I missed yesterdays post and apologize but hope that anyone who is following along went to the site and found it there. 30 Sep Day 47, Novena for Our Nation – Prophet: Born for Combat Richard Heilman Comments are off DAY 47 – MARY, QUEEN OF THE MOST HOLY ROSARY, PRAY FOR US BORN FOR COMBAT Prophet: Bishop Robert Barron says, “A prophet is someone who speaks for God. Their task is to speak God’s word, in season and out (whether that word is popular or not). It means you should be a reader of theology and spirituality that you might, as St. Peter put it, ‘give a reason for the hope that is in you.’ We’re living in a time when religion is under attack. If someone challenged you, could you give a reason for the hope that is in you?” For Pope Leo XIII, to be a prophet means we are “born for combat”: “To recoil before an enemy, or to keep silence when from all sides such clamors are raised against truth, is the part of a man either devoid of character or who entertains doubt as to the truth of what he professes to believe. The only ones who win when Christians stay quiet” he says, “are the enemies of truth. The silence of Catholics is particularly disturbing because frequently a few bold words would have vanquished the false ideas.” “Christians are,” Leo continues, “born for combat.” It is part of their nature to follow Christ by espousing unpopular ideas and by defending the truth at great cost to themselves. The element of surprise often catches us off-guard when faced with an opportunity to defend the faith from attacks or share why our faith is so important to us. Those moments often come and go rather quickly. These can be seen as “teaching moments” as they teach us to be better prepared the next time it happens. This is why it is essential for us to make the necessary preparations by developing short but impactful statements or quotes that really leave, in a brief moment, a spiritual mark on the recipients. In the public relations world, these are called talking points or, as Pope Leo XIII called them, “a few bold words.” A talking point in debate or discourse is a succinct statement designed to persuasively support one side taken on an issue. Such statements can either be free standing or created as retorts to the opposition’s talking points. Yes, you should study theology and spirituality, but like arrows in your quiver, you must have these talking points prepared and memorized, ready to fire (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Joyful Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Sorrowful Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Agony in the Garden – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of resignation to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Scourging at the Pillar – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of mortification and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crowning with Thorns – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Carrying of the Cross – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of patience in adversity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crucifixion – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of love of our enemies and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary … In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes
DAY 49 - MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE, PRAY FOR US LIVE A SUPERNATURAL LIFE Surveys by Gallup, the National Opinion Research Center, and the Pew Organization conclude that spiritually committed people are twice as likely to report being "very happy" than the least religiously committed people. Secular analysts seem to be doing back flips trying to explain away the simple reality that there is no other authentic and fulfilling way to live other than a supernatural life. St. Paul writes, "The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14). This is the person who acts only by using his or her human faculties (intelligence and will) and who therefore can be wise only in the things of the world. He remains superficial and worldly. This is a heart that has hardened to the presence of God. The prophet Jeremiah writes "Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a barren bush in the desert that enjoys no change of season, but stands in a lava waste, a salt land and empty earth" (Jer 17:5-6). However, throughout the Bible (e.g., Ps 1, Jer 17, Rev 22) we are told that the blessed ones are those who trust God and his ordinances; they are like trees planted beside streams of water. These trees are full of life (their leaves stay green) and they fulfill their purpose (produce fruit) even in the face of life's challenges. The commentary on 1 Corinthians in the Navarre Bible states, "The spiritual man is the Christian reborn by the grace of God; grace elevates his faculties to enable him to perform actions which have a supernatural value - acts of faith, hope, and charity. A person who is in the state of grace is able to perceive the things of God, because he carries with him the Spirit in his soul in grace, and he has Christ's mind, Christ's attitude. 'We have no alternative,' St. Josemaria Escriva teaches, 'there are only two possible ways of living on this earth: either we live a supernatural life, or we live an animal life. And you and I can only live the life of God, a supernatural life' (Friends of God)." (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Joyful Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Joyful Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God's graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, Dispenser of God's graces. and Mother of all who invoke thee! thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles' Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Annunciation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Visitation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Nativity - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of detachment from the world and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Presentation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of purity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of obedience to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary ... In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes
DAY 50 - OUR LADY OF AMERICA, PRAY FOR US GO WEAPONS HOT "Go Weapons Hot" is a military command that means to make whatever preparations are necessary so that when you pull the trigger, something happens. In spiritual terms, are we using live ammunition or are we firing blanks? In other words, are we making the preparations necessary to ensure that our efforts to combat evil and rescue souls are ignited by the fire of the Holy Spirit? What are the preparations necessary so that "something (effective) happens" as we exercise the three offices of Christ in the war "against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above" (Eph 6:10-12)? The word "hot" ("Go Weapons Hot") gives us an excellent acronym for understanding how we are best positioned to receive the free offer of God's supernatural grace: H.O.T. = Humility, Obedience, Trust. Humility: St. Ignatius of Loyola said, "There is no doubt that God will never be wanting to us, provided that he finds in us that humility which makes us worthy of his gifts, the desire of possessing them, and the promptitude to co-operate industriously with the graces he gives us." Obedience: St. Josemaria Escriva wrote, "The power of obedience! The lake of Gennesareth had denied its fishes to Peter's nets. A whole night in vain. Then, obedient, he lowered his net again to the water and they caught 'a huge number of fish.' Believe me: the miracle is repeated each day." Trust: St. Alphonsus Liguori taught: "He who trusts himself is lost. He who trusts in God can do all things." The most important aspect of the Devotion of Divine Mercy is the need to trust in God's goodness. Jesus revealed to St. Faustina that "the vessel with which souls receive abundant graces, and special favors, is confidence!" The confident, trusting soul is like a lightning rod for God's mercy and grace. (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Sorrowful Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Sorrowful Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God's graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God's graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles' Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Agony in the Garden - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of resignation to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Scourging at the Pillar - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of mortification and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crowning with Thorns - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Carrying of the Cross - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of patience in adversity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crucifixion - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of love of our enemies and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary ... In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes.
04 Oct Day 51, Novena for Our Nation – Seeking Harmony Richard Heilman Comments are off DAY 51 – OUR LADY OF FATIMA, PRAY FOR US SEEKING HARMONY There are actually three wounds that ravage souls and bring spiritual death to them by turning away from God. St. John speaks of these evils when he says: “For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one’s own resources or in the stability of earthly things] — these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]” (1 Jn 2:16). This triple slavery, which replaces the original harmony, is order overthrown. Christ came to restore the order that had been destroyed; with this end in view, he gave us the three evangelical counsels (or counsels of perfection). Poverty (counters lust of the eyes): To be poor in spirit is to realize that nothing we have is worth more than the kingdom of God. Knowing this, we become willing to part with anything we have if it hinders us from receiving the kingdom. Being poor in spirit does not always mean taking vows of poverty or despising the blessings God has given us. Instead, it is a condition of the heart. The main point is always “detachment.” It’s not whether you have it or not, it’s how you have it. Chastity (counters lust of the flesh): Chastity is a commitment to purity and fidelity no matter what your state in life, whether married, single, or consecrated. Chastity reminds us of the deeper meaning of sexuality. Many in society treat people like animals and detach the “marital act” from the reverence it deserves. They accept it and promote it in the wrong context and thus betray its sacredness. Obedience (counters pride of life): Obedience is a commitment to listen to God through the mediation of Sacred Scripture and through the teaching of Christ’s Bride, the Church. We choose obedience to indicate a preference for the common good over personal desire. Obedience demonstrates that the most perfect form of freedom is that which makes a commitment to another person (divine or human) or a cause. (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). Impressive warrior saints like St. Francis of Assisi taught these counsels of perfection by wearing a rope around their waist with three knots in it; each knot would denote poverty, chastity, and obedience. Today, some have followed their lead by wearing a small rope around their wrists with these three knots, reminding them how to be free, no longer tied to the world but to God. Are you free to enlist in Christ’s elite fighting force and be the warrior saint He is calling you to be? Order your “Monk Cord Bracelet” HERE PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Glorious Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Glorious Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE GLORIOUS MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, full-blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses full blown white roses, tinged with the red of the passion, to remind thee of thy glories, fruits of the sufferings of thy Son and thee each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. For each of the following Mysteries, say: Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Resurrection – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of faith and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Ascension – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of hope and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Descent of the Holy Spirit – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Assumption of Mary – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of union with Christ and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Coronation of the Blessed Mother – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these full-blown roses with a petition for the virtue of union with thee and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary … In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes
DAY 52 - OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, PRAY FOR US POWER OF PRAYER The heroes of our faith are the warrior saints who have gone before us. God worked mightily and miraculously through them. Therefore, we must study their ways. In humility, obedience, and trust (H.O.T.), we ask: How did they remain so well connected, in such strong friendship with God, so that his river of supernatural grace could flow so freely through them? What do these "SEALS for Christ" teach us about the ideal spiritual disciplines, the ultimate daily regimen of prayer? Prayer is our outstanding supernatural resource for fighting the wiles of the enemy. St. Alphonsus said, "Prayer is, beyond doubt, the most powerful weapon the Lord gives us to conquer evil ... but we must really put ourselves into the prayer, it is not enough just to say the words, it must come from the heart. And also prayer needs to be continuous, we must pray no matter what kind of situation we find ourselves in: the warfare we are engaged in is ongoing, so our prayer must be on-going also." We are being asked to allow God's grace to surge through us to a waiting world, but nemo dat quod non habet (no one gives what he does not have). Fr. John McCloskey in his Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People correctly points out that the following seven exceptional habits of prayer are the way of storing up spiritual energy to be used to bring Christ to others. St. Bernadette said: "Do not just be a channel for grace, but a reservoir, an overflowing reservoir. No sooner has a channel received grace than it pours it out. A reservoir waits to be filled up and then offers grace to those who come to draw from its superabundance." Fr. John McCloskey's Seven Daily Habits of Holy Apostolic People include: The Morning Offering Mental Prayer (at least 15 minutes) Spiritual Reading (at least 15 minutes) Holy Mass and Communion The Angelus (at 6 AM, noon, 6 PM) The Holy Rosary Brief Examination of Conscience (at night) (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Luminous Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Joyful Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE JOYFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys, each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God's graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee, thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses snow white buds to remind thee of thy joys each bud recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, Dispenser of God's graces. and Mother of all who invoke thee! thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles' Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Annunciation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Visitation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of charity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Nativity - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of detachment from the world and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Presentation - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of purity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Finding the Child Jesus in the Temple - Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these snow-white buds with a petition for the virtue of obedience to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary ... In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes.
06 Oct Day 53, Novena for Our Nation – The Precepts Richard Heilman Comments are off DAY 53 – OUR LADY OF GOOD HELP, PRAY FOR US THE PRECEPTS The Precepts of the Catholic Church are a description of the absolute minimum actions required of Catholics regarding the Church. The Church uses these precepts to remind us that Christian life requires a commitment to prayer and active participation in the liturgy and sacraments. If we fall below this bare-minimum level, then, practically speaking, we can hardly consider ourselves to be in full communion with the Catholic Church. Out of love for Christ and a desire to advance in the spiritual life, you will normally “strive” to do far more than they require. First Precept: “You shall attend Mass on Sunday and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor.” Strive: Attend Mass at least one more time a week. (Most Church parishes celebrate Mass every day of the year!) Second Precept: “You shall confess your sins at least once a year.” Strive: Go to confession at least once a month, and immediately after falling to mortal sin. Also, find a regular confessor so he can give you better guidance. Third Precept: “You shall humbly receive your Creator in Holy Communion at least during the Easter season.” Strive: Receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist at every Mass if you meet the guidelines for reception (are free from mortal sin, etc.). Fourth Precept: “You shall observe the prescribed days of fasting and abstinence.” Strive: Make a habit of practicing penitential and charitable acts beyond those required by the precepts of the Catholic Church. Try to abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the year, for example. Fifth Precept: “You shall provide for the material needs of the Church.” Strive: Contribute as much as possible to the material needs of the Church. Consider working toward biblical tithing: 10% of your gross income. (Excerpt from Church Militant Field Manual). PRAY A ROSARY Choose either: Rosary of the Day: Sorrowful Mysteries Traditional 54 Day Rotation: Sorrowful Mysteries PRAYERS FOR TRADITIONAL 54 DAY NOVENA THE SORROWFUL MYSTERIES OF THE HOLY ROSARY Prayer before the recitation: Sign of the cross. Hail Mary. In petition (first 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I humbly kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses, blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness, each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery, each 10 bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my petition; from thy bounty thou wilt give me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly seek. I despair of nothing that I ask of thee. Show thyself my Mother! In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Hail, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, my