Seasonal Devotions
for the Month of October
Month of the Holy Rosary and the Angels
(This page is very lengthy, so you may wish to cut and paste the individual novenas as you need them.)
Daily Rosary Prayers in October
The following prayers are recited daily with the Rosary during the Month of October, which is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. On the Feast of the Holy Rosary (Oct. 7) the complete set of prayers are prayed in order, interspersed throughout the entire fifteen decades of the Rosary. However, the faithful are urged to recite the entire fifteen decades every day of the month of October.
V. O God, make speed to save me.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father... Opening prayers of the Rosary
Prayer for Mondays & Thursdays before the Joyful Mysteries
O Queen of the Holy Rosary, dear Lady of Fatima, the very thought that so many have been blessed only because they had recourse to thee with confidence, inspires us with fresh hope and courage to call upon thee to come to our assistance. Thou didst once promise Saint Dominic that whosoever desired the grace of God should obtain it by means of thy Rosary: now we, with Rosary in hand, call upon thee, our Mother, to keep thy maternal promises. Nay, thou thyself in these our times dost work never-ceasing wonders to call thy children to honor thee in thy shrines of Pompeii, Alttting, and Fatima. Be thou pleased, therefore, to wipe away our tears and assuage our sorrows! With our heart upon our lips and with lively faith, we call upon thee and invoke thee: our Mother, dearest Mother, Mother fairest, Mother gentlest, help us! Mother and Queen of the holy Rosary, delay not to stretch forth thy mighty hand to save us, for delay, as thou seest, will bring us down to ruin.
Prayer for Tuesdays before the Sorrowful Mysteries
O blessed Rosary of Mary, sweet chain that binds us to God, bond of love that makes us one with the Angels, tower of salvation amid the attacks of Hell, safe harbor in the universal shipwreck, we shall never forget thee. Thou shalt be our consolation in the hour of death's agony, thine shall be the last kiss of our ebbing life. The last whisper of our dying lips shall be thy sweet name, O Queen of the Holy Rosary, our dearest Mother, only refuge of sinners, sovereign comforter of the sorrowful. Be thou everywhere blessed, now and forever, on earth and in Heaven. Amen.
Prayer for Fridays before the Sorrowful Mysteries
Humbly bending at the foot of thy throne, O great and glorious Lady, our souls venerate thee in the midst of the groans and anguish that oppress us beyond measure. In spite of the trials and tribulations wherewith we are encompassed, we raise our eyes with confidence to thee who hast deigned to choose for thy earthly habitation the fields of poor and forsaken country folk. And there, facing the city and amphitheater devoted to worldly pleasures, where now reign silence and ruin, thou, as the Queen of Victories, hast lifted up thy mighty voice to summon from every quarter of the Catholic world, thy devoted children to build thee a shrine in thine honor. Ah, be thou moved to pity for these souls of ours, which lie trampled in the mire. Have mercy on us, dear Lady, have mercy on us, for we are filled beyond measure with misery and humiliation. Thou who art the Help of Christians, draw us from the tribulations wherein we are miserably entangled. Thou who art our life, triumph over the death which threatens our souls in these dangers to which we find ourselves exposed; give us peace again, tranquility, love and salvation.
Wednesdays & Saturdays before the Glorious Mysteries
O Virgin Immaculate and Queen of the Rosary, in these days of dead faith and triumphant impiety, thou hast been pleased to set up thy throne as Queen and Mother, upon the ancient site of Pompeii, the dwelling place of pagans long since dead. And from the place where once men worshiped false gods and demons, thou, as Mother of Divine grace, dost in these our times scatter everywhere the treasures of heavenly mercies. Ah, from that throne where thou reignest as Queen of mercy, turn, dear Mother upon us also thine eyes of mercy, and have pity on us who have such great need of thy assistance. Show thyself to us, as to so many others, a true Mother of mercy: "Show thyself a Mother"; while with all our hearts we salute thee and call upon thee as our Sovereign and Queen of the Most holy Rosary.
Prayer for Sundays before the Glorious Mysteries
O Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, to whom else can we have recourse, if not to thee, who art the solace of the wretched, the comfort of the desolate, the consolation of the afflicted? We confess it to thee, our souls are exceeding sorrowful, weighed down as they are by countless sins; we deserve the fire of Hell, we are unworthy to receive thy favors. But art not thou the hope of the hopeless, the great Mediatrix between man and God, our powerful advocate at the throne of the most High, and the refuge of sinners? Ah, do thou only say the word in our behalf to thy Divine Son, and He will hear and answer thee. Ask Him, then, O Mother, for this favor, of which we stand so much in need...(silent pause) Thou alone canst obtain it for us; thou art our only hope, our consolation, our sweetness, our whole life. Such is our hope. Amen. (Memorare)
Ending Prayer (after the last decade)
O Virgin and Queen of the Holy Rosary, thou art the Daughter of our heavenly Father, the Mother of God the Son, and the Bride of the Holy Ghost with His sevenfold gifts. Thou canst obtain all things from the ever-blessed Trinity; therefore obtain for us this favor which is so urgent for us, provided that it be no obstacle to our eternal salvation (silent pause); we ask it of thee through thy Immaculate Conception, thy Divine Motherhood, thy joys, thy sorrows and thy triumphs; we ask it of thee through the Heart of thy dear Jesus, and the nine months wherein thou didst carry Him in thy bosom, the hardships of His life, His bitter passion, His death on the Cross, His most Holy Name, the shedding of His Precious Blood; finally, we ask it of thee through thine own most sweet heart and thy glorious name, O Mary, thou who art the Star of the Sea, our mighty mistress, the sea of sorrow, the Gate of Heaven, and the Mother of every grace. In thee we put our trust; from thee we hope for all things. It is thy task to save us. Amen.
V. Make me worthy to praise thee, O sacred Virgin;
R. Give me strength against thine enemies.
V. Pray for us, O Queen of the most Holy Rosary,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
In honor of St. Dominic; Glory be to the Father...
In honor of St. Catherine of Sienna; Glory be...
In honor of St. Vincent Ferrer; Glory be...
Litany of Loreto, Closing Prayers of the Rosary, and Hymn to Our Lady
Hymn to the Queen of the Holy Rosary
Queen of the Holy Rosary, O bless us as we pray,
And offer thee our roses in garlands day by day.
While from our Father's garden, with loving hearts and bold,
We gather to thine honor buds white and red and gold.
O Queen of the Holy Rosary! Each mystery blends with thine,
The sacred life of Jesus in every step Divine.
Thy soul was His fair garden, thy virgin breast His throne,
Thy thoughts His faithful mirror reflecting Him alone.
Sweet Lady of the Rosary, white roses let us bring,
And lay them 'round thy footstool before our Infant King.
For nestling in thy bosom God's Son was fain to be,
The Child of thy obedience and spotless purity.
Daily October Novena to Our Lady of Fatima
(Feast: October 13)
Dear Queen of the Holy Rosary, we commend to Thy Immaculate Heart during this novena in honor of Thy apparitions at Fatima:
all of those intentions which have been placed on Thy altar and which have been commended to our prayers;
that Thou and Thy Divine Son wouldst bless and protect our Community: our Bishop, Priests, and Clerics, Oblate Brothers and Sisters, Seminarians, Third Order lay families and their children, our Fatima Crusaders and benefactors -- against the attacks of all our enemies, visible and invisible; preserve us from all division, dissension and disunity; and make us all to grow in humility, fervor and love of God and one another;
that Thou wouldst grant us many pious, humble and obedient vocations to our Religious Community;
that Thou wouldst shower forth the graces of Thy Immaculate Heart upon our Seminary, our Convent, our schools, our Center and all our worthy undertakings;
that Thou wouldst grant the perseverance, sanctification, and growth of our Oblate Community and all of our Fatima Cells, and convert many souls through the missions of our Apostolate.
Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, our Mother! To thee do we come, before we pray, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer them. Amen.
Prayer to Our Lady of Fatima
Dearest Mother, Queen of the Holy Rosary, who came to Fatima to reveal to all mankind the Divine plan for true Christian peace, of prayer, penance, and consecration, grant an abundance of grace, strength, and guidance to the members of Thy Fatima Crusade, here present and throughout the world. Inspire us to great zeal, oh great Mediatrix of all graces, that we may be effective instruments in spreading devotion to Thy Rosary; that we may be faithful in wearing Thy scapular; that we may inspire our brothers in Christ to a life of sacrifice, penance, and modesty, and finally, that we may help to bring about that wonderful day when all men, through consecration to Thy Immaculate Heart, shall be one in Christ. Amen.
Litany of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Immaculate Heart of Mary -- Pray for our dear country.
I.H.M. -- Sanctify our clergy.
I.H.M. -- Make our Catholics more fervent.
I.H.M. -- Guide and inspire those who govern us.
I.H.M. -- Cure the sick who confide in thee.
I.H.M. -- Console the sorrowful who trust in thee.
I.H.M. -- Help those who invoke thine aid.
I.H.M. -- Deliver us from all dangers.
I.H.M. -- Help us to resist temptations.
I.H.M. -- Obtain for us all we lovingly ask of thee.
I.H.M. -- Make our family and religious life holy.
I.H.M. -- Help those who are dear to us.
I.H.M. -- Bless the work of our Fatima apostolate.
I.H.M. -- Bring back to the right road our erring brothers.
I.H.M. -- Give us back our ancient fervor.
I.H.M. -- Obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses.
I.H.M. -- Bring all men to the feet of thy Divine Child.
I.H.M. -- Obtain peace for the world.
Let us pray:
O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in Thy most holy Mother, whom we invoke under the title of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and grant us by Her most powerful intercession all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Act of Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Most Holy Virgin, and our beloved Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of thy Immaculate Heart, surrounded with thorns which ungrateful men place therein at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. Moved by the ardent desire of loving thee as our Mother and of promoting true devotion to thy Immaculate Heart, we prostrate ourselves at thy feet to prove the sorrow we feel for the grief that men cause thee and to atone by means of our prayers and sacrifices for the offenses with which men return thy tender love. Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. A word from thee will obtain grace and forgiveness for us all. Hasten O Lady, the conversion of sinners, that they may love Jesus and cease to offend God, already so much offended, and thus avoid eternal punishment. Turn thine eyes of mercy toward us so that henceforth we may love God with all our hearts while on earth and enjoy Him forever in Heaven. Amen.
HYMN: DEAR LADY OF FATIMA
Dear Lady of Fatima, we come of bended knee,
To beg your intercession, for peace and unity.
Dear Mary, won't you show us, the right and shining way,
We pledge our love and offer you a Rosary each day.
You promised at Fatima, each time that you appeared,
To help us if we pray to you, to banish war and fear.
Dear Lady, on First Saturdays, we ask your guiding hand,
For grace and guidance here on earth, and protection for our land.
or
THE FATIMA AVE
In Fatima's Cove on the 13th of May,
The Virgin Maria appeared at midday.
Chorus:
Ave, ave, ave Maria! Ave, ave, ave Maria!
To three shepherd children the Virgin then spoke
A message so hopeful of peace for all folk.
With sweet Mother's pleading she asks us to pray,
Do penance, be modest, the Rosary each day.
Devotions to Saint Therese, the Little Flower
Feast: October 3rd
O glorious Saint Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to assist souls in need, we implore thy miraculous intercession. So powerful art thou in obtaining every need of body and soul that Holy Mother Church proclaims thee a "Prodigy of Miracles." We now fervently beseech thee to hear and answer our petitions, as they are in accord with God's holy Will, and to carry out thy promise of "spending Heaven doing good upon earth", "of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses." Amen. (offer your intentions)
NOVENA ROSE PRAYER
O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, please pick for me a rose from the heavenly gardens and sent it to me as a message of God's love.
O Little Flower of Jesus, ask God today to grant the favors I now place with confidence in thy hands, as they are in accord with His holy Will. (mention specific requests)
St. Therese, help me to always believe as thou didst, in God's great love for me, so that I might imitate thy "Little Way," thy spirit of humility, faith, confidence, and self denial, each day. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. THERESE, PATRONESS OF THE MISSIONS
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus, thou who has been rightly proclaimed the patroness of missions throughout the world, remember the burning desire which thou didst manifest here on earth to plant the Cross of Christ on every shore and to preach the Gospel even to the consummation of the world; we implore thee, according to thy promise, to assist all true Catholic priests and missionaries and the whole Church of God. Amen.
Devotions to St. Francis of Assisi
Feast: October 4th
Litany of Saint Francis
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Holy Mary, Patroness of our Congregation,
St. Francis, founder of the Seraphic Order,
St. Francis, amiable father,
St. Francis, admirable father,
St. Francis, benevolent father,
St. Francis, venerable father,
St. Francis, sure guide of thy children,
St. Francis, standard bearer of Jesus Christ,
St. Francis, soldier of the Cross,
St. Francis, faithful imitator of the Son of God,
St. Francis, Seraph full of love,
St. Francis, furnace of love,
St. Francis, ark of sanctity,
St. Francis, vessel of purity,
St. Francis, model of perfection,
St. Francis, spouse of holy poverty,
St. Francis, mirror of chastity,
St. Francis, true model of penance,
St. Francis, example of humility,
St. Francis, master of obedience,
St. Francis, angel of meekness,
St. Francis, example of every virtue,
St. Francis, patriarch of the poor,
St. Francis, lover of peace,
St. Francis, hater of the world,
St. Francis, extirpator of vice,
St. Francis, bright light of thy country,
St. Francis, conqueror of demons,
St. Francis, zealous for the salvation of souls,
St. Francis, light of the blind,
St. Francis, physician of the sick,
St. Francis, herald of the King of Kings,
St. Francis, light of the nations,
St. Francis, martyr by desire,
St. Francis, lover of the cross,
St. Francis, apostle of the infidels,
St. Francis, propagator of the Faith,
St. Francis, pillar of the Church,
St. Francis, Abraham of the New Law by thy numerous posterity,
St. Francis, who hast received the Stigmata of Jesus,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Saint Francis,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, Who by multiplying the children of Saint Francis, dost give new glory to Thy Church; grant that, following his example, we may despise the honors and riches of this world, and obtain those of a blessed eternity. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Francis
O Seraphic Father, St. Francis, I revere in thee the living image of Christ Crucified. Born like Him in a stable, thou didst contemn a world which rejected thee. Poor like Him, thou didst esteem no possessions but those which are eternal; meek and humble like Him, thou didst count confusion and humiliation a joy; inflamed with an ardent charity, thou didst burn to increase His glory; Thy love transformed thy life into one long martyrdom, and made thee strive by penitential works to satisfy the ardor of thy desires, until at last it impressed on thy body the wounds it had long before engraved deeply on thy heart and made thee a living crucifix, preaching sweetly to men the sufferings and love of Jesus. Obtain for me, oh holy saint, that I too may banish from my heart the spirit of the world, that I may esteem poverty and humiliations above wealth and honors, that I may mortify my passions and advance daily in the knowledge and love of God, until at last, detached from my self, from the world, and from all creatures, I may live for God alone, and like thee, may say with my whole heart, My God and my All; my inheritance and my joy, in time and in eternity. Amen.
