The Brown Scapular and the Sabbatine Privilege

The Brown Scapular and the Sabbatine Privilege

On July 16, 1251, Our Lady gave the Brown Scapular to Saint Simon Stock.

On July 16, 1858, on the 18th and last apparition of Our Lady at Lourdes, She appeared to Bernadette, dressed as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Our Lady held out the Scapular to us at Fatima, wanting us all to wear it and to offer it to others

“It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace. Whosoever dies wearing this Scapular shall not suffer eternal fire.”   ~ Our Lady to Saint Simon Stock

"Wear it devoutly and perservingly, it is my garment.   To be clothed in it means you are continually thinking of me, and I in turn, am always thinking of you and helping you to secure eternal life."   - Our Lady to St. Simon Stock

The Seven Sundays Devotion

The Seven Sundays Devotion

The Seven Sundays devotion precedes the feast on March 19, the primary feast of St. Joseph.  In the practice of this devotion Holy Communion is received in honor of the saint on seven consecutive Sundays, and on each Sunday the prayers in honor of the Seven Sorrows and the Seven Joys of St. Joseph are recited. 

The Seven Sorrows and Joys of St. Joseph

(Recite one Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be after each number)

1. St. JOSEPH, Chaste Spouse of the Holy Mother of God, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the thought of a cruel separation from Mary, and by the deep JOY that thou didst feel when the angel revealed to thee the ineffable mystery of the Incarnation, obtain for us from Jesus and Mary, the grace of surmounting all anxiety. Win for us from the Adorable Heart of Jesus the unspeakable peace of which He is the Eternal Source.

2. St. JOSEPH, Foster-Father of Jesus, by the bitter SORROW which thy heart experienced in seeing the Child Jesus lying in a manger, and by the JOY which thou didst feel in seeing the Wise men recognize and adore Him as their God, obtain by thy prayers that our heart, purified by thy protection, may become a living crib, where the Savior of the world may receive and bless our homage.

3. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW with which thy heart was pierced at the sight of the Blood which flowed from the Infant Jesus in the Circumcision, and by the JOY that inundated thy soul at thy privilege of imposing the sacred and mysterious Name of Jesus, obtain for us that the merits of this Precious Blood may be applied to our souls, and that the Divine Name of Jesus may be engraved forever in our hearts.

4. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW when the Lord declared that the soul of Mary would be pierced with a sword of sorrow, and by thy JOY when holy Simeon added that the Divine Infant was to be the resurrection of many, obtain for us the grace to have compassion on the sorrows of Mary, and share in the salvation which Jesus brought to the earth.

5. St. JOSEPH, by thy SORROW when told to fly into Egypt, and by thy JOY in seeing the idols overthrown at the arrival of the living God, grant that no idol of earthly affection may any longer occupy our hearts, but being like thee entirely devoted to the service of Jesus and Mary, we may live and happily die for them alone.

6. St. JOSEPH, by the SORROW of thy heart caused by the fear of the tyrant Archelaus and by the JOY in sharing the company of Jesus and Mary at Nazareth, obtain for us, that disengaged from all fear, we may enjoy the peace of a good conscience and may live in security, in union with Jesus and Mary, experiencing the effect of thy salutary assistance at the hour of our death.

7. St. JOSEPH, by the bitter SORROW with which the loss of the Child Jesus crushed thy heart, and by the holy JOY which inundated thy soul in recovering thy Treasure on entering the Temple, we supplicate thee not to permit us to lose our Saviour Jesus by sin. Yet, should this misfortune befall us, grant that we may share thy eagerness in seeking Him, and obtain for us the grace to find Him again, ready to show us His great mercy, especially at the hour of death; so that we may pass from this life to enjoy His presence in heaven, there to sing with thee His divine mercies forever.

Let Us Pray

O God, Who in Thine ineffable Providence has vouchsafed to choose Blessed Joseph to be the Spouse of Thy most holy Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our holy protector: Who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.

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Life Offering

 

Life Offering

My dear Jesus, before the Holy Trinity, Our Heavenly Mother, and the whole Heavenly Court, united with your most precious Blood and your sacrifice on Calvary, I hereby offer my whole life to the intention of your Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.  Together with my life, I place at your disposal all Holy Masses, all my Holy Communions, all my good deeds, all my sacrifices, and the sufferings of my of my entire life for the adoration and supplication of the Holy Trinity, for unity in our Holy Mother Church, for the Holy Father and priests, for good priestly vocations, and for all souls until the end of the world.

