Christmas and Why Jesus Asks Us To Say the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Read what Saint Faustina wrote in her diary during Christmas 1936. 

Take note of the words of Jesus in bold type below, "Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet." 

Please pray the Chaplet every day at 3 o'clock for mercy on the Holy Souls.

Saint Faustina's diary entries 845-848

Before the vigil supper, I entered the chapel for a moment to break the wafer spiritually with those dear to my heart. I presented them all, by name, to Jesus and begged for graces on their behalf. But that wasn’t all. I commended to the Lord all those who are being persecuted, those who are suffering, those who do not know His Name, and especially poor sinners. O little Jesus, I fervently ask You, enclose them all in the ocean of Your incomprehensible mercy. O sweet little Jesus, here is my heart; let it be a little cozy dwelling place for Yourself. O Infinite Majesty, with what sweetness You drew close to us. Here, there is no dread of the thunderbolts of the great Jehovah; here, there is the sweet little Jesus. Here, no soul is afraid, although Your majesty has not lessened, but only concealed itself. After supper, I felt very tired and was in pain. I had to lie down. But I kept vigil with the Most Holy Mother, awaiting the arrival of the little Child.

December 25, [1936], Midnight Mass. During Mass, God’s presence pierced me through and through. A moment before the Elevation I saw the Mother of God and the Infant Jesus and the good Old Man [St. Joseph], The Most Holy Mother spoke these words to me: My daughter, Faustina, take this most precious Treasure, and she gave me the Infant Jesus. When I took Jesus in my arms, my soul felt such unspeakable joy that I am unable to describe it. But, strange thing, after a short while Jesus became awful, horrible-looking, grown up and suffering; and then the vision vanished, and soon it was time to go to Holy Communion. When I received the Lord Jesus in Holy Communion, my soul trembled under the influence of God’s presence. The next day, I saw the Divine Infant for a brief moment during the Elevation.

On the second day of the Feast, Father Andrasz came to celebrate Mass for us, and during Mass I again saw the little Jesus. In the afternoon, I went to confession. Father did not give an answer to some of my questions that concerned this work. He said, “When you recover, we shall talk about it in concrete terms; and now, try to recover completely. As for the rest, you know what guidance to follow and what direction to take in these matters.” As penance, Father told me to say the chaplet that Jesus had taught me.

While I was saying the chaplet, I heard a voice which said, Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who say this chaplet; the very depths of My tender mercy are stirred for the sake of those who say the chaplet. Write down these words, My daughter. Speak to the world about My mercy; let all mankind recognize My unfathomable mercy. It is a sign for the end times; after it will come the day of justice. While there is still time, let them have recourse to the fount of My mercy; let them profit from the Blood and Water which gushed forth for them. 

O human souls, where are you going to hide on the day of God’s anger: Take refuge now in the fount of God’s mercy. O what a great multitude of souls I see! They worshiped the Divine Mercy and will be singing the hymn of praise for all eternity. 

Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, Pray for Us

There is a saint who isn't widely known as she doesn't appear on the Church's holy-day calendar, but she is extremely loving and powerful. It's a holy martyr named Saint Philomena. Today is her feast day.

Philomena was a beautiful Grecian princess who lived in during a time of great persecution for Christians in the early 300s A.D. She was martyred in Rome because she refused to renounce Jesus Christ and marry the terrible emperor. She was 13 years old and suffered extreme and prolonged torture for her love of Jesus; she consecrated her virginity to Him.

For some 1,500 years, no one knew of her existence until excavation of Saint Priscilla's catacombs in Rome.

Then the miracles began to happen, enough that she was designated Wonder Worker of the Church.

“Whatever you ask from her, She will obtain for you.” -Pope Gregory XVI

Trust in Jesus, Mary, and Virgin and Martyr, Saint Philomena.

Composed by Saint John Vianney. For private recital only. 

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 Virgins, pray for us.

