The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows

The Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows

Make an Act of Contrition

O my God I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.

V. O God, come to my assistance.

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be ...

Verse: My Mother! share Thy grief with me, and let me bear Thee company to mourn Thy Jesus’ death with Thee.

The First Sorrow of Mary

St. Simeon’s  Prophecy

In the Temple, St. Simeon had received the Divine Child in his arms and predicted that this Child would be a sign (of God) which shall be contradicted by men. “Behold this Child is set … for a sign which shall be contradicted. And Thy own soul a sword shall pierce.” (Lk. 2:34-35).

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys ... Verse ...

The Second Sorrow of Mary

The Flight of Jesus into Egypt

“Let us now consider the second sword of sorrow which wounded Mary, the flight of Her Infant Jesus into Egypt to escape the persecution by Herod.”

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys … Verse …

The Third Sorrow of Mary

The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

The third sorrow was one of the greatest that Mary had to endure in Her life, the loss of Her Son in the temple. Having lost Her Son for three days, She was deprived of His most sweet presence.

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys … Verse …

The Fourth Sorrow of Mary

The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary

The greater Her love for Him, the greater Her grief at the sight of His sufferings, especially when She met Him on that dolorous way, dragging His cross to the place of execution. This is the fourth sorrow on which we are to meditate.

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys … Verse …

The Fifth Sorrow of Mary 

The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

“There stood by the cross of Jesus, His Mother” (Jn. 19:25). St. John did not feel it necessary to say more than these words with reference to the martyrdom of Mary. Picture Her now at the foot of the cross beside Her dying Son, and then ask yourself if there can ever be sorrow like Her sorrow. Remain for a while on Calvary and consider the fifth sword which transfixed the heart of Mary — the death of Jesus.

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys … Verse …

The Sixth Sorrow of Mary

The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross

We must now consider the sixth sorrow which weighed upon the heart of Our Blessed Lady. On this day, You will be wounded with another sword of sorrow. A cruel lance will pierce the side of Your dead Son, and You will receive Him in Your arms after He has been taken down from the cross.

One Our Father … Seven Hail Marys …Verse …

The Seventh Sorrow of Mary

The Burial of Jesus

Let us meditate now on Mary’s last sword of sorrow. She has witnessed the death of Her Son on the cross. She has embraced His lifeless body for the last time. Now She has to leave Him in the tomb.

One Our Father ... Seven Hail Marys ... Verse ...

Hail,Holy Queen …

Let us pray

O God, at whose Passion, according to the prophecy of Simeon, a sword of sorrow did pierce through the most sweet soul of the glorious Virgin and Mother Mary; grant that we, who commemorate and reverence Her sorrows, may experience the blessed effect of Thy Passion, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen

Pray

Three Hail Marys in honor of the tears shed by Our Lady in Her Sorrows.

The Sorrowful Meditation of the Day
Image taken from Wikimedia Commons

Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows (from the Raccolta)

Novena to Our Lady of Sorrows (from the Raccolta)

May be said as a Nine-Day Novena and/or as a companion to the daily recitation of 7 Hail Marys offered in honor of Our Lady’s Sorrows

V. O God, come to my assistance;

R. O Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory be, etc.

R. As it was, etc.

Day One

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the affliction of Thy tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon.  Dear Mother, by Thy heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the Gift of the holy Fear of God.

Pray one Hail Mary

Day Two

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of Thy most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and Thy sojourn there. Dear Mother, by Thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially towards the poor, and the Gift of Piety. 

Pray one Hail Mary

Day Three

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried Thy troubled heart at the loss of Thy dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by Thy heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the Gift of Knowledge.

Pray one Hail Mary

Day Four

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of Thy heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His Cross. Dear Mother, by Thy heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the Gift of Fortitude.

Pray one Hail Mary

Day Five

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which Thy generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by Thy heart afflicted in such wise, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the Gift

of Counsel.

Pray one Hail Mary

Day Six

I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of Thy ompassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance and His Heart was pierced. Dear Mother, by Thy heart thus transfixed, obtain Day VII. I grieve for Thee, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched Thy most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by Thy heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the Gift of Wisdom.

