same faith in my heart, that I may also believe wholeheartedly that there is God, but most particularly that I may be saved from sinning against Him.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Second Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 
On the second day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the gift of hope for ourselves and for those who have trouble believing.

Prayers for the Second Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the enviable hope given you by God, pray that those of little belief may be penetrated by some rays of hope so that they also receive eternal things; please pray that ardent hope in God be also given me and hold me steadfast in the midst of sufferings.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Third Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images
On the third day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray that we might be freed from worldly cares so that we can love God more fully.

Prayers for the Third Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the endless love which Our Lord planted in your heart, please remove from mine all the shackles tied by worldliness, that without them I may love only God in all eternity.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Fourth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 
On the fourth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the strength to carry the cross of our passions.

Prayers for the Fourth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who knew full well the teaching of the Divine Teacher to carry the cross and follow Him, ask Him for the graces I need that I may fight my own passions.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Fifth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 
On the fifth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace of detachment.

Prayers for the Fifth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the bountiful graces you received from Heaven that you may conserve all your virtues, grant also that I may get rid of all the feelings that block my way to Heaven.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Sixth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 
On the sixth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for freedom from anger.

Prayers for the Sixth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the sufferings and humiliations which you received for the love of God, grant me also this grace which is very pleasing to God and free me from anger and hardness of heart which is the stumbling block of my soul.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Seventh Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images
On the seventh day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace to pray well.

Prayers for the Seventh Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, you know that prayer is the golden key that will open the Kingdom of Heaven, teach me to pray in a manner which is desirable to Our Lord and to His Heart, that I may live only for Him, that I may die only for Him, and that I may pray only to Him in all eternity.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Eighth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

 Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images 
On the eighth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for purity of heart.

Prayers for the Eighth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, through the clean desires that reigned in all your feelings, words, and actions, please let them guide me also in my endless search for the glory of God and the good of my fellow men.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

Ninth Day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus

 Detail of Saint Expeditus. Oil painting by a painter of Palermo, 19th century.
Wellcome Library, London/Wellcome Images
On the ninth day of the Novena to Saint Expeditus, we pray for the grace of final perseverance.

Prayers for the Ninth Day

O Glorious Martyr, Saint Expeditus, who was so much loved by the Queen of Heaven, that to you nothing was denied, ask her, please my advocate, that through the sufferings of her Divine Son and her own sorrows, I may receive this day the grace I ask of you; but above all the grace to die first before I commit any mortal sin.
  • Three Our Fathers in honor of the Most Holy Trinity
  • Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary
  • One Hail Mary in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows

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