The Beauty of the Holy Mass

H/T to Ma Beck of WardWideWeb

Prayer for Peace of Heart

Shared by Sue Cifelli

Holy Virgin, we ask your intercession to your son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, grant us peace throughout the world, that all nations may work together and that there may be an end to war.

Give me, I beseech you the great gift of inward peace. Command the winds and storms of my unruly passions.

Subdue, by your grace, my proneness to love created things too much. Give me a love of suffering for your sake.

Make me forbearing and kind to others, that I may avoid quarrels and contentions.

And teach me constantly to seek after and to acquire that perfect resignation to God's Holy Will which alone brings interior peace. Amen

The Holy Mass

Jeff's post on the Ordinary vs. Extraordinary Mass struck a chord with me. But I don't have to write much on this because Jeff has spoken for folks like me:

There have been several of these films celebrating Summorum Pontificum by contrasting clown Masses and other such nonsense with the extraordinary form of the Mass.

While on one level I enjoy the humor of these films there is another level that bothers me. For one I think it is a problem to compare the ordinary and extraordinary forms of the Mass in the Latin rite by taking the worse example and excesses and then to compare them to the Masses celebrated properly in the older form. You don't see examples of the ordinary form being celebrated properly and reverentially as you would for example see on EWTN or in my own parish. There are "Novus Ordo" Masses being celebrated according the the rubrics and in a way that truly helps you to worship God...

With that said, I still want to share the following video with you. Thanks Jeff!

Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

During his homily this morning, Fr. Paul shared with us that St. Bernard referred to our Lady as a spiritual martyr.

The suffering our lady endured so silently and patiently after her beloved Son's passion, is something we should keep always in our hearts and minds and try to imitate when life's little crosses come our way.

The Benefits of Holy Water

First of all, how do you make Holy Water....you boil the hell out of it. Told to my friend by a priest so I guess it's an okay joke :-)

The following was shared by Sue Cifelli:

Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy Church strongly urges its use upon her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness and other calamities. Every Catholic home should always have a supply of holy water in it.

We do not take advantage of the benefits derived from holy water.

LET US CULTIVATE ITS USE

Untold spiritual wealth is concentrated in a tiny drop of blessed water.

And we give it so little thought!

If we would but realize now, as we shall realize after death, the many benefits which may be derived from holy water, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence. Holy water has its great power and efficacy from the prayers of the Church, which its Divine Founder always accepts with complacency.

Source: Catholic Tradition

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Joan of Arc - Maid of Heaven

Picture source All Posters

Upon reading my post on Joan of Arc or Jeanne D'Arc one of my readers graciously shared the following link with me:

Maid of Heaven that spotlights a new book on the Maid of Orleans. You can also find movies on the life of this courageous saint, on that website.

Anonymous, I'm sorry you didn't leave your name so I could thank you properly...Mahalo!

Suffer the Little Children

Stories from personal acquaintances, all involving small children at Mass:
The following is an excerpt from Donna's book The Heart of Motherhood. When Donna's children were young, she brought them to Mass at the Missionary of Charity's convent in Washington D.C. Her youngest daughter was not quite two at the time. Donna took her outside when she she started to be "fussy" and "whiny" so that she wouldn't disturb anyone in the quiet chapel.:

"After Mass, Mother Teresa came directly up to me as I was holding Jessica and asked me, 'Is this the baby who was singing at Mass?' It was so refreshing to hear someone describe a fussy child as 'singing', especially since it was Mother Teresa!..."

Wouldn't you say that Mother Teresa was living up to the Imitation of Christ! She like Jesus welcomed the youngest children with open arms.

Excerpt from page 83 in The Heart of Motherhood by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle and used with permission.

Feast of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

"The Feast of the Holy Name of Mary was established by Pope Innocent XI upon the victory of Christian forces against the Moslems beseiging Vienna in 1683".

The following litany is from Memorare:

Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.

Heavenly Father, of Whom Mary is the Daughter, have mercy on us.
Eternal Word, of Whom Mary is the Mother...
Holy Spirit, of Whom Mary is the spouse...
Divine Trinity, of Whom Mary is the Handmaid...

