Exaltation of the Holy Cross

September 14 is the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Pray this beautiful prayer with full trust in God's Great Mercy. Pray for your needs. It's also a wonderful day to start a new practice of praying daily the Stations of the Cross. Jesus is very close to a soul who meditates on his agony and death.

Jesus, Who because of Your burning love for us willed to be crucified and to shed Your Most Precious Blood for the redemption and salvation of our souls, look down upon us and grant the petition we ask for this intention.

We trust completely in Your Mercy.

Cleanse us from sin by Your Grace, sanctify our work, give us and all those who are dear to us our daily bread, lighten the burden of our sufferings, bless our families, and grant to the nations, so sorely afflicted.

Your Peace, which is the only true peace, so that by obeying Your Commandments we may come at last to the glory of Heaven. Amen.

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/

'Do Not Fear': Words to Live By

Looking at a passage from Saint Faustina's diary written more than 80 years ago today, we see her close relationship with Jesus and how He revealed information and inspiration to her. We also see how Faustina assumes that God's Will has been accomplished in her. Jesus lovingly corrects the holy sister and says not to be afraid, He is with her. "Do not fear," says Our Lord.


+ August 7, 1936. When I received the article about Divine Mercy with the image [on the cover], God's presence filled me in an extraordinary way. When I steeped myself in a prayer of thanksgiving, I suddenly saw the Lord Jesus in a great brightness, just as He is painted, and at His feet I saw Father Andrasz and Father Sopocko. Both were holding pens in their hands, and flashes of light and fire, like lightning, were coming from the tips of their pens and striking a great crowd of people who were hurrying I know not where. Whoever was touched by the ray of light immediately turned his back on the crowd and held out his hands to Jesus. Some returned with great joy, others with great pain and compunction. Jesus was looking at both priests with great kindness. After a while, I was left alone with Jesus, and I said, "Jesus, take me now, for Your will has already been accomplished." And Jesus answered, My will has not yet been completely accomplished in you; you will still suffer much, but I am with you; do not fear.

(Diary entry 675)

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

Trust in God, First

In this excerpt from Saint Faustina's diary in the summer of 1936, we learn more about her relationship with her spiritual director, Father Andrasz, whom the Lord had given her to help in her mission of revealing the mysteries of God's Divine Mercy. We see here how we can also ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and help to know God's Will for our work.

Sister Maria Faustina

We also learn from these passages that Our Lord wants us very much to depend on Him, not our own endeavors.

So how do we do it? It may feel hard, though it's not. Start by praying, "Jesus, I trust in You."

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day at 3 p.m. for sinners, poor souls and to deepen your trust in God.


June, 1936. Conversation with Father A. [Andrasz]

"Know that these are hard and difficult things. Your principal spiritual director is the Holy Spirit. We can only give direction to these inspirations, but your real director is the Holy Spirit. If you yourself have decided to leave, Sister, I neither prohibit nor order you to do so. You take the responsibility for yourself. I say this to you, Sister: you can begin to take action. You are capable of doing so, and therefore you can do so. These things are indeed probable; all you have told me up to now [before perpetual vows in Cracow in 1933] speaks in favor of taking action. Still, you have to be very careful in all this. Pray much and ask that I be given light."

During Holy Mass, offered by Father Andrasz, I saw the little Infant Jesus, who told me that I was to depend on him for everything; no action undertaken on your own, even though you put much effort into it, pleases Me. I understood this [need of] dependence.

O my Jesus, on the day of the last judgment, You will demand from me an account of this work of mercy. O just Judge, but my Spouse as well, help me to do Your holy will. O mercy, O divine virtue!

O most merciful Heart of Jesus, my Betrothed, make my heart like unto Yours.

(Diary entries 658-660)

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.

Prayer to Saint Joseph After the Rosary

This prayer to Saint Joseph was composed by Pope Leo XIII in his 1889 encyclical, Quamquam Pluries. He asked that it be added to the end of the holy Rosary and may be said after the Hail, Holy Queen prayer, the Salve Regina, especially during October -- the month dedicated to the Rosary.

To you, O blessed Joseph,
do we come in our tribulation,
and having implored the help of your most holy Spouse,
we confidently invoke your patronage also.

Through that charity which bound you
to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God
and through the paternal love
with which you embraced the Child Jesus,
we humbly beg you graciously to regard the inheritance
which Jesus Christ has purchased by his Blood,
and with your power and strength to aid us in our necessities.

O most watchful guardian of the Holy Family,
defend the chosen children of Jesus Christ;
O most loving father, ward off from us
every contagion of error and corrupting influence;
O our most mighty protector, be kind to us
and from heaven assist us in our struggle
with the power of darkness.