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; and
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved, as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
Commemoration of the Stigmata of St. Francis
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who when the world was growing cold, didst, in order to renew in our hearts the flame of love, imprint the marks of Thy suffering on the body of our blessed father Francis, mercifully grant, that upon his merits and prayers we may persevere in bearing the cross, and bring forth worthy fruits of penance. Who livest and reignest forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
HYMN
Blessed Francis, Holy Father, now our hearts to thee we raise
As we gather round thine altar pouring forth our hymns of praise.
Bless thy children holy Francis, who thy mighty help implore,
For in Heaven thou remainest still the Father of the Poor.
By thy love so deep and burning for thy Savior Crucified;
By the tokens which He gave thee on thy hands and feet and side:
Bless thy children, holy Francis, with those wounded hands of thine,
From thy glorious throne in Heaven where resplendently they shine.
Humble follower of Jesus, likened to Him in thy birth,
In thy way through life despising for His sake, the goods of earth.
Make us love the priceless virtue by our Hidden God esteemed,
Make it valued, Holy Francis, by the souls of the redeemed.
Teach us also, dear Saint Francis, how to mourn for every sin;
May we walk in thy dear footsteps till the crown of life we win.
Bless thy children, holy Francis, with those wounded hands of thine,
From thy glorious throne in Heaven where resplendently they shine.
Daily October Novena to the Holy Angels
(Choose a selection of the following prayers for daily recitation.)
O all ye holy Angels, who contemplate unceasingly the uncreated Beauty of the Divinity, in company with our ever-glorious Queen, we present and offer to thee this novena, not only as a means of obtaining favors, but also as a reparation for our past ingratitude, and that of all men. Deign to accept our humble prayers, O amiable Spirits, in union with the love and devotion of such saints as were especially devout to thee and obtain for us the grace to spend this life fervently, that it may be the commencement of that blessed life which we hope to live forever with thee in Heaven. Amen.
(here specify your intentions)
Let us pray:
O God, who with wonderful order hast regulated the functions of Angels and men, grant that those who always assist before Thy throne in Heaven may defend our lives here on earth, through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
HYMN
Praise we those ministers celestial, whom the dread Father chose,
To be the guardians of our nature frail against our scheming foes.
For since that from his glory in the skies the apostate angel fell,
Burning with envy, evermore he tries to drown our souls in Hell.
Then, hither, watchful Spirit, bend thy wing, our country's guardian blest!
Avert her threatening ills, expel each thing that hindereth her rest.
Praise to the glorious Trinity, whose strength this mighty fabric sways,
Whose glory spreads beyond the utmost length of everlasting days. Amen.
PRAYER TO ALL THE GUARDIAN ANGELS
O pure and happy spirits whom the Almighty selected to become the Angels and Guardians of men! I most humbly kneel before you, to thank thee for the charity and zeal with which thou execute this commission. Alas! how many pass a long life without ever thanking that invisible friend to whom they owe a thousand times its preservation!
O charitable Guardians of those souls for whom Christ died! Resplendent Spirits, who cannot avoid loving those whom Jesus eternally loved, permit me to address thee on behalf of all those committed to thy care, and to implore for them all in general a grateful sense of thy many favors, and also the grace to profit by thy charitable assistance.
O Angel of those happy infants, who as yet "are without spot before God", I earnestly conjure thee to preserve their innocence.
O Angels of youth, conduct them, exposed to so many dangers, safely to the bosom of God, as Tobias was conducted back to his father.
O Angels of those who employ themselves in the instruction of youth, animate them with thy zeal and love, teach them to emulate thy purity and incessant view of God, that they may worthily and successfully co-operate with the invisible Guardians of their young charges.
O Angels of the clergy "who have the eternal Gospel to preach to all nations" present their words, their actions and their intentions to God, and purify them in that fire of love with which thou art consumed.
O Angels of the missionaries who have left their native land and all who were dear to them in order to preach the Gospel in foreign fields, protect them from the physical dangers which threaten them, and especially from the defilement of the corrupting spirit of the world; console them in their hours of depression and solitude and lead them to those souls who are in danger of dying without Baptism.
O Angels of infidels and pagans whom the True Faith has never enlightened, intercede for them that they may at least open their hearts to the rays of grace, respond to the message delivered by God's missionaries, and acknowledge and adore the one true God.
O Angels of all who travel by air, land or water, be their guides and companions, protect them from all dangers of collision, of fire and explosion, and lead them safely to their destination.
O Guardian Angels of sinners, charitable guides of those unhappy mortals whose perseverance in sin would embitter even thy unutterable joy, if thou were not established in the peace of God, oh, join me, I ardently beseech thee, in imploring their lasting conversion.
And thou, O Guardian Angels of the sick, I entreat thee especially to help, console and implore the spirit of joy for all those who are deprived of health. Intercede for them that they may not succumb to despondency or lose by impatience the merits they can gain in carrying with resignation and joy the cross which Jesus Christ has laid upon them as a special token of His love.
O Angels of those who at this moment struggle in the agonies of death, strengthen, encourage and defend them against the attacks of the infernal enemy.
O faithful Guides, holy Spirits, Adorers of the Divinity! Guardian Angels of all creatures! Protect us all, teach us to love, to pray, to combat on earth, so that one day we may reach heaven and there be happy for all eternity! Amen.
HYMN
Ruler of the dread immense! Maker of this mighty frame!
Whose eternal providence guides it, as from thee it came.
Low before Thy throne we bend; hear our supplicating cries;
And Thy light celestial send with the freshly dawning skies.
King of kings, and Lord most high! This of Thy dear love we pray:
May Thy Guardian Angel nigh, keep us from all sin this day.
May he crush the deadly wiles of the envious Serpent's art,
Ever spreading cunning toils round about the thoughtless heart.
May he scatter ruthless war ere to this our land it comes;
Plague and famine drive away, fix securely peace at home.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One eternal Trinity!
Guard by Thy Angelic host us who put our trust in Thee. Amen.
LITANY OF THE HOLY ANGEL GUARDIAN
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels,
Holy Angel, my guardian,
Holy Angel, my prince,
Holy Angel, my monitor,
Holy Angel, my counselor,
Holy Angel, my defender,
Holy Angel, my steward,
Holy Angel, my friend,
Holy Angel, my negotiator,
Holy Angel, my intercessor,
Holy Angel, my patron,
Holy Angel, my director,
Holy Angel, my ruler,
Holy Angel, my protector,
Holy Angel, my comforter,
Holy Angel, my brother,
Holy Angel, my teacher,
Holy Angel, my shepherd,
Holy Angel, my witness,
Holy Angel, my helper,
Holy Angel, my watcher,
Holy Angel, my conductor,
Holy Angel, my preserver,
Holy Angel, my instructor,
Holy Angel, my enlightener,
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, O holy Angel Guardian,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Almighty, everlasting God, who in the counsel of Thy ineffable goodness hast appointed to all the faithful, from their mother's womb, a special Angel Guardian of their body and soul; grant that I may so love and honor him whom Thou has so mercifully given me, that, protected by the bounty of Thy grace and by his assistance, I may merit to behold, with him and all the Angelic hosts, the glory of Thy countenance in the heavenly kingdom, Who livest and reignest, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
MEMORARE TO OUR ANGEL GUARDIAN
Remember O holy Angel, thou whom Jesus, the eternal Truth, assures us dost "rejoice more at the conversion of one sinner than at the perseverance of many just." Encouraged thereby, I, the least of creatures, humbly entreat thee to receive me as your child, and to make me unto thee a cause of true joy. Do not, O blessed Spirit, reject my petition, but graciously hear and grant it. Amen.
PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL
O Angel! who by God's goodness has charge over me, who assists me in my necessities, who consoles me in my troubles, who obtains for me continually new favors, I thank you most sincerely. Gentle Guardian, continue thy charitable care; defend me against my enemies, put away from me all occasions of sin, make me obedient to thy inspirations and faithful to follow them, especially in my present difficulty (here mention your request). In the presence of Jesus Christ and the whole court of Heaven, I choose thee for my protector, my defender, my guide and my advocate. I beg thee to govern my whole life: my memory, understanding, will, inclinations, and desires. O Holy Angel, I love thee, and wish to love thee always. A thousand times I bless the Lord for the heavenly gifts with which He has adorned thee, for the graces with which He has sanctified thee, and for the glory with which He has crowned thee. Guard and guide me now and at the hour of my death. Never leave me unprotected until thou hast brought me safe to Heaven. Amen.
O my dear Angel Guardian,
preserve me from the misfortune of ever offending God!
ANOTHER PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGEL
O Angel of God, my blessed protector, to whose care I have been committed by my Creator from the moment of my birth, unite with me in thanking the Almighty for having given me a friend, an instructor, an advocate, and a guardian in thee. Accept, O most charitable guide, my fervent thanksgiving for all thou hast done for me; particularly for the charity with which thou didst undertake to accompany me through life; for the joy with which thou wast filled when I was purified in the waters of Baptism; and for thy anxious solicitude in watching over the treasure of my innocence. Thou knowest the numberless graces and favors which my Creator has bestowed on me through thee, and the many dangers, both spiritual and temporal, from which thou hast preserved me. Thou knowest how often thou didst deplore my sins, animate me to repentance, and intercede with God for my pardon. Ah! why have I so little merited a continuance of thy zealous efforts for my salvation? Why have I so often stained my soul by sin, and thereby rendered myself unworthy of the presence and protection of an Angel, of so pure a spirit as thou art, who hast never sinned? But as my ingratitude and thoughtlessness have not lessened thy charitable interest for my salvation, so neither shall they diminish my confidence in thy goodness, nor prevent me from abandoning myself to thy care, since God Himself has entrusted thee with the charge of my soul. Penetrated with sorrow for the little progress I have made in virtue, though blessed with such a Master, and sincerely determined to correspond in future with thy exertions for my salvation, I most earnestly entreat thee, O protecting spirit, to continue thy zealous efforts for my eternal interest; to fortify my weakness, to shield me from innumerable dangers of the world and to obtain by thy powerful prayers that my life may rather be shortened, than that I should live to commit a mortal sin. Remember, O most happy spirit, that it was one act of profound humility, and one transport of ardent love for thy Creator, that caused God to establish thee forever in glory; obtain that those virtues may be implanted in my soul, and that I may seriously endeavor to acquire docility, obedience, gentleness and purity of heart. Conduct me safely through this world of sin and misery; watch over me at the awful hour of my death; perform for my soul the last charitable office of thy mission, by strengthening, encouraging, and supporting me in the agonies of dissolution, and then, as the angel Raphael conducted Tobias safely to his father, do thou, my good Angel and blessed guide, return with me to Him Who sent thee, that we may mutually bless Him, and publish His wonderful works for a happy eternity. Amen.
TO OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL (by Saint Gertrude)
O most holy Angel of God, appointed by Him to be my guardian, I give thee thanks for all the benefits which thou hast ever bestowed on me in body and in soul. I praise and glorify thee that thou didst condescend to assist me with such patient fidelity, and to defend me against all the assaults of my enemies. Blessed be the hour in which thou wast assigned me for my guardian, my defender, and my patron. In acknowledgment and return of all thy loving ministries to me from my youth up, I offer thee the infinitely precious and noble Heart of Jesus, and firmly purpose to obey thee henceforward, and most faithfully to serve my God. Amen.
RECOMMENDATION TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL FOR A HAPPY HOUR OF DEATH (by Saint Charles Borromeo
My good Angel: I know not when or how I shall die. It is possible I may be carried off suddenly, and that before my last sigh I may be deprived of all intelligence. Yet how many things I would wish to say to God on the threshold of eternity. In the full freedom of my will today, I come to charge thee to speak for me at that fearful moment. Thou wilt say to Him, then, O my good Angel:
That I wish to die in the true One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church in which all the saints since Jesus Christ have died, and out of which there is no salvation.
That I ask the grace of sharing in the infinite merits of my Redeemer and that I desire to die in pressing to my lips the Cross that was bathed in His Blood!
That I detest all of my sins because they displease Him, and that I pardon through love of Him all my enemies as I wish myself to be pardoned.
That I die willingly because He orders it and that I throw myself with confidence into His adorable Heart awaiting all His Mercy.
That in my inexpressible desire to go to Heaven, I am disposed to suffer everything it may please His sovereign Justice to inflict on me.
That I love Him before all things, above all things and for His own sake; that I wish and hope to love Him with the Elect, His Angels and the Blessed Mother during all Eternity.
Do not refuse, O my Angel, to be my interpreter with God, and to protest to Him that these are my sentiments and my will. Amen.
HYMN
Dear Angel! ever at my side,
How loving must thou be
To leave thy home in Heaven to guide
A little child like me.
Thy beautiful and shining face
I see not though so near;
The sweetness of thy soft low voice
Too deaf am I to hear.
But when, dear Spirit, I kneel down,
Both morn and night to prayer,
Something there is within my heart,
Which tells me thou art there.
Oh! when I pray thou prayest too,
Thy prayer is all for me;
But when I sleep, thou sleepest not,
But watchest patiently.
Then for my sake, dear Angel! now
More humble will I be:
But I am weak and when I fall,
Oh, weary not of me.
Then love me, love me, Angel dear!
And I will love thee more;
And help me when my soul is cast
Upon the eternal shore.
Feast of the Holy Rosary
Novena, Sept. 28-Oct. 6; Feast, Oct. 7
This Feast was instituted to commemorate the victory of Christianity over the forces of Islam at the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The victory was brought about through the devout recitation of the Holy Rosary. In thanksgiving for another victory over the same foes in Hungary in 1715, the Feast was extended to the whole Church. In the course of centuries the Rosary has been a source of abundant blessings. In her apparitions at Lourdes, France, in 1858, and again at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917, the Blessed Virgin Mary urged Catholics to pray the Rosary frequently in order to bring about the conversion of sinners and a lasting world peace. Let us resolve to say our Rosary every day! Besides being a beautiful tribute of love to our Heavenly Mother, it will be our support and joy in life and our consolation at the hour of death.
