Reparation Prayer for the First Saturday in December 2024

   

O Most Holy Virgin and our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns which ungrateful men place therein at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. 

Moved by the ardent desire of loving you as Our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart, we prostrate ourselves at your feet to prove the sorrow we feel for the grievance that men cause you, and to atone, by means of our prayers and sacrifices, for the offenses with which men return your tender love.

Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. A word from you will obtain grace and amendment for us all.

Hasten, O Lady, the conversion of sinners, that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended, and will not fall into hell. Turn your eyes of mercy toward us, that henceforth we may love God with all our heart while on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven. 

Amen.  

Reparation Prayer for the First Saturday in November 2024

   

O Most Holy Virgin and our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns which ungrateful men place therein at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. 

Moved by the ardent desire of loving you as Our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart, we prostrate ourselves at your feet to prove the sorrow we feel for the grievance that men cause you, and to atone, by means of our prayers and sacrifices, for the offenses with which men return your tender love.

Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. A word from you will obtain grace and amendment for us all.

Hasten, O Lady, the conversion of sinners, that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended, and will not fall into hell. Turn your eyes of mercy toward us, that henceforth we may love God with all our heart while on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven. 

Amen.  

Sacred Heart of Jesus Litany for 2024 Feast Day, First Friday of June

Let us honor the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with this litany prayer. Please pray it daily with reverence (slowly and calmly) to open the channels of connection from our heart to His Most Sacred Heart. He will touch your mind, heart and soul that you will offer yourself, your good works and kind words to bring others to Heaven. 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.      

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

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 Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, king and centre of all hearts. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, obedient to death. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints. Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

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

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Your most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers You in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Your mercy, in Your great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ, Your  Son, who livest and reignest with You forever and ever. Amen.

First Friday May 2024, Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

  

 Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.      

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

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 Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, king and centre of all hearts. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, obedient to death. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints. Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

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

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Your most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers You in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Your mercy, in Your great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ, Your  Son, who livest and reignest with You forever and ever. Amen.

First Friday April 2024, Litany of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

 

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.      

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.                             

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 Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, king and centre of all hearts. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom are all treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, obedient to death. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, our peace and our reconciliation. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You. Have mercy on us.

Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints. Have mercy on us.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

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

Almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Your most beloved Son and upon the praises and satisfaction which He offers You in the name of sinners; and to those who implore Your mercy, in Your great goodness, grant forgiveness in the name of Jesus Christ, Your  Son, who livest and reignest with You forever and ever. Amen.

Go to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

We need Mary to intercede for us in the heavenly court, so consecrate yourself to her and bring your petitions.

Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, from the Vatican News site.

O Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, in this time of trial we turn to you. As our Mother, you love us and know us: no concern of our hearts is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, how often we have experienced your watchful care and your peaceful presence! You never cease to guide us to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Yet we have strayed from that path of peace.  We have forgotten the lesson learned from the tragedies of the last century, the sacrifice of the millions who fell in two world wars. We have disregarded the commitments we made as a community of nations. We have betrayed peoples’ dreams of peace and the hopes of the young.  We grew sick with greed, we thought only of our own nations and their interests, we grew indifferent and caught up in our selfish needs and concerns. We chose to ignore God, to be satisfied with our illusions, to grow arrogant and aggressive, to suppress innocent lives and to stockpile weapons.  We stopped being our neighbor’s keepers and stewards of our common home. We have ravaged the garden of the earth with war and by our sins we have broken the heart of our heavenly Father, who desires us to be brothers and sisters. We grew indifferent to everyone and everything except ourselves.  Now with shame we cry out: Forgive us, Lord!

Holy Mother, amid the misery of our sinfulness, amid our struggles and weaknesses, amid the mystery of iniquity that is evil and war, you remind us that God never abandons us, but continues to look upon us with love, ever ready to forgive us and raise us up to new life. He has given you to us and made your Immaculate Heart a refuge for the Church and for all humanity. By God’s gracious will, you are ever with us; even in the most troubled moments of our history, you are there to guide us with tender love.