Mary, Mother of the Living God, pray for us
Mary, daughter of the Light Eternal...
Mary, our light...
Mary, our sister...
Mary, flower of Jesse...
Mary, issue of kings...
Mary, chief work of God...
Mary, the beloved of God...
Mary, Immaculate Virgin...
Mary, all fair...
Mary, light in darkness...
Mary, our sure rest...
Mary, house of God...
Mary, sanctuary of the Lord...
Mary, altar of the Divinity...
Mary, Virgin Mother...
Mary, embracing your Infant God...
Mary, reposing with Eternal Wisdom...
Mary, ocean of bitterness...
Mary, Star of the Sea...
Mary, suffering with your only Son...
Mary, pierced with a sword of sorrow...
Mary, torn with a cruel wound...
Mary, sorrowful even unto death...
Mary, bereft of all consolation...
Mary, submissive to the law of God...
Mary, standing by the Cross of Jesus...
Mary, Our Lady...
Mary, Our Queen...
Mary, Queen of glory...
Mary glory of the Church Triumphant...
Mary, Blessed Queen...
Mary, advocate of the Church Militant...
Mary, Queen of Mercy...
Mary, consoler of the Church Suffering...
Mary, exalted above the angels,
Mary, crowned with twelve stars...
Mary, fair as the moon...
Mary, bright as the sun...
Mary, distinguished above all...
Mary, seated at the right hand of Jesus...
Mary, our hope...
Mary, our sweetness...
Mary, glory of Jerusalem...
Mary, joy of Israel...
Mary, honor of our people...
Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception...
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption...
Mary, Our Lady of Loreto...
Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes...
Mary, Our Lady of Fatima...
Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa...
Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal...
Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel...
Mary, Our Lady of the Angels...
Mary, Our Lady of Dolors...
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy...
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary...
Mary, Our Lady of Victory...
Mary, Our Lady of La Trappe...
Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence...

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

Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.

I will declare your name unto my brethren.
I will praise you in the assembly of the faithful.

Let Us Pray (Oremus)
O Almighty God, Who beholds Thy servants earnestly desiring to place themselves under the shadow of the name and protection of the Most Holy Virgin Mary, grant, we beseech You, that by her charitable intercession, we may be delivered from all evil on earth, and may arrive at everlasting joys in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

We Remember

Terror attacks were an act of war, not simply a tragedy to be mourned

This morning I was chatting with my parents and my mom was telling me she watched the naming of all the victims' names. My dad interjected and said people were protesting the fact that this is drawn out and basically "enough is enough". My mom and I both verbally jumped on my poor dad who was simply relaying a news article. We couldn't fathom someone actually protesting the memorial for the victims of the 9/11th attack. But I also knew as hard as it was to believe, it was true.

Thanks to one of my sisters for sharing the following with me:

A recent newspaper article suggested that the 9/11 commemoration "decibel level" should be "scaled back." Mourning the dead too loud and too long impinges on the living, the article said. Life goes on. I wouldn't disagree. But it is extremely important to distinguish between public mourning and public remembering; otherwise, the phrase that was as ubiquitous as the American flag six years ago, "Never Forget," and invoked with tearful or angry rectitude, is rendered hollow. We all meant it, whether the cause was revenge, retribution or simple recognition of our common humanity.

Daily News Article

A Prayer for Victims of Terrorism

I found this beautiful prayer on NewHouseNewJob's Blog

Loving God,
Welcome into your arms
the victims of violence and terrorism.
Comfort their families and all who grieve for them.
Help us in our fear and uncertainty,
And bless us with the knowledge
that we are secure in your love.
Strengthen all those who work for peace,
And may the peace the world cannot give
reign in our hearts.
Amen

Our Lady of America and Ground Zero

Yesterday my friend Lois called me all excited about hearing that the Statue of Our Lady of America would be at Ground Zero. She asked if I had heard or read anything. At the time I hadn't. Late last night, I did find that the ever vigilant Leticia had posted about Our Lady of America on her blog. She had the privilege of speaking with Fr. Andrew Apostoli who is leading the cause for the canonization of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. He shared the following with Leticia:

Fr Apostoli he told me what was most on his mind, the apparitions of Our Lady of America, which were approved by several American bishops. In a recent apparition, Our Lady asked that her statue, pictured here, be installed in the National Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. She said that the graces which she would disperse from this action would "surpass those of Lourdes and Fatima".

Her statue will make the rounds tomorrow on 9/11 from Ground Zero to the Old St. Peter's Church in lower Manhattan.

Our Lady of America will visit the sanctuary where Fr. Mychal Judge's body was brought after his death while ministering to the victims of 9-11.It is hoped that Our Lady of America will grant consolation for devout and patriotic people who will be present at New York in the World Trade Center neighborhood this coming September 11th. Click here for background on Church of St Peter's involvement during 9-11.