Mother Mary, hail! At thy feet I gratefully kneel to offer thee a Crown of Roses blood red roses to remind thee of the passion of thy divine Son, with Whom thou didst so fully partake of its bitterness each rose recalling to thee a holy mystery; each ten bound together with my petition for a particular grace. O Holy Queen, dispenser of God’s graces, and Mother of all who invoke thee! Thou canst not look upon my gift and fail to see its binding. As thou receivest my gift, so wilt thou receive my thanksgiving; from thy bounty thou hast given me the favor I so earnestly and trustingly sought. I despaired not of what I asked of thee, and thou hast truly shown thyself my Mother. Say: The Apostles’ Creed, Our Father, 3 Hail Marys, Glory Be. The Agony in the Garden – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of resignation to the will of God and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Scourging at the Pillar – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of mortification and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crowning with Thorns – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of humility and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Carrying of the Cross – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of patience in adversity and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. The Crucifixion – Our Father, 10 Hail Marys, Glory Be. Concluding Prayer: I bind these blood red roses with a petition for the virtue of love of our enemies and humbly lay this bouquet at thy feet. Say: The Hail Holy Queen. In petition (first 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this spiritual communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow. O my Mother! Look with favor upon my gift, and in thy love obtain for me (specify request). Hail Mary … In thanksgiving (last 27 days): Sweet Mother Mary, I offer thee this Spiritual Communion to bind my bouquets in a wreath to place upon thy brow in thanksgiving for (specify request) which thou in thy love hast obtained for me. Hail, Mary, etc. Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form: HERE Order 54 Day Novena Prayers and Reflections in Book Form (bundle of 20): HERE Order Combat Rosary: HERE Order Scapular Medal: HERE *All sales support Catholic causes
06 Oct Amazing Victory Today, in God’s Amazing Timing! Richard Heilman Comments are off There’s no doubt that faithful spiritual warriors have remained diligent in marching and praying out in front of Planned Parenthood for all these years since Roe v. Wade in 1973. But, the call for spiritual warfare was ramped up in a momentous way in 2012. No longer a “grass roots” effort, as the bishops rose up, in consensus, to call the faithful to be united a very special prayer campaign. As you may recall, the Obama Administration mandated, in August of 2011, that all employers cover birth control, allowing only a very narrow religious exception for a certain select group of conscientious objectors. This was so narrow a religious exception that even nuns didn’t qualify. For the bishops, this was a “last straw.” This was when the call went out for a “Fortnight for Freedom.” The Fortnight for Freedom is a campaign initiated by the Roman Catholic bishops of the United States. Events over the course of fourteen days from June 21 to July 4 each year, call upon Catholics to participate in a pledge to religious liberty and an appeal for the inclusion of a “conscience clause” for religious institutions and religious faithful to practice according to the moral tenets of one’s religious faith. More than 70 of the 195 dioceses in the U.S. scheduled events. The “Fortnight for Freedom” campaign began on June 21, 2012 with a Mass at the Baltimore Basilica, chosen because Baltimore is the oldest diocese in the United States. It ended with a Mass held at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. (pictured in this article), on July 4, 2012, the Independence Day holiday. I, actually, got a team together and we started with the scheduled Fortnight for Freedom, but then asked the faithful to join together in front our State Capitol in Madison, WI every Thursday evening for three Summers in a row. Over 200 would gather every Thursday night. It would be in that third Summer that the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby. Victory! Since 2014, we have galvanized faithful prayer warriors to join in several prayer campaigns that, mostly, revolve around the extremely powerful 54 Day Rosary Novena. In 2016, we formed a team and began planning for “Novena for Our Nation.” This was held from August 15 (Feast of Our Lady of the Assumption) to October 7 (Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary). Over 20,000 prayer warriors joined ranks from around the country. The Novena for Our Nation campaign concluded with a “National Rosary Rally” in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC. Many miracles occurred during this campaign, but avoiding more of the radical secular agenda in the 2016 Presidential election was certainly an answer to our prayers, many believed. We decided to continue this campaign in 2017, especially as we are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the apparitions of Our Lady in Fatima, Portugal. The ranks of our Prayer Warriors rose to over 50,000! Many of us have traveled to Washington DC today to get ready for this year’s National Rosary Rally tomorrow, October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (Originally named “Our Lady of Victory” by Pope St. Pius V, after a miraculous sea battle victory in 1571 at Lepanto, which he attributed to the rosary). So, here’s the “amazing part.” As we are arrived in our nation’s Capital, in the shadow of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception (pictured in this article), where the Fortnight for Freedom was inaugurated, we learned that President Trump had overturned the Obama Contraceptive mandate. That’s the right … on the very eve of the National Rosary Rally on the Feast of Our Lady of Victory … victory is, indeed, granted to us by God, through the powerful intercession of Our Lady. What began in Washington DC in 2012 has concluded in Washington DC in 2017, the year in which we celebrate the centennial of Our Lady of Fatima. WOW!! This is “one” battle won. Many battles lie ahead. So, let’s advance with the “belief” that God is, indeed, the God of miracles!