"Who is she that cometh forth like the sun, and as lovely as Jerusalem? Around Her, as in springtime, were roses and lilies of the valley." (Cant.)
Let us devoutly celebrate the glorious feast of the Holy Rosary of the Virgin Mary, that she may intercede for us with Jesus Christ our Lord! Glory be to the Father…
O powerful Virgin, Thou art like the Tower of David! Thou art most beautiful and amiable, O Daughter of Sion; lovely as the moon, brilliant as the sun, awe inspiring as an army set in array (Cant. vi. 3). The Lord gave Thee His own power, for through Thee He completely overcame our enemies. Hail Mary…
O Virgin Mary, most noble Queen of the world, plead for peace and salvation in our behalf, for Thou didst bring forth Christ the Lord, Savior of us all. Hail Mary…
O blessed Mother and spotless Virgin, glorious Queen of the world, may all who celebrate the solemnity of the most holy Rosary feel Thy help! Hail Mary…
Mary speaks:
"I have budded forth as the rose planted by the brooks of water." (Ecclus. 39:17)
Let us Pray:
May we be helped, O Lord, we beseech Thee, by the prayers of Thy most holy Mother, whose Rosary we are honoring, that we may draw strength from the mysteries which we reverence and obtain the effect of the sacrament which we have received; Who livest and reignest forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
HYMN
Exulting with exceeding joy, or pierced with sorrow's wound,
O Virgin-Mother, thee we sing, in glory clothed around.
Conception, Visitation, Birth, the Off'ring of Thy Child,
The Finding--these Thy joys we hail, O Virgin-Mother mild.
Hail, in Thy share of agony--stripes, thorny crown, yea, most
When 'neath the Cross Thou dauntless stoodst, O Queen of martyrs' host!
Then in the triumph of Thy Son--the fire of the Paraclete--
O Queen, refulgent in His light, we hail Thy crown complete.
Oh, come, ye nations, gather here these mystic roses fair;
And weave a garland for the Queen of love beyond compare.
O Jesu, born of Virgin bright, all glory be to Thee,
With Father and with Paraclete through all eternity. Amen.
V. Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray:
O God, whose Only-begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection obtained for us the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beg Thee that meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Divine Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Novena: Oct. 2-10; Feast, Oct. 11
From all eternity God thought of the Virgin of Nazareth as the future Mother of His Son. At the Annunciation, the Blessed Virgin Mary became the Mother of God. This is her most exalted title, the source of all Her other privileges. On Calvary Christ gave His Mother to all men to be their spiritual Mother, so that through Her they might come to God as through Her He came to them. Let us love her because she is our very own. How can we fail to love Her whom Jesus loved so tenderly?
"Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a Son; and thou shalt call His name Jesus. He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Most High." (Luke 1:31)
Let us celebrate the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary! Let us adore her Son, Christ the Lord! Glory be…
Blessed and worthy of veneration art Thou, O Virgin Mary, who, while remaining a Virgin, didst become the Mother of the Savior! When He who rules heaven and earth became man, He dwelt within Thy womb. Hail Mary…
O Virgin Mother of God, Thy Motherhood announced joy to the whole world, for from Thee arose the Sun of Justice, Christ our God. Thou gavest birth to Him who created Thee and still remainest a Virgin. Holy Mary, Virgin Mother of God, intercede for us! Hail Mary…
The Lord blessed Thee, O Daughter for from Thee we have received the Fruit of Life. Thou alone without am equal, hast pleased our Lord Jesus Christ. Despise not our prayers in our needs, and deliver us from all dangers, O holy Mother of God! Hail Mary…
HYMN
To Thee, sweet Mother of our God,
We raise our voice in suppliant prayer;
Preserve us from the devil's wiles,
And let us rest beneath Thy care!
'Twas for a ruined nation's sake
Which Adam's guilt was made to share,
That God, our King, to Thee did give
A Mother's dignity so fair.
With us of Adam's fallen race,
O, may Thy favor e'er abide!
Through Thee our guilt has been effaced,
Avenging anger laid aside.
O Jesus, Son of Virgin mild,
Unending glory be to Thee!
Praise to the Father infinite,
and Holy Ghost eternally. Amen.
V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray:
O God, Who by the fruitful virginity of the Blessed Virgin Mary hast given to mankind the rewards of eternal salvation, grant, we beg Thee, that we may feel Her intercession for us, by whom we received the Author of Life, our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son. Who with Thee and the Holy Ghost, lives and reigns forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Our Lady of El Pilar
Our Lady of the Pillar, Saragossa, Spain
All the solicitude of our great Mother and Lady was centered upon the increase and spread of the Holy Catholic Church, the consolation of the Apostles, disciples and the other faithful, and in defending them from the persecution and assaults prepared by the infernal dragon and his hosts. Before Our Blessed Lady departed from Jerusalem to take up her abode in Ephesus, She ordered and arranged many things, both by herself and her holy Angels, to provide for the needs of the Church in Her absence. The most effectual service She could render was Her continual prayer. She offered special prayers for St. James, head of the Church in Jerusalem, as she knew this Apostle would be the first to shed his blood for Christ.
On the fourth day before leaving for Ephesus, Our Blessed Lady asked Our Lord: "Lord, what dost Thou command me to do? What dost Thou desire of me?" Repeating these words, She saw her Divine Son descending in Person, with all His court to visit Her. The humble and devout Virgin worshiped Him in deepest reverence from the inmost of Her purest soul. Our Lord replied to Her petition: "My most beloved Mother... I am attentive to Thy petitions and holy desires and they are pleasing to Me. I shall defend My Apostles and My Church, and I shall be their Father and Protector, so that It shall not be overcome, nor the gates of Hell prevail against It." (Matt. 16:18) It is necessary for My glory that the Apostles labor and follow Me to the Cross and to the death I have suffered for the whole human race. The first one to imitate Me is My faithful servant, James, and I desire that he suffer martyrdom in this city of Jerusalem." "I desire that thou go to Saragossa where he is now and command him to return to Jerusalem. But before he leaves that city, he is to build a church in Thy name." After expressing her sincerest gratitude to her Divine Son, She asked that She be permitted to promise the special protection of Her Divine Son and that this sacred place shall be part of Her inheritance for the use of all who call with devotion upon Her Son's Holy Name, asking Her to intercede for them. Our Divine Lord promised His holy Mother that all She asked would be fulfilled according to Her will and power at this sacred Shrine.
At the command of Our Lord, a great number of Angels placed Her on a throne formed by a resplendent cloud, and proclaimed Her Queen and Mistress of all creation. The purest Mother, borne by Seraphim and Angels, departed body and soul for Saragossa in Spain. St. James was lost in exalted prayer when the Angels placed the throne of their Queen and Lady within sight of the Apostle and his disciples. The Angels bore with them a small column hewn of marble or jasper, and a not-very-large image of their Queen. Seated on Her throne on the cloud, She manifested herself to St. James. The Apostle prostrated himself and in deepest reverence venerated the Mother of his Creator and Redeemer. At the same time he was shown the image and the pillar in the hands of some of the angels. The loving Queen gave him Her blessing and said, "My son James, this place, the Most High and Omnipotent God of Heaven has destined to be consecrated by thee upon earth for the erection of a church and house of prayer, where, under my patronage and name, He wishes to be glorified and magnified, where the treasures of His right hand shall be opened up for all the faithful through my intercession, if they ask for them in true faith and sincere piety." "A pledge of this truth and of My promise shall be this column with my image placed upon it. In the church which thou shall build for Me, it shall remain and be preserved until the end of the world. Thou shalt immediately begin to build this church, and after thou hast completed it, thou shalt depart for Jerusalem."
