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diff --git a/33596-h/33596-h.htm b/33596-h/33596-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a47c059 --- /dev/null +++ b/33596-h/33596-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18138 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Mary, Help of + Christians, by Rev. Bonaventure Hammer, O.F.M. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + + + h1 { text-align: center } + h2 { text-align: center } + h3 { text-align: center } + .imprimi {margin-left:10%} + .nihil {margin-left:20%} + .imprimatur {margin-left: 15%} + .indent {margin-left:75%} + .indent_small { margin-left:5%} + body { margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%} + </style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mary, Help of Christians, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Mary, Help of Christians + And the Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers: + Instructions, Novenas and Prayers with Thoughts of the + Saints for Every Day in the Year + +Author: Various + +Contributor: John J. Burke + +Editor: Bonaventure Hammer + +Release Date: August 31, 2010 [EBook #33596] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS *** + + + + +Produced by Michael Gray, the Diocese of San Jose + + + + + +</pre> + + <p align="center"> + MARY, THE HELP OF CHRISTIANS + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS + </h1> + <h3> + AND THE + </h3> + <h2> + Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers + </h2><br> + <h2> + Instructions, Legends, Novenas and Prayers + </h2> + <p align="center"> + WITH + </p> + <h2> + Thoughts of the Saints for Every Day in the Year + </h2><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + COMPILED BY + </p> + <h2> + REV. BONAVENTURE HAMMER, O.F.M. + </h2><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + TO WHICH IS ADDED AN APPENDIX ON THE + </p> + <h2> + Reasonableness of Catholic Ceremonies and Practices + </h2> + <h3> + BY REV. JOHN J. BURKE + </h3><br> + <br> + <hr width="30%"> + <br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + NEW YORK, CINCINNATI, CHICAGO + </p> + <h3> + BENZIGER BROTHERS + </h3> + <p align="center"> + PRINTERS TO THE HOLY APOSTOLIC SEE<br> + PUBLISHERS OF BENZINGER'S MAGAZINE + </p><br> + <br> + <p> + <img src="images/imprimi.jpg" alt= + "Imprimi Permittitur"><br> + <span class="imprimi">FR. CHRYSOSTOMUS THEOBALD, + O.F.M.,</span><br> + <span class="imprimi"><i>Minister + Provincialis.</i></span><br> + <span class="imprimi">Cincinnati, Ohio, die 30, Martii, + 1908.</span> + </p> + <p> + <img src="images/nihil.jpg" alt="Nihil Obstat"><br> + <span class="nihil">REMY LAPORT, S.T.L.,</span><br> + <span class="nihil"><i>Censor Librorum.</i></span> + </p> + <p> + <img src="images/imprimatur.jpg" alt="Imprimatur"><br> + <span class="imprimatur">JOHN M. FARLEY,</span><br> + <span class="imprimatur"><img src="images/cross.jpg" + alt="A cross">Archbishop of New York.</span> + </p><br> + <br> + <p> + NEW YORK, March 4, 1909. + </p><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + COPYRIGHT, 1909, BY BENZIGER BROTHERS. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="preface" id="preface">PREFACE</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+1">T</font>HE contents of the following + pages are based on the Catholic doctrine of the + veneration and invocation of the saints, and of the + efficacy of the prayer of intercession. The legends of + the individual "Holy Helpers" were compiled from + authors whose writings have the approval of the Church. + </p> + <p> + In compliance with the decrees of Pope Urban VIII of + 1625, 1631, and 1634, the compiler formally declares + that he submits everything contained in this little + book to the infallible judgment of the Church, and that + he claims no other than human credibility for the + facts, legends, and miracles related, except where the + Church has otherwise decided. + </p> + <p class="indent"> + THE COMPILER. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + Contents + </h1> + <p> + <a href="#preface">PREFACE</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART I<br> + The Veneration and Invocation of Saints and the + Efficacy of Prayer + </h1> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#I-I">THE VENERATION AND INVOCATION OF + SAINTS</a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#I-II">EFFICACY OF THE INTERCESSION OF THE + SAINTS</a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER III + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#I-III">FOR WHAT THE INTERCESSION OF THE + SAINTS MAY AND SHOULD BE INVOKED</a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#I-IV">THE QUALITIES OF PRAYER</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART II<br> + Mary, the Help of Christians<br> + Novenas in Preparation for the Principal Feasts of the + Blessed Virgin + </h1> + <p> + <a href="#rules">RULES FOR THE PROPER OBSERVANCE OF + NOVENAS</a><br> + <a href="#manner">ON THE MANNER OF READING THE + MEDITATIONS AND OBSERVING THE PRACTICES</a> + </p> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#Mary">MARY, THE HELP OF CHRISTIANS</a> + </p> + <h2> + I. NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE + BLESSED VIRGIN MARY + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#Immaculate_Conception_1">THE + PREDESTINATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_2">MARY'S IMMACULATE + CONCEPTION</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_3">MARY, THE VICTRIX OF + SATAN</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_4">MARY WITHOUT ACTUAL + SIN</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_5">MARY, FULL OF GRACE</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_6">MARY, OUR REFUGE</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_7">MARY, THE MOTHER OF + CHASTITY</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href= + "#Immaculate_Conception_8">THE IMAGE OF THE IMMACULATE + CONCEPTION</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href="#Immaculate_Conception_9">THE + FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION</a><br> + </p> + <h2> + II. NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED + VIRGIN MARY + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_1">THE BIRTH OF + MARY</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_2">MARY, THE ELECT + OF GOD</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_3">MARY, THE CHILD + OF ROYALTY</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_4">MARY, THE CHILD + OF PIOUS PARENTS</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_5">MARY'S + SUPERNATURAL PREROGATIVES</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_6">MARY, THE JOY OF + THE MOST HOLY TRINITY</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_7">THE ANGELS + REJOICE AT MARY'S BIRTH</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_8">THE JOY OF THE + JUST IN LIMBO AT MARY'S BIRTH</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href="#Nativity_9">THE HOLY NAME OF + MARY</a> + </p> + <h2> + III. NOVENA FOR THE FEAST OF THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE + BLESSED VIRGIN MARY + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_1">THE + ANNUNCIATION</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_2">THE IMPORT + OF THE ANGEL'S SALUTATION</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_3">THE EFFECT + OF THE ANGEL'S SALUTATION</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_4">MARY'S + QUESTION</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_5">THE + SOLUTION</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_6">MARY'S + CONSENT</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_7">MARY'S + FORTITUDE IN SUFFERING</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_8">MARY, THE + MOTHER OF GOD</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href="#Annunciation_9">MARY OUR + MOTHER</a> + </p> + <h2> + IV. NOVENA IN HONOR OF THE SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_1">DEVOTION TO THE + SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_2">MARY'S FIRST + SORROW: SIMEON'S PROPHECY IN THE TEMPLE</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_3">MARY'S SECOND + SORROW: THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_4">MARY'S THIRD + SORROW: JESUS LOST IN JERUSALEM</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_5">MARY'S FOURTH + SORROW: SHE MEETS JESUS CARRYING HIS CROSS</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_6">MARY'S FIFTH + SORROW: BENEATH THE CROSS</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_7">MARY'S SIXTH + SORROW: THE TAKING DOWN OF JESUS' BODY FROM THE + CROSS</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_8">MARY'S SEVENTH + SORROW: JESUS IS BURIED</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href="#Sorrows_9">WHY MARY HAD TO + SUFFER</a> + </p> + <h2> + V. NOVENA FOR THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION OF THE + BLESSED VIRGIN MARY + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_1">MARY'S DEATH + WAS WITHOUT PAIN</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_2">AT MARY'S + TOMB</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_3">THE EMPTY + TOMB</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_4">REASONS FOR + THE BODILY ASSUMPTION OF MARY INTO HEAVEN</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_5">MARY'S + GLORIOUS ENTRANCE INTO HEAVEN</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_6">MARY CROWNED + IN HEAVEN</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_7">MARY'S BLISS + IN HEAVEN</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_8">MARY, THE + QUEEN OF MERCY</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href="#Assumption_9">MARY IN HEAVEN + THE HELP OF CHRISTIANS ON EARTH</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART III<br> + The Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h1> + <h2> + CHAPTER I + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#fourteen">THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS</a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER II + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#legends">LEGENDS</a> + </p> + <h2> + THE LEGENDS OF THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS + </h2> + <p> + I.—<a href="#legend_1">ST. GEORGE, MARTYR</a><br> + II.—<a href="#legend_2">ST. BLASE, BISHOP AND + MARTYR</a><br> + III.—<a href="#legend_3">ST. ERASMUS, BISHOP AND + MARTYR</a><br> + IV.—<a href="#legend_4">ST. PANTALEON, PHYSICIAN + AND MARTYR</a><br> + V.—<a href="#legend_5">ST. VITUS, MARTYR</a><br> + VI.—<a href="#legend_6">ST. CHRISTOPHORUS, + MARTYR</a><br> + VII.—<a href="#legend_7">ST. DIONYSIUS, BISHOP + AND MARTYR</a><br> + VIII.—<a href="#legend_8">ST. CYRIACUS, DEACON + AND MARTYR</a><br> + IX.—<a href="#legend_9">ST. ACHATIUS, + MARTYR</a><br> + X.—<a href="#legend_10">ST. EUSTACHIUS, + MARTYR</a><br> + XI.—<a href="#legend_11">ST. GILES, HERMIT AND + ABBOT</a><br> + XII.—<a href="#legend_12">ST. MARGARET, VIRGIN + AND MARTYR</a><br> + XIII.—<a href="#legend_13">ST. CATHERINE, VIRGIN + AND MARTYR</a><br> + XIV.—<a href="#legend_14">ST. BARBARA, VIRGIN AND + MARTYR</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART IV<br> + I. Novenas to the Holy Helpers + </h1> + <h2> + NOVENA TO EACH OF THE HOLY HELPERS + </h2> + <p> + I.—<a href="#helper_1">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + GEORGE</a><br> + II.—<a href="#helper_2">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + BLASE</a><br> + III.—<a href="#helper_3">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + ERASMUS</a><br> + IV.—<a href="#helper_4">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + PANTALEON</a><br> + V.—<a href="#helper_5">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + VITUS</a><br> + VI.—<a href="#helper_6">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + CHRISTOPHORUS</a><br> + VII.—<a href="#helper_7">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + DIONYSIUS</a><br> + VIII.—<a href="#helper_8">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + CYRIACUS</a><br> + IX.—<a href="#helper_9">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + ACHATIUS</a><br> + X.—<a href="#helper_10">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + EUSTACHIUS</a><br> + XI.—<a href="#helper_11">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + GILES</a><br> + XII.—<a href="#helper_12">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + MARGARET</a><br> + XIII.—<a href="#helper_13">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + CATHERINE</a><br> + XIV.—<a href="#helper_14">NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. + BARBARA</a> + </p> + <h2> + NOVENA TO ALL THE HOLY HELPERS + </h2> + <p> + FIRST DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_1">THE DEVOTION + TO THE FOURTEEN HOLY HELPERS</a><br> + SECOND DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_2">THE DESTINY + OF MAN</a><br> + THIRD DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_3">THE VIRTUE OF + FAITH</a><br> + FOURTH DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_4">THE VIRTUE + OF HOPE</a><br> + FIFTH DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_5">THE LOVE OF + GOD</a><br> + SIXTH DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_6">THE VIRTUE OF + CHARITY</a><br> + SEVENTH DAY.—<a href="#all_helpers_7">HUMAN + RESPECT</a><br> + EIGHTH DAY.—<a href= + "#all_helpers_8">PRAYER</a><br> + NINTH DAY.—<a href= + "#all_helpers_9">PERSEVERANCE</a> + </p> + <h1> + II. Prayers and Petitions + </h1> + <h2> + PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION + </h2> + <p> + I.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession1">THREE + INVOCATIONS</a><br> + II.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession2">PRAYER + IN ILLNESS</a><br> + III.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession3">PRAYER + FOR THE SICK</a><br> + IV.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession4">PRAYER + OF PARENTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN</a><br> + V.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession5">PRAYER OF + CHILDREN FOR THEIR PARENTS</a><br> + VI.—<a href="#holy_helpers_intercession6">PRAYER + FOR MARRIED PEOPLE</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART V<br> + General Devotions + </h1> + <p> + <a href="#morning_prayers">MORNING PRAYERS</a><br> + <a href="#evening_prayers">EVENING PRAYERS</a><br> + <a href="#prayers_at_mass">PRAYERS AT HOLY MASS</a><br> + <a href="#prayers_after_mass">PRAYERS AFTER + MASS</a><br> + <a href="#confession_prayers">PRAYERS FOR + CONFESSION</a><br> + <span class="indent_small"><a href="#bcon">Before + Confession</a></span><br> + <span class="indent_small"><a href="#acon">After + Confession</a></span><br> + <a href="#communion_prayers">PRAYERS FOR HOLY + COMMUNION</a><br> + <span class="indent_small"><a href="#bcom">Before + Communion</a></span><br> + <span class="indent_small"><a href="#acom">After + Communion</a></span><br> + <a href="#blessed_sacrament">VISIT TO THE BLESSED + SACRAMENT</a><br> + <a href="#sacred_heart">PRAYER TO THE SACRED HEART OF + JESUS</a><br> + <a href="#suffering_jesus">PRAYERS TO JESUS + SUFFERING</a><br> + <a href="#stations_of_the_cross">THE STATIONS OF THE + CROSS</a><br> + <a href="#suffering_redeemer">PRAYER TO OUR SUFFERING + REDEEMER</a><br> + <a href="#blessed_virgin">PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN + MARY</a><br> + <a href="#salvation">PRAYER FOR ALL THINGS NECESSARY TO + SALVATION</a> + </p> + <h2> + THE FOUR APPROVED LITANIES + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_most_holy_name">LITANY OF THE MOST + HOLY NAME OF JESUS</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_sacred_heart">LITANY OF THE SACRED + HEART OF JESUS</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">LITANY OF LORETO, IN HONOR + OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_saints">LITANY OF ALL SAINTS</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART VI<br> + Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of + the Year + </h1> + <p> + <a href="#jan">JANUARY</a><br> + <a href="#feb">FEBRUARY</a><br> + <a href="#mar">MARCH</a><br> + <a href="#apr">APRIL</a><br> + <a href="#may">MAY</a><br> + <a href="#jun">JUNE</a><br> + <a href="#jul">JULY</a><br> + <a href="#aug">AUGUST</a><br> + <a href="#sep">SEPTEMBER</a><br> + <a href="#oct">OCTOBER</a><br> + <a href="#nov">NOVEMBER</a><br> + <a href="#dec">DECEMBER</a> + </p> + <h1> + PART VII<br> + Reasonableness of Catholic Ceremonies and Practices + </h1> + <p> + <a href="#ceremonies">THE CEREMONIES OF THE CATHOLIC + CHURCH</a><br> + I.—<a href="#ceremony_1">Ceremonies Necessary to + Divine Worship</a><br> + II.—<a href="#ceremony_2">Vestments Used by the + Priest at Mass</a><br> + III.—<a href="#ceremony_3">Ceremonies of the + Mass</a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#practices">THE PRACTICES OF THE CATHOLIC + CHURCH</a><br> + I.—<a href="#practice_1">Vespers and + Benediction</a><br> + II.—<a href="#practice_2">Devotion to the Blessed + Sacrament</a><br> + III.—<a href="#practice_3">Holy Communion</a><br> + IV.—<a href="#practice_4">Confirmation</a><br> + V.—<a href="#practice_5">Honoring the Blessed + Virgin</a><br> + VI.—<a href="#practice_6">Confession of + Sin</a><br> + VII.—<a href="#practice_7">Granting + Indulgences</a><br> + VIII.—<a href="#practice_8">The Last + Sacraments</a><br> + IX.—<a href="#practice_9">Praying for the + Dead</a><br> + X.—<a href="#practice_10">Praying to the + Saints</a><br> + XI.—<a href="#practice_11">Crucifixes, Relics, and + Images</a><br> + XII.—<a href="#practice_12">Some + Sacramentals—The Books Used by the Priest, the + Sign of the Cross, Holy Water, Blessed Candles, Palm + and Ashes, Holy Oils, Scapulars, Medals, Agnus Dei, + Prayers, Litanies, Rosary, Angelus, Stations, Funeral + Service, and Various Blessings</a><br> + XIII.—<a href="#practice_13">The Celebration of + Feasts</a><br> + XIV.—<a href="#practice_14">Infant Baptism</a><br> + XV.—<a href="#practice_15">The Marriage + Tie—One and Indissoluble</a><br> + XVI.—<a href="#practice_16">Respect Shown to + Ecclesiastical Superiors</a><br> + XVII.—<a href="#practice_17">Celibacy</a><br> + XVIII.—<a href="#practice_18">Conclusion</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PART I + </h1> + <h2> + The Veneration and Invocation of Saints, and the + Efficacy of Prayer + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God + to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of + their conversation" (<i>Heb.</i> xiii. 7). + </h2><br> + <h2> + "Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me, as I + am also of Christ" (<i>1 Cor.</i> iv. 16). + </h2><br> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/presentation_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/presentation.jpg" alt= + "Presentation of Mary in the temple."></a><br> + Presentation of Mary in the temple. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="I-I" id="I-I">CHAPTER I</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Veneration and Invocation of Saints + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>N THE Creed of the Council of + Trent, which the Catholic Church places before the + faithful as the Rule of Faith, we read: "I firmly + believe that the saints reigning with Christ are to be + venerated and invoked." + </p> + <p> + The Church therefore teaches, first, that it is right + and pleasing to God to venerate the saints and to + invoke their intercession; and second, that it is + useful and profitable to eternal salvation for us to do + so. + </p> + <p> + The veneration of the saints is useful and profitable + to us. Men conspicuous in life for knowledge, bravery, + or other noble qualities and unusual merits are honored + after death. Why, then, should Catholics not be + permitted to honor the heroes of their faith, who + excelled in the practice of supernatural virtue and are + in special grace and favor with God? That this + veneration is profitable to us is evident from the fact + that the example of the saints incites us to imitate + them to the best of our ability. + </p> + <p> + The veneration of the saints is not only in full accord + with the demands of reason, but we are, moreover, + enjoined explicitly by Holy Scripture to venerate the + memory of the holy patriarchs and prophets: "Let us now + praise men of renown, and our fathers in their + generation" (<i>Ecclus</i>. xliv. 1). "And their names + continue for ever, the glory of the holy men remaining + unto their children" (<i>Ecclus</i>. xlvi. 15). + </p> + <p> + Reason and Holy Scripture, then, are in favor of the + veneration of the saints. We find it practised, + therefore, also in the early Church. She was convinced + from the very beginning of its propriety and utility. + As early as the first century the memorial day of the + martyrs' death was observed by the Christians. They + assembled at the tombs of the sainted victims of pagan + cruelty and celebrated their memory by offering up the + Holy Sacrifice over their relics. We know this not only + from the testimony of the earliest ecclesiastical + writers, as Origen, Tertullian, and St. Cyprian, but + also from the history of St. Ignatius the Martyr (d. + 107), and of St. Polycarp of Smyrna (d. 166). Over one + hundred panegyrics of various saints written by St. + Augustine are still extant. + </p> + <p> + And why should it not be right and useful to invoke the + <i>intercession</i> of the saints? Everybody deems it + proper to ask a pious friend for his prayers. St. Paul + the Apostle recommended himself to the prayers of the + faithful (<i>Rom.</i> xv. 30), and God Himself + commanded the friends of Job to ask Him for His + intercession that their sin might not be imputed to + them (<i>Job</i> xlii. 8). How, then, can it be wrong + or superfluous to invoke the intercession of the saints + in heaven? The saints are <i>willing</i> to invoke + God's bounty in our favor, for they love us. They are + <i>able</i> to obtain it for us, because God always + accepts their prayer with complacency. That they really + hear our prayer and intercede with God for us is + clearly shown by many examples in Holy Scripture. And + if, according to the testimony of St. James (v. 16), + the prayer of the just man here on earth availeth much + with God, how much more powerful, then, must be the + prayer of the saints, who are united with God in heaven + in perfect love and are, so to say, partakers of His + infinite goodness and omnipotence? + </p> + <p> + A most striking proof of the efficacy of the prayers of + the saints is the numerous miracles wrought and the + many favors obtained at all times through their + intercession. Among these miracles are a great number + whose authenticity was declared by the Church after the + most scrupulous and strict investigation, as the acts + of canonization prove. + </p> + <p> + That the invocation of the saints was a practice of the + early Church is proved by the numerous inscriptions on + the tombs of the Roman catacombs preserved to this day. + We read there, for instance, on the tomb of Sabbatius, + a martyr, "Sabbatius, O pious soul, pray and intercede + for your brethren and associates!" On another tomb is + inscribed, "Allicius, thy spirit is blessed; pray for + thy parents!" And again, "Jovianus, live in God, and + pray for us!" + </p> + <p> + We have also the testimony of one of the greatest + thinkers and Protestant philosophers, Leibnitz, for the + claim that the veneration and invocation of the saints + is founded in reason, on Holy Scripture, and on the + tradition of the Church. He writes: "Because we justly + expect great advantage by uniting our prayers with + those of our brethren here on earth, I can not + understand how it can be called a crime if a person + invokes the intercession of a glorified soul, or an + angel. If it be really idolatry or a detestable cult to + invoke the saints and the angels to intercede for us + with God, I do not comprehend how Basil, Gregory + Nazianzen, Ambrose, and others, who were hitherto + considered saints, can be absolved from idolatry or + superstition. To continue in such a practice would + indeed not be a small defect in the Fathers, such as is + inherent in human nature—it would be an enormous + public crime. For if the Church, even in those early + times, was infected with such abominable errors, let + any one judge for himself what the Christian faith + would eventually come to. Would not Gamaliel's + proposition, to judge whether Christ's religion be + divine or human from its effects, result in its + disfavor?" + </p> + <p> + But whilst the Catholic Church practises and recommends + the veneration and invocation of the saints, she does + not teach us to honor and invoke them as we do God, nor + to pray to them as we do to Him. She makes a great + distinction. + </p> + <p> + The veneration of the saints differs from the worship + of God in the following: + </p> + <p> + 1. We <i>adore</i> God as our supreme Lord. We + <i>honor</i> the saints as His faithful servants and + friends. + </p> + <p> + 2. We <i>adore</i> God for His own sake. We + <i>honor</i> the saints for the gifts and prerogatives + with which God endowed them. + </p> + <p> + Therefore there is a difference between the prayer to + God and the invocation of the saints. We pray to God + asking Him to help us by His omnipotence: we pray to + the saints to help us by their intercession with God. + </p> + <p> + Our veneration of the saints should consist, primarily, + in the imitation of their virtues. It is truly + profitable only when we are intent upon following their + example; for only by imitating their virtues shall we + share their eternal bliss in heaven. A veneration which + contents itself with honoring the saints without + imitating their virtues is similar to a tree that + produces leaves and blossoms but bears no fruit. + </p> + <p> + The saints themselves desire that we should follow + their example. Each of them, so to say, exhorts us with + St. Paul, "Be ye followers of me, as I also am of + Christ" (<i>1 Cor.</i> iv. 16). There is no age, no + sex, no station in life for which the Catholic Church + has not saints, whose example teaches us to avoid sin + and to observe faithfully the commandments of God and + the Church at this or that age, or in this or that + station. Therefore the principal object of our + invocation of the saints ought to be the obtaining of + their help in following their example. Thus we shall + move them to come to our aid all the more readily. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="I-II" id="I-II">CHAPTER II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Efficacy of the Intercession of the Saints + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+2">N</font>OTHING is more consoling and + comforting than the assurance that in the saints of + heaven we have powerful protectors and advocates with + God. Through their intercession they obtain for us from + Him the grace to lead a virtuous life and to gain + heaven. + </p> + <p> + However, is there any reasonable doubt that the saints + are able to render us such a service? In virtue of the + communion of saints, which comprises the Church + militant on earth, the Church suffering in purgatory, + and the Church triumphant in heaven, all members of the + Church are members of one body, whose head is Christ. + Hence the saints are united with us in spirit, though + separated from us in body. United with Christ, they are + imbued with a superior knowledge, and through Him, the + All-Knowing, they know everything that concerns us, and + for which we have recourse to them in prayer. + </p> + <p> + Our confidence in the intercessory power of the saints + is founded on their relation to God and to us. As + friends of God they have influence with Him now, even + more than during their sojourn on earth, because their + intercessory power is one of their glorious + prerogatives in heaven. Their love of God and their + charity for their fellow-men, and the zeal for the + salvation of souls resulting therefrom, together with + their conformity with Christ, induces them to use their + influence readily in our favor. Because God dispenses + His gifts according to His own adorable will, it may + please Him to grant a certain favor at the particular + intercession of a certain saint; hence it is not + superstition to invoke His aid in such cases. Moreover, + we justly place our confidence in saints whom we have + selected to be our special patrons, or who were given + us as such by ecclesiastical authority. + </p> + <p> + By the intercession of the saints the mediatorship of + Christ is not set aside or restricted. The power of + intercession, the intercession itself, and its + invocation are an effect of the grace of Christ; + therefore He remains our only mediator. God remains Our + Lord and Father, although men share in His lordship and + paternity; for all power and authority comes from God, + who is pleased to operate in His creatures through + other creatures. Hence, only a dependent mediatorship + can be ascribed to the saints. Whoever admits that the + living can pray for each other can not denounce the + intercession of the saints as an usurpation of the + mediatorship of Christ. The saints are not the authors + and dispensers of grace and heavenly gifts, but they + are able to obtain them for us from God. + </p> + <p> + The saints, moreover, do not only pray for mankind in + general, but for their clients in particular. As + co-reigners with Christ, the denizens of heaven have + knowledge of the conditions and events of His kingdom; + hence the saints may pray for us individually; + therefore it is permissible and profitable for us to + invoke them. It is obvious that the knowledge of + individual occurrences does not mar the bliss of the + saints. How they gain this knowledge is not clear to + the spiritual authors; but most of them incline to the + view that they attain it by direct divine mediation. + God reveals our condition and our invocation to the + saints. + </p> + <p> + Can we doubt the willingness of the saints to aid us by + their intercession? According to St. Paul, charity is + the greatest of all virtues. If, then, the saints, + whilst on earth loved their fellow-men, cared for and + prayed for them, how much more will they do so now, + when their charity is perfected? They, too, were + pilgrims on earth, who had to suffer the adversities + and miseries of life and therefore know by experience + how sorely in need of divine assistance we poor mortals + are. Persons who have themselves experienced trials + have more compassion for the adversities of others. + Therefore it is certain that the saints have compassion + on us, that they wish our prayers to be heard and bring + them before the throne of God. "The saints," says St. + Augustine, "being secure of their eternal welfare, are + intent upon ours." Holy Scripture establishes this + beyond doubt, saying that the saints bring the prayers + of the faithful before the throne of God (<i>Apoc.</i> + v. 8). + </p> + <p> + Or is there any one that doubts the <i>efficacy</i> of + the saints' prayer with God? At any rate, we must + concede that their prayer is more effectual than ours; + for they are confirmed in justice, and therefore + friends and favorites of God, whilst we are sinners, of + whom Holy Scripture says, "The Lord is far from the + wicked, and He will hear the prayers of the just" + (<i>Prov.</i> xv. 29). On this subject, let us hear St. + Basil in his panegyric on the Forty Martyrs: "You often + wanted to find an intercessor: here you have forty who + intercede unanimously for you. Are you in distress? + Have recourse to the holy martyrs. Rejoicing, do the + same. The former that you may find relief, the latter + that you may continue to prosper. These saints hear the + mother praying for her children, the wife invoking aid + for her sick or absent husband. O brave and victorious + band, protectors of mankind, generous intercessors when + invoked, be our advocates with God!" + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt, then, that during our earthly + pilgrimage the saints are our intercessors with God. + True, we know that there is One who guides our + destinies and whose providence watches over all; but + who would not choose, also, to have a friend already + abiding with God, sharing His bliss and confirmed for + ever in His grace, and who therefore is in a position + to aid us, and certainly will do so if we invoke Him? + </p> + <p> + The following is an example illustrating the power of + the saints' intercession with God: + </p> + <p> + Basilides was one of the guards that led St. Potamiana + to a martyr's death. Whilst the rest of the soldiers + and the crowd of spectators insulted the holy virgin, + he treated her with great respect and protected her + from the assaults of the rabble. The martyr thanked him + for his kindness, and promised to pray for him when she + came into God's presence. A few days after her death + the grace of God touched Basilides' heart, and he + professed himself a Christian. His comrades at first + imagined that he was jesting. But when he persevered in + the confession of the Faith, he was brought before the + judge, who sentenced him to be beheaded next day. Taken + to prison, he was baptized, and at the appointed time, + executed. + </p> + <p> + What else but the intercession of the saint whom he had + befriended obtained for this heathen the grace of the + Faith and martyrdom? Convinced of the power of the + intercession of the saints, Origen writes: "I will fall + on my knees, and because I am unworthy to pray to God + on account of my sins, I will invoke all the saints to + come to my aid. O ye saints of God, I, filled with + sadness, sighing and weeping, implore you; intercede + for me, a miserable sinner, with the Lord of mercies!" + </p> + <h1> + <a name="I-III" id="I-III">CHAPTER III</a> + </h1> + <h2> + For What the Intercession of the Saints May and Should + be Invoked + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>T IS obvious that there are + objects to attain which we ought not to pray. We shall + try to specify them as follows: + </p> + <p> + 1. <i>We may not pray for things that are evil or + injurious in themselves, or injurious on account of + circumstances.</i> Amongst these are comprised all + those that are opposed to the salvation of the person + praying, or of some one else. It is contrary to the + very idea of prayer that God should grant to His + creature anything evil, anything that is in itself, and + not only by abuse, harmful. Prayer, according to the + rules of morality, must have for its object only the + attainment of whatever is good and profitable, and only + then is it heard by God. + </p> + <p> + 2. <i>Things completely indifferent are not comprised + in the efficacy of prayer. Hence prayer imploring for + temporal goods is heard only inasmuch as they relate to + the salvation of souls.</i> Reason, as well as faith, + teaches us that God orders all His actions first for + the promotion of His glory, and secondly for the + salvation of souls. Matters, therefore, that are either + in general, or on account of circumstances, positively + indifferent, must be excluded from the general plan of + God's providence when there is question of His positive + agency, and not simply of His permission. It is obvious + that temporal goods, such as health, wealth, etc., are + classed with things indifferent, in as far as they are + not connected with the moral order. + </p> + <p> + Thus considered, the various goods of the temporal + order do, or at least may, under certain conditions, + co-operate unto man's salvation, and then they belong + to the supernatural order. As such, the efficacy of + prayer in their regard must be judged according to the + principles applying to the latter. + </p> + <p> + 3. <i>All those things which any one can obtain himself + without extraordinary effort, are not comprised within + the scope of prayer.</i> This restriction results from + the very nature of prayer. Obviously, prayer is not the + only means by which man can obtain those things which, + on the one hand, he momentarily does not possess, and + which, on the other hand, are necessary or advantageous + for his supernatural life. As a rule, man can, by labor + and application, procure his sustenance. Persons unable + to work can have recourse to the charity of their + fellow-men, and will, as a rule, find the necessary + assistance. In regard to salvation, it must first be + ascertained whether in many or at least in some cases, + the faithful co-operation with the graces which God + gives to all men is not sufficient. + </p> + <p> + Considered from this view, we may, and even must, in a + certain sense say: When there is question of attaining + specified goods and specified graces, prayer is often + not the primary, but only the secondary and subordinate + means. From this premise follows that God in His wise + providence does not have regard for our prayer when we + easily can help ourselves, either by our own exertion + and industry, or by the faithful cooperation with + graces already received, or by the reception of the + holy sacraments. This self-evident idea is expressed in + Holy Scripture as follows, "Because of the cold the + sluggard would not plow; he shall beg therefore in the + summer, and it shall not be given him" (<i>Prov.</i> + xx. 4). For this reason formal miracles are, as a rule, + not to be expected from the efficacy of prayer. God + ordained the world and its course in such a manner, + that mankind in general and each individual in + particular can be provided, without the intervention of + a miracle, with all things necessary for their temporal + and eternal welfare. + </p> + <p> + Theologians, therefore, teach that to ask God for a + miracle, generally, is the same as to tempt Him. This + rule, however, admits of exceptions. And if we may, in + exceptional cases, ask for miracles, we may, logically, + expect them; for miracles in general are not excluded + from the plan of divine Providence. They are rather an + essential part of the existing order of God's + government of the world. At most we may say: As + miracles of their nature belong among the extraordinary + manifestations of Providence, they are not obtained by + the prayer of each and every one, but only in + exceptional cases. + </p> + <p> + However, if we consider how feeble and helpless man's + nature is, even with the assistance of divine grace, we + may not apply the above principles too strictly. This, + for the following reason: Cases in which we can not + help ourselves with the aid of the grace given us are + rare. Therefore God gives us, in reward of our + confident prayer, not only that which is strictly + necessary, but also that which is profitable and + conducive to our welfare. This being so, the logical + deduction is, that God is willing to hear our prayer + not only when we, of ourselves, are totally incapable + of helping ourselves, but also when great difficulties + beset us in this our self-help. Hence, in a certain + sense, we may maintain that in the work of our + salvation prayer and its efficacy must be considered, + together with the sacraments, as one of the chief + means, and not as a mere accessory. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/annunciation_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/annunciation.jpg" alt= + "The Annunciation"></a><br> + The Annunciation. + </p> + <p> + This limitation of the main principle is founded on the + generality of the divine promises concerning the + hearing of prayer, and on the great goodness and bounty + of God in which these promises originated. When man, + making use of all the means placed at his disposal, can + not help himself, a cry for help is sent to Heaven is + not presumptuous or unreasonable, and therefore the + hope of being heard is not unfounded or in vain. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="I-IV" id="I-IV">CHAPTER IV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Qualities of Prayer + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+2">F</font>OR greater convenience of + explanation, we condense the various qualities of + prayer taught by theologians as conditions of its + efficacy into the following four: (1) Devotion; (2) + Confidence; (3) Perseverance; (4) Resignation to the + will of God. + </p> + <p> + Treating of prayer, some theological authors demand, + above all, the intention of praying. This intention is + indeed so necessary that it does not belong to the + qualities or attributes of prayer, but to its very + essence. For whosoever has not the intention or will to + pray may recite a formula of prayer with the greatest + attention, yet does not really and truly pray. + </p> + <p> + Again, the teachers of the spiritual life tell us that + prayer must be "in the name of Jesus." This being a + condition insisted upon by our divine Lord Himself, it + also belongs to the essence of prayer. It means that we + offer up our prayer to God in the name of Jesus His + Son, that is, with reference to Him and in the firm + confidence that we shall be heard on His account and + because of His promises. Again, to pray in the name of + Jesus means to pray according to His manner and in His + spirit. + </p> + <p> + We now proceed to explain the qualities of true prayer: + </p> + <p> + 1. <i>Devotion.</i>—What is meant by devotion in + prayer? Devotion in prayer means: (<i>a</i>) that our + prayer must be attentive; that is, the person praying + must direct his thoughts as uninterruptedly as possible + to his prayer, <i>viz.,</i> to the formula he uses to + state the object of his desires, and above all to God, + to whom his prayer is directed. (<i>b</i>) The person + praying must know and acknowledge his own needs, and + that of himself he has no claims whatsoever on God, and + thus engender in himself sentiments of true humility, + (<i>c</i>) These sentiments must, moreover, embrace + reverence for God and the acknowledgment of dependence + on Him, thus giving to prayer the character of piety, + (<i>d</i>) All this must culminate in full abandonment + to God, the Giver of all good things. This abandonment + is an essential part of our divine cult. + </p> + <p> + As to the question whether devotion, and what grade of + it, is necessary in prayer, and whether prayer without + it loses its entire efficacy, and especially its + imploring efficiency, it is evident that prayer without + devotion is ineffective; it is simulation. An example + of this, that is, of a man pretending to pray and not + praying in reality, is given us in the parable of the + Pharisee and the Publican (<i>Luke</i> xviii. 10-12). + To determine accurately what grade of devotion, that + is, what degree of attention, humility, and piety is + necessary to render prayer from a formality into a + reality, is possible only when all the circumstances, + dispositions, and qualities of mind of the person + praying can be taken into account. Suffice it to remark + that when all the other conditions, together with the + intention of praying, combine, strict but reliable + theologians declare that the true essence of prayer is + compatible with a less degree of attention and + recollection. + </p> + <p> + 2. <i>Confidence.</i>—There is no doubt but that + strong confidence, or the firm hope of being heard, + contributes much to the perfection of prayer and + renders it especially effective. Therefore confidence, + like devotion or attention, must be reckoned among the + essential qualities or attributes of prayer. For it is + inconceivable that a rational being should resolve on + presenting a petition when he has not the least hope of + its being granted. In this case his petition would be + entirely useless, and therefore irrational. Again, it + is inconceivable that God should have regard for a + prayer or the petition of a man who has absolutely no + confidence in His mercy. A prayer without confidence is + hypocrisy, rather than true and sincere supplication. + If we address a petition to God without the confidence + that He can and will grant it, He must rather feel + offended than honored thereby. How, then, shall He feel + moved to grant us new benefits? If we nevertheless + receive them, it is the effect of His bountiful + goodness, and not the result of our sham prayer. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, to be effective, our prayer must be inspired + by confidence. The apostle St. James inculcates this, + saying: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering; + for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, which + is moved and carried about by the wind. Therefore let + not that man think that he shall receive any thing of + the Lord" (<i>James</i> i. 6-7). By these words the + apostle designates not a common and ordinary + confidence, but one firm and steadfast. At the same + time he speaks in general; that is, his words have + reference not only to extraordinary petitions, but to + everything for which we are accustomed to pray. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, the explicit and positive promises made by + Christ in regard to prayer manifestly have the purpose + of inspiring the person praying with firm confidence + and the sure hope of being heard. If, then, our prayer + be wanting in this quality, we do not pray in the + spirit of Christ, nor in the terms in which we ought to + pray, and can not claim the fulfilment of His promises. + </p> + <p> + 3. <i>Perseverance.</i>—To understand properly in + how far perseverance is a quality of prayer, we must, + above all, know what may be the objects of our prayer. + Of these there are three classes. To the first class + belong those cases in which a person needs divine help + at the present moment or at least at a time definitely + near, and seeks it through prayer. Such a petition + would be, for instance, to obtain the necessary and + effective aid of divine grace for overcoming an + existing transient temptation, or the conversion of a + certain sinner approaching death. To the second class + belongs the avoidance of temporal evils, or of + continuous temptations, or the conversion of a certain + sinner now in good health. To the third class belong + such benefits which can be granted only for a later + period, perhaps at the hour of death. The grace of + final perseverance is the foremost among these. + </p> + <p> + Having stated the preliminary conditions, the answer to + the question of perseverance in prayer is: + </p> + <p> + <i>a.</i> Inasmuch as our prayer is directed toward the + attainment of benefits of the first class, that is, of + graces which we need immediately, perseverance can + obviously not be an essential condition of our prayer. + Either we can not attain our object by prayer, or a + transient prayer which has the other necessary + qualities must suffice for its attainment. The first + supposition is contrary to the divine promises; + therefore the alternative must stand. + </p> + <p> + <i>b.</i> When there is question of benefits and graces + of the second and third class, we must concede that + perseverance or continuance in prayer is neither + impossible, nor is it unreasonable. God is willing to + grant us His almighty help, but at the same time He + desires that we, being convinced of its necessity, + implore it all the more eagerly, and thereby become + more worthy to receive it when He shall be pleased to + grant our petitions. Therefore + </p> + <p> + 4. <i>Resignation</i> to the will of God is a necessary + condition for the efficacy of our prayer. This quality + of our prayer needs no lengthy explanation; its + application to prayer is self-evident. + </p> + <p> + Finally the petition for a certain benefit, in order to + be reasonable and permissible, must include the + following two attributes: (<i>a</i>) The object prayed + for must not be harmful, but profitable; (<i>b</i>) it + must not be opposed to the will of God. + </p> + <p> + <i>Conclusions.</i>—Careful observation will + convince us that prayer is often wanting in one or more + of the above qualities. Often that which one seeks to + obtain by prayer is not promotive of God's glory and of + the salvation of souls, even considered from a human + point of view, much less in the designs of Providence. + </p> + <p> + In cases where the object of prayer in itself presents + no difficulties, it is often defective for want of + devotion or perseverance. But oftenest our prayer is + wanting in confidence and trust, which want originates + in the feeble faith of the person praying, or in too + little reliance on the promises of Christ and in the + merits of His redemption. Thus there is nothing to + surprise us if we are not heard. + </p> + <p> + Again, we must never forget that very many, and + generally the most precious gifts of divine grace are + bestowed secretly. Remember the many and great benefits + conferred daily and hourly by God on mankind, + universally and individually. Considering them, it is + presumption to maintain that in a special case the + prayer of the Church, or of a community, or of an + individual, was not granted. The opposite is fully + proved by the goodness, bounty, and mercy which God + shows so profusely to us. + </p> + <p> + We must, moreover, never lose sight of the principle + that the promises made to prayer concern directly only + the supernatural order of salvation. To the goods of + the temporal order they are applicable only relatively. + If we, therefore, experience that our prayers relative + to temporal things remain unheard, we must, instead of + doubting the divine promises, be firmly convinced that + the attainment of the object for which we prayed was, + under the circumstances, not conducive to our real + welfare. We must, moreover, be convinced that God, in + order not to leave our petition ungranted, conferred on + us some other real benefit. + </p> + <p> + Finally, when the refusal of our prayer is clearly and + unmistakably established, the reasons for this may be + the following: (<i>a</i>) Perhaps the person praying + was wanting in effort, or in cooperation with graces + formerly received, a deficiency which can not be + repaired by prayer alone. (<i>b</i>) Or the prayer + itself is wanting in one or the other necessary + qualities, especially in confidence. (<i>c</i>) God + does not intend to refuse the desired grace, but, for + reasons of His own, delays it (<i>d</i>) God gives us + in place of what we asked some other grace more + salutary to us. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + PART II + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Help of Christians + </h2> + <h2> + Novenas in Preparation for the Principal Feasts of the + Blessed Virgin + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "Holy Mary, aid the miserable, assist the desponding, + strengthen the weak, pray for the people, plead for the + clergy, intercede for the devout female sex. Let all + who have recourse to thee experience the efficacy of + thy help!"—HOLY CHURCH. + </h2><br> + <br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="rules" id="rules">Rules</a> for the Proper + Observance of Novenas + </h1> + <p align="center"> + <i>By St. Alphonsus Liguori</i> + </p> + <p> + 1. <font size="+2">T</font>HE soul must be in the state + of grace; for the devotion of a sinful heart pleases + neither God nor the saints. + </p> + <p> + 2. We must persevere, that is, the prayers for each day + of the novena must never be omitted. + </p> + <p> + 3. If possible, we should visit a church every day, and + there implore the favor we desire. + </p> + <p> + 4. Every day we ought to perform certain specified acts + of exterior self-denial and interior mortification, in + order to prepare us thereby for the reception of grace. + </p> + <p> + 5. It is most important that we receive holy communion + when making a novena. Therefore prepare yourself well + for it. + </p> + <p> + 6. After obtaining the desired grace for which the + novena was made, do not omit to return thanks to God + and to the saint through whose intercession your + prayers were heard. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="manner" id="manner">On the Manner</a> of + Reading the Meditations and Observing the Practices + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+2">H</font>OLY SCRIPTURE says, "Before + prayer prepare thy soul; and be not as a man that + tempteth God" (<i>Eccles.</i> xviii. 23). Therefore + place yourself in the presence of God, invoke the + assistance of the Holy Ghost, and make a most sincere + act of contrition for your sins. Offer up to God your + will, your intellect, and your memory, so that your + prayer may be pleasing to God and serve to promote your + spiritual welfare. + </p> + <p> + Then read the meditation slowly, reflecting on each + point of the thought or mystery treated, and consider + what you can learn from it, and for what grace you + ought to implore God. This is the principal object to + be attained by mental prayer. + </p> + <p> + Never rise from your prayer without having formed some + special resolution for practical observance. The + practices at the end of each consideration in the + following novenas will aid you to do so. Finally, ask + for grace to carry out effectively your good purposes, + and thank God for enlightening your mind during the + meditation. + </p> + <h1> + Introduction + </h1> + <h2> + <a name="Mary" id="Mary">Mary</a>, the Help of + Christians + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+2">N</font>O CATHOLIC denies that Our Lord + Jesus Christ is the only mediator through whose merits + we became reconciled to God. Nevertheless, it is a + doctrine of our faith that God willingly grants us + grace if the saints, and especially the Blessed Virgin + Mary, the queen of saints, intercede for us. If the + saints, during their life on earth, were so potent with + God that through their prayers the blind obtained + sight, the deaf hearing, and the dumb speech, that the + sick of all conditions were healed, the dead restored + to life, and the most obstinate sinners converted; if + thousands of other miracles in the order of nature and + of grace were performed through their intercession; + what, then, will not she obtain for us from God, whose + virtue and merits transcend those of all the saints, + and who did more for the greater honor and glory of God + than they all? Mary is the queen of saints not only + because she is the Mother of the Most High, but also + because her sanctity is more perfect than theirs, and + she therefore thrones above them all in heaven. Hence + the favor with which God regards her, and consequently + the power of her intercession with Him is so much the + greater. + </p> + <p> + If Mary's sanctity thus impressively illustrates the + potency of her intercession, the contemplation of her + dignity as the Mother of God does still more so. Mary + brought forth Him who is the Almighty. She calls Him + her Son, who by the word of His omnipotence created + from out of nothing the whole world with all its + beauties, and who can call into being countless + millions of other worlds. She calls Him her Son, whose + throne is heaven and whose footstool is the earth, who + governs all nature with almighty power and reveals His + name to mankind through the most astounding miracles. + In a word, Mary calls Him her Son, whose omnipotence + fills heaven and earth; and this great, almighty God, + who honors her as His Mother and has wrought in her + such great things, will He not heed her word of + intercession, and hear her pleading for those who have + recourse to her? On earth He was subject to her. Her + intercession moved Him to exercise His omnipotent power + at the wedding feast at Cana; and now, when He has + glorified and raised her up so high He would let her + invoke Him in vain? No, it is inconceivable that God + should not hear the prayers of His Mother! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/visitation_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/visitation.jpg" alt="The Visitation"></a><br> + THE BLESSED VIRGIN VISITS ST. ELIZABETH + </p> + <p> + The holy Fathers and Doctors of the Church vie with + each other in proclaiming the power of Mary's + intercession with the Heart of her divine Son. Some say + that having been subject to her on earth, He desires to + be so in heaven, inasmuch as to refuse her nothing she + asks. Hence St. Bernard calls her the "Intercessory + Omnipotence." Indeed, when all the angels and saints in + heaven join in supplication to God, their prayers are + but those of servants; but when Mary prays her + intercession is that of His Mother. + </p> + <p> + Therefore we can not sufficiently thank God for having + given us in Mary so powerful an advocate. St. Bernard + aptly says: "The angel announces, 'thou hast found + grace before God.' O supreme happiness! Mary shall + always find grace. And what else could we wish? If we + seek grace, let us seek it through Mary; for what she + seeks, she finds. Never can she plead ineffectually." + </p> + <p> + God, then, who in His infinite mercy has been pleased + to provide for all our needs, desires through Mary to + console us, to comfort us, to remove all distrust, to + strengthen our hope. How consoling to him who calls + upon God in sore distress, or implores His pardon for + sins committed, is the thought that at the throne of + divine Mercy he has in Mary an advocate as mighty as + she is gracious, who supplements his great unworthiness + by her sublime dignity, and who makes good the defects + of his prayer by her intercession! Therefore St. + Bonaventure exclaims: "Verily, great is Our Lord's + mercy! That we, through fear of our divine Judge, + depart not forever from Him, He gave us His own Mother + for our advocate and mediatrix of grace." + </p> + <h1> + I.<br> + Novena in Honor of the Immaculate Conception of the + Blessed Virgin Mary + </h1> + <p align="center"> + INDULGENCES + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>O ALL the faithful who by + themselves or with others, in church or at home, with + at least contrite heart and devotion, shall make this + novena: (1) 300 days indulgence for each of the nine + days; (2) a plenary indulgence on one day of the novena + or of the eight days following it. (Pius IX, January 5, + 1849.) Conditions: Confession, communion, and prayer, + according to the intentions of the Holy Father. + </p> + <p> + <i>Remark.</i>—Whenever, in the following pages, + an indulgence is said to be granted "under the usual + conditions," these conditions are the same as above. + </p> + <p> + <i>Note.</i>—The above indulgences may also be + gained for making the novena at any other time of the + year, and are not attached to any prescribed formula of + prayer. The same applies to all other novenas in honor + of the Blessed Virgin. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_1" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_1">FIRST DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Predestination of the Blessed Virgin Mary + </h2> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_immaculate_conception" id= + "prep_immaculate_conception">PREPARATORY PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>N THY conception, O Virgin + Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the Father, + whose Son Jesus, conceived in thy womb by the Holy + Ghost, thou didst bring forth. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 200 days, every time. (Pius VI, November + 21, 1793.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">H</font>OLY Church, our Mother, + purposely gathered into the season of Advent everything + which might contribute to assist us in preparing for + the coming of the Redeemer. Purity of heart is the most + necessary and helpful requirement for receiving God + worthily, and for participating in the fruits of our + Redemption through Christ. To remind us of this, Holy + Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate + Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this primary + feast of purity, in Advent. + </p> + <p> + The Church, moreover, intends to remind us that the + coming of Christ, our promised Redeemer, depended on + the consent of the Blessed Virgin. The Redeemer could + not appear before she was born of whom He was to be + born. The aurora must precede the rising sun. Thus also + Mary, the spiritual aurora, had to be conceived and + born before the appearance of the Sun of Justice in + this world. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>N MARY appeared the woman who + was to crush the serpent's head, who was to repair by + her willing co-operation with God's designs the damage + wrought by the disobedience of our first parents, and + who was to become our mother and mighty advocate with + God. + </p> + <p> + The designs of God concerning Mary were fully + accomplished. God also has designs concerning us. Our + life was planned by Him from all eternity, and we were + destined to co-operate with Him harmoniously and + conscientiously in working out our salvation. Have we + corresponded with God's designs? Did we not oppose them + by yielding to our evil inclinations and passions? What + a disparity between God's intentions concerning us and + our own co-operation, between His merciful designs and + our cowardly resistance to them! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prayer_Immaculate_Conception" id= + "prayer_Immaculate_Conception">PRAYER OF THE CHURCH</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">O</font> GOD, who through the + immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a + worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant that, + as in view of Thy Son Thou didst preserve her from all + taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us that cleansed + from all sin by her intercession we too may arrive at + Thine eternal glory. Through the same Christ our Lord. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">B</font>EHOLD, Virgin immaculate, at + thy sacred feet I bow, while my heart overflows with + joy in union with thine own, because from eternity thou + wast the Mother-elect of the eternal Word, and was + preserved stainless from the taint of Adam's sin. + Forever praised, forever blessed be the Most Holy + Trinity, who in thy conception poured out upon thy soul + the riches of that matchless privilege. I humbly pray + thee, most gracious Mother, obtain for me the grace to + overcome the bitter results of original sin. Make me + victorious over them, that I may never cease to love my + God. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="ejac_Immaculate_Conception" id= + "ejac_Immaculate_Conception"><i>Ejaculation</i></a> + </p> + <p> + O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have + recourse to thee! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, March 25, + 1884.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_2" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_2">SECOND DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Immaculate Conception + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">A</font>CCORDING to the definition of + Pope Pius IX, the immaculate conception of the Blessed + Virgin Mary is that privilege by which she was + preserved, in view of the merits of our Saviour Jesus + Christ, from original sin in the first moment of her + conception. + </p> + <p> + By solemnly proclaiming the dogma of Mary's immaculate + conception, the Church confirmed anew the fundamental + principles of Christianity which in our times are so + frequently attacked, derided, or forgotten. God + reserved the solemn proclamation of this dogma, which + seemingly has no practical bearing on the Christian + life, for our age, to recall to our mind the doctrines + resulting from it. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE most important of these + doctrines is that of original sin, which to-day is + rejected by many as a debasement of human nature, and + is forgotten by others as having no practical influence + on our moral state. By the promulgation of the doctrine + of the immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin + Mary, the Church solemnly declares and defines as an + article of faith, that the Blessed Virgin Mary is + conceived without the stain of original sin by a + special privilege and grace of God. If, then, Mary's + sinlessness is an exception, the general rule remains + in force, and all other human beings enter this world + in the state of original sin. + </p> + <p> + Thus, by the proclamation of the dogma of the + immaculate conception, the Church combats human pride + and sensuality, the foremost vices of the age. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY, unsullied lily of heavenly + purity, I rejoice with thee, because at thy + conception's earliest dawn thou wast full of grace and + endowed with the perfect use of reason. I thank and + adore the ever-blessed Trinity, who gave thee such high + gifts. I am overwhelmed with shame in thy presence, to + see myself so poor in grace. O thou who wast filled + with heavenly grace, impart some portion of it to my + soul, and make me share the treasures of thy immaculate + conception. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_3" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_3">THIRD DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Victrix of Satan + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE immaculate conception of the + Blessed Virgin Mary inaugurated the fulfilment of the + divine promise made to our first parents in paradise in + the words addressed to the serpent: "I shall put + enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and + her seed; she shall crush thy head" (<i>Gen.</i> iii. + 15). Mary is the woman in whom Satan never had a part. + Her intimate connection with God was announced by the + angel: "Hail, full of grace; the Lord is with thee." + Now was fulfilled the saying of the Psalmist, "The Most + High hath sanctified His own tabernacle. God is in the + midst thereof, it shall not be moved: God will help it + in the morning early" (<i>Ps.</i> xlv. 5-6). Mary was + chosen to be the glorious tabernacle of the Son of God + "in the morning early," that is, in the first moment of + her existence. God called her into being that she might + assume the exalted dignity of the Mother of His Son, + and therefore granted her the singular privilege of + exemption from original sin. In her were fulfilled + Solomon's prophetic words of praise, "Thou art all + fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in thee" + (<i>Cant.</i> iv. 7). It was in view of her Son's + merits applied to her beforehand that God thus produced + in her the image of the new man regenerated in the Holy + Ghost. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE spirit of darkness holds + mankind enslaved, but one human being escapes him. A + destructive fire lays waste the whole earth, but one + tree remains unscathed. A terrible tyrant conquers the + whole world, but one fortified city repels his + assaults. This human being retaining liberty, this tree + escaping destruction, this city repelling the enemy's + attack is the Blessed Virgin Mary. + </p> + <p> + Will the almighty and merciful God, who has + accomplished such great things in Mary, who has + selected her for His Mother, not listen to her prayers + when she intercedes for us? St. William of Paris + exclaims: "No other created being can obtain for us so + many and so great graces from God as His Mother. By the + all-powerful might of her intercession He honors her + not only as His handmaid, but also as His Mother." + Therefore we ought not be surprised when the holy + Fathers maintain that a single sigh of Mary is more + effective with God than the combined intercession of + all the angels and saints. If, then, Mary's power is so + great, she will surely hear us when we invoke her help + in our combat with Satan. Having conquered him herself, + she will also help us to conquer him. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY, thou mystical rose of + purity, my heart rejoices with thine at the glorious + triumph which thou didst gain over the infernal serpent + by thy immaculate conception, and because thou wast + conceived without stain of original sin. I thank and + praise with my whole heart the ever-blessed Trinity, + who granted thee this glorious privilege; and I pray + thee to obtain for me strength to overcome all the + wiles of the infernal foe, and never to stain my soul + with sin. Be thou mine aid; make me, by thy protection, + victorious over the common foe of our eternal welfare. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_4" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_4">FOURTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary without Actual Sin + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY conceived without sin is + the most blessed daughter of the eternal Father, the + real and true Mother of the divine Son, the elect + spouse of the Holy Ghost. But in the world, in what + condition do we behold her? She dwells not in a + splendid palace; she is not surrounded by a retinue of + servants ready at every moment to do her bidding; she + is not exempt from trials and suffering. On the + contrary, she is poor; she lives in obscurity, and + suffered so much on earth that, without shedding her + blood, she merits to be styled the queen of martyrs. + Her heart was transfixed with the sword of sorrow. Mary + is not exempt from tribulations and adversity; but one + thing God does not permit to touch her, <i>i.e.,</i> + sin. Hence Holy Church applies to her the words, "Thou + art all fair, O my love, and there is not a spot in + thee" (<i>Cant.</i> iv. 7). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HOUGH we were not preserved + from sin like Mary, yet God in His ineffable goodness + and mercy granted us the grace to be cleansed from sin + and to be clothed with the garment of sanctifying grace + in Baptism. No treasure of the world can be compared + with this prerogative. But as we bear this grace in a + fragile vase, we must be most careful to protect and + preserve it in ourselves and others from all danger. + Let the Blessed Virgin Mary be our example. Well + knowing the inestimable value of the grace conferred + upon her, she guarded it with the greatest care. + Although exempt from concupiscence and "full of grace," + she was so distrustful of herself as if she were in + continual danger. How much more, then, must we use + precaution to preserve in ourselves and in others this + treasure of grace, since we feel in ourselves + constantly the law of the flesh, which resists the law + of the spirit, and urges us on to evil, whilst the + world and the devil never weary in placing snares for + us in order to accomplish our ruin. Therefore let us + have recourse to Mary, and invoking her aid bravely + resist all temptations. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>IRROR of holy purity, Mary, + Virgin immaculate, great is my joy while I consider + that, from thy immaculate conception, the most sublime + and perfect virtues were infused into thy soul, and + with them all the gifts of the Holy Ghost. I thank and + praise the Most Holy Trinity, who bestowed on thee + these high privileges. I pray thee, gentle Mother, + obtain for me grace to practise virtue, and to make me + worthy to become partaker of the gifts and graces of + the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_5" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_5">FIFTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, Full of Grace + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">S</font>ATAN'S relation to God as His + child was severed by sin. The beautiful image of God + imprinted on man's soul was disfigured by it. But with + the immaculate conception of Mary, a being full of + grace, an object of God's supreme complacency entered + this world. After the lapse of four thousand years God, + in His wisdom, power, and love, for the first time + again created a human being in that state in which He + had originally created our first parents. Mary, from + the first moment of her existence was, in virtue of the + sanctifying grace infused into her soul, most + intimately united with God, and endowed with the most + precious gifts of heaven. Because she was predestined + to become the Mother of the Redeemer of mankind, it was + befitting that she should unite in herself all the + gifts becoming to such an ineffable dignity. Hence she + surpassed in grace and holiness all other created + beings, and was consecrated a worthy temple of the + incarnate Word. Therefore she was saluted by the angel + as "full of grace," and the Church, in our behalf, + addresses the Almighty: "O God, who through the + immaculate conception of the Virgin didst prepare a + worthy dwelling-place for Thy divine Son; grant, that, + as in view of the death of that Son Thou didst preserve + her from all taint, so Thou wouldst vouchsafe unto us + that, cleansed from all sin by her intercession, we too + may arrive at Thine eternal glory." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE world considers men + according to their rank and station, their wealth and + knowledge. God recognizes in them but one difference, + that caused by the presence or absence of sanctifying + grace in their soul. A soul in the state of sanctifying + grace is God's friend; without it, His enemy. A man + dying in the state of sanctifying grace is sure of + eternal bliss. Therefore we ought to prize this grace + above all else, and do everything in our power to + preserve it. St. Leo exhorts us, "Recognize, O man, thy + dignity! As thou hast received divine grace, beware of + returning to your former sinful condition by a wicked + life." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY, bright moon of purity, I + rejoice with thee, because the mystery of thy + immaculate conception was the beginning of salvation + for the race of man and the joy of the whole world. I + thank and bless the ever-blessed Trinity, who thus did + magnify and glorify thee; and I beg of thee to obtain + for me the grace so to profit by thy dear Son's death + and passion, that His precious blood may not have been + shed in vain for me upon the cross, but that, after a + holy life, I may reach heaven in safety. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_6" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_6">SIXTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, Our Refuge + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E CARRY the precious treasure + of sanctifying grace in a frail vessel. Our inclination + to evil remains with us, and continues to impel us to + that which is forbidden. On whom shall we call for aid? + Call on Mary! She is conceived without sin. She, the + lily among thorns, who never lost God's friendship, is + our advocate. Let her, who was found worthy to become + the Mother of our Redeemer, inspire you with trust and + confidence. The Church invokes her as the refuge of + sinners, and under no other title does she show her + love for us more convincingly and her power with God + more efficiently. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/adoration_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/adoration.jpg" alt="The Adoration"></a><br> + THE ADORATION OF THE SHEPHERDS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E MAY trust confidently in + Mary's intercession and aid in all temptations and + trials, if we but have recourse to her. Therefore St. + John Damascene writes: "Come to my aid, O Mother of my + Redeemer! Thou art my help, my consolation in life. + Come to my aid, and I shall escape unscorched from the + fire of temptation; amongst a thousand I shall remain + unharmed; I shall brave the storms of assault + unwrecked. Thy name is my shield, thy help my armor, + thy protection my defense. With thee I boldly attack + the enemy and drive him off in confusion; through thee + I shall achieve a triumphant victory." In all + temptations, therefore, let us have recourse to Mary + and through her intercession we shall overcome them. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY immaculate, most brilliant + star of purity, I rejoice with thee because thy + immaculate conception has bestowed upon the angels in + paradise the greatest joy. I thank and bless the + ever-blessed Trinity, who enriched thee with this high + privilege. O let me, too, one day enter into this + heavenly joy, in the company of angels, that I may + praise and bless thee, world without end. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_7" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_7">SEVENTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Mother of Chastity + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">H</font>OLY Scripture and the Fathers + agree in the statement that the Blessed Virgin Mary + made the vow of perpetual virginity. For when the + Archangel Gabriel brought God's message to the + immaculate spouse of St. Joseph, that she was to become + the Mother of the Most High, she asked, "How shall this + be done, because I know not man?" (<i>Luke</i> i. 34.) + Indeed, Mary would not have been, in the full and most + excellent sense of the word, the "Virgin of virgins," + had she not from her own free choice vowed her + virginity to God. + </p> + <p> + During the whole Christian era there have been heroic + souls who made the vow of perpetual chastity, + consecrating themselves to God. Trusting in the + powerful protection of the immaculate Virgin, they + persevered in their resolve to bear this priceless + treasure before God's throne despite the dangers of the + world, the temptations of concupiscence, and the + assaults of hell, and with the help of the queen of + virgins they achieved a triumphant victory. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">S</font>INCE the fall of Adam our + senses are in rebellion against the law of God. "I see + another law in my members, fighting against the law of + my mind, and captivating me in the law of sin" + (<i>Rom.</i> vii. 23). Chastity is the virtue which + causes us the greatest struggles. St. Augustine says: + "The fiercest of all combats is the one for the + preservation of chastity, and we must engage in it + every day." Fierce as this combat is, the aid which + Mary gives her children to achieve victory is + all-powerful. She sustains them by her maternal love + and protection. Those who lead a chaste life receive + the Divine Spirit, are happy in this life, and will + receive a special crown in heaven. + </p> + <p> + Among the means for the preservation of chastity, the + following are specially recommended: The assiduous and + constant practice of self-denial; the frequentation of + the sacraments; the daily invocation of Mary for her + aid and protection; scrupulous avoidance of the + occasions of sin. St. Chrysostom writes: "He errs who + believes that he can overcome his sensual propensities + and preserve chastity by his own efforts. God's mercy + must extinguish nature's ardor." Have recourse to the + intercession of the immaculate Virgin and rest assured + that you will obtain this mercy. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY immaculate, rising morn of + purity, I rejoice with thee, gazing in wonder upon thy + soul confirmed in grace from the very first moment of + thy conception, and rendered inaccessible to sin. I + thank and magnify the ever-blessed Trinity, who chose + thee from all our race for this special privilege. Holy + Virgin, obtain for me utter and constant hatred of all + sin above every other evil, and let me rather die than + ever again fall into sin. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_8" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_8">EIGHTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Image of the Immaculate Conception + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">C</font>HRISTIAN art represents the + Immaculate Conception as follows: The Blessed Virgin + appears standing on a globe, about which is coiled a + serpent holding an apple in its mouth. One of Mary's + feet rests upon the serpent, the other is placed on the + moon. Her eyes are raised toward heaven; her hands are + either joined in prayer, or she holds a lily in her + right, and places the left on her breast. Her dress is + white; her ample mantle is of blue color. A crown of + twelve stars encircles her head. These emblems typify + in a most striking manner Mary's power and glory. "And + a great sign appeared in heaven. A woman clothed with + the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a + crown of twelve stars" (<i>Apoc.</i> xii. 1). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE representation of the + Immaculate Conception is very instructive. (1) Mary + appears standing on the globe. This signifies that + being human, she belongs to the earth, and yet is + exalted above the world and sin; also, that she + trampled under foot earthly possessions, vanities, and + joys. (2) A serpent is coiled about the globe, bearing + an apple in its mouth. This reminds us of the fall of + our first parents, and of the consequences of their + sin. (3) Mary's foot rests on the serpent, indicating + that she never was under Satan's dominion, but was + preserved from sin in the first moment of her + existence. (4) Mary stands on the moon. The moon, on + account of its changes, is an emblem of inconstancy. We + see it at Mary's feet, to be reminded that we ought to + be constant in faith and virtue. (5) Mary wears a + crown, to indicate that she is a queen. The crown is + composed of twelve stars: she is the queen of heaven. + (6) Mary's dress is white, to denote her spotless + purity and innocence. (7) She folds her hands in + prayer, reminding us to imitate her example. (8) Or she + holds a lily in her right hand, to indicate her + virginity and chastity, and the sweet odor of her + virtues. (9) Mary's mantle is blue, which color is + emblematic of humility. Its folds are ample, to remind + us that all who have recourse to her find a secure + refuge in all dangers and necessities. + </p> + <p> + Therefore let us invoke her intercession in the words + of Holy Church: "We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother + of God. Despise not our petitions, and deliver us from + all danger, O ever glorious and blessed Virgin!" + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">O</font> SPOTLESS sun! O Virgin Mary! I + congratulate thee. I rejoice with thee because in thy + conception God gave thee grace greater and more + boundless than He ever shed on all His angels and all + the saints, together with all their merits. I am + thankful and I marvel at the surpassing beneficence of + the ever-blessed Trinity, who conferred on thee this + privilege. O make me correspond with the grace of God + and never abuse it. Change this heart of mine; make me + now begin to amend my life. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Immaculate_Conception_9" id= + "Immaculate_Conception_9">NINTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Feast of the Immaculate Conception + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_immaculate_conception">Preparatory + Prayer (p. 51).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">E</font>ARLY in the Christian era the + feast of Mary's immaculate conception was observed in + several countries. St. Anselm, Bishop of Canterbury, + introduced it in England. A great number of Popes + favored the doctrine of Mary's absolute sinlessness, + and the adversaries of the Immaculate Conception were + bidden to be silent and not publicly assert or defend + their view. In 1477, Pope Sixtus IV prescribed the + feast of the Immaculate Conception to be observed in + the whole Church, and made it obligatory on priests to + recite the special canonical office and to use the Mass + formula published for the purpose. In 1846, the bishops + of the United States assembled in plenary council in + Baltimore elected the Blessed Virgin under the title of + her immaculate conception Patroness of the Church in + their country. + </p> + <p> + Finally, Pope Pius IX, after consulting with the + bishops throughout the world, and having implored the + Holy Ghost for His guidance in prayer and fasting, + promulgated, on December 8, 1854, the dogma which + teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary was in her + conception, by a special grace and through the merits + of her divine Son, preserved from the stain of original + sin. This doctrine was received throughout the world + with ineffable joy; and, indeed, no one who loves the + Blessed Virgin can help rejoicing at this her most + glorious privilege. + </p> + <p> + The invocation, "Queen conceived without the stain of + original sin," was added to the Litany of Loreto. In + 1866, at the Second Plenary Council in Baltimore, the + feast of the Immaculate Conception was raised to the + rank of a holyday of obligation for the Church of the + United States. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>N THE inscrutable designs of + His providence God ordained that the mystery of the + immaculate conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary should + be proclaimed an article of faith as late as the middle + of the nineteenth century. But, then, its proclamation + was attended by circumstances that undeniably proved + that the Holy Father in pronouncing the dogma had been + inspired and guided by the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + Let us praise God and thank Him for bestowing this + glorious privilege on our beloved Mother, and let us + often invoke her under her favorite title, the + Immaculate Conception. St. Alphonsus Liguori tells us + that the devotion to this mystery is especially + efficacious in overcoming the temptations of impurity. + Therefore he was accustomed to recommend to his + penitents thus tempted to recite three times every day + the Hail Mary in honor of Mary immaculate. And the + Venerable John of Avila assures us that he never found + any one who practised a true devotion to the Immaculate + Conception of Mary, who did not in a short time obtain + the gift of that virtue which renders us so dear to her + immaculate heart. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_Immaculate_Conception">Prayer of the + Church (p. 53).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">O</font> LIVING light of holiness, + model of purity, Mary immaculate, virgin and mother! As + soon as thou wast conceived thou didst profoundly adore + thy God, giving Him thanks that in thee the ancient + curse was revoked, and blessing came again upon the + sinful sons of Adam. O make this blessing kindle in my + heart love for God; and do thou fan this flame of love + within me, that I may love Him constantly and one day + in heaven eternally enjoy Him, there to thank Him more + and more fervently for all the wondrous privileges + conferred on thee, and to rejoice with thee for thy + high crown of glory. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_Immaculate_Conception">Ejaculation (p. + 54).</a> + </p> + <h1> + II.<br> + Novena in Honor of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin + Mary + </h1><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_1" id="Nativity_1">FIRST DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Birth of Mary + </h2> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_nativity" id="prep_nativity">PREPARATORY + PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E FLY to thy patronage, O holy + Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our + necessities, and deliver us from all dangers, O ever + glorious and blessed Virgin! + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY is born! The dawn + announcing the coming salvation of mankind is at hand. + The deep significance of Mary's birth is expressed in + the words of the Church: "Thy birth, O virgin Mother of + God, has brought joy to the world; for from thee is to + come forth the Sun of Justice, Christ our Lord, to + dispel the curse and bring the blessing, to conquer + death and bring us everlasting life. On this day a + light broke forth to brighten the paths of men through + all time. Let us, then, rejoice in Mary's coming." + </p> + <p> + Equally expressive and touching are the reflections of + that great Doctor of the Church, St. Augustine: "The + day has dawned, the long-wished-for day of the blessed + and venerable Virgin Mary. Well may this earth of ours + rejoice and be glad for having been honored and + sanctified by the birth of such a virgin." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">L</font>ET us, then, rejoice in Mary's + coming. Let us hail the birth of her who attained the + dignity of mother without losing the high privilege of + a virgin. Let us imitate her holy life, that she may + become our intercessor before the throne of her Son, + our judge and redeemer. By becoming the Mother of God + she became also our Mother. As Mother of the Redeemer + she is also the Mother of the redeemed. Richard of St. + Lawrence writes: "If we desire grace and help, let us + have recourse to Mary and we shall obtain what we + desire." For, as St. Alphonsus remarks: "All graces and + gifts which God has resolved to bestow upon us He gives + us through the hands of Mary." + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prayer_nativity" id="prayer_nativity">PRAYER + OF THE CHURCH</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">G</font>RANT to us, Thy servants, we + beseech Thee, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace; that + to those for whom the delivery of the Blessed Virgin + was the commencement of salvation, the commemoration of + her nativity may give increasing peace. Through Christ + our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>OST lovely child, who by thy + birth hast comforted the world, made glad the heavens, + struck terror into hell, brought help to the fallen, + consolation to the sad, health to the sick, joy to all; + we pray thee with all fervent love, be thou born again + in spirit in our souls through thy most holy love. + Renew our fervor in thy service, rekindle in our hearts + the fire of thy love, and bid all virtues blossom + there, which may cause us to find more and more fervor + in thy gracious eyes. O Mary, may we feel the saving + power of thy sweetest name! Let it ever be our comfort + to call on that great name in all our troubles; let it + be our hope in dangers, our shield in temptation, and + in death our last aspiration. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="ejac_nativity" id= + "ejac_nativity"><i>Ejaculation</i></a> + </p> + <p> + O Mary, who didst come into the world free from stain: + obtain of God for me that I may leave it without sin! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Pius IX, March 27, + 1863.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_2" id="Nativity_2">SECOND DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Elect of God + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E FIND the explanation of the + great prerogatives and privileges which God bestowed + upon the Blessed Virgin Mary by reflecting on her + singular and glorious predestination. From all eternity + she was predestined to become the Mother of His divine + Son; therefore, says Pope Pius IX, God loved her above + all created beings, and in His special predilection + made her the object of His divine complacency. With + singular appropriateness we may apply to her the words + of Holy Scripture, "I have loved thee with an + everlasting love" (<i>Jer.</i> xxxi. 3). The eternal + Father regarded Mary as His beloved Daughter; the + divine Son honored her as His dearest Mother; the Holy + Ghost loved her as His spotless Spouse. "And," says St. + Anselm, "they loved each other with an affection + unsurpassed by any other." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>NSPIRED by the contemplation of + Mary's extraordinary privileges, St. Anselm exclaims: + "Thou, O Mary, art more exalted than the patriarchs, + greater than the martyrs, more glorious than the + confessors, purer than the virgins, and therefore thou, + alone, canst achieve more than they can without thee." + Let us, then, rejoice that we possess such a powerful + advocate in heaven, and let us place implicit trust in + her. But let us also co-operate with the graces and + favors which she obtains for us. Moreover, let us + remember that we grievously offend God and Mary if we + abuse what we obtain through her intercession to + gratify our evil inclinations, and that the graces she + obtains for us for our salvation will redound to our + ruin if we do not use them for the glory of God and the + promotion of our soul's welfare. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, Mary, who, sprung + from the royal line of David, didst come forth to the + light of heaven with high honor from the womb of holy + Anna, thy most happy mother. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_3" id="Nativity_3">THIRD DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Child of Royalty + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">A</font>CCORDING to her lineage, as + traced in two Gospels, Mary numbers among her paternal + and maternal ancestors the holiest and most renowned + personages of the Old Testament. We find amongst them + Abraham, the friend of God, the father of Israel and of + all the faithful; then David, the man after God's own + heart, the inspired Royal Prophet; and Solomon, the + wise and mighty king, and the whole line of the kings + of Juda. On her mother's side she belonged to the tribe + of Levi, and was descended from its noblest and most + prominent family, that of Aaron the High Priest, and + was therefore a relative of the High Priests of the Old + Testament. Thus royal and sacerdotal prestige + distinguished Mary's lineage. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HE Blessed Virgin was not proud + of her illustrious ancestry, and not depressed because + of the downfall of her family, but applied herself + diligently to adhere to the faith and follow the + example of her ancestors. Remembering the wicked + members of her family, she learned from them that + temporal greatness, success, wealth, and glory are more + dangerous to virtue than poverty, retirement, and work. + Let us imitate Mary's example. Even possessed of the + most excellent prestiges of the natural order, of + ourselves we are nothing. "What hast thou that thou + hast not received? And if thou hast received, why dost + thou glory as if thou hadst not received?" (1 + <i>Cor.</i> iv. 7.) Therefore do not overestimate + yourself; do not be conceited; do not strive for + praise, honors, and high station; be not boastful or + arrogant; do not presume on your merits; rather be + distrustful of yourself and patiently bear affronts, + neglect, and humiliations. However poor you may be, be + content with your lot, remembering the words of the + Apostle: "They that will become rich fall into + temptation, and into the snare of the devil, and into + many unprofitable and hurtful desires which draw men + into destruction and perdition. For the desire of money + is the root of all evils: which some coveting have + erred from the faith, and have entangled themselves in + many sorrows" (1 <i>Tim.</i> vi. 9, 10). + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + WE HAIL thee, O Mary, heavenly babe, white dove of + purity, who, despite the infernal serpent, was + conceived free from the taint of Adam's sin. With all + our hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy goodness to + come down again and be born in spirit in our souls, + that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, they + may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving + heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/purification_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/purification.jpg" alt= + "The Purification"></a><br> + THE PURIFICATION. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_4" id="Nativity_4">FOURTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Child of Pious Parents + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>RADITION tells us that Mary's + parents were called Joachim and Anna. The holy Fathers + rival each other in praising the virtue of this holy + couple. St. Epiphanius writes: "Joachim and Anna were + pleasing in the sight of God because of the holiness of + their lives." St. Andrew of Crete remarks: "Joachim was + eminent for the mildness and fortitude of his + character. The law of God was his rule of life. He was + just, and never relaxed in the fervor of his love of + God. Anna was no less noted for her meekness, + continence, and chastity." St. Jerome relates: "The + life of this holy couple was simple and just before the + Lord, edifying and virtuous before men." St. John + Damascene exclaims: "O happy, chaste, and immaculate + couple, Joachim and Ann! You are known, according to + the Lord's word, by your fruit. Your life was pleasing + in the sight of God, and worthy of her who was born of + you." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>T is a great blessing, and one + to be esteemed more highly than wealth and high + station, to have God-fearing, pious parents. For their + sake God is gracious to the children and lavishes His + gifts on them. It is certainly a great privilege to be + offered up to God immediately after birth by the hands + of a pious mother. To have, from childhood up, the + example and guidance of virtuous parents is certainly + of the greatest importance. St. Chrysostom writes: "The + parents' example is the book from which the child + learns." A pious bishop was wont to say: "The good + example of the parents is the best catechism and the + truest mirror that a family can have." If Christian + parents imitate the example of Joachim and Ann the + blessing of God will rest on them and on their + children; for because her parents were so dear to Mary, + she will not refuse to join them in their prayers for + us. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, brightest morn, + forerunner of the heavenly Sun of Justice, who didst + first bring light to earth. Humbly prostrate, with all + our hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy goodness to + be born again in spirit in our souls, that, led captive + by thy loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live + united to thy most sweet and loving heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_5" id="Nativity_5">FIFTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Supernatural Prerogatives + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">M</font>ARY was the masterpiece of + God's creation; her soul was the most perfect ever + dwelling in a human body. A pious tradition tells us + that she possessed the use of reason much earlier than + other children. Her intellect was illuminated by + supernatural light; her will was exempt from + concupiscence. Being preserved from original sin, she + surpassed in holiness, from the first moment of her + existence, all angels and men. She possessed all + virtues in the highest degree, because of her faithful + co-operation with sanctifying grace and with the + countless actual graces granted to her. She lived in + constant communion with God, undisturbed by evil + inclinations from within or temptations from without. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">T</font>HROUGH the effects of original + sin we have lost the supernatural prerogative of + original justice, and even after receiving sanctifying + grace in holy Baptism we are exposed to many + temptations. Our life is a constant warfare. We must, + however, not despair in this struggle, for if we are + true children of Mary she will come to our aid. In all + temptations Mary is the "Help of Christians" if we have + recourse to her. But if we wish her to help us, we must + not expose ourselves unnecessarily to temptation. "He + that loveth danger shall perish in it" (<i>Ecclus.</i> + iii. 27). This sad experience has come to many. Let us, + therefore, avoid the danger and occasion of sin; and + whenever evil approaches us in any shape, let us call + upon Mary, and we may rest assured that she will assist + us. "I shall certainly triumph over my enemies," + exclaims St. Alphonsus, "if I place my trust in thee, O + Mary, and if thou art my shield and protection against + them." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, O chosen one! who + like the untarnished sun didst burst forth into being + in the dark night of sin. Humbly prostrate at thy feet, + O Mary, we give thee our homage, and with all our + hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy goodness to be + born again in our souls, that, led captive by thy + loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live united to + thy most sweet and loving heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_6" id="Nativity_6">SIXTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Joy of the Most Holy Trinity + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>N THE child Mary the eternal + Father beheld His unsullied glorious image, which image + had been defaced in all other human beings by original + and actual sin. What a joy to Him to behold this + stainless, immaculate child! And how great must have + been the joy of the Son of God at the birth of her who + was to be His Mother! From her He was to take that + sacred body in which He was to dwell on earth, the + blood of which He was to shed on the cross for our + redemption, and in which He was to return to heaven to + sit at the right hand of the Father. He will call her + Mother, and regard her with all the filial tenderness + of a child for his mother. She will love Him in return + with a true mother's affection and devotion. As the + Mother of Sorrows she will weep over His inanimate body + taken down from the cross. But like Himself, she will + leave the tomb, and reign at His side as the queen of + heaven. How great, then, must have been His joy at the + birth of this child! + </p> + <p> + The Holy Ghost, too, rejoiced at Mary's birth. He + infused into her the plenitude of His holy love, for + she was destined to become the Mother of God. And how + Mary will love God, from whom she received so many and + so great graces, and whom she is to bear in her arms as + her real and true Son! This, her divine Son's love for + mankind, will be imparted also to her. Therefore the + Holy Ghost rejoices at this child, who received into + her heart the fulness of His grace, and shall be the + helper of those who have recourse to her. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">R</font>AISE your spirit above time and + space; try to contemplate well the mystery of Mary's + predestination. To make us realize the great privileges + conferred upon her, the Church applies to her the words + of Holy Scripture, "He that shall find me, shall find + life, and have salvation from the Lord" (<i>Prov.</i> + viii. 35). Only when we consider Mary as the Mother of + God, do we arrive at a right conception of her great + dignity. Hence St. Bonaventure exclaims, "God might + have created a more beautiful world; He might have made + heaven more glorious; but it was impossible for Him to + exalt a creature higher than Mary in making her His + Mother." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, beauteous moon, O + Mary most holy, who didst shed light upon a world + wrapped in the densest darkness of sin. Humbly + prostrate at thy feet, we give thee our homage, and + with all our hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy + goodness to be born again in spirit in our souls, that + led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness they may + ever live united to thy most sweet and loving heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_7" id="Nativity_7">SEVENTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Angels Rejoice at Mary's Birth + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">D</font>ESCRIBING God's power and + wisdom as shown in creation, Holy Scripture, according + to the explanation of the Fathers, introduces Him as + saying, "When the morning stars praised me together, + and all the sons of God made a joyful melody" + (<i>Job</i> xxxviii. 7), and by these words intends to + convey with what joy the angels praised God's + omnipotence on beholding the wonders of creation. What, + then, must have been their joy on beholding this new + wonder of divine power and wisdom, the child Mary, + destined to be their queen. Filled with admiration they + exclaimed, "Who is she that cometh forth as the morning + rising, fair as the moon, bright as the sun, terrible + as an army set in array?" (<i>Cant.</i> vi. 9.) And + moreover, if, as Our Lord declares, the angels rejoice + at the conversion of a sinner, how great must have been + their joy at the birth of her who was to be the refuge + of sinners and the mother of Him who was to be the + Redeemer of sinners? Again, the angels rejoiced at + Mary's birth, because she would fill, through the + salvation of mankind by her divine Son, the places made + vacant in heaven by the apostate angels. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">G</font>OOD children rejoice on the + birthday of their parents and gratefully remember all + the benefits they have received from them. Thus should + we, also, celebrate the nativity of the Blessed Virgin + by a grateful remembrance of the innumerable graces, + individual and general, we received through her + intercession. In acknowledging Mary's co-operation with + our salvation, Holy Church calls her our mediatrix, and + greets her as the "Cause of our joy," because, though + we receive grace from Christ, it comes to us through + her mediation. What cause, then, have we not for + rejoicing at her birth! Again, greeting Mary as the + cause of our joy, let us remember the protection she + extended to the Church in times of adversity and + persecution; let us, furthermore, remember all the + graces which, according to the holy Fathers, are + dispensed to us by Mary's hands. "Of her plenitude," + says St. Bonaventure, "we have all received; the + captive liberty, the sick health, the sad consolation, + the sinner pardon, the just grace." Therefore the + Church invokes Mary as the mother of mercy, the health + of the sick, the comforter of the afflicted, the refuge + of sinners, the help of Christians, in a word, as the + cause of our joy. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, fair soul of Mary, + who from all eternity wast God's, and God's alone; + sanctuary and living temple of the Holy Ghost; sun + without blemish, because free from original sin. With + all our hearts we pray to thee, O Mary, to vouchsafe in + thy goodness to be born again in spirit in our souls, + that, led captive by thy loveliness and sweetness, they + may ever live united to thy most sweet and loving + heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_8" id="Nativity_8">EIGHTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Joy of the Just in Limbo at Mary's Birth + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">F</font>OR four thousand years the just + in limbo sighed for redemption, and sent up to Heaven + the plaintive cry, "O that Thou wouldst rend the + heavens, and wouldst come down!" (<i>Is.</i> xiv. 1.) + "Drop down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the + clouds rain the just; let the earth be opened and bud + forth a Saviour" (<i>Is.</i> xlv. 8). What joy must + have filled the souls of the just when they heard the + welcome tidings of the birth of Mary, the virgin Mother + of the promised Messias; how great their consolation at + the rising of that dawn which preceded the Sun of + Justice, whose splendor was to illuminate the darkness + of them that sat in the shadow of death! + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">A</font> JOY similar to that which + filled the captive souls in limbo at Mary's birth now + fills the souls in purgatory when we implore her to + come to their relief. Contemplating the immense love of + the Most Holy Trinity for Mary, we may not doubt but + that, by her intercession, she might at once deliver + all the suffering souls from their prison, if such were + in accordance with God's will. But God's wisdom and + providence have decreed otherwise. Therefore Mary does + not pray for the release of all souls in purgatory, but + recommends them, in conformity with God's will, to His + mercy. St. Bernardine of Sienna applies to Mary the + words of Holy Scripture, "I have penetrated into the + bottom of the deep and have walked in the waves of the + sea" (<i>Ecclus.</i> xxiv. 8), and says: "She descends + into that sea of suffering and soothes the pains of the + poor souls." St. Denis the Carthusian remarks, that + when the name of Mary is mentioned in purgatory, the + souls there imprisoned experience the same relief as + when a sick person hears words of consolation on his + bed of pain. + </p> + <p> + Therefore let us entrust our prayers for the souls in + purgatory to Mary. She will present our petitions to + God, and thus presented, He will speedily hear and + graciously grant them. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, strong child, who + didst put to flight all hell and the powers of + darkness. We give thee our homage, and with all our + hearts we pray thee to vouchsafe in thy goodness to be + born again in spirit in our souls, that, led captive by + thy loveliness and sweetness, they may ever live united + to thy most sweet and loving heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Nativity_9" id="Nativity_9">NINTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Holy Name of Mary + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_nativity">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 74).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">S</font>T. ALPHONSUS writes of the name + of Mary: "This name was neither invented on earth, nor + imposed by human agency. It came from heaven and was + given to the Mother of God by divine command." Just as + it is a peculiar glory of our Saviour's name, that "God + hath given Him a name which is above all names, that in + the name of Jesus every knee should bow of those that + are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" + (<i>Philipp.</i> ii. 9), thus it also behooves that + Mary, the most perfect, the most pure, and most exalted + of all created beings, should receive a most holy, + lovely, and powerful name. St. Methodius declares that + the name of Mary is so rich in grace and blessing, that + no one can pronounce it devoutly without at the same + time receiving a spiritual favor. Bl. Jordan exclaims: + "Let a heart be ever so obdurate, let a man even + despair of God's mercy, if he have recourse to thee, O + Mary, virgin most clement, he can not fail to be + softened and filled with confidence if he invokes thy + name; for thou wilt inspire him with hope in God's + mercy, pardon, and grace." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">I</font>T IS, then, meet and just that + we should devoutly honor and praise the name of Mary. + Let us never mention it except in reverence and + devotion. Let us invoke Mary by it in all dangers of + body and soul, mindful of the words of St. Bernard: "O + sinner, when the floods and tempests of this earthly + life overwhelm thee so that thou canst not firmly set + thy foot, turn not away thy gaze from the light of this + guiding star. When the storms of temptation assail + thee, and the rocks and quicksands of vexation and + trial threaten to shatter thy bark of hope, look up to + that bright star in the heavens, and call on the name + of Mary. When the billows of pride and of ambition, + when the floods of calumny are about to submerge thee, + look up to this star and call on the name of Mary. When + anger, avarice, and concupiscence convulse the peace of + thy soul, look up to this star and call on Mary. When + thy sins rise up like hideous monsters before thy + troubled vision, when thy conscience stings thee, when + the terrors of future judgment fill thee with deadly + anguish, when gloom and sadness overpower thee, when + thou findest thyself on the brink of hellish despair, + take courage; think of Mary, and thou wilt find from + thy own inward experience how true are the sayings of + those who tell thee that the name of the Blessed Virgin + is 'Star of the Sea,' the name of the Virgin is Mary." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_nativity">Prayer of the Church (p. + 75).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+2">W</font>E HAIL thee, beloved child + Mary, adorned with every virtue, immeasurably above all + the saints, and therefore worthy Mother of the Saviour + of the world, who by the operation of the Holy Ghost + didst bring forth the incarnate Word. We give thee our + homage, and with all our hearts we pray thee to + vouchsafe in thy goodness to be born again in our + souls, that, led captive by thy loveliness and + sweetness, they may ever live united to thy most sweet + and loving heart. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_nativity">Ejaculation (p. 76).</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + III<br> + Novena for the Feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed + Virgin Mary + </h1><br> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_1" id="Annunciation_1">FIRST + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Annunciation + </h2> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_annunciation" id= + "prep_annunciation">PREPARATORY PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y QUEEN, my Mother, remember I + am thine own. Keep me, guard me, as thy property and + possession! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 40 days, every time. (Pius IX, August 5, + 1851.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>T NAZARETH, a mountain village + in Judea, lived poor and in obscurity Mary, the virgin + selected by God to become the Mother of His Son. On + March 25th she was in prayer in her chamber, and + perhaps sent up to heaven the yearning petition, "Drop + down dew, ye heavens, from above, and let the clouds + rain the just; let the earth be opened and bud a + Saviour" (<i>Is.</i> xlv. 8). Behold, suddenly the + chamber is suffused by a heavenly light. The archangel + Gabriel stands reverently before her and says, "Hail, + full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou + among women. And when Mary heard the angel's words, she + was troubled at his saying, and thought with herself + what manner of salutation this should be" (<i>Luke</i> + i. 28, 29). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE angel's salutation comprises + two titles of ineffable greatness. Mary is called "full + of grace," because of her innocence and purity; she is + called "blessed among women," because she is the elect + Mother of God. Never before was a human being thus + greeted. It was God Himself who sent the message to + Mary. A good angel now repaired the harm once done by a + bad angel. For Lucifer, the fallen angel, seduced Eve + to sin and thereby caused the ruin of the whole human + race; now another angel, Gabriel, was sent to announce + the glad tidings to Mary, that she was to conceive the + Redeemer from sin, who was to accomplish the salvation + of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Mary was troubled at the angel's words, and reflected + on the meaning of the message. St. Ambrose writes: + "Mary was troubled, not because the angel was a + heavenly spirit, but because he appeared to her in the + form of a youth. Still more was she troubled at the + praises spoken to her. She was innocent and humble, and + therefore reflected on the meaning of the message. She + had always considered herself as a poor and unknown + virgin; she deemed herself unworthy of God's grace; + therefore she was troubled at the salutation. In that + decisive moment she was and remained our model." + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/flight_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/flight.jpg" alt= + "The Flight into Egypt"></a><br> + THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prayer_annunciation" id= + "prayer_annunciation">PRAYER OF THE CHURCH</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">P</font>OUR forth, we beseech Thee, O + Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we unto whom the + Incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the + message of an angel, may, by His passion and cross, be + brought to the glory of the resurrection. Through the + same Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>ITH wonder I revere thee, + holiest Virgin Mary; for of all God's creatures thou + wast the humblest on the very day of thy annunciation, + when God Himself exalted Thee to the sublime dignity of + His own Mother. O mightiest Virgin, make me, wretched + sinner that I am, know the depths of my own + nothingness, and make me humble myself at last with all + my heart, beneath the feet of all men. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i><a name="ejac_annunciation" id= + "ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation</a></i> + </p> + <p> + Virgin Mary, Mother of God, pray to Jesus for me! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 50 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, March 20, + 1894.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_2" id="Annunciation_2">SECOND + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Import of the Angel's Salutation + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">"H</font>AIL, full of grace!" Mary was + greeted as full of grace by the Giver of grace Himself. + The angel's salutation meant: "The grace of God has + preserved thee from all sin. Neither the stain of + original sin, nor the guilt of actual sin, ever + obscured the mirror of thy soul. By the special favor + of God the most sublime virtues were infused into thy + soul." + </p> + <p> + "The Lord is with thee." From all eternity the Lord was + with Mary. He was with her not only as He is with His + whole creation, but He was with her in a special + manner. The eternal Father was with her from all + eternity as with His beloved Daughter. The divine Son + was with her from all eternity as with His chosen + Mother. The Holy Ghost was with her from all eternity + as with His beloved Spouse. This intimate union never + was disrupted. Therefore Mary is "Blessed among women," + and ever was, and ever shall be the beloved of the + Lord. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">C</font>ONSIDER how Mary receives the + angel's message. She is troubled, she is disturbed at + the praise, at the reverence of the angel. What an + example of humility! Let us imitate her in this virtue + by the acknowledgment before God of our weakness, our + unworthiness, our nothingness, and by ordering our + whole being accordingly. Humility renders us pleasing + in the sight of God and makes us susceptible of His + grace. Hence St. Augustine writes: "God resists the + proud and gives His grace to the humble. What a + terrible punishment for the proud, what a splendid + reward for the humble! The proud man resembles a rock, + the humble man a beautiful valley. The grace of God + descends from heaven like a gentle rain. It can not + penetrate the rock of pride, and hence the proud man + loses God's grace and love. But in the valley of + humility the waters of divine grace can diffuse + themselves and fructify the soul of the humble man, so + that it may bring forth fruit unto eternal life." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MARY, holiest Virgin, who, + when the archangel Gabriel hailed thee in thy + annunciation, and thou wast raised by God above all + choirs of the angels, didst confess thyself "the + handmaid of the Lord"; do thou obtain for me true + humility and a truly angelic purity, and so to live on + earth as ever to be worthy of the blessings of God. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_3" id="Annunciation_3">THIRD + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Effect of the Angel's Salutation + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE effect of the angel's + salutation on Mary was striking. Imbued with sentiments + quite different from ours, she was troubled at the + praise addressed to her. Meanwhile she is silent and + considers within herself what might be the meaning of + these words. And now the angel calls her by name, + saying, "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found grace with + God. 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, and the Lord God shall give unto Him the + throne of David His father: and He shall reign in the + house of Jacob for ever, and of His kingdom there shall + be no end" (<i>Luke</i> i. 30-33). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ET us admire the prudence + shining forth in Mary. After hearing the angel's words + of praise she was silent and thought within herself + what kind of a salutation this was. She is very careful + and prudent. On this her conduct St. Thomas Aquinas + remarks: "Mary did not refuse to believe, nor did she + receive the message with credulity. She avoided Eve's + gullibility and the distrust of Zachary the high + priest." And St. Bernard writes: "Mary preferred to + remain silent in humility, rather than to speak + inconsiderately." Let us strive always to speak and act + with deliberation. Our conversation ought always to be + judicious; for often a word spoken inconsiderately + causes bitter regret. St. Thomas Aquinas observes: + "Song was given to a number of creatures, but human + beings alone were endowed with the faculty of speech, + to indicate that in speaking we should use our reason." + And St. Chrysostom says: "Let us always guard our + tongue; not that it should always be silent, but that + it should speak at the proper time." + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> REJOICE with thee, O Virgin + ever blessed, because by thy humble word of consent + thou didst draw down from the bosom of the eternal + Father the divine Word into thy own pure bosom. O draw, + then, ever my heart to God; and with God bring grace + into my heart that I may ever sincerely bless thy word + of consent, so mighty and so efficacious. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_4" id="Annunciation_4">FOURTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Question + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>ELL versed as Mary was in Holy + Scripture, she fully understood the words she had heard + and knew their great import. She was destined to become + the Mother of the Most High, the Son of God. But there + is an obstacle which prevents her from giving immediate + assent. She has solemnly vowed her virginity to God. + Not knowing how the mystery announced to her was to be + accomplished, and intent above all on keeping inviolate + her vow, she interrupts her silence by the short but + comprehensive question, "How shall this be done, + because I know not man?" (<i>Luke</i> i. 34.) This is + the first word of Mary recorded in the Gospel. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">"H</font>OW shall this be done, because + I know not man?" Truly a momentous question, proceeding + from her knowledge of the great excellence and value + before God of virginity, which, before Mary, was + unknown to the world. + </p> + <p> + Let us follow Mary's example and esteem holy purity and + chastity above all things. Let us remember how highly + Holy Scripture extols this virtue. "O how beautiful is + the chaste generation with glory; for the memory + thereof is immortal, because it is known both with God + and with men" (<i>Wis.</i> iv. 1). St. Athanasius + writes: "O chastity, thou precious pearl, found by few, + even hated by some, and sought only by those who are + worthy of thee! Thou art the joy of the prophets, the + ornament of the apostles, the life of the angels, the + crown of the saints." Let us therefore carefully guard + this inestimable treasure. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY, mighty Virgin, thou who on + the day of thy annunciation wast found by the archangel + so prompt and ready to do God's will, and to correspond + with the desires of the august Trinity, who wished for + thy consent in order to redeem the world; obtain for me + that, whatever happens, good or ill, I may turn to my + God, and with resignation say, "Be it done unto me + according to thy word." + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_5" id="Annunciation_5">FIFTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Solution + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE angel explains to Mary how, + without detriment to her virginity, she will become a + mother. He says, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, + and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee. + And therefore also the Holy which shall be born of thee + shall be called the Son of God" (<i>Luke</i> i. 35). + St. Bernard remarks: "Let him who can, comprehend it. + Who, but that most happy Virgin who was worthy to + experience the influence and effect of the power of the + Most High and to penetrate this sublime mystery, can + understand how the divine Light was poured into the + Virgin's womb? The Most Holy Trinity alone co-operated + in the sacred act, and it remains an impenetrable + mystery to all, except to her who was called to so + sublime a destiny." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY did not entertain a single + doubt concerning the wonders which the angel announced + to her about the coming Messias and His kingdom. She + believed with simple faith the words of the heavenly + messenger. Only about that which concerned her + personally she asked a question. When the wonderful + mystery was explained to her, she did not ask how this + <i>can</i> be done, but only how it <i>shall</i> be + done. And after the angel had declared to her that she + shall conceive by the Holy Ghost, she was fully + resigned and announced her implicit belief in these + humble words: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it + done to me according to thy word" (<i>Luke</i> i. 38). + Therefore the Holy Ghost Himself praised her by the + mouth of Elizabeth: "Blessed art thou that hast + believed" (<i>Luke</i> i. 45). + </p> + <p> + Let us remain steadfast in the profession of all + articles of faith, and let us oppose, like a strong + shield, the words, "Nothing is impossible with God," to + all attacks of unbelievers, and to all doubts that may + arise in our own minds. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY most holy, I see that thy + obedience united thee so closely to God, that all + creation never shall know again union so fair and so + perfect. I am overwhelmed with confusion in seeing how + my sins have separated me from God. Help me, then, + gentle Mother, to repent sincerely of my sins, that I + may be reunited to thy loving Jesus. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_6" id="Annunciation_6">SIXTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Consent + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E ADMIRE the creative word of + God, by which heaven and earth were called into + existence. But Mary's word, "Be it done to me according + to thy word," is even mightier and more efficacious; + for it commands the obedience even of the almighty + Creator. Without this word of humility and obedience + the incarnation of our divine Saviour would not have + been accomplished. Mary does not say, "I accept the + proposal, I agree to the proposition," nor does she use + other words of similar import. She simply says, "Be it + done to me according to thy word." It was not her own + choice, nor her own decision, but a voluntary, full, + and complete surrender to the will of God that the + message found in Mary's soul, which was expressed in + these words. What a source of consolation to her in the + subsequent sorrowful and afflicted stages of her life + was this complete surrender to God's will! It comprised + the tranquilizing assurance that He to whose designs + she submitted, would endow her with the fortitude and + strength necessary to co-operate with them. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>UST as our divine Lord Himself + became obedient unto death, thus also His incarnation + and the motherhood of Mary were the result of + obedience. Again, in contemplating the works that in + the course of time were undertaken in the Church for + the glory of God and the salvation of man, we find that + only those were really great, effective, and enduring, + which had their beginning, continuation, and + consummation in obedience. + </p> + <p> + Rejoice, then, if it is your happy lot to walk in the + safe path of obedience. Avail yourself of every + opportunity to submit your will to the will of your + Superiors. They are the representatives of God. By + obeying them we fulfil His will, not the will of men. + St. Bonaventure calls obedience the key of heaven. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLIEST Mary, if through thy + modesty thou wert troubled at the appearance of the + archangel Gabriel in thy dwelling, I am terrified at + the sight of my monstrous pride. By thy incomparable + humility, which brought forth God for men, reopened + paradise and let the captive souls go free from their + prison, draw me, I pray thee, out of the deep pit into + which my sins have cast me, and make me save my soul. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_7" id="Annunciation_7">SEVENTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Fortitude in Suffering + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LTHOUGH Mary's consent was + free, and freely given, she was clearly convinced and + perfectly conscious of the responsibility, the + obligations, and the duties involved by that consent, + and which she now assumed. Great are the duties and + tearful the days of a mother who has to raise her Son, + who is also God, to be sacrificed on the cross. Mary + assumes with the dignity this responsibility. She + consents to conceive the Son of God, to give birth to + Him, to nourish Him, to educate Him for the ignominious + death of the cross. When she pronounced the words, "Be + it done," her eyes were fixed on the distant tragedy of + Golgotha, on the cross towering upon its height. Yet + she accepts it, together with the dignity of Mother of + God. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY, in consenting to become + the Mother of Jesus, became not only His Mother, but + the Mother of all mankind. She became, for all time, + the refuge of sinners, the health of the sick, the + intercessor with God for man; she consented to exercise + a mother's love for suffering and sinful humanity. But + alas, how many of those adopted by Mary as her children + under the cross of her dying Son are unworthy of her + mother love! How many are rebellious children, who fill + her heart with sorrow and anguish! Others, faithless + and obdurate, become a reproach to her. Have you, + during your past life, always been a good child of this + loving Mother? Are you to her an honor or a disgrace, a + joy or a sorrow? + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HOUGH my tongue is unhallowed, + yet, purest Virgin, I presume to hail thee every day + with the angel's salutation, "Hail Mary, full of + grace!" From my heart, I pray thee, pour into my soul a + little of that mighty grace wherewith the Holy Spirit, + overshadowing thee, filled thee to the full. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_8" id="Annunciation_8">EIGHTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Mother of God + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY'S true greatness consists + in her having been chosen the Mother of God. This + sublime dignity, pre-eminently her own and shared by no + other creature, elevates her to a station inconceivably + exalted. Mother of God! St. Peter Damian thus gives + expression to his conception of this dignity: "In what + words may mortal man be permitted to pronounce the + praises of her who brought forth that divine Word who + lives for all eternity? Where can a tongue be found + holy and pure enough to eulogize her who bore the + author of all created things, whom the elements praise + and obey in fear and trembling? When we essay to extol + a martyr's constancy, to recount his heroic acts of + virtue, to describe his devotion to his Saviour's cause + and honor, we are supplied with words by facts and + occurrences that belong to the province of human + experience. But when we undertake to describe the + glories of the Blessed Virgin, we are on unknown + ground, on a subject transcending all human effort. We + fail to find words suitable to portray her sublime + prerogatives, privileges, and mysteries." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. ANSELM, writing on the + motherhood of Mary, says: "It was eminently just and + proper that the creature chosen to be the Mother of God + should shine with a luster of purity far beyond + anything conceivable in any other creature under + heaven. For it was to her that the eternal Father + decreed to give His only-begotten Son, whom He loves as + Himself; and to give Him in such a mysterious manner + that He should be at the same time the Son of God and + the Son of the Virgin Mary. She must indeed be purity + itself, whom the Son of God elected as His Mother, and + who was the chosen Spouse of the Holy Ghost, to be + overshadowed by Him to bring forth the Second Person of + that Most Blessed Trinity from whom He Himself + proceeds." + </p> + <p> + Let us honor the virgin Mother with filial devotion, + gratefully greeting her often in the words of the + angel, "Hail Mary, full of grace!" Let us remember that + God alone is above Mary, and beneath her is all that is + not God. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> BELIEVE, holiest Mary, that + almighty God was ever with thee from thy conception, + and is, by His incarnation, still more closely united + to thee. Make it thy care, I pray thee, that I may be + with that same Lord Jesus ever one heart and soul by + means of sanctifying grace. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Annunciation_9" id="Annunciation_9">NINTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, Our Mother + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_annunciation">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 95).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY could not consent to become + the Mother of the Redeemer without including in her + consent those to be redeemed. "She bore one man," says + St. Antonine, "and thereby has borne all men again. + Beneath the cross of her divine Son she has reborne us + to life with great pain, just as Eve our first mother, + has borne us under the tree of forbidden fruit unto + death. That there be no doubt concerning it, her divine + Son made this declaration in His last will." "When + therefore Jesus had seen His Mother and the disciple + standing whom He loved, He saith to His Mother, Woman, + behold thy son. After that He saith to the disciple, + Behold thy Mother" (<i>John</i> xix. 26 27). She gave + up her Son for the redemption of mankind, and He gave + us, in the person of His beloved disciple St. John, to + her as her children, declaring her our Mother. From + that moment we belong to Mary, and Mary belongs to us: + "Behold thy Mother!" + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/rest_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/rest.jpg" alt="The rest in Egypt"></a><br> + THE REST IN EGYPT + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY loves us because she loves + God, and because God loves us. She loves us as her + brethren who share human nature with her. She loves us + as her children, whom she has borne to eternal life. + She loves us because we are miserable and helpless. + True, we offended her divine Son, but she knows our + frailty, our blindness, the assaults of the flesh and + the devil to which we are exposed; and by all this she + is moved to come to our aid. + </p> + <p> + Do not, however, imagine that this good and amiable + Mother will hear your call for assistance if you + continue to offend her divine Son with malice prepense. + To obtain her aid you must make yourself in a manner + worthy of it. This you do by striving to imitate her + virtues. Or is there anything in her example that we + are unable to imitate? True, we can not attain to her + perfection in virtue, but we can copy it to a certain + degree. To follow Mary's example there is no need of + performing miracles, of having ecstasies, or of doing + any other extraordinary deeds. All that is necessary is + to persevere faithfully in the ordinary duties of life, + and to perform them to the best of our ability. + </p> + <p> + "Behold thy Mother!" These words of our dying Lord were + addressed to the beloved disciple St. John, but were + intended for all mankind. Even as Mary never ceases to + be the Mother of God, she never will cease to be our + Mother. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_annunciation">Prayer of the Church (p. + 97).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> HOLIEST Mary, bless me, my + heart and my soul, as thou thyself wast ever blessed of + God among all women; for I have this sure hope, dear + Mother, that if thou bless me while I live, then, when + I die, I shall be blessed of God in the everlasting + glory of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_annunciation">Ejaculation (p. 97).</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + IV<br> + Novena in Honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary + </h1><br> + <br> + <p> + NOTE.—Besides the indulgences granted for every + novena in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Pius IX, + Pope Leo XIII, January 27, 1888, granted that all the + faithful may gain, on the <i>third Sunday in + September</i>, being the second feast of the Seven + Sorrows of Mary (the other is observed on the Friday + before Palm Sunday), a plenary indulgence <i>as + often</i> as they visit, after confession and + communion, a church where the Archconfraternity of the + Seven Sorrows is canonically established, and pray + there for the intention of the Holy Father. This + indulgence is applicable to the souls in purgatory. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_1" id="Sorrows_1">FIRST DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Devotion to the Seven Sorrows of Mary + </h2> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_sorrows" id="prep_sorrows">PREPARATORY + PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>ID me bear, O + Mother blessed,<br> + On my heart the wounds impressed<br> + Suffered by the Crucified! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days, once a day. A plenary indulgence, + on any one day, in each month, to those who shall have + practised this devotion for a month, saying besides + seven Hail Marys, followed each time by the above + invocation. Conditions: Confession, communion, and + prayer for the intentions of the Pope. (Pius IX, June + 18, 1876.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>ROM the dolorous way of Our + Lord's passion Holy Church selected fourteen incidents + to place before us for consideration, which are called + the Stations of the Cross. In the same manner the pious + devotion of the faithful selected seven events in the + life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and gives itself to + their religious contemplation. They are: (1) Simeon's + prophecy in the Temple; (2) the flight into Egypt with + the divine Child; (3) the loss of the divine Child at + Jerusalem; (4) Mary's meeting with her Son bearing the + cross; (5) Mary beneath the cross; (6) Mary receives + the body of her Son from the cross; (7) the placing of + Jesus' body in the tomb. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">"F</font>ORGET not the sorrows of thy + mother" (<i>Ecclus.</i> vii. 29). According to this + exhortation of Holy Scripture it is our duty to + remember and meditate often on the sorrows of the + Blessed Virgin Mary. We ought never to forget that our + sins were the cause of the sufferings and death of + Jesus, and therefore also of the sorrows of Mary. + </p> + <p> + Holy Church celebrates two feasts in honor of the + sorrows of Mary; she approved of the Rosary and of many + other devotions in honor of the Seven Dolors, and + enriched them with numerous indulgences. Let us + practise these devotions to enkindle in our hearts a + true and ardent love for our sorrowful Mother. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prayer_sorrows" id="prayer_sorrows">PRAYER OF + THE CHURCH</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>RANT, we beseech Thee, O Lord + Jesus Christ, that the most blessed Virgin Mary, Thy + Mother, may intercede for us before the throne of Thy + mercy, now and at the hour of our death, through whose + most holy soul, in the hour of Thine own passion, the + sword of sorrow passed. Through Thee, Jesus Christ, + Saviour of the world, who livest and reignest with the + Father and the Holy Ghost, for ever and ever. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">E</font>VER glorious Blessed Virgin + Mary, queen of martyrs, mother of mercy, hope, and + comfort of dejected and desolate souls, through the + sorrows that pierced thy tender heart I beseech thee + take pity on my poverty and necessities, have + compassion on my anxieties and miseries. I ask it + through the mercy of thy divine Son; I ask it through + His immaculate life, bitter passion, and ignominious + death on the cross. As I am persuaded that He honors + thee as His beloved Mother, to whom He refuses nothing, + let me experience the efficacy of thy powerful + intercession, according to the tenderness of thy + maternal affection, now and at the hour of my death. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="ejac_sorrows" id= + "ejac_sorrows"><i>Ejaculation</i></a> + </p> + <p> + Mother of Sorrows, queen of martyrs, pray for us! + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_2" id="Sorrows_2">SECOND DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's First Sorrow: Simeon's Prophecy in the Temple + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>ORTY days after the birth of + our divine Saviour, Mary His Mother fulfilled the law + of Moses by offering Him to His divine Father in the + Temple. "And behold there was a man in Jerusalem named + Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for + the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was in + Him. And he received an answer from the Holy Ghost, + that he should not see death before he had seen the + Christ of the Lord. And he came by the Spirit into the + temple. And when His parents brought in the child + Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the + law, he also took Him into his arms, and blessed God, + and said: Now dost Thou dismiss Thy servant, O Lord, + according to Thy word, in peace; because my eyes have + seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the + face of all peoples. A light to the revelation of the + gentiles and the glory of Thy people Israel. And His + father and mother were wondering at these things which + were spoken concerning Him. And Simeon blessed them, + and said to Mary His Mother: Behold this child is set + for the fall and for the resurrection of many in + Israel, and for a sign which shall be contradicted; and + thy own soul a sword shall pierce, that out of many + hearts thoughts may be revealed" (<i>Luke</i> ii. + 25-35). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY was familiar with the + predictions of the prophets and knew that ignominy, + sorrow, and suffering would be her divine Son's portion + throughout His earthly career. But to have this secret + of her anxious soul thus publicly and solemnly declared + by Simeon, was a sharp thrust of that seven-edged sword + which was to pierce her loving heart. In spirit she + viewed that boundless, surging sea of trials, pain, and + death on which her Son was to be tossed about, and was + willing to be engulfed in its bitter waters. Her + affliction would have scarcely been greater had the + death sentence of her divine Son been pronounced then + and there and put into execution. What a sorrow, what + an affliction, what a trial for such a tender Mother! + Well might she exclaim with the Royal Prophet: "My life + is wasted with grief, and my years in sighs" + (<i>Ps.</i> xxx. 11). Let us often contemplate this + sorrow, and excite our hearts to a tender compassion + with the Mother of Sorrows. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, in the grief thy tender heart underwent when the + holy old man Simeon prophesied to thee. Dear Mother, by + thy heart then so afflicted, obtain for me the virtue + of humility and the gift of the holy fear of God. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_3" id="Sorrows_3">THIRD DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Second Sorrow: The Flight into Egypt + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>OR the second time the sword of + sorrow pierced Mary's heart when she was commanded to + fly into Egypt with her divine Child. Without + manifesting undue perplexity or discontent, she hastily + gathered a few necessaries for the journey, while St. + Joseph saddled the beast of burden. Then taking the + infant Jesus into her arms and pressing Him to her + throbbing heart, the holy pilgrims set forth into the + cold, starry night, away to a foreign land, through the + trackless desert, and into a heathen country. Arrived + in Egypt, the experience of Bethlehem was renewed; no + one gave them shelter. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">D</font>URING this second great sorrow, + what was Mary's behavior? She was content to fulfil the + will of God; she did not ask for reasons, or complain + of the fatigues of the journey, but preserved her peace + of heart amid all the trials of this severe probation. + She is poor, but her poverty does not render her + unhappy or querulous. If God sends us trials, we ought + not murmur or complain. Following the example of Mary, + let us bear them submissively. If we suffer patiently + with Mary on earth, we shall enjoy eternal bliss with + her in heaven. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the anxiety which thy most tender heart + underwent during thy flight into Egypt and thy sojourn + there. Dear Mother, by thy heart then so sorrowful, + obtain for me the virtue of liberality, especially + toward the poor, and the gift of piety. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_4" id="Sorrows_4">FOURTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Third Sorrow: Jesus Lost in Jerusalem + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>HO can describe Mary's sorrow + when, returning from Jerusalem, she missed her divine + Son? With St. Joseph she retraced her steps in anxious + search of Him whom her soul loved. She went to all her + relatives and acquaintances in Jerusalem, but heard no + tidings of her lost Child. She passed three long days + of anxiety in her search, and this constitutes her + third sorrow. Of it, Origen writes: "On account of the + ineffable love of Mary for her divine Son, she suffered + more by His loss than the martyrs suffered amid the + most cruel tortures." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>N MEDITATING on this sorrow of + Mary, we ought to remember how indifferent so many + Christians are after having lost God by sin. They feel + no compunction, no sorrow at having offended Him, and + yet they can weep at the loss of a trifle; they shed + copious tears when their will is crossed, or when they + receive a deserved reprimand; but for the loss of their + God they have not a tear. They have lost Him, perhaps + years ago, and never make the least effort to find Him. + Pray to the sorrowful Mother that she preserve you from + such a deplorable fate! + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the terrors felt by thy anxious heart when + thou didst lose thy dear Son, Jesus. Dear Mother, by + thy heart, then so agitated, obtain for me the virtue + of chastity, and with it the gift of knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_5" id="Sorrows_5">FIFTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Fourth Sorrow: She Meets Jesus Carrying His + Cross + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE time was at hand when + mankind's redemption was to be accomplished. Already + the divine Victim of our sins is bearing the instrument + of our salvation. Torn by the cruel scourging, crowned + with thorns, and covered with blood He proceeds on His + way to Calvary, and in this pitiful condition meets His + blessed Mother. What a spectacle, what a sight for a + Mother such as Mary! Anxious to look upon her, and with + one fond glance to thank her for her heroic, unselfish + love, He made an effort to change His bowed position + beneath the cross, feebly raised His head, and directed + toward her one loving glance of ineffable anguish, + mingled with grateful recognition and humble + resignation. Then the sad procession moves on, Mary + following her divine Son on His way to death. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E, BY our sins, placed into the + hands of the Jews and executioners the weapons by which + Jesus suffered, and thus we thrust the sword of sorrow + into Mary's heart. We repeat this, in a certain sense, + as often as we commit a grievous sin, because we + thereby number ourselves among those whom the Apostle + describes as "crucifying again to themselves the Son of + God, and making Him a mockery" (<i>Heb.</i> vi. 6). + Cardinal Hugo writes: "Sinners crucify, as far as is in + them, Christ our Lord, because they repeat the cause of + His crucifixion." Doing this, we thrust anew the sword + of sorrow into Mary's heart. Let this consideration + fill us with hatred for and fear of sin. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the shock thy mother heart experienced when + Jesus met thee as He carried His cross. Dear Mother, by + that heart of thine, then so afflicted, obtain for me + the virtue of patience and the gift of fortitude. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_6" id="Sorrows_6">SIXTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Fifth Sorrow: Beneath the Cross + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>T THE crucifixion of Jesus the + soul of Mary was plunged into a sea of sorrow when she + stood three hours under the cross. Writhing in + excruciating pain, the Son of God hung upon the tree of + disgrace and infamy, yet Mary continued to stand at its + foot, tearful, grieving, yet persevering, filled with + anguish because she could do nothing to help Him. + Another great sorrow befell the heart of Mary when she + slowly withdrew her tearful gaze from the face of + Jesus, and cast her weeping eyes upon the cold and + indifferent world that lay in darkness around and about + Calvary. And yet, "When Jesus therefore had seen His + Mother and the disciple standing whom He loved, He + saith to His Mother, Woman, behold Thy son. After that + He saith to the disciple, Behold thy Mother" + (<i>John</i> xix. 26, 27). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HESE words, "Behold thy son, + behold thy Mother," contain and express the mystery of + unbounded love, which Jesus has for all mankind, but + more especially for the Church which is appointed and + authorized to lead men to salvation. O blessed, O happy + bequest! It was not enough for the love of Jesus to + have restored heaven to us by His atoning death; He + wished also to give us His dearest Mother. And she has + always shown herself as such. To each of us + individually she was and is a kind and loving Mother. + Give thanks to her, bless and praise her for having + adopted you as her child, and strive to become worthy + of so great a privilege. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the martyrdom thy generous heart bore so + nobly whilst thou didst stand by Jesus agonizing. Dear + Mother, by thy heart then so cruelly martyred, obtain + for me the virtue of temperance and the gift of + counsel. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_7" id="Sorrows_7">SEVENTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Sixth Sorrow: The Taking Down of Jesus' Body + from the Cross + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>HO can describe the sorrow and + anguish of Mary's heart when the body of Jesus was + taken from the cross, when her tearful eyes fell upon + His disfigured features! The pure and holy and + beauteous form of her Son was a mass of clotted blood + and unsightly wounds; and yet, disfigured as it was, + there shone in His countenance a clear, calm expression + of divine majesty. Now Mary views the wounds of that + sacred body; she looks at the gap made in His side by + the cruel spear, and can almost see the Sacred Heart of + Jesus, all bruised and broken for love of man. Before + her vision passes in detail His life and her own. + Memory presents to her mind every day and hour of their + quiet, happy life at Nazareth. Is it to be wondered, + then, that at this bitter moment her sorrow was so + great that, as St. Anselm observes, she should have + died had she not been sustained by a miracle of divine + omnipotence? + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>UGHT not the contemplation of + the sorrows of our blessed Mother confirm us in + patience, in resignation to the will of God in our + trials and sufferings? If the Son of God said of + Himself: "Ought not Christ to have suffered these + things, and so to enter into His glory?" (<i>Luke</i> + xxiv. 26); if the most pure and holy Mother of God, + despite her great prerogatives and merits, had to + suffer a sorrow so ineffable, do not murmur if the word + of Christ is addressed also to you: "And he that taketh + not up his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of Me" + (<i>Matt.</i> x. 38). + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the pain thou didst suffer when the body of + thy divine Son, taken down all torn and bloody from the + cross, was placed in thy arms. Dear Mother, by thy + heart pierced through, obtain for me the virtue of + fraternal charity and the gift of understanding. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/ontheroad_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/ontheroad.jpg" alt= + "On the Way to Jerusalem"></a><br> + ON THE WAY TO JERUSALEM + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_8" id="Sorrows_8">EIGHTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Seventh Sorrow: Jesus is Buried + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE sacrifice for the redemption + of the world was accomplished. "And Joseph, taking the + body, wrapt it up in a clean linen cloth, and laid it + in his own new monument, which he had hewed out in a + rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the + monument, and went his way" (<i>Matt.</i> xxvii. 59). + Mary also took part in the burial of her beloved Son, + though the evangelists do not mention her name amongst + those who were present on that mournful occasion. + Never, most assuredly, was human soul visited by such + woe and desolation, as that which overwhelmed hers as + she cast a last glance on the precious remains of her + dead Son. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ET us learn of the sorrowful + Mother at the tomb of her divine Son submission to + God's holy will in all things, but especially when He + takes from us one of our dear ones. Again, the + contemplation of the sufferings of Mary should fortify + us in patience, whenever God is pleased to visit us + with a light and small cross of affliction, or even + with a sorrow that causes our heart to bleed. It should + inspire us with a filial confidence in Mary, who thus + suffered for us and gave her divine Son for our + salvation. We can and ought to prove our love for her, + not by sentimental feelings of affection, but by a + sincere hatred of sin and great fervor in the service + of her divine Son. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for the anguish felt by thy loving heart when + Jesus' body was laid in the sepulcher. Dear Mother, by + all the bitterness of desolation thou didst know, + obtain for me the virtue of diligence and the gift of + wisdom. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Sorrows_9" id="Sorrows_9">NINTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Reasons Why Mary Had to Suffer + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_sorrows">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 115).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE reasons why God permitted + Mary to suffer so much may be briefly stated as + follows: He did so from His love for Mary and from His + love for us. He did so from His love for Mary, because + by suffering she merited greater glory in heaven. As + Mother of the Crucified she persevered beneath the + cross, and now she thrones in heaven as the glorious + Mother of the risen Redeemer. Because she shared in His + suffering, she now shares His glory. Again, God + permitted Mary to suffer because He loved us. If she + had not experienced such bitter sorrow, we would not + have recourse to her, for whosoever has not suffered + himself can not have sympathy with the sufferings of + others. Mary knows the pangs of sorrow by experience, + and therefore knows also how to console and help us. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>ECAUSE she herself drained the + most bitter cup of sorrow, Mary is always willing to + help those who invoke her aid. But above all she is + inclined to help repentant sinners, because she knows + how great the price of their redemption was, paid by + the blood of her divine Son. She is able to help us, + because, after God, she is most powerful; she is most + willing to help us, because she loves us, whom God so + has loved "as to give His only-begotten Son" + (<i>John</i> iii. 16). Let us, therefore, have recourse + to her in all our needs, and we shall experience the + power of her help in life and death. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_sorrows">Prayer of the Church (p. + 117).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font> COMPASSIONATE thee, sorrowing + Mary, for all thy sorrows. I beseech thee, dear Mother, + by thy heart pierced through by them, obtain for me + full abandonment to the will of God in everything and + perseverance to the end. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_sorrows">Ejaculation (p. 118).</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + V<br> + Novena for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed + Virgin Mary + </h1><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_1" id="Assumption_1">FIRST DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Death was without Pain + </h2> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_assumption" id= + "prep_assumption">PREPARATORY PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MARY, Virgin most blessed and + Mother of Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, through + thy mercy I beseech thee to come to my aid, and to + inspire me with such confidence in thy power, that I + may have recourse to thee, pray to thee, and implore + thy aid in all needs of soul and body. + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY, the virgin Mother of God, + was conceived without original sin. She never dimmed + the luster of sanctifying grace which beautified her + soul by actual sin. Nevertheless she had to pass + through the dark portal of death before she was + assumed, body and soul, into heaven. She had not been + endowed with the privilege of immortality with which + God had invested our first parents in paradise. It was + meet that she should be like unto her divine Son in + everything, even in death. But as she had drained the + bitter cup of suffering during her whole life, and + especially when standing beneath the cross, her death + was to be free from pain and suffering. She quietly + passed away yielding up her spirit in a yearning desire + to be united forever with her divine Son in heaven. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>F YOU have dispossessed your + heart of all unruly attachment to the goods and + enjoyments of this earth, you, too, may hope for a + happy and tranquil transition from this land of exile + to your home in heaven. Therefore, if you are still + attached to the transitory things of this life, + disengage your heart from them now. The voluntary + renouncement of earthly goods alone is meritorious + before God. The separation from them enforced by the + strong hand of death is of no supernatural value. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prayer_assumption" id= + "prayer_assumption">PRAYER OF THE CHURCH</a> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E BESEECH Thee, O Lord, pardon + the shortcomings of Thy servants; that we who, by our + own works, are not able to please Thee, may be saved by + the intercession of the Mother of Thy Son, Our Lord + Jesus Christ. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MOST benign Mother Mary! I + rejoice that by thy happy and tranquil death the + yearning of thy heart was appeased, and thy life, so + rich in merit and sacrifice, received its crown. I + rejoice that after passing from this life, thou, O most + loving Mother, wast made the glorious and powerful + queen of heaven and dost exercise thy influence as such + for the benefit of thy frail, exiled children on earth. + Obtain for me, I beseech thee, a happy death, that I + may praise and glorify thy might and kindness forever + in heaven. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="ejac_assumption" id= + "ejac_assumption"><i>Ejaculation</i></a> + </p> + <p> + Sweet heart of Mary be my salvation! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all who shall + have said it every day for a month, under the usual + conditions. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_2" id="Assumption_2">SECOND DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + At Mary's Tomb + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>N ANCIENT legend relates that, + led by Heaven, all the Apostles, except St. Thomas, + assembled at the Blessed Virgin's death-bed. After she + had breathed forth her pure spirit, her sacred remains + were prepared for the grave by wrapping the body in new + white linen and decking it with flowers. Meanwhile the + apostles, assembled in another room, sang psalms and + hymns in praise of their departed Mother. The apostles, + all the disciples, and the faithful dwelling in + Jerusalem followed the blessed remains to the grave + chanting psalms and hymns. Arrived in the valley of + Josaphat, the body was gently placed in a sepulcher of + stone not far from the Garden of Olives. After the + entombment the apostles and crowds of the faithful + lingered near the sacred spot in prayer, meditation, + and chanting of psalms in which angels' voices were + heard to mingle. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>OIN in spirit with the apostles + and faithful in their prayer and meditation at the + grave of our blessed Mother. Contemplate and review her + whole life. Could a course like hers have terminated + more appropriately than with so beautiful, painless, + and tranquil a passing away? Prepare yourself even now + for your departure from this life. Do not postpone the + settlement of your affairs, spiritual and temporal, + until the last uncertain hours. Above all, remove now, + or as soon as possible, all doubts, anxieties, and + irregularities of conscience, because delay is + dangerous and leads to impenitence, and because in the + last hours the powers of hell usually assail the + departing soul with all their might. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>LORIOUS Virgin, who for thy + consolation didst deserve to die comforted by the sight + of thy dear Son Jesus, and in the company of the + apostles and angels; pray for us, that at that awful + moment we, too, may be comforted by receiving Jesus in + the most holy Eucharist, and may feel thee nigh when we + breathe forth our soul. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_3" id="Assumption_3">THIRD DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Empty Tomb + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. JOHN DAMASCENE writes: "St. + Thomas was not with the other apostles when the Blessed + Virgin died, but arrived in Jerusalem on the third day + after that event. Ardently desiring to see once more + and to venerate the sacred body which had given flesh + and blood to his beloved Master, the grave was opened + for this purpose. The body could nowhere be seen, and a + delicious perfume filled the empty tomb. The apostles + then became convinced that as God had preserved the + body of Mary free from sin before, in, and after the + birth of His Son, He was pleased likewise, after her + death, to preserve that same body from corruption, and + to glorify it in heaven." + </p> + <p> + A council held in Jerusalem in the year 1672 declared: + "It is beyond all doubt that the Blessed Virgin is not + only a great and miraculous sign on earth, because she + bore God in the flesh and yet remained a virgin, but + she is also a great and miraculous sign in heaven, + because she was taken up thither with soul and body. + For although her sinless body was enclosed in the tomb, + yet, like the body of Our Lord, it arose on the third + day and was carried up to heaven." + </p> + <p> + Although the doctrine of the bodily assumption of Mary + into heaven was not defined by the Church as an article + of faith in the strict sense, yet the learned Pope + Benedict XIV remarks, "It would be presumptuous and + blameworthy in any one to call into doubt or to + question this beautiful and consoling belief of ages." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ET us rejoice at the thought of + the glorious resurrection of our dear Mother. Let us + unite ourselves in spirit with the apostles in heaven + and with Holy Church to congratulate her on this + extraordinary privilege. But let us also rejoice at the + thought of our own resurrection. True, it shall not + take place immediately after death, but it is therefore + not the less certain, and it depends on us to make it + glorious and blessed. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary! As thy sacred body after death was preserved + from corruption, and united with thy sinless soul was + borne to heaven by the angels; obtain for me the grace + that my life and death be holy, so that on the Day of + Judgment I may arise to glory everlasting. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_4" id="Assumption_4">FOURTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Reasons for the Bodily Assumption of Mary into Heaven + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">1. T</font>HE wages of sin is death. + Now, as the Blessed Virgin from the first moment of her + existence was preserved from all sin, and even from + original sin, it necessarily follows that death could + have no permanent dominion over her, and that her body + would not be permitted to see corruption. + </p> + <p> + 2. This sinless body had been the medium by which the + body of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who was the conqueror of + death, had been formed. How, then, could such a highly + privileged body, a pure and virginal body, be permitted + to pass through corruption and decay? + </p> + <p> + 3. As Mary had yielded up her sacred person to be a + dwelling-place for the Lord of heaven, it seems fitting + that this same Lord, in His turn, should give the + kingdom of heaven to her as her resting-place. St. + Bernard expresses this sentiment as follows: "When Our + Lord came into this world, Mary furnished Him with the + noblest dwelling on earth, the temple of her virginal + womb. In return, the Lord on this day raises her up to + the highest throne in heaven." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>F YOU desire to look forward to + death without fear, and to expect your dissolution with + confidence, follow the Apostle's injunction, + "Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good" + (<i>Gal.</i> vi. 10). Avoid sin, perform good works, be + patient in affliction, and strive to expiate the + punishment due to your sins by voluntary acts of + penance, thus reducing your inclination to sin. + Therefore offer up to God every morning, in a spirit of + penitence, all your labors, trials, and sufferings. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary! I beseech thee through the ineffable glory + thou didst make for thy departure from this world by a + life of retirement, full of merits and virtue, + dedicated to God alone; obtain for me the grace that, + following thy example, I may detach my heart from this + world, and patiently bear affliction and adversity, + carefully avoid sin, and always strive to advance in + the love of God. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_5" id="Assumption_5">FIFTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Glorious Entrance into Heaven + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font> JOY greater than human heart + can conceive fills the heavenly spirits when a soul + enters heaven to receive her reward. What jubilant + transports, then, must those have been with which they + hailed the entrance into heavenly bliss of the most + pure and holy Virgin, the Mother of the Son of God, + body and soul, transfigured in glory! And she is, and + shall be, for all eternity, their mistress and queen! + What an ineffable joy, too, for the Blessed Virgin, to + behold the countless numbers of angels, to admire their + beauty, their purity, their intense love of God! But as + the feeble light of a candle disappears before the + splendor of the sun's rays, thus are these choirs of + angels obscured by the ineffable glory of her divine + Son coming to welcome His Mother. Who can describe this + affecting meeting? What a superabundant reward for + affliction and suffering! What an ocean of joy and + bliss, when the Son of God presented His Mother before + the throne of His heavenly Father, who greeted her as + His beloved Daughter! What a joy to behold the Holy + Ghost, whose pure Spouse she had been even on earth! + These transports of bliss baffle all attempts at + description. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HOUGH we are unable to have an + adequate perception of Mary's glory in heaven, by which + she is raised above all angels and saints, yet it is in + our power to do one thing; we can rejoice at the glory + of our blessed Mother, and join the heavenly spirits + and the saints in paying homage to her. Let us resolve + to do this, and never to forget that Mary attained to + the largest share of her divine Son's glory because she + was foremost in sharing His sufferings. Let this + encourage us to bear our cross, to bear it with our + Saviour even to the height of Calvary, there to die + with Him. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary! I beseech thee through the preparation with + which thou wast glorified by God—by the Father as + His most beloved Daughter, by the Son as His immaculate + Mother, and by the Holy Ghost as His most pure + Spouse—in heaven; obtain for me the grace to + share to some extent this thy glory, and therefore to + live so that I may deserve it. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_6" id="Assumption_6">SIXTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary Crowned in Heaven + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY'S glory received its + culmination by her coronation as queen of heaven and + earth. It was meet that in her should be fulfilled the + words of Holy Scripture: "Come from Libanus, my Spouse, + come, thou shalt be crowned" (<i>Cant.</i> iv. 8), and + that her own prophetic words, "He hath put down the + mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble" + (<i>Luke</i> i. 52), should be exemplified in her. For + it was reasonable and becoming that she, who once with + Jesus wore the crown of shame and contempt, should now + share with Him the crown of immortal glory. It was but + fair and just that the immaculate being who was chosen, + above all inhabitants of heaven and earth, to be the + true and worthy Mother of God, should now be solemnly + installed over all creatures in heaven and on earth as + the queen of angels and men, and that to her should be + offered homage, praise, and honor by the blessed + spirits and by the souls of the saints. But the crown + which she received is not one made of gold and precious + stones; it is composed of the virtues with which Mary, + in faithful co-operation with divine grace, embellished + herself; it consists, too, of all the homage and glory + which she receives as queen of heaven. The most + precious gem in this crown is the filial love and + gratitude Jesus shows toward His Mother in heaven. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>NDEED, "eye hath not seen, ear + hath not heard, neither has it entered into the heart + of man," what the heavenly Father has prepared in the + mansions of eternal bliss for His beloved Daughter, the + Son for His Blessed Mother, and the Holy Ghost for His + chosen Spouse. She is now queen of heaven and earth; of + heaven, for she is the queen of all angels and saints; + of earth, for as Mother of God she is the Mother of all + mankind, the mediatrix between the Redeemer and the + redeemed. + </p> + <p> + You, too, may contribute a gem toward the crown of your + heavenly Mother by paying her filial homage, imitating + her virtues, and preserving, for the love of her, your + innocence and purity of heart. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/finding_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/finding.jpg" alt= + "The Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph Finding Jesus in the Temple"></a><br> + + THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND ST. JOSEPH FINDING JESUS IN THE + TEMPLE + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary! I beseech thee through the everlasting crown + of glory with which God has crowned thee queen of + heaven and earth; obtain for me through thy mighty + intercession the grace to persevere in virtue to the + end, so that finally I may attain the crown of bliss + prepared by God for those that love Him. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_7" id="Assumption_7">SEVENTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary's Bliss in Heaven + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>CCORDING to Holy Scripture and + the doctrine of the Church, there are in heaven various + grades of glory and bliss, according to the rank and + merit of the saints. They probably attain this higher + grade of glory and bliss by the increase of their + ability to enjoy the happiness of heaven. Their + intellect is enabled to contemplate more profoundly the + incomprehensible essence of God; their power of + perception is augmented so that they may more readily + recognize and admire the splendor of the angels, + saints, and heavenly mansions; their will is enabled to + be united, in a higher degree, with God. From this we + may conclude that Mary's bliss in heaven transcends all + human conception. Her heavenly glory and reward + consists in the perfect adaptation of her whole being + to the enjoyment of God and of eternal bliss. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>OOK up, Christian soul, to this + great and brilliant queen of heaven. She is your gentle + Mother and assures you of her help, and the diadem she + wears upon her brow is a proof that she has the power + to help you. Do not, therefore, refuse the hand of this + mighty friend in heaven, for she will lift you from the + depths of your misery, from the rocky shoals of + temptation, and lead you strong and victorious into the + presence of her divine Son. Thus you will enter into a + new and supernatural life in Christ, to share in the + grace-laden mysteries of His life, passion, and + triumph. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GREAT and glorious queen of + heaven, Mary! I beseech thee by that exalted throne + upon which God has raised thee above all angels and + saints; let me one day appear amongst them to join them + in their praise of thee. Obtain for me the grace that I + may never cease to honor thee as thou dost deserve to + be honored, and thereby to become worthy of thy mighty + protection in life and death. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_8" id="Assumption_8">EIGHTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary, the Queen of Mercy + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY is, then, a queen, + but—what a consolation to know it!—a queen + always mild and gentle, always willing to confer + benefits upon us. Hence the Church teaches us to call + her the Mother of mercy. The pious and learned author + Gerson says: "God's dominion comprises justice and + mercy. He divided it, retaining the administration of + justice for Himself, and relinquishing, in a certain + sense, the dispensation of mercy to Mary, by conferring + through her hands all graces He grants to mankind." How + consoling, then, the assurance that our merciful Mother + is so mighty and so loving a queen! + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>O GREAT is the tenderness of + Mary's maternal heart "that never was it heard that any + one who fled to her protection, implored her help, and + sought her intercession was left unaided." How many + prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings ascend daily to + the throne of this our exalted and merciful + protectress! There is not a cry of an afflicted, + struggling, and suffering soul that she does not + graciously hear. Join, therefore, confidently in the + prayer of Holy Church, "Hail, holy queen, Mother of + mercy!" Approach her with filial trust. Neglect not to + honor her yourself, and do all in your power to lead + others to do her honor. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary! Holy Church teaches me that despite the + glory to which thou wast exalted, thou didst not forget + thy miserable clients, and that in heaven thy mercy is + still greater than it was during thy life on earth. + Therefore I come to thee and trustingly lay at thy feet + all my needs, miseries, and petitions. My queen, my + Mother, turn not thy gracious eyes from me. Remember me + with thy divine Son; cease not to pray for me and take + me under thy protection, so that I may finally have the + happiness to see and praise thee in thy glory for ever + and ever. + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="Assumption_9" id="Assumption_9">NINTH DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Mary in Heaven, the Help of Christians on Earth + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_assumption">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 133).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY'S help as Mother of mercy + is not confined to individuals. She is the protectress + and helper of the whole Church. All over the earth, + wherever we cast our glance, in the records of the + history of times long past and those of recent + occurrence, we find testimony of the graces and + benefits obtained through her intercession. The feasts + celebrated by the Church throughout the year, what are + they but evidences of gratitude offered to the queen of + heaven for the oftentimes miraculous delivery from war, + pestilence, and other great afflictions? Hence she is + rightly invoked as the "Help of Christians." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>N OUR days, too, storms and + dangers threaten the Church. Let us, therefore, by + calling on Mary for help, do our part toward shortening + the days of visitation and trial. Let us not confine + our petitions to her within the narrow limits of our + own personal needs, but let us join in the cry for help + ascending to the Mother of mercy throughout all + Christendom. Let us daily, for Holy Church, send up our + petition to Mary's heavenly throne: "Help of + Christians, pray for us!" + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_assumption">Prayer of the Church (p. + 134).</a><br> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GLORIOUS Virgin and Mother of + God, Mary, queen of heaven! Forget us not. Thou art the + help of Christians; lighten our tribulations, and help + us with motherly intercession at the throne of thy + divine Son. With Holy Church I join in the petition to + thee: "Holy Mary, aid the miserable, assist the + desponding, strengthen the weak, pray for the people, + plead for the clergy, intercede for the devout female + sex. Let all who have recourse to thee experience the + efficacy of thy help!" + </p> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc.<br> + <a href="#ejac_assumption">Ejaculation (p. 135).</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PART III + </h1> + <h2> + The Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "The souls of the just are in the hand of God, and the + torment of death shall not touch them. In the sight of + the unwise they seemed to die, and their departure was + taken for misery, and their going away from us for + utter destruction; but they are in peace. And though in + the sight of men they suffered torments, their hope is + full of immortality. Afflicted in a few things, in many + they shall be well rewarded; because God has tried them + and found them worth of Himself" (<i>Wis.</i> iii 1-5.) + </h2><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="fourteen" id="fourteen">CHAPTER I</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>MONG the saints who in Catholic + devotion are invoked with special confidence, because + they have proved themselves efficacious helpers in + adversity and difficulties, there is a group venerated + under the collective name of Holy Helpers. They are: + </p> + <p> + 1. St. George, Martyr.<br> + 2. St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr.<br> + 3. St. Pantaleon, Martyr.<br> + 4. St. Vitus, Martyr.<br> + 5. St. Erasmus, Bishop and Martyr.<br> + 6. St. Christophorus, Martyr.<br> + 7. St. Dionysius, Bishop and Martyr.<br> + 8. St. Cyriacus, Martyr.<br> + 9. St. Achatius, Martyr.<br> + 10. St. Eustachius, Martyr.<br> + 11. St. Giles, Abbot.<br> + 12. St. Catherine, Virgin and Martyr.<br> + 13. St. Margaret, Virgin and Martyr.<br> + 14. St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr. + </p> + <p> + The reason why these saints are invoked as a group is + said to have been an epidemic which devastated Europe + from 1346 to 1349. It was called the Plague, or "Black + Death," and among its symptoms were the turning black + of the tongue, parching of the throat, violent + headache, fever, and boils on the abdomen. The malady + attacked its victims suddenly, bereft them of reason, + and caused death in a few hours, so that many died + without the last sacraments. Fear caused many attacks + and disrupted social and family ties. To all + appearances, the disease was incurable. + </p> + <p> + During this period of general affliction the people in + pious confidence turned toward Heaven, and had recourse + to the intercession of the saints, praying to be spared + an attack, or to be cured when stricken. Among the + saints invoked since the earliest times of the Church + as special patrons in certain diseases were: St. + Christopher and St. Giles against the plague, St. + Dionysius against headache, St. Blase against ills of + the throat, St. Catherine against those of the tongue, + St. Erasmus against those of the abdomen, St. Barbara + against fever, St. Vitus against epilepsy. St. + Pantaleon was the patron of physicians, St. Cyriacus + was had recourse to in temptations, especially in those + at the hour of death; St. Achatius was invoked in death + agony; Sts. Christopher, Barbara, and Catherine were + appealed to for protection against a sudden and + unprovided death; the aid of St. Giles was implored for + making a good confession; St. Eustachius was patron in + all kinds of difficulties, and, because peculiar + circumstances separated him for a time from his family, + he was invoked also in family troubles. Domestic + animals, too, being attacked by the plague, Sts. + George, Erasmus, Pantaleon, and Vitus were invoked for + their protection. It appears from the invocation of + these saints, so widespread in olden times during the + plague and other epidemics, that their being grouped as + the Fourteen Holy Helpers originated in a like + visitation. + </p> + <p> + The fourteen saints venerated as the Holy Helpers are + represented with the symbols of their martyrdom, or + with the insignia of their state of life; also, as a + group of children. The latter representation is + accounted for as follows: + </p> + <p> + The abbey of Langheim, in the diocese of Bamberg, + Bavaria, owned a farm on which the monks kept their + flocks. The sheep were tended by shepherds, who led + them along the hillsides, where they grazed quietly + during the day, and were driven home in the evening. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of September 22, 1445, a young shepherd, + Herman Leicht, who was gathering his flock for the + homeward drive, heard what seemed to him to be the cry + of a child, and looking about, saw a child sitting in a + field near by. Surprised, and wondering how the child + came there, he was about to approach, when it + disappeared. Feeling rather disturbed, the boy returned + to his flock. After reaching it, he turned to look back + to the place where he had seen the apparition. There + the child sat again, this time in a circle of light, + and between two burning candles. Terrified at this + second apparition, he made the sign of the cross. The + child smiled, as if to encourage him, and he was about + to approach it again, when it vanished a second time. + Greatly perplexed, he drove his flock home and informed + his parents of the occurrence. But they called the + apparition a delusion and told him not to mention it to + any one. Nevertheless, feeling uneasy, and desiring an + explanation, he went to the monastery and related his + experience to one of the Fathers, who advised him to + ask the child, if it ever should appear to him again, + what it wanted. + </p> + <p> + Nearly a year later, June 28, 1446, the eve of the + feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, the child again appeared + to the boy in the same place as before and about + sunset; but this time it was surrounded by thirteen + other children, all in a halo of glory. He boldly + approached the group and asked the child he had + formerly seen in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and the Holy Ghost, what it desired. The child + replied: "We are the Fourteen Helpers, and desire that + a chapel be built for us. Be thou our servant, and we + shall serve thee." Then the group of children + disappeared, and the shepherd boy was filled with + heavenly consolation. + </p> + <p> + The following Sunday, after he had driven his flock to + the pasture, it seemed to him that he saw two lighted + candles descending from the sky to the place where he + had seen the apparition. A woman who was passing at the + time declared that she also saw them. The boy hastened + to the monastery and told about the two apparitions. + The abbot, Frederic IV, and the rest of the community, + were not inclined to believe in the apparition, and + ascribed it to the boy's visionary fancy. But when, in + the course of time, several extraordinary favors were + granted to people who prayed at the place of the + apparition, the monks built a chapel there. It was + begun in 1447, and finished and dedicated next year + under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the + Fourteen Holy Helpers. The bishop granted an indulgence + for the day of the anniversary of the dedication, the + Papal Nuncio, Cardinal Joannes, granted another, and + Pope Nicholas V a third. These indulgences, and a + number of other spiritual privileges granted to the + chapel, attracted a great many visitors, so that it + became a place of pious pilgrimage. Elector Frederic + III, in fulfilment of a vow made when beset with + difficulties, visited the chapel in 1485. Emperor + Ferdinand also visited it and left, as a votive + offering, his gold pectoral chain on the altar. + </p> + <p> + Devotion to the Fourteen Holy Helpers continued to + spread. In 1743, a magnificent church, to replace the + old chapel, was begun, and completed in 1772. Churches + and altars in honor of these saints are found in Italy, + Austria, Tyrol, Hungary, Bohemia, Switzerland, and + other countries of Europe. In the United States of + America two churches are dedicated under the invocation + of the Holy Helpers: one in Baltimore, Md., the other + in Gardenville, N. Y. Wherever and whenever invoked, + these saints have proved themselves willing helpers in + all difficulties, vicissitudes, and trials of their + faithful clients. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="legends" id="legends">CHAPTER II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Legends + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>EFORE proceeding to relate the + lives of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, we deem it + opportune to define the term usually applied to the + narrative of the lives of the saints. + </p> + <p> + The histories of the saints are called Legends. This + word is derived from the Latin, and signifies something + that is to be read, a passage the reading of which is + prescribed. The legends of the saints are the lives of + the holy martyrs and confessors of the Faith. Some of + them occur in the Roman Breviary which the Catholic + clergy is obliged to read every day. + </p> + <p> + Joseph von Goerres, an illustrious champion of the + Church during the first half of the nineteenth century, + writes as follows concerning legends: + </p> + <p> + "The histories of the lives of the saints were gathered + from the earliest times. A collection of such histories + is found in 'The Golden Legend.' The Passionales, too, + containing the life of a saint for every day in the + year, belong to this sort of literature. In Germany + these histories were at first translations from the + Latin; later, they were written in the native idiom, + and, in style, were of a charming simplicity. At that + time, when the upper classes did not yet judge + themselves too highly cultivated to share in the Faith, + and not too privileged to join in the sentiments and + affections of the people, and were therefore more in + harmony with the lower ranks of society, these legends + were in general circulation among all classes: among + the wealthy in manuscript, among the poor orally and in + the form in which they had become acquainted with them + in church and elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + "In early times the science of criticism was unknown; + therefore little care was exercised in separating the + poetic additions from the authentic legends, especially + as the Church had not yet spoken on the subject. Faith + was yet of that robust sort which is not affected by + miraculous occurrences. Nearly all Europe then still + accepted the adage now current only in Spain, 'It is + better sometimes to believe what can not be established + as truth, than to lose a single truth by want of + faith.' But later the science of criticism came into + its rights. The Church established canonical rules, + according to which a strict investigation of all the + facts submitted to her judgment was to be made, and + rejected everything that could not stand the most rigid + examination. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/sorrows_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/sorrows.jpg" alt= + "Mary, the Mother of Sorrows"></a><br> + MARY, THE MOTHER OF SORROWS + </p> + <p> + "Then Art devoted itself to that legendary lore which + the Church, declaring it outside of her domain, + permitted to be embellished at will. Thus poetic + legends were multiplied, their authors being more or + less convinced that the reader would be able to + distinguish truth from poetical embellishment. The + common people continued to make little distinction and + did not permit criticism to influence their ancient + beliefs. They regarded these legends as they regard the + pictures of the saints; not as portraits of the persons + depicted—for in the very next church the same + saint might be represented in a quite different + manner— but as illustrations, more or less apt, + whose object was to attract the attention by their + artistic character and thus to draw the mind to the + contemplation of their original, and by it to God, and + thereby serve the purpose of edification." + </p> + <p> + If we are not devoid of all sentiments of piety, the + history of the combats and victories of the saints and + martyrs, and the narrative of the miracles wrought + through their intercession before and after their + death, will always be a source of joy and consolation + to us, and will tend to animate us with similar + fortitude and love of virtue. + </p> + <p> + The legends of the Fourteen Holy Helpers are replete + with the most glorious examples of heroic firmness and + invincible courage in the profession of the Faith, + which ought to incite us to imitate their fidelity in + the performance of the Christian and social duties. If + they, with the aid of God's grace, achieved such + victories, why should not we, by the same aid, be able + to accomplish the little desired of us? God rewarded + His victorious champions with eternal bliss; the same + crown is prepared for us, if we but render ourselves + worthy of it. God placed the seal of miracles on the + intrepid confession of His servants; and a mind imbued + with the spirit of faith sees nothing extraordinary + therein, because our divine Saviour Himself said, + "Amen, amen I say to you, he that believeth in Me, the + works that I do, he also shall do, and greater than + these shall he do" (<i>John</i> xiv. 12). In all the + miraculous events wrought in and by the saints appears + only the victorious omnipotent power of Jesus Christ, + and the living faith in which His servants operated in + virtue of this power. To obliterate the miracles that + appear in the lives of the saints, or even to enfeeble + their import by the manner of relating them, would rob + these legends of their intrinsic value. If our age is + no longer robust enough to acknowledge the effects of + divine omnipotence and grace, it does not follow that + they must be disavowed or denied. + </p><br> + <h1> + The Legends of the Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h1><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="legend_1" id="legend_1">I.</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. George, Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+1">S</font>T. GEORGE is honored throughout + Christendom as one of the most illustrious martyrs of + Jesus Christ. In the reign of the first Christian + emperors numerous churches were erected in his honor, + and his tomb in Palestine became a celebrated place of + pilgrimage. But his history is involved in great + obscurity, as no early records of his life and + martyrdom are at present in existence. The following + are the traditions concerning him which have been + handed down to us by the Greek historians, and which + are celebrated in verse by that illustrious saint and + poet of the eighth century, St. John Damascene. + </p> + <p> + St. George is said to have been born in Cappadocia of + noble Christian parents. After the death of his father, + he traveled with his mother into Palestine, of which + she was a native. There she possessed a considerable + estate, which fell to him upon her death. Being strong + and robust in body, he embraced the profession of a + soldier, and was made a tribune, or colonel, in the + army. His courage and fidelity attracted the attention + of Emperor Diocletian, who bestowed upon him marks of + special favor. When that prince declared war against + the Christian religion, St. George laid aside the signs + of his rank, threw up his commission, and rebuked the + emperor for the severity of his bloody edicts. He was + immediately cast into prison, and alternate threats and + promises were employed to induce him to apostatize. As + he continued firm, he was put to the torture and + tormented with great cruelty. "I despise your + promises," he said to the judge, "and do not fear your + threats. The emperor's power is of short duration, and + his reign will soon end. It were better for you, to + acknowledge the true God and to seek His kingdom." + Thereupon a great block of stone was placed on the + breast of the brave young officer, and thus he was left + in prison. + </p> + <p> + Next day he was bound upon a wheel set with sharp + knives, and it was put in motion to cut him to pieces. + Whilst suffering this cruel torture, he saw a heavenly + vision, which consoled and encouraged him, saying, + "George, fear not; I am with thee." His patience and + fortitude under the torments inflicted on him so + affected the numerous pagan spectators that many of + them were converted to the Faith and suffered martyrdom + for it. On the next day, April 23, 303, St. George was + led through the city and beheaded. This took place at + Lydda, the city in which, as we read in the Acts of the + Apostles (ix.), St. Peter healed a man sick with the + palsy. + </p> + <p> + St. George is usually represented as a knight tilting + against a dragon; but this is only emblematical of the + glorious combat in which he encountered and overthrew + the devil, winning for himself thereby a martyr's + crown. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E TOO, like St. George, often + have opportunity to confess our faith in Christ. We + confess it by patiently bearing adversity, by + suppressing our evil inclinations, by suffering + injustice without retaliating evil for evil, by using + every opportunity of performing deeds of charity, by + devoting ourselves unremittingly to our daily duties, + by carefully guarding our tongue, etc. Examine yourself + whether you have not often denied your Faith, if not in + words, through your works. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who dost rejoice us by + the merits and intercession of Thy blessed martyr + George; graciously grant that we, who through him + implore Thee for Thy bounty, may receive thereby the + gift of Thy grace. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_2" id="legend_2">II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. BLASE was born at Sebaste, + Armenia. He became a physician, but at the same time + devoted himself zealously to the practice of his + Christian duties. His virtuous conduct gained for him + the esteem of the Christian clergy and people to such a + degree, that he was elected bishop of his native city. + Henceforth he devoted himself to ward off the dangers + of soul from the faithful, as he had hitherto been + intent on healing their bodily ills. To all, he was a + shining example of virtue. + </p> + <p> + During the reign of Emperor Licinius a cruel + persecution of Christians broke out. The persecutors + directed their fury principally against the bishops, + well knowing that when the shepherd is stricken the + flock is dispersed. Listening to the entreaties of the + faithful, and mindful of the words of Our Lord, "When + they shall persecute you in this city, flee into + another" (<i>Matt.</i> x. 23), St. Blase hid himself in + a cave. But one day the prefect Agricola instituted a + chase, and his party discovered the holy bishop and + brought him before their master. + </p> + <p> + St. Blase remained steadfast in the Faith, and by its + able confession and defense attracted the attention of + the attendants at his trial. The cruel tyrant had him + bound and tortured with iron combs. After suffering + these torments with great patience and meekness, the + saint was cast into prison. He was kept there a long + time, because the prefect hoped to exhaust his powers + of endurance, and to bring him to sacrifice to the + idols. His jailer permitted the holy bishop to receive + visitors in his prison, and many sick and suffering + availed themselves of this privilege. He cured some of + them and gave good advice to others. + </p> + <p> + One day a mother brought to him her boy, who, while + eating, had swallowed a fishbone, which remained in his + throat, and, causing great pain, threatened + suffocation. St. Blase prayed and made the sign of the + cross over the boy, and behold, he was cured. For this + reason the saint is invoked in throat troubles. + </p> + <p> + At length the holy bishop was again brought before the + judge and commanded to sacrifice to the idols. But he + said: "Thou art blind, because thou art not illuminated + by the true light. How can a man sacrifice to idols, + when he adores the true God alone? I do not fear thy + threats. Do with me according to thy pleasure. My body + is in thy power, but God alone has power over my soul. + Thou seekest salvation with the idols; I hope and trust + to receive it from the only true and living God whom I + adore." + </p> + <p> + Then the prefect sentenced him to death. St. Blase was + beheaded, suffering death for the Faith February 3, + 316. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. BLASE gave us a glorious + example of fortitude in the confession of the Faith. + According to the teaching of St. Paul, confession of + the Faith is necessary for our salvation. He says, "For + if thou confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and + believe in thy heart that God hath raised Him up from + the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart we + believe unto justice, but with the mouth confession is + made unto salvation" (<i>Rom.</i> x. 9, 10). We are, + therefore, not permitted to be silent, much less to + agree, when our Faith, and whatever is connected + therewith, as the sacraments, ceremonies, priests, + etc., are ridiculed and reviled. Parents especially + must be most careful in speaking of these subjects + before their children and servants, and do so only with + due reverence. + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, we must confess our Faith, and if + necessary, defend it against all attacks. Often one + serious word will suffice to silence a calumniator of + the Faith and cause him to blush. We must confess our + Faith not only in the bosom of our family, but also in + public. We must let our fellow-men know that we are + true Catholics, who adhere to our Faith from + conviction, without regard to what others say of us, or + how they judge us, remembering the words of Our Lord, + "Every one, therefore, that shall confess me before + men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in + heaven" (<i>Matt.</i> x. 32). + </p> + <p> + It was remarked above that St. Blase is the patron + invoked in throat troubles. Therefore the Church, on + his feast, February 3, gives a special blessing, at + which she prays over those receiving it: "By the + intercession of St. Blase, bishop and martyr, may God + deliver thee from all ills of the throat and from all + other ills; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." Do not neglect to receive + this blessing, if you have the opportunity. The + blessings of the Church are powerful and effective, for + she is God's representative on earth. Therefore her + blessing is God's blessing, and is always effective, + except we ourselves place an obstacle in its way. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + O God, who dost rejoice us through the memory of Thy + blessed bishop and martyr Blase: graciously grant us, + that we, who honor his memory, may experience his + protection. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_3" id="legend_3">III</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Erasmus, Bishop and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE pious historians of the + early Christian times state, as a rule, only what the + saints did and suffered for the Faith, and how they + died. They deemed the martyrs' glorious combat and + their victorious entrance into heaven more instructive, + and therefore more important, than a lengthy + description of their lives. + </p> + <p> + Hence we know little of the native place and the youth + of St. Erasmus, except that at the beginning of the + fourth century of the Christian era he was bishop of + Antioch in Asia Minor, the city where the name of + "Christian" first came into use. When a long and cruel + persecution broke out under the Emperor Diocletian, St. + Erasmus hid himself in the mountains of the Libanon, + and led there, for some years, an austere life of + penance and fasting. Finally he was discovered and + dragged before the judge. + </p> + <p> + At first, persuasions and kindness were employed to + induce him to deny the Faith, but when these efforts + failed recourse was had to the most cruel torments. He + was scourged, and finally cast into a caldron filled + with boiling oil, sulphur, and pitch. In this seething + mass God preserved him from harm, and by this miracle + many spectators were converted to the Faith. Still more + enraged thereat, the judge ordered the holy bishop to + be thrown into prison and kept there in chains till he + died of starvation. But God delivered him, as He had + once delivered St. Peter. One night an angel appeared + to him and said: "Erasmus, follow me! Thou shalt + convert a great many." Thus far he had led numbers to + the Faith by suffering, now he was to convert + multitudes as a missionary. + </p> + <p> + Delivered from prison by the power of God, he went + forth into many lands and preached the Faith. Mighty in + word and deed, he wrought many miracles and converted + great numbers of heathens. At length he came to Italy, + where Emperor Maximin persecuted the Christians as + fiercely as did Diocletian in the East. As soon as + Maximin heard of Erasmus and the conversions effected + by his preaching and miracles, he ordered the slaughter + of three hundred of the converts. Erasmus himself was + most cruelly tortured, but to no purpose. He remained + firm. Then cast into prison, he was again liberated by + an angel. + </p> + <p> + At last the hour of deliverance came to this valiant + and apostolic confessor and martyr of Christ. He heard + a heavenly voice, saying: "Erasmus, come now to the + heavenly city and rest in the place which God has + prepared for thee with the holy martyrs and prophets. + Enjoy now the fruit of thy labor. By thee I was honored + in heaven and on earth." Erasmus, looking toward + heaven, saw a splendid crown, and the apostles and + prophets welcoming him. He bowed his head, saying: + "Receive, O Lord, the soul of thy servant!" and + peacefully breathed forth his spirit on June 2, 308. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE tortures which St. Erasmus + suffered for the Faith seem almost incredible, and the + events related of him are truly wonderful. Martyrdom + and miracles illustrated the doctrine he preached; he + converted multitudes and gained the crown of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps you say that in our times there are no longer + any martyrs, at least not in civilized countries. Are + you quite sure of it? St. Augustine writes: "Peace also + has its martyrs." It is certainly not easy to suffer + torments like the martyrs and to receive finally the + death-dealing blow of the sword. But is it not also a + martyrdom to suffer for years the pains of a lingering + illness? Again, how difficult the combat with the + world, the flesh, and the powers of hell! How carefully + must we watch and pray to gain the victory! This is our + martyrdom. Let us imitate the example of the holy + martyrs in bearing the trials and sufferings of life, + and we shall receive, as they did, the crown of heaven. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who dost give us joy + through the memory of Thy holy martyrs, graciously + grant that we may be inflamed by their example, in + whose merits we rejoice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_4" id="legend_4">IV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Pantaleon, Physician and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. PANTALEON was physician to + Emperor Maximin and a Christian, but he fell through a + temptation which is sometimes more dangerous than the + most severe trials by the fiercest torments. This + temptation was the bad example of the impious, + idolatrous courtiers with whom the young physician + associated. He was seduced by them and abandoned the + Faith. But the grace of God called him, and he obeyed. + </p> + <p> + Hermolaus, a zealous priest, by prudent exhortation + awakened Pantaleon's conscience to a sense of his + guilt, and brought him back into the fold of the + Church. Henceforth he devoted himself ardently to the + advancement of the spiritual and temporal welfare of + his fellow-citizens. First of all he sought to convert + his father, who was still a heathen, and had the + consolation to see him die a Christian. He divided the + ample fortune which he inherited amongst the poor and + the sick. As a physician, he was intent on healing his + patients both by physical and by spiritual means. + Christians he confirmed in the practice and confession + of the Faith, and the heathens he sought to convert. + Many suffering from incurable diseases were restored to + health by his prayer and the invocation of the holy + name of Jesus. His presence was everywhere fraught with + blessings and consolation. + </p> + <p> + St. Pantaleon yearned to prove his fidelity to the + Faith by shedding his blood for it, and the opportunity + came to him when his heathen associates in the healing + art denounced him to the emperor as a zealous + propagator of Christianity. He was brought up before + the emperor's tribunal and ordered to sacrifice to the + idols. He replied: "The God whom I adore is Jesus + Christ. He created heaven and earth, He raised the dead + to life, made the blind see and healed the sick, all + through the power of His word. Your idols are dead, + they can not do anything. Order a sick person to be + brought here, one declared incurable. Your priests + shall invoke their idols for him and I shall call on + the only true God, and we shall see who is able to help + him." The proposal was accepted. A man sick with the + palsy was brought, who could neither walk nor stand + without help. The heathen priests prayed for him, but + in vain. Then Pantaleon prayed, took the sick man by + the hand, and said: "In the name of Jesus, the Son of + God, I command thee to rise and be well." And the + palsied man rose, restored to perfect health. + </p> + <p> + By this miracle a great number of those present were + converted. But the emperor and the idolatrous priests + were all the more enraged. Maximin now attempted to + gain Pantaleon by blandishments and promises to deny + the Faith, but without success. Then he had recourse to + threats, and as they too availed nothing, he proceeded + to have them put into execution. The brave confessor of + the Faith was tortured in every conceivable manner. + Finally he was nailed to a tree, and then beheaded. The + priest Hermolaus and the brothers Hermippos and + Hermocrates suffered death with him, in the year 308. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>APPY are they who, whatever may + be their station or calling in life, are intent on + bringing those with whom they come into contact under + the influence of religion. But, alas, too many do just + the reverse. They permit themselves to be led astray by + bad example, and set aside the claims of the Church as + too severe and exacting. How do you act in this regard? + Do you shun the company of the wicked? A proverb says: + "Tell me in whose company you are found, and I will + tell you who you are." Bad company insensibly + undermines faith and morals, overcomes the fear of evil + and the aversion to it and weakens the will. "He that + loveth danger shall perish in it" (<i>Ecclus</i>. iii. + 27). + </p> + <p> + As soon as St. Pantaleon came to a sense of his + apostasy, he repented and returned to the practice of + the Faith. He did this despite the knowledge that he + thereby incurred hatred and persecution. The true + Christian will ever follow the dictates of conscience + and please God, whether he thereby incur the + displeasure of men or not. If, to please men, we become + remiss in the service of God, we show that we fear and + love Him less than men. What a lamentable folly! Of + whom have we to expect greater benefits or to fear + greater evils—from God or man? Do not act thus + unwisely; rather imitate St. Pantaleon, and live for + God and His service. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY God, grant us through + the intercession of Thy blessed martyr Pantaleon to be + delivered and preserved from all ills of the body, and + from evil thoughts and influences in spirit. Through + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/mother_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/mother.jpg" alt= + "Our Lord in the Lap of His Blessed Mother"></a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_5" id="legend_5">V</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St Vitus, Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. VITUS belonged to a noble + pagan family of Sicily, and was born about the year + 291, at Mazurra. His father, Hylas, placed him in early + childhood in charge of a Christian couple named + Modestus and Crescentia, who raised him in the + Christian faith, and had him baptized. He grew in years + and in virtue, till, at the age of twelve, he was + claimed by his father, who, to his great anger, found + him a fervent Christian. Convinced, after many + unsuccessful attempts, that stripes and other + chastisements would not induce him to renounce the + Faith, his father delivered the brave boy up to + Valerian, the governor, who in vain employed every + artifice to shake his constancy. Finally he commanded + Vitus to be scourged, but when two soldiers were about + to execute this order their hands and those of Valerian + were suddenly lamed. The governor ascribed this to + sorcery, yet he invoked Vitus' help, and behold, when + the Christian boy made the sign of the cross over the + lamed members, they were healed. Then Valerian sent him + back to his father, telling him to leave no means + untried to induce his son to sacrifice to the idols. + </p> + <p> + Hylas now tried blandishments, pleasures, and + amusements to influence the brave boy. He even sent a + corrupt woman to tempt him, and for that purpose locked + them both together in one room. But Vitus, who had + remained firm amid tortures, resisted also the + allurements of sensuality. Closing his eyes, he knelt + in prayer, and behold, an angel appeared, filling the + room with heavenly splendor, and stood at the youth's + side. Terrified, the woman fled. But even this miracle + did not change the obstinate father. + </p> + <p> + Finally Vitus escaped, and with Modestus and Crescentia + fled to Italy. They landed safe in Naples, and there + proclaimed Christ wherever they had an opportunity. + Their fervor and many miracles which they wrought + attracted the attention of Emperor Diocletian to them. + He ordered them to be brought before his tribunal, + which being done, he at first treated them kindly, + employing blandishments and making promises to induce + them to renounce Christ. When this had no effect, they + were cruelly tormented, but with no other result than + confirming them in their constancy. Enraged, the + emperor condemned them to be thrown to the wild beasts. + But the lions and tigers forgot their ferocity and + cowered at their feet. Now Diocletian, whose fury knew + no bounds, ordered them to be cast into a caldron of + molten lead and boiling pitch. They prayed, "O God, + deliver us through the power of Thy name!" and behold, + they remained unharmed. Then the emperor condemned them + to the rack, on which they expired, in the year 303. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE heroic spirit of martyrdom + exhibited by St. Vitus was owing to the early + impressions of piety which he received through the + teaching and example of his virtuous foster-parents. + The choice of teachers, nurses, and servants who have + the care of children is of the greatest importance on + account of the influence they exert on them. The pagan + Romans were most solicitous that no slave whose speech + was not perfectly elegant and graceful should have + access to children. Shall a Christian be less careful + as to their virtue? It is a fatal mistake to imagine + that children are too young to be infected with the + contagion of vice. No age is more impressionable than + childhood; no one observes more closely than the young, + and nothing is so easily acquired by them as a spirit + of vanity, pride, revenge, obstinacy, sloth, etc., and + nothing is harder to overcome. What a happiness for a + child to be formed to virtue from infancy, and to be + instilled from a tender age with the spirit of piety, + simplicity, meekness, and mercy! Such a foundation + being well laid, the soul will easily, and sometimes + without experiencing severe conflicts, rise to the + height of Christian perfection. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E BESEECH Thee, O Lord, to + graciously grant us through the intercession of Thy + blessed martyrs Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia, that + we may not proudly exalt ourselves, but serve Thee in + humility and simplicity, so as to avoid evil and to do + right for Thy sake. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_6" id="legend_6">VI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Christophorus, Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>N ANCIENT tradition concerning + St. Christophorus relates: He was born in the land of + Canaan, and was named Reprobus, that is Reprobate, for + he was a barbarous heathen. In stature and strength he + was a giant. Thinking no one his like in bodily vigor, + he resolved to go forth in search of the mightiest + master and serve him. In his wanderings, he met with a + king who was praised as the most valorous man on earth. + To him he offered his services and was accepted. The + king was proud of his giant and kept him near his + person. One day a minstrel visited the king's castle, + and among the ballads he sung before the court was one + on the power of Satan. At the mention of this name the + king blessed himself, making the sign of the cross. + Reprobus, wondering, asked him why he did that. The + king replied: "When I make this sign, Satan has no + power over me." Reprobus rejoined: "So thou fearest the + power of Satan? Then he is mightier than thou, and I + shall seek and serve him." + </p> + <p> + Setting forth to seek Satan, he came into a wilderness. + One dark night he met a band of wild fellows riding + through the forest. It was Satan and his escort. + Reprobus bravely accosted him, saying he wished to + serve him. He was accepted. But soon he was convinced + that his new master was not the mightiest on earth. For + one day, whilst approaching a crucifix by the wayside, + Satan quickly took to flight, and Reprobus asked him + for the reason. Satan replied: "That is the image of my + greatest enemy, who conquered me on the cross. From him + I always flee." When Reprobus heard this, he left the + devil, and went in search of Christ. + </p> + <p> + In his wanderings, he one day came to a hut hidden in + the forest. At its door sat a venerable old man. + Reprobus addressed him, and in the course of the + conversation that ensued the old man told him that he + was a hermit, and had left the world to serve Christ, + the Lord of heaven and earth. "Thou art my man," cried + Reprobus; "Christ is He whom I seek, for He is the + strongest and the mightiest. Tell me where I can find + Him." + </p> + <p> + The hermit then began instructing the giant about God + and the Redeemer, and concluded by saying: "He who + would serve Christ must offer himself entirely to Him, + and do and suffer everything for His sake. His reward + for this will be immense and will last forever." + Reprobus now asked the hermit to allow him to remain, + and to continue to instruct him. The hermit consented. + When Reprobus was fully instructed, he baptized him. + After his baptism, a great change came over the giant. + No longer proud of his great size and strength, he + became meek and humble, and asked the hermit to assign + to him some task by which he might serve God, his + master. "For," said he, "I can not pray and fast; + therefore I must serve God in some other way." The + hermit led him to a broad and swift river nearby, and + said: "Here build thyself a hut, and when wanderers + wish to cross the river, carry them over for the love + of Christ." For there was no bridge across the river. + </p> + <p> + Henceforth, day and night, whenever he was called, + Reprobus faithfully performed the task assigned to him. + One night he heard a child calling to be carried across + the river. Quickly he rose, placed the child on his + stout shoulder, took his staff and walked into the + mighty current. Arrived in midstream, the water rose + higher and higher, and the child became heavier and + heavier. "O child," he cried, "how heavy thou art! It + seems I bear the weight of the world on my shoulder." + And the child replied, "Right thou art. Thou bearest + not only the world, but the Creator of heaven and + earth. I am Jesus Christ, thy King and Lord, and + henceforth thou shalt be called Christophorus, that is, + Christ-bearer. Arrived on yonder shore, plant thy staff + in the ground, and in token of my power and might + tomorrow it shall bear leaves and blossoms." + </p> + <p> + And the child disappeared. On reaching the other shore, + Christophorus stuck his staff into the ground, and + behold, it budded forth leaves and blossoms. Then, + kneeling, he promised the Lord to serve Him ever + faithfully. He kept his promise, and thenceforth became + a zealous preacher of the Gospel, converting many to + the Faith. On his missionary peregrinations he came + also to Lycia, where, after his first sermon, eighteen + thousand heathens requested baptism. When Emperor + Decius heard of this, he sent a company of four hundred + soldiers to capture Christophorus. To these he preached + so convincingly, that they all asked for baptism. + Decius became enraged thereat and had him cast into + prison. There he first treated him with great kindness, + and surrounded him with every luxury to tempt him to + sin, but in vain. Then he ordered him to be tortured in + the most cruel manner, until he should deny the Faith. + He was scourged, placed on plates of hot iron, boiling + oil was poured over and fire was lighted under him. + When all these torments did not accomplish their + purpose, the soldiers were ordered to shoot him with + arrows. This, too, having no effect, he was beheaded, + on July 25, 254. + </p> + <p> + Two great saints refer to the wonderful achievements of + St. Christophorus. St. Ambrose mentions that this saint + converted forty-eight thousand souls to Christ. St. + Vincent Ferrer declares, that when the plague + devastated Valencia, its destructive course was stayed + through the intercession of St. Christophorus. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE legend of St. Christophorus + conveys a wholesome truth. We ought all to be + Christ-bearers, by preserving in our hearts faith, + hope, and charity, and by receiving Our Lord worthily + in holy communion. He alone is worthy of our service. + In the service that we owe to men, we ought to serve + God by doing His will. We can not divide our heart, for + Our Lord Himself says, "No man can serve two masters" + (<i>Matt</i>. vi. 24). If you serve the world, it + deceives you, for it can not give you what it promises. + If you serve sin, Satan is your master. He, too, + deceives his servants, and leads them to perdition. + Christ on the cross conquered these two tyrants, and + with His help you can also vanquish them. Therefore, + give yourself to Him with all your heart, and you shall + find peace in this world, and eternal bliss in the + next. St. Augustine learned this truth by sad + experience, and therefore exclaims: "Thou hast created + us for Thee, O Lord, and our heart is restless till it + rests in Thee." + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>RANT us, almighty God, that + whilst we celebrate the memory of Thy blessed martyr + St. Christophorus, through his intercession the love of + Thy name may be increased in us. Through Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_7" id="legend_7">VII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Dionysius, Bishop and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>HEN St. Paul the Apostle, in + the year of Our Lord 51, came to Athens to preach the + Gospel, he was summoned to the Areopagus, the great + council which determined all religious matters. Among + the members of this illustrious assembly was Dionysius. + His mind had already been prepared to receive the good + tidings of the Gospel by the miraculous darkness which + overspread the earth at the moment of Our Lord's death + on the cross. He was at that time at Heliopolis, in + Egypt. On beholding the sun obscured in the midst of + its course, and this without apparent cause, he is said + to have exclaimed: "Either the God of nature is + suffering, or the world is about to be dissolved." When + St. Paul preached before the Areopagus in Athens, + Dionysius easily recognized the truth and readily + embraced it. + </p> + <p> + The Apostle received him among his disciples, and + appointed him bishop of the infant Church of Athens. As + such he devoted himself with great zeal to the + propagation of the Gospel. He made a journey to + Jerusalem to visit the places hallowed by the footsteps + and sufferings of our Redeemer, and there met the + Apostles St. Peter and St. James, the evangelist St. + Luke, and other holy apostolic men. He also had the + happiness to see and converse with the Blessed Virgin + Mary, and was so overwhelmed by her presence that he + declared, that if he knew not Jesus to be God, he would + consider her divine. + </p> + <p> + The idolatrous priests of Athens were greatly alarmed + at the many conversions resulting from the eloquent + preaching of Dionysius, and instigated a revolt against + him. The holy bishop left Athens, and, going to Rome, + visited the Pope, St. Clement. He sent him with some + other holy men to Gaul. Some of his companions remained + to evangelize the cities in the south, while Dionysius, + with the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius + continued their journey northward as far as Lutetia, + the modern Paris, where the Gospel had not yet been + announced. Here for many years he and his companions + labored with signal success, and finally obtained the + crown of martyrdom on Oct. 9, 119. Dionysius was + beheaded at the advanced age of 110 years. + </p> + <p> + The spot where the three martyrs Dionysius, Rusticus, + and Eleutherius suffered martyrdom, is the well-known + hill of Montmartre. An ancient tradition relates that + St. Dionysius, after his head was severed from his + body, took it up with his own hands and carried it two + thousand paces to the place where, later, a church was + built in his honor. The bodies of the martyrs were + thrown into the river Seine, but taken up and honorably + interred by a Christian lady named Catulla not far from + the place where they had been beheaded. The Christians + soon built a chapel on their tomb. + </p> + <p> + St. Dionysius was not only a great missionary and + bishop, but also one of the most illustrious writers of + the early Church. Some of his works, which are full of + Catholic doctrine and Christian wisdom, are still + extant, and well worthy of a convert and disciple of + St. Paul, whose spirit they breathe. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE apostolic men like St. + Dionysius, who converted so many to Christ, were filled + with His spirit, and acted and lived for Him alone. + They gave their lives to spread His religion, convinced + that the welfare of individuals and nations depends + upon it. + </p> + <p> + On religion depends the security and stability of all + government and of society. Human laws are too weak to + restrain those who disregard and despise the law of + God. Unless a man's conscience is enlightened by + religion and bound by its precepts, his passions will + so far enslave him, that the impulse of evil + inclinations will prompt him to every villainy of which + he hopes to derive an advantage, if he can but + accomplish his purpose secretly and with impunity. + </p> + <p> + True religion, on the contrary, insures comfort, peace, + and happiness amid the sharpest trials, safety in death + itself, and after death the most glorious and eternal + reward in God. How grateful, therefore, must we be to + the men who preached the true religion amid so many + difficulties, trials, and persecutions; and also to + those who preach it now, animated by the same spirit. + And how carefully should we avoid all persons, books, + and periodicals that revile and calumniate our holy + Faith, and attempt its subversion! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst confer on Thy + blessed servant Dionysius the virtue of fortitude in + suffering, and didst join with him Rusticus and + Eleutherius, to announce Thy glory to the heathens, + grant, we beseech Thee, that following them, we may + despise, for the love of Thee, the pleasures of this + world, and that we do not recoil from its adversities. + Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_8" id="legend_8">VIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Cyriacus, Deacon and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">E</font>MPEROR MAXIMIN in token of his + gratitude to Diocletian, who had ceded the western half + of his empire to him, ordered the building of that + magnificent structure in Rome, whose ruins are still + known as the "Baths of Diocletian." The Christians + imprisoned for the Faith were compelled to labor under + cruel overseers at this building. A zealous Christian + Roman, touched with pity at this moving spectacle, + resolved to employ his means in improving the condition + of these poor victims of persecution. + </p> + <p> + Among the deacons of the Roman Church at that time was + one by the name of Cyriacus, who was distinguished by + his zeal in the performance of all good works. Him, + with two companions, Largus and Smaragdus, the pious + Roman selected for the execution of his plan. Cyriacus + devoted himself to the work with great ardor. One day, + whilst visiting the laborers to distribute food amongst + them, he observed a decrepit old man, who was so feeble + that he was unable to perform his severe task. Filled + with pity, Cyriacus offered to take his place. The aged + prisoner consenting, the merciful deacon thenceforth + worked hard at the building. But after some time he was + discovered, and cast into prison. There he again found + opportunity to exercise his zeal. Some blind men who + had great confidence in the power of his prayer, came + to ask him for help in their affliction, and he + restored their sight. He and his companions spent three + years in prison, and during that time he healed many + sick and converted a great number of heathens from the + darkness of paganism. + </p> + <p> + Then Emperor Diocletian's little daughter became + possessed by an evil spirit, and no one was able to + deliver her from it. To the idolatrous priests who were + called, the evil spirit declared that he would leave + the girl only when commanded to do so by Cyriacus, the + deacon. He was hastily summoned, and prayed and made + the sign of the cross over the girl, and the evil + spirit departed. The emperor loved his daughter, + therefore he was grateful to the holy deacon, and + presented him with a house, where he and his companions + might serve their God unmolested by their enemies. + </p> + <p> + About this time the daughter of the Persian King Sapor + was attacked by a similar malady, and when he heard + what Cyriacus had done for Diocletian's daughter, he + wrote to the emperor, asking him to send the Christian + deacon. It was done, and Cyriacus, on foot, set out for + Persia. Arrived at his destination, he prayed over the + girl and the evil spirit left her. On hearing of this + miracle, four hundred and twenty heathens were + converted to the Faith. These the saint instructed and + baptized, and then set out on his homeward journey. + </p> + <p> + Returned to Rome, he continued his life of prayer and + good works. But when Diocletian soon afterward left for + the East, his co-emperor Maximin seized the opportunity + to give vent to his hatred for the Christians, and + renewed their persecution. One of the first victims was + Cyriacus. He was loaded with chains and brought before + the judge, who first tried blandishments and promises + to induce him to renounce Christ and to sacrifice to + the idols, but in vain. Then the confessor of Christ + was stretched on the rack, his limbs torn from their + sockets, and he was beaten with clubs. His companions + shared the same tortures. Finally, when the emperor and + the judge were convinced that nothing would shake the + constancy of the holy martyrs, they were beheaded. They + gained the crown of glory on March 16, 303. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>N THE life of St. Cyriacus two + virtues shine forth in a special manner; his love of + God and his charity toward his fellow-men. His love of + God impelled him to sacrifice all, even his life, for + His sake, thereby fulfilling the commandment: "Thou + shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and + with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind" + (<i>Matt</i>. xxii. 37). A greater love of God no man + can have than giving his life for Him. + </p> + <p> + St. Cyriacus also fulfilled the other commandment, of + which Our Lord declared, "And the second is like to + this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" + (<i>Matt</i>. xxii. 39). He helped his + fellow-Christians to bear their burdens, relieved them + in their sufferings, assisted and encouraged them by + word and deed, and edified them by his example. His + sole aim was to do good to all men, mindful of the + words of the Royal Prophet: "Blessed is he that + understandeth concerning the needy and the poor" + (<i>Ps</i>. xl. 2). He was so imbued with the virtue of + charity, that he was disposed even to sacrifice his + life for the relief and assistance of others. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/tomb_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/tomb.jpg" alt= + "The Holy Women at the Tomb"></a><br> + THE HOLY WOMEN AT THE TOMB + </p> + <p> + How shall we justify our unfeeling hardness of heart, + by which we seek every trifling pretense to exempt us + from the duty of aiding the unfortunate? Remember the + threat of the apostle, "Judgment without mercy to him + that hath not done mercy" (<i>James</i> ii. 13). + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who rejoicest us by the + remembrance of Thy blessed martyrs Cyriacus, Largus, + and Smaragdus; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, by + celebrating their memory, may imitate their fortitude + in suffering. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_9" id="legend_9">IX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Achatius, Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>F THE saints named Achatius, + that one is reckoned among the Holy Helpers who, as a + Roman soldier, died for Christ. + </p> + <p> + Achatius was a native of Cappadocia and as a youth + joined the Roman army during the reign of Emperor + Hadrian, attaining the rank of captain. One day, when + leading his company against the enemy, he heard a voice + saying to him, "Call on the God of Christians!" He + obeyed, was instructed, and received Baptism. Filled + with zeal, he henceforth sought to convert also the + pagan soldiers of the army. When the emperor heard of + this, Achatius was thrown into prison, then placed on + the rack, bound to a post and scourged, because he + refused to offer sacrifice to the idols. When all these + tortures availed nothing, he was brought before the + tribune Bibianus. + </p> + <p> + Asked by him what was his name and country, Achatius + replied, "My name is Christian, because I am a follower + of Christ; men call me Achatius. My country is + Cappadocia. There my parents lived; there I was + converted to the Christian faith, and was so inspired + by the combats and sufferings of the Christian martyrs + that I am resolved to shed my blood for Christ to + attain heaven." Then Bibianus ordered him to be beaten + with leaden clubs, after which he was loaded with + chains and returned to the prison. + </p> + <p> + After Achatius had been in prison seven days, Bibianus + was called to Byzantium, and ordered all prisoners to + be transported there. On the journey Achatius suffered + greatly, for his entire body was covered with wounds, + his chains were galling, the guards were cruel and the + roads were bad. He thought himself dying. Praying to + God, a voice from the clouds answered him, "Achatius, + be firm!" The soldiers of the guard were terrified and + asked each other, "What is this? How can the clouds + have a voice?" Many prisoners were converted. Next day + some of the converts saw a number of men in shining + armor speaking to Achatius, washing his wounds and + healing them, so that not even a scar remained. + </p> + <p> + Arrived in Byzantium the saint was again cast into + prison, and after seven days dragged before the judge. + When neither promises nor the most cruel torments shook + the constancy of the brave confessor of the Faith, the + judge sent him to Flaccius, the proconsul of Thracia, + who imprisoned him for five days, and meanwhile read + the records of his former trials. Then he ordered him + to be beheaded. Achatius suffered death for Christ on + May 8, 311. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>CHATIUS manfully and without + fear confessed the Faith amid persecutions and + sufferings. We, too, are often placed in circumstances + where the profession of our Faith and the practice of + the virtues inculcated by it cause us trials. But so + deplorable are the effects of sensuality, avarice, and + ambition, and such is the laxity and spiritual + callousness of many Christians, that there is real + cause for every one to be filled with alarm for the + safety of his soul. It is not the crowd we are to + follow, but the precepts of the Gospel. Therefore we + ought to strive to give a good example by our faithful + compliance with the demands of religion. For Our Lord + Himself exhorts us: "So let your light shine before + men, that they may see your good works, and glorify + your Father, who is in heaven" (<i>Matt.</i> v. 16). + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who dost give us joy + through the remembrance of Thy blessed martyrs, + Achatius and his companions; grant, we beseech Thee, + that we may be inflamed by the example of those for + whose merits we rejoice. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_10" id="legend_10">X</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Eustachius, Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>T THE beginning of the second + century, during the reign of Emperor Trajan, there + lived in Rome a famous general by the name of Placidus, + who was distinguished among his fellow-citizens for his + wealth and military prowess. It happened one day, that + while following the chase he became separated from his + companions, and was pursuing with eagerness a stag of + extraordinary size, when suddenly it turned toward him, + and he beheld raised aloft between its antlers the + image of Jesus Christ suspended on the cross. At the + same time our blessed Saviour addressed him in loving + words, inviting him henceforth to follow Him by + embracing the Christian faith, and to make eternal life + in future the object of his pursuit. + </p> + <p> + Faithful to the grace which he had received, Placidus + on his return home communicated the heavenly vision to + his wife Tatiana, who informed him that she too had + been favored with a heavenly apparition. Together they + went immediately to the Pope, related their experience, + and after due instruction received Baptism. + </p> + <p> + At the sacred font Placidus received the name of + Eustachius, and his wife was called Theopista, while + his sons were baptized by the names of Agapitus and + Theopistus. + </p> + <p> + Upon returning to the spot where he first received the + call, Eustachius was favored with another communication + from Our Lord, announcing to him that he was destined + to endure many and great afflictions for the sake of + Christ. It was not long before his faith and patience + were put to a severe trial. Stripped of all his + possessions and forced to flee from the fury of the + persecution, he was reduced to extreme distress, and in + the course of his wanderings was by a series of + calamitous events separated from his wife and children, + of whom he lost all trace. For many years he dwelt in a + remote spot, following the occupation of a farm + laborer, until he was found by the messengers of the + emperor, who was sadly in need of the skill of his + former general, because a fierce war had broken out, in + which the Romans sustained severe losses. + </p> + <p> + Being again invested with the command of the imperial + troops, Eustachius set out for the seat of war, and + achieved a decisive victory. In the course of his march + he had the happiness, by a singular providence of God, + to recover his wife and children, with whom he returned + to Rome. His entrance into the city was attended with + great rejoicings, and many were the congratulations + which he received on his extraordinary good fortune. + But soon afterward a solemn sacrifice of thanksgiving + to the pagan deities was proclaimed, in which he was + ordered by the emperor to take a part. Upon his + refusal, after every effort had been made to shake his + constancy, he was condemned to be exposed to the lions + in the public amphitheater along with his wife and + children. Finally, as the savage animals, laying aside + their natural ferocity, refused to injure the + confessors of Christ, Eustachius and his family were by + order of the emperor enclosed in the body of an immense + brazen bull, which was heated by means of a great fire + enkindled beneath. The last moments of these heroic + martyrs was spent in chanting the divine praises, in + the midst of which their happy souls passed to the + enjoyment of everlasting bliss. Their bodies, + miraculously preserved uninjured, were buried with + great devotion by the faithful Christians, and were + afterward transferred to a magnificent church erected + in their honor. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OW inspiring, to see a great + man preferring justice, truth, and religion to the + favor of the mighty, readily quitting estate, friends, + country, and even sacrificing life, rather than consent + to do violence to his conscience; and to see him, at + the same time, meek, humble, patient in suffering, + forgiving sincerely and loving his unjust and + treacherous persecutors! Passion and revenge often + beget anger and triumph over virtue and integrity. + Ambition and the desire of wealth may, for a time, urge + men on to brave danger, but finally they reduce them to + the most abject slavery, and result in grievous crimes + and misery. Religion alone is the source of charity, + magnanimity, and true courage. It so enlightens the + mind, as to place a man above the vicissitudes of the + world; it renders him steadfast and calm in adversity, + preserves him from error, teaches him to bear injustice + and calumny in a tranquil spirit, and gives him that + ineffable peace and joy which springs from the + conviction that God's will is always most just and holy + and that He protects, aids, and rewards His servants. + </p> + <p> + Does religion exert this powerful influence on us? Do + we show it in our actions and conduct? Our courage and + constancy must be apparent not only when we encounter + danger and opposition, but also when our evil + propensity urges us to yield to temptations that + present sin to us in the guise of pleasure. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who dost permit us to + celebrate the remembrance of Thy blessed martyrs, + Eustachius and companions, grant us, that we may enjoy + their company in eternal bliss. Through Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_11" id="legend_11">XI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Giles, Hermit and Abbot + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>THENS, in Greece, was the + native city of St. Giles. He was of noble parentage, + and devoted himself from early youth to piety and + learning. After the death of his parents he distributed + his rich inheritance to the poor, and to escape the + applause of men for his charity left his country to + bury himself in obscurity. + </p> + <p> + He sailed for France, and on his arrival there retired + to a deserted country near the mouth of the river + Rhone. Later he made his abode near the river Gard, and + finally buried himself in a forest in the diocese of + Nimes. In this solitude he passed many years, living on + wild herbs and roots, with water for his drink. It is + related that for some time a hind came daily to be + milked by him, thus furnishing him additional + sustenance. Here he lived, disengaged from earthly + cares, conversing only with God, and engaged in the + contemplation of heavenly things. + </p> + <p> + One day the king instituted a great hunt in the forest + where Giles lived, and encountered the hind. Giving + chase, the royal hunter was led to the saint's hut, + where the panting animal had sought refuge. The king + inquired who he was, and was greatly edified at the + holiness of his life. The fame of the saintly hermit + now spread far and wide, and was much increased by the + many miracles wrought through his intercession. The + king tried to persuade him to leave his solitude, but + prevailed upon him only in so far, that Giles accepted + several disciples and founded a monastery in which the + rule of St. Benedict was observed, and of which he was + chosen the abbot. He governed his community wisely and + well, and at the earnest solicitation of his monks was + ordained priest. + </p> + <p> + The fame of St. Giles' sanctity induced the Frankish + King, Charles Martel to call him to his court to + relieve him of a great trouble of conscience. The saint + made the journey, and told the king that he would find + relief and comfort only by the sincere confession of a + sin which he had hitherto concealed. The king followed + his advice, found interior peace and dismissed Giles + with many tokens of gratitude. On his homeward journey + the saint raised the recently deceased son of a + nobleman to life. + </p> + <p> + After a short stay in his monastery St. Giles went to + Rome, to obtain from the Pope the confirmation of some + privileges and the apostolic blessing for his + community. The Pope granted his wishes, and presented + him, besides, with two grand and beautifully carved + doors of cedar wood for his church. + </p> + <p> + St. Giles died at a ripe old age on September 1, 725. + Many miracles were wrought at his tomb. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. GILES left his native + country and retired into solitude to escape the notice + and applause of the world, and served God as a recluse. + To lead such a life, there must be a special call from + God. It is not suited to all, and even inconsistent + with the duties of most men. But all are capable of + disengaging their affections from the inordinate + attachment to creatures, and of attaining to a pure and + holy love of God. By making the service of God the + motive of their thoughts and actions, they will + sanctify their whole life. + </p> + <p> + In whatever conditions of life we may be placed, we + have opportunities of subduing our evil inclinations + and mortifying ourselves by frequent self-denials, of + watching over our hearts and purifying our senses by + recollection and prayer. Thus each one, in his station + of life, may become a saint, by making his calling an + exercise of virtue and his every act a step higher to + perfection and eternal glory. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> LORD, we beseech Thee to let + us find grace through the intercession of thy blessed + confessor Giles; that what we can not obtain through + our merits be given us through his intercession. + Through Christ our Lord Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_12" id="legend_12">XII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Margaret, Virgin and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. MARGARET was the daughter of + a pagan priest at Antioch. She lost her mother in + infancy and was placed in the care of a nurse in the + country, who was a Christian, and whose first care was + to have her little charge baptized and to give the + child a Christian education. Margaret grew up a modest, + pious virgin, and when she returned to her father he + was charmed with the grace and virtue of his daughter. + He regretted only one thing; she took no part in the + worship of the idols. When she told him the reason he + was greatly displeased, for she stated that she was a + Christian, and that nothing should separate her from + the love of Christ. + </p> + <p> + Her father tried every means to change her mind, and + when all his endeavors failed became enraged and drove + her forth from his house. Margaret returned to her + nurse and became her servant, doing all kinds of menial + work, and at the same time perfecting herself in + virtue. + </p> + <p> + About this time Emperor Diocletian began to persecute + the Christians. One day Alybrius, the prefect of the + city, saw Margaret, and fell in love with her. He sent + a messenger to ask her in marriage. The pious virgin + was filled with consternation at the proposal and + replied to the messenger: "I can not be espoused to + your master, because I am the spouse of Our Lord Jesus + Christ. I am promised to Him, and to Him I wish to + belong." When the prefect heard this, he became furious + with rage, and gave orders to have the virgin brought + to him by force. When she appeared before him he thus + addressed her: "What is your name and condition?" She + replied: "I am called Margaret, and belong to a noble + family. I adore Christ and serve Him." The prefect now + advised her to abandon the worship of a crucified God. + Margaret asked him, "How do you know that we worship a + crucified God?" The prefect replied: "From the books of + the Christians." Margaret continued: "Why did you not + read further on? The books of the Christians would have + told you that the Crucified rose on the third day, and + that He ascended into heaven. Is it love of truth to + believe in the abasement of Christ and to reject His + glorification, when both are related in the selfsame + book?" + </p> + <p> + At this reproof the prefect became angry and ordered + the tender virgin to be cruelly scourged, placed on the + rack, and torn with iron combs. Then she was cast into + prison. There Margaret fervently thanked God for the + victory she had achieved and implored His help for the + combat yet in store for her. Suddenly there appeared to + her the arch-enemy of mankind in the shape of a furious + dragon, threatening to swallow her. The brave virgin + feared him not, but made the sign of the cross, and the + monster vanished. Then her desolate prison cell became + suffused with heavenly light, and her heart was filled + with divine consolation. At the same time her terrible + wounds were suddenly healed, and not the least scar was + left. + </p> + <p> + Next day Margaret was again brought before the prefect. + Surprised at her complete recovery from the effects of + his cruelty, he remarked that no doubt it was due to + the power of the pagan gods, and exhorted her to show + her gratitude to them by sacrificing to the idols. + Margaret maintained that she had been healed by the + power of Christ alone and declared that she despised + the heathen gods. At this, the rage of Alybrius knew no + bounds. He ordered lighted torches to be applied to + Margaret's body, and then had her cast into icy water + to intensify her torture. But scarcely had this been + done when a violent earthquake occurred. Her bonds were + severed and she rose unscathed from the water, without + a mark of the burns caused by the flaming torches. On + witnessing this miracle, a great number of spectators + were converted to the Faith. + </p> + <p> + Finally the prefect ordered Margaret to be beheaded. + Her glorious martyrdom and death occurred about the + year 275. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE history of the virgin martyr + St. Margaret teaches us that we can and ought to serve + God even in youth. In the Old Law God commanded all the + first-born and the first-fruits to be offered to Him. + "Thou shalt not delay to pay thy tithes and + first-fruits. Thou shalt give the first-born of thy + sons to Me" (<i>Ex.</i> xxii. 29). + </p> + <p> + Certainly our whole life ought to be dedicated to the + service of God; but from the above command we are to + understand that God especially desires our service + during the early years of our life. They are our + first-fruits. St. Augustine calls the years of youth + the blossoms, the most beautiful flowers of life, and + St. Thomas Aquinas writes: "What the young give to God + in their early years, they give of the bloom, of the + full vigor and beauty of life." + </p> + <p> + Youth is the age beset with countless temptations. + Safety is found only in the service of God, by + obedience, humility, and docility. This is not so + difficult as it appears, and Our Lord Himself invites + you to His service, saying: "My son, give Me thy heart" + (<i>Prov.</i> xxiii. 26), and, "Taste and see that the + Lord is sweet" (<i>Ps.</i> xxxiii. 9). + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E BESEECH Thee, O Lord, grant + us Thy favor through the intercession of Thy blessed + virgin and martyr Margaret, who pleased Thee by the + merit of her purity and by the confession of Thy might. + Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_13" id="legend_13">XIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St Catherine, Virgin and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. CATHERINE was a native of + Alexandria, Egypt, a city then famous for its schools + of philosophy. She was a daughter of Costis, + half-brother of Constantine, and of Sabinella, queen of + Egypt. Her wisdom and acquirements were remarkable, the + philosophy of Plato being her favorite study. While + Catherine was yet young her father died, leaving her + heiress to the kingdom. Her love of study and + retirement displeased her subjects, who desired her to + marry, asserting that her gifts of noble birth, wealth, + beauty, and knowledge should be transmitted to her + children. + </p> + <p> + The princess replied that the husband whom she would + wed must be even more richly endowed than herself. His + blood must be the noblest, his rank must surpass her + own, his beauty without comparison, his benignity great + enough to forgive all offences. The people of + Alexandria were disheartened, for they knew of no such + prince; but Catherine remained persistent in her + determination to wed none other. + </p> + <p> + Now, it happened that a certain hermit who lived near + Alexandria had a vision in which he saw the Blessed + Virgin, who sent him to tell Catherine that her divine + Son was the Spouse whom she desired. He alone possessed + all, and more, than the requirements she demanded. The + holy man gave Catherine a picture of Jesus and Mary; + and when the princess had gazed upon the face of Christ + she loved Him so that she could think of naught else, + and the studies in which she had been wont to take + delight became distasteful to her. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/pentecost_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/pentecost.jpg" alt= + "The Descent of the Holy Ghost on the Blessed Virgin and the Apostles"></a><br> + + THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY GHOST ON THE BLESSED VIRGIN AND + THE APOSTLES + </p> + <p> + One night Catherine dreamed that she accompanied the + hermit to a sanctuary, whence angels came to meet her. + She fell on her face before them, but one of the + angelic band bade her, "Rise dear sister Catherine, for + the King of glory delighteth to honor thee." She rose + and followed the angels to the presence of the queen of + heaven, who was surrounded by angels and saints and was + beautiful beyond description. The queen welcomed her + and led her to her divine Son, Our Lord. But He turned + from her, saying: "She is not fair and beautiful enough + for me." + </p> + <p> + Catherine awoke at these words and wept bitterly until + morning. She then sent for the hermit and inquired what + would make her worthy of the heavenly Bridegroom. The + saintly recluse instructed her in the true Faith and, + with her mother, she was baptized. That night, in a + dream, the Blessed Virgin and her divine Son again + appeared to her. Mary presented her to Jesus, saying: + "Behold, she has been regenerated in the water of + Baptism." Then Christ smiled on her and plighted His + troth to her by putting a ring on her finger. When she + awoke the ring was still there, and thenceforth + Catherine despised all earthly things and longed only + for the hour when she should go to her heavenly + Bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + After the death of Sabinella, Emperor Maximin came to + Alexandria and declared a persecution against the + Christians. Catherine appeared in the temple and held + an argument with the tyrant, utterly confounding him. + The emperor ordained that fifty of the most learned men + of the empire be brought to dispute with her; but, + sustained by the power of God, Catherine not only + vanquished them in argument, but converted them to the + true Faith. In his fury Maximin commanded that the new + Christians be burned; and Catherine comforted them, + since they could not be baptized, by telling them that + their blood should be their baptism and the flames + their crown of glory. + </p> + <p> + The emperor then tried other means to overcome the + virtue of the noble princess; but, failing to do this, + he ordered her to be cast into a dungeon and starved to + death. Twelve days later, when the dungeon was opened, + a bright light and fragrant perfume filled it, and + Catherine, who had been nourished by angels, came forth + radiant and beautiful. On seeing this miracle, the + empress and many noble Alexandrians declared themselves + Christians, and suffered death at the command of the + emperor. + </p> + <p> + Catherine was not spared, for Maximin made a further + attempt to win her. He offered to make her mistress of + the world if she would but listen to him, and when she + still spurned his proposals, he ordered her to the + torture. She was bound to four spiked wheels which + revolved in different directions, that she might be + torn into many pieces. But an angel consumed the wheels + by fire, and the fragments flying around killed the + executioners and many of the spectators. The tyrant + then ordered her to be scourged and beheaded. The + sentence was carried into effect on November 25, 307. + </p> + <p> + A pious legend, recognized by the Church, says that + angels bore Catherine's body to Mount Sinai, and buried + it there. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. CATHERINE, for her erudition + and the spirit of piety by which she sanctified it, was + chosen the model and patroness of Christian + philosophers. + </p> + <p> + Learning, next to virtue, is the noblest quality and + ornament of the human mind. Profane science teaches + many useful truths, but when compared with the + importance of the study of the science of the saints, + they are of value only inasmuch as when made + subservient to the latter. The study of the saints was + to live in the spirit of Christ. This science is taught + by the Church, and acquired by listening to her + instructions, by pious reading and meditation. + </p> + <p> + Be intent on learning this science, and order your life + according to its rules. It is the "one thing + necessary," for it is the foundation of all wisdom and + true happiness. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning + of wisdom" (<i>Ps.</i> cx. 10). + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst give the law to + Moses on the summit of Mount Sinai, and by the holy + angels didst miraculously transfer there the body of + blessed Catherine, virgin and martyr; grant us, we + beseech Thee, to come, through her intercession, to the + mountain which is Christ. Through the same Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="legend_14">XIV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + St. Barbara, Virgin and Martyr + </h2> + <p align="center"> + LEGEND + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">N</font>ICOMEDIA, a city in Asia Minor, + was St. Barbara's birthplace. Her father Dioscurus was + a pagan. Fearing that his only child might learn to + know and love the doctrines of Christianity, he shut + her up in a tower, apart from all intercourse with + others. Nevertheless Barbara became a Christian. She + passed her time in study, and from her lonely tower she + used to watch the heavens in their wondrous beauty. She + soon became convinced that the "heavens were telling + the glory of God," a God greater than the idols she had + been taught to worship. Her desire to know that God was + in itself a prayer which He answered in His own wise + way. + </p> + <p> + The fame of Origen, that famous Christian teacher in + Alexandria, reached even the remote tower, and Barbara + sent a trusty servant with the request that he would + make known to her the truth. Origen sent her one of his + disciples, disguised as a physician, who instructed and + baptized her. She practised her new religion discreetly + while waiting for a favorable opportunity of + acquainting her father with her conversion. + </p> + <p> + This opportunity came in a short time. Some workmen + were sent by Dioscurus to make another room in the + tower, and when they had made two windows she directed + them to make a third. When her father saw this + additional window, he asked the reason for it. She + replied, "Know, my father, that the soul receives light + through three windows, the Father, the Son, and the + Holy Ghost, and the three are one." The father became + so angry at this discovery of her having become a + Christian, that he would have killed his daughter with + his sword, had she not fled to the top of the tower. He + followed her, and finally had her in his power. First + he wreaked his vengeance on her in blows, then + clutching her by the hair he dragged her away and + thrust her into a hut to prevent her escape. Next he + tried every means to induce her to renounce her faith; + threats, severe punishments, and starvation had no + effect on the constancy of the Christian maiden. + </p> + <p> + Finding himself powerless to shake his daughter's + constancy, Dioscurus delivered her to the proconsul + Marcian, who had her scourged and tortured, but without + causing her to deny the Faith. During her sufferings, + her father stood by, exulting in the torments of his + child. Next night, after she had been taken back to + prison, Our Lord appeared to her and healed her wounds. + When Barbara appeared again before him, Marcian was + greatly astonished to find no trace of the cruelties + that had been perpetrated on her body. Again she + resisted his importunities to deny the Faith, and when + he saw that all his efforts were in vain, he pronounced + the sentence of death. Barbara was to be beheaded. Her + unnatural father claimed the privilege to execute it + with his own hands, and with one blow severed his + daughter's head from her body, on December 4, 237. + </p> + <p> + At the moment of the saint's death a great tempest + arose and Dioscurus was killed by lightning. Marcian, + too, was overtaken by the same fate. + </p> + <p align="center"> + LESSON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>INCE early times St. Barbara is + invoked as the patroness against lightning and + explosions, and is called upon by those who desire the + sacraments of the dying in their last illness, and many + are the instances of the efficacy of her intercession. + </p> + <p> + We all wish for a happy and blessed death. To attain + it, we must make the preparation for it the great + object of our life; we must learn to die to the world + and to ourselves, and strive after perfection in + virtue. There is no greater comfort in adversity, no + more powerful incentive to withdrawing our affections + from this world, than to remember the blessing of a + happy death. Well prepared, death may strike us in any + form whatsoever, and however suddenly, it will find us + ready. + </p> + <p> + We can be guilty of no greater folly than to delay our + preparation for death, repentance, the reception of the + sacraments, and the amendment of our life, from day to + day, from the time of health to the time of illness, + and in illness to the very last moments, thinking that + even then we can obtain pardon. St. Augustine observes: + "It is very dangerous to postpone the performance of a + duty on which our whole eternity depends to the most + inconvenient time, the last hour." And St. Bernard + remarks: "In Holy Scripture we find one single instance + of one who received pardon at the last moment. He was + the thief crucified with Jesus. He is alone, that you + despair not; he is alone, also, that you sin not by + presumption on God's mercy." If you, therefore, wish + for a happy death, prepare for it in time. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer of the Church</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who among the wonders of + Thy might didst grant the victory of martyrdom also to + the weaker sex, graciously grant us that we, by + recalling the memory of Thy blessed virgin and martyr + Barbara, through her example may be led to Thee. + Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PART IV + </h1> + <h2> + I<br> + Novenas to the Holy Helpers + </h2><br> + <h2> + II<br> + Prayers and Petitions + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "In every thing by prayer and supplication with + thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God" + (<i>Philipp.</i> iv. 6). + </h2> + <h2> + "God is wonderful in His saints. The God of Israel is + He who will give power and strength to His people; + blessed be God" (<i>Ps.</i> lxvii. 36). + </h2><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + Novena to Each of the Holy Helpers + </h1> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_helper" id="prep_helper">PREPARATORY + PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>For Each of the Following Novenas</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY and eternal God! With + lively faith and reverently worshiping Thy divine + Majesty, I prostrate myself before Thee and invoke with + filial trust Thy supreme bounty and mercy. Illumine the + darkness of my intellect with a ray of Thy heavenly + light and inflame my heart with the fire of Thy divine + love, that I may contemplate the great virtues and + merits of the saint in whose honor I make this novena, + and following his example imitate, like him, the life + of Thy divine Son. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, I beseech Thee to grant graciously, through + the merits and intercession of this powerful Helper, + the petition which through him I humbly place before + Thee, devoutly saying, "Thy will be done on earth as it + is in heaven." Vouchsafe graciously to hear it, if it + redounds to Thy greater glory and to the salvation of + my soul. Amen. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="helper_1" id="helper_1">I</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. George + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. GEORGE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst grant to St. + George strength and constancy in the various torments + which he sustained for our holy faith; we beseech Thee + to preserve, through his intercession, our faith from + wavering and doubt, so that we may serve Thee with a + sincere heart faithfully unto death. Through Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. GEORGE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>AITHFUL servant of God and + invincible martyr, St. George; favored by God with the + gift of faith, and inflamed with an ardent love of + Christ, thou didst fight valiantly against the dragon + of pride, falsehood, and deceit. Neither pain nor + torture, sword nor death could part thee from the love + of Christ. I fervently implore thee for the sake of + this love to help me by thy intercession to overcome + the temptations that surround me, and to bear bravely + the trials that oppress me, so that I may patiently + carry the cross which is placed upon me; and let + neither distress nor difficulties separate me from the + love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Valiant champion of the + Faith, assist me in the combat against evil, that I may + win the crown promised to them that persevere unto the + end. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i><a name="prayer_helper" id= + "prayer_helper">Prayer</a></i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y LORD and my God! I offer up + to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion + and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the + merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever + virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those + of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena. + </p> + <p> + Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace + and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_2" id="helper_2">II</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Blase + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. BLASE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, deliver us through the + intercession of Thy holy bishop and martyr Blase, from + all evil of soul and body, especially from all ills of + the throat; and grant us the grace to make a good + confession in the confident hope of obtaining Thy + pardon, and ever to praise with worthy lips Thy most + holy name. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. BLASE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. BLASE, gracious benefactor + of mankind and faithful servant of God, who for the + love of our Saviour didst suffer so many tortures with + patience and resignation; I invoke thy powerful + intercession. Preserve me from all evils of soul and + body. Because of thy great merits God endowed thee with + the special grace to help those that suffer from ills + of the throat; relieve and preserve me from them, so + that I may always be able to fulfil my duties, and with + the aid of God's grace perform good works. I invoke thy + help as special physician of souls, that I may confess + my sins sincerely in the holy sacrament of Penance and + obtain their forgiveness. I recommend to thy merciful + intercession also those who unfortunately concealed a + sin in confession. Obtain for them the grace to accuse + themselves sincerely and contritely of the sin they + concealed, of the sacrilegious confessions and + communions they made, and of all the sins they + committed since then, so that they may receive pardon, + the grace of God, and the remission of the eternal + punishment. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_3" id="helper_3">III</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St Erasmus + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. ERASMUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, grant us through the + intercession of Thy dauntless bishop and martyr + Erasmus, who so valiantly confessed the Faith, that we + may learn the doctrine of this faith, practise its + precepts, and thereby be made worthy to attain its + promises. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. ERASMUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY martyr Erasmus, who didst + willingly and bravely bear the trials and sufferings of + life, and by thy charity didst console many + fellow-sufferers; I implore thee to remember me in my + needs and to intercede for me with God. Staunch + confessor of the Faith, victorious vanquisher of all + tortures, pray to Jesus for me and ask Him to grant me + the grace to live and die in the Faith through which + thou didst obtain the crown of glory. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_4" id="helper_4">IV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena to St. Pantaleon + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. PANTALEON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst give to St. + Pantaleon the grace of exercising charity toward his + fellow-men by distributing his goods to the poor, and + hast made him a special patron of the sick, grant, that + we, too, show our charity by works of mercy; and + through the intercession of this Thy servant preserve + us from sickness. But if it be Thy will that illness + should afflict us, give us the grace to bear it + patiently, and let it promote our soul's salvation. + Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. PANTALEON + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. PANTALEON, who during life + didst have great pity for the sick and with the help of + God didst often relieve and cure them; I invoke thy + intercession with God, that I may obtain the grace to + serve Him in good health by cheerfully fulfilling the + duties of my state of life. But if it be His holy will + to visit me with illness, pain, and suffering, do thou + aid me with thy powerful prayer to submit humbly to His + chastisements, to accept sickness in the spirit of + penance and to bear it patiently according to His holy + will. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/communion_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/communion.jpg" alt= + "The Blessed Virgin Receives Holy Communion from St. John"></a><br> + + THE BLESSED VIRGIN RECEIVES HOLY COMMUNION FROM ST. + JOHN + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_5" id="helper_5">V</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Vitus + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. VITUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>RANT us, O God, through the + intercession of St. Vitus, a due estimation of the + value of our soul and of its redemption by the precious + blood of Thy Son Jesus Christ; so that, for its + salvation, we bear all trials with fortitude. Give this + Thy youthful servant and heroic martyr as a guide and + protector to Christian youths, that following his + example they may after a victorious combat receive the + crown of justice in heaven. Through Christ our Lord. + Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. VITUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. VITUS, glorious martyr of + Christ; in thy youth thou wast exposed to violent and + dangerous temptations, but in the fear of God and for + the love of Jesus thou didst victoriously overcome + them. O amiable, holy youth, I implore thee by the love + of Jesus, assist me with thy powerful intercession to + overcome the temptations to evil, to avoid every + occasion of sin, and thus to preserve spotless the robe + of innocence and sanctifying grace, and to bring it + unstained to the judgment-seat of Jesus Christ, that I + may forever enjoy the beatific vision of God which is + promised to the pure of heart. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_6" id="helper_6">VI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Christophorus + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. CHRISTOPHORUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst make St. + Christophorus a true Christ-bearer, who converted + multitudes to the Christian faith, and who didst give + him the grace to suffer for Thy sake the most cruel + torments; through the intercession of this saint we + implore Thee to protect us from sin, the only real + evil. Preserve us, also, against harmful elementary + forces, such as earthquake, lightning, fire, and flood. + Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. CHRISTOPHORUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>REAT St. Christophorus, seeking + the strongest and mightiest master thou didst find him + in Jesus Christ, the almighty God of heaven and earth, + and didst faithfully serve Him with all thy power to + the end of thy life, gaining for Him countless souls + and finally shedding thy blood for Him; obtain for me + the grace to bear Christ always in my heart, as thou + didst once bear Him on thy shoulder, so that I thereby + may be strengthened to overcome victoriously all + temptations and resist all enticements of the world, + the devil, and the flesh, and that the powers of + darkness may not prevail against me. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_7" id="helper_7">VII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Dionysius + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. DIONYSIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst confer Thy + saving faith on the people of France through Thy holy + bishop and martyr Dionysius, and didst glorify him + before and after his martyrdom by many miracles; grant + us through his intercession that the Faith practised + and preached by him be our light on the way of life, so + that we may be preserved from all anxieties of + conscience, and if by human frailty we have sinned, we + may return to Thee speedily by true penance. Through + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. DIONYSIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>LORIOUS servant of God, St. + Dionysius, with intense love thou didst devote thyself + to Christ after learning to know Him through the + apostle St. Paul, and didst preach His saving name to + the nations, to bring whom to His knowledge and love + thou didst not shrink from martyrdom; implore for me a + continual growth in the knowledge and love of Jesus, so + that my restless heart may experience that peace which + He alone can give. Help me by thy powerful intercession + with God to serve Him with a willing heart, to devote + myself with abiding love to His service, and thereby to + attain the eternal bliss of heaven. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_8" id="helper_8">VIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Cyriacus + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. CYRIACUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst grant to St. + Cyriacus the grace of heroic charity and trustful + resignation to Thy holy will; bestow upon us, through + his intercession, the grace to walk before Thee in + self-denying charity and to know and fulfil Thy will in + all things. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. CYRIACUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. CYRIACUS, great servant of + God, loving Christ with all thy heart, thou didst for + His sake also love thy fellow-men, and didst serve them + even at the peril of thy life, for which charity God + rewarded thee with the power to overcome Satan, the + arch-enemy, and to deliver the poor obsessed from his + dreadful tyranny; implore for me of God an effective, + real, and true charity. Show thy power over Satan also + in me; deliver me from his influence when he tries to + tempt me. Help me to repel his assaults and to gain the + victory over him in life and in death. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_9" id="helper_9">IX</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Achatius + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. ACHATIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst fortify Thy + holy martyr Achatius with constancy and trustful + reliance on Thee in death; grant us through his + intercession at the hour of our death to be free from + all anxiety and victorious in our last combat with the + enemy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. ACHATIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">V</font>ALIANT martyr of Christ, St. + Achatius, who preached Christ faithfully before kings + and judges, and didst gain the victory over the enemies + of God; help me through thy powerful intercession to + resist and gain the victory over all the enemies of my + salvation, over the world and its allurements, over the + concupiscence of the flesh, and over the temptations of + Satan. I implore thee particularly to assist me in my + agony, when the powers of hell rise against me to rob + my soul. Then do thou come to my aid and repel the + assaults of the enemy, so that I surrender my soul into + the hands of my Redeemer in faith, hope, and charity, + and confiding in His infinite merits. Through the same + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_10" id="helper_10">X</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Eustachius + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. EUSTACHIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst lead Thy holy + martyr Eustachius safely through many trials and + dangers to the glorious crown of martyrdom; enlighten + and strengthen us through his intercession, that we + persevere in Thy love amid the trials of this life, and + by resignation to Thy holy will come forth from the + darkness of this earth into the light of Thy eternal + glory. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. EUSTACHIUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>EROIC servant of God, St. + Eustachius, cast from the height of earthly glory and + power into the deepest misery, thou wast engaged for a + long time in the labor of a menial servant, eating the + bitter bread of destitution; but never didst thou + murmur against the severe probation to which God + subjected thee. I implore thee to aid me with thy + powerful intercession, that in all conditions I may + resign myself to the holy will of God, and particularly + that I may bear poverty and its consequences with + patience, trusting in God's providence, completely + resigned to the decrees of Him who humbles and exalts, + chastises and heals, sends trials and consolations, and + who has promised to those who follow Him in the spirit + of poverty His beatific vision throughout all eternity. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_11" id="helper_11">XI</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Giles + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. GILES + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, we beseech Thee to grant + us through the merits and intercession of St. Giles to + flee from the vanity and praise of this world, to avoid + carefully all occasions of sin, to cleanse our hearts + from all wickedness by a sincere confession, to leave + this world in Thy love and rich in good works, and to + find Thee gracious on the day of judgment. Through + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. GILES + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">Z</font>EALOUS follower of Christ, St. + Giles; from early youth thou didst take to heart the + words of our Saviour: "Learn of Me, because I am meek + and humble of heart." Therefore thou didst flee from + the praise and honors of the world, and wast rewarded + with the grace to preserve thy heart from all sin and + to persevere in a holy life to a ripe old age. I, on my + part, through pride, self-confidence, and negligence, + yielded to my evil inclinations, and thereby sinned + grievously and often, offending my God and Lord, my + Creator and Redeemer, my most loving Father. Therefore + I implore thee to help me through thy mighty + intercession to be enlightened by the Holy Ghost, that + I may know the malice, grievousness, and multitude of + my sins, confess them humbly, fully, and contritely, + and receive pardon, tranquillity of heart, and peace of + conscience from God. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_12" id="helper_12">XII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Margaret + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. MARGARET + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, grant us through the + intercession of thy holy virgin and martyr Margaret, + undauntedly to confess the Faith, carefully to observe + the chastity of our state of life, and to overcome the + temptations of the world, the devil, and the flesh, and + thereby escape the punishments of eternal damnation. + Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. MARGARET + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. MARGARET, holy virgin and + martyr, thou didst faithfully preserve the robe of holy + innocence and purity, valiantly resisting all the + blandishments and allurements of the world for the love + of thy divine Spouse, Jesus Christ; help me to overcome + all temptations against the choicest of all virtues, + holy purity, and to remain steadfast in the love of + Christ, in order to preserve this great gift of God. + Implore for me the grace of perseverance in prayer, + distrust of myself, and flight from the occasions of + sin, and finally the grace of a good death, so that in + heaven I may "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth." + Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_13" id="helper_13">XIII</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Catherine + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. CATHERINE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst distinguish Thy + holy virgin and martyr Catherine by the gift of great + wisdom and virtue, and a victorious combat with the + enemies of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, + through her intercession, constancy in the Faith and + the wisdom of the saints, that we may devote all the + powers of our mind and heart to Thy service. Through + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. CATHERINE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>T. CATHERINE, glorious virgin + and martyr, resplendent in the luster of wisdom and + purity; thy wisdom refuted the adversaries of divine + truth and covered them with confusion; thy immaculate + purity made thee a spouse of Christ, so that after thy + glorious martyrdom angels carried thy body to Mount + Sinai. Implore for me progress in the science of the + saints and the virtue of holy purity, that vanquishing + the enemies of my soul, I may be victorious in my last + combat and after death be conducted by the angels into + the eternal beatitude of heaven. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="helper_14" id="helper_14">XIV</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Novena in Honor of St. Barbara + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_helper">Preparatory Prayer (p. 219).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRAYER IN HONOR OF ST. BARBARA + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who didst adorn Thy holy + virgin and martyr Barbara with extraordinary fortitude + in the confession of the Faith, and didst console her + in the most atrocious torments; grant us through her + intercession perseverance in the fulfilment of Thy law + and the grace of being fortified before our end with + the holy sacraments, and of a happy death. Through + Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF ST. BARBARA + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>NTREPID virgin and martyr, St. + Barbara, through thy intercession come to my aid in all + needs of my soul. Obtain for me the grace to be + preserved from a sudden and unprovided death; assist me + in my agony, when my senses are benumbed and I am in + the throes of death. Then, O powerful patroness of the + dying, come to my aid! Repel from me all the assaults + and temptations of the evil one, and obtain for me the + grace to receive before death the holy sacraments, that + I breathe forth my soul confirmed in faith, hope, and + charity, and be worthy to enter eternal glory. Amen. + </p> + <p> + St. Barbara, at my last end<br> + Obtain for me the Sacrament;<br> + Assist one in that direst need<br> + When I my God and Judge must meet:<br> + That robed in sanctifying grace<br> + My soul may stand before His face. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#prayer_helper">Prayer (p. 221).</a> + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + Novena to All the Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h1> + <p align="center"> + <a name="prep_all_helpers" id= + "prep_all_helpers">PREPARATORY PRAYER</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>(By St Alphonsus Liguori.)</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>REAT princes of heaven, Holy + Helpers, who sacrificed to God all your earthly + possessions, wealth, preferment, and even life, and who + now are crowned in heaven in the secure enjoyment of + eternal bliss and glory; have compassion on me, a poor + sinner in this vale of tears, and obtain for me from + God, for whom you gave up all things and who loves you + as His servants, the strength to bear patiently all the + trials of this life, to overcome all temptations, and + to persevere in God's service to the end, that one day + I too may be received into your company, to praise and + glorify Him, the supreme Lord, whose beatific vision + you enjoy, and whom you praise and glorify for ever. + Amen. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_1" id="all_helpers_1">FIRST + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Devotion to the Fourteen Holy Helpers + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE practice of honoring and + invoking the saints to obtain, through their + intercession, help in the various needs of body and + soul, is as old as the Church. At what period, however, + the custom of having recourse to the fourteen saints + called Holy Helpers originated, is unknown. + Nevertheless it is certain that each one of them was + invoked for his intercession with God since his + entrance into heaven. Prayer is the Christian's + resource in every difficulty: and difficulties and + trials are never wanting on earth. + </p> + <p> + Because the needs of mankind on earth are various, the + faithful selected certain saints as intercessors in + certain cases of distress, and obtained relief; hence + these saints came to be regarded as special patrons in + such trials, and were called Holy Helpers. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>AKE this novena with full + confidence in the power of the intercession of the + Fourteen Holy Helpers. During their earthly life they + devoted their whole energy to the spreading of God's + kingdom and the relief and succor of their fellow-men. + Much more efficiently can they do so now when they are + in the enjoyment of eternal happiness, and can + supplicate for us at the very throne of God. + </p> + <p> + The saints <i>can</i> help us through their + intercession. God hears their prayers and He wrought + miracles to confirm us in this belief, even whilst His + servants sojourned here on earth. They <i>desire</i> + and are willing to help us. St. Bernard says: "In + heaven hearts do not grow cold; they are rather + rendered more affectionate and tender. By receiving the + crown of justice the saints were not hardened against + the sufferings of their brethren on earth." + </p> + <p> + Therefore, in calling on them, have full confidence in + their power and ability to come to your aid. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E BESEECH Thee, O Lord, to hear + the prayer which we send up to Thee in honor of Thy + glorified servants, the Fourteen Holy Helpers: and as + we can not rely upon our own justice, grant our + petition through the intercession of those whose merits + have made them especially dear to Thee. Through Christ + our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/death_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/death.jpg" alt= + "Death of the Blessed Virgin"></a><br> + DEATH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="litany_all_helpers" id= + "litany_all_helpers">LITANY OF THE FOURTEEN HOLY + HELPERS</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, hear us.<br> + Christ, graciously hear us.<br> + God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.<br> + God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on + us.<br> + God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Mary, queen of martyrs, pray for us.<br> + St. Joseph, helper in all needs, pray for us.<br> + Fourteen Holy Helpers, pray for us.<br> + St. George, valiant martyr of Christ, pray for us.<br> + St. Blase, zealous bishop and benefactor of the poor, + pray for us.<br> + St. Erasmus, mighty protector of the oppressed, pray + for us.<br> + St. Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for + us.<br> + St. Vitus, special protector of chastity, pray for + us.<br> + St. Christophorus, mighty intercessor in dangers, pray + for us.<br> + St. Dionysius, shining mirror of faith and confidence, + pray for us.<br> + St. Cyriacus, terror of hell, pray for us.<br> + St. Achatius, helpful advocate in death, pray for + us.<br> + St. Eustachius, exemplar of patience in adversity, pray + for us.<br> + St. Giles, despiser of the world, pray for us.<br> + St. Margaret, valiant champion of the Faith, pray for + us.<br> + St. Catherine, victorious defender of the Faith and of + purity, pray for us.<br> + St. Barbara, mighty patroness of the dying, pray for + us.<br> + All ye Holy Helpers, pray for us.<br> + All ye saints of God, pray for us.<br> + In temptations against faith, pray for us.<br> + In adversity and trials, pray for us.<br> + In anxiety and want, pray for us.<br> + In every combat, pray for us.<br> + In every temptation, pray for us.<br> + In sickness, pray for us.<br> + In all needs, pray for us.<br> + In fear and terror, pray for us.<br> + In dangers of salvation, pray for us.<br> + In dangers of honor, pray for us.<br> + In dangers of reputation, pray for us.<br> + In dangers of property, pray for us.<br> + In dangers by fire and water, pray for us.<br> + Be merciful, spare us, O Lord!<br> + Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord!<br> + From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + From the scourge of earthquake, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + From plague, famine, and war, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + From lightning and storms, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + From a sudden and unprovided death, deliver us, O + Lord.<br> + From eternal damnation, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, deliver + us, O Lord.<br> + Through Thy birth and Thy life, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + Through Thy cross and passion, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + Through Thy death and burial, deliver us, O Lord.<br> + Through the merits of Thy blessed Mother Mary, deliver + us, O Lord.<br> + Through the merits of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, + deliver us, O Lord.<br> + On the Day of Judgment, deliver us, O Lord!<br> + We sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou spare us, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou pardon us, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou convert us to true penance, we beseech Thee, + hear us.<br> + That Thou give and preserve the fruits of the earth, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou protect and propagate Thy holy Church, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou preserve peace and concord among the nations, + we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou give eternal rest to the souls of the + departed, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou come to our aid through the intercession of + the Holy Helpers, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. George Thou + preserve us in the Faith, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Blase Thou confirm + us in hope, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Erasmus Thou + enkindle in us Thy holy love, we beseech Thee, hear + us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Pantaleon Thou + give us charity for our neighbor, we beseech Thee, hear + us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Vitus Thou teach + us the value of our soul, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Christophorus Thou + preserve us from sin, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Dionysius Thou + give us tranquillity of conscience, we beseech Thee, + hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Cyriacus Thou + grant us resignation to Thy holy will, we beseech Thee, + hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Eustachius Thou + give us patience in adversity, we beseech Thee, hear + us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Achatius Thou + grant us a happy death, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Giles Thou grant + us a merciful judgment, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Margaret Thou + preserve us from hell, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Catherine Thou + shorten our purgatory, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of St. Barbara Thou + receive us in heaven, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That through the intercession of all the Holy Helpers + Thou wilt grant our prayers, we beseech Thee, hear + us.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, + spare us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, + graciously hear us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, + have mercy on us, O Lord. + </p> + <p> + V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers. + </p> + <p> + R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us Pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY and eternal God, who + hast bestowed extraordinary graces and gifts on Thy + saints George, Blase, Erasmus, Pantaleon, Vitus, + Christophorus, Dionysius, Cyriacus, Eustachius, + Achatius, Giles, Margaret, Catherine, and Barbara, and + hast illustrated them by miracles; we beseech Thee to + graciously hear the petitions of all who invoke their + intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy + Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we + beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming + all temptations against it, and protect us through + their intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so + that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity + of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION OF THE HOLY HELPERS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>OURTEEN Holy Helpers, who + served God in humility and confidence on earth and are + now in the enjoyment of His beatific vision in heaven; + because you persevered till death you gained the crown + of eternal life. Remember the dangers that surround us + in this vale of tears, and intercede for us in all our + needs and adversities. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Fourteen Holy Helpers, select friends of God, I honor + you as mighty intercessors, and come with filial + confidence to you in my needs, for the relief of which + I have undertaken to make this novena. Help me by your + intercession to placate God's wrath, which I have + provoked by my sins, and aid me in amending my life and + doing penance. Obtain for me the grace to serve God + with a willing heart, to be resigned to His holy will, + to be patient in adversity and to persevere unto the + end, so that, having finished my earthly course, I may + join you in heaven, there to praise for ever God, who + is wonderful in His saints. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_2" id="all_helpers_2">SECOND + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Destiny of Man + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Holy Helpers faithfully + co-operated with God's designs concerning their eternal + destiny. No obstacle could prevail on them to stray + from the path of duty. Always and everywhere they + fulfilled the will of God. + </p> + <p> + You, too, have an eternal destiny. You are not your own + master, but belong to God, whose servant and property + you are. Therefore you must obey Him, and not your own + inclinations; you must do His will, and not your own. + God had the right of requiring our submission to Him + without giving us a reward, because He is Our Lord; + nevertheless He promised to give us Himself in reward + for our faithful service. Ought this not be sufficient + inducement for us to serve Him zealously and + gratefully? + </p> + <p> + Remember, moreover, that you shall be unhappy both in + this and in the next world if you do not give yourself + entirely to God, for whom you were created. St. + Augustine says: "Thou hast created us for Thee, O Lord, + and our heart remains restless till it rests in Thee." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HANK God for the undeserved + grace of creation and redemption. Make an act of + contrition for having served Him so negligently. + Promise amendment, and invoke the aid of God's grace + through the intercession of the Holy Helpers. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, who according to the + decrees of Thy providence hast created man for eternal + bliss; grant, through the intercession of the Holy + Helpers, that I may attain to my destiny by being + united with Thee in this life and loving and praising + Thee for ever in heaven. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_3" id="all_helpers_3">THIRD + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Virtue of Faith + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Holy Helpers were so + thoroughly imbued with the virtue of divine faith, that + they believed its sacred truths with perfect + abandonment of their intellect, will, liberty, and + whole being. They wavered not amid the severest + torments, but remained firm until death in the + confession of Christ. + </p> + <p> + Our time is noted for assaults on the Faith and on the + Church that teaches it. The Church, the depository of + divine revelation, is blasphemed in her doctrine, in + her precepts, in her sacraments, in her ministers, in + her cult, in her entire essence. Were you never ashamed + of your Catholic name? What cowardliness, what + timidity, what downright malice! + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">R</font>EVIVE your faith by the + consideration of the example of the Holy Helpers. Do + not, from human respect, neglect the sanctification of + the Lord's Day, the observance of days of fast and + abstinence, the reception of the holy sacraments, the + profession of your belief in the real presence of Our + Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, etc. Meditate frequently + on the words of Christ: "He that shall deny Me before + men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in + heaven" (<i>Matt.</i> x. 33). + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, I beseech Thee, through + the faith of the Holy Helpers, grant me the grace to + treasure in my heart the doctrines of our holy faith, + to believe them firmly, to confess them bravely, and to + live according to their precepts, that through that + same faith I may become worthy to be admitted to Thy + beatific vision in heaven. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_4" id="all_helpers_4">FOURTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Virtue of Hope + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">"H</font>OPE confoundeth not" + (<i>Rom.</i> v. 6). According to the commentators these + words of Holy Scripture are to be understood in the + sense that our works must be in conformity with that + which is the object of our hope; that is, we must live + in such a manner that we really merit the reward of + heaven. + </p> + <p> + We sin against hope also by presumption in God's mercy, + by despair, and by over-confidence in our own + righteousness. According to Holy Scripture we can not, + of our own efficacy, perform a good act, but can do all + in Him that strengthens us. + </p> + <p> + All these truths are exemplified in the lives of the + Holy Helpers. Their hope was based on the firm + foundation of faith, and consequently, like it, firm, + constant, and unwavering. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>IKE the Holy Helpers, hope to + obtain from God all things necessary to salvation, for + "the Lord is good to them that hope in Him, to the soul + that seeketh Him" (<i>Lam.</i> iii. 25). Live so that + He can fulfil His promises. Place no obstacle to His + bounty and might by a sinful life. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">E</font>TERNAL God of love and mercy, I + thank Thee for all the benefits Thou hast conferred + upon me, and hope to obtain, through the intercession + of the Holy Helpers, all the graces necessary for my + salvation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_5" id="all_helpers_5">FIFTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Love of God + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE love of God which inflamed + the Holy Helpers showed forth in their whole life, and + particularly at their death. We, too, ought to be + inflamed with such love, for without it faith, wisdom, + the gift of tongues, and good works in general, avail + nothing; for the love of God must inspire them all. + "And we know that to them that love God, all things + work together unto good" (<i>Rom.</i> viii. 28). Such, + and such alone, will receive the crown of life. Did not + God love us first? To redeem us from sin and eternal + death He spared not His only begotten, divine Son. All + goods of life and fortune are gifts of His love, + evidences of His infinite love. And we find it + difficult to return this love? How ungrateful not to + love God with your whole heart! + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>MITATE the Holy Helpers in + their ardent love of God. Implore their intercession to + obtain it. Meditate often on God's love for you, and + your heart will be enflamed with love for Him. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD of mercy and love, I thank + Thee from all my heart for the countless graces which + Thy infinite love has bestowed on me. By the ardent + love which the Holy Helpers had for Thee, I implore + Thee to enkindle in my heart the flame of Thy love, so + that I may remain in Thee and Thou in me. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_6" id="all_helpers_6">SIXTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + The Virtue of Charity + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">C</font>HARITY is one of the + fundamental virtues of the Christian religion. The + moral doctrine preached by Christ is comprised in the + words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole + heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole + mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. + And the second is like to this. Thou shalt love thy + neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments + dependeth the whole law and the prophets" (<i>Matt.</i> + xxii. 37-40). + </p> + <p> + As in everything else, the Holy Helpers are our + exemplars also in charity. Charity consists in wishing + well to our fellow-men, rejoicing with the glad and + sympathizing with the sad, doing good to all, excusing + their faults whenever possible, disclosing them only + when necessary, being friendly, indulgent, meek, and + helpful toward them. We love our neighbor if we succor + the poor and distressed, if we harbor no envy for the + rich, if we esteem the just for their virtue, and + hate—not the sinner—but sin. We love our + neighbor if we are not content with harboring these + sentiments in our heart, but show them by our actions. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">E</font>NDEAVOR to exercise this + charity according to the spirit of Christ. The love of + your neighbor must not be a sentimental affection; it + must not originate in casual qualities of character or + rank, in inclination, etc., but must have the love of + God for its motive. We must exercise charity toward all + because God wills it, and in the manner in which He + wills it. "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD of charity, who dost will + that I love my neighbor for Thy sake, grant me the + grace, through the intercession of the Holy Helpers, to + be animated with that spirit of charity which embraces + all and excludes none, which "is patient, kind, envieth + not, dealeth not perversely, is not puffed up, is not + ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to + anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity, but + rejoiceth with the truth, beareth all things, believeth + all things, endureth all things, and never falleth + away" (1 <i>Cor.</i> xiii. 4-8). Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_7" id="all_helpers_7">SEVENTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Human Respect + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>Y THE conscientious fulfilment + of the duties of their state of life the Holy Helpers + show us that the will of God alone was the motive of + all their actions. Human respect, regard for the + opinion of others, did not influence them. + </p> + <p> + The cowardly fear, "What will people say?" was the ruin + of many a soul. The enemy of mankind is ever intent + upon preventing us from doing good through human + respect. He insinuates that virtue and piety are out of + date and ridiculed. From human respect many a person + boasts of that which ought to make him blush; he thinks + it discreditable to be less remiss in his religious + obligations than others. Ought the opinion and ridicule + of the world influence us to prevent our pleasing God? + St. Paul says: "If I yet pleased men, I should not be + the servant of Christ" (<i>Gal.</i> i. 10). Our Lord + Himself tells us, "He that shall deny Me before men, I + will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven" + (<i>Matt.</i> x. 33). + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>UR Lord says: "So let your + light shine before men, that they may see your good + works and glorify your Father who is in heaven" + (<i>Matt.</i> v. 16). Do not stray from the path of + duty on account of human respect; do not let yourself + be influenced by the judgments of the world. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ERCIFUL God, who gavest the + Holy Helpers the grace to fulfil Thy will regardless of + human respect; grant that we may obtain through their + intercession and merits the courage to despise the + opinion of men, and ever serve Thee with a fearless + heart. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_8" id="all_helpers_8">EIGHTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Prayer + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Holy Helpers, well knowing + the efficacy of prayer, assiduously devoted themselves + to it. From it they drew that wonderful strength which + sustained them in their combat for the Faith. + </p> + <p> + Prayer is the elevation of the mind to God, intercourse + with Him by acts of adoration, praise, thanksgiving, + and petition. St. Chrysostom says of prayer: "Without + prayer it is impossible to lead a good life; for no one + can practise virtue except he humbly implores God for + it, who alone can give him the necessary strength. Who + ceases to love and practise prayer, no longer possesses + the gifts of the Spirit. But he that perseveres in the + service of God, and deems it an irreparable loss to + miss constant prayer, possesses every virtue and is a + friend of God." + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>FFER yourself at the beginning + of each day to God, and thereby you will belong to Him + throughout its whole course. Renew your consecration to + Him frequently during the day by short acts of virtue + and especially by a good intention, thus rendering all + your work a prayer, and you will attain perfection. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, I implore Thee through + the merits and intercession of the Holy Helpers, to + grant me the spirit of prayer, that following their + example I may walk in Thy presence and ever enjoy the + consolation of intercourse with Thee. Through Christ + our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="all_helpers_9" id="all_helpers_9">NINTH + DAY</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Perseverance + </h2> + <p> + <a href="#prep_all_helpers">Preparatory Prayer (p. + 237).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + MEDITATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font> VICTORIOUS death was the + reward of the Holy Helpers' perseverance in the service + of God. During this novena you have, no doubt, formed + many good resolutions, exclaiming with the Royal + Prophet, "And I said, now I have begun" (<i>Ps.</i> + lxxvi. 11). But it happens that many, despite their + good will, become remiss in the pursuit of virtue. + Satan is assiduously trying to accomplish their ruin, + representing to them and exaggerating the difficulties + to be encountered on the path of virtue. They hesitate, + falter, and finally turn back. This is the most + unfortunate happening that can occur. Of the condition + of such a one Our Lord Himself says: "When the unclean + spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through places + without water, seeking rest; and not finding, he saith: + 'I will return into my house whence I came out.' And + when he is come, he findeth it swept and garnished. + Then he goeth and taketh with him seven spirits more + wicked than himself, and entering in they dwell there. + And the last state of that man becometh worse than the + first" (<i>Luke</i> xi. 24-26). Are these words not a + sufficient warning to encourage us to persevere in our + good resolves? + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/assumption_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/assumption.jpg" alt= + "Assumption of the Blessed Virgin into Heaven"></a><br> + ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN INTO HEAVEN. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PRACTICE + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>N concluding this novena, + survey again the depth of that incomprehensible + eternity which is awaiting you. Contemplate in spirit + the endless chain of centuries following each other + there in reward or in punishment. Does this thought not + banish all the difficulties of perseverance? + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, whose mercies are + infinite and whose goodness is without limit, I beseech + Thee through the merits and intercession of the Holy + Helpers, grant me the grace of perseverance in Thy love + and service to the end. Thou, who dost dispense so many + favors through the Holy Helpers, despise not my prayer, + but graciously hear and grant it. Amen. + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_all_helpers">Litany and Prayers (p + 240).</a> + </p> + <p align="center"> + CONCLUDING PRAYER + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> FAITHFUL servants of God and + powerful protectors of man, Holy Helpers! Since Our + Lord appointed you the heavenly advocates for our needs + on earth, I confidently turn to you for help in my + distress. Countless numbers praise you for aiding them + with counsel in doubt, with consolation in anxiety, + with health in illness, with safety in danger, with + delivery from prison, and with help and assistance in + all tribulations. Therefore I, too, have recourse to + you, and implore you not to refuse me your aid. + </p> + <p> + Give thanks to God for me for all the graces He granted + me during this novena. I ascribe them to your great + merits and powerful intercession. I thank you all + together, and each one in particular, for your interest + in my favor before the throne of God. I commend myself + to your continued protection, that I may one day be + united with you in heaven, there to thank the Giver of + all good things and to praise Him for all eternity. + Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + Prayers of Petition and Intercession + </h1><br> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession1" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession1">I. Three Invocations</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">1. G</font>REAT friends of God, Holy + Helpers, humbly saluting and venerating you, I implore + your help and intercession. Bring my prayers before the + throne of the Most Holy Trinity, so that I may + experience in all the difficulties and trials of life + the mercy of the eternal Father, the love of the + incarnate divine Son, and the assistance of the Holy + Ghost; that despondency may not depress me when God's + wise decree imposes on my shoulders a heavy burden. + Above all, I implore your assistance at the hour of + death. Help me then to gain the victory over the + temptations and assaults of Satan, and to leave this + world hopefully trusting in God's mercy, to join you in + heaven, there to praise Him for ever and ever. Amen. + </p> + <p> + 2. With confiding trust I turn to you, Holy Helpers, + who were selected by God before many other saints to be + the special intercessors and advocates of the + distressed. Obtain for me strength and courage to + struggle and suffer on earth for the glory of God, for + the propagation of our holy faith, and for my own + perfection. You are fruitful branches of the true and + living vine, Jesus Christ, for whom you heroically + suffered hunger and thirst, persecution and ignominy, + afflictions and adversity, tortures and death. Here on + earth you were true disciples and dauntless martyrs of + Christ. Assist me to follow your example and to suffer + for His sake, so that I may not be parted from Him as a + useless member, but persevere in His service despite + all trials and tribulations of life. Knowing my + inconstancy and weakness, I have recourse to you, O + glorious members of the Church triumphant, and implore + you to support my feeble prayers, and to bear them + before the throne of the Almighty, who, for your sake, + will hear them. Amen. + </p> + <p> + 3. Great friends and servants of God, Holy Helpers! + Humbly saluting and venerating you, I implore your help + and intercession. God has promised and granted that + whosoever invokes your aid shall be relieved in his + needs and succored at the hour of death. Therefore I + have recourse to you and confidently implore your aid. + I am surrounded by difficulties and my soul is + oppressed with grief. Burdened with sins, the fear of + God's rigorous judgment appalls me, whilst Satan ceases + not to exert all his power to accomplish my eternal + ruin. + </p> + <p> + Therefore I implore your assistance, powerful Holy + Helpers, in my dire distress. By the penitential life + you led, by the cruel tortures you suffered, and by + your holy death I entreat you to pray for me. Obtain + for me the remission of my sins and perseverance to the + end in God's grace. Assist me in my agony and protect + me against the wily assaults of Satan, that through + your help I may die a happy death and enter a blissful + eternity. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession2" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession2">II. Prayer in Illness</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">C</font>OMPASSIONATE Holy Helpers, who + restored health to so many through the power of the + name of Jesus; behold me suffering from bodily illness + and from wounds of the soul. Implore the kind, merciful + Good Samaritan, your and my Lord Jesus Christ, to heal + the wounds of my soul by washing them in His most + precious blood, and to quicken my spirit by His + sanctifying grace. If it, then, be God's holy will and + for the welfare of my soul, let me experience the + powerful effect of your intercession, that, restored to + health, I may serve God with greater fervor, and + promote your veneration together with so many who + experienced your help in illness and suffering. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession3" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession3">III. Prayer for the + Sick</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ERCIFUL Holy Helpers, look + benignly upon me, who implore your intercession for a + sick person. Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ, who + Himself went about healing and doing good, appointed + you the special protectors and intercessors of the + sick, and restored to bodily and spiritual health many + for whom you prayed. Encouraged thereby to invoke you, + I implore you to offer up to His sacred Heart all the + pains and torments He suffered during His bitter + passion. Offer up to Him also your own sufferings for + God's glory, which you underwent during life, and in + death; offer up to Him all the anguish and distress + suffered by the sick person for whom I invoke your + intercession. Ask Him to restore him to health of body, + and to infuse into his soul the grace of salvation, so + that he may devote his life with renewed vigor to the + service of God and to the fulfilment of his duties, and + thereby gather rich merits for eternity. + </p> + <p> + But if God, in the designs of His providence, should + otherwise dispose, implore for the sick person patience + in his illness, resignation to the divine will, and the + grace of a happy death. Assist him in his agony, and + conduct his soul to the throne of the Almighty. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession4" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession4">IV. Prayer of Parents for + Their Children</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY Helpers, assist me to give + thanks to God for blessing me with children. Having + received them from Him, it is my duty to train them for + His service. Therefore I commend them to your special + protection. Guard them from sin, help them to know and + fulfil their duties, preserve them from all harm of + body and soul; pray for them that they may be and + remain children of God, For me, obtain the grace always + to take good care of them, to edify them by good + example, to punish their faults wisely, to preserve + their innocence, and to instruct them unto piety, so + that they and I may together enjoy the eternal + happiness of heaven. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession5" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession5">V. Prayer of Children for + Their Parents</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY Helpers, mighty + intercessors with God in all necessities; God strictly + commanded that children should love, honor, and obey + their parents. Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ + Himself gave them the example of submission and + obedience by being subject to His mother and + foster-father. I commend myself to your powerful + intercession and implore you to obtain for me the grace + to follow His example. For my parents I implore + protection from all evil of body and soul, a long and + prosperous life, and a happy death. Reward them for all + the care, anxiety, labor, and trouble which they + underwent patiently for my sake with the eternal crown + of heavenly glory. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="holy_helpers_intercession6" id= + "holy_helpers_intercession6">VI. Prayer of Married + People</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY Helpers, powerful + intercessors at the throne of God, by whose providence + we were indissolubly joined in holy wedlock through the + sacramental bonds of matrimony; obtain for us, through + your intercession, the grace to dwell together in + mutual love and peace, and to fulfil faithfully the + duties of our state of life; that following the example + of the saints and elect who lived in wedlock, we may + merit God's grace and blessing by a virtuous life here + on earth, and united in heaven praise and bless Him for + ever. Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + PART V + </h1> + <h2> + General Devotions + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon Him, to + all that call upon Him in truth. He will do the will of + them that fear Him, and He will bear their prayer and + save them" (<i>Ps.</i> cxliv. 18, 19). + </h2><br> + <h2> + "Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, instant in + prayer" (<i>Rom.</i> xii. 12). + </h2><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="morning_prayers" id="morning_prayers">Morning + Prayers</a> + </h1> + <p> + On awaking, sign yourself with the sign of the cross, + saying: + </p> + <p> + <img src="images/cross.jpg" alt="cross"> <font size= + "+3">I</font>N THE name of the Father, and of the Son, + and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. + </p> + <p> + I rise in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, who + redeemed me by His precious blood. Bless, guide, and + protect me from all evil, O Lord! Strengthen me to all + good and lead me to eternal life. Amen. + </p> + <p> + After dressing, kneel and say: + </p> + <p> + My Lord and my God! I prostrate myself before the + throne of Thy divine Majesty, and give Thee infinite + thanks, O Lord, that I have passed this night safely + and have not died in my sins, but was preserved by Thy + bounty for Thy further service. + </p> + <p> + I offer up to Thee all that I shall do and suffer + to-day, and unite it with the prayers, labors, and + sufferings of Our Lord Jesus Christ and of His blessed + Mother Mary. + </p> + <p align="center"> + OFFERING + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>AKE, O Lord, and receive all my + liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my whole + will. Thou hast given me all that I am and all that I + possess; I surrender it all to Thee that Thou mayest + dispose of it according to Thy will. Give me only Thy + love and Thy grace; with these I will be rich enough, + and will have no more to desire. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, May 26, + 1883.) + </p> + <h2> + Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y LORD and God! I most firmly + believe all that Thou hast revealed and all that Thy + holy Church believes and teaches, because Thou, who art + infallible Truth, hast so revealed and commanded. + </p> + <p> + My Lord and God! Because Thou art almighty, infinitely + good and merciful, I hope that by the merits of the + passion and death of Jesus Christ, our Saviour, Thou + wilt grant me eternal life, which Thou hast promised to + all who shall do the works of a good Christian, as I + purpose to do by Thy help. + </p> + <p> + My Lord and God! Because Thou art the highest and most + perfect good, I love Thee with my whole heart, and + above all things; and rather than offend Thee, I am + ready to lose all things else; and for Thy love, I love + and desire to love my neighbor as myself. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) A plenary indulgence, once a month, for + devoutly making these acts daily; under the usual + conditions. (2) A plenary indulgence at the hour of + death, under the same conditions. (3) Seven years and + seven quarantines, every time. (Benedict XIV, January + 28, 1728.) The same Pope declared that it is not + necessary to use any set formula, but that any form of + words may be used, provided it expresses the particular + motive of each of the three theological virtues. + </p> + <h2> + To the Blessed Virgin Mary + </h2> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y QUEEN, my Mother! I give + myself entirely to thee; and to show my devotion to + thee I consecrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears, my + mouth, my heart, my whole being, without reserve. + Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, + guard me, as thy property and possession. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 100 days, once a day. (2) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, for saying it every day; + under the usual conditions. (Pius IX, Aug. 5, 1851.) + </p> + <h2> + To the Angel Guardian + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>NGEL of God, my guardian + dear,<br> + To whom His love committed me here,<br> + Ever this day be at my side,<br> + To light and guard, to rule and guide! Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 100 days, every time. (2) A plenary + indulgence on the feast of the holy Guardian Angels, + for saying it morning and evening throughout the year; + under the usual conditions. (3) A plenary indulgence at + the hour of death, for saying it often during life. + (Pius VI, Oct 2, 1795, and June 11, 1796.) (4) A + plenary indulgence, once a month, for saying it daily; + under the usual conditions. (Pius VII, May 15, 1821.) + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="evening_prayers" id="evening_prayers">Evening + Prayers</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">E</font>TERNAL and merciful God! I + adore Thee and give Thee thanks for all the graces and + benefits which Thou hast conferred upon me during my + whole life, and particularly during this day. May the + saints and elect, especially the Holy Helpers, praise + and thank Thee for me. + </p> + <p> + Enlighten me now through Thy holy Spirit, and let me + know whether and how I have offended Thee to-day in + thought, word, deed, and omission of duty. + </p> + <p> + Examine your conscience. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Contrition + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY God! I am deeply sorry for + all my sins, for those I committed to-day, and for + those of my whole life, because thereby I offended Thy + supreme and most loving goodness. Pardon me for the + sake of Jesus, Thy Son, who shed His most precious + blood on the cross for our sins. With the help of Thy + grace, I firmly resolve to amend my life, and rather to + die than again offend Thee by a mortal sin. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PETITION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">P</font>ROTECT me and mine and all men + during this night, and through the intercession of the + blessed Virgin Mary and of the Holy Helpers preserve us + from all dangers of body and soul. Keep away from us + sickness, fire, and calamities of every kind. Protect + us against the assaults of the wicked and of Satan. + Into Thy hands I commend my body and soul; let me rest + in Thy most holy wounds. + </p> + <p> + Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this habitation, and + repel from it all the snares of the enemy; let Thy holy + angels dwell herein to preserve us in peace, and may + Thy blessings be upon us for ever. Through Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + To the Sacred Heart of Jesus + </h2> + <p align="center"> + (<i>Prayer of St Alphonsus.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>DORABLE Heart of my Jesus, + Heart created expressly for the love of men! Until now + I have shown toward Thee only ingratitude. Pardon me, O + my Jesus! Heart of my Jesus, abyss of love and of + mercy, how is it possible that I do not die of sorrow + when I reflect on Thy goodness to me and my ingratitude + to Thee? Thou, my Creator, after having created me, + hast given Thy blood and Thy life for me; and, not + content with this, Thou hast invented a means of + offering Thyself up every day for me in the Holy + Eucharist, exposing Thyself to a thousand insults and + outrages. O Jesus, do Thou wound my heart with a great + contrition for my sins, and a lively love for Thee. + Through Thy tears and Thy blood give me the grace of + perseverance in Thy fervent love until I breathe my + last sigh. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + To the Blessed Virgin Mary + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">R</font>EMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin + Mary, that never was it known that any one who fled to + thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy + intercession, was left unaided. Inspired with this + confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my + Mother! To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and + sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not + my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 300 days, every time, (2) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, for having said it daily; + under the usual conditions. (Pius IX, December 11, + 1846.) + </p> + <p> + <a href="#litany_of_loreto">Litany of Loreto (p. + 322).</a> + </p> + <h2> + To St. Joseph + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">G</font>UARDIAN of virgins and father, + holy Joseph, to whose faithful care Christ Jesus, very + innocence, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed; + I pray and beg of thee by these dear pledges, Jesus and + Mary, free me from all uncleanness, and make me with + spotless mind, pure heart, and chaste body, ever most + chastely to serve Jesus and Mary all the days of my + life. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Pius IX, Feb. 4, + 1877.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/crowning_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/crowning.jpg" alt= + "The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin in Heaven"></a><br> + THE CROWNING OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN IN HEAVEN. + </p> + <h2> + Before Retiring + </h2> + <p align="center"> + (<i>Prayer of St. Alphonsus.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y LORD and God Jesus Christ! I + adore Thee and give Thee thanks for all the graces + which Thou hast granted me to-day. I offer up to Thee + my rest and every moment of this night, and implore + Thee to preserve me from all sin. Therefore I place + myself into the wound of Thy sacred side, and beneath + the protecting mantle of my Mother Mary. May Thy holy + angels assist me and watch over my peace, and may Thy + holy blessing remain with me. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 60 days, once a day, also for the souls in + purgatory. (Leo XIII, June 30, 1898.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS, Mary, and Joseph, I give + you my heart and my soul. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. + </p> + <p> + Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in + peace with you. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days for the recital of any one of + these invocations, 300 days for all three. (Pius VII, + Aug. 26, 1814.) + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="prayers_at_mass" id="prayers_at_mass">Prayers + at Holy Mass</a> + </h1> + <h2> + Preparatory Prayer + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY and eternal God! I + appear in Thy presence to assist at the most holy + sacrifice of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, Thy + Son, my Redeemer, and to offer it up jointly with the + priest and the faithful here present, in grateful + remembrance of His passion and death, for the promotion + of Thy glory, and for my salvation. Together with all + the holy Masses that are celebrated throughout the + world, I offer up this august sacrifice for the + following intentions: To adore Thee, O my God, as Thou + dost deserve to be adored; to give Thee due thanks for + the innumerable benefits which I owe to Thy bounty; to + make reparation for the many offenses I have committed; + to appease Thy just anger, and to invoke Thy infinite + mercy for me, for Thy holy Church, for the whole world, + and for the souls in purgatory. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + At the Beginning of Mass + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> HEAVENLY Father! Hear the + prayer of Thy holy Church invoking Thy divine Majesty + in the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to come to the + aid of Thy children in all their needs. Turn not from + us Thy gracious eyes, but deliver us from all evil, so + that we may live to please Thee, die in Thy love, and + enter the kingdom of glory. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + At the Gospel + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY God, Thou source of all + truth, holiness, and justice; having spoken in the Old + Law by the mouth of Thy prophets, Thou spokest in the + fulness of time through Thy divine Son Jesus Christ, + and speakest now through Thy holy Church, appointed by + Thee the Teacher of truth. We thank Thee for the saving + doctrines entrusted to her for our good, and implore + Thy grace to practise them and to please Thee by all + our actions. + </p> + <h2> + At the Credo + </h2> + <p> + Say the Apostles' Creed. + </p> + <h2> + At the Offering + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY and eternal God! Look + graciously on the forms of bread and wine offered up to + Thee on the altar by the priest, imploring Thee to + bless and sanctify them for the eucharistic sacrifice + of the New Law. With this sacrifice, O my God, I offer + up to Thee my heart with all its affections, desires, + and inclinations. Sanctify my thoughts, words, and + deeds, that they may become a sacrifice acceptable and + pleasing to Thee. + </p> + <h2> + At the Preface + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>O THEE, O Lord, I raise my + heart in gratitude for all Thy mercies. For truly meet + and just, right and salutary is it for us to give Thee + always and everywhere praise and thanks, O holy Lord, + almighty Father and eternal God, through Christ our + Lord; through whom the angels and archangels, the + cherubs and the seraphs praise Thy majesty and adore + Thy might. With them I unite my voice, joining in their + hymns of praise, and saying: + </p> + <h2> + At the Sanctus + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY, holy, holy, Lord, God of + hosts. Heaven and earth are filled with Thy glory. + Hosanna in the highest. + </p> + <p> + Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. + Hosanna in the highest. + </p> + <h2> + At the Canon + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD! Let my prayer be + acceptable to Thee, and graciously hear the + intercession which I make confiding in the virtue of + this holy sacrifice. I commend to Thy mercy our holy + Father, N., our bishop, N., and all bishops and priests + of Thy holy Church. Let Thy kingdom be spread more and + more all over the earth; grant peace and concord to the + nations; protect our country; preserve peace and love + in all families. Remember graciously my parents, + brothers, sisters, and relatives, my benefactors, my + enemies, and all for whom I am in justice or charity + bound to pray. + </p> + <h2> + At the Elevation + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>AIL, thou body of my Saviour, + conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of Mary the + immaculate Virgin! With profound humility I adore Thee. + Lord, have mercy on me! + </p> + <p> + Eternal Father, I offer Thee the precious blood of + Jesus, in satisfaction for my sins, and for the wants + of holy Church. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days, every time. (Pius VII, Sept. 22, + 1817.) + </p> + <h2> + After the Elevation + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>OST amiable Jesus! Thou art now + present on the altar, God and man, really, truly, and + essentially. Divine victim for our sins, have mercy on + us! Be our mediator with Thy Father; avert from us the + punishment we have deserved for our sins, deliver us + from all dangers that threaten us, and from all evil. + Promote the welfare of Thy Church, and remember in Thy + mercy those who have gone before us with the sign of + faith and rest in peace. (<i>Remember the departed for + whom you intend to pray.</i>) + </p> + <p> + To these, O Lord, and to all that sleep in Christ, + grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, + and peace. + </p> + <p> + Also to us sinners, Thy servants, confiding in the + multitude of Thy mercies, grant some part and + fellowship with Thy saints, through whose intercession + we invoke Thy favor, and into whose company we beseech + Thee to admit us, not in consideration of our merit, + but of Thy own pardon. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + At the Pater Noster + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>NSTRUCTED by Thy saving + precepts and following Thy divine directions, we + presume to say: + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. + </p> + <h2> + At the Agnus Dei + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>AMB of God, who takest away the + sins of the world, have mercy on us. + </p> + <p> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, + have mercy on us. + </p> + <p> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, + give us peace. + </p> + <h2> + At Communion + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, I am not worthy that Thou + shouldst enter under my roof; say but the word, and my + soul shall be healed. (<i>Three times.</i>) + </p> + <h2> + Spiritual Communion + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, I firmly believe that + Thou art truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. I see + Thee therein full of love, willing to pardon us, + anxious to be united with us. I wish most earnestly to + respond to this Thy desire and love. I detest all the + sins by which I have ever displeased Thee. Pardon me, O + Lord! I desire to receive Thee into my heart, and since + I now can not receive Thee sacramentally, come at least + spiritually to me. + </p> + <p> + I embrace Thee, I unite myself with Thee as if Thou + wert really present in my heart. With all my love I + cling to Thee. Preserve me from sin, that I may never + be separated from Thee, but remain united with Thee for + ever. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 60 days, once a day. Also for the suffering + souls. (Leo XIII, June 30, 1893.) + </p> + <h2> + At the Blessing + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>LESS me, O Lord, by the hand of + Thy priest, and let the power of this blessing remain + upon me for ever. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + At the Last Gospel + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, incarnate Word of the + eternal Father, Thou true light which enlightens the + world! I give thanks to Thee at all times for having + dwelt among us, the only-begotten Son of the Father, + full of grace and truth. Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="prayers_after_mass" id= + "prayers_after_mass">Prayers after Mass</a> + </h1> + <p> + Hail Mary, etc. (<i>Three times.</i>) + </p> + <h2> + Salve Regina + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>AIL, holy queen, Mother of + mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee + do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we + send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of + tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of + mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us + the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O + loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! + </p> + <p> + V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. + </p> + <p> + R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of + Christ. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let Us Pray.</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, our refuge and our + strength! Look down with favor upon Thy people crying + to Thee; and through the intercession of the glorious + and immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of God, of her + spouse, blessed Joseph, of thy holy apostles Peter and + Paul, and all Thy saints, mercifully and graciously + hear the prayers which we pour forth to Thee for the + conversion of sinners and for the liberty and + exaltation of holy mother Church. Through Christ our + Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + St. Michael the archangel, defend us in battle; be our + protection against the malice and snares of the devil. + Command him, O God, we humbly beseech Thee, and do + thou, O prince of the heavenly hosts, by the divine + power, cast into hell Satan and the other evil spirits + who roam through the world seeking the ruin of souls. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days. (Leo XIII, September 25, 1888.) + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="confession_prayers" id= + "confession_prayers">Prayers for Confession</a> + </h1> + <h2> + <a name="bcon" id="bcon">Before Confession</a> + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ERCIFUL God! I give infinite + thanks to Thee for the many and great graces Thou hast + bestowed upon me during my whole life. Would that I had + never been ungrateful to Thee, that I never had + offended Thee. But I have sinned exceedingly and often, + and have done so again since my last confession. + Therefore I come to Thee, imploring Thee in profoundest + humility to give me Thy light and Thy grace, that I may + know and acknowledge all my sins, faults, and + transgressions, be truly sorry for them, sincerely + confess them, do penance, and amend my life; for Thy + greater glory and for the salvation of my soul. + </p> + <p> + Examine your conscience. + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>UPREME God and Lord! A poor + sinner, I cast myself at the throne of Thy divine + Majesty, and contritely confess that I have sinned in + thought, word, and deed, and through the omission of my + duties. I am heartily sorry that I was ungrateful to + Thee and have deserved to be punished in this life and + in the life to come. Above all I am sorry because by my + sins I have offended Thee, my supreme and infinite God, + who art worthy to be loved and honored above all else + for Thy supreme goodness and mercy. I detest and abhor + my sins above all other evils, and wish I had never + committed them. Humbly I implore Thy pardon, and + confidently hope to obtain it through the merits of the + blood of Jesus Christ shed for us poor sinners, and + through those of the Blessed Virgin Mary, of the Holy + Helpers, and of all the saints. + </p> + <p> + I firmly purpose to amend my life, to avoid all + occasions of sin, to use the means for conquering my + passions, and to practise virtue by ordering my life + according to Thy divine will and pleasure, and rather + to die than to offend Thee again, my God and Lord. I am + now ready to make reparation to Thy divine Justice for + all the offenses of which I have been guilty against + Thee, as far as is in my power. Therefore I will + confess my sins sincerely, contritely, fully, and + perform the penance imposed upon me. + </p> + <p> + Before entering the confessional. + </p> + <p> + The Lord be in my heart and on my lips that I may + worthily and competently confess my sins. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="acon" id="acon">After Confession</a> + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD of infinite mercy! I give + Thee due thanks, and praise Thee for having admitted me + to the confession of my sins and for having, through + Thy minister, granted me absolution for them. I implore + Thee by the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, of Mary, + His most blessed Mother, of the Holy Helpers, and of + all the saints, to accept my confession, and in Thy + infinite mercy to condone and amend all the defects and + faults I committed in making it, and to ratify in + heaven the absolution I received on earth. + </p> + <p> + O my Jesus! How blind I was in not knowing Thee and + preferring transitory beauty and earthly attractions to + Thy grace and love, and thereby offending Thee! Now I + acknowledge my fault, and am convinced that it is my + duty and privilege to love Thee above all things. Too + late I have learned it, but I shall zealously strive to + make reparation for my past neglect. Therefore I + renounce the pleasures, vanities, and joys of this + deceitful world, and abhor sin and all that leads to + it. In the future nothing shall ever part me from Thy + love. From this moment on I am resolved nevermore to + offend Thee. Confirm, O Jesus, this my resolution, and + with Thy almighty power strengthen my frailty. Seal my + purpose of amendment with the bestowal of Thy grace, + and preserve me in Thy grace and love unto the end. + Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="communion_prayers" id= + "communion_prayers">Prayers for Holy Communion</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + <a name="bcom" id="bcom">BEFORE COMMUNION</a> + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Faith + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y LORD and Saviour Jesus + Christ! I firmly believe that Thou art really present + in the Blessed Sacrament. I believe it contains Thy + body and blood, Thy soul and divinity. I acknowledge + these truths, I believe these wonders. I adore Thy + power which has wrought them; I praise Thy infinite + goodness which has prepared them for me. "I will praise + Thee, my God, with my whole heart, and will recount all + Thy admirable works; I will rejoice in Thee, and bless + Thy holy name" (<i>Ps.</i> ix. 2, 3). In this faith, + and with this acknowledgment, I presume to approach + this adorable banquet, wherein Thou bestowest on me the + divine food of Thy body and blood to nourish my soul. + Grant, O Jesus, that I may approach Thee with such a + sense of reverence and humility as is due to Thy divine + Majesty. Who am I, O God, that Thou shouldst work such + wonders for my sake? Grant, O Lord, that I be not + altogether unworthy of them, and that I may now receive + Thee with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and a + sincere and lively faith. Pardon my sins, which have + rendered me most unworthy to approach Thee. I detest + them from the bottom of my heart, because they are + displeasing to Thee, my God. I renounce them for ever, + and promise to be faithful to Thee. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Hope + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>N THEE, sweet Jesus, I place + all my hope, because Thou alone art my salvation, my + strength, my refuge, and the foundation of all my + happiness. Were it not for the confidence I place in + Thy merits, and in the precious blood Thou didst shed + for my redemption, I would not presume to partake of + this banquet. Encouraged, therefore, by Thy goodness, I + come to Thee as one sick to his physician, as a + condemned criminal to his powerful intercessor. Heal me + as my physician, and as my powerful advocate deliver me + from the sentence of sin and death. It is in Thy mercy + that I put all my trust. Have pity, therefore, O Jesus, + on me, and save me, for Thou forsakest none that place + their hope in Thee. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Love + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> DIVINE Redeemer, how strong + was the force of Thy love, that, being about to depart + from this world to Thy eternal Father, Thou didst + provide for us this divine banquet, enriched with all + heavenly sweetness! It was through an excess of Thy + love that Thou hast left us Thy body and blood for the + food and nourishment of our souls; that, as Thou didst + unite Thyself to our humanity, so we might be partakers + of Thy divinity. I desire to love Thee, my Jesus, who + art my only comfort in this place of banishment, the + only hope of my infirm soul, my happiness above all I + can enjoy in this life. I love Thee, my God, with my + whole heart, with my whole soul, and with all my mind + and strength. I wish that, as every moment is an + increase of my life, so it may also be of my love + toward Thee. I desire, with all the affections and + powers of my soul, that, as the inmost thanks are due + to Thee, so they may be returned to Thee by all the + faithful, for this divine food, which is our + refreshment, support, strength, armor, and defense in + all our miseries; and that my love may never cease, + inflame my heart with the fire of heaven, that it may + continue burning till, nature and corruption being + consumed, I may at length be transformed into Thee. + Come, O Lord, hasten to release me from the bonds of + sin, and prepare me for the blessing Thou art now about + to bestow on me. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Desire + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>Y LORD and Saviour, Jesus + Christ! "As the heart panteth after the fountains of + waters so my soul panteth after Thee, O God!" + (<i>Ps.</i> xlii. 1). Tired with my own evil ways, I + now return to Thee, to taste Thy banquet, that my soul + may be refreshed. I henceforth despise all human + consolations, that I may be comforted by Thee, my only + good, my God and Saviour, whom I love above all things + and desire to entertain within my heart with as much + devotion and affection as is conceived by Thy chosen + servants, who now sit at Thy table in celestial bliss. + And however I may have been wanting hitherto in my + duty, I now for ever renounce my folly and weakness, + and from my heart request that for the future my joy, + my relief, my treasure, and rest may be entirely + centered in Thee. May I never desire anything besides + Thee, and may all things seem contemptible and as + nothing without Thee, O my God! + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Fear + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY God and Saviour, it is with + fear and trembling that I approach Thy banquet, having + nothing to confide in but Thy goodness and mercy, being + of myself a sinner, destitute of all virtue. My soul + and body are defiled with many crimes, my thoughts and + tongue have been under no restraint. I have frequently + resolved to amend, and yet where do I remain but in the + midst of sin and vice? How little pains do I take to + recover from this misery and return to Thee, to whom I + have repeatedly promised to be faithful! These thoughts + cause me to fear that what Thou hast mercifully + ordained for my salvation, I should now receive to my + judgment and condemnation. In this wretched condition I + hasten to Thee; to Thee I expose all my wounds, to Thee + I disclose my depravity. Look, therefore, on me with + the eyes of compassion, and have mercy on me, O Lord + and Saviour! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/mother_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/mother.jpg" alt= + "The Mother of Our Saviour"></a><br> + THE MOTHER OF OUR SAVIOUR. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Humility + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> IMMENSE, almighty, and + incomprehensible God, who am I, that Thou shouldst + vouchsafe to come to be my food, and to take Thy + habitation within my soul? The consideration of Thy + greatness and my unworthiness penetrates me with awe + and confusion. With the utmost sincerity I can only + declare the extent of my misery, and admire that + infinite goodness which induces Thee to visit + personally the lowest and basest of Thy creatures. + Receive, then, Thy unworthy servant into the + compassionate arms of Thy mercy. Cast all my sins out + of Thy sight, and with the tenderness of a loving + father extend Thy arms to receive me; and let me + effectually experience the truth of Thy prophet's + words: "A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit; a + contrite and humble heart, O God, Thou wilt not + despise" (<i>Ps.</i> l. 19). + </p> + <p align="center"> + IMMEDIATELY BEFORE COMMUNION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, I am not worthy that Thou + shouldst enter under my roof: say but the word, and my + soul shall be healed. + </p> + <p> + The body of Our Lord Jesus Christ preserve my soul to + life everlasting. + </p><br> + <p align="center"> + <a name="acom" id="acom">AFTER COMMUNION</a> + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Thanksgiving + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, my God and Saviour! I + return Thee thanks for having, out of Thy pure mercy, + without any desert of mine, been pleased to feed my + soul with Thine own most sacred body and blood. Suffer + me sooner to be forgetful of myself than to be ever + unmindful of this great favor. Although I have hitherto + been ungrateful, with the help of Thy grace I shall be + so no more. But what return can I make Thee, being of + myself insolvent, indigent, and miserable? The + sacrifice of all that I am or have is not worthy to be + presented to Thee; but, behold I offer Thee Thyself, + and consider all my debts as abundantly discharged. May + Thy infinite mercy be for ever exalted for having given + me such an excellent means of repaying Thee to the + full. O that I could ever remember Thee, think of Thee, + ever love Thee alone! Imprint the memory of what Thou + didst for me so deeply in my heart, that I spend my + whole life in thanking Thee for all Thy benefits, but + especially for this banquet of Thy love. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Adoration + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">U</font>NDER the sacred veil of Thy + eucharistic presence, where Thy love of man conceals + the splendor of Thy majesty, I most humbly adore Thee, + O almighty God! The grandeur of the heavens is as + nothing in Thy sight; they shall perish, but Thou shalt + remain for ever. The earth Thou hast poised in Thy + hand. The ocean is before Thee but as a drop of water. + All nature bows and trembles in Thy presence. How, + then, shall I extol Thee, immortal King of glory? What + homage can I give in proportion to Thy greatness? Thou + art the perfect image of Thy Father's substance. Thou + art the splendor of His glory. Thou art His almighty + Word, supporting all things. Thee He has seated at His + right hand. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a + scepter of justice is the scepter of Thy reign. I bow + before Thy sacred Majesty. I acknowledge with the + sincerest gratitude that Thou art my redeemer, my + creator, the supreme arbiter of my eternal destiny. I + desire to humble myself as profoundly for Thy sake as + Thou art humbled for my love in the center of my soul, + and to consecrate to the glory of Thy name the whole + extent of my being. Amen. + </p> + <h2> + An Act of Oblation + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY Saviour! What pledge can I + give as an earnest of the gratitude I owe to Thee? I + have nothing worthy of Thee, and if I had, I have + nothing but what is Thine on several accounts. But such + is Thy goodness as to be content to accept from us what + is already Thine. Wherefore, behold, I offer to Thee my + body and soul, which are both now sanctified by the + honor of Thy divine presence. I consecrate them to Thee + for ever, since Thou hast chosen them for Thy temple; + my body to be continually employed in Thy service, and + nevermore to become an instrument of sin; my soul to + know Thee, to love Thee and be evermore faithful to + Thee. And as I am now resolved to serve Thee with body + and soul, I will take pains to correct their evil + inclinations. I will declare war against myself, + renounce my wonted pleasures, my delights, my passions, + my anger, my self-love, my pride, my own will, and, in + fine, whatever may offend Thee. + </p> + <h2> + Offering and Petition + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY God, I offer Thee this + holy communion in union with the superabundant merits + of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son, and the infinite love + of His adorable Heart; in union with the Blessed Virgin + and the ardent love of her immaculate heart; in union + with the Holy Helpers and all the happy souls who enjoy + Thy glorious vision in heaven, and with all the just on + earth. O my God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, present in + me in the eucharistic species; fill me with that lively + faith, profound humility, tender confidence, pure + conscience, and ardent love, with which so many happy + souls are inflamed in partaking of this sacred banquet, + and supply by Thy mercy all my deficiencies. I offer my + communion to render Thee the honor and glory which are + due to Thy infinite majesty; to satisfy Thy justice, + which I have provoked by my sins; to thank Thee for the + innumerable benefits which I have received from Thy + bounty; and to obtain from Thy infinite mercy the + graces necessary for me; particularly the grace to + subdue my predominant passion and to acquire the virtue + in which I am most deficient; but especially the grace + of a happy death. + </p> + <p> + I likewise offer my communion, O merciful Father, in + memory of the passion and death of Thy dear Son, my + divine Redeemer, to love Him with more ardor and + perfection; to participate in the merits of His labors + and sufferings; to acquire His spirit; to imitate His + virtues; to model my life on His, and to make His + adorable Heart a public reparation for all the + sacrilegious communions, irreverences, and profanations + which are committed against Him in this sacrament of + His love. I offer it to thank Thee, O God, for all the + graces Thou hast bestowed on mankind, particularly for + all those Thou hast conferred on Thy blessed Mother, on + all the angels and saints, especially on my guardian + angel, on my holy patron, and on the Holy Helpers. I + offer it, likewise, for the triumph of our holy + religion, for the exaltation of the Catholic Church, + for the conversion of infidels, heretics, schismatics, + and all those who are in the unhappy state of sin. Also + for the needs of my relatives, friends, benefactors, + and enemies; for the perseverance of the just, the + comfort of the afflicted, and the deliverance of the + souls in purgatory; in a word, for all those for whom I + am bound to pray; and I desire to enter into the + intentions requisite for gaining the indulgences + granted by the Church to-day for worthy communicants. + </p> + <p align="center"> + INVOCATIONS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>OUL of Christ, sanctify me!