As once you rescued the Child Jesus from deadly peril,
so now protect God's Holy Church
from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity;
shield, too, each one of us by your constant protection,
so that, supported by your example and your aid,
we may be able to live piously, to die in holiness,
and to obtain eternal happiness in heaven.
Amen

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Pope Francis has added three new invocations to the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, according to the Vatican's news website. The change was timed for the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on June 20.

According to directions, the invocation, "Mother of mercy" is to be inserted after "Mother of the Church," "Mother of hope" after "Mother of Divine Grace" and "Solace of migrants" after "Refuge of sinners."

The title of the prayer is the Litany of Loreto, and it takes its name from the Marian shrine of Loreto in Italy, where it is believed to have been used as far back as 1531.The Litany of Loreto is the only approved Marian litany. It is commonly prayed after the holy Rosary.



Lord have mercy.
Christ 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,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,

Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of mercy, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother of hope, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Saviour, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renowned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honour, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Morning star, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Solace of migrants, pray for us.
Comfort of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of families, pray for us.
Queen of peace. 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.

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord God,
that we, your servants, may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body; and by the intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Sacred Heart of Jesus Litany

Pope Leo XIII approved this Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for public use in 1899. There are 33 invocations, one for each year of life of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father Croiset composed a litany in 1691 from which 17 invocations were used by Venerable Anne Madeleine Remuzat when she composed her litany in 1718 at Marseille. She joined an additional 10 invocations to those of Father Croiset, for a total of 27 invocations. Six more invocations written by Sister Madeleine Joly of Dijon in 1686 were added by the Sacred Congregation for Rites when it was approved for public use in 1899.

A partial indulgence is attached to this litany.

Pray it daily, for sinners.

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 center 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 Thee, 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 Thee, have mercy on us.
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, 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.

V. Jesus, meek and humble of heart.

R. Make our hearts like to Thine.

Let us pray;

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

Journey to God's Will

Our Saint Faustina perfectly understood that God's Will for us is a deep mystery. We can't discern God's Will on our own. We need Him to reveal it to us.

You may ask Jesus in your prayers to know God's Will, but there's something else you need to do.

The only way to know His Will is to first surrender our will to God. That means we say, "Not my will, Lord. Let your Holy Will be done unto me." 

Give your will first to God and pray to know what to do next. Read these beautiful poems of Saint Faustina written in spring 1938. (Diary entries 1652-1654)

+ J.M.J.

Adore, my soul, the mercy of the Lord,
O my heart, rejoice wholly in Him,
Because for this you have been chosen by Him,
To spread the glory of His mercy.

His goodness no one has fathomed, no one can measure,
His compassion is untold.
Every soul that approaches Him experiences this.
He will shield her and clasp her to His merciful bosom.

Happy the soul that has trusted in Your goodness
And has abandoned herself completely to Your mercy.
Her soul is filled with the peace of love.
You defend her everywhere as Your own child.

O soul, whoever you may be in this world,
Even if your sins were as black as night,
Do not fear God, weak child that you are,
For great is the power of God's mercy.

+ J.M.J.

1653

The light above, where my God reigns,
This it is that my soul yearns for,
This it is for which my heart longs,
And my whole being bounds towards You.

I hasten on to the other world, to God alone,
Into the incomprehensible light, the very fire of love,
For my soul and my heart are created for Him,
And my heart has loved Him from my tender youth.

There, in the resplendent light of Your countenance
My languishing love will rest.
For Your virgin agonizes for You in her exile,
For she lives only when united with You.

+ J. M. J.

My day is drawing to a close,
Even now I glimpse the refulgence of Your light, O my God.
No one shall learn of what my heart is feeling;
My lips shall fall silent in great humility.

Even now, I draw nigh to the eternal nuptials,
To heaven unending, to spaces without limit.
I long for no repose or reward;
The pure love of God draws me to heaven.

Even now, I go to meet You, eternal Love
With a heart languishing in its desire for You.
I feel that Your pure love, Lord, dwells in my heart,
And I sense my eternal destiny in heaven.

Even now, I go to my Father, in heaven eternal,
From the land of exile, from this vale of tears,
The earth can no longer hold back my pure heart,
And the heights of heaven have drawn me close.

I go, O my Bridegroom, I go to see Your glory,
Which even now fills my soul with joy
There where all heaven is plunged in Your adoration,
I feel that my worship is pleasing to You, nothingness though I am.

In eternal happiness, I will not forget those on earth,
I will obtain God's mercy for all,
And I will remember especially those who were dear to my heart,
And the deepest absorption in God will not allow me to forget them.

In these last moments I know not how to converse with others.
In silence I await only You, O Lord.
I know the time will come when all will understand the work of God in my soul.
I know that such is Your will.-So be it.