At the Queen's command, the holy Angels set up the column. and upon it the sacred image, in the same place where they now stand. St. James, together with the holy Angels celebrated the first dedication of a Church instituted in this world under the name and title of the great Mistress of Heaven and earth.
Our Apostle gave most humble thanks to Blessed Mary and asked for special protection of this Spanish kingdom, and particularly of this place consecrated to Her devotion and name. The heavenly Mother granted him all his requests, gave him Her blessing, and was carried back to Jerusalem.
Since that time, Spain became a fervent Spanish (Visigoth) Kingdom and thousands of miracles have occurred at this ancient Shrine of the Most Holy Virgin, Mother of the Apostles and Mother of the Church.
PRAYER
O Virgin Mother of El Pilar, deigning to appear to Thy beloved disciple, St. James, promising him the victory over paganism, and blessing so abundantly his labors for the spread of the True Catholic Faith, secure for us also, who are the children of that same Faith, the victory over our many foes and the paganism that is laying waste the harvest of souls in our day.
Through the intercession of Thine Apostle, St. James, the "Son of Thunder", may we as clouds flying through the air at the least breath of the Holy Ghost, establish everywhere the true devotion to Thy Immaculate Heart that Jesus wills for the conversion of all sinners. Amen.
Dios Te Salve Maria...
(This prayer is said on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays throughout
the month of October, and as a triduum before the Feast of Our Lady of El Pilar.)
Our Lady of Zapopan
October 12th is not only the day on which we honor the pious Christopher Columbus, but to the good citizens of Mexico, October 12th is also the day the "Traveling Lady of Zapopan" comes "home" to spend the Autumn and Winter months in her stately basilica.
South of the border, this crisp Autumn day is actually "The Dia de la Raza", an important national holiday, since it marks for these people the new flood of human blood which rose in New Spain as one of the major effects of Columbus' voyage. As a result of the conquest, Mexico became predominately populated by "mestizos", or Spanish-Indians. To foretell the physical characteristics of the mestizo came the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 1531, when the portrait of the Blessed Virgin Mary as a Spanish-Indian woman appeared on the tilma of Juan Diego.
Guadalajara, capital and jewel of the state of Jalisco, celebrates "The Day of the Mestizo" by rendering ecstatic homage to "The Little Virgin" as Our Lady of Zapopan. She is Spanish in origin, but completely Mexican in the tradition of more than four hundred years that surround her cult. Brought to Zapopan by Father Antonio de Segovia in 1541, the "Little Virgin", less than fourteen inches high, found herself in the heart of a territory, then called New Galicia, still under the conquest of Nue de Guzman. The precious statue, which the warm heart of the Mexican personifies, was the instrument by which Heaven vouchsafed to turn the fears and animosities of the natives into a confidence and love which enabled the zealous Franciscan to gather them into the fold of the Good Shepherd. The story is told that, as he preached, the little statue of Our Lady that he always carried with him, emitted rays of light. The miraculous radiance seemed to penetrate the souls of the Indians and convert them into vessels ready for the waters of grace.
"The Little Virgin" was at once installed in a place of honor at the Zapopan Church of the Franciscans which was replaced by the present stately basilica. If the "Day of the Mestizo" is one of jubilation in Guadalajara, it is more than that in Zapopan, for on that day their cherished Lady comes home! For four months she has been in Jalisco, where she has traveled from parish to parish, amid memorable scenes of piety and rejoicing. Zapopan's history notes the fact that when its beloved Queen started on her first trip to the neighboring city in 1734, the townsfolk witnessed her departure with consternation, fearing that the proud "Sultana of the West", as the Jaliscan capital has been called, would hold her captive.
But the Franciscans who had a Friary at Zapopan since the sixteenth century, have kept faith with their parishioners, and each year the Great Lady has been brought home in triumph, an instrument of special graces for her faithful Mestizos.
PRAYER
Dearest Lady of Zapopan, we entrust to Thy Immaculate Heart, all of our needs and petitions, as well as those of our Bishop and the Church, that they may be granted as they are in accord with God's Holy Will. O Immaculate Queen of Guadalajara, we fervently entreat Thee to hear our prayer for the conversion of our loved ones, our benefactors, and our enemies; and especially for the conversion of the people of Jalisco and of all Mexico. Grant that these humble souls who have longed revered Thee as Their Queen and Mother, may see through the deceits of the heretical sects of Vatican II, Lefebvre, and Thuc, and return to the ancient True Catholic Faith brought to them by the valiant efforts of the heroic propagators of the Faith, such as Christopher Columbus (whose memory we commemorate this day). Finally, dear Lady of Zapopan, grant us the precious gift of final perseverance and make us to grow more zealous each day in the practice of our Holy Catholic Faith. Amen.
The Purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Triduum, Oct. 13-15; Feast, Oct. 16
Mary, our Heavenly Mother, was most pure. The slightest taint of Original Sin never soiled the lily-white purity of her soul. She was untouched by the imperfections that mar even the holiest lives. No thought, word or deed of Hers ever savored of earth, but everything was centered in God. Let us pray to our Mother most pure that she may be the kind protectress of our purity and chastity, and to permit no sin ever to soil the beauty of our soul.
"As the lily among thorns, so is my beloved among the daughters." (Cant. 2:2)
Thou art all fair, O Mary, and the stain of original sin is not in thee. Thou art the Glory of Jerusalem; thou art the Joy of Israel; thou art the Honor of our people. (Judith 15:10) Draw us, O Immaculate Virgin! We shall come after thee, breathing the sweet fragrance of thy virtues. (Cant. 1:3) Hail Mary…
Mary speaks:
"The fear of the Lord hates evil: I hate pride and every wicked way." (Prov. 8:13)
Let us Pray:
Grant us, we beseech Thee, Almighty and Eternal God, that solemnly venerating the spotless virginity of the most pure Virgin Mary, we may by her intercession obtain purity of mind and body; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to the Queen of Angels
August Queen of Heaven, sovereign Mistress of the Angels, who didst receive from the beginning the mission and power to crush the Serpent's head, we beseech thee to send thy holy Angels, that under thy command and by thy power they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks, and drive them hence into the abyss of woe. Most holy Mother, send thy Angels to defend us and to drive the cruel enemy from us. All ye holy Angels and Archangels, help defend us. O good and tender Mother! Thou shalt ever be our love and our hope. Holy Angels and Archangels, keep and defend us. Amen.
Novena in Honor of St. Raphael
Novena: Oct. 15-23; Feast, Oct. 24
V. O God, come to my assistance;
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father...
O Christ, Splendor of the Father, Life and Strength of the heart, in the presence of the Angels we celebrate Thee by our prayers and hymns, uniting our voices with their melodious concerts. We praise with reverence all the celestial Princes, but especially the Archangel St. Raphael, the faithful Companion by whose power the Devil was enchained.
O Christ, King full of goodness, by this guardian remove far from us all the wickedness of the enemy; purify our hearts and our bodies, and by Thy sole clemency, introduce us into Paradise. In harmonious concerts let us give thanks to the Father, glory to Jesus Christ and to the Comforter, God three in One, living before all ages. Amen.
