Sunday, June 16, 2013

What is the Number of Those Who Love Thee, O God?


What is the Number of Those Who Love Thee, O God?

What is the number of those who love Thee, O God? How few they are! The Elect are much fewer than the damned! Alas! The greater portion of mankind lives in sin unto the devil, and not unto Jesus Christ. O Saviour of the world, I thank Thee for having called and permitted us to live in the true faith which the Holy Roman Catholic Church teaches. 

. . But alas, O my Jesus! How small is the number of those who live in this holy faith! Oh, God! The greater number of men he buried in the darkness of infidelity and heresy. Thou hast humbled Thyself to death, to the death of the cross, for the salvation of men, and these ungrateful men are unwilling even to know Thee. Ah, I pray Thee, O omnipotent God, O sovereign and infinite Good, make all men know and love Thee!

St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
Photo taken from MorgueFile Photos

Or Do Not You Know what Sin Produces?


Or Do Not You Know what Sin Produces?

Or do not you know what sin produces? Did not it introduce death into the world? Did not it destroy the earth? Has not it filled the inhabited world with graveyards and tombs from the beginning of time until now? For humanity was incorrupt before the fall and none of the things I have mentioned would have started if the first-formed had steadfastly observed the commandment that had been given. Sin is the cause of the everlasting punishments, the fuel of the unquenchable fire of Gehenna, the food of the undying worm; sin that has made humanity, that was in honour, be compared to the unreasoning beasts (Cf. Psalm 48,13.21).

And so, because sin is like all this, destructive and deadly, we must flee from it, brethren, with all our might, and choose virtue, which makes humans angels, raises them from death, resists the demons, overcomes the rulers of this age, and finally betroths them to the kingdom of heaven. May we all reach it too by the grace and love for humankind of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father and the holy Spirit belong glory, might and honour, now and for ever, and the ages of ages. Amen.

St. Theodore the Studite
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

This Is the New Creature Whom the Master Seeks


This Is the New Creature Whom the Master Seeks

For to despise the present age, not to love transitory things, unreservedly to stretch out the mind in humility to God and our neighbor, to preserve patience against offered insults and, with patience guarded, to repel the pain of malice from the heart, to give one's property to the poor, not to covet that of others, to esteem the friend in God, on God's account to love even those who are hostile, to mourn at the affliction of a neighbor, not to exult in the death of one who is an enemy, this is the new creature whom the Master of the nations seeks with watchful eye amid the other disciples, saying: "If, then, any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away. Behold all things are made new." (2 Cor. 5:17).

Pope St. Gregory the Great
Image Credit Wonderlane

Let Us Be Obedient to Conscience


Let Us Be Obedient to Conscience

Let us stand firm in the fear of God, rigorously practicing the virtues and not giving our conscience cause to stumble. In the fear of God let us keep our attention fixed within ourselves, until our conscience achieves its freedom. Then there will be a union between it and us, and thereafter it will be our guardian, showing us each thing that we must uproot. But if we do not obey our conscience, it will abandon us and we shall fall into the hands of our enemies, who will never let us go. This is what our Lord taught us when He said: "Come to an agreement with your adversary quickly while you are with him in the road, lest he hand you over to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer and you are cast into prison (Matt. 5:25)." The conscience is called an 'adversary' because it opposes us when we wish to carry out the desires of our flesh; and if we do not listen to our conscience, it delivers us into the hands of our enemies.

St. Isaiah the Solitary
Photo taken from MorgueFile Photos

Observations On the Manner of Dress


Observations On the Manner of Dress

. . . Now, observe, my daughter, the contrast between the luxurious dress of many women, and the raiment and adornments of Jesus. . . Tell me: what relation do their fine shoes bear to the spikes in Jesus' Feet? The rings on their hands to the nails which perforated His? The fashionable coiffure to the Crown of Thorns? The painted face to That covered with bruises? Shoulders exposed by the low-cut gown to His, all striped with Blood? Ah, but there is a marked likeness between these worldly women and the Jews who, incited by the Devil, scourged Our Lord! At the hour of such a woman's death, I think Jesus will be heard saying: "Cujus est imago haec et circumscripto. . . of whom is she the image?" And the reply will be: "Demonii. . . of the Devil!" Then He will say: "Let her who has followed the Devil's fashions be handed over to him; and to God, those who have imitated the modesty of Jesus and Mary.