O my Jesus, please accept my life sacrifice and my offerings and give me your grace that I may persevere obediently until my death.  Amen. 

The Five Promises of Our Heavenly Mother to Those Who Offer Their Lives to Her

(1)  Their names will be written in the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, inflamed by love.

(2)  Their life offering, together with the infinite merits of Jesus, can save many souls from damnation.   All souls who live until the end of the world will benefit from their life offering.

(3)  None of their family members will go to hell, even if it seems otherwise, because they will receive, in the depths of their souls, the grace of sincere contrition before the soul departs from their bodies.

(4)  On the day they offer their lives, their loved ones suffering in purgatory will be released.

(5) I will be with them at the hour of their death.  They will not know purgatory.  I will carry their souls straight to the presence of the Glorious Trinity, where they will live with me in a special place created by God and will rejoice forever.

The Life Offering Apostolate

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The Nine First Wednesdays

The Nine First Wednesdays

Every Wednesday is dedicated in a special way to St. Joseph. Make the Nine First Wednesdays [in a manner similar to the Nine First Fridays of the Sacred Heart] in honor of St. Joseph for a happy death, for yourself and your dear ones. As charity is one of the best ways to be worthy of the grace of a happy death, offer your First Wednesday Mass and Communion and devotions in honor of St. Joseph in a special way for the salvation of the dying, most especially for an undying sinner who is to lose his soul without the grace of final repentance.

Our Lord permits St. Joseph to take from His Divine treasury with full hands in order to give souls the treasures of Divine grace and mercy, like Joseph, the son of Jacob, who took corn from the granaries of the King of Egypt to feed his brethren and all who had recourse to him. From the heights of Heaven, the King of Glory speaks to us the same words as Pharao spoke to the starving people of Egypt: "Go to Joseph." 
 

The Go to Joseph Prayers

I 

In the miseries of this vale of tears, to whom shall we have recourse, O blessed Joseph, if not to thee, to whom thy beloved spouse Mary entrusted all her rich treasures, that thou might keep them to our advantage? "go to my spouse, Joseph," Mary seems to say to us, "and he will comfort you, he will deliver you from the misfortunes which now oppress you and will make you happy and contented" Have pity on us, therefore, O St. Joseph; have pity on us through that love which thou didst cherish toward a spouse so worthy and amiable.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...

II 

We are fully conscious that we have offended the justice of God by our sins and deserve His most severe chastisements. Not what shall be our place of refuge? "go to Joseph," Jesus seems to say to us; "Go to Joseph, in whom I was well pleased and whom I had for My foster father. To him, as to a father, I have communicated all power, that he may use it for your good according to his own desire." Pity us, therefore, O blessed Joseph, pity us, for the great love thou didst bear toward a Son so admirable and so dear.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...

III 

Unhappily the sins we have committed call down upon the heaviest scourges: this we must confess. In what ark shall we take refuge in order to be saved? Where shall we find the blessed rainbow that shall give us comfort and hope in the midst of our afflictions? "Go to Joseph," the Eternal father seems to say to us: "Go to him who took My place on earth with regard to My Son made man. I entrusted to his keeping My Son, who is the unfailing source of grace; therefore, every grace is in his hands." Pity us, then, dear St. Joseph, pity us by thy great love for Almighty God, Who has been so generous to thee.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... Glory Be ...

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The Little Office Of The Holy Angels

The Little Office Of The Holy Angels

AT MATINS

Antiphon: 

God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O Lord, open Thou my lips, And my tongue shall declare Thy praise.  O God, incline unto my aid.  O Lord, make haste to help me. Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O Lord, permit us here to raise our voice; And waft before Thy throne our feeble praise; And thank Thee for those Angels whom Thy choice Hath lent our weakness to direct its ways, And free us from the envious foes that lurk to spoil the beauty of Thy cherished work.

Antiphon:

O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name. 

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT PRIME

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O God, incline unto my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Alleluia.

HYMN

For Satan, driven from the happy land Where once he shone in splendor, ill can brook The kindly justice of the Almighty hand, That gives to man the throne that he forsook; And seeks to drag into his own disgrace Poor mortals thus designed to fill his place. 

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT TIERCE

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Alleluia.

HYMN

Bright Spirit! whom a God supremely wise  Hath given to be the Guardian of this land, Come, arm'd with all thy power from the skies, And bear its children harmless in thy hand - Safe from all evil that defiles the soul, Safe from disunion's withering control. 