Hail Mary... St. Raphael, pray for us.
HYMN
Christ, the glory of the Angel choirs!
Of man the Maker and Redeemer blest!
Grant us one day to reach those bright abodes,
And in Thy glory rest.
And Raphael, physician of the soul,
Let him descend from his pure halls of light,
To heal our sicknesses and guide for us
Each dubious course aright.
Thou, too, fair Virgin, Daughter of the skies!
Mother of light and Queen of Peace! descend;
Bringing with thee the radiant court of Heaven
To aid us and defend.
This grace on us bestow, O Father blest,
And Thou, 0 Son by an eternal birth;
With thee, from both proceeding, Holy Ghost,
Whose glory fills the earth. Amen.
V. Pray for us, St. Raphael.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, who to Tobias, Thy servant, when on his journey, didst give blessed Raphael the Archangel, for companion; grant that we who are also Thy servants, may likewise be safeguarded by his watchfulness, and be made strong by his help. May he who we faithfully believe ever to stand before Thy Majesty, offer up our prayers to be blessed by Thee; through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CHURCH IN HONOR OF ST. RAPHAEL ARCHANGEL
Vouchsafe, O Lord God, to send unto our assistance Saint Raphael the Archangel: and may he, who, we believe, evermore standeth before the throne of Thy Majesty, offer unto Thee our humble petitions to be blessed by Thee; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let us pray:
O glorious Archangel, St. Raphael, great Prince of the heavenly Court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of those who journey by land or sea, consoler of the afflicted and of sinners: I beg thee to assist me in all my needs and in suffering of this life, as once thou didst help the young Tobias in his travels. And because thou art the 'Medicine of God," I pray thee to heal the many infirmities of my soul, and the ills which afflict my body, if it be for my greater good. I especially thee an angelic purity, which may fit me to be the temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Christ, thy servants' wanderings spare;
For whom Thy Maiden-Mother's prayer
Beseeches at Thy throne of grace
Mercy before the Father's face.
Be near us, Angel from the skies,
Whose name God's heating signifies;
All ills of flesh take thou away,
Bring health to souls from truth that stray.
Ye nine-fold ranks of Angel-choirs
Whose order for our help conspires,
All past and present ills dispel,
From future danger guard us well.
Drive far away in shamed disgrace
From Christian lands the faithless race:
That so the rule one Shepherd hold
Over one Flock, one single Fold.
To God the Father praise be done,
Who hath redeemed us Through His Son;
Anoints us by the Holy Ghost,
And guards us by the Angel-host. Amen.
Let us Pray:
O God, Who in Thy ineffable goodness hast rendered blessed Raphael the conductor of thy faithful in their journeys, we humbly implore Thee, that we may be conducted by him in the way of salvation, and experience his help in the maladies of our souls; through Jesus Christ Thy Son, Our Lord, Who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
LITANY OF ST. RAPHAEL
Lord have mercy on us,
Christ have mercy on us,
Lord have mercy on us,
Christ hear us,
Christ graciously hear us,
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us,
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us,
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us,
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us,
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us,
Saint Raphael,
St. Raphael, filled with the mercy of God,
St. Raphael, perfect adorer of the Divine Word,
St. Raphael, terror of demons,
St. Raphael, exterminator of vices,
St. Raphael, health of the sick,
St. Raphael, our refuge in all our trials,
St. Raphael, guide of travelers,
St. Raphael, consoler of prisoners,
St. Raphael, joy of the sorrowful,
St. Raphael, filled with zeal for the salvation of souls,
St. Raphael, whose name means: Medicine of God,
St. Raphael, lover of chastity,
St. Raphael, scourge of demons,
St. Raphael, in pest, famine and war,
St. Raphael, Angel of peace and prosperity,
St. Raphael, endowed with the grace of healing,
St. Raphael, sure guide in the paths of virtue and sanctification,
St. Raphael, help of all those who implore your assistance,
St. Raphael, who wert the guide and consolation of Tobias on his journey,
St. Raphael, whom the Scriptures thus praise: "Raphael, the holy Angel of the Lord was sent to cure",
St. Raphael, our advocate,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us.
V. Pray for us, St. Raphael, to the Lord our God;
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus Christ, at the prayer of the Archangel St. Raphael, grant us the grace to avoid all sin and to persevere in every good work, until we reach our heavenly country, Thou Who livest and reignest forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Let us Pray:
O Raphael, lead us toward those we are waiting for, those who are waiting for us. Raphael, Angel of happy meetings, lead us by the hand toward those we are looking for. May all our movements, all their movements, be guided by your light and transfigured by your joy. Angel Guide of Tobias, lay the request we now address to you at the feet of Him on Whose unveiled Face you are privileged to gaze. Lonely and tired, crushed by the separations and sorrows of earth, we feel the need of calling to you, and pleading for the protection of your wings, so that we may not be as strangers in the Province of Joy, all ignorant of the concerns of our Country. Remember the weak, you who are strong - you whose home lies beyond the region of thunder in a land that is always peaceful, always serene and bright with the resplendent glory of God. O glorious Archangel Raphael, obtain assistance and perseverance for all the sick, aged, and infirm of our Community. Do thou always watch over and protect us from all danger and harm in all our travels. St. Raphael, powerful intercessor before the Throne of Divine Justice, obtain for us the true justice of Christ in all present attacks of our enemies, which threaten to destroy our souls. Amen.
THE HOLY ANGELS
Prayers to the Seven Holy Spirits who stand before
the Throne of God and the Nine Choirs of Angels
Feast: October 27
Prayer St. Jude Thaddeus
Patron of Hopeless Cases
O glorious St. Jude Thaddeus, by those sublime prerogatives, wherewith thou wast ennobled in thy lifetime, namely, thy kinship with Our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh, and thy vocation to be an Apostle; by that glory which now is thine in Heaven as the reward of thine apostolic labors and martyrdom: obtain for us from the Giver of every good and perfect gift all the graces whereof we stand in need in order to treasure up in our hearts the divinely inspired doctrines which thou has transmitted to us in thy Epistle; that is to say, to build our edifice of perfection upon our most holy Faith, praying by the grace of the Holy Ghost; to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of Jesus Christ unto eternal life; to strive by all means to help them that go astray; exalting thus the glory and majesty, the dominion and power of Him Who is able to keep us without sin and to present us spotless with exceeding joy at the coming of our Divine Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
FEAST OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THE KING
(Last Sunday in October)
It was no new truth, no new cult even, that Pope Pius XI announced, when in His Encyclical of December 11, 1925, he introduced into the sacred liturgy of the Church the special festival of Christ the King. The beautiful truth of the Kingship of Christ runs like a thread of royal purple throughout the prayers of the Christian ages. It may be said to have been an intimate part of the Old Testament liturgy and worship, especially in the Psalms and the Prophecies. With the coming of the fullness of time, all these predictions passed into realization. Christ affirmed before the world His Kingdom and Kingship. The three Holy Kings announced it at His Birth. In person He declared it to Pilate. As a King He pictured Himself to the Jews when He foretold His judgment of the world. As a King the Apocalyse presents Hm to us. And as a King He will finally surrender Himself and His Kingdom to the Father.