Pray one Hail Mary

V. Pray for us, O Virgin most sorrowful,

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

Let us pray

Let intercession be made for us, we beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the hour of our death, before the throne of Thy mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose most holy soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Thy bitter Passion. We ask this through Thee, Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest world without end. Amen. for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the Gift of Understanding.

Pray one Hail Mary

An indulgence of 5 years. An indulgence of 7 years each day in September. A plenary indulgence once a month on the usual conditions, if these prayers are recited daily (Pius VII, Audience Jan. 14, 1815).

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady and Promises

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady and Promises

1. St. Simeon’s Prophecy

2. The Flight into Egypt

3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

4. The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

6. The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross

7. The Burial of Jesus.

Graces and promises attached to the practice of the devotion 

in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sorrowing:

According to St. Alphonsus de Liguori (The Glories of Mary) it was revealed to Saint Elizabeth that at the request of Our Lady, Our Lord promised four principal graces to those devoted to Her Sorrows:

1. That those who before death invoke the divine Mother in the name of Her Sorrows will obtain true repentance of all their sins; 

2. That He will protect all who have this devotion in their tribulations, and will protect them especially at the hour of death;

3. That He will impress on their minds the remembrance of His Passion;

4. That He will place such devout servants in Mother Mary’s hands to do with them as She wishes and to obtain for them all the graces She desires.

In addition to these four graces there are also seven promises attached to the practice of daily praying seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on Our Lady’s Tears and Sorrows. These seven promises were revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden:

1. “I will grant peace to their families.”

2. “They will be enlightened 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 sorrows will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and My Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.”

Pray the Chaplet

Taken from Prayers and Heavenly Promises 

Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus

Prayer to the Wounded Heart of Jesus

O my Most Loving and Gentle Jesus, I desire with all the affections of my heart, that all beings created  and uncreated, should praise Thee, honor Thee and glorify Thee eternally for that Sacred Wound wherewith Thy Divine side was rent. I deposit, enclose, conceal in that wound and in that opening in Thy Heart, my heart and all my feelings, thoughts, desires, intentions and all the faculties of my soul.

I entreat Thee, by the Precious Blood and Water that flowed from Thy Most Loving Heart, to take entire possession of me, that Thou may guide me in all things.  Consume me in the burning fire of Thy Holy Love, so that I may be so absorbed and transformed into Thee that I may no longer be but one with Thee. Amen. 

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

The Fifteen Prayers of Saint Bridget

  

The Fifteen Prayers of Saint Bridget

First Prayer:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 has 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 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 Saviour, 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 hopelessly 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 Saviour, 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 Saviour, 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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.

Nineth Prayer:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 Saviour, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.

Tenth Prayer:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:
O Jesus! Who art the beginning and the 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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 opened 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:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 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.

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Prayers Honoring the Seven Times Jesus Spilled His Precious Blood

Prayers Honoring the Seven Times 
Jesus Spilled His Precious Blood

The 12 Year Prayers:

O Jesus, now I wish to pray the Lord's Prayer seven times in unity with the love with which You sanctified this prayer in Your Heart. Take it from my lips into Your Divine Heart. Improve and complete it so much that it brings as much honor and joy to the Trinity as You granted it on earth with this prayer. May these pour upon Your Holy Humanity in Glorification to Your Painful Wounds and the Precious Blood that You spilled from them.

First Prayer: The Circumcision Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You the first wounds, the first pains, and the first Bloodshed as atonement for my and all of humanity's sins of youth, as protection against the first mortal sin, especially among my relatives.

Second Prayer: The Suffering on the Mount of Olives Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You the terrifying suffering of Jesus' Heart on the Mount of Olives and every drop of His Bloody Sweat as atonement for my and all of humanity's sins of the heart, as protection against such sins and for the spreading of Divine and brotherly Love.

Third Prayer: The Flogging Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You the many thousands of Wounds, the gruesome Pains, and the Precious Blood of the Flogging as atonement for my and all of humanity's sins of the Flesh, as protection against such sins and the preservation of innocence, especially among my relatives.

Fourth Prayer: The Crowning of Thorns Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You the Wounds, the Pains, and the Precious Blood of Jesus' Holy Head from the Crowning with Thorns as atonement for my and all of humanity's sins of the Spirit, as protection against such sins and the spreading of Christ's kingdom here on earth.