We now turn to you and knock at the door of your heart. We are your beloved children. In every age you make yourself known to us, calling us to conversion. At this dark hour, help us and grant us your comfort. Say to us once more: “Am I not here, I who am your Mother?” You are able to untie the knots of our hearts and of our times. In you we place our trust. We are confident that, especially in moments of trial, you will not be deaf to our supplication and will come to our aid.

Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Today is the blessed feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

Devotion to His Sacred Heart connects us directly to the Trinity, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Put your trust in Jesus's Heart, tell Him everything that is in your heart, all of your troubles, fears, anxieties, hurts, pains and sadnesses, and He will accept them as His Own. Connect with Him and you will receive what you need to go forward.

Padre Pio recited this powerful and healing novena every day for all those who requested his prayers.

Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. ' Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of...... (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father... .

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ' Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of...... . (here name your request) Our Father... Hail Mary... . Glory Be To the Father... .

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O my Jesus, you have said: 'Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away. ' Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of... . . (here name your request) Our Father... . Hail Mary... . Glory Be to the Father...

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you, through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, your tender Mother and ours. 

Closing  prayer

Hail, Holy Queen to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us. 

Saints Margaret Mary Alacoque and Padre Pio, pay for us.

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. 

Go to Jesus for Help Through Confession

If you need help for the impossible, you must ask -- and ask through the sacrament of Holy Confession. That is what approaching the throne of grace does for us as today's Mass reading says. 

We humble ourselves before God in the sacrament of Holy Confession and ask for His Divine Mercy, so confess to Him all your faults, sins and trouble. Then ASK for grace and help to overcome your faults, forgive your sins and assist you in trouble. Through the Holy Spirit, you will gain what you need.

Second Reading Hebrews 4:14-16

Brothers and sisters:
Since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, 
Jesus, the Son of God,
let us hold fast to our confession.
For we do not have a high priest
who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but one who has similarly been tested in every way,
yet without sin. 
So let us confidently approach the throne of grace
to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.

Call Upon Mother Mary

Today is the feast day of our Mother's Immaculate Heart, run to her and throw yourself at her holy feet that she may help you up to your feet and give you strength.

In the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I Trust 

Look to the Star 

Call upon Mary! 

In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. 

Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. 

And that you may obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. 

With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection, you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal. 

-Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

It's the solemn feast day of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Here's a daily prayer that's easy to pray.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, filled with infinite love, broken by my ingratitude, pierced by my sins, yet loving me still; accept the consecration that I make to You of all that I am and all that I have. Take every faculty of my soul and body and draw me, day by day, nearer and nearer to Your Sacred Heart and there, as I can understand the lesson, teach me Your blessed ways. Amen.

Reparation Prayer for the First Saturday in March

O Most Holy Virgin and our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns which ungrateful men place therein at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. 

Moved by the ardent desire of loving you as our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart, we prostrate ourselves at your feet to prove the sorrow we feel for the grievance that men cause you, and to atone, by means of our prayers and sacrifices, for the offenses with which men return your tender love.

Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. A word from you will obtain grace and amendment for us all.

Hasten, O Lady, the conversion of sinners, that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended, and will not fall into hell. Turn your eyes of mercy toward us, that henceforth we may love God with all our heart while on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven. 

Amen.  

'Ask and It Will Be Given to You'

Gospel of Matthew 7:7-12 

 Jesus said to his disciples: 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; 

and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked 

for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? 

If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts 

to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father 

give good things to those who ask him. 

“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. 

This is the law and the prophets.”

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Today, New Year's Day, is dedicated to the Mother of God and is a holy feast day. We can use the start of the new year to make a new intention. Please consider praying to Mary under the title of  Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. 

Mary gives graces and is a powerful intercessor with God the Father. Those who devote themselves to Mary and wear the Miraculous Medal receive her special protection. 

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

Powerful Miraculous Medal Prayer

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we unite ourselves to you under your title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

May this medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your motherly affection for us and a constant reminder of our filial duties towards you.

While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son.

Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives so that like you, we may live and act according to the teaching and example of your Son.

Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death so that in union with you we may enjoy the happiness of heaven forever. Amen.

Learn more about the Miraculous Medal at the Association of the Miraculous Medal, and Saint Catherine LaBoure from the Marian Fathers. 

Act of Reparation for First Saturdays

O Most Holy Virgin and our Mother, we listen with grief to the complaints of your Immaculate Heart surrounded with the thorns which ungrateful men place therein at every moment by their blasphemies and ingratitude. 