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT SEXT

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Alleluia.

HYMN

O Jesus! glory of the angelic Choirs, Light of their brightness, sweetness of their bliss; Thou Who didst leave a world where nothing tires, To taste the pains and miseries of this; Be these same pains, endured to set us free.  The germ of endless happiness with Thee. 

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians \grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT NONE

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O God, incline unto my aid.

O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Alleluia.

HYMN

Angel of peace! come, Michael, to our aid, Thou who didst once chase discord from the sky; Come, calm those boisterous passions that have made Such havoc here as they have made on high; Drive strife and rancor to their kindred loom, 
To Hell, their fitting, their eternal tomb. 

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT VESPERS

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Alleluia.

HYMN

Spirit of might! O Gabriel, display Thy matchless power against our ancient foes.  Visit those sacred temples where we pray - 'Twas at thy potent word those temples rose; Whose worship raised these shrines throughout the earth; 
Thou wert the herald of His future birth. 

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

AT COMPLINE

Antiphon:
God hath given His Angels charge of thee, that they keep thee in all thy ways. Amen.

V. Convert us, O God, our Saviour.
R. And avert Thine anger from us.

O God, incline unto my aid.
O Lord, make haste to help me.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.  Alleluia.

HYMN

And Raphael! of the glorious seven who stand  Before the throne of Him Who lives and reigns; Angel of health! the Lord hath filled thy hand With balm from Heaven to soothe or cure our pains, Heal or console the victim of disease, And guide our steps when doubtful of our ways

Antiphon:
O holy Angels, our Guardians, defend us in the combat, that we perish not in the dreadful judgment. 

V. In sight of Thy Angels I will sing to Thee, my God. 
R. I will adore at Thy holy temple, and confess to Thy name.

PRAYER 

O God, Who, with unspeakable providence, hast vouchsafed to appoint Thy holy Angels to be our Guardians grant to Thy humble suppliants to be always defended by their protection, and to enjoy their everlasting society through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth, world without end. Amen.

COMMENDATION

O holy Guardian! at thy feet These wreath of humble flowers I lay; O that their odor were as sweet As he desires who sings th elay, Protect me at death's awful hour, Receive my soul to thine embrace, Rich with the wonders of thy power, To thank, to praise thee, face to face. Amen.

Salutation from the Raccolta 455 

I salute thee, holy Angel who didst comfort my Jesus in His agony, and with thee I praise the Most Holy Trinity for having chosen thee from among all the holy Angels to comfort and strengthen Him Who is the comfort and strength of all that are in affliction. By the honor thou didst enjoy and by the obedience, humility and love wherewith thou didst assist the sacred Humanity of Jesus, my Saviour, when He was fainting for very sorrow at seeing the sins of the world and especially my sins, I beseech thee to obtain for me perfect sorrow for my sins; deign to strengthen me in the afflictions that now overwhelm me, and in all the other trials, to which I shall be exposed henceforth and, in particular, when I find myself in my final agony. Amen.

Photo Credit Waiting for the Word

A Holy Hour of Reparation

A Holy Hour of Reparation

HIS HOUR

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

(Here make the intention for the Holy Hour)

O Sacrament most holy 

O Sacrament Divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving 

be every moment thine!

Prayer to the Holy Spirit
Act of Contrition
Act of Spiritual Communion

My Jesus, I believe Thou art really present in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. I love Thee above everything else, and I long to receive Thee into my soul. I cannot now receive Thee in Holy Communion, but I beg Thee to come to me at least spiritually. I embrace Thee as already there, and unite myself entirely to Thee. Grant that I may never be separated from Thee! 

I adore Thee every moment, O Living Bread from Heaven, great Sacrament!

Offering of the Holy Hour

O my Sweet Jesus,  I desire to spend this Hour with Thee, to console Thee, and to make some reparation by the love of my poor heart for the agony Thou didst suffer in Gethsemane. In that lone hour Thou wast forsaken, and the creatures, whom Thou didst create to love Thee, loved Thee not. The weight of all our sins pressed on Thee, and mine as well;  and for the sorrow which I caused Thee then by my sins, I will endeavor  to repay Thee now by my love. Strengthen it, my Jesus, that it may in some small measure give Thee consolation.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, strengthened in Thine agony by an Angel, comfort us in our agony.