Fifth Prayer: The Carrying of the Cross Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You the Sufferings on the way of the Cross, especially His Holy Wound on His Shoulder and its Precious Blood as atonement for my and all of humanity's rebellion against the Cross, every grumbling against Your Holy Arrangements and all other sins of the tongue, as protection against such sins and for true love of the Cross.

Sixth Prayer: The Crucifixion Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, through Mary's unblemished hands and the Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer You Your Son on the Cross, His Nailing and Raising, His Wounds on the Hands and Feet and the three streams of His Precious Blood that poured forth from these for us, His extreme tortures of the Body and Soul, His precious Death and its non-bleeding Renewal in all Holy Masses on earth as atonement for all wounds against vows and regulations within the Orders, as reparation for my and all of the world's sins, for the sick and the dying, for all holy priests and laymen, for the Holy Father's intentions toward the restoration of Christian families, for the strengthening of Faith, for our country and unity among all nations in Christ and His Church, as well as for the Diaspora.

Seventh Prayer: The Piercing of Jesus' Side Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary:

Eternal Father, accept as worthy, for the needs of the Holy Church and as atonement for the sins of all Mankind, the Precious Blood and Water which poured forth from the Wound of Jesus' Divine Heart. Be gracious and merciful toward us. Blood of Christ, the last precious content of His Holy Heart, wash me of all my and others' guilt of sin! Water from the Side of Christ, wash me clean of all punishments for sin and extinguish the flames of Purgatory for me and for all the Poor Souls. Amen.

Our Lord made these promises to anyone who recited/prayed these Prayers for 12 entire years**

1. The soul who prays them will suffer no Purgatory.
2. The soul who prays them will be accepted among the Martyrs as though he had spilled his blood for his faith.
3. The soul who prays them can choose three others whom Jesus will then keep in a state of grace sufficient to become holy.
4. No one in the four successive generations of the soul who prays them will be lost.
5. The soul who prays them will be made conscious of his death one month in advance.

** If the soul praying these prayers dies before the entire 12 years of prayers have been completed, the Lord will accept them as having been prayed in their entirety, because the intention of the soul was to complete them as directed.

If a day or a few days are missed due to a valid reason, they can be made up for later, at the soul's earliest opportunity.

as Revealed by Our Lady to St. Bridget, 

and Approved by Pope Clement XII

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Litany of the Holy Cross

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 Ghost, our Advocate, Have mercy on us. 

Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Cross whereon the Lamb of God was offered, Save us, O Holy Cross. 
Hope of Christians, Save us, O Holy Cross. 
Pledge of the resurrection of the dead, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Shelter of persecuted innocence, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Guide of the blind, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Way of those who have gone astray, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Staff of the lame, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Consolation of the poor, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Restraint of the powerful, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Destruction of the proud, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Refuge of sinners, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Trophy of victory over Hell, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Terror of demons, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Mistress of youth, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Succor of the distressed, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Hope of the hopeless, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Star of the mariner, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Harbor of the wrecked, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Rampart of the besieged, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Father of orphans, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Defense of widows, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Counsel of the just, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Judge of the wicked, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Rest of the afflicted, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Safeguard of childhood, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Strength of manhood, Save us, O Holy Cross. 
Last hope of the aged, Save us, O Holy Cross. 
Light of those who sit in darkness, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Splendor of kings, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Civilizer of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Shield impenetrable, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Wisdom of the foolish, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Liberty of slaves, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Knowledge of the ignorant, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Sure rule of life, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Heralded by Prophets, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Preached by Apostles, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Glory of Martyrs, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Study of hermits, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Chastity of virgins, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Joy of priests, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Foundation of the Church, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Salvation of the world, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Destruction of idolatry, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Stumbling block to the Jews, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Condemnation of the ungodly, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Support of the weak, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Medicine of the sick, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Health of the leprous, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Strength of the paralytic, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Bread of the hungry, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Fountain of those who thirst, Save us, O Holy Cross.
Clothing of the naked, Save us, O Holy Cross.

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, Hear us, O Lord. 
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us. 

Lord, have mercy. 
Christ, have mercy. 
Lord, have mercy.

V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, 
R. Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Behold the Cross of the Lord! Begone ye evil powers! 
The Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, has conquered! Alleluia! 