St. Anthony Mary Claret
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Peter and His Successors are to Preserve the Faith


Peter and His Successors are to Preserve the Faith

In order to free the world, prostrate in darkness and bound by numerous pagan errors, from the power of the devil who held it a wretched prisoner after the fall of our first parent, the heavenly shepherd, Christ our Lord, by his ineffable mercy, condescended to take flesh and, as a living victim, offer himself to God for us on the wood of the cross, nailing the guarantee of our redemption to the wood of the cross as a proof of his love for us. Then before returning to heaven he left on earth the Catholic Church his bride, as a new city, a holy Jerusalem, coming down from heaven without wrinkle or spot, one and holy, protected by his mighty weapons against the gates of hell. Its government he entrusted to the prince of the apostles, Peter, and his successors; they are to preserve whole and entire the teaching drawn from his lips, lest the sheep redeemed by his precious blood feed on poisonous ideas and fall back into age-old errors. This power sacred Scripture teaches us he entrusted especially to blessed Peter. For to which of the apostles but Peter did he say: "Feed my sheep." And again: "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when once you have turned, strengthen your brothers." Therefore, we who occupy Peter's throne and possess power equal to his, not by our own merits but because of almighty God's inscrutable wisdom, steadfastly desire that the Christian people embrace that faith proclaimed by Christ our Lord through his apostles in a continuous and uninterrupted tradition; the faith which he promised will endure to the end of the world.

Pope Bl. Innocent XI, 'Coelestis Pastor'
Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus


Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
(This Novena Recited by Padre Pio Everyday)

O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you." Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of......(here name your request)

Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father....
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you." Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of.......(here name your request)

Our Father...Hail Mary....Glory Be To the Father....
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: "Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away." Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of.....(here name your request)

Our Father....Hail Mary....Glory Be to the Father...
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you. 

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours.

Say the Hail, Holy Queen and add: St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.

-- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque  



Catholic Books
'We should always look to God as in ourselves, no matter in what manner we meditate upon Him, so as to accustom ourselves to dwell in His divine presence. For when we behold Him within our souls, all our powers and faculties, and even our senses, are recollected within us. If we look at God apart from ourselves we are easily distracted by exterior objects.' ~ St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts



Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts
(Both Prayers to be recited daily during the Novena)

The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

Act of Consecration to the Holy Spirit
On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension or Friday of 6th Week of Easter)
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit
Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us." 

Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter)
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter or transferred Ascension)
Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)
Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude 
By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)
Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it."

Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)
If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill.

The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)        
Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)
Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts
  
NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)
Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit
The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts

“O  Holy Spirit, descend plentifully into my heart. Enlighten the dark corners of this neglected dwelling and scatter there Thy cheerful beams.”  --Saint Augustine

Litany to St Jospeh

Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us

Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us

God, the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us

Holy Mary, Pray for us
St Joseph, Pray for us

Blessed offspring of David, Pray for us
Light of Patriarchs, pray for us
Spouse of the Mother of God, pray for us
Chaste custodian of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us
Guardian of the Son of God, pray for us
Defender of the Son of God, pray for us
Defender of Christ, pray for us
Head of the Holy Family, pray for us

O Joseph, most just, pray for us
O Joseph, most chase, pray for us
O Joseph, most prudent, pray for us
O Joseph, most forceful, pray for us
O Joseph, most Obedient, pray for us
O Joseph, most faithful, pray for us

Mirror of Patience, pray for us
Lover of poverty, pray for us
Model of Labourers, pray for us
Patriarch of the home, pray for us
Protector of virgins, pray for us
Strength of the family, pray for us
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us
Hope of the sick, pray for us
Patron of the dying, pray for us
Terror of Demons, pray for us
Protector of the Church, pray for us, 

Lamb of God, you who takes away the sins of the world, forgive us O Lord
Lamb of God, you who takes away the sins of the world, hear us O Lord, 
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Let Us Pray 
Lord Jesus, through the merits of the devoted spouse of Your most Holy Mother, help us, we beseech thee, that which we cannot obtain for ourselves, may be granted through the intercession of the Most Holy Patriarch, St Joseph.  You who reign with God, the Father, in unity of the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen

The Holy Cloak Novena


PRAYERS FOR THE NOVENA OF THE HOLY CLOAK 

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

Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.) 

OFFERING I 

O Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, I humbly prostrate myself before Thee. I beg the Lord Jesus, thine Immaculate Spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the Angels and Saints in the Heavenly Court, to join me in this devotion. I offer thee this precious cloak, while pledging my sincerest faith and devotion. I promise to do all in my power to honor thee throughout my lifetime to prove my love for thee.

Help me, St. Joseph. Assist me now and throughout my lifetime, but especially at the moment of my death, as thou wert assisted by Jesus and Mary, that I may join thee one day in Heaven and there honor thee for all eternity. Amen. 