It is an article of our holy Faith that Christ, as man, has fullest spiritual power, leading to salvation, establishing the Church and Her Sacraments, and disposing of all graces in the supernatural order. In virtue of the union of His human nature with the Divine, He possesses still greater power, which is the foundation of this Feast. His is the full triple power of royalty: He is supreme Lawgiver under God, and His legislation all are bound to obey; He is ultimate Judge over mankind; He is the sovereign Executive whose command everyone must heed and whose sentence no one can escape. The sphere of His Kingly dominion embraces in their entirety both the temporal and spiritual realms.
Devotion to Our Lord Jesus Christ the King, offers to all Christians a new social outlook upon the world. We, as individuals, must strive to be subject to Christ most perfectly, in mind, will, and heart, because we are purchased at the price of His own precious Blood. This service should be expressed no less in our domestic relations, so that Christ may be King of the home. Christ is also King of all human society as well as King of nations. The remedy of all our evils is once more to bring society back to the gentle rule of Christ, whose yoke is sweet and whose burden of sovereignty is light. For this reason the whole Church has instituted the great Feast of Our Lord Jesus Christ the King.
The Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of David, His Father; and He shall be King in the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end. (Luke i. 32)
Jesus Christ, the King of kings, come, let us adore! (Roman Breviary) Glory be to the Father...
Christ's Kingship in Prophecy
I am appointed King over Sion, His holy mountain; preaching His commandment. The Lord hath said to me: "Thou art My Son; this day have I begotten Thee. Ask of me, and I will give Thee the Gentiles for Thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for Thy possession. (Ps. 2:6f) Glory be to the Father...
The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit Thou at My right hand until I make Thy enemies Thy footstool." (Ps. 109:1)
And thou, Bethlehem Ephrata, art a little one among the thousands of Juda, and out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be the ruler in Israel: And He shall be Peace: and His going is from the beginning, from the days of eternity. (Mich. 4) Glory be to the Father...
A Child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government is upon His shoulders, and His name shall be: Wonderful, Counselor, God the Mighty, Father of the world to come, Prince of Peace. His empire shall be multiplied and there shall be no end of peace; He shall sit upon the throne of David, and over his Kingdom (Isa. 9:6f). Glory be to the Father...
He shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. And all the kings of the earth shall adore Him; all nations shall serve Him. In him shall all peoples of the earth be blessed, all nations shall praise Him. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all nations shall serve and obey Him. (Ps. 51) Glory be to the Father...
His power is an everlasting power that shall not be taken away: and His kingdom that shall not be destroyed. (Dan. 7:14) Our Father...
Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates, and the King of Glory shall enter in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord who is strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates, and the King of Glory shall shall enter in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of Glory. (Ps. 23)
Let us Pray:
Having partaken of the Food of Immortality, grant unto us, O Lord, that we who glory in battling under the standard of Christ the King, may also be able to reign with Him forever in our heavenly home, who liveth and reigneth forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Christ, the King on Earth
The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. (John 3:35)
All things have been delivered to Me by My Father. (Matt. 11:27)
Pilate, therefore, again entered into the Praetorium, and he summoned Jesus, and said to Him, "Art Thou the King of the Jews?" Jesus answered, "Dost thou say this of thyself, or have others told thee of Me?" Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew? Thy own people and the chief priests have delivered Thee to me. What hast Thou done?" Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have fought that I might not be delivered to the Jews. but, as it is, My kingdom is not from here." Pilate, therefore, said to Him, "Thou art then a king?" Jesus answered, "Thou sayest it; I am a King. this is why I was born, and why I have come into the world, to bear witness to the witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:33-38). Our Father...
Hymn--Vexilla Christus Inclyta
His glorious banners on the air triumphantly unfurled,
To Christ, the King of kings, give praise, ye nations of the world.
No kingdoms fall beneath His sword in bloody conquests grim,
But lifted on the Rood He draws all things by love to Him.
Thrice happy city, basking fair beneath His royal sway,
Where, at the mandates from His Throne, all hearts with joy obey!
No godless conflicts there will rage, but Peace, outstretch her hand,
With smiling Concord at her side--firm shall that city stand!
Where wedded Love will keep its troth, and youth can blossom fair,
And all the household virtues pure will grace the threshold there.
Then may Thy reign in splendor come, O King, most true and sweet!
Till all the earth, by love subdued, shall worship at Thy feet.
To Thee be glory, Jesus, King! O'er crowns and scepters high,
With Father and with Holy Ghost, while endless ages fly.
He has rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us unto the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have our redemption, the remission of our sins." (Col. 1:13)
It is truly meet and just, right and availing unto salvation, that at all times and in all places we give thanks to thee, O holy Lord, Almighty Father, Eternal God; Who with the oil of exultation didst anoint Thy Only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Priest forever and King of all things, so that, in offering Himself as an immaculate Victim on the altar of the Cross, He might complete the mysteries of human redemption, and that with all creatures entirely made subject to His dominion, He might deliver to Thy Majesty an eternal and universal Kingdom: a Kingdom of truth and life; a Kingdom of holiness and grace; a Kingdom of justice, love and peace. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the array of the heavenly host, we sing a hymn to Thy glory and unceasingly repeat: Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts. Heaven and earth are full of Thy glory. Hosanna in the highest. (Preface of Christ the King)
Christ, the King in Heaven
Worthy art Thou to take the scroll and to open its seals; for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us for God with Thy Blood, out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and hast made them for our God a kingdom and priests, and they shall reign over the earth.
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and divinity and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.
To Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb, blessing and honor and glory and dominion, forever and ever. (Apoc. 5:9f) Our Father...
Hymn--Te Saeculorum Principem
Ruler of all, from Heaven's high throne, O Christ, our King ere time began,
We kneel before Thee, O Lord, to own Thy empire o'er the heart of man.
While bands of shameless men recall the homage due to Christ their Lord,
We own Thee sovereign Lord of all, the King by heaven and earth adored.
O Prince of Peace, O Christ, subdue those rebel hearts, Thy peace restore;
Into Thy sheepfold lead anew Thy scattered sheep, to stray no more.
For this upon the tree of shame Thy Body hung, with arms spread wide,
The spear revealed the Heart of flame that burned within Thy Sacred Side.
For this our altars here are spread with mystic feast of Bread and Wine;
Still Thy redeeming Blood is shed from that sore-stricken Heart of Thine.
May the heads of nations fear Thy name and spread Thy honor through their lands,
Our nations' laws, our arts proclaim the beauty of Thy just commands.
Let kings the crown and sceptre hold as pledge of Thy supremacy;
And Thou all lands, all tribes enfold in one fair realm of charity.
Jesus, to Thee be honor done, Who rulest all in equity.
With Father, Spirit, ever one, from age to age eternally.
"He is the image of God, the firstborn of every creature. For in Him were created all things in the heavens and on earth, things visible and things invisible, whether Thrones, or Dominations, or Principalities, or Powers. All things have been created through and unto Him, and He is before all creatures, and in Him all things hold together. Again, He is the Head of His Body, the Church; He Who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the first place. For it has pleased God the Father that in Him all His fullness should dwell and that through Him He should reconcile to Himself all things, whether on the earth or in the heavens, making peace through the Blood of His Cross." (Col. 1:15-20).
V. All power has been given to Me;
R. In Heaven and on earth.
Let us Pray:
Almighty, everlasting God, who didst wish to re-establish all things in Thy beloved son, King of all the world, graciously grant that all the nations of the earth, separated by the wound which sin inflicted, may be made subject to his sweet rule; Who liveth and reigneth forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
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