Moved by the ardent desire of loving you as our Mother and of promoting a true devotion to your Immaculate Heart, we prostrate ourselves at your feet to prove the sorrow we feel for the grievance that men cause you, and to atone, by means of our prayers and sacrifices, for the offenses with which men return your tender love.

Obtain for them and for us the pardon of so many sins. A word from you will obtain grace and amendment for us all.

Hasten, O Lady, the conversion of sinners, that they may love Jesus and cease to offend the Lord, already so much offended, and will not fall into hell. Turn your eyes of mercy toward us, that henceforth we may love God with all our heart while on earth and enjoy Him forever in heaven. 

Amen.  

Pray to a New Blessed, Carlo Acutis

Today was the Beatification Mass in Assisi, Italy, for Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old who died in 2006 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia. Read this beautiful article on his life and death. 

In his life, he was devoted to the Virgin Mary through the Holy Rosary, praying it each day, and he had a special dedication to the Holy Eucharist. He created a website of Eucharistic miracles and went on pilgrimages. 

He told people that "the more often we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus, so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven."

Carlo is a model for the young faithful. He practiced self-control in many ways and used his free time to help others. 

Carlo already has had many miracles attributed to his intercession. He is a powerful intercessor for us. Pray to him for healing, hope, faith and charity. His feast day is October 12.

Official prayer asking for the Canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, from his cause's website. 

O Father, who has given us the ardent testimony, of the young Blessed Carlo Acutis, who made the Eucharist the core of his life and the strength of his daily commitments so that everybody may love You above all else, let him soon be counted among the Saints in Your Church.

Confirm my faith, nurture my hope, strengthen my charity, in the image of young Carlo who, growing in these virtues, now lives with You. Grant me the grace that I need...

I trust in You, Father, and your Beloved Son Jesus, in the Virgin Mary, our Dearest Mother, and in the intervention of Your Blessed Carlo Acutis. Amen

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be

Prayer of Saint Francis

Today is the feast day of Saint Francis. Here is one of his signature prayers.

Lord, make me an instrument of your 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;
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.

 

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Pray for Us

Today is the feast day of a holy, humble woman, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, known as “Lily of the Mohawks.” She endured much persecution but was steadfast in her penance, charity and devotion.

She put her love of God and His Son first place in her life despite objections of her family and community. Kateri risked health, home and peace to fulfill her desire to be a Christian.

Likened to Saint Therese of Lisieux for her purity and holy insight, Kateri died at age 24 in holiness in 1680 and was canonized in 2012.

Also like Little Therese, Kateri is powerful on earth and is a dedicated intercessor on our behalf. Pray this litany for her intercession before God's throne in Heaven.

Litany of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha

Lord, have mercy on us.
Response: Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.
R: Christ, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
R: Christ, graciously hear us.

God, our Creator in Heaven,
R: have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God,
R: have mercy on us.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, pure lily among her Mohawk people,
R: Pray for us

Saint Kateri, bright light for the Indigenous people, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, lover of the Cross of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, fortitude in persecution to keep your virginity, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, full of patience in suffering, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, lover of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, you left your homeland to practice your faith, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, faithful to prayer, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, you loved to pray the rosary, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, model to your people by your love for Mary, our Blessed Mother, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, your holy death gave strength to people of many cultures to love Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
Saint Kateri, your scarred face in life became radiant and beautiful after death, pray for us.

Prayer:

O Saint Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks, your love for Jesus, so strong, so steadfast, pray that we may become like you.

Your short and painful life showed us your strength and humility. Pray that we may become forever humble like you.

Like the bright and shining stars at night, we pray that your light may forever shine down upon us, giving light, hope, peacefulness and serenity in our darkest moments.

Fill our hearts, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, with your same love for Jesus and pray that we may have the strength and courage to become one like you in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Walk With Us

The Seven Sorrows of the Most Blessed Virgin Mother Mary

Suffering, whether it's physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, is very hard.

Suffering with grace, patience and acceptance takes even more strength.

There is a woman who embodies suffering with grace, and her name is Mary, Our Mother.