Saint Philomena, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, filled with the most abundant graces from the cradle, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, model of Virgins, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, temple of the most perfect humility, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, inflamed with zeal for the Glory of God, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, victim of the love of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, example of strength and perseverance, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, invincible champion of chastity, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, mirror of the most heroic virtues, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, firm and intrepid in the face of torments, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, scourged like thy Divine Spouse, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, pierced by a shower of arrows, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, consoled by the Mother of God when in chains, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, cured miraculously in prison, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, comforted by Angels in thy torments, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who preferred torments and death to the splendors of a throne, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who converted the witnesses of thy Martyrdom, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who wore out the fury of thy executioners, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, protectress of the innocent, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, patron of youth, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, refuge of the unfortunate, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, health of the sick and the weak, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, new light of the Church Militant, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who confounds the impiety of the world, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who stimulates the faith and courage of the faithful, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, whose name is glorified in Heaven and feared in Hell, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, made illustrious by the most striking miracles, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, all powerful with God, pray for us.
Saint Philomena, who reigns in glory, pray for us.

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

V. Pray for us, Great Saint Philomena,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

We implore Thee, O Lord, by the intercession of Saint Philomena, Virgin and Martyr, who was ever most pleasing to Thine eyes by reason of her eminent purity and the practice of all the virtues, pardon us our sins and grant us all the graces we need [name any special grace you may require]. Amen.

Read more about Saint Philomena ad the Universal Living Rosary Association at http://www.philomena.org/

Mary on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord

From Saint Faustina's diary. This is an amazing line: Your Heart was for Jesus the first tabernacle on earth.

MARY, IMMACULATE VIRGIN

O Mary, Immaculate Virgin,
Pure crystal for my heart,
You are my strength, O secure anchor,
You are a shield and protection for a weak heart.
O Mary, you are pure and unparalleled,
Virgin and Mother at one and the same time;
You’re beautiful as the sun, by nothing defiled.
Nothing is worthy of comparison to the image of Your soul.
Your beauty enthralled the Thrice-Holy One’s eye,
That He came down from heaven, forsaking th’eternal See’s throne,
And assumed from Your Heart Body and Blood,
Hiding for nine months in the Virgin’s Heart.
O Mother, Virgin, this will no one comprehend,
That the infinite God is becoming a man;
It’s only love’s and His inscrutable mercy’s purpose.
Through You, Mother — it’s given us to live with Him forever.
O Mary, Virgin Mother and Heaven’s Gate,
Through You salvation came to us;
Every grace to us streams forth through Your hands,
And faithful imitation of You only will sanctify me.
O Mother, Virgin — most beautiful Lily.
Your Heart was for Jesus the first tabernacle on earth,
And that, because Your humility was the deepest,
Wherefore You were raised above Angel choirs and Saints.
O Mary, my sweet Mother,
To You I turn over my soul, my body and my poor heart.
Be the safeguard of my life,
Especially at death’s hour, in the final fight.
(Diary entry 161)

Watch Now: Midnight Mass From St. Faustina's Chapel

https://livestream.com/accounts/11477776/events/3773195

Prayer to the Infant Jesus of Prague

We honor the Infant Jesus of Prague in the month of January, as the feast of the Holy Name is January 3. Please say this prayer each day this month.

Remember, O Divine Child Jesus, the promises You made in favor of those honoring Your miraculous image and the mysteries it reminds us of Your childhood. Full of confidence in Your Goodness, O Jesus, we come to submit our misery to You.

Grant us, by the infinite merits of Your Incarnation and of Your Holy Childhood, to triumph so well over our enemies and to remain so faithful to You, that we may deserve to be Your servants and to be numbered among Your friends on earth and among Your blissful in heaven. Do not reject our humble prayers, O sweet and almighty Child Jesus, but receive them favorably and be pleased to answer them. Amen.