Opening Prayer to the Blessed Sacrament

My Lord Jesus Christ, it is Thy great love for men that keeps Thee day and night in this Sacrament, full of pity and love, expecting, inviting, and welcoming all who visit Thee. I believe that Thou art really present in the Sacrament of the Altar. From the depth of my nothingness, I adore Thee; and I thank Thee for the many graces Thou hast given me, especially for the gift of Thyself in this Sacrament, for the gift of Thy most holy Mother as my intercessor, and for the privilege of visiting Thee in this Church.

I now speak to Thy most loving Heart with a three-fold intention: to thank Thee for the great gift of Thyself; to atone for all the insults which Thy enemies heap upon Thee in this Sacrament; and to adore Thee wherever Thy Eucharistic Presence is dishonored or forgotten.

My Jesus, I love Thee with my whole heart. I am very sorry for my ingratitude to Thine infinite goodness. I now resolve, with the help of Thy grace, never to offend Thee again. And, sinful as I am, I consecrate to Thee ny entire self, my whole will, my affections, my desires, and all that I have. From now on, do with me and mine as Thou pleasest. I ask for and desire only Thy love, final perseverance, and the grace always to do Thy holy will.

I intercede with Thee for the Souls in Purgatory, especially for those who were most devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, and to Thy most holy Mother. I recommend to Thee also, all poor sinners. And lastly, my dear Savior, I unite all my desires with the desires of Thy most loving Heart. Thus united, I present them to Thine Eternal Father, and beg Him in Thy Name and for love of Thee, to hear and answer them.  ~ St. Alphonsus de Liguori

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine. 

Acts of Faith, Hope and Love

Prayer to Christ the King

Act of Reparation

Jesus, I live for Thee, Jesus, I die for Thee, Jesus, I am Thine in life and in death. Amen. 

Sweet Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and on our erring brethren. 

Jesus, King and Center of all hearts, through the advent of Thy Kingdom, grant us peace.

Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries

First Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

Second Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

Third Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

Fourth Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

Fifth Mystery: The Crucifixion and Death

Prayer to the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

The Hail Holy Queen (SALVE REGINA)

To Jesus Abandoned

With Mary Immaculate, let us adore, thank, implore and console, the Most Beloved and Sacred Heart of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

O Divine Jesus, lonely tonight in so many Tabernacles, without visitor or worshipper I offer Thee my poor heart. May its every throb be an act of love for Thee. Thou art always watching beneath the Sacramental Veils; in Thy Love Thou dost never sleep and Thou art never weary of Thy vigil for sinners. O lonely Jesus, may the flame of my heart burn and beam always in company with Thee.

O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine!  All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! 

Veneration of the Thorn-Crowned Savior

And platting a crown of thorns, they put it up on His head. They began to spit upon Him, and they gave Him blows. Others smote His face and said: 'Prophesy, who is it that struck Thee?' "

O holy Redeemer! Thou art clothed with a scarlet cloak, a reed is placed in Thy hands for a sceptre, and the sharp points of a thorny crown are pressed into Thy adorable head.

My soul, thou canst never conceive the sufferings, the insults and indignities offered to our Blessed Lord during this scene of pain and mockery.

I therefore salute Thee and offer Thee supreme homage as King of Heaven and earth, the Redeemer of the world, the Eternal Son of the
living God.

O my afflicted Savior! O King of the world, Thou art ridiculed as a mock king. I believe in Thee and adore Thee as the King of kings and
Lord of lords, as the supreme Ruler of Heaven and earth.

O Jesus! I devoutly venerate Thy sacred head pierced with thorns, struck with a reed, overwhelmed with pain and derision.

I adore the Precious Blood flowing from Thy bleeding wounds. To Thee be all praise, all thanksgiving and all love for evermore.

O meek Lamb, Victim for sin! May Thy thorns penetrate my heart with fervent love, that I may never cease to adore Thee as my God, my King and my Savior.

V. Behold, O God, our Protector,
R. And look upon the face of Thy Christ.

O my beloved Savior, at sight of Thy most holy face disfigured by suffering, at the sight of Thy Sacred Heart so full of love, I cry out with St. Augustine: "Lord Jesus, imprint on my heart Thy sacred wounds, so that I may read therein sorrow and love: sorrow, to endure every sorrow for Thee; love, to despise every love for Thee." Amen.

We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee, because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world. 

To Our Lord On the Cross

My Crucified Jesus, mercifully accept the prayer which I now make to Thee for help in the moment of my death, when at its approach all my senses shall fail me.