Go to the Immaculate Heart of Mary with your pains and sufferings, no matter how little or big they are, and offer them to Mary to give to the Infant Jesus. This prayer will help you unite your suffering to hers.

O God, come to my assistance; O Lord, make hast to help me.

Glory be to the Father

One. I grieve for you, O Mary, most sorrowful, in the affliction of your tender heart at the prophecy of the holy and aged Simeon. Dear Mother, by your heart so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. Hail Mary

Two. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the anguish of your most affectionate heart during the flight into Egypt and your sojourn there. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of generosity, especially toward the poor, and the gift of piety. Hail Mary

Three. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in those anxieties which tried your troubled heart at the lost of your dear Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart so full of anguish, obtain for me the virtue of chastity and the gift of knowledge. Hail Mary

Four. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the consternation of your heart at meeting Jesus as He carried His cross. Dear Mother, by your heart so troubled, obtain for me the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude. Hail Mary

Five. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the martyrdom which your generous heart endured in standing near Jesus in His agony. Dear Mother, by your afflicted heart, obtain for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of counsel. Hail Mary

Six. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, in the wounding of your compassionate heart, when the side of Jesus was struck by the lance before His Body was removed from the cross. Dear Mother, by your heart thus transfixed, obtain for me the virtue of fraternal charity and the gift of understanding. Hail Mary

Seven. I grieve for you, O Mary most sorrowful, for the pangs that wrenched your most loving heart at the burial of Jesus. Dear Mother, by your heart sunk in the bitterness of desolation, obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the gift of wisdom. Hail Mary

Let intercession be made for us, we beseech You, O Lord Jesus Christ, now and at the Hour of our death, before the throne of Your mercy, by the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother, whose most holy soul was pierced by a sword of sorrow in the hour of Your bitter Passion. Through You, O Jesus Christ, Saviour of the world, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost lives and reigns world without end. Amen.

Divine Mercy Sunday, April 19, During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Today is the wonderful feast of Divine Mercy.

It is the day when God's unfathomable Mercy and Goodness enter our hearts if we TRUST in Him. The more we trust, the more graces we receive.

This year's feast is unlike any other before it for the faithful who are suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Many in the United States and around the world are unable to participate in Divine Mercy Sunday in the traditional way, namely, to attend confession and receive Holy Communion at Mass due to closed churches and canceled services.

If you can attend Mass safely, please do it. If you are unable, then pray from home. Don't give up grace because you aren't celebrating in a church or with others.

On Sunday, April 19:

• If the Sacrament of Reconciliation with a priest is unavailable, say an Act of Contrition, with the desire never to sin again. Be contrite and humble as you pray. If you can attend church for a traditional confession, then do so seven days before or after the feast. When you do, you leave those sins in the past.
  
  
• Go to Mass. If you are unable to attend Mass in person, watch the Vatican's video stream of the Mass or via EWTN.
  
  
• Make a Spiritual Communion with this prayer. Pray for God's Mercy on you, your family and for the world.
  
  
• Venerate the image of Divine Mercy.
  
  
• Practice works of selfless love and mercy by helping others in trouble and offering prayers to save souls during the pandemic.

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Watch live the events at the Shrine of Divine Mercy in Cracow-Lagiewniki, where the image of The Divine Mercy and Saint Faustina's tomb reside.

After the feast, spread the message of Mercy and pray daily the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy.

From Saint Faustina's Diary:

November 5, 1934. One morning, when it was my duty to open the gate to let out our people who deliver baked goods, I entered the little chapel to visit Jesus for a minute and to renew the intentions of the day. Today, Jesus, I offer You all my sufferings, mortifications and prayers for the intentions of the Holy Father, so that he may approve the Feast of mercy. But, Jesus, I have one more word to say to You; I am very surprised that You bid me to talk about this Feast of mercy, for they tell me that there is already such a feast and so why should I talk about it? And Jesus said to me, And who knows anything about this feast? No one! Even those who should be proclaiming My mercy and teaching people about it often do not know about it themselves. That is why I want the image to be solemnly blessed on the first Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it.

Make a novena for the Holy Father's intention. It should consist of thirty-three acts; that is, repetition that many times of the short prayer  -- which I have taught you -- to The Divine Mercy. (Diary entry 341)