<br> + Body of Christ, save me!<br> + Blood of Christ, inebriate me!<br> + Water from the side of Christ, wash me!<br> + Passion of Christ, strengthen me!<br> + O good Jesus, hear me!<br> + Within Thy wounds, hide me!<br> + Permit me not to be separated from Thee!<br> + From the malignant enemy defend me!<br> + In the hour of my death call me!<br> + And bid me come to Thee,<br> + That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee<br> + For ever and ever. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence, (1) 300 days, every time. (2) 7 years, once + a day, after receiving communion. (3) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, to all who have the pious + custom of saying it at least once a day for a month; + under the usual conditions. (Pius IX, January 9, 1854.) + </p> + <h2> + Prayer to Jesus Crucified + </h2> + <p> + <img src="images/crucifix.jpg" alt= + "A crucifix"><font size="+3">L</font>OOK down upon me, + good and gentle Jesus, while before Thy face I humbly + kneel, and with burning soul pray and beseech Thee to + fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, + and charity, true contrition for my sins, and a firm + purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great + love and tender pity Thy five wounds, pondering over + them within me, and calling to mind the words which + David Thy prophet said of Thee, my Jesus: "They pierced + my hands and my feet; they numbered all my bones" + (<i>Ps.</i> xxi. 17, 18). + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. A plenary indulgence, under the usual + conditions, if said before an image or picture of the + crucified Redeemer, after holy communion. (Pius IX, + July 31, 1858.) + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="blessed_sacrament" id= + "blessed_sacrament">Visit to the Blessed Sacrament</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + (<i>Prayer of St. Alphonsus.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD Jesus Christ, who through + the love which Thou bearest to man, dost remain with + them day and night in this sacrament, full of mercy and + love, expecting, inviting, and receiving all who come + to visit Thee; I believe that Thou art present in the + Sacrament of the Altar. From the abyss of my + nothingness I adore Thee, and I thank Thee for all the + favors which Thou hast bestowed upon me, particularly + for having given me Thyself in this sacrament, for + having given me for my advocate Thy most holy Mother + Mary, and for having called me to visit Thee in this + church. + </p> + <p> + I this day salute Thy most loving Heart, and I wish to + salute it for three ends: first, in thanksgiving for + this great gift; second, in compensation for all the + injuries Thou hast received from Thy enemies in this + sacrament; third, I wish by this visit to adore Thee in + all places in which Thou art least honored and most + abandoned in this holy sacrament. My Jesus, I love Thee + with my whole heart. I am sorry for having hitherto + offended Thy infinite goodness. I purpose, with the + assistance of Thy grace, nevermore to offend Thee; and + at this moment, miserable as I am, I consecrate my + whole being to Thee. I give Thee my entire will, all my + affections and desires, and all that I have. From this + day forward, do what Thou wilt with me and with + whatsoever belongs to me. I ask and desire only Thy + holy love, the gift of final perseverance, and the + perfect accomplishment of Thy will. I recommend to Thee + the souls in purgatory, particularly those who were + most devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and to most holy + Mary; and I also recommend to Thee all poor sinners. + Finally, my dear Saviour, I unite all my affections + with the affections of Thy most loving Heart; and thus + united I offer them to Thy eternal Father, and I + entreat Him, in Thy name and for Thy sake, to accept + them. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 300 days, every time this prayer is + said before the Blessed Sacrament. (2) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, for saying it every day for a + month; under the usual conditions. (Pius IX, Sept. 7, + 1854.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="sacred_heart" id="sacred_heart">An Act of + Oblation to the Sacred Heart</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">D</font>IVINE Heart of my Jesus! I + adore Thee with all the powers of my soul, which I + consecrate to Thee for ever, with my thoughts, my + words, my works, and my whole self. I purpose to offer + to Thee, as far as I can, acts of adoration, love, and + glory, like unto those which Thou offerest to Thy + eternal Father. Be Thou, I beseech Thee, the repairer + of my transgressions, the protector of my life, my + refuge and asylum in the hour of death. By Thy sighs, + and by that sea of bitterness in which Thou wast + plunged for me throughout Thy whole mortal life, grant + me true contrition for my sins, contempt of earthly + things, a burning desire of eternal glory, trust in Thy + infinite merits, and final perseverance in Thy grace. + </p> + <p> + Heart of Jesus, all love! I offer Thee these humble + prayers for myself and for all who unite with me in + spirit to adore Thee. Vouchsafe out of Thy great + goodness to hear and answer them, chiefly for that one + among us who will first end this mortal life. Sweet + Heart of Jesus! pour into his heart, in his death + agony, Thine inward consolations; receive him within + Thy sacred wound; cleanse him from all stains in that + furnace of love, so that Thou mayest soon open to him + the gates of Thy eternal glory, there to intercede with + Thee for all those who tarry yet in this land of exile. + </p> + <p> + Most holy Heart of my most loving Jesus! For myself, a + wretched sinner, and for all who unite with me in + adoring Thee, I purpose to renew and offer to Thee + these acts of adoration and these prayers at every + moment and to the last instant of my life. I recommend + to Thee, my Jesus, our holy Church, Thy well-beloved + spouse and our true mother; the souls who are following + the path of justice, poor sinners, the afflicted, the + dying, all men on the face of the entire earth. Let not + Thy blood be shed in vain for them; and vouchsafe, + lastly, to apply it for the relief of the souls in + purgatory, and above all, for those who in life were + foremost in their devotion to Thee. + </p> + <p> + Most loving heart of Mary, which, amongst the hearts of + all God's creatures, is at once the purest and the most + inflamed with love for Jesus, and the most + compassionate toward us poor sinners, obtain for us + from the Heart of Jesus, our Redeemer, all graces which + we ask of thee. Mother of mercies, one throb, a single + beat of thy burning heart, offered by thee to the Heart + of Jesus, has power to console us to the full. Grant + us, then, this favor. And then the Heart of Jesus, + through the filial love He had for thee, and will ever + have, will not fail to hear and answer our request. + Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + DAILY OFFERING + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> LORD Jesus Christ! In union + with that divine intention, with which Thou, whilst on + earth, didst give praise to God through Thy most sacred + Heart, and which Thou dost still everywhere offer to + Him in the Holy Eucharist, even to the consummation of + the world; I, in imitation of the most sacred heart of + the ever-immaculate Virgin Mary, do most cheerfully + offer to Thee, during this entire day, all my thoughts + and intentions, all my affections and desires, my words + and all my works. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 100 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, Dec. 19, + 1885.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Ejaculation</i> + </p> + <p> + Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like + unto Thine! + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days, once a day. (Pius IX, January 25, + 1858.) + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a name="suffering_jesus" id="suffering_jesus">PRAYERS + TO JESUS SUFFERING</a> + </p> + <h1> + <a name="stations_of_the_cross" id= + "stations_of_the_cross">The Stations of the Cross</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + PREPARATORY PRAYER + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>OST merciful Jesus! With a + contrite heart and penitent spirit I bow down in + profound humility before Thy divine majesty. I adore + Thee as my supreme Lord and master; I believe in Thee, + I hope in Thee, I love Thee above all things. I am + heartily sorry for having offended Thee, my supreme and + only good. I resolve to amend my life; and though I am + unworthy to obtain mercy, yet the sight of Thy holy + cross, on which Thou didst die, inspires me with hope + and consolation. I will therefore meditate on Thy + sufferings, and visit the stations of Thy passion in + company with Thy sorrowful Mother and my guardian + angel, with the intention of promoting Thy glory and + saving my soul. + </p> + <p> + I desire to gain all the indulgences granted for this + exercise, for myself and for the suffering souls in + purgatory. O merciful Redeemer, who hast said; "And I, + if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all things + to myself," draw my heart and my love to Thee, that I + may perform this devotion as perfectly as possible, and + that I may live and die in union with Thee. Amen. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Before Every Station</i> + </p> + <p> + We adore Thee, O Christ, and praise Thee: Because by + Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>After Every Station</i> + </p> + <p> + Lord Jesus, crucified: Have mercy on us. + </p> + <h2> + First Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS, most innocent, who + neither did nor could commit sin, was condemned to + death, and, moreover, to the ignominious death of the + cross. To remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivered + Him to His enemies. A fearful crime—to condemn + innocence to death, and to offend God, in order not to + displease men. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> INNOCENT Jesus, having sinned + I am guilty of eternal death, but Thou dost willingly + accept the unjust sentence of death, that I might live. + For whom, then, shall I henceforth live, if not for + Thee, my Lord? Should I desire to please men, I could + not be Thy servant. Let me, therefore, rather displease + men and all the world than not please Thee, O Jesus. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Second Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS CARRIES HIS CROSS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>N BEHOLDING the cross, our + divine Saviour most willingly stretched out His + bleeding arms, lovingly embraced it, tenderly kissed + it, and placing it on His bruised shoulder, despite His + exhaustion joyfully carried it. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY Jesus, I can not be Thy + friend and follower if I refuse to carry the cross. O + dearly beloved cross, I embrace thee, I kiss thee, I + rejoice to receive thee from the hands of God. Far be + it from me to glory in anything save in the cross of my + Lord and Redeemer. By it the world shall be crucified + to me, and I to the world, that I may be Thine for + ever. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail, Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Third Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>UR dear Saviour carrying the + cross was so weakened by its heavy weight as to fall + exhausted to the ground. Our sins and misdeeds were the + heavy burden which oppressed Him; the cross was to Him + light and sweet, but our sins were galling and + insupportable. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY Jesus! Thou didst bear my + burden and the heavy weight of my sins. Should I, then, + not bear in union with Thee my easy burden of suffering + and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? Thy yoke + is sweet and Thy burden light; I therefore willingly + accept it. I will take up Thy cross and follow Thee. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Fourth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS MEETS HIS AFFLICTED MOTHER + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OW painful and how sad it must + have been for Mary, the sorrowful Mother, to behold her + beloved Son laden with the burden of the cross! What + unspeakable pangs her most tender heart experienced! + How earnestly she yearned to die instead of, or at + least with, Jesus! Implore this sorrowful Mother that + she assist you in the hour of your death. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, O Mary! I am the cause + of the great and manifold pains which pierce your + loving hearts. O that my heart also would feel and + experience at least some of your sufferings! O Mother + of sorrows, let me participate in the sufferings which + thou and thy Son endured for me, and let me experience + thy sorrow, that, afflicted with thee, I may enjoy thy + assistance in the hour of my death. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href= + "images/immaculateconception_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/immaculateconception.jpg" alt= + "The Immaculate Conception"></a><br> + THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION. + </p> + <h2> + Fifth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY THE CROSS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">S</font>IMON of Cyrene was compelled to + help Jesus carry His cross, and Jesus accepted His + assistance. How willingly He would permit you also to + carry the cross! He calls you, but you hear Him not; He + invites you, but you decline. What a reproach, to bear + the cross reluctantly! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS! Whosoever does not take + up His cross and follow Thee is not worthy of Thee. + Behold, I join Thee in the way of Thy cross; I will be + Thy assistant, following Thy footsteps, that I may come + to Thee in eternal life. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Sixth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>MPELLED by devotion and + compassion, Veronica presents her veil to Jesus to wipe + His disfigured face. And Jesus imprints on it His holy + countenance; a great recompense for so slight a + service. What return do you make to your Saviour for + His great and manifold benefits? + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>OST merciful Jesus! What return + shall I make for all the benefits Thou didst bestow on + me? Behold, I consecrate myself entirely to Thy + service. I offer and consecrate to Thee my heart. + Imprint upon it Thy sacred image, never to be effaced + again by sin. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Seventh Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS, suffering under the + weight of His cross, again falls to the ground; but His + cruel executioners do not permit Him to rest a moment. + Pushing and striking Him, they urge Him onward. It is + the frequent repetition of our sins which oppresses + Jesus. Witnessing this, how can I continue to sin? + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, son of David, have + mercy on me! Offer me Thy helping hand, and aid me that + I may not fall again into my former sins. From this + very moment I will earnestly strive to reform; + nevermore will I sin. Do Thou, O sole support of the + weak, by Thy grace, without which I can do nothing, + strengthen me to carry out faithfully this my + resolution. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Eighth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + THE DAUGHTERS OF JERUSALEM WEEP OVER JESUS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HESE devoted women, moved by + compassion, weep over the suffering Saviour. But He + turns to them, saying, "Weep not for Me, who am + innocent, but weep for yourselves and for your + children." Weep thou also; for there is nothing more + pleasing to Our Lord, and nothing more profitable for + thyself, than tears shed from contrition for thy sins. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, who shall give to my + eyes a torrent of tears, that day and night I may weep + for my sins? I beseech Thee through Thy bloody tears to + move my heart by Thy divine grace, so that from my eyes + tears may flow abundantly, and I may weep all days over + Thy sufferings, and still more over their cause, my + sins. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail, Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Ninth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS, arriving exhausted at the + foot of Calvary, falls for the third time to the + ground. His love for us is not exhausted, not + diminished. What a fearfully oppressive burden our sins + must be to cause Jesus to fall so often! Had He, + however, not taken them upon Himself, they would have + plunged us into the abyss of hell. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>OST merciful Jesus! I return + Thee infinite thanks for not permitting me to continue + in sin, and to fall, as I have so often deserved, into + the depths of hell. Enkindle in me an earnest desire of + amendment. Let me never again relapse, but vouchsafe me + Thy grace to persevere to the end of my life. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Tenth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>FTER arriving on Calvary, our + Saviour was cruelly despoiled of His garments. How + painful must this have been, because they adhered to + His wounded and torn body, and with them parts of His + bloody skin were removed! All the wounds of Jesus are + renewed. He is despoiled of His garments that He might + die possessed of nothing. How happy shall I die after + laying aside my former self with all evil inclinations + and desires! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>NDUCE me, O Jesus! to lay aside + my former self, and to be renewed according to Thy will + and desire. I will not spare myself, however painful + this should be for me; despoiled of things temporal, of + my own will, I desire to die, in order to live for Thee + for ever. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Eleventh Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS, being stripped of His + garments, was violently thrown upon the cross, and His + hands and feet were most cruelly nailed thereto. In + such excruciating torments He remained silent, because + it thus pleased His heavenly Father. He suffered + patiently because He suffered for us. How do I act in + suffering and affliction? How fretful and impatient, + how full of complaints I am! + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, gracious Lamb of God! I + renounce for ever my impatience. Crucify, O Lord, my + flesh and its concupiscences. Scorch, scathe, and + punish me in this world; do but spare me in the next! I + commit my destiny to Thee, resigning myself to Thy holy + will; may it be done in all things. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <h2> + Twelfth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS RAISED UPON THE CROSS, AND DIES + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>EHOLD Jesus crucified! Behold + the wounds He received for the love of you! His whole + appearance betokens love. His head is bent to kiss you; + His arms are extended to embrace you; His Heart is open + to receive you. O superabundance of love! Jesus, the + Son of God dies that man may live and be delivered from + everlasting death. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MOST amiable Jesus! Who will + grant me that I may die for love of Thee? I will at + least endeavor to die to the world. How must I regard + the world and its vanities, when I behold Thee hanging + on the cross, covered with wounds? O Jesus, receive me + into Thy wounded Heart; I belong entirely to Thee; for + Thee alone do I desire to live and to die. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc + </p> + <h2> + Thirteenth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS, AND PLACED IN THE + ARMS OF HIS MOTHER + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">J</font>ESUS did not descend from the + cross, but remained on it till after His death. And + when taken down from it, He, in death as in life, + rested on the bosom of His Mother. Persevere in your + resolutions of reform, and do not part from the cross; + he that persevereth to the end shall be saved. + Consider, moreover, how pure the heart should be that + receives the body and blood of Christ in the adorable + Sacrament of the Altar. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> LORD Jesus! Thy lifeless body, + mangled and torn, found a worthy resting-place on the + bosom of Thy virgin Mother. Have I not compelled Thee + often to dwell in my heart, full of sin and impurity as + it was? Create in me a new heart, that I may worthily + receive Thy most sacred body in holy communion, and + that Thou mayest remain in me, and I in Thee, for all + eternity. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc + </p> + <h2> + Fourteenth Station + </h2> + <p align="center"> + JESUS IS LAID IN THE SEPULCHER + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE body of Jesus is laid in a + stranger's tomb. He who in this world had not whereupon + to rest His head, would not even have a grave of His + own, because He was not of this world. You, who are so + attached to the world, henceforth despise it, that you + may not perish with it. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Prayer</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> JESUS, Thou hast set me apart + from the world; what, then, shall I seek therein? Thou + hast created me for heaven; what, then, have I to do + with the world? Depart from me, deceitful world, with + Thy vanities! Henceforth I will follow the way of the + cross traced out for me by my Redeemer, and journey + onward to my heavenly home, there to dwell for ever and + ever. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, etc. Hail Mary, etc. + </p> + <p align="center"> + CONCLUSION + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LMIGHTY and eternal God, + merciful Father, who hast given to the human race Thy + beloved Son as an example of humility, obedience, and + patience, to precede us on the way of life, bearing the + cross; graciously grant, that we, inflamed by His + infinite love, may take up the sweet yoke of His + Gospel, together with the mortification of the cross, + following Him as His true disciples, so that we shall + one day rise gloriously with Him, and joyfully hear the + final sentence: "Come, ye blessed of my Father, and + possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you + from the beginning," where Thou reignest with the + Father and the Holy Ghost, and where we hope to reign + with Thee throughout all eternity. Amen. + </p> + <h1> + <a name="suffering_redeemer" id= + "suffering_redeemer">Prayer to Our Suffering + Redeemer</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY Lord Jesus Christ! Who, to + redeem the world, didst vouchsafe to be born amongst + men, to be circumcised, to be rejected and persecuted + by the Jews, to be betrayed by the traitor Judas with a + kiss, and as a lamb, gentle and innocent, to be bound + with cords and dragged, in scorn, before the tribunals + of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, and Herod; who didst suffer + Thyself to be accused by false witnesses, to be torn by + the scourge and overwhelmed with ignominy; to be spit + upon, to be crowned with thorns, buffeted, struck with + a reed, blindfolded, stripped of Thy garments; to be + nailed to the cross and raised on it between two + thieves; to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and to + be pierced with a lance; do Thou, O Lord, by these Thy + most sacred pains, which I, all unworthy, call to mind, + and by Thy holy cross and death, save me from the pains + of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me whither Thou didst + bring the good thief who was crucified with Thee, who + with the Father and the Holy Ghost, livest and reignest + God, for ever and ever. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to the Father, + etc., five times. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 300 days, once a day. (2) A plenary + indulgence, under the usual conditions, on any one of + the last three days of the month, after saying this + prayer daily for a month. (Pius VII, August 25, 1820.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="blessed_virgin" id="blessed_virgin">Prayer to + the Blessed Virgin Mary</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + (<i>By St. Alphonsus.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>OST holy and immaculate virgin, + O my Mother, thou who art the Mother of my Lord, the + queen of the world, the advocate, hope, and refuge of + sinners! I, the most wretched among them, come now to + thee. I venerate thee, great queen, and give thee + thanks for the many favors thou hast bestowed on me in + the past. Most of all do I thank thee for having saved + me from hell, which I so often deserved. I love thee, + Lady most worthy of love, and by the love which I bear + thee I promise ever in the future to serve thee, and to + do what in me lies to win others to thy love. In thee I + put all my trust, all my hope of salvation. Receive me + as thy servant, and cover me with the mantle of thy + protection, thou who art the Mother of mercy! And since + thou hast so much power with God, deliver me from all + temptations, or at least obtain for me the grace ever + to overcome them. From thee I ask a true love of Jesus + Christ, and the grace of a happy death. O my Mother, by + thy love for God I beseech thee to be at all times my + helper, but above all at the last moment of my life. + Leave me not until thou seest me safely in heaven, + there for endless ages to bless thee and sing thy + praises. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence, (1) 300 days, every time. (2) A plenary + indulgence, once a month, for having said it daily + during the month; under the usual conditions. (Pius IX, + Sept. 7, 1854.) + </p> + <h1> + <a name="salvation" id="salvation">Prayer for All + Things Necessary for Salvation</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> MY God! I believe in Thee; do + Thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee; do + Thou secure them. I love Thee with my whole heart; + teach me to love Thee more and more. I am sorry that I + have offended Thee; do Thou increase my sorrow. I adore + Thee as my first beginning; I aspire after Thee as my + last end. I give Thee thanks as my constant benefactor; + I call upon Thee as my sovereign protector. Vouchsafe, + O my God, to conduct me by Thy wisdom, to restrain me + by Thy justice, to comfort me by Thy mercy, to defend + me by Thy power. To Thee I desire to consecrate all my + thoughts, my actions, and my sufferings, that I + henceforward may think only of Thee, speak only of + Thee, and ever refer all my actions to Thy greater + glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt + appoint. O Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will + be done, because it is Thy will, and in the manner that + Thou willest. I beg of Thee to enlighten my + understanding, to inflame my will, to purify my body, + and to sanctify my soul. Give me strength, O my God, to + expiate my offenses, to overcome my temptations, to + subdue my passions, to acquire the virtues proper for + my state. Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy + goodness, a hatred of my faults, a love for my + neighbor, and a contempt for the world. Let me always + be submissive to my superiors, condescending to my + inferiors, faithful to my friends, and charitable to my + enemies. Assist me to overcome sensuality by + mortification, avarice by almsdeeds, anger by meekness, + and tepidity by zeal. O my God, make me prudent in my + undertakings, courageous in dangers, patient in + affliction, and humble in prosperity. Grant that I may + be ever attentive at my prayers, temperate at my meals, + diligent in my employments, and constant in my + resolutions. Let my conscience be ever upright and + pure, my exterior modest, my conversation edifying, my + comportment regular. Assist me, that I may continually + labor to overcome nature, correspond with Thy grace, + keep Thy commandments, and work out my salvation. + Discover to me, O my God, the nothingness of this + world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, + the length of eternity. Grant that I may be prepared + for death, fear Thy judgments, escape hell, and, in the + end, obtain heaven. + </p> + <p> + All that I have asked for myself I confidently ask for + others; for my family, my relations, my benefactors, my + friends, and also for my enemies. I ask it for the + whole Church, for all the orders of which it is + composed; more especially for our Holy Father, the + Pope; for our bishop, for our pastors, and for all who + are in authority; also for all those for whom Thou + desirest that I should pray. Give them, O Lord, all + that Thou knowest to be conducive to Thy glory and + necessary for their salvation. Strengthen the just in + virtue, convert sinners, enlighten infidels, heretics, + and schismatics; console the afflicted, give to the + faithful departed rest and eternal life; that together + we may praise, love, and bless Thee for all eternity. + Amen. + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + The Four Approved Litanies + </h1><br> + <h1> + <a name="litany_of_most_holy_name" id= + "litany_of_most_holy_name">Litany of the Most Holy Name + of Jesus</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, hear us.<br> + Jesus, graciously hear us.<br> + God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.<br> + God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on + us.<br> + God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, brightness of eternal light, have mercy on + us.<br> + Jesus, king of glory, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, sun of justice, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus amiable, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus admirable, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, powerful God, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on + us.<br> + Jesus, angel of the great council, have mercy on + us.<br> + Jesus most powerful, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus most patient, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus most obedient, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, lover of chastity, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, lover of us, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, God of peace, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, author of life, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, model of all virtues, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, our refuge, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, father of the poor, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, treasure of the faithful, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, good shepherd, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, true light, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, eternal wisdom, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, infinite goodness, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, our way and our life, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, joy of angels, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, king of patriarchs, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, master of the apostles, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, teacher of the evangelists, have mercy on + us.<br> + Jesus, strength of martyrs, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, light of confessors, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, purity of virgins, have mercy on us.<br> + Jesus, crown of all saints, have mercy on us.<br> + Be merciful, spare us, O Jesus.<br> + Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Jesus.<br> + From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O + Jesus.<br> + From eternal death, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + From the neglect of Thy inspirations, deliver us, O + Jesus.<br> + By the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, deliver us, O + Jesus.<br> + By Thy nativity, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy infancy, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy most divine life, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy labors, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy agony and passion, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy cross and dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy languors, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy death and burial, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy ascension, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy joys, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + By Thy glory, deliver us, O Jesus.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Spare us, O Jesus.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Graciously hear us, O Jesus.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Have mercy on us, O Jesus.<br> + Jesus, hear us.<br> + Jesus, graciously hear us. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> LORD Jesus Christ, who hast + said: Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall + find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: + mercifully attend to our supplications, and grant us + the gift of Thy divine charity, that we may ever love + Thee with our whole hearts, and never desist from Thy + praise. + </p> + <p> + Give us, O Lord, a perpetual fear and love of Thy holy + name, for Thou never ceasest to direct and govern by + Thy grace those whom Thou instructest in the solidity + of Thy love; who livest and reignest world without end. + Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days, once a day. (Leo XIII, January + 16, 1886.) + </p><br> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/children_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/children.jpg" alt= + "The Children's Offering"></a><br> + THE CHILDREN'S OFFERING. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="litany_of_sacred_heart" id= + "litany_of_sacred_heart">Litany of the Sacred Heart of + Jesus</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + (<i>Approved by Pope Leo XIII, April 2, 1899.</i>) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, hear us.<br> + Christ, graciously hear us.<br> + God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.<br> + God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on + us.<br> + God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Ghost in the womb of + the Virgin Mother, have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of + God, have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom + and knowledge, have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fulness of divinity, + have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased, + have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, of whose fulness we have all received, + have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offences, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, obedient unto death, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance, have mercy on + us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection, have mercy + on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, victim for sin, have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in thee, + have mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee, have + mercy on us.<br> + Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints, have mercy + on us.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Spare us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Graciously hear us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Have mercy on us, O Lord.<br> + V. Jesus, meek and humble of Heart:<br> + R. Make our hearts like unto Thine. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> ALMIGHTY and eternal God! Look + upon the Heart of Thy dearly beloved Son, and upon the + praise and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of + sinners and of those who seek Thy mercy; be Thou + appeased, and grant us pardon in the name of the same + Jesus Christ, Thy Son; who liveth and reigneth with + Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, world without + end. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. 300 days. (Leo XIII, April 2, 1899.) + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="litany_of_loreto" id="litany_of_loreto">The + Litany of Loreto</a> + </h1> + <p align="center"> + <i>In Honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us,<br> + Christ, hear us.<br> + Christ, graciously hear us.<br> + God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.<br> + God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on + us.<br> + God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Mary, pray for us.<br> + Holy Mother of God, pray for us.<br> + Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.<br> + Mother of Christ, pray for us.<br> + Mother of divine grace, pray for us.<br> + Mother most pure, pray for us.<br> + Mother most chaste, pray for us.<br> + Mother inviolate, pray for us.<br> + Mother undefiled, pray for us.<br> + Mother most amiable, pray for us.<br> + Mother most admirable, pray for us.<br> + Mother of good counsel, pray for us.<br> + Mother of our Creator, pray for us.<br> + Mother of our Redeemer, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most prudent, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most venerable, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most renowned, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most powerful, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most merciful, pray for us.<br> + Virgin most faithful, pray for us.<br> + Mirror of justice, pray for us.<br> + Seat of wisdom, pray for us.<br> + Cause of our joy, pray for us.<br> + Spiritual vessel, pray for us.<br> + Vessel of honor, pray for us.<br> + Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.<br> + Mystical rose, pray for us.<br> + Tower of David, pray for us.<br> + Tower of ivory, pray for us.<br> + House of gold, pray for us.<br> + Ark of the covenant, pray for us.<br> + Gate of heaven, pray for us.<br> + Morning star, pray for us.<br> + Health of the sick, pray for us.<br> + Refuge of sinners, pray for us.<br> + Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.<br> + Help of Christians, pray for us.<br> + Queen of angels, pray for us.<br> + Queen of patriarchs, pray for us.<br> + Queen of prophets, pray for us.<br> + Queen of apostles, pray for us.<br> + Queen of martyrs, pray for us.<br> + Queen of confessors, pray for us.<br> + Queen of virgins, pray for us.<br> + Queen of all saints, pray for us.<br> + Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.<br> + Queen of the most holy rosary, pray for us.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Spare us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Graciously hear us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Have mercy on us, O Lord.<br> + V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God:<br> + R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of + Christ. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">P</font>OUR forth, we beseech Thee, O + Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the + incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the + message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be + brought to the glory of His resurrection. Through the + same Christ our Lord. Amen. + </p> + <p> + V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.<br> + R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of + Christ. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">V</font>OUCHSAFE, O Lord, that we may + be helped by the merits of Thy most holy Mother's + spouse; that what of ourselves we can not obtain may be + given us through his intercession. Who livest and + reignest, world without end. Amen. + </p> + <p> + Indulgence. (1) 300 days, every time. (2) A plenary + indulgence on the following five feasts of the Blessed + Virgin: Immaculate Conception, Nativity, Purification, + Annunciation, and Assumption; under the usual + conditions, to all who shall have said it daily during + the year. (Pius VII, September 30, 1817.) These + indulgences are granted for the litany alone; hence the + prayers following it may be omitted. + </p><br> + <h1> + <a name="litany_of_saints" id="litany_of_saints">Litany + of the Saints</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">L</font>ORD, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, hear us.<br> + Christ, graciously hear us.<br> + God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.<br> + God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on + us.<br> + God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.<br> + Holy Mary, pray for us.<br> + Holy Mother of God, pray for us.<br> + Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.<br> + St. Michael, pray for us.<br> + St. Gabriel, pray for us.<br> + St. Raphael, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy angels and archangels, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy orders of blessed spirits, pray for us.<br> + St. John Baptist, pray for us.<br> + St. Joseph, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy patriarchs and prophets, pray for us.<br> + St. Peter, pray for us.<br> + St. Paul, pray for us.<br> + St. Andrew, pray for us.<br> + St. James, pray for us.<br> + St. John, pray for us.<br> + St. Thomas, pray for us.<br> + St. James, pray for us.<br> + St. Philip, pray for us.<br> + St. Bartholomew, pray for us.<br> + St. Matthew, pray for us.<br> + St. Simon, pray for us.<br> + St. Thaddaeus, pray for us.<br> + St. Mathias, pray for us.<br> + St. Barnabas, pray for us.<br> + St. Luke, pray for us.<br> + St. Mark, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy disciples of Our Lord, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy innocents, pray for us.<br> + St. Stephen, pray for us.<br> + St. Lawrence, pray for us.<br> + St. Vincent, pray for us.<br> + SS. Fabian and Sebastian, pray for us.<br> + SS. John and Paul, pray for us.<br> + SS. Cosmas and Damian, pray for us.<br> + SS. Gervaise and Protaise, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy martyrs, pray for us.<br> + St. Sylvester, pray for us.<br> + St. Gregory, pray for us.<br> + St. Ambrose, pray for us.<br> + St. Augustine, pray for us.<br> + St. Jerome, pray for us.<br> + St. Martin, pray for us.<br> + St. Nicholas, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy doctors, pray for us.<br> + St. Anthony, pray for us.<br> + St. Benedict, pray for us.<br> + St. Bernard, pray for us.<br> + St. Dominic, pray for us.<br> + St. Francis, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy priests and levites, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy monks and hermits, pray for us.<br> + St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us.<br> + St. Agatha, pray for us.<br> + St. Lucy, pray for us.<br> + St. Agnes, pray for us.<br> + St. Cecilia, pray for us.<br> + St. Catherine, pray for us.<br> + St. Anastasia, pray for us.<br> + All ye holy virgins and widows, pray for us.<br> + All ye men and women, saints of God: Make intercession + for us.<br> + Be merciful: Spare us, O Lord.<br> + Be merciful: Graciously hear us, O Lord.<br> + From all evil, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From all sin, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From a sudden and unprovided death, O Lord, deliver + us.<br> + From the snares of the devil, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From anger, hatred, and ill will, O Lord, deliver + us.<br> + From the spirit of fornication, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From lightning and tempest, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From the scourge of earthquake, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + From pestilence, famine, and war, O Lord, deliver + us.<br> + From everlasting death, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, O Lord, + deliver us.<br> + Through Thy coming, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through Thy nativity, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through Thy baptism and holy fasting, O Lord, deliver + us.<br> + Through Thy cross and passion, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through Thy death and burial, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through Thy holy resurrection, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + Through Thy admirable ascension, O Lord, deliver + us.<br> + Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, O + Lord, deliver us.<br> + In the Day of Judgment, O Lord, deliver us.<br> + We sinners, Beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou spare us, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou pardon us, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to bring us to true penance, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to govern and preserve Thy holy + Church, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to preserve our apostolic prelate + and all ecclesiastical orders in holy religion, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to humble the enemies of Thy holy + Church, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to give peace and true concord to + Christian kings and princes, we beseech Thee, hear + us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to all + Christian people, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to confirm and preserve us in Thy + holy service, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou lift up our minds to heavenly desires, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou render eternal good things to all our + benefactors, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou deliver our souls and those of our brethren, + kinsfolk, and benefactors from eternal damnation, we + beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe to give and preserve the fruits of + the earth, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe eternal rest to all the faithful + departed, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + That Thou vouchsafe graciously to hear us, we beseech + Thee, hear us.<br> + Son of God, we beseech Thee, hear us.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Spare us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Graciously hear us, O Lord.<br> + Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world: + Have mercy on us, O Lord.<br> + Christ, hear us.<br> + Christ, graciously hear us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Christ, have mercy on us.<br> + Lord, have mercy on us.<br> + Our Father, etc.<br> + V. And lead us not into temptation.<br> + R. But deliver us from evil. + </p> + <p align="center"> + PSALM LXIX + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>NCLINE unto my aid, O God: O + Lord, make haste to help me.<br> + Let them be confounded and ashamed: that seek after my + soul.<br> + Let them be turned backward and blush for shame: that + desire evils unto me.<br> + Let them be presently turned away blushing for shame, + that say to me: Tis well, 'tis well.<br> + Let all that seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee: and + let such as love Thy salvation say always, The Lord be + magnified.<br> + But I am needy and poor: O God, help Thou me.<br> + Thou art my helper and my deliverer: O Lord, make no + delay.<br> + Glory be to the Father, etc.<br> + V. Save Thy servants:<br> + R. Trusting in Thee, O my God.<br> + V. Be unto us, O God, a tower of strength:<br> + R. From the face of the enemy.<br> + V. Let not the enemy prevail against us:<br> + R. Nor the son of iniquity have power to hurt us.<br> + V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our sins:<br> + R. Neither reward us according to our iniquities.<br> + V. Let us pray for our chief bishop, N.<br> + R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make + him blessed upon earth, and deliver him not up to the + will of his enemies.<br> + V. Let us pray for our benefactors:<br> + R. Vouchsafe, O Lord, for Thy name's sake, to reward + with eternal life all those who have done us good.<br> + V. Let us pray for the faithful departed:<br> + R. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord, and let perpetual + light shine upon them.<br> + V. May they rest in peace.<br> + R. Amen.<br> + V. For our absent brethren:<br> + R. O my God, save Thy servants trusting in Thee.<br> + V. Send them help, O Lord, from Thy holy place:<br> + R. And from Sion protect them.<br> + V. O Lord, hear my prayer:<br> + R. And let my cry come unto Thee. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <i>Let us pray</i> + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font> GOD, whose property it is + always to have mercy and to spare, receive our + petitions, that we, and all Thy servants who are bound + by the chain of sin, may, in the compassion of Thy + goodness, mercifully be absolved. + </p> + <p> + Hear, we beseech Thee, O Lord, the prayer of Thy + suppliants, and pardon the sins of them that confess to + Thee, that of Thy bounty Thou mayest grant us pardon + and peace. + </p> + <p> + Out of Thy clemency, O Lord, show Thy unspeakable mercy + to us, that so Thou mayest both acquit us of our sins + and deliver us from the punishment we deserve for them. + </p> + <p> + O God, who by sin art offended and by penance pacified, + mercifully regard the prayers of Thy people who make + supplication to Thee, and turn away the scourges of Thy + anger, which we deserve for our sins. + </p> + <p> + O almighty and eternal God, have mercy on Thy servant + N., our chief bishop, and direct him, according to Thy + clemency, in the way of everlasting salvation, that, by + Thy grace, he may desire the things that are agreeable + to Thy will, and perform them with all his strength. + </p> + <p> + O God, from whom all holy desires, righteous counsels, + and just works do come, give to Thy servants that peace + which the world can not give; that, our hearts being + disposed to keep Thy commandments, and the fear of + enemies being taken away, the times, by Thy protection, + may be peaceable. + </p> + <p> + Inflame, O Lord, our reins and hearts with the fire of + the Holy Spirit; to the end that we may serve Thee with + a chaste body, and please Thee with a clean heart. + </p> + <p> + O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, + give to the souls of Thy servants departed the + remission of all their sins, that by pious + supplications they may obtain the pardon they have + always desired. + </p> + <p> + Direct, we beseech Thee, O Lord, our actions by Thy + holy inspirations, and carry them on by Thy gracious + assistance; that every prayer and work of ours may + always begin from Thee, and by Thee be happily ended. + </p> + <p> + Almighty and eternal God, who hast dominion over the + living and the dead, and art merciful to all whom Thou + foreknowest shall be Thine by faith and good works; we + humbly beseech Thee that they for whom we have purposed + to offer our prayers, whether this present world still + detains them in the flesh, or the next world has + already received them divested of their bodies, may, by + the clemency of Thine own goodness and the intercession + of Thy saints, obtain pardon and full remission of all + their sins. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth + and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, + world without end. Amen. + </p> + <p> + V. O Lord, hear my prayer.<br> + R. And let my cry come unto Thee.<br> + V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear + us.<br> + R. Amen.<br> + V. May the souls of the faithful departed through the + mercy of God rest in peace.<br> + R. Amen. + </p><br> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/help_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/help.jpg" alt= + "Mary, Help of Christians"></a><br> + MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PART VI + </h1> + <h2> + Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for Every Day of + the Year + </h2><br> + <br> + <br> + <h2> + "Every day will I bless Thee, and I will praise Thy + name forever" (<i>Ps.</i> cxliv. 2). + </h2><br> + <br> + <h1> + Thoughts and Counsels of the Saints for every Day in + the Year + </h1> + <h2> + <a name="jan" id="jan">January</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HERE are two guarantees of a + wise rule of conduct: the thought before action, and + self-command afterward.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + When we receive with an entire and perfect resignation + the afflictions which God sends us they become for us + favors and benefits; because conformity to the will of + God is a gain far superior to all temporal + advantages.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + All perfection consists in the love of God; and the + perfection of divine love consists in the union of our + will with that of God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Leave to every one the care of what belongs to him, and + disturb not thyself with what is said or done in the + world.—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Place before your eyes as models for imitation, not the + weak and cowardly, but the fervent and + courageous.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + Prayer is a pasturage, a field, wherein all the virtues + find their nourishment, growth, and strength.—ST. + CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + A single act of resignation to the divine will in what + it ordains contrary to our desires, is of more value + than a hundred thousand successes conformable to our + will and taste.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + The shortest, yea, the only way to reach sanctity, is + to conceive a horror for all that the world loves and + values.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + As long as we are in this mortal life, nothing is more + necessary for us than humility.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + Learning without humility has always been pernicious to + the Church; and as pride precipitated the rebellious + angels from heaven, it frequently causes the loss of + learned men.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Why remain sad and idle? Why exhaust thyself in the + anguish of melancholy? Have courage, do violence to + thyself; meditate on the passion of Jesus Christ, and + thou shalt overcome thy sorrow.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + Here is the difference between the joys of the world + and the cross of Jesus Christ: after having tasted the + first, one is disgusted with them; and on the contrary, + the more one partakes of the cross, the greater the + thirst for it.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + When the sky is free from clouds we can see more + clearly the brightness of the sun. In like manner, when + the soul is free from sin and the gloom of passion, it + participates in the divine light.—VEN. LOUIS DE + GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + Our works are of no value if they be not united to the + merits of Jesus Christ.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + If we are very determined to mortify ourselves and not + to be too much occupied with our corporal health, we + will soon, by the grace of God, become masters of our + bodies.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + In every creature, however small it be, we may see a + striking image of divine wisdom, power, and + goodness.—VEN. BARTHOLOMEW OF MARTYRS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + Time is but a period. It passes like the lightning + flash. Suffering passes with time; suffering, then, is + very short.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + In order to bear our afflictions with patience, it is + very useful to read the lives and legends of the saints + who endured great torments for Jesus Christ.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + Open thine ears to the voices of nature, and thou shalt + hear them in concert inviting thee to the love of + God.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + On the feasts of the saints consider their virtues, and + beseech God to deign to adorn you with them.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + When faith grows weak, all virtues are weakened. When + faith is lost, all virtues are lost—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + A precious crown is reserved in heaven for those who + perform all their actions with all the diligence of + which they are capable; for it is not sufficient to do + our part well; it must be done more than + well.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Nothing created has ever been able to fill the heart of + man. God alone can fill it infinitely.—ST. THOMAS + AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + We should only make use of life to grow in the love of + God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + In vain men try. They can never find in creatures + sincere affection, perfect joy, or true + peace.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + God is supreme strength, fortifying those who place + their trust and confidence in Him.—ST. CATHERINE + OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + God gives each one of us sufficient grace ever to know + His holy will, and to do it fully.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + Shun useless conversation. We lose by it both time and + the spirit of devotion.—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + The upright intention is the soul of our actions. It + gives them life and makes them good.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + The truth of faith alone, deeply graven in the soul, is + sufficient to encourage us to very perfect works; for + it strengthens man and increases his charity.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + It is folly not to think of death. It is greater folly + to think of it, and not prepare for it.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="feb" id="feb">February</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE most perfect and meritorious + intention is that by which, in all our actions, we have + in view only the good pleasure of God and the + accomplishment of His holy will.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + Mary's sorrow was less when she saw her only Son + crucified, than it is now at the sight of men offending + Him by sin.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing more unreasonable than to estimate our + worth by the opinion of others. Today they laud us to + the skies, to-morrow they will cover us with + ignominy.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Act as if every day were the last of your life, and + each action the last you perform.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Perfection consists in renouncing ourselves, in + carrying our cross, and in following Jesus Christ. Now, + he who renounces himself most perfectly carries his + cross the best and follows nearest to Jesus Christ is + he who never does his own will, but always that of + God.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + That which would have easily been remedied at first, + becomes incurable by time and habit—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + Among the gifts of grace which the soul receives in + holy communion there is one that must be numbered among + the highest. It is, that holy communion does not permit + the soul to remain long in sin, nor to obstinately + persevere in it.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + Be assured that one great means to find favor when we + appear before God is to have pardoned the injuries we + have received here below.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + Woe to him who neglects to recommend himself to Mary, + and thus closes the channel of grace!—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + It is folly to leave your goods where you can never + return, and to send nothing to that place where you + must remain for ever.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Discretion is necessary in spiritual life. It is its + part to restrain the exercises in the way of + perfection, so as to keep us between the two + extremes.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + By denying our self-love and our inclinations in little + things, we gradually acquire mortification and victory + over ourselves.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + Should we fall a thousand times in a day, a thousand + times we must rise again, always animated with + unbounded confidence in the infinite goodness of + God.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + God's way in dealing with those whom He intends to + admit soonest after this life into the possession of + His everlasting glory, is to purify them in this world + by the greatest afflictions and trials.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + After the flower comes the fruit: we receive, as the + reward of our fatigues, an increase of grace in this + world, and in the next the eternal vision of + God.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + God refuses no one the gift of prayer. By it we obtain + the help that we need to overcome disorderly desires + and temptations of all kinds.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + To establish ourselves in a virtue it is necessary to + form good and practical resolutions to perform certain + and determined acts of that virtue, and we must, + moreover, be faithful in executing them.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + Love ought to consist of deeds more than of + words.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + There are many things which seem to us misfortunes and + which we call such; but if we understood the designs of + God we would call them graces.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + Let us abandon everything to the merciful providence of + God.—BL. ALBERT THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + Jesus Christ, our great Model, suffered much for us; + let us bear our afflictions cheerfully, seeing that + through them we have the happiness of resembling + Him.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + Remember that virtue is a very high and rugged + mountain, difficult to ascend, and requiring much + fatigue and exertion before we arrive at the summit to + rest.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Labor to conquer yourself. This victory will assure you + a brighter crown in heaven than they gain whose + disposition is more amiable.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + We should not examine articles of faith with a curious + and subtle spirit. It is sufficient for us to know that + the Church proposes them. We can never be deceived in + believing them.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + We should guard against jealousy, and even the + slightest sentiment thereof. This vice is absolutely + opposed to a pure and sincere zeal for the glory of + God, and is a certain proof of secret and subtle + pride.— ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + Charity requires us always to have compassion on human + infirmity.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + When one does not love prayer, it is morally impossible + for him to resist his passions.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + Docility and easy acquiescence with good advice are the + signs of a humble heart.—VEN. JULIENNE MOREL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing richer, nothing surer, nothing more + agreeable than a good conscience.—BL. BARTHOLOMEW + OF MARTYRS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="mar" id="mar">March</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>T SEEMS as if God granted to + other saints to free us from some particular + needfulness; but I know by experience that the glorious + St. Joseph assists us generally in all our + necessities.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + A most powerful and efficacious remedy for all evils, a + means of correcting all imperfections, of triumphing + over temptation, and preserving our hearts in an + undisturbed peace, is conformity with the will of + God.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + It often happens that when we take less care of our + body, we have better health than when we bestow upon it + too much care.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Do nothing, say nothing before considering if that + which you are about to say or do is pleasing to God, + profitable to yourself, and edifying to your + neighbor.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Sometimes God leaves us for a long time unable to + effect any good, that we may learn to humble ourselves, + and never to glory in our efforts.— ST. VINCENT + FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + We easily lose peace of mind, because we make it + depend, not on the testimony of a good conscience, but + on the judgment of men.—BL. BARTHOLOMEW OF + MARTYRS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + You may fast regularly, give alms, and pray without + ceasing, but as long as you hate your brother, you will + not be numbered among the children of God.—VEN. + LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + He who at the hour of death finds himself protected by + St. Joseph, will certainly experience great + consolation.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + Take care that the worldling does not pursue with + greater zeal and anxiety the perishable goods of this + world than you do the eternal.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + We should consider our departed brethren as living + members of Jesus Christ, animated by His grace, and + certain of participating one day of His glory. We + should therefore love, serve, and assist them as far as + is in our power.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Control thy senses, guard thy mouth, bridle thy tongue, + subjugate thy heart, bear all provocation with charity, + and thou shalt perfectly fulfil the will of + God.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + Our perfection consists in uniting our will so + intimately with God's will, that we will only desire + what He wills. He who conforms most perfectly to the + will of God will be the most perfect + Christian.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + Humility, modesty, sobriety, purity, piety, and + prudence, with meekness, ornament the soul, and make us + live on earth a truly angelic life.—BL. JORDAN OF + SAXONY. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + In recalling to mind the life and actions of the + saints, walk in their footsteps as much as possible, + and humble thyself if thou canst not attain to their + perfection.—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + When the devil again tempts you to sin, telling you + that God is merciful, remember that the Lord showeth + mercy to them that fear Him, but not to them who + despise Him.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + In prayer we should particularly combat our predominant + passion or evil inclination. We should devote continual + attention to it, because when it is once conquered we + will easily obtain the victory over all our other + faults.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + I will carefully consider how, on the day of judgment, + I would wish to have discharged my office or my duty; + and the way I would wish to have done it then I shall + do now.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + It is well to deny ourselves that which is permitted, + in order to avoid more easily that which is + not.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + I have noticed that all persons who have true devotion + to St. Joseph and tender him special honor, are very + much advanced in virtue, for he takes great care of + souls who recommend themselves to him; and I have never + asked of him anything which he did not obtain for + me.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + He who forgets himself in the service of God may be + assured that God will not forget Him.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + Let all our actions be directed to the end that God may + be glorified in all things.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + He who suffers in patience, suffers less and saves his + soul. He who suffers impatiently, suffers more and + loses his soul.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + When we remember or hear that the enemies of the Church + burn and destroy God's temples, we should grieve + therefor; but we should also rejoice much when we see + new ones built, and we should co-operate in their + erection as much as we possibly can.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + We should carefully beware of giving ourselves so + completely to any employment as to forget to have + recourse to God from time to time.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + Our Lady, deign to intercede for us sinners with thy + divine Son, our Lord, and obtain of Him a blessing for + us in our trials and tribulations!—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + Whoever would follow Jesus Christ, must walk in His + footsteps, if he would not go astray.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + Let us thank God for having called us to His holy + faith. It is a great gift, and the number of those who + thank God for it is small.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + The trials of life cease to oppress us if we accept + them for the love of God.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + If you wish to take up your abode in the tabernacle of + the heavenly kingdom, you must reach there through your + good works, without which you can not hope to + enter.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + It is a great folly to be willing to violate the + friendship of God, rather than the law of human + friendship.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + When the afflictions of this life overcome us, let us + encourage ourselves to bear them patiently by the hope + of heaven.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="apr" id="apr">April</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>O PUT into practice the + teachings of our holy faith, it is not enough to + convince ourselves that they are true; we must love + them. Love united to faith makes us practise our + religion.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + Unite all your works to the merits of Jesus Christ, and + then offer them up to the eternal Father if you desire + to make them pleasing to Him.— ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + God pardons sin; but He will not pardon the will to + sin.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + It is a fault, not a virtue, to wish your humility + recognized and applauded.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Before engaging in your private devotions, perform + those which obedience and your duty toward your + neighbor impose upon you in such a manner as to make an + abnegation of self.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + The world is full of inconstancy; its friendship ceases + the moment there is no advantage to be expected from + us.—BL. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing better to display the truth in an + excellent light, than a clear and simple statement of + facts.