When, therefore, O sweetest Jesus, my weary and downcast eyes can no longer look up to Thee, be mindful of the loving gaze which I now turn on Thee, and have mercy on me.

When my parched lips can no longer kiss Thy most sacred wounds, remember then those kisses which now I imprint on Thee, and have mercy on me.

When my cold hands can no longer embrace Thy Cross, forget not the affection with which I embrace it now, and have mercy on me.

And when, at length, my swollen and lifeless tongue can no longer speak, remember
that I called upon Thee now.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, to Thee I commend my soul. Amen.

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of our Lord Jesus Christ to heal the wounds of our souls.

Devotion in Honor of the Five Holy Wounds 

Prayer for an Increase in Daily Holy Communions

O Sweetest Jesus, Who camest into this world to give to all the life of Thy grace, and Who, to preserve and sustain it, didst will to be the remedy of our daily infirmities, and our daily food; humbly we pray Thee, by Thy Heart, all on fire for love of us, to pour out Thy Holy Spirit upon all, so that those who are unhappily in mortal sin may be converted to Thee, and recover the life of grace which they have lost; and those who by Thy gift still live this Divine life, may every day, when they are able, approach devoutly to Thy holy table, where, in daily Holy Communion, receiving every day the antidote to their daily venial sins, and nourishing the life of grace in their hearts, and purifying more and more their souls, they may come at last to the enjoyment with Thee of eternal beatitude. Amen.

Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love of Thee! 

Prayer for Those in Their Last Agony

(Recited while kneeling)

O Most Merciful Jesus, Lover of Souls: I pray Thee, by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thine Immaculate Mother, cleanse in Thy Blood the sinners of the whole world who are now in their last agony, and are to die this day. Amen.

Heart of Jesus Agonizing, have mercy on the dying.
Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love Thee, save souls.

For Our Holy Father

Jesus, Supreme Pontiff of the New and Eternal Testament, Thou art seated at the right hand of God as a perpetual Advocate for us and are pleased to be for all time with Thy beloved spouse the Church and with Thy vicar who governs her. Divine Prince of the pastors of Thy flock, You have deigned to place on the throne of Peter Thy servant and Pontiff, Pope N . . . Make him, in the midst of the wickedness of our times, mild in hostile attacks, strong in the defense of the faith, and a gentle father and watchful master in the pastoral office.

May Thy Kingdom come, Immortal King of the ages! May the truth, which Thou hast brought from Heaven, reach even to the ends of the earth. May the fire which Thou willest to be cast upon the earth inflame all hearts. This is the desire that is in the heart of Thy vicar: a desire to reconcile all men to Thee; a desire for concord and forgiveness among nations; a desire for justice and peace.

Jesus, enlighten Thy vicar. Strengthen him in his sorrows and in his universal cares. Speak that powerful word, O Lord, which shall change minds, turn hate into love, check the fury of human passions, temper the sufferings, and dry the tears of those who are in sorrow. Increase the virtue and the resignation of families and pacify nations and peoples so that the Church built by Thee on Saint Peter to gather all people around Thine altar of life and salvation, may invoke Thee, adore Thee, and exalt Thee in peace forever. Amen.

V. Let us pray for our Pontiff N . . . 

R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and bless him upon earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.

Our Father. Hail Mary.

O God, the Shepherd and Ruler of all Thy faithful people, mercifully look upon Thy servant N., whom Thou hast chosen as the chief Shepherd to preside over Thy Church. We beg Thee to help him edify, both by word and example, those over whom he has charge, that he may reach everlasting life together with the flock entrusted to him. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. ~ Taken from the Roman Missal

O Heart of Love, I put all my trust in Thee, for I fear all things from my own weakness, but I hope for all things from Thy goodness.   - St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Period of Silent Adoration 

"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."  (1 Kings 3:10)
"Lord, what wiLt Thou have me do?"  (Acts 9:6)

Prayer for Final Perseverance

Eternal Father, I humbly adore and thank Thee for having created me, and for having redeemed me by means of Jesus Christ. I thank Thee for having made me a Christian by giving me the true faith, and by adopting me for Thy child in holy Baptism. I thank Thee for having given me time for repentance after my many sins, and for having, as I hope, pardoned all my offenses against Thee. O Infinite Goodness! I thank Thee also for having preserved me from falling again as often as I should have done if Thou hadst not held me up and saved me. But my enemies do not cease to fight against me, nor will they until death, that they may again have me for their slave; If Thou dost not keep and help me continually by Thine assistance, I shall be wretched enough to lose Thy grace anew. I therefore pray Thee, for the love of Jesus Christ, to grant me holy perseverance till death. Thy Son Jesus has promised that Thou wilt grant us whatever we ask for in His name. By the merits, then of Jesus Christ, I beg of Thee for myself, and for all those who are in Thy grace, the grace of never more being separated from Thy love, but that we may always love Thee in this life and in the next.

Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me.

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love,
Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation.

Closing Prayer to the Blessed Sacrament

At this hour of adoration closes, O Jesus, I renew my faith and trust in Thee. I am refreshed after these moments with Thee, and I count myself among a privileged number, even as Thy disciples were, who shared Thy actual presence.

Realizing that my visit to Thee is of little avail unless I try to live a better life and set a better example, I am resolved to go forth again to my duties and my concerns with a renewed spirit of perseverance and good will. In my daily life I will try to love and serve God well, and love my neighbor also, for these two things go together. I will try to be a true disciple, indeed. Help me, O Jesus, in this my resolution.

Bless me, dear Lord, before I go. And bless not me alone, O Lord, but all as well who are here present, and all who could not come, especially the sick and the dying. Bless our homes and all the children there. Bless all our life and the hour of our death.

Grant rest to the Souls of the faithful departed, and bring them into the light of Thy Divine glory.

So may we who have worshipped Thee and been blessed by Thee here on earth, come to behold the radiant glory of Thy unveiled countenance in Heaven for ever and ever. Amen.

Say three times: Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy Kingdom come!

For the Intetions of the Holy Father to Gain the Indulgences of the Holy Hour: 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary, 1 GLory be to the Father

  O Sacrament most Holy, O Sacrament Divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine! 

In the Name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the HoLy Spirit. Amen. 

HIS HOUR

HIS HOUR

THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS . . . began this devotion of the Holy Hour of Reparation, when He entered the Garden of Gethsemane on Mount Olivet. He said to His Apostles: "My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Stay ye here and watch with Me." Later He said to them: "Could ye not watch one hour with Me? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation." [Matt. 26:38, 40, 41]

As Jesus spoke to His Apostles, so He pleads with us to stay and watch and pray with Him. His Sacred Heart is filled with sadness, because so many doubt Him, despise Him, insult Him, ridicule Him, spit upon Him, slap Him, accuse Him, condemn Him. In the Sacrament of His Love, so many forget Him. Every mortal sin brings down the terrible scourges on His Sacred Body, presses the sharp thorns into His Sacred Head, and hammers the cruel nails into His Sacred Hands and Feet.

The ingratitude of mankind continually pierces His Sacred Heart. When Jesus saw the sins of the world and the reparation that must be made to His Heavenly Father, He began to fear and to be sad and sorrowful. "Kneeling down, He prayed: 'Father, if Thou will, remove this chalice from Me; But not My Will, Thine be done: There appeared an Angel from Heaven to strengthen Him; and being in agony, He prayed the longer, and His sweat became as drops of blood trickling to the ground."  [Luke 22:41, 44]

The Sacred Heart of Jesus said to St. Margaret Mary: "Make reparation for the ingratitude of men. Spend an hour in prayer to appease Divine justice, to implore mercy for sinners, to honor Me, to console Me for My bitter suffering when abandoned by My Apostles, when they did not WATCH ONE HOUR WITH ME."

"That the necessity of Expiation and Reparation is especially urgent today must be evident to everyone who considers the present plight of the world, 'seated in wickedness' [John 5:9]. The Sacred Heart promised to St. Margaret Mary that he would reward abundantly with His graces all those who should render this honor to His Heart."

Pope Pius XI, “ MISERENTISSIMUS REDEMPTOR”
Image Credit drp

The Miraculous Medal

“O Mary conceived without sin, 

pray for us who have recourse to Thee.”

Remember Our Lady’s Promises:

† “Those who repeat this prayer with great devotion will be in a special manner under the protection of the Mother of God.”

† “All those who wear it (the medal of the Immaculate Conception), when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially

The First Apparition

During the night of July 19, Catherine was awakened from her sleep by a beautiful child. The child spoke, “Sister Labouré, come to the chapel. The Blessed Virgin is waiting for you.” Catherine entered the chapel, knelt down at the communion rail, and prayed. A short while later, the Blessed Virgin appeared and spoke to Catherine: “God wishes to charge you with a mission. You will have the protection of God and St. Vincent (de Paul). I will always have my eyes upon you.” Then, the Blessed Virgin departed.