OFFERING II 

O Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, prostrate, before thee and thy Divine Son, Jesus, I offer thee, with heartfelt devotion, this precious treasury of prayers, being ever mindful of the numerous virtues which adorned thy sacred person. In thee, O Glorious Patriarch, was fulfilled the dream of thy precursor the first Joseph, who indeed seemed to have been sent by God to prepare the way for thy presence on this Earth. In fact, not only wert thou surrounded by the shining splendor of the rays of the Divine Sun, Jesus, but thou wert splendidly reflected in the brilliant light of the mystic moon, the Blessed Virgin Mary. O Glorious Patriarch, if the example of the ancient Jacob, who personally went to congratulate his favorite son, who was exalted on the throne of Egypt, served to bring all his progeny there, should not the example of Jesus and Mary, who honored thee with their greatest respect and trust, serve to bring me, thy devoted servant, to present thee with this precious cloak in thy honor.

Grant, O Great St. Joseph, that the Almighty God may turn a benevolent glance toward me. As the ancient Joseph did not reject his guilty and cruel brothers, but rather accepted them with love and protected and saved them from hunger and death, I beseech thee, O Glorious Patriarch, through thine intercession, grant that the Lord may never abandon me in this exiled valley of sorrows. Grant that He may always number me as one of thy devoted servants who dost live serenely under the patronage of thy Holy Cloak. Grant that I may live always within the protection of this patronage, every day of my life and particularly at that moment when I draw my dying breath.

PRAYERS I 

Hail O Glorious St. Joseph, thou who art entrusted with the priceless treasures of Heaven and Earth and foster-father of Him Who doth nourish all the creatures of the universe. Thou art, after Mary, the Saint most worthy of our love and devotion. Thou alone, above all the Saints, wert chosen for that supreme honor of rearing, guiding, nourishing and even embracing the Messiah, Whom so many kings and prophets would have so desired to behold.

St. Joseph, save my soul and obtain for me from the Divine Mercy of God that petition for which I humbly pray. And for the Holy Souls in Purgatory, grant a great comfort from their pain.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.)

PRAYERS II 

O powerful St. Joseph, thou wert proclaimed the Patron of the Universal Church, therefore, I invoke thee, above all the other Saints, as the greatest protector of the afflicted, and I offer countless blessings to thy most generous heart, always ready to help in any need.

To thee, O Glorious St. Joseph, come the widows, the orphans, the abandoned, the afflicted, the oppressed. There is no sorrow, heartache or anguish which thou hast not consoled. Deign, I beseech thee, to use on my behalf those gifts which God hast given thee, until I too shall be granted the answer to my petition And thou, Holy Souls in Purgatory, pray to St. Joseph for me.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.)

PRAYERS III 

Countless are those who have prayed to thee before me and have received comfort and peace, graces and favors. My heart, so sad and sorrowful, cannot find rest in the midst of this trial which besets me. O Glorious St. Joseph, thou knowest all my needs even before I set them forth in prayer. Thou knowest how important this petition is for me. I prostrate myself before thee as I sigh under the heavy weight of the problem which confronts me.

There is no human heart in which I can confide my sorrow; and even if I should find a compassionate creature who would be willing to assist me, still he would be unable to help me. Only thou can help me in my sorrow, St. Joseph, and I beg thee to hear my plea.

Has not St. Theresa left it written in her dialogues that the world may always know "Whatever you ask of St. Joseph, you shall receive."

O St. Joseph, comforter of the afflicted, have pity on my sorrow and pity on those Poor Souls who place so much hope in their prayers to thee.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.)

PRAYERS 
IV 

O Sublime Patriarch St. Joseph, because of thy perfect obedience to God, thou mayest intercede for me.  For thy holy life full of grace and merit, hear my prayer. For thy most sweet name, help me. For your most holy tears, comfort me.  For thy seven sorrows, intercede for me. For your seven joys, console me.  From all harm of body and soul, deliver me. From all danger and disaster, save me.  Assist me with thy powerful intercession and seek for me, through thy power and mercy, all that is necessary for my salvation and particularly the favor of which I now stand in such great need.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.)

PRAYERS 

O Glorious St. Joseph, countless are the graces and favors which thou hast obtained for afflicted souls. Illness of every nature, those who are oppressed, persecuted, betrayed, bereft of all human comfort, even those in need of their life bread- ----all who imploreth thy powerful intercession are comforted in their affliction.