The statue will be on display later that day at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

For more on Our Lady of America, please visit Letitia's blog. Mahalo Letitica!

Prayer for the Consecration of the Family

Shared by Sue C.
Source: Welcome Home

Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I come to you to consecrate myself and my entire family to your Two Hearts. I desire to renew the vows of my baptism and place each member of my family
through an act of faith, hope and love into loving union with the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph.

I dedicate myself and each member of my family to the Guardian Angels God has given each one of us.

O Holy Guardian Angels, enlighten, guide and protect each one so as to lead us safely home to heaven.

At Fatima, dear Mother of God, you appeared with St. Joseph and the Child Jesus blessing the world.

O Holy Family, bestow blessings upon me and my entire family so that we may live the Christ-life.

I desire that each member of my family adore always the Most Blessed Trinity and love our God in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Grant peace to each member of my family.

Keep each one in the grace of Jesus Christ.

Never permit any of my family to stray from the true faith.

(For any family member who has strayed, I beseech you to bind up the wounds, lift up the fallen, restore and keep each of our loved ones in grace.
Bid them come back to their Father's true home).

Amen

Saintly Quote - St. Rosa de Lima

Shared by Sue C

Let all know that grace comes after tribulation.
Let them know that without the burden of afflictions
it is impossible to reach the height of grace.
Let them know that the gifts of grace increase
as the struggles increase.
Let men take care not to stray and be deceived.
This is the only true stairway to paradise,
and without the cross they can find no road to climb to heaven.

Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Bible Verses for Comfort

Shared by Sue C.

John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

2 Corinthians 1
The God of All Comfort
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God

Psalm 55
22 Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.

1 Peter 5
6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
7Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Matthew 11 28-30
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you
and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

(Revelation 3:20)
'"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, (then) I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.

(Matthew 7:7-8)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks, receives; he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

(Philippians 4:6-7)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

(1 John 5:14)
This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Philippians 4:11-13
11I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.


"In the world you will have distress, but do not be concerned; I have overcome the world" (John 16: 33)

My Child

Shared by my friend Kathy

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen. Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father. Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you. Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad.

Thanks to Heather for letting me know the source of this letter: SITE

Prayer for the Addicted

Shared by Sue C.

God of mercy, we bless You in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who ministered to all who come to Him. Give Your strength to N., Your servant, bound by the chains of addiction. Enfold him/her in Your love and restore him/her to the freedom of God's children. Lord, look with compassion on all those who have lost their health and freedom. Restore to them the assurance of Your unfailing mercy, and strengthen them in the work of recovery. To those who care for them, grant patient understanding and a love that perseveres. We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Prayer for Healing the Family Tree

Source: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church

Heavenly Father, I come before You as Your child, in great need of Your help. I have physical health needs, emotional needs, spiritual needs, and interpersonal needs. Many of my problems have been caused by my own failures, neglect and sinfulness, for which I humbly beg Your forgiveness, Lord. But I also ask You to forgive the sins of my ancestors whose failures have left their effects on me in the form of unwanted tendencies, behavior patterns and defects in body, mind and spirit. Heal me, Lord, of all these disorders.

With Your help I sincerely forgive everyone, especially living or dead members of my family tree, who have directly offended me or my loved ones in any way, or those whose sins have resulted in our present sufferings and disorders.

In the name of Your divine Son Jesus, and in the power of His Holy Spirit, I ask You, Father, to deliver me and my entire family tree from the influence of the evil one. Free all living and dead members of my family tree, including those in adoptive relationships, and those in extended family relationships, from every contaminating form of bondage. By Your loving concern for us, heavenly Father, and by the shed blood of your Precious Son Jesus, I beg You to extend Your blessing to me and all my living and deceased relatives. Heal every negative effect transmitted through all past generations, and prevent such negative effects in future generations of my family tree.

I symbolically place the Cross of Jesus over the head of each person in my family tree, and between each generation; I ask You to let the cleansing blood of Jesus purify the blood lines in my family lineage. Set Your protective angels to encamp around us, and permit Archangel Raphael, the patron of healing, to administer Your divine healing power to all of us, even in areas of genetic disability. Give special power to our family members' guardian angels to heal, protect, guide and encourage each of us in all our needs. Let Your healing power be released at this very moment and let it continue as long as Your sovereignty permits.