Let Us Pray: O God, Who for the redemption of the world, wast pleased to be born in a stable and to die upon a cross; O Lord Jesus Christ, by Thy holy sufferings, which we, Thy unworthy servants, call to mind: by Thy Holy Cross, and by Thy death, deliver us from the pains of Hell, and vouchsafe to conduct us whither Thou didst conduct the good thief who was crucified with Thee, Who livest and reignest eternally in Heaven. Amen. 

Sweet the wood, sweet the nails, sweet the Burden which thou bearest, for thou alone, O Holy Cross, wast worthy to bear the King and Lord of Heaven. Amen. 

Chaplet of the Holy Wounds

Chaplet of the Holy Wounds

(May be said on regular Rosary beads)

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On the crucifix and first three beads: 
O JESUS, Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world. Amen. 
STRONG God, holy God, immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen. 
GRACE and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Thy Precious Blood. Amen. 

On the large beads: 
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ 
to heal the wounds of our souls.

On the small beads: 
My Jesus, pardon and mercy, 
through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.

as taught to Sr. Mary Martha Chambon by Our Lord in France, 1907
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

O Sacred Head Surrounded

O Sacred Head Surrounded

O Sacred Head surrounded
By crown of piercing thorn!
O bleeding Head, so wounded, 
Reviled and put to scorn! 
Death's pallid hue comes o'er Thee, 
The glow of life decays, 
Yet angel hosts adore Thee 
And tremble as they gaze. 

I see Thy strength and vigor 
All fading in the strife, 
And death, with cruel vigor, 
Bereaving Thee of life; 
O agony and dying! 
O love to sinners free! 
Jesus, all grace supplying, 
O turn Thy face on me! 

In this Thy bitter Passion, 
Good Shepherd, think. of me, 
With Thy most sweet compassion, 
Unworthy though I be; 
Beneath Thy Cross abiding,
'Forever would I rest, 
In Thy dear love confiding, 
And wilth Thy presence blest. 

 - by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Act of Consecration to the Most Precious Blood

Act of Consecration to the Most Precious Blood

Blood of Jesus, inebriate me! O Jesus, my Beloved Savior, ever present in the Tabernacle, to be the strength, the joy and the food of souls, I come to consecrate myself to Thy Precious Blood, and to pledge Thee my sincere love and fidelity. Pierced with sorrow at the remembrance of Thy sufferings, the contemplation of the Cross, and the thought of the outrages and contempt lavished by ungrateful souls upon Thy dear Blood, I long, O my Jesus, to bring joy to Thy Heart, and to make Thee forget my sins, and those of the whole world, by consecrating my body and soul to Thy service. I desire, my Jesus, to live henceforth, only by Thy Blood and for Thy Blood. I now choose It as my greatest treasure and the dearest object of my love. 

O merciful Redeemer, deign to regard me as a perpetual adorer of Thy Most Precious Blood, and be pleased to accept my prayers, my deeds and my sacrifices, as so many acts of reparation and love. 

Heavenly Wine, giver of purity and strength, pour down upon my soul. Make of my heart a living chalice from which grace shall constantly flow on those that love Thee, and especially on poor sinners that offend Thee. Teach me to honor Thee and to make Thee honored by others. Give me power to draw to Thee cold and hardened hearts, that they may feel how infinitely Thy consolations surpass those of the world.

O Blood of my Crucified Savior, detach me from the world, and the spirit of the world. Make me love suffering and sacrifice, after the example of St. Catherine of Sienna, who loved Thee so much [and whom I choose again today as my special patroness]. 

O Precious Blood, be my strength amid the trials and struggles of exile. Grant that at the hour of death I may be able to bless Thee for having been the comfort and the sanctification of my soul, before becoming, in Heaven, the everlasting object of my love and praise.

Saints of God, who owe thy happiness to the Blood of Jesus; Angelic spirits, who sing Its glory and power, august Virgin, who to It owest the privileges of thine Immaculate Conception and Divine Maternity, help me to pay to the Precious Blood of my Redeemer a perpetual homage of adoration, reparation and thanksgiving. Amen. 

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Litany of the Most Precious Blood

Lord, have mercy.
Christ, 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.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning of Thorns, save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors, save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins, save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.

Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, You Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, in Your Blood.
R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray:
Almighty and eternal God, You have appointed Your only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and willed to be appeased by His Blood. Grant we beg of You, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation, and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life, so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.