Do not permit, O dearest St. Joseph, that I alone be the only one of all who hast appealed to thee, to be denied this petition which I so earnestly beg of thee. Show thy kindness and generosity even to me, that I may cry out in thanksgiving, "Eternal glory to our Holy Patriarch St. Joseph, my great protector on Earth and the defender of the Holy Souls in Purgatory."

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.)

PRAYERS 
VI 

Eternal Father, Who art in Heaven, through the merits of Jesus and Mary, I beg Thee to grant my petition. In the name of Jesus and Mary I prostrate myself before Thy Divine presence and I beseech Thee to accept my hopeful plea to persevere in my prayers that I may be numbered among the throngs of those who live under the patronage of St. Joseph.

Extend Thy blessing on this precious treasury of prayers which I today offer to him as a pledge of my devotion.

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times to our Heavenly Father in thanksgiving for having exalted St. Joseph to a position of such exceptional dignity.) 

SUPPLICATIONS in honor of St. Joseph's hidden life with JESUS and MARY

St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may come into my soul and sanctify me.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may come into my heart and inspire it with charity.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may come into my mind and enlighten it.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may guide my will and strengthen it.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may direct my thoughts and purify them.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may guide my desires and direct them.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may look upon my deeds and extend His blessings.
St. Joseph, pray that Jesus may inflame me with love for Him.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the imitation of thy virtues.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus true humility of spirit.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus meekness of heart.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus peace of soul.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a holy fear of the Lord.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a desire for perfection.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a gentleness of heart.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a pure and charitable heart.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the wisdom of faith.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus His blessing of perseverance in my good deeds.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the strength to carry my crosses.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a disdain for the material goods of this world.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the grace to always walk on the narrow path toward Heaven.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the grace to avoid all occasion of sin.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus a holy desire for eternal bliss.
St. Joseph, request for me from Jesus the grace of final perseverance.
St. Joseph, do not abandon me.
St. Joseph, pray that my heart may never cease to love thee and that my lips may ever praise thee.
St. Joseph, for the love thou didst bear for Jesus, grant that I may learn to love Him.
St. Joseph, graciously accept me as thy devoted servant.
St. Joseph, I give myself to thee; accept my pleas and hear my prayers.
St. Joseph, do not abandon me at the hour of my death.
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give Thee my heart and my soul. 

(Recite the Glory Be 3 times, etc.)

INVOCATIONS TO SAINT JOSEPH 

INVOCATIONS 
I

Remember O most chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, my good protector St. Joseph, that never was it known that anyone who didst come to thy protection, and sought thine intercession was left unaided. Confidently I prostrate myself before thee and fervently beg for thy powerful intervention. O foster-Father of our dear Redeemer, despise not my petition, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me. Amen. 

INVOCATIONS 
II 

Glorious St. Joseph, spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary and virginal father of Jesus, look upon me and watch over me; lead me on the path of sanctifying grace; take heed of the urgent needs which I now beg thee to envelop within the folds of thy fatherly cloak. Dismiss those obstacles and difficulties standing in the way of my prayer and grant that the happy answer to my petition may serve for the greater glory of God and my eternal salvation.

As a pledge of my undying gratitude, I promise to spread the word of thy glory whilst offering thanks to the Lord for having so blest thy power and might in Heaven and on earth.

Recite the Litany of St. Joseph

CLOSING PRAYER OF THE HOLY CLOAK

O Glorious Patriarch St. Joseph, thou who wert chosen by God above all men to be the earthly head of the most holy of families, I beseech thee to accept me within the folds of thy holy cloak, that thou mayest become the guardian and custodian of my soul.

From this moment on, I choose thee as my father, my protector, my counselor, my patron and I beseech thee to place in thy custody my body, my soul, all that I am, all that I possess, my life and my death.

Look upon me as one of thy children; defend me from the treachery of my enemies, invisible or otherwise, assist me at all times in all my necessities; console me in the bitterness of my life, and especially at the hour of my death. Say but one word for me to the Divine Redeemer Whom thou wert deemed worthy to hold in thine arms, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary, thy most chaste spouse. Request for me those blessings which will lead me to salvation. Include me amongst those who art most dear to thee and I shall set forth to prove myself worthy of thy special patronage. Amen.

PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH 
 

To thee do we cry in our tribulations, O Blessed Saint Joseph, as we confidently invoke thy patronage, after that of thy most holy spouse, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

By that sacred bond of devotion which linked thee to the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God, and for the fatherly love thou didst lavish on the child Jesus, we beg thee to cast a glance on those heavenly gifts which the Divine Redeemer hast obtained for all mankind through His Precious Blood and through thy power and mercy, help us in our needs.