Prayer to Miraculous Infant Jesus

Prayer revealed by the Blessed Virgin Mary to Ven. Father F. Cyril OCD

O Infant Jesus, I have recourse to You and ask You through the intercession of Your Holy Mother to help me in my  need, (mention it here) for I firmly believe that Your Divinity can help me.

I hope, in complete trust, to obtain Your holy grace. I love You with all my heart and with all the strength of my soul. I am truly sorry for all my sins, and beg You, O good Jesus, to give me strength to conquer them. I shall never offend You and I am ready to suffer rather than to cause You pain.

From now on I want to serve with complete faithfulness and for love of You, O Divine Child, I will love my neighbor as well as myself.

Omnipotent Child, Lord Jesus, again I implore You, help me in this need of mine (mention it). Grant me the grace of possessing You eternally, with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with the holy angels in Your
heavenly court. Amen.

Infant Jesus of Prague, We Come In Hope, Hear Our Needs

O Infant Jesus, I have recourse to You and ask You through the intercession of Your Most Holy Mother to help me in my need (mention here) for I firmly believe that Your Divinity will help me. I hope, in complete trust, to obtain Your holy grace. I love You with all my heart and with all my strength of my soul. I am truly sorry for all of my sins, and beg You, O Good Jesus, to give me strength to conquer them. I shall never offend You, and I am ready to suffer rather than to cause You pain. From now on I want to serve with complete faithfulness and, for love of You, O Divine Child, I will love my neighbor as well as myself. Omnipotent Child, Lord Jesus, I again implore You help me in this need of mine (mention here). Grant me the grace of possessing You eternally, with Mary and Joseph and of adoring You with the holy angels in Your heavenly court.

Infant Jesus of Prague, hear and favorably answer us.

Amen.

Novena to the Divine Child Jesus

We make a novena to the Divine Child Jesus starting on the first Sunday in January and continue each first Sunday of the month for nine consecutive months, culminating on the solemnity of the Divine Child Jesus in September. Let us entrust ourselves to the King of Glory.

Divine Child Jesus, we believe in You; We adore You; and we love You; have mercy on us, sinners.

We've come to this Temple in response to your love. We've come in response to your mercy and grace. We are here because You invited us to come before You and to pour out the cares of our hearts to You since You deeply care for each of us.

We remember Your words to the disciples: Ask and you shall receive. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door shall be opened. Trusting in your infinite goodness and trusting that You always keep your promise, we now ask this intention which we pray in the silence of our hearts......

Thank you, Divine Child Jesus, for listening attentively to our prayers all the time. We hope that You will ask this before Our Heavenly Father. And, if what we ask for may not be good for our salvation and sanctification, we trust that you will grant us instead what we truly need, so that one day we may be with You for all eternity enjoying that ultimate happiness of Heaven.

Divine Child Jesus, bless and protect us.
Divine Child Jesus, bless and lead us.
Divine Child Jesus, bless and provide for us.

All this we ask through the intercession of your Holy Mother, Mary, and in Your powerful and Most Holy Name, Jesus. Amen

From EWTN

Obtain Divine Comfort

After Midnight Mass in 1937, Saint Faustina wrote of her joy at Christmas and explained how we can be closer to Jesus and receive His comforts.

My soul was languishing with joy. But toward the end of the Mass, I felt so weak that I had to leave the chapel and go to my cell, as I felt unable to take part in the community tea. But my joy throughout the whole Christmas Season was immense, because my soul was unceasingly united with the Lord. I have come to know that every soul would like to have divine comforts, but is by no means willing to forsake human comforts, whereas these two things cannot be reconciled. (Diary entry 1443)

Press the Infant Jesus Close to Your Own Heart

Saint Faustina shares her experience with the Infant Jesus on Christmas Eve 1937:

When I arrived at Midnight Mass, from the very beginning I steeped myself in deep recollection, during which time I saw the stable of Bethlehem filled with great radiance. The Blessed Virgin, all lost in the deepest of love, was wrapping Jesus in swaddling clothes, but Saint Joseph was still asleep. Only after the Mother of God put Jesus in the manger, did the light of God awaken Joseph, who also prayed. But after a while, I was left alone with the Infant Jesus who stretched out His little hands to me, and I understood that I was to take Him in my arms. Jesus pressed His head against my heart and gave me to know, by His profound gaze, how good He found it to be next to my heart. At that moment Jesus disappeared and the bell was ringing for Holy Communion. (Diary entry 1442)

Infant Jesus, Attend to My Distress

Saint Faustina wrote this beautiful prayer in her diary in December 1936.

O Light Eternal, who come to this earth, enlighten my mind and strengthen my will that I may not give up in times of great affliction. May Your light dissipate all the shadows of doubt. May Your omnipotence act through me. I trust in You, O uncreated Light! You, O Infant Jesus, are a model for me in accomplishing Your Father's will, You, who said, "Behold, I come to do Your will." Grant that I also may do God's will faithfully in all things. O Divine Infant, grant me this grace! (Diary entry 830)

Powerful Novena to the Infant Jesus

O Miraculous Infant Jesus! We beseech You to cast a merciful look on our troubled hearts. Let your tender heart, so inclined to pity, be softened at our prayers, and grant us that grace which we ardently implore (here make your request). Take from us the affliction and despair, the trials and misfortunes with which we are laden. For the sake of your sacred infancy hear our prayers and send us consolation and aid that we may praise You with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.

Powerful Hourly Novena

(to be said with child-like confidence at the same time every hour for nine successive hours)

O Jesus, You said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you,” through the Immaculate Heart of your most holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted: (Think of your intention)

O Jesus, You said, “If you ask the Father anything in My Name, He will give it to you,” through the Immaculate Heart of your most holy Mother, I humbly and urgently ask your Father in your Name that my prayer be granted: (Intention)

O Jesus, You said, “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away,” through the Immaculate Heart of your most holy Mother, I feel confident that my prayer will be granted:

(Intention)

“The more you honor Me, the more I will bless you”

A Prayer in Thanksgiving

O most gracious Infant Jesus, in humble adoration I offer You most fervent thanks for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me. I shall always praise your ineffable mercy and confess that You alone are my God, my helper, and my protector. Henceforth my entire confidence shall be placed in You. Everywhere will I proclaim your mercy and generosity, so that your great love and the great deeds which You perform may be acknowledged by all. May devotion to your most holy Infancy extend more and more in the hearts of all Christians and may all who experience your assistance persevere in returning unceasing gratitude to your most holy Infancy to which be praise and glory for all eternity. Amen.

* * *

May the Heart of Jesus in the most Blessed Sacrament be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.

Prayer of Thanksgiving for GracesReceived From the Infant Jesus

The Infant Jesus is our best friend. Go to Him in prayer as Saint Therese of the Child Jesus did, saying: O Little Child Jesus! My only Treasure. I abandon myself to Your Divine whims. I want no other joy than that of making You smile. Imprint on me Your childish virtues and graces so that on the day of my birth into heaven, the angels and saints may recognize Your little bride.





Thanksgiving for Graces Received From the Infant Jesus

I prostrate myself before Thy Holy Image, O most gracious Infant Jesus, to offer thee my most fervant thanks for the blessings Thou hast bestowed upon me. I shall incessantly praise Thine ineffable mercy and confess that Thou alone art my God, my Helper and my Protector. Henceforth, my entire confidence shall be placed in Thee! Everywhere, I shall proclaim aloud Thy mercy and generosity, so that Thy great Love and the great deeds which Thou dost perform through this miraculous image may be acknowledged by all. May devotion to Thy Holy Infancy increase more and more in the hearts of all Christians, and may all who experience Thine assistance persevere with me in showing unceasing gratitude to Thy Most Holy Infancy, to which be praise and glory forever. Amen.