In our family tree, Lord, replace all bondage with a holy bonding in family love. And let there be an ever deeper bonding with You, Lord, by the Holy Spirit, to Your Son Jesus. Let the family of the Holy Trinity pervade our family with its tender, warm, loving presence, so that our family may recognize and manifest that love in all our relationships. All of our unknown needs we include with this petition that we pray in Jesus precious Name.

Amen.

 Rev. John H. Hampsch, C.M.F

Ten Little Christians

H/T View From the Pews

Ten Little Christians, standing in a line,
one disliked the pastor, then there were nine.

Nine little Christians stayed up very late,
one slept too late on Sunday, then there were eight.

Eight little Christians on their way to Heaven,
one took the low road, then there were seven.

Seven little Christians chirping like some chicks,
one disliked the music, then there were six.

Six little Christians seemed very much alive,
but one lost his interest then there were five.

Five little Christians pulling for heaven's shore,
but one stopped to rest, then there were only four.

Four little Christians, each busy as a bee,
one got her feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three little Christians knew not what to do,
one joined the sporting crowd, then there were two.

Two little Christians, our rhyme is nearly done,
differed with each other, then there was one.

One little Christian, can't do much its true,
brought his friend to Bible study-then there were two.

Two earnest Christians, each won one more,
that doubled the number, then there were four.

Four sincere Christians worked early and worked late,
Each won another, then there were eight.

Eight splendid Christians,
if they doubled as before,
In just a few short weeks, we'd have 1,024.

In this little rhyme, there is a lesson true,
you either belong to The Building Crew,
Or to the wrecking crew!

Prayers for a Deceased Priest

Shared by Sue

O God, Thou didst raise Thy servant, N., to the sacred priesthood of Jesus Christ, according to the Order of Melchisedech, giving him the sublime power to offer the Eternal Sacrifice, to bring the Body and Blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ down upon the altar, and to absolve the sins of men in Thine own Holy Name. We beseech Thee to reward his faithfulness and to forget his faults, admitting him speedily into Thy Holy Presence, there to enjoy forever the recompense of his labors. This we ask through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord. Amen.

Purgatory

Adoration and Act of Spiritual Communion

Shared by Sue of Half the Kingdom

The following is from The Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament Their link will be added permanently to the sidebar.

We are now in the presence of the infinite majesty of God, who was once pleased, for love of us, to come down from heaven and become Man on earth, and to die on a cross to save us; and is now in the Blessed Sacrament, to listen to our prayers and grant us the graces we ask of him.

I adore you, O Jesus, true God and true Man, here present in the Holy Eucharist, humbly kneeling before you and united in spirit with all the faithful on earth and all the blessed in heaven. In deepest gratitude for so great a blessing, I love you, my Jesus, with my whole heart, for you are all perfect and all worthy of love.

Give me grace nevermore in any way to offend you, and grant that, being refreshed by your Eucharistic presence here on earth, I may be found worthy to come to the enjoyment with Mary of your eternal and ever-blessed presence in heaven. Amen.

Act of Spiritual Communion

I believe that you, O Jesus, are in the Most Blessed Sacrament! I love you and desire you! Come into my heart. I embrace you. O never leave me! May the burning and most sweet power of your love, O Lord Jesus Christ, absorb my mind, that I may die through love of your love, who was pleased to die through love of my love. Amen.

St Francis of Assisi

AN OFFERING OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD FOR SOULS

Shared by Sue of Half the Kingdom

O My God, I beg of Thee in union with the Immaculate Heart of Mary, through the merits of the Precious Blood offered Thee in every Mass throughout the world, to grant that this day one mortal sin may be averted, one soul in doubt may be converted to the truth, one soul about to die in sin may receive the grace of repentance and a happy death, and the deliverance of that soul in Purgatory which is nearest Heaven. I wish by this offering to console the Heart of Jesus in agony for the souls lost through the teaching of error against the true Church of Christ, Jesus, Our Lord. Amen.

Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying. Heart of Jesus, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon them and send, O Merciful Savior, Thy Angels to conduct them to a place of light, refreshment, and peace. Amen.

Mother of Sorrows! Mother of Christ! Thou hadst influence with thy Divine Son when on earth, thou doth have the same influence now in Heaven, pray for me, obtain from thy Divine Son my request, if it be His Holy Will.

Prayers taken from The Purgatorian Manual, by Catholic Men for Christ the King, New York; Prayers and Heavenly Promises, Compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz; and a Prayer Leaflet published by JMJ Book Co,. Wisconsin, with Ecclesiastical Approval.