O holy protector of the holy family, protect us children of the Lord Jesus Christ; keep far from us the errors and evils which corrupt the world; assist us from Heaven in our struggles against the powers of darkness. And as thou once didst protect the Divine Child from the cruel edict of Herod, now defend the Church and keep it safe from all dangers and threats; spread over all of us thy holy patronage so that by following thine example and aided by thy spiritual guidance, we may all aspire to a virtuous life, look to a holy death and secure for ourselves the blessing of eternal happiness in Heaven. Amen. 

Prayer to Saint Christopher (Patron of Travelers)


Prayer to Saint Christopher (Patron of Travelers)

Dear Saint, 
you have inherited a beautiful name - Christbearer
as a result of a wonderful legend 
that while carrying people across a raging stream 
you also carried the Child Jesus. 
Teach us to be true Christbearers 
to those who do not know him. 
Protect all drivers 
who often transports those 
who bear Christ within them. Amen

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

The Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers

LORD, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us
Saint Joseph, helper in all needs, pray for us
Fourteen Holy Helpers, pray for us
Saint George, valiant Martyr of Christ, pray for us
Saint Blase, zealous bishop and benefactor of the poor, pray for us
Saint Erasmus, mighty protector of the oppressed, pray for us
Saint Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for us
Saint Vitus, special protector of chastity, pray for us
Saint Christophorus, mighty intercessor in dangers, pray for us
Saint Dionysius, shining mirror of faith and confidence, pray for us
Saint Cyriacus, terror of Hell, pray for us
Saint Achatius, helpful advocate in death, pray for us
Saint Eustachius, exemplar of patience in adversity, pray for us
Saint Giles, despiser of the world, pray for us
Saint Margaret, valiant champion of the Faith, pray for us
Saint Catherine, victorious defender of the Faith and of purity, pray for us
Saint Barbara, mighty patroness of the dying, pray for us

All ye Holy Helpers, pray for us
All ye Saints of God, pray for us

In temptations against faith, pray for us
In adversity and trials, pray for us
In anxiety and want, pray for us
In every combat, pray for us
In every temptation, pray for us
In sickness, pray for us
In all needs, pray for us
In fear and terror, pray for us
In dangers of salvation, pray for us
In dangers of honor, pray for us
In dangers of reputation, pray for us
In dangers of property, pray for us
In dangers by fire and water, pray for us

Be merciful, spare us, O Lord!
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord!

From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.
From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Lord
From the scourge of earthquake, deliver us, O Lord
From plague, famine, and war, deliver us, O Lord
From lightning and storms, deliver us, O Lord
From a sudden and unprovided death, deliver us, O Lord
From eternal damnation, deliver us, O Lord

Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, deliver us, O Lord
Through Thy birth and Thy life, deliver us, O Lord
Through Thy Cross and Passion, deliver us, O Lord
Through Thy death and burial, deliver us, O Lord
Through the merits of Thy blessed Mother Mary, deliver us, O Lord
Through the merits of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, deliver us, O Lord

On the Day of Judgment, deliver us, O Lord!

We sinners, beseech Thee hear us.
That Thou spare us, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou pardon us, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou convert us to true penance, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou give and preserve the fruits of the earth, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou protect and propagate Thy holy Church, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou preserve peace and concord among the nations, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou give eternal rest to the souls of the departed, We beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou come to our aid through the intercession of the Holy Helpers, 
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint George
Thou preserve us in the Faith,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Blase
Thou confirm us in hope,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Erasmus
Thou enkindle in us Thy holy love,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Pantaleon
Thou give us charity for our neighbor,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Vitus
Thou teach us the value of our soul,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Christophorus
Thou preserve us from sin,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Dionysius
Thou give us tranquility of conscience,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Cyriacus
Thou grant us resignation to Thy holy will,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Eustachius
Thou give us patience in adversity,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Achatius
Thou grant us a happy death,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Giles
Thou grant us a merciful judgment,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Margaret
Thou preserve us from Hell,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Catherine
Thou shorten our Purgatory,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of Saint Barbara
Thou receive us in Heaven,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

That through the intercession of all the Holy Helpers
Thou wilt grant our prayers,
We beseech Thee, hear us.

Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ.

Let us Pray.
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast bestowed extraordinary graces and gifts on Thy saints George, Blase, Erasmus, Pantaleon, Vitus, Christophorus, Dionysius, Cyriacus, Eustachius, Achatius, Giles, Margaret, Catherine, and Barbara, and hast illustrated them by miracles; we beseech Thee to graciously hear the petitions of all who invoke their intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their irttercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.