The Second Apparition

On November 27, the Blessed Virgin appeared, standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent with her feet. Rays of light streamed from her hands.  The rays represent, as Our Lady would later tell St. Catherine, “the graces that the Blessed Virgin obtains for those who ask them of her.” Surrounding the image of Our Lady were the words “O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.”

The Blessed Virgin told Catherine, “Those who repeat this prayer with great devotion will be in a special manner under the protection of the Mother of God.” She then instructed Catherine: “Have a medal struck upon this model. All those who wear it, when it is blessed, will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck.”

The Medal of the Immaculate Conception After a thorough investigation as to the authenticity of St. Catherine’s visions, the Church approved the making of The Medal of the Immaculate Conception. The first medals were distributed in 1832.

The Back of the medal

The cross symbolizes Christ; the “M” stands for Mary, who stood beneath the Cross, as her Son was crucified. The two hearts represent the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary. The twelve stars recall the vision of St. John: And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars (Apocalypse 12:1).

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons

Letter of Sister Lucia Explaining this Devotion

Letter of Sister Lucia Explaining the Five First Saturdays Devotion

1 November, 1927,  letter to Doña Maria de Miranda, her godmother, Sister Lucia wrote:

"I don't know if you already know about the reparatory devotion of the five Saturdays to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As it is still recent, I would like to inspire you to practice it, because it is requested by Our dear Heavenly Mother and Jesus has manifested a desire that it be practiced. Also, it seems to me that you would be fortunate, dear godmother, not only to know it and to give Jesus the consolation of practicing it, but also to make it known and embraced by many other persons.

"It consists in this: During five months on the first Saturday, to receive Jesus in Communion, recite a Rosary, keep Our Lady company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, and make a confession. The confession can be made a few days earlier, and if in this previous confession you have forgotten the (required) intention the following intention can be offered, provided that on the first Saturday one receives Holy Communion in a state of grace, with the intention of repairing for offences against the Most Holy Virgin and which afflict Her Immaculate Heart.

"It seems to me, my dear godmother, that we are fortunate to be able to give Our dear Heavenly Mother this proof of love, for we know that She desires it to be offered to Her. As for myself, I avow that I am never so happy as when first Saturday arrives. Isn't it true that our greatest happiness is to belong entirely to Jesus and Mary and to love Them and Them alone, without reserve? We see this so clearly in the lives of the saints...They were happy because they loved, and we, my dear godmother, we must seek to love as they did, not only to enjoy Jesus, which is the least important -- because if we do not enjoy Him here below, we will enjoy Him up above -- but to give Jesus and Mary the consolation for being loved...and that in exchange for this love they might be able to save many souls." 

"I don't know if you already know about the reparatory devotion of the five Saturdays to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. As it is still recent, I would like to inspire you to practice it, because it is requested by Our dear Heavenly Mother and Jesus has manifested a desire that it be practiced. Also, it seems to me that you would be fortunate, dear godmother, not only to know it and to give Jesus the consolation of practicing it, but also to make it known and embraced by many other persons.

"It consists in this: During five months on the first Saturday, to receive Jesus in Communion, recite a Rosary, keep Our Lady company for fifteen minutes while meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, and make a confession. The confession can be made a few days earlier, and if in this previous confession you have forgotten the (required) intention the following intention can be offered, provided that on the first Saturday one receives Holy Communion in a state of grace, with the intention of repairing for offences against the Most Holy Virgin and which afflict Her Immaculate Heart.

"It seems to me, my dear godmother, that we are fortunate to be able to give Our dear Heavenly Mother this proof of love, for we know that She desires it to be offered to Her. As for myself, I avow that I am never so happy as when first Saturday arrives. Isn't it true that our greatest happiness is to belong entirely to Jesus and Mary and to love Them and Them alone, without reserve? We see this so clearly in the lives of the saints...They were happy because they loved, and we, my dear godmother, we must seek to love as they did, not only to enjoy Jesus, which is the least important -- because if we do not enjoy Him here below, we will enjoy Him up above -- but to give Jesus and Mary the consolation for being loved...and that in exchange for this love they might be able to save many souls."

Photo taken from Wikimedia Commons