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + Be careful and do not lightly condemn the actions of + others. We must consider the intention of our neighbor, + which is often good and pure, although the act itself + seems blameworthy.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + He who does not overcome his predominant passion is in + great danger of being lost. He who does overcome it + will easily conquer all the rest.— ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + To conquer himself is the greatest victory that man can + gain.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + A soul which does not practise the exercise of prayer + is very like a paralyzed body which, though possessing + feet and hands, makes no use of them.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + When you do a good action, have the intention of first + pleasing God, and then of giving good example to your + neighbor.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + The grace of perseverance is the most important of all; + it crowns all other graces.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + Prayer is the only channel through which God's great + graces and favors may flow into the soul; and if this + be once closed, I know no other way He can communicate + them.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + To acquire courage it is very useful to read the lives + of the saints, especially of those who, after living in + sin, attained great sanctity.— ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + The truly humble reject all praise for themselves, and + refer it all to God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + Prayer should be effective and practical, since it has + for its end the acquisition of solid virtue and the + mortification of the passions.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + We do not keep an account of the graces which God has + given us, but God our Lord keeps an account of them. He + has fixed the measure thereof.— ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + The more guilty we are, the greater must be our + confidence in Mary. Therefore, courage, timid soul; let + Mary know all thy misery, and hasten with joy to the + throne of mercy.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + Evil is often more hurtful to the doer than to the one + against whom it is done.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + During life despise that which will avail you nothing + at the hour of death.—ST. ANSELM. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + He who fails to reflect before acting, walks with his + eyes shut and advances with danger. He also falls very + often, because the eye of reflection does not enable + him to see whither his footsteps lead.—ST. + GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Sanctity and perfection consist not in fine words, but + in good actions.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + As patience leads to peace, and study to science, so + are humiliations the path that leads to + humility.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + Do not disturb yourself with vain curiosity concerning + the affairs of others, nor how they conduct themselves, + unless your position makes it your duty to do + so.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + The deceitful charms of prosperity destroy more souls + than all the scourges of adversity.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + The first degree of humility is the fear of God, which + we should constantly have before our eyes.—VEN. + LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + He who cheerfully endures contempt and is happy under + crosses and affliction, partakes of the humility and + sufferings of Our Lord.—ST. MECHTILDIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + He who is resigned to the divine will shall always + surmount the difficulties he meets with in the service + of God. The Lord will accomplish His designs concerning + him.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + Consent to suffer a slight temporary pain, that so thou + mayst avoid the eternal pains which sin + deserves.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="may" id="may">May</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">M</font>ARY was the most perfect among + the saints only because she was always perfectly united + to the will of God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + After the love which we owe Jesus Christ, we must give + the chief place in our heart to the love of His Mother + Mary.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + When we feel our cross weighing upon us, let us have + recourse to Mary, whom the Church calls the "Consoler + of the Afflicted."—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + The devotions we practise in honor of the glorious + Virgin Mary, however trifling they be, are very + pleasing to her divine Son, and He rewards them with + eternal glory.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing which is more profitable and more + consoling to the mind than to frequently remember the + Blessed Virgin.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + Blessed are the actions enclosed between two Hail + Marys.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + Let us consider what the glorious Virgin endured, and + what the holy apostles suffered, and we shall find that + they who were nearest to Jesus Christ were the most + afflicted.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + The servants of Mary who are in purgatory receive + visits and consolations from her.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + If you persevere until death in true devotion to Mary, + your salvation is certain.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + He who remembers having invoked the name of Mary in an + impure temptation, may be sure that he did not yield to + it.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Mary being destined to negotiate peace between God and + man, it was not proper that she should be an accomplice + in the disobedience of Adam.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + Mary having co-operated in our redemption with so much + glory to God and so much love for us, Our Lord ordained + that no one shall obtain salvation except through her + intercession.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + He who wishes to find Jesus will do so only by having + recourse to Mary.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + Mary having always lived wholly detached from earthly + things and united with God, death, which united her + more closely to Him, was extremely sweet and agreeable + to her.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + Mary being in heaven nearer to God and more united to + Him, knows our miseries better, compassionates them + more, and can more efficaciously assist us.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + The Virgin Mother, all pure and all white, will make + her servants pure and white.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + To assure our salvation it does not suffice to call + ourselves children of Mary, therefore let us always + have the fear of God.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + Let us offer ourselves without delay and without + reserve to Mary, and beg her to offer us herself to + God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + Such is the compassion, such the love which Mary bears + us, that she is never tired of praying for + us.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + O Queen of heaven and earth! The universe would perish + before thou couldst refuse aid to one who invokes thee + from the depth of his heart.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + O most blessed Virgin, who declarest in thy Canticle + that it is owing to thy humility that God hath done + great things in thee, obtain for me the grace to + imitate thee, that is, to be obedient; because to obey + is to practise humility.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + May the two names so sweet and so powerful, of Jesus + and Mary, be always in our hearts and on our + lips!—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Whatsoever we do, we can never be true children of + Mary, unless we are humble.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + Let us highly esteem devotion to the Blessed Virgin, + and let us lose no opportunity of inspiring others with + it.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + As a mother feels no disgust in dressing the sores of + her child, so Mary, the heavenly infirmarian, never + refuses to care for sinners who have recourse to + her.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + Each of our days is marked with the protection of Mary, + who is exceedingly anxious to be our Mother, when we + desire to be her children.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + When the devil wishes to make himself master of a soul, + he seeks to make it give up devotion to Mary.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + Let us have recourse to Mary; for of all creatures she + is the highest, the purest, the most beautiful, and the + most loving.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + Let the name of Mary be ever on your lips, let it be + indelibly engraven on your heart. If you are under her + protection, you have nothing to fear; if she is + propitious, you will arrive at the port of + salvation.— ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + Know that of all devotions the most pleasing to Mary is + to have frequent recourse to her, asking for + favors.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + Let the servants of Mary perform every day, and + especially on Saturday, some work of charity for her + sake.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="jun" id="jun">June</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">C</font>AN WE, amongst all hearts, find + one more amiable than that of Jesus? It is on His Heart + that God looks with special complacency—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + One must wage war against his predominant passion, and + not retreat, until, with God's help, he has been + victorious.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + An act of perfect conformity to the will of God unites + us more to Him than a hundred other acts of + virtue.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + The love of God inspires the love of our neighbor, and + the love of our neighbor serves to keep alive the love + of God.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Live always in the certainty that whatever happens to + you is the result of divine Providence; because nothing + hard or laborious falls to your lot without the Lord + permitting it.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + Whatsoever good work you undertake, pray earnestly to + God that He will enable you to bring it to a successful + termination.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + What is a fruitless repentance, defiled almost + immediately by new faults?—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + You propose to give up everything to God; be sure, + then, to include yourself among the things to be given + up.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + If you can find a place where God is not, go there and + sin with impunity.—ST. ANSELM. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + He can not err who is constantly with the visible Head + which Jesus Christ has left to His Church, as its + foundation, rule, teacher, and defender of the + Faith.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + The more numerous the gifts we have received from God, + the greater the account we must render to + Him.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + True penance consists in regretting without ceasing the + faults of the past, and in firmly resolving to never + again commit that which is so deplorable.—ST. + BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/sacredheart_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/sacredheart.jpg" alt= + "The Sacred Heart of Mary"></a><br> + THE SACRED HEART OF MARY + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + We are not raised the first day to the summit of + perfection. It is by climbing, not by flying, that we + arrive there.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + What we do for ourselves during life is more certain + than all the good we expect others to do for us after + death.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + Idleness begets a discontented life. It develops + self-love, which is the cause of all our misery, and + renders us unworthy to receive the favors of divine + love.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + Have death always before your eyes as a salutary means + of returning to God.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + If the devil tempts me by the thought of divine + justice, I think of God's mercy; if he tries to fill me + with presumption by the thought of His mercy, I think + of His justice.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + In time of temptation continue the good thou hast begun + before temptation.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + In the eyes of the sovereign Judge the merit of our + actions depends on the motives which prompted + them.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + The benefits to be derived from spiritual reading do + not merely consist in impressing on the memory the + precepts set forth, but in opening the heart to them, + that they may bear fruit.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + As clouds obscure the sun, so bad thoughts darken and + destroy the brightness of the soul.—VEN. LOUIS OF + GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + To judge rightly of the goodness and perfection of any + one's prayer, it is sufficient to know the disposition + he takes to it, and the fruits he reaps from + it.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + To commence many things and not to finish them is no + small fault; we must persevere in whatever we undertake + with upright intention and according to God's + will.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + The perfect champion is he who establishes complete + control over his mind by overcoming temptations and the + inclination of his nature to sin.—VEN. JOHN + TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + If the love of God is in your heart, you will + understand that to suffer for God is a joy to which all + earthly pleasures are not to be compared.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + The world around us is, as it were, a book written by + the finger of God; every creature is a word on the + page. We should apply ourselves well to understand the + signification of the volume.—VEN. BARTHOLOMEW OF + MARTYRS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + A man of prayer is capable of everything. He can say + with St. Paul, "I can do all things in Him who + strengthened me."—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + Whilst here below our actions can never be entirely + free from negligence, frailty, or defect; but we must + not throw away the wheat because of the + chaff.—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + Strive always to preserve freedom of spirit, so that + you need do nothing with the view of pleasing the + world, and that no fear of displeasing it will have + power to shake your good resolutions.—VEN. LOUIS + DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + Wo to us poor sinners if we had not the Divine + Sacrifice to appease the Lord!—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="jul" id="jul">July</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OW few there are who avail + themselves of the precious blood of Jesus to purchase + their salvation!—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + O Queen of heaven and earth! Thou art the gate of mercy + ever open, never closed. The universe must perish + before he who invokes thee from his heart is refused + assistance.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + Our Faith will never be true unless it is united to + that of St. Peter and the Pontiff, his + successors.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Short pleasures and long sufferings are all the world + can give.—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Learn to be silent sometimes for the edification of + others, that you may learn how to speak + sometimes.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + Gratitude for graces received is a most efficacious + means of obtaining new ones.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + To a useless question we should answer only by + silence.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + We should not judge things by their exterior or + appearance, but consider what they are in the sight of + God, and whether they be according to His good + pleasure.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + Preserve purity of conscience with care, and never do + anything to sully it or render it less agreeable to + God.—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + Give not thyself too much to any one. He who gives + himself too freely is generally the least + acceptable.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Affliction strengthens the vigor of our soul, whereas + happiness weakens it.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + To acquire purity of the soul, it is necessary to guard + against passing judgment on our neighbor, or useless + remarks on his conduct.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + Turn away the eyes of thy body and those of thy mind + from seeing others, that thou mayest be able to + contemplate thyself.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + The brightest ornaments in the crown of the blessed in + heaven are the sufferings which they have borne + patiently on earth.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + We are not innocent before God if we punish that which + we should pardon, or pardon that which we should + punish.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + Is there any one in the world who has invoked thee, O + Mary, without having felt the benefit of thy + protection, which is promised to those who invoke thy + mercy?—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + It is the key of obedience that opens the door of + paradise. Jesus Christ has confided that key to His + vicar, the Pope, Christ on earth, whom all are obliged + to obey even unto death.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + It is true that God promises forgiveness if we repent, + but what assurance have we of obtaining it + to-morrow?—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + We should offer ourselves and all we have to God, that + He may dispose of us according to His holy will, so + that we may be ever ready to leave all and embrace the + afflictions that come upon us.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + No one has a right to mercy who can not himself show + mercy.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + We should reflect on all our actions, exterior and + interior, and before we commence, examine well if we + are able to finish them.—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + The reason why the lukewarm run so great a risk of + being lost is because tepidity conceals from the soul + the immense evil which it causes.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + We should learn of Jesus Christ to be meek and humble + of heart, and ask Him unceasingly for these two + virtues. We ought, particularly, to avoid the two + contrary vices which would cause us to destroy with one + hand what we seek to raise with the other.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + The sufferings endured for God are the greatest proof + of our love for Him.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + It is in vain that we cut off the branches of evil, if + we leave intact the root, which continually produces + new ones.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + How little is required to be a saint! It suffices to do + in all things the will of God.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + Wouldst thou know what thou art? Thou art that to which + thy heart turns the most frequently.—VEN. + BARTHOLOMEW OF MARTYRS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + When you covet that which delights you, think not only + of the sweet moments of enjoyment, but of the long + season of regret which must follow.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + They who voluntarily commit sin show a contempt for + life eternal, since they willingly risk the loss of + their soul.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + It suffices not to perform good works; we must do them + well, in imitation of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom it + is written, "He doeth all things well."—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + Put not off till to-morrow what you can do + today.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="aug" id="aug">August</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">C</font>HRIST Himself guides the bark + of Peter. For this reason it can not perish, although + He sometimes seems to sleep.—ST. ANTONINUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + Prayer teaches us the need of laying before God all our + necessities, of corresponding with His grace, of + banishing vice from our heart and of establishing + virtue in it.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + Take this to heart: Owe no man anything. So shalt thou + secure a peaceful sleep, an easy conscience, a life + without inquietude, and a death without + alarm.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + If you would know whether you have made a good + confession, ask yourself if you have resolved to + abandon your sins.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + He who does that which is displeasing to himself has + discovered the secret of pleasing God.—ST. + ANSELM. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + An ordinary action, performed through obedience and + love of God, is more meritorious than extraordinary + works done on your own authority—VEN. LOUIS DE + BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + Vigilance is rendered necessary and indispensable, not + only by the dangers that surround us, but by the + delicacy, the extreme difficulty of the work we all + have to engage in the work of our salvation.—VEN. + LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + Among the different means that we have of pleasing God + in all that we do, one of the most efficacious is to + perform each of our actions as though it were to be the + last of our life.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + I have to seek only the glory of God, my own + sanctification, and the salvation of my neighbor. I + should therefore devote myself to these things, if + necessary, at the peril of my life.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + Idleness is hell's fishhook for catching + souls.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Whoever imagines himself without defect has an excess + of pride. God alone is perfect.—ST. ANTONINUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + As we take the bitterest medicine to recover or + preserve the health of the body, we should cheerfully + endure sufferings, however repugnant to nature, and + consider them efficacious remedies which God employs to + purify the soul and conduct it to the perfection to + which He called it.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + To give up prayer because we are often distracted at it + is to allow the devil to gain his cause.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + Curb the desire of display, and do nothing from human + respect.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + O Mary, vessel of purest gold, ornamented with pearls + and sapphires, filled with grace and virtue, thou art + the dearest of all creatures to the eyes of eternal + Wisdom.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + We must be careful not to omit our prayers, confession, + communion, and other exercises of piety, even when we + find no consolation in them.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + Let us leave to God and to truth the care of our + justification, without trying to excuse ourselves, and + peace will truly spring up within us.— VEN. JOHN + TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + Read good and useful books, and abstain from reading + those that only gratify curiosity.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + So great is the goodness of God in your regard, that + when you ask through ignorance for that which is not + beneficial, He does not grant your prayer in this + matter, but gives you something better + instead.—ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + Men can use no better arms to drive away the devil, + than prayer and the sign of the cross.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + He who knows well how to practise the exercise of the + presence of God, and who is faithful in following the + attraction of this divine virtue, will soon attain a + very high degree of perfection.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + One of the most admirable effects of holy communion is + to preserve the soul from sin, and to help those who + fall through weakness to rise again. It is much more + profitable, then, to approach this divine Sacrament + with love, respect, and confidence, than to remain away + through an excess of fear and scrupulosity.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Let us remember that every act of mortification is a + work for heaven. This thought will make all suffering + and weariness sweet.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + Correction should be given calmly and with discernment, + at seasonable times, according to the dictates of + reason, and not at the impulse of anger.—VEN. + LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing more certain, nothing more agreeable, + nothing richer than a good conscience.—VEN. + BARTHOLOMEW OF MARTYRS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + God, to procure His glory, sometimes permits that we + should be dishonored and persecuted without reason. He + wishes thereby to render us conformable to His Son, who + was calumniated and treated as a seducer, as an + ambitious man, and as one possessed.—ST. VINCENT + DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + All that God gives us and all that He permits in this + world have no other end than to sanctify us in + Him.—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + If you can not mortify your body by actual penance, + abstain at least from some lawful pleasure.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + One whose heart is embittered can do nothing but + contend and contradict, finding something to oppose in + every remark.—VEN. JULIENNE MOREL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + Without prayer we have neither light nor strength to + advance in the way which leads to God.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + I have never gone out to mingle with the world without + losing something of myself.—BL. ALBERT THE GREAT. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="sep" id="sep">September</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>E who perseveres with constancy + and fervor will, without fail, raise himself to a high + degree of perfection.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + An upright intention is the soul of our actions. It + gives them life, and makes them good.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + You wish to reform the world: reform yourself, + otherwise your efforts will be in vain.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Let all thy care be to possess thy soul in peace and + tranquillity. Let no accident be to thee a cause of + ill-humor.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Humility is a fortified town; it repels all attacks. + The sight of it obliges the enemy to turn and + flee.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + The world is deceitful and inconstant. When fortune + forsakes us, friendship takes flight.—BL. HENRY + SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + Perform all your actions in union with the pure + intention and perfect love with which Our Lord did all + things for the glory of God and the salvation of the + world.—ST. MECHTILDIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + An air of meekness and a modest speech are pleasing + alike to God and men.—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + The saints owed to their confidence in God that + unalterable tranquillity of soul, which procured their + perpetual joy and peace, even in the midst of + adversities.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + Look not to the qualities thou mayest possess, which + are wanting to others; but look to those which others + possess and which are wanting to thee, that thou mayest + acquire them.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Your heart is not so narrow that the world can satisfy + it entirely; nothing but God can fill it.—ST. + IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + If you wish to raise a lofty edifice of perfection, + take humility for a foundation.—ST. THOMAS + AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + It ordinarily happens that God permits those who judge + others, to fall into the same or even greater + faults.—ST. VINCENT FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + Raise thy heart and thy love toward the sweet and most + holy cross, which soothes every pain!—ST. + CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + Often read spiritual books; then, like a sheep, + ruminate the food thou hast taken, by meditation and a + desire to practise the holy doctrine found + therein.—ST. ANTONINUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + Love others much, but visit them seldom.—ST. + CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + God sends us trials and afflictions to exercise us in + patience and teach us sympathy with the sorrows of + others.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + Armed with prayer, the saints sustained a glorious + warfare and vanquished all their enemies. By prayer, + also, they appeased the wrath of God, and obtained from + Him all they desired.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + All souls in hell are there because they did not pray. + All the saints sanctified themselves by + prayer.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + The thought of the presence of God renders us familiar + with the practice of doing in all things His holy + will.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + If we consider the number and excellence of the virtues + practised by the saints, we must feel the inefficiency + and imperfection of our actions.— ST. VINCENT + FERRER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + Prayer without fervor has not sufficient strength to + rise to heaven.— ST. BERNARD. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + The path of virtue is painful to nature when left to + itself; but nature, assisted by grace, finds it easy + and agreeable.—VEN. LOUIS OF GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + Always give the preference to actions which appear to + you the most agreeable to God, and most contrary to + self-love.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + As the branch separated from the roots soon loses all + life and verdure, so it is with good works which are + not united with charity.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + We should constantly thank the Lord for having granted + us the gift of the true faith, by associating us with + the children of the holy Catholic Church.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + We should not spare expense, fatigue, nor even our + life, when there is a question of accomplishing the + holy will of God.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + Some are unable to fast or give alms; there are none + who can not pray.— ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + We meet with contradictions everywhere. If only two + persons are together they mutually afford each other + opportunities of exercising patience, and even when one + is alone there will still be a necessity for this + virtue, so true it is that our miserable life is full + of crosses.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + We should bear our sufferings in expiation for our + sins, to merit heaven, and to please God.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="oct" id="oct">October</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">A</font>LWAYS give good example: teach + virtue by word and deed. Example is more powerful than + discourse.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + If thou wouldst glory, let it be in the Lord, by + referring everything to Him, and giving to Him all the + honor and glory.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + There is nothing more holy, more eminently perfect, + than resignation to the will of God, which confirms us + in an entire detachment from ourselves, and a perfect + indifference for every condition in which we may be + placed.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Prayer consists not in many words, but in the fervor of + desire, which raises the soul to God by the knowledge + of its own nothingness and the divine + goodness.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Let us make up for lost time. Let us give to God the + time that remains to us.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + When thou feelest thyself excited, shut thy mouth and + chain thy tongue.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + If it was necessary that Christ should suffer and so + enter by the cross into the kingdom of His Father, no + friend of God should shrink from suffering.—VEN. + JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + We should grieve to see no account made of time, which + is so precious; to see it employed so badly, so + uselessly, for it can never be recalled.—BL. + HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + Every time that some unexpected event befalls us, be it + affliction, or be it spiritual or corporal consolation, + we should endeavor to receive it with equanimity of + spirit, since all comes from the hand of God.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + There are some who sin through frailty, or through the + force of some violent passion. They desire to break + these chains of death; if their prayer is constant they + will be heard.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + "Thy will be done!" This is what the saints had + continually on their lips and in their + hearts.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + He who would be a disciple of Jesus Christ must live in + sufferings; for "The servant is not greater than the + Master."—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + He who submits himself to God in all things is certain + that whatever men say or do against him will always + turn to his advantage.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + If he be blind who refuses to believe in the truths of + the Catholic faith, how much blinder is he who + believes, and yet lives as if he did not + believe!—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to + endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings + which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + Outside of God nothing is durable. We exchange life for + death, health for sickness, honor for shame, riches for + poverty. All things change and pass away.—ST. + CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + If you would keep yourself pure, shun dangerous + occasions. Do not trust your own strength. In this + matter we can not take too much precaution.— ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + After knowing the will of God in regard to a work which + we undertake, we should continue courageously, however + difficult it may be. We should follow it to the end + with as much constancy as the obstacles we encounter + are great.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + In your prayers, if you would quickly and surely draw + upon you the grace of God, pray in a special manner for + our Holy Church and all those connected with + it.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + Prayer is our principal weapon. By it we obtain of God + the victory over our evil inclinations, and over all + temptations of hell.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + We should never abandon, on account of the difficulties + we encounter, an enterprise undertaken with due + reflection.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + Being all members of the same body, with the same head, + who is Christ, it is proper that we should have in + common the same joys and sorrows.— VEN. LOUIS DE + GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + We should be cordial and affable with the poor, and + with persons in humble circumstances. We should not + treat them in a supercilious manner. Haughtiness makes + them revolt. On the contrary, when we are affable with + them, they become more docile and derive more benefit + from the advice they receive.—ST. VINCENT DE + PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + Let not confusion for thy fault overwhelm thee with + despair, as if there were no longer a remedy.—ST. + CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + As all our wickedness consists in turning away from our + Creator, so all our goodness consists in uniting + ourselves with Him.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + That which we suffer in the accomplishment of a good + work, merits for us the necessary graces to insure its + success.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + We ought to have a special devotion to those saints who + excelled in humility, particularly to the Blessed + Virgin Mary, who declares that the Lord regarded her on + account of her humility.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + He who wishes to find Jesus should seek Him, not in the + delights and pleasures of the world, but in + mortification of the senses.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + Let us not despise, judge, or condemn any one but + ourselves; then our cross will bloom and bear + fruit.—VEN. JOHN TAULER. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + It is rarely that we fall into error if we are humble + and trust to the wisdom of others, in preference to our + own judgment.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + The best of all prayers is that in which we ask that + God's holy will be accomplished, both in ourselves and + in others.—VEN. LOUIS DE BLOIS. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="nov" id="nov">November</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>E SHOULD honor God in His + saints, and beseech Him to make us partakers of the + graces He poured so abundantly upon them.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + We may have a confident hope of our salvation when we + apply ourselves to relieve the souls in purgatory, so + afflicted and so dear to God.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + The example of the saints is proposed to every one, so + that the great actions shown us may encourage us to + undertake smaller things.—VEN. LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + Let us read the lives of the saints; let us consider + the penances which they performed, and blush to be so + effeminate and so fearful of mortifying our + flesh.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + The greatest pain which the holy souls suffer in + purgatory proceeds from their desire to possess God. + This suffering especially afflicts those who in life + had but a feeble desire of heaven.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + Death is welcome to one who has always feared God and + faithfully served Him.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + True humility consists in being content with all that + God is pleased to ordain for us, believing ourselves + unworthy to be called His servants.— ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + The best preparation for death is a perfect resignation + to the will of God, after the example of Jesus Christ, + who, in His prayer in Gethsemani prepared Himself with + these words, "Father, not as I will, but as Thou + wilt."—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + The errors of others should serve to keep us from + adding any of our own to them.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + There is more security in self-denial, mortification, + and other like virtues, than in an abundance of + tears.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + A resolute will triumphs over everything with the help + of God, which is never wanting.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + If humble souls are contradicted, they remain calm; if + they are calumniated, they suffer with patience; if + they are little esteemed, neglected, or forgotten, they + consider that their due; if they are weighed down with + occupations, they perform them cheerfully.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + When we have to reply to some one who speaks harshly to + us, we must always do it with gentleness. If we are + angry, it is better to keep silence.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + The two principal dispositions which we should bring to + holy communion are detachment from creatures, and the + desire to receive Our Lord with a view to loving Him + more in the future.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + In doing penance it is necessary to deprive oneself of + as many lawful pleasures as we had the misfortune to + indulge in unlawful ones.—ST. GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + In raising human nature to heaven by His ascension, + Christ has given us the hope of arriving thither + ourselves.—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + It is useless to subdue the flesh by abstinence, unless + one gives up his irregular life, and abandons vices + which defile his soul.—ST. BENEDICT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + No prayers are so acceptable to God as those which we + offer Him after communion.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + It avails nothing to subdue the body, if the mind + allows itself to be controlled by anger.—ST. + GREGORY THE GREAT. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + What is it that renders death terrible? Sin. We must + therefore fear sin, not death.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + The Blessed Virgin is of all the works of the Creator + the most excellent, and to find anything in nature more + grand one must go to the Author of nature + Himself.—ST. PETER DAMIAN. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + If we would advance in virtue, we must not neglect + little things, for they pave the way to + greater.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + When one has fallen into some fault, what better remedy + can there be than to have immediate recourse to the + Most Blessed Sacrament?—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + Afflictions are the most certain proofs that God can + give us of His love for us.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + Is it not a great cruelty for us Christians, members of + the body of the Holy Church, to attack one + another?—ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + The Church is the pillar and ground of truth, and her + infallibility admits of no doubt.—VEN. LOUIS DE + GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + He who truly loves his neighbor and can not + efficaciously assist him, should strive at least to + relieve and help him by his prayers.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + We should blush for shame to show so much resentment at + what is done or said against us, knowing that so many + injuries and affronts have been offered to our Redeemer + and the saints.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + The reason why so many souls who apply themselves to + prayer are not inflamed with God's love is, that they + neglect to carefully prepare themselves for + it.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + It is absolutely necessary, both for our advancement + and the salvation of others, to follow always and in + all things the beautiful light of faith.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="dec" id="dec">December</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + 1 + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">I</font>F WE consider all that is + imperfect and worldly in us, we shall find ample reason + for abasing ourselves before God and man, before + ourselves and our inferiors.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 2 + </p> + <p> + No one should think or say anything of another which he + would not wish thought or said of himself.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 3 + </p> + <p> + We should study the interests of others as our own, and + be careful to act on all occasions with uprightness and + loyalty.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 4 + </p> + <p> + It is God Himself who receives what we give in charity, + and is it not an incomparable happiness to give Him + what belongs to Him, and what we have received from His + goodness alone?—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 5 + </p> + <p> + Let your constant practice be to offer yourself to God, + that He may do with you what He pleases.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 6 + </p> + <p> + It is not enough to forbid our own tongue to murmur; we + must also refuse to listen to murmurers.—VEN. + LOUIS DE GRANADA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 7 + </p> + <p> + We can obtain no reward without merit, and no merit + without patience.— ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 8 + </p> + <p> + No harp sends forth such sweet harmonies as are + produced in the afflicted heart by the holy name of + Mary. Let us kneel to reverence this holy, this sublime + name of Mary!—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 9 + </p> + <p> + The life of a true Christian should be such that he + fears neither death nor any event of his life, but + endures and submits to all things with a good + heart.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 10 + </p> + <p> + We should abandon ourselves entirely into the hands of + God, and believe that His providence disposes + everything that He wishes or permits to happen to us + for our greater good.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 11 + </p> + <p> + Regulate and direct all your actions to God, offering + them to Him and beseeching Him to grant that they be + for His honor and glory.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/most_pure_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/most_pure.jpg" alt= + "Hail, Virgin Most Pure!"></a><br> + HAIL, VIRGIN MOST PURE! + </p> + <p align="center"> + 12 + </p> + <p> + Conformity to the will of God is an easy and certain + means of acquiring a great treasure of graces in this + life.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 13 + </p> + <p> + Do not consider what others do, or how they do it; for + there are but few who really work for their own + sanctification.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 14 + </p> + <p> + To-day God invites you to do good; do it therefore + to-day. To-morrow you may not have time, or God may no + longer call you to do it.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 15 + </p> + <p> + To advance in the way of perfection it does not suffice + to say a number of weak prayers; our principal care + should be to acquire solid virtues.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 16 + </p> + <p> + Humility is the virtue of Our Lord Jesus Christ, of His + blessed Mother, and of the greatest saints. It embraces + all virtues and, where it is sincere, introduces them + into the soul.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 17 + </p> + <p> + It will be a great consolation for us at the hour of + death to know that we are to be judged by Him whom we + have loved above all things during life.—ST. + TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 18 + </p> + <p> + Humble submission and obedience to the decrees of the + Sovereign Pontiffs are good means for distinguishing + the loyal from the rebellious children of the + Church.—ST. VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 19 + </p> + <p> + The devil attacks us at the time of prayer more + frequently than at other times. His object is to make + us weary of prayer.—BL. HENRY SUSO. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 20 + </p> + <p> + It is an act as rare as it is precious, to transact + business with many people, without ever forgetting God + or oneself.—ST. IGNATIUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 21 + </p> + <p> + God is our light. The farther the soul strays away from + God, the deeper it goes into darkness.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 22 + </p> + <p> + True Christian prudence makes us submit our intellect + to the maxims of the Gospel without fear of being + deceived. It teaches us to judge things as Jesus Christ + judged them, and to speak and act as He did.—ST. + VINCENT DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 23 + </p> + <p> + Remember that men change easily, and that you can not + place your trust in them; therefore attach yourself to + God alone.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 24 + </p> + <p> + If we secretly feel a desire to appear greater or + better than others, we must repress it at + once.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 25 + </p> + <p> + The King of heaven deigned to be born in a stable, + because He came to destroy pride, the cause of man's + ruin.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 26 + </p> + <p> + To save our souls we must live according to the maxims + of the Gospel, and not according to those of the + world.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 27 + </p> + <p> + Be gentle and kind with every one, and severe with + yourself.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 28 + </p> + <p> + If you wish to be pleasing to God and happy here below, + be in all things united to His will.—ST. + ALPHONSUS. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 29 + </p> + <p> + In proportion as the love of God increases in our soul, + so does also the love of suffering.—ST. VINCENT + DE PAUL. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 30 + </p> + <p> + He who keeps steadily on without pausing, will reach + the end of his path and the summit of + perfection.—ST. TERESA. + </p> + <p align="center"> + 31 + </p> + <p> + The past is no longer yours; the future is not yet in + your power. You have only the present wherein to do + good.—ST. ALPHONSUS. + </p><br> + <br> + <br> + <h1> + PART VII + </h1> + <h2> + Reasonableness of Catholic Ceremonies and Practices + </h2><br> + <br> + <h2> + "Let the children of Israel make the Phase in due time + . . . according to all the ceremonies thereof" + (<i>Num.</i> ix 2, 3). + </h2><br> + <br> + <h1> + Reasonableness of Catholic Ceremonies and Practices + </h1> + <h2> + "The priest shall be vested with the tunic" + (<i>Lev.</i> vi. 10). + </h2> + <h2> + "And he made, of violet and purple, scarlet and fine + linen, the vestments for Aaron to wear when he + ministered in the holy places, as the Lord commanded + Moses" (<i>Ex.</i> xxxix. 1). + </h2> + <h2> + "In every place there is sacrifice and there is offered + to My name a clean offering" (<i>Malach.</i> i. 11). + </h2> + <h2> + "And another Angel came and stood before the altar, + having a golden censer: and there was given to him much + incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all + saints upon the golden altar, which is before the + throne of God" (<i>Apoc.</i> viii. 3). + </h2><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="ceremonies" id="ceremonies">The Ceremonies of + the Catholic Church</a> + </h1> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Catholic Church in the + celebration of Mass and in the administration of the + sacraments employs certain forms and rites. These are + called ceremonies. By these ceremonies the Church + wishes to appeal to the heart as well as to the + intellect, and to impress the faithful with sentiments + of faith and piety. + </p> + <p> + What is more capable of raising the heart and mind of + man to God than a priest celebrating Mass? What more + inspiring than some of our sacred music? + </p> + <p> + How beneficial and how lasting the impression formed by + the ceremonies of the Church, the following incident + will show: + </p> + <p> + One of our missionaries once went to visit a tribe of + Indians who had been deprived of a priest for nearly + half a century. After traveling through the forest for + some days he came near their village. + </p> + <p> + 'Twas Sunday morning. Suddenly the silence was broken + by a number of voices singing in unison. He stopped to + listen. To his great astonishment he distinguished the + music of a Mass, and of Catholic hymns well known to + him. + </p> + <p> + What could be more touching than this simple, savage + people endeavoring to celebrate the Lord's Day as they + had been taught by the priest fifty years before? What + more elevating than those sacred songs—the + <i>Stabat Mater</i>, the <i>O Salutaris</i>, or the + <i>Te Deum</i>—uttered by pious lips and + resounding through the forest primeval? What better + evidence could we have of the beneficial effects of our + ceremonies in raising the heart to God? + </p> + <p> + And yet few things connected with our holy religion + have been more frequently subjected to ridicule than + her ceremonies. People scoff at them, laugh at them, + call them foolish and unreasonable. Those people do not + stop to consider that by doing so they, themselves, are + acting most unreasonably. For no reasonable person, no + judge, will condemn another without hearing both sides + of the question. + </p> + <p> + These wiseacres, however, flatter themselves that they + know all about the Catholic Church and her ceremonies + without hearing her side of the case. Hence the + misunderstandings and misrepresentations regarding her + that exist among well-meaning people. + </p> + <p> + If people would but learn to speak about that which + they knew and understood; if they would accord to the + Catholic Church the same treatment as to other + institutions; if they would examine both sides of the + question before criticising and ridiculing her + teachings and her ceremonies; if they would but treat + her with that openness, that fairness, that candor, + that honesty characteristic of the American citizen + when dealing with other questions—what a vast + amount of ignorance, of prejudice, of sin would be + avoided! + </p> + <p> + We claim that ceremonies used in the worship of God are + reasonable, because they were sanctioned by God in the + Old Testament and by Jesus Christ and His apostles in + the New Law. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ceremony_1" id="ceremony_1">I.</a> Ceremonies + Necessary to Divine Worship + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE angels are pure spirits. + They have no body. Consequently the worship they render + God is spiritual, interior. + </p> + <p> + The heavenly bodies are not spiritual, but entirely + material substances. They render God a sort of external + worship according to the words of the prophet Daniel, + "Sun and moon bless the Lord, . . . stars of heaven + bless the Lord. Praise and exalt Him forever." Man has + a soul, a spiritual substance similar to the heavenly + bodies. He should, therefore, honor God by the twofold + form of worship, interior and exterior. + </p> + <p> + "God is a spirit; and they that adore Him must adore + Him in spirit and in truth" (<i>John</i> iv. 24). + </p> + <p> + From these words of the beloved disciple we are not to + conclude that interior worship is prescribed as the + only essential, and exterior worship condemned. True + piety must manifest itself externally. Man naturally + manifests his feelings by outward signs and ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The Catholic Church recognizes that man has a heart to + be moved as well as an intellect to be enlightened. She + enlightens the intellect by her good books, sermons, + etc.; and she moves the heart by the grandeur of her + ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + If any one doubts that God considers ceremonies + necessary to divine worship, let him read the books of + Leviticus and Exodus. Almost the whole of these books + treats of the rites and ceremonies used by the then + chosen people of God in their public worship. + </p> + <p> + The 26th, 27th, and 28th chapters of Exodus prescribe + the form of the tabernacle and its appurtenances, the + size of the altar and the oil for the lamps, and the + holy vestments which Aaron and his sons were to wear + during the performance of the public ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The book of Leviticus treats more particularly of the + sacrifices, rites, and ceremonies of the priests and + Levites. + </p> + <p> + "And the Lord called Moses, and spoke to him from the + tabernacle of the testimony, saying: Speak to the + children of Israel, and thou shalt say to them: The man + among you that shall offer to the Lord a sacrifice of + the cattle, that is, offering victims of oxen and + sheep, if his offering be a holocaust and of the herd, + he shall offer a male, without blemish, at the door of + the tabernacle of the testimony, to make the Lord + favorable to him. And he shall put his hand upon the + head of the victim, and it shall be acceptable and help + to his expiation" (<i>Lev.</i> i. 1 <i>et seq.</i>). + </p> + <p> + After enumerating all the sacrifices and ceremonies, + the sacred writer closes the book of Leviticus with the + words, "These are the precepts which the Lord commanded + Moses for the children of Israel in Mount Sinai," thus + showing that He considers ceremonies necessary to + divine worship. + </p> + <p> + The religion instituted by Our Lord and Saviour Jesus + Christ is more spiritual than that of the Old Law. + Nevertheless He did not discard ceremonies. In the + Garden of Gethsemani He fell upon His knees in humble + supplication. He went in procession to Jerusalem + preceded by a great multitude strewing palm-branches on + the road and singing, "Hosanna to the Son of David." + Before He cured the deaf and dumb man, He put His + fingers into his ears and touched his tongue with + spittle, and looking up to heaven He groaned and said, + "Ephpheta," which is, "Be thou opened." + </p> + <p> + At the Last Supper He invoked a blessing on the bread + and wine, and after the supper He chanted a hymn with + His disciples—ceremonies similar to those used in + the Mass. When He imparted the Holy Ghost to His + apostles, He breathed upon them. In a similar way they + and their successors communicated the Holy Ghost upon + others by breathing upon them, laying their hands upon + them and praying over them, when conferring the + sacrament of Holy Orders. + </p> + <p> + St. James directs that if any man is sick he shall call + in a priest of the Church, who shall anoint him with + oil, as is done in the sacrament of Extreme Unction. + </p> + <p> + We must, therefore, admit that ceremonies used in the + worship of God are reasonable, since they are + sanctioned by God in the Old Law and by Jesus Christ + and His apostles in the New Testament. + </p> + <p> + All these acts of Our Saviour—the prostration in + the Garden, the procession to Jerusalem, the touching + of the deaf man's ears, the chanting of the hymn, the + laying on of hands, the anointing of the sick—are + but so many ceremonies serving as models of the + ceremonies used by the Catholic Church in her public + worship and in the administration of her sacraments. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ceremony_2" id="ceremony_2">II. Vestments Used + by the Priest at Mass</a> + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>EFORE entering upon an + explanation of the ceremonies of the Mass, which is our + principal act of public worship, let us examine the + meaning of the vestments worn by the priest during the + celebration of that august sacrifice. First, it is well + to remember that these vestments come down to us from + the time of the apostles, and have the weight of + antiquity hanging upon them. Hence, if they did not + demand our respect as memorials of Christ, they are at + least deserving of attention on account of their + antiquity. + </p> + <p> + The 28th chapter of Exodus tells us the sacred + vestments God wished the priests of the Old Law to wear + during the public worship. "And these shall be the + vestments which they shall make: a rational and an + ephod, a tunic and a straight linen garment, a mitre + and a girdle. They shall make the holy vestments for + thy brother Aaron and his sons, that they may do the + office of priesthood unto Me." As God in the Old Law + prescribed vestments for the priests, so the Church, + guided by God, prescribes sacred vestments to be worn + by the priest of the New Law while engaged in the + sacred mysteries. + </p> + <p> + The long black garment which the priest wears around + the church in all the sacred functions is called a + <i>cassock</i>. Kings and officers of the army wear a + special uniform when performing their public duties; + priests wear <i>cassocks</i> and other special garments + when performing their public duties. These vestments + are used to excite the minds of the faithful to the + contemplation of heavenly things. + </p> + <p> + Who, for example, can behold the cross on the chasuble + the priest wears without thinking of all Christ + suffered for us on the cross? As the priest in + celebrating Mass represents the person of Christ, and + the Mass represents His passion, the vestments he wears + represent those with which Christ was clothed at the + time of the passion. + </p> + <p> + The first vestment the priest puts on over the + <i>cassock</i> is called an <i>amice</i>. It is made of + linen, and reminds us of the veil that covered the face + of Jesus when His persecutors struck Him. (<i>Luke</i> + xxii. 64.) + </p> + <p> + When the priest puts on the <i>amice</i> he first + places it on his head, thus recalling to mind the crown + of thorns that pierced the head of Jesus. + </p> + <p> + The <i>alb</i> (from <i>albus</i>, white) represents + the white garment with which Christ was vested by Herod + when sent back to Pilate dressed as a fool. + (<i>Luke</i> xxii. 11.) + </p> + <p> + White is emblematic of purity. Hence the wearer is + reminded of that purity of mind and body which he + should have who serves the altar of the Most High. + </p> + <p> + The <i>cincture</i>, or girdle, as well as the + <i>maniple</i> and <i>stole</i>, represent the cords + and bands with which Christ was bound in the different + stages of His passion. St. Matthew says in the 22d + verse of the 27th chapter, "They brought Him + <i>bound</i> and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate, the + governor." + </p> + <p> + The <i>chasuble</i>, or outer vestment the priest + wears, represents the purple garment with which Christ + was clothed as a mock king. "And they clothed Him with + purple" (<i>Mark</i> xv. 17). Upon the back of the + <i>chasuble</i> you see a cross. This represents the + cross Christ bore on His sacred shoulders to Calvary, + and upon which He was crucified. + </p> + <p> + In these vestments, that is, in the <i>chasuble</i>, + <i>stole</i>, and <i>maniple</i>, the Church uses five + colors—white, red, purple, green, and black. + </p> + <p> + White, which is symbolic of purity and innocence, is + used on the feasts of Our Lord, of the Blessed Virgin, + of the angels, and of the saints that were not martyrs. + </p> + <p> + Red, the symbol of fortitude, is used on the feast of + Pentecost, of the Exaltation of the Cross, of the + apostles and martyrs. + </p> + <p> + Purple, or violet (the color of penance), is used in + Advent and Lent. + </p> + <p> + Green (the color of hope) is used on all Sundays when + no special feast is celebrated, except the Sundays of + Lent and Advent. + </p> + <p> + Black (the color of mourning) is used on Good Friday + and during the celebration of Mass for the dead. + </p> + <p> + Thus we see that each vestment and color used has a + special significance. + </p> + <p> + All are calculated to attract our attention, elevate + our minds to God, and fill us with a desire to do + something for Him Who has done so much for us—to + at least keep His commandments. + </p> + <p> + One word about the use of Latin in the celebration of + Mass will perhaps be appropriate here. History tells us + that when Christianity was established the Roman Empire + had control of nearly all of Europe, Asia, and Africa. + Wherever the Roman flag floated to the breeze the Latin + language was spoken, just as English is spoken where + the sovereign of Great Britain or the President of the + United States holds sway. The Church naturally adopted + in her liturgy the language spoken by the people. + </p> + <p> + In the beginning of the fifth century vast hordes of + barbarians began to come from the north of Europe and + spread desolation over the fairest portions of the + Roman Empire. Soon the Empire was broken up. New + kingdoms began to be formed, new languages to be + developed. The Latin finally ceased to be a living + language. The Church retained it in her liturgy, 1st, + because, as her doctrine and liturgy are unchangeable, + she wishes the language of her doctrine and liturgy to + be unchangeable; 2d, because, as the Church is spread + over the whole world, embracing in her fold children of + all climes, nations, and languages—as she is + universal—she must have a universal language; 3d, + because the Catholic clergy are in constant + communication with the Holy See, and this requires a + uniform language. + </p> + <p> + Besides, when a priest says Mass the people, by their + English Missals or other prayer-books, are able to + follow him from beginning to end. + </p> + <p> + The Mass is a sacrifice. The prayers of the Mass are + offered to God. Hence when the priest says Mass he is + speaking not to the people, but to God, to whom all + languages are equally intelligible. Are not these + sufficient reasons for the use of the Latin language? + Are not good Catholics more attentive, more devout at + Mass than others at their prayer-meetings? The good + Catholic knows that the Mass represents the passion and + death of Christ; that the passion and death of Christ + are the sinner's only refuge, the just man's only hope; + that it can not but be good and wholesome to turn our + minds and our hearts toward this subject; that frequent + meditation on Christ's passion will move us to avoid + sin, which caused it; and that nothing can more + efficaciously cause us to think of Christ's passion and + death than the holy sacrifice of the Mass. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="ceremony_3" id="ceremony_3">III. Ceremonies of + the Mass</a> + </h2> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Mass is the great sacrifice + of the New Law. It was foreshadowed by all the + sacrifices ordained by God in the Old Law. They were + shadows; it is the substance. + </p> + <p> + We learn from Genesis of the fall of man. Universal + tradition, as well as Scripture, informs us that the + creature formerly became guilty in the eyes of the + Creator. All nations, all peoples, endeavored to + appease the anger of Heaven and believed that a victim + was necessary for this purpose. Hence sacrifices have + been offered from the beginning of the human race. + </p> + <p> + Cain and Abel offered victims; the one the first fruits + of the earth, the other the firstlings of the flock. + Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Melchisedech worshiped this + way, and their worship was acceptable to God. + Everywhere, even among the heathen, you find the altar, + the priest, and the sacrifice. As we learn from + Leviticus and other portions of the Old Testament, God + Himself carefully prescribed the quality, manner, + number, and place of the various sacrifices which He + was pleased to accept from the hands of His chosen + people. From this fact that sacrifice has ever formed a + prominent feature in the worship of all people, we + conclude that it belongs to the essentials of religion, + and that Christians to-day should have an altar of + which, as St. Paul says, "they can not eat who serve + the tabernacle." + </p> + <p> + The sacrifices of the Old Law were provisional and + prefigured the great sacrifice of the New Law foretold + by the prophet Malachy. This glorious prophecy of + Malachy, "From the rising of the sun even to the going + down My name is great among the Gentiles; in every + place there is sacrifice, and there is offered to My + name a clean offering; for My name is great among the + Gentiles, saith the Lord of Hosts"—this glorious + prophecy is fulfilled only by the great sacrifice of + the Catholic Church. We alone can say with St. Paul, + "<i>Habemus altare</i>" "We have an altar" and a true + sacrifice. Of all the blessings bequeathed by Jesus + Christ to His Church, there is none better, none + greater, none holier than the holy sacrifice of the + Mass. It is the sacrifice of His own body and blood + offered to the heavenly Father under the appearances of + bread and wine. It was instituted by Our Lord at the + Last Supper, when He took bread and wine in His sacred + hands and blessed them, saying, "This is My body. . . . + This is My blood. . . . Do this for a remembrance of + Me." + </p> + <p> + He instituted the holy Mass in order to represent and + continue the sacrifice of Calvary. St Paul says, in his + first epistle to the Corinthians, xi. 26, that it was + instituted to show the death of the Lord until His + second coming. After the consecration, which the priest + effects by saying over the bread and wine the same + words which Jesus Christ said at the Last Supper, there + is no longer bread and wine, but the true and living + Jesus Christ, God and man, hidden under the appearances + of bread and wine, just as in the manger He was hidden + under the appearance of an infant. The priest offers + Him up to His heavenly Father in the name of the + Catholic Church, or rather He offers Himself up, and we + can confidently hope that we will obtain more through + prayers at the holy Mass than through our own unaided + prayers. In order to have part in the holy sacrifice of + the Mass a person should follow the actions and prayers + of the priest, especially at the offertory, + consecration, and communion; meditate on the passion of + Christ; say the rosary or the prayers in the + prayer-books, at the same time uniting his intention + with the intention of the sacrificing priest. + </p> + <p> + The sacrifice of the Mass is a true sacrifice, because + it is the oblation of a victim to God to represent by + its destruction or change His supreme dominion over + life and death. It is offered to satisfy our four great + debts and wants in adoration to God on account of His + omnipotence, in thanksgiving for His benefits, in + atonement for our sins, and to obtain His assistance in + difficulties and temptations. The holy Mass obtains for + us all graces and blessings, temporal and spiritual. + </p> + <p> + Since the Mass is the highest act of public worship, it + is proper that it should be celebrated with fitting + sacred ceremonies. Every ceremony which the Church + prescribes has its deep significance. All tend to bring + before our minds the mystery of the passion. + </p> + <p> + The <i>altar</i>, which is reached by means of steps, + represents Mount Calvary, upon which Christ died with + His arms extended as if to enfold all men as brothers. + The <i>crucifix</i> recalls Jesus dying on the cross. + The <i>lighted candles</i> are symbols of the faith and + devotion which ought to burn in the hearts of the + faithful when present at Mass. The <i>sacred + vestments</i>, embroidered with the sign of the cross, + indicate that the priest is the minister and visible + representative of Jesus Christ, the invisible priest. + The sign of the cross made many times by the priest + over the host and chalice reminds us that we offer to + God the divine Victim of the cross, and that we ought + to unite ourselves to Him by loving the cross, by + patience and Christian penance. We genuflect because + Our Lord is really present. If we know He is not + present on the altar we bow in honor of the place where + He sometimes reposes. <i>Holy water</i> is used to + signify that our souls must be pure if we wish God to + answer our prayers. <i>Incense</i> is used at solemn + High Mass and at Vespers. It is symbolic of prayer, + agreeably to the words of the 140th psalm: "Let my + prayer, O Lord, be directed as incense in Thy sight." + And St. John, describing the heavenly Jerusalem in the + 8th chapter of the Apocalypse, says: "Another angel + came, and stood before the altar, having a golden + censer; and there was given him much incense, that he + should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the + golden altar which is before the throne of God." + </p> + <p> + The sacrifice of the Mass, then, is the sacrifice of + Calvary, since the same Victim is offered up and by the + same High Priest, Jesus Christ. The Emanuel, the God + with us, the thought of whom made the prophets tremble + centuries before He came, that divine Teacher who loves + to dwell with the children of men, the Catholic Church + beholds dwelling in the midst of us on our altars. If + you have visited some of our ancient cathedrals, or any + of our magnificent modern churches, and admired the + varied ornaments or artistic wonders therein; if you + have ever been present at our religious solemnities and + witnessed the gravity of our ceremonies, the beauty of + the chants, the piety of the adorers; if you have + reflected upon the spirit of sacrifice and + self-forgetfulness so common to Catholicism and so + unknown elsewhere—that spirit which moves + thousands of the young of both sexes to forsake the + world and devote themselves to the care of the sick, + the education of the young, and to other works of + charity—if you have witnessed these things and + reflected upon them, you can not but have asked + yourself why are such gorgeous temples built; why such + magnificent works of art as displayed on the altar, the + sacred vessels, paintings, and other things in the + church? What prompts such sacrifices? And the answer + will be, because the church is the edifice where God in + the holy Mass daily renews the prodigies of His mercy, + and it can never be worthy of His love; because God, + who sacrificed Himself for us, is ever with us in the + Blessed Sacrament of the altar, to soothe our cares and + answer our prayers. Yes, the grand feature of the + Catholic Church is the holy altar. On the altar is the + tabernacle for the residence of the Lord of Hosts. + </p> + <p> + There our "hidden God," Jesus in the Eucharist, dwells + night and day in the midst of His people, saying to + them with words of love, "Come to me all you that are + burdened and heavy laden, and I will refresh you." + </p> + <p> + The Mass, independent of its sacrificial aspect, + consists of the best prayers ever uttered. The priest + begins by making the sign of the cross, "In the name of + the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." + This sign is an epitome of the Christian's belief in + the unity and trinity of God and in the incarnation and + death of Jesus Christ. After making the sign of the + cross he repeats the 42d psalm, "Judge me, O God," and + then makes an humble confession of his sins to God. He + ascends the altar and nine times asks God to have mercy + on him, <i>Kyrie Eleison</i>; then follows the + beautiful hymn the shepherds heard the angels singing + at the birth of the Saviour, <i>Gloria in Excelsis + Deo</i>. + </p> + <p> + The prayer of the feast, the epistle and gospel follow, + and then the sermon in the vernacular is usually + preached. After the Nicene Creed, <i>Credo in Unum + Deum</i>, the priest makes the offering of bread and + wine. He then washes the tips of his fingers, saying: + "I will wash my hands among the innocent," by which he + is reminded to be free from stain to offer worthily the + Holy Sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + The preface, canon, and solemn words of consecration + follow, during which the bread and wine are changed by + the power of Jesus Christ into His body and blood. In a + short time he comes to the best of all prayers, the + prayer taught us by Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, + the Our Father, <i>Pater Noster</i>. The <i>Agnus + Dei</i> follows, then the communion, when he partakes + of the consecrated bread and wine, and afterward gives + holy communion to the faithful. He then continues the + Mass, gives his blessing, and finishes the Mass with + the beginning of the Gospel of St. John. Hence you see + that, besides the great sacrifice which makes it an act + worthy of God, the Mass consists of the best of all + prayers. + </p> + <p> + From what has been said it is evident that ceremonies + in the worship of God are reasonable, being sanctioned + by God in the Old and New Testaments; that the holy + sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest of all acts of + worship; and that the Catholic Church in using + ceremonies is but following the example of Our Lord and + Saviour Jesus Christ and His apostles. St. John in the + Book of Revelations tells us that before the throne of + God angels stand with golden censers, multitudes from + all nations follow and adore the Lamb, while virgins + sing the new song which they alone can utter. So, too, + before the throne of God on earth we swing our censers, + multitudes from all nations prostrate themselves in + adoration, the sweet incense of their praise and prayer + ascends to the throne of grace, their minds are + enlightened by God's word, while their hearts are + raised to God by the grandeur of our ceremonies. + </p> + <p> + The Son of God, after having taught us by His word, + shown us by His example, and merited for us by His + grace the virtues necessary for salvation, wished to + institute the holy sacrifice of the Mass, that He might + come Himself in the Holy Sacrament and imprint them + upon us. Of these virtues, the most important are + <i>humility</i>, <i>purity</i>, <i>obedience</i>, + <i>patience</i>, and <i>charity</i>. + </p> + <p> + Let us always ask God when present at the holy Mass for + a lively faith in His <i>Real Presence</i>, an ardent + love for Him in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar, and + the grace to imitate His humility, His purity, His + meekness, obedience, patience, and charity <i>here</i>, + and enjoy His presence forever <i>hereafter</i>. + </p> + <p> + The following beautiful words of Cardinal Newman show + that the Mass is something more than a mere form of + words, and that ceremonies are reasonable as well as + necessary in its celebration: + </p> + <p> + "To me nothing is so consoling, so piercing, so + thrilling, so overcoming, as the Mass said as it is + among us. I could attend Masses forever and not be + tired. It is not a mere form of words—it is a + great action, the greatest action that can be on earth. + It is not the invocation merely, but, if I dare use the + word, the evocation of the Eternal. He becomes present + on the altar in flesh and blood, before Whom angels bow + and devils tremble. This is that awful event which is + the scope and the interpretation of every part of the + solemnity. Words are necessary, but as means, not as + ends; they are not mere addresses to the throne of + grace, they are instruments of what is far higher, of + consecration, of sacrifice. + </p> + <p> + "They hurry on as if impatient to fulfil their mission. + Quickly they go, for they are awful words of sacrifice; + they are a work too great to delay upon, as when it was + said in the beginning, 'What thou doest, do quickly.' + Quickly they pass, for the Lord Jesus goes with them, + as He passed along the lake in the days of His flesh, + quickly calling first one and then another; quickly + they pass, because as the lightning which shineth from + one part of the heaven unto the other, so is the coming + of the Son of Man. + </p> + <p> + "Quickly they pass, for they are as the words of Moses, + when the Lord came down in the cloud, calling on the + name of the Lord as He passed by, 'The Lord, the Lord + God, merciful and generous, long suffering, and + abundant in goodness and truth.' And as Moses on the + mountain, so we, too, make haste and bow our heads to + the earth and adore. + </p> + <p> + "So we, all around, each in his place, look for the + great Advent 'waiting for the moving of the water,' + each in his place, with his own heart, with his own + wants, with his own prayers, separate but concordant, + watching what is going on, watching its progress, + uniting in its consummation; not painfully, and + hopelessly following a hard form of prayer from + beginning to end, but like a concert of musical + instruments each different, but concurring in sweet + harmony, we take our post with God's priest, supporting + him, yet guided by him. There are little children + there, and old men, and simple laborers, and students + in seminaries, priests preparing for Mass, priests + making their thanksgiving, there are innocent maidens, + and there are penitent sinners; but out of these many + minds rises one Eucharistic hymn, and the great action + is the measure and the scope of it." + </p><br> + <br> + <h1> + <a name="practices" id="practices">The Practices of the + Catholic Church</a> + </h1><br> + <h2> + <a name="practice_1" id="practice_1">I. Vespers and + Benediction</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day" + (<i>Ex</i>. xx. 8). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HIS commandment teaches us that + God wills the whole Sunday to be spent in His honor. We + should sanctify it by good works, and by assisting at + divine service. On that day servile works and improper + amusements are forbidden. A salutary rest and moderate + recreation are allowed, but never at the expense of + duties of obligation. After hearing Mass on Sunday + morning, which is obligatory on all Catholics, there is + no better way of sanctifying the remainder of the day + than by attending Vespers and Benediction. + </p> + <p> + The Vesper service is a small portion of the divine + office, which priests must recite daily, for God's + honor and glory. It consists of five of the psalms of + David (Dixit Dominus, Ps. 109; Confitebor tibi, Ps. + 110; Beatus vir, Ps. 111; Laudate pueri, Ps. 112; In + exitu Israel, Ps. 113, or Laudate Dominum, Ps. 116), a + hymn, the Magnificat, or canticle of the Virgin Mary, + from the first chapter of St. Luke, and some prayers. + Is it not reasonable thus to praise God in psalms and + hymns and spiritual canticles? + </p> + <p> + Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament usually follows + Vespers. The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ + is really present in the Blessed Sacrament. The + reasonableness of this teaching will be seen in the + following article. + </p> + <p> + Since Jesus Christ is present, He ought to be adored by + the faithful. Faithful adorers frequently visit Him in + the Blessed Sacrament and worship Him in "spirit and in + truth." Hence, the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the + Tabernacle on our altars to soothe our cares, answer + our prayers, and be ready at any time to be + administered to the sick and dying. + </p> + <p> + Besides our private devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, + the Church has appointed solemn rites to show publicly + our faith and devotion toward the Real Presence of + Jesus Christ. These rites are processions on Corpus + Christi, the Forty Hours' devotion, and, especially, + the rite called Benediction. + </p> + <p> + When it is time for Benediction many candles are + lighted on the altar. This is done to show our faith in + the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. If He were not + present, this display would be unreasonable, + unnecessary, and meaningless. But the candles we light, + the incense we burn, the flowers and other ornaments we + use to decorate the altar, and all that we do for Our + Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ can not be too much. + </p> + <p> + Everything being prepared, the priest takes the Blessed + Sacrament out of the tabernacle, and, placing it in the + ostensorium, exposes it on an elevated throne, while + the choir sings in honor of the Blessed Sacrament the + hymn "O Salutaris Hostia," "O Saving Host." The priest + incenses Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament, as, + according to the Apocalypse, angels do in heaven. + Another hymn or a litany follows; after which is sung + the "Tantum Ergo," "Down in adoration falling," + followed by a prayer by the priest. Then in the midst + of a solemn silence (except that a small bell is + tinkled) the priest takes the monstrance, or + ostensorium, containing the Blessed Sacrament, and, + turning toward the people, makes with it the sign of + the cross over them, thus blessing the faithful with + the Most Holy One. + </p> + <p> + This is certainly a most touching and impressive rite + even to those who do not believe in it. Cardinal Newman + calls it one of the most beautiful, natural, and + soothing practices of the Church. No one will deny that + this practice, or rite of the Church, is reasonable, if + Jesus Christ is really present in the Blessed + Sacrament. That He is really present is our belief. + This being our belief, is it not reasonable to light + candles as a sign of spiritual joy, and thus to show + our faith in Him who is the light of the world? He gave + us all that we have. He gave us the beautiful world we + dwell upon with its variety of scenery—with its + snow-capped mountains, its green-carpeted hills, and + its blooming valleys. He has no need of our gifts; for + the earth is His "and the fulness thereof." Yet as He + was pleased to receive the gifts of the Magi and the + precious ointment of Mary, so, too, is He pleased to + receive our offerings. And is anything too good, too + beautiful, too precious, for Him? Can the altar on + which He dwells be too richly adorned? Are the pure + candles we light, the sweet incense we burn, the choice + flowers and costly ornaments with which we decorate the + altar, too much to use in honor of Our Lord and our + God? Yes, the Catholic practice or rite of Benediction + is dictated by right reason. Everything connected with + Benediction is reasonable, beautiful, and suggestive of + the <i>noblest sentiments of the heart of man</i>. + </p> + <p align="center"> + <a href="images/starofsea_large.jpg"><img src= + "images/starofsea.jpg" alt= + "Mary, Star of the Sea"></a><br> + MARY, STAR OF THE SEA + </p><br> + <h2> + <a name="practice_2" id="practice_2">II. Devotion to + the Blessed Sacrament</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and + blessed, and broke, and gave to His disciples, and + said: take ye and eat. This is My body" (<i>Matt</i>. + xxvi. 26). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">P</font>ERHAPS no mystery of revelation + has been so universally attacked as the Real Presence + of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. + </p> + <p> + By the Real Presence is meant that Jesus Christ is + really and truly, body and blood, soul and divinity, + present in the Blessed Sacrament, under the form and + appearance of bread and wine. + </p> + <p> + This teaching of the Church is in perfect agreement + with Scripture, tradition, and reason. + </p> + <p> + If the reader will take up his Bible and read carefully + the 6th chapter of the Gospel according to St. John; + the 26th chapter, 26th, 27th, and 28th verses of St. + Matthew; the 14th chapter, 22d verse of St. Mark; the + First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians, 10th + chapter, 16th verse, as well as other portions of the + New Testament, he will certainly see that the Catholic + teaching and practice concerning the Real Presence of + Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament are founded on + Scripture. In this 6th chapter of St. John, we learn + that before instituting the Blessed Sacrament Our + Saviour wished to announce or promise it to His + disciples in order to prepare them for it. He first + gave them a figure of the Blessed Sacrament in the + multiplication of the five loaves of bread by which He + fed five thousand persons. After this miracle He told + them that He would give them bread superior to that + which they had eaten, and that this bread was His own + flesh and blood. "The bread that I will give is My + flesh, for the life of the world." It is almost + impossible to understand these words of Our Lord in any + other than a literal sense. He was so understood by + those who heard Him. "How can this man give us his + flesh to eat?" they said, and many withdrew from Him. + It is but reasonable to believe that if He did not wish + to be understood in a literal sense He would have told + His hearers so, rather than have them leave Him. + </p> + <p> + This promise of a doctrine so difficult to understand + was fulfilled at the Last Supper. + </p> + <p> + Then Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke, and gave + to His disciples, and said: "Take ye and eat. This is + My body." And taking the chalice He gave thanks; and + gave to them, saying: "Drink ye all of this. For this + is My blood of the new testament which shall be shed + for many for the remission of sins." + </p> + <p> + "Do this for a commemoration of Me." + </p> + <p> + These are substantially the words of SS. Matthew, Mark, + Luke, and of the apostle Paul. + </p> + <p> + In the 10th chapter of the First Epistle to the + Corinthians, St. Paul says: "The chalice of benediction + which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of + Christ? And the bread which we break, is it not the + partaking of the body of the Lord?" + </p> + <p> + Any one of these texts abundantly proves the Catholic + doctrine of the Real Presence, and shows the + reasonableness of the Catholic practice regarding the + Blessed Sacrament. Reflect upon them. Reflect + especially upon the words of Christ, "This is My body." + Think what an insult it is to the divinity and veracity + of Christ to doubt His word, because you can not + understand how what appears to be bread is in reality + His own body and blood. + </p> + <p> + If you remember that Jesus Christ is God, that He had + the power to make this change, that He could confer + this power on others, as the apostles and their + successors, that He did so when He said: "Do this in + commemoration of Me," and that this change at the + present time as at the time of the apostles is made by + His almighty power, you will have no difficulty in + believing it. + </p> + <p> + The belief and practice of the Catholic Church of + to-day regarding the Blessed Sacrament is the same as + it was in every age since the time of Christ. The + history of every century tells us this. The Fathers, + Doctors, and Church writers of every age say the same. + If it were not so, some one ought to be able to find + the time when the doctrine was invented, and the person + who invented it. But, since no one has been able to + find the inventor of this doctrine and practice, the + time or place of the invention, we rightly conclude + that they came down to us from the time of Christ, and + had Christ for an author. (Berengarius, in the eleventh + century, was the first who denied this doctrine.) If, + then, Christ is the author, is not the Catholic + practice reasonable? + </p> + <p> + But I don't understand the Catholic doctrine regarding + the Blessed Sacrament, some one may say; therefore it + is contrary to reason. Dear reader, did the consummate + puerility, silliness, foolishness of such an objection + ever present itself to you? Do you understand the + Blessed Trinity? And is it contrary to reason? No. + Although above reason, it is not against it. Do you + understand how Jesus Christ is both God and man? Do you + understand any mystery? No. If you did it would no + longer be a mystery. For a mystery is something above + human intelligence. It is something incomprehensible to + us, for it pertains to the divine intelligence. And as + well might you attempt to pour the mighty ocean into a + small hole on the shore, as attempt to hold with your + limited capacity the illimitable ocean of divinity. The + proper office of reason is to examine the evidences of + revelation, and see if God has spoken. But it + constitutes no part of its office to dispute the word + of God. That God has spoken is evident from the + fulfilment of many prophecies and the authority of many + miracles. That these prophecies have been fulfilled, + and these miracles performed, is as certain as is any + historical fact. Reason teaches us this. It teaches us, + too, that no one but God (or by the power of God) can + prophesy; no one but God can derogate from the order of + nature, by the performance of a miracle. Reason teaches + us, then, that God has spoken. When we know God speaks, + genuine reason will dictate that we humbly believe His + holy word. Thus will true reason ever act. And when God + says, "This is My body," it will not hesitate to + believe. + </p> + <p> + We all believe that at the baptism of Our Saviour by + St. John Baptist, the Holy Ghost appeared in the form + of a dove. Now, is it not as reasonable for Jesus + Christ, the second person of the Blessed Trinity, to + appear in the form of bread as it was for the Holy + Ghost, the third person of the Trinity, to appear in + the form of a dove? We must therefore admit that the + Catholic doctrine of the Real Presence of Jesus Christ + in the Blessed Sacrament is reasonable; that it has + been believed by the Christian Church of every age from + the time of Christ until the present time; and that it + is taught by SS. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and by + St. Paul in clear and unmistakable terms. + </p> + <p> + Now, dear reader, since Jesus Christ is really present, + is not the Catholic practice regarding the Blessed + Sacrament reasonable? Should we not honor Our Lord and + Our God? Should we not adore Him as really present in + the Blessed Sacrament? Should we not frequently receive + Him with pure and contrite hearts? Should we not, when + we enter the church, genuflect, bend the knee in His + honor? Should we not show Him every mark of respect and + devotion? Can we do too much in His honor? Let us, + then, adore Our Lord and Our God, for we are His people + and the sheep of His pasture. Let us return love for + love to the great King of suffering, who was born for + love of us, who died for love of us, and who, for love + of us, remains ever with us in the Blessed Sacrament. + Let us ask that our faith and love may persevere to the + end; that loving and adoring Him here in the Blessed + Sacrament of His love, <i>we may be united with Him + forever hereafter</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_3" id="practice_3">III.</a> Holy + Communion + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "He that eateth this bread shall live forever" + (<i>John</i> vi. 59) + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">H</font>OLY communion is receiving the + body and blood of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. The + clergy when saying Mass, except on Good Friday, receive + under both forms. When not celebrating Mass, they + receive only the one kind, the consecrated bread. In + the early ages of the Church communion was given to the + people under both forms. + </p> + <p> + The faithful, however, could, if they wished, dispense + with one form and receive under the form of bread. This + shows that the Church always taught that Christ is + entire both under the form of bread and under the form + of wine. At one time the faithful received under both + forms; now they receive under one form, the form of + bread. It is merely a matter of discipline, which the + Church could change, if circumstances demanded it. + Whether you receive under one form or both, you receive + whole and entire the body and blood of Christ. This is + clearly taught by St. Paul in the 11th chapter of the + First Epistle to the Corinthians, where he says: + "Whosoever shall eat this bread, <i>or</i> drink the + chalice of the Lord <i>unworthily</i>, shall be guilty + of the body <i>and</i> blood of the Lord." + </p> + <p> + How could a person eating that bread unworthily be + guilty of the body and blood of the Lord, unless the + body and blood of the Lord were there under the form of + bread? + </p> + <p> + Since Jesus Christ is whole and entire under the form + of bread, as well as under the form of wine, the + practice of the Catholic Church of giving holy + communion under one form is reasonable. + </p> + <p> + Good Christians frequently receive their Lord and their + God in holy communion. He inspires them with feelings + of love, gratitude, and adoration. He reminds them to + think frequently of their Creator—to give Him + their first thoughts in the morning and their last in + the evening. He gives them strength to restrain their + guilty passions. + </p> + <p> + Holy Communion is the seed of immortality. "He that + eateth this bread <i>shall live forever</i>." + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_4" id="practice_4">IV. + Confirmation</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Then they laid their hands upon them, and they + received the Holy Ghost" (<i>Acts</i> viii. 17). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>EFORE the coming of the Holy + Ghost on Pentecost, the apostles were weak and + vacillating. One of them betrayed his Master for thirty + pieces of silver; another—the Prince of the + Apostles, he whom Christ afterward made head of His + Church—thrice denied his Lord and his God. + </p> + <p> + After the descent of the Holy Ghost, what a change! + What a wonderful transformation! They who before had + been as timid as the lamb, as changeable as the + chameleon's hue, became now as bold as the lion, as + firm as Gibraltar's rock. + </p> + <p> + In a similar way does Confirmation act on the receiver. + Confirmation is that sacrament in which, by the + imposition of the bishop's hands, we receive the Holy + Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and + soldiers of Jesus Christ. It is the second in the order + of the sacraments, because the early Christians were + accustomed to receive it immediately after Baptism. In + the 8th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles we find the + first recorded instance of the administering of + Confirmation by the apostles. Here we are told that St. + Peter and St. John confirmed the Samaritans who had + been baptized by Philip. "They prayed for them that + they might receive the Holy Ghost. . . . Then they laid + their hands upon them, and they received the Holy + Ghost." In a similar way does the bishop, the successor + of the apostles, administer Confirmation at the present + day. First, he turns toward those to be confirmed and + says: "May the Holy Ghost come down upon you and the + power of the Most High keep you from sin." Then + extending his hands over them he prays that they may + receive the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + In the 6th verse of the 19th chapter of the Acts the + sacred writer, after telling about the baptism of the + disciples at Ephesus, adds: "And when Paul had laid his + hands upon them the Holy Ghost came on them." In the + 6th chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews St. Paul + mentions Confirmation, the laying on of hands, with + Baptism and Penance, as among the principal practices + of Christianity. + </p> + <p> + The sacrament of Confirmation has been administered to + the faithful of every age from the time of Christ until + the present. We learn this from the Fathers and writers + of the various ages. Among them St. Clement says: "All + must make haste to be confirmed by a bishop, and + receive the sevenfold grace of the Holy Ghost." The + practice of administering Confirmation is founded on + tradition, then, as well as on Scripture. Is it not + reasonable to believe and practise that which the + Christian Church of every age believed and practised? + </p> + <p> + The apostles of Christ administered Confirmation by + praying that the faithful may receive the Holy Ghost + and laying their hands upon them. The successors of the + apostles do likewise. Who will say that this practice + is not reasonable? Baptism gives spiritual life; + Confirmation increases it. Baptism makes persons + children of God; Confirmation strengthens them, causes + them to grow, and makes them strong men and soldiers of + Jesus Christ. + </p> + <p> + All the morality of life is implied in the sacrament of + Confirmation. It strengthens man, it gives him courage + to confess God; and as sin is the denial of God, + whoever has courage to confess <i>God will practise + virtue</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_5" id="practice_5">V. Honoring the + Blessed Virgin</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "The angel Gabriel was sent from God . . . to a Virgin + . . . and the Virgin's name was Mary. And the angel + being come in said to her: Hail, full of grace, the + Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women" + (<i>Luke</i> i. 26, 28). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "From henceforth all generations shall call me blessed" + (<i>Luke</i> i. 48). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HESE words from St. Luke show + that the Catholic practice of honoring Mary is + scriptural. We alone fulfil the prophecy, "From + henceforth all generations shall call me blessed." If + Mary was so pure that the archangel Gabriel could + salute her as full of grace; if she was so perfect as + to be honored, respected, and loved by her divine Son, + Jesus Christ, is it not reasonable that we, too, should + honor, respect, and love her? + </p> + <p> + How we honor the sword of Washington! What a cluster of + tender recollections clings to the staff of Franklin! + Is there a loyal American citizen who does not think + with feelings of love and respect of the mother of our + Revolutionary hero, or who would not doff his hat at + the unveiling of a statue of the sage of Monticello? + And why? Is it on account of their intrinsic merit? No. + We honor them principally on account of the relation + they bear to those three brightest stars in the + American firmament. So it is with the honor we show to + Mary, the Mother of God. Although she was an example of + all virtues, we honor her principally because it was + through her instrumentality He was born by whom we + achieved not civil liberty, but the liberty of the + children of God. She did not draw lightning from + heaven, nor the scepter from kings; but she brought + forth Him who is the Lord of heaven and King of kings. + </p> + <p> + The principal reason, then, why we honor Mary is + because she is the Mother of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus + Christ. This honor consists of love, respect, and + veneration. We love her with an interior love, a love + proceeding from the heart; nor should we fear to let + this love appear outwardly. When others revile her, + speak disrespectfully of her, we should shrink from the + very idea of acting similarly toward her. We should + then remember that she is the Mother of Our Saviour, + and should ask ourselves how we would have acted toward + her had we lived in her day and been witnesses of the + honor shown her by her divine Son. By so doing we will + show her that love which is her due. Our respect, our + veneration for her, should be affectionate and deep. + When we remember that it was her hand that first lifted + from the ground and received in maternal embrace the + sacred body of Jesus, just born and just dead; when we + think how respectfully Elizabeth greeted her; when we + recall to mind the reverent salutation of the + archangel; when we consider the honor shown her by the + apostles and by her own divine Son, can we help feeling + a deep love, respect, and veneration for her? You see, + dear reader, honoring Mary is scriptural and + reasonable. + </p> + <p> + But if we should honor her principally because she is + the Mother of God, we should also honor her because she + is the peerless glory, the matchless jewel of her sex. + She constitutes a sole exception to a general law. Sin + never contaminated, never touched her fair soul. This + is what we mean by the Immaculate Conception. + </p> + <p> + God created the first man free from sin. But he + transgressed the law of God, and, by his transgression, + all his posterity are born in sin and conceived in + iniquity. For St. Paul says: "By one man sin entered + into this world, and by sin death; and so death passed + upon all men, in whom all have sinned" (<i>Rom.</i> v. + 12). But God promised that the woman, Mary, should + crush the head of the serpent. Now if she was to crush + the head of the serpent, it was fit that she should + never be under his power, that she should be pure, free + from sin of every kind. + </p> + <p> + There have been exceptions to all general laws. At the + time of the deluge Noe was saved. Lot was saved from + the destruction of Sodom. In like manner, the Blessed + Virgin is an exception to the general law that all + sinned in Adam. Isaias and St. John Baptist were + sanctified in their mother's womb. Was it any more + difficult for God to sanctify Mary at the moment of her + conception, at the moment of the union of her soul with + her body? God chose His own Mother. If He had the power + to choose her did He not also have the power to + preserve her from original sin? And does it not appear + to you most fitting that God, the Holy Ghost, should + preserve His spouse, and God, the Son, His Mother, from + sin of every kind? + </p> + <p> + "Hail, full of grace," the angel said to her. If she + was full of grace, no vacancy was left for sin. Grace + denotes the absence of sin, as light denotes the + absence of darkness. Hence if Mary was full of grace, + she was never subject to sin; she was always pure and + her conception immaculate. It is but natural, then, + that we arrive at the belief in the Immaculate + Conception, at the belief in the sinlessness, the + spotlessness of the Blessed Virgin from the very + beginning of her existence. If we honor Mary + principally because the angel honored her, because God + honored her, we honor her, also, because of her + immaculate conception and total freedom from sin. She + was a model of all virtues. Is it not reasonable, then, + to honor Mary, to love her, and to believe that she + loves us? If we honor the good and virtuous, where can + we find a nobler example of virtue than Mary? What a + beautiful model Mary is for Christians, and especially + for Christian women! Good Catholic mothers are + continually urging upon their daughters the necessity + of choosing as a model Mary, the true type of female + excellence. In Mary you find all that is tender, + loving, constant, and true. In her you find all + virtues. In her humility she refused the highest + honors; while in patience she endured more anguish and + agony than any other creature on earth. + </p> + <p> + Mary is a creature of God. As the praise we bestow on a + beautiful picture redounds to the glory of the artist, + so the honor we give Mary redounds to God, since we + honor her for His sake. Let us honor her. That person + who honors the Blessed Virgin; who loves, respects, and + venerates her as the Mother of God; who takes her as a + model and imitates her virtues; who prays to her in + trials and afflictions and asks her intercession with + her divine Son, does not only act in a reasonable + manner, but such action is certain to make the path + through this world smooth and easy and at the same time + safe to a life of <i>eternal happiness</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_6" id="practice_6">VI. Confession of + Sin</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Whom when He saw He said: Go, show yourselves to the + priests" (<i>Luke</i> xvii. 14). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "Receive ye the Holy Ghost; whose sins ye shall + forgive, they are forgiven them, and whose sins ye + shall retain, they are retained" (<i>John</i> xx. 23). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE whole of the life of Our + Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ may be summed up in these + words of the Acts: "He went about doing good." He + healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, hearing to + the deaf, and raised the dead to life. + </p> + <p> + The healing of the body, however, was to Him a + secondary object. The healing of the soul was His + mission on earth. He frequently called the attention of + His followers to this. For example, He cured the man of + the palsy to prove that as man He had the power to + forgive sins. Another example is when He gives us in + the cure of the lepers a figure of sin and its cure. + </p> + <p> + Leprosy has always been considered a figure of sin. As + leprosy covers the body and makes it disgusting and + frightful to behold, so sin covers the soul and makes + it hideous in the sight of God. The Old Law required + lepers to separate themselves from society until their + cure was certified to by the priests who were appointed + for this purpose. Our Lord has been pleased, in the New + Law, to institute a similar method for the cure of the + more fatal leprosy of sin. The spiritual leper, the + sinner, is to show himself to the priest, make known + the diseased state of his soul, and submit to the + inspection and treatment of the priest, who is the + divinely appointed physician of the soul. But should we + not go directly to God, since God alone has power to + justify us? It is true, God alone can effect our + justification; but He has appointed the priest to judge + in His place and pass sentence in His name. To the + priests He has said: "Whatsoever you shall bind upon + earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you + shall loose upon earth shall be loosed also in heaven" + (<i>Matt.</i> xviii. 18); and again: "Whose sins you + shall forgive, they are forgiven, and whose sins you + shall retain, they are retained" (<i>John</i> xx. 23). + These two texts clearly show that auricular confession + as practised in the Catholic Church was taught by + Christ. For how could the apostles and their + successors, the pastors of the Church, know what sins + to bind and retain and what sins to loose and forgive + unless the sins were confessed to them and they were + allowed to judge? + </p> + <p> + No matter how numerous or how great these are, provided + they are confessed with a sincere repentance, they will + be forgiven. And they will be forgiven by the power of + the priest. Properly speaking, God alone has power to + forgive sins. But no one will deny that He has power to + confer this power on others. He communicated this power + to His apostles and commanded them, in turn, to + communicate it to others by means of the Sacrament of + Holy Orders. + </p> + <p> + That Our Saviour communicated this power to His + apostles is evident from the words of St. John: "As the + Father hath sent Me I also send you. Receive ye the + Holy Ghost; whose sins you shall forgive, they are + forgiven." But sin was to continue till the end of the + world. Hence the necessity of the means of forgiving + sin being coextensive with sin. As the people receive + from the priests the Word of God and the cleansing from + sin in Baptism, so also do they receive from them the + cleansing from sin in confession. + </p> + <p> + It is certain that the apostles conferred the power of + forgiving sins upon others, if we find that those whom + the apostles ordained this power. But we find this to + be the case. + </p> + <p> + From the time of Christ until the present the writers + of every age tell us that confession of sins was + practised. St. John, who lived until the beginning of + the second century, says in the 1st chapter of his + First Epistle: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful + and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from + all iniquity." + </p> + <p> + St. Cyprian, who wrote in the third century, says: "Let + each of you confess his faults, and the pardon imparted + by the priest is acceptable before God." + </p> + <p> + St. Ambrose, in the fourth century, wrote: "The poison + is sin; the remedy, the accusation of one's crime. The + poison is iniquity: confession is the remedy." + </p> + <p> + St. Augustine, who lived in the fifth century, seems to + be talking to some people of the present day, who say + they confess in private to God, when he says: "Let no + one say to himself, I do penance to God in private, I + do it before God. Is it then in vain that Christ hath + said: 'Whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be + loosed in heaven'? Is it in vain that the keys have + been given to the Church? Do we make void the Gospel? + void the words of Christ?" + </p> + <p> + These first five centuries were the golden age of + Christianity. All admit that the doctrines and + practices of those early centuries were pure and + undefiled, as they came from Christ. But among the + practices of the time we find confession. Hence it is a + reasonable practice, because conformable to Christ's + teaching. We might continue quotations from writers of + every century from the sixth to the nineteenth, showing + that the teaching and practice of confession did not + vary through the lapse of ages from the time of Christ + until the present day. But this is unnecessary. The + quotations from the first five centuries show that the + power of forgiving sin was not only communicated by + Christ to His apostles, but by them to their successors + by means of the sacrament of Holy Orders. What would be + the necessity of this power if they could not exercise + it in confession? If, as some say, priests invented + confession, some one ought to find out and tell us when + and where it was invented, and why they did not exempt + themselves from such a humiliating practice. + </p> + <p> + Confession alone, however, will be of no avail without + contrition. Contrition is a sincere sorrow and + detestation for sin with a firm determination to sin no + more. To the truly humble and sorrowful sinner + confession is not a punishment, but a remedy for a + tortured conscience. The most painful secret to be kept + by a heart not yet corrupted by disease is the secret + of sin and crime. The soul that loves God hates sin and + desires to separate herself from it. To this desire is + associated the desire of expiating it. All, from the + mother who questions her child about wrongdoing to the + judge who interrogates the criminal, recognize in + spontaneous confession an expiatory power. + </p> + <p> + Confession, it is true, is necessarily accompanied by + shame and humiliation. This humiliation is diminished + by the knowledge that it is of divine origin and that + eternal silence is divinely imposed upon him who + receives it. Priests never divulge what they know from + the confessional. They have been ill-treated, as was + Father Kohlmann in this country; have even been + tortured and cruelly put to death, as was St. John + Nepomucene, in order to extort from them knowledge they + gained in the confessional, but without avail. For what + they knew through the tribunal of penance, they knew as + ministers of God. And as it is better to obey God than + man, no minister of state could force them to divulge + that which the laws of God forbid. + </p> + <p> + Only sinners, who after a thorough preparation, a + sincere sorrow, and a good confession, can realize the + soothing and beneficial effects of confession, and feel + with David, "Blessed are they whose sins are forgiven." + If you have ever noticed such after leaving the + confessional you could see joy beaming on their + countenances, as if a heavy burden had been removed. + </p> + <p> + Confession quiets the conscience. But this is only one + of the benefits it confers upon those who practise + going to confession. It has also a salutary influence + upon their morals; for one of its necessary conditions + is promise of amendment. + </p> + <p> + The pagans of the first centuries were aware of the + guiding and reforming power of the confessional. + Voltaire, the leading infidel of the last century, one + who made sport of everything Christian, says that + "there is, perhaps, no wiser institution, and that + confession is an excellent thing, a restraint upon + inveterate crime, a very good practice to prevent the + guilty from falling into despair and relapsing into + sin, to influence hearts full of hate to forgive and + robbers to make restitution—that the enemies of + the <i>Romish</i> Church who have opposed so beneficial + an institution have taken from man the greatest + restraint that can be put upon crime." While his + everyday experience forced these words of praise from + the arch-infidel, his hatred of the Church creeps out + in the word "Romish." + </p> + <p> + Confession of sin, as we have seen, is a <i>reasonable + practice</i>, because it was taught by Jesus Christ, + and by His apostles and their successors from Christ's + time until the present; but <i>especially</i> because + it has the power of soothing and pacifying the + conscience by freeing it from the torture of sin, the + poison of crime. It is not strange, then, that it is so + dear to virtuous souls. It is offensive only to those + whose hearts are so hardened as to blunt the sting of + remorse. Confession is Christianity using its moral + power to correct and perfect the individual. In the + confessional the minister of God is continually coming + in contact with hearts in which reigns an idol that he + overthrows, a bad practice that he causes to cease, or + some injustice that he has repaired. + </p> + <p> + Confession is one of the gates by which Christianity + penetrates the interior man, wipes away stains, heals + diseases, and sows therein the seeds of virtue. The + lives and experience of millions are witness of the + truth of this. Is it not, then, a reasonable, a + beneficial practice? It is only the malicious or the + ignorant who calumniate the practice and the + consecrated minister who sits in judgment in the sacred + tribunal. Those who lay aside their prejudice and study + the question soon become convinced of its divine + origin. A little study and reflection will show them + that confession of sin benefits society by preventing + crimes that would destroy government, cause riots, and + fill prisons; that it promotes human justice, makes men + better, nobler, purer, higher, and more Godlike; that + it soothes the sorrowful heart whose crime might make + the despairing suicide; and that individuals and + families who frequently, intelligently, and properly + approach this fountain of God's grace will receive His + blessing here <i>and a pledge of His union + hereafter</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_7" id="practice_7">VII. Granting + Indulgences</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Whatsoever you shall bind upon earth shall be bound in + heaven, and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth shall + be loosed also in heaven" (Matt xviii. 18). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">O</font>F THE many practices of the + Church, few have been the cause of more controversy + than that of granting indulgences. Though not the + cause, the granting of an indulgence furnished a + pretext for Luther's apostasy. Leo X, who was Pope at + that time, desiring to complete St. Peter's at Rome, + appealed to all Catholics for financial aid. There was + certainly nothing wrong in this. With these alms it was + intended that the most magnificent Christian temple in + the world would be completed. + </p> + <p> + "Majesty, Power, Glory, Strength, and + Beauty, all are aisled<br> + In this eternal ark of worship + undefiled." + </p> + <p> + All who contributed toward the completion of St. + Peter's and complied with the necessary conditions were + granted an indulgence. + </p> + <p> + The alms were not one of the indispensable conditions. + Those conditions were a sincere repentance and + confession. Hence, those who did not contribute could + gain the indulgence. Perhaps the Dominican Tetzel, who + was chosen to announce the indulgence, exceeded his + powers and made them serve his own ends. + </p> + <p> + His action in the affair was not approved by Rome. If + it is certain that the Pope did nothing wrong in asking + for aid to build that beautiful monument to religion, + it is equally certain that he did nothing wrong, that + he did not exceed the limits of his powers when he + granted the indulgence. In order to understand this, we + must have a clear idea of what is meant by an + indulgence. + </p> + <p> + You frequently hear it said that it is the forgiveness + of sin, or that it is a permission given to commit sin. + It is neither the one nor the other. An indulgence is + not the forgiveness of sin. In fact, an indulgence can + not be gained until sin has been forgiven. One of the + necessary conditions for gaining an indulgence is + confession. + </p> + <p> + Neither is an indulgence a license, a permission to + commit sin. No one, not even God Himself, could give + permission to commit sin. For God is all good, and + although all powerful He can not sanction that which is + evil in itself. It would be contrary to His very + nature. An indulgence, then, is not what it has been + painted. Having seen what an indulgence is not, let us + see what it is. It is a remission of the whole or a + part of the debt of temporal punishment due to sin + after the guilt and eternal punishment have been + forgiven in the sacrament of Penance. + </p> + <p> + In the early ages of the Church notorious sinners, + after being absolved, were sentenced to long public + penances. By sincere sorrow, an indulgence or remission + of some of the time was granted them. Public confession + and public penances have passed away. These public + penances are replaced by pious devotions. Upon the + performance of certain pious devotions the Church at + times grants an indulgence; that is, a remission of + such temporal punishment as is equivalent to the + canonical penances corresponding to the sins committed. + </p> + <p> + Attached to every mortal sin, besides the guilt, is the + punishment incurred. This punishment is eternal and + temporal. That there is this twofold punishment we + learn from various places in the Bible. We have an + example in the sin of David. God sent the prophet + Nathan to warn him of his guilt. When Nathan rebuked + the king, he confessed his sin with signs of true + contrition. Then Nathan told him that God had forgiven + his sin, but that many temporal punishments would + follow. When God forgave the sin, the guilt and eternal + punishment were taken away; but temporal punishment + remained. Other examples could be cited, but this is + sufficient to show that there is a twofold kind of + punishment—eternal and temporal. In confession + the guilt and eternal punishment are taken away, but + not always the temporal punishment. This temporal + punishment is what is taken away in whole by a plenary + and in part by a partial indulgence. + </p> + <p> + In a similar manner we have a twofold punishment + attached to crime in this world. A man commits a crime. + He is sentenced to a term in the penitentiary. After + spending his time of punishment he comes back to + society, but finds he has another punishment to undergo + in being avoided by his friends and others. + </p> + <p> + The practice of granting indulgences was founded on + many passages of Scripture, both of the Old and New + Testament. In the 12th chapter of the book of Numbers + we learn that Mary, the sister of Moses, was forgiven a + sin which she had committed. But God inflicted upon her + the penalty of leprosy. This was a temporal punishment. + By the prayer of Moses an indulgence was granted; for + God took away the temporal punishment. + </p> + <p> + Our divine Lord left with His Church the power of + granting indulgences, as we learn from His words taken + from St. Matthew: "Whatsoever you shall loose upon + earth shall be loosed also in heaven." This promise + implies the power of loosing not only from sin and its + eternal punishment, but also the power of releasing the + bond of temporal punishment, of freeing from everything + that would prevent the soul from entering the kingdom + of heaven. St. Paul granted an indulgence to the + incestuous Corinthian, as we learn from the 2d chapter + of his Second Epistle to the Corinthians. By the power + and authority which he received from Christ, he granted + the Corinthian pardon from performing a certain + penance. This penance was a temporal punishment. The + apostle took away the temporal punishment. That is an + indulgence. + </p> + <p> + Non-Catholics grant a kind of plenary indulgence to + every one by saying that works of penance are + unnecessary. The practice of the Catholic Church of + granting an indulgence only to the deserving is + certainly more conformable to Scripture as well as more + reasonable. + </p> + <p> + Experience teaches us the utility of indulgences. They + encourage the faithful to frequent the sacraments, to + repent, to do acts of penance, and perform works of + piety, charity, and devotion. + </p> + <p> + A practice productive of such beneficial results is + reasonable; it is also reasonable because it is + sanctioned by Scripture and the Church of every age. + For God would not sanction it nor could the Church + practise it if it were <i>not conformable to + reason</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_8" id="practice_8">VIII. The Last + Sacraments</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the + priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, + anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the + prayer of faith shall save the sick man, and the Lord + shall raise him up, and if he be in sins they shall be + forgiven him" (<i>James</i> v. 14, 15). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>Y THESE words St. James + admonishes Christians when sick to do that which Our + Saviour had previously directed to be done. This you + will learn from the 6th chapter of St. Mark: "And [the + apostles] anointed with oil many that were sick." + </p> + <p> + The historians of the first centuries tell us that the + early Christians were as anxious to receive the last + sacraments as are the Catholics of our own day. St. + Cesarius, in the fifth century, writes: "As soon as a + person falls dangerously sick, he receives the body and + blood of Jesus Christ. Then his body is anointed, and + thus is fulfilled what stands written: 'Is any man sick + among you? Let him call in the priests of the Church, + and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil.'" + What the Christians of the first centuries did, we do; + and we do it by the direction of Jesus Christ and of + St. James. + </p> + <p> + Penance, Holy Eucharist, and Extreme Unction are + administered to the sick and are known as the last + sacraments. The priest first hears the sick person's + confession, then he administers holy communion. + Afterward he administers the sacrament of Extreme + Unction—last anointing. + </p> + <p> + This sacrament aids the sick to bear their sufferings + with patience. It wipes away sin, even mortal sin if + the person is unable to confess; and it purifies the + soul for its entrance into heaven. The other sacraments + assist us in making our lives holy like the life of our + divine Model. This sacrament assists in making our + death holy, like the death of Jesus. The sacrament of + Baptism met us at our entrance into this world; the + sacrament of Extreme Unction will be our guide at our + departure to the other world. Religion, which rocked us + in the cradle of life, will lull us to sleep in the + cradle of death. + </p> + <p> + Go to the bedside of the dying Catholic and you will + see the reasonableness of the practice of calling the + priest to administer the last sacraments. After the + sacraments have been administered, peace and joy and + contentment are visible on the countenance of the sick + person. He clings no more to the things of earth. His + thoughts are centered in heaven. The minister of God + consoles him with the thought of immortality and the + resurrection of the body. He soon hears the singing of + the angelic choir; and breathing the sweet names of + Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, his soul takes its flight to + the <i>regions of eternal bliss</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_9" id="practice_9">IX. Praying for + the Dead</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray + for the dead, that they may be loosed from their sins" + (<i>2 Mach</i>. xii. 46). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">N</font>O ONE will deny that the + practice of praying for the dead is reasonable, if the + dead are benefited by our prayers. That our prayers are + beneficial to the departed we will endeavor to show. We + are taught by revelation that besides heaven and hell, + a state of everlasting pleasure and a state of eternal + pain, there also exists a middle state of punishment + for those who die in venial sin, or who have not + sufficiently satisfied the justice of God for mortal + sins already forgiven. + </p> + <p> + The people of God in the Old Law believed, and Jesus + Christ and His apostles in the New Law taught, the + existence of this middle state. In the Second Book of + Machabees, quoted above, we read that the pious general + Judas Machabeus having made a collection, "sent twelve + thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifices + to be offered for the dead [soldiers], thinking well + and religiously concerning the resurrection [for if he + had not hoped that they that were slain should rise + again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to + pray for the dead], and because he considered that they + who had fallen asleep with godliness had great grace + laid up for them. It is, therefore, a holy and + wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be + loosed from their sins." If prayers were not beneficial + to the dead, God would not have sanctioned them. + </p> + <p> + This is exactly the practice of the Catholic Church. We + pray and offer sacrifices for the souls in purgatory, + just as Judas Machabeus did. Even if the Books of + Machabees were not inspired, it is historically true + that the Jews and almost all nations of antiquity + believed in the existence of purgatory and the utility + of prayers for the souls detained there. This universal + consent is the voice of nature and of God. Hence we see + that the practice of praying for the dead is + reasonable. + </p> + <p> + This practice is in accordance with the teaching of + Christ. In the 12th chapter, 32d verse, of St. Matthew, + He says: "He that shall speak against the Holy Ghost, + it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world nor + in the world to come." + </p> + <p> + These words teach us that some sins will be pardoned in + the life to come. They can not be pardoned in heaven, + since nothing defiled can enter heaven; nor can they be + pardoned in hell, out of which there is no redemption, + for "their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not + be quenched." Therefore, there must be a state in the + next world where sins will be forgiven, and we call + that place or state purgatory. And the existence of + purgatory implies the necessity of praying for those + detained there. The belief in the existence of + purgatory and the practice of praying for the faithful + departed have existed in the Church from the time of + its foundation. + </p> + <p> + Tertullian, who lived in the second century, considered + it a solemn duty, whose obligation came down from the + apostles, to offer sacrifices and prayers for the + faithful departed. St. Augustine says: "The whole + Church received from the tradition of the Fathers to + pray for those who died in the communion of the body + and blood of Christ." The dying request of St. Monica, + the mother of St. Augustine, is well known. "I request + you," she said, "that wherever you may be, you will + remember me at the altar of the Lord." And he assures + us that he frequently and fervently prayed for her + soul. + </p> + <p> + The teaching of the Church of every age confirms the + teaching of the Old and New Testament regarding + purgatory and praying for the dead. To one who believes + in heaven and hell, a place of eternal pleasure and of + eternal punishment, the doctrine of purgatory must + appear as a necessity, and the practice of praying for + the dead reasonable. For it is certain that nothing + defiled can enter heaven. But it is possible that many + die guilty of but slight sins. Therefore, it must be + said that these are damned, which is impious and + absurd; that what is defiled can enter heaven, which is + unscriptural; or that there is a purgatory, a state in + which such souls are made pure as the driven snow, so + that they can enter into the presence of their Maker. + For an infinitely just God can not condemn to the same + eternal punishment the child who dies guilty of a + slight fault and the hardened murderer. No. He will + render to every one according to his works. + </p> + <p> + The doctrine of purgatory, then, is reasonable as well + as scriptural and traditional. Reasonable, too, is the + practice of praying for the dead, for they are still + members of the Church. All the members of the Church, + consisting of the church militant on earth, the church + triumphant in heaven, and the church suffering in + purgatory, are one family bound together by the bond of + charity. The members of the Church on earth pray to + those in heaven, who love us and pray for us; and we + pray for those in purgatory. They are God's friends + deprived of heaven for a time. As those in heaven + rejoice when one sinner does penance, so those in + purgatory hear us, see us, love us, and are helped by + our prayers. We love them and never cease to pray for + them and offer the Holy Sacrifice for them. Even the + unbeliever will stand or kneel by the remains of his + departed friend and offer a prayer for him, thus + showing that praying for the dead is reasonable and the + natural dictate of the human heart. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_10" id="practice_10">X. Praying to + the Saints</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "And may the angel that delivereth me from all evils + bless these boys" (<i>Gen</i>. xlviii. 16). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "So I say to you there shall be joy before the angels + of God upon one sinner doing penance" (<i>Luke</i> xv. + 10). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "For in the resurrection they [the saints] shall be as + the angels of God in heaven" (<i>Matt</i>. xxii. 10). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE saints are friends of God. + They are like the angels in heaven. We honor them, not + as we honor God, but on account of the relation they + bear to God. They are creatures of God, the work of His + hands. When we honor them, we honor God; as when we + praise a beautiful painting, we praise the artist. + </p> + <p> + We do not believe that the saints can help us of + themselves. But we ask them to "pray for us." We + believe that everything comes to us "through Our Lord + Jesus Christ." With these words all our prayers end. It + is useful, salutary, and reasonable to pray to the + saints and ask them to pray for us. No doubt all will + admit the reasonableness of this practice if the saints + can hear and help us. + </p> + <p> + That they hear and help us is evident from many + passages of Scripture. The patriarch Jacob would not + have prayed to the angel to bless his grandchildren + Manasses and Ephraim (as we learn he did from + <i>Gen</i>. xlviii.), unless he knew the angel could do + so. + </p> + <p> + We are informed (<i>Luke</i> xv.) that the angels + rejoice when one sinner does penance. We are also + informed (<i>Matt</i> xxii.) that the saints are like + the angels—<i>i.e.</i>, have the same happiness + and knowledge. + </p> + <p> + Hence the saints, as well as the angels, can hear us, + can help us, and are acquainted with our actions, + words, and thoughts. + </p> + <p> + It is generally conceded that it is reasonable to ask + pious persons on earth to pray for us. St. Paul, in his + epistles, frequently asks the Christians to pray for + him. "Brethren," he says, "pray for us." It is well + known that God was pleased to answer the prayer of + Abraham in favor of Abimelech. "More things are wrought + by prayer than this world knows of." Now, if we poor + sinners here on earth do not pray in vain for one + another, will the saints in heaven, the friends of God, + who rejoice when a sinner does penance, pray in vain + for us? No. We have hosts of friends in heaven to speak + a good word for us. And as a child who has disobeyed + his parents wisely asks a better brother or sister to + intercede with his parents for mercy, so, too, having + disobeyed our heavenly Father by sin, we have recourse + to others better than ourselves, to our better brothers + and sisters, the Blessed Virgin and saints, to + intercede with God for us. + </p> + <p> + Is not this a reasonable practice? + </p> + <p> + If your mother or sister crosses the sea she will + continue to pray for you. And if she crosses the sea of + death will she forget you? No. The love she bore you + here will continue in heaven. She will pray for you, + and the "Lord will hear the prayers of the just." Ask + the saints to pray to your God and their God for you. + Honor God by honoring His friends and asking their + intercession. And all your friends in heaven will unite + in praying to the Father of us all that one day all who + love God and His friends, the saints, may be admitted + with them into the <i>company of the Saint of saints, + Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.</i> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_11" id="practice_11">XI. Crucifixes, + Relics, and Images</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Thou shalt not make to thyself a graven thing, nor the + likeness of anything that is in the heaven above, or in + the earth beneath, nor of those things that are in the + waters under the earth. Thou shalt not adore them nor + serve them" (<i>Ex</i>. xx. 4, 5). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HIS first commandment teaches + us to adore God alone. It does not forbid the making of + images, but it forbids the adoring of them, worshiping + them as gods. This would be idolatry. If the making of + images were forbidden, it would be improper to have + images or pictures of our friends. + </p> + <p> + It has frequently been said that Catholics ate + idolaters, because they have in their churches + crucifixes, relics, and images of the saints, which + they honor. Perhaps many of those who accuse us of + idolatry, if asked, could not tell what idolatry is. + Idolatry is giving to a creature (whether a crucifix, + an image, or any created thing) that honor which + belongs to God. + </p> + <p> + The honor we give those sacred things is a relative + honor. We honor them on account of the relation they + bear to God and His friends, the saints. + </p> + <p> + Every Catholic, even the child, is taught the + difference between the idol of the pagan and a Catholic + image. Pagans looked upon their idols as gods. They + thought these senseless objects had power, + intelligence, and other attributes of the Deity. They + worshiped them as gods and thought they could assist + them. Hence they were image-worshipers or idolaters. + </p> + <p> + Catholics know full well that images have no + intelligence to understand, no power to assist them. + They do not adore nor serve them. That would be + idolatry. It would be breaking the first commandment. + They do not say when praying before the crucifix or + image of a saint, "I adore thee, O Crucifix"; nor "Help + me, O Image," But they say, "I adore thee, O God, whose + cruel death is represented by this crucifix," or "Pray + for me, O saint represented by this image." + </p> + <p> + We have images, pictures, and relics of Our Lord, His + Blessed Mother, and the saints, for the same reason + that we have relics and portraits of George Washington, + Abraham Lincoln, or of our relatives and friends. They + remind us of the original. Who can look upon the + crucifix or upon a picture of the Crucifixion without + being reminded of all the sufferings of Our Lord and + Saviour Jesus Christ? + </p> + <p> + And who can seriously contemplate those sufferings, + borne for us so patiently, without being moved to pity + and to repentance? Such a person will be moved to say + with the heart if not with the lips: "Oh, my God, I am + sorry for having offended Thee and caused Thee such + suffering. Grant that I may love Thee with my whole + heart and never more offend Thee." + </p> + <p> + Catholics, as we have seen, adore God alone. They honor + the Blessed Virgin and saints represented by images. + They use these holy pictures and statues to beautify + the house of God. These pictures are also a source of + instruction. They are a profession of our faith. If you + enter a house and see on one side of the room a picture + of the Blessed Virgin, Cardinal Gibbons, or of Pope Leo + XIII, and on the other a picture of Lincoln, Cleveland, + or Washington, you will at once know the religious + faith as well as the political belief or patriotism of + the occupant. + </p> + <p> + By the aid of the relics of the martyrs we are reminded + of all they suffered for the faith. By the use of + religious pictures, our devotion is increased and we + are stimulated to imitate the virtues of the saints + represented. + </p> + <p> + If it is reasonable to have pictures of our martyred + President and relics of our Revolutionary heroes that + we may be reminded of their patriotism, it is none the + less reasonable to have pictures and relics of Our + Lord, the Blessed Virgin, and the saints, that we may + be reminded of their virtues. By imitating their + virtues here, we may be <i>happy with them + hereafter</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_12" id="practice_12">XII. Some + Sacramentals</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Pray without ceasing" (<i>2 Thess</i>. v. 17). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "Every creature is sanctified by the word of God and + prayer" (<i>1 Tim</i>. 4, 5). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">B</font>Y SACRAMENTALS we mean the + various prayers, blessings, ceremonies and pious + practices of the Church. Here mention will be made of + some of the most common of the sacramentals that have + not already been treated. Sacramentals, like + sacraments, have an outward sign; the latter, however, + were instituted by Christ, the former by the Church, + and while the latter always give grace if we place no + obstacle in the way, the former do not give grace, but + excite good thoughts, increase devotion, and raise the + mind to God. + </p> + <p> + The chief sacramentals that have not been mentioned are + the books used by the priest in the performance of his + sacred duties, the sign of the cross, holy water, + blessed candles, blessed palm and ashes, holy oils, + scapulars, medals, Agnus Dei, prayers, litanies, + rosary, the Angelus, stations, the funeral service, and + various blessings. + </p> + <p> + The books used by the priest in the performance of his + sacred duties are the <i>Missal</i>, which contains the + Masses for the various feasts of the ecclesiastical + year; the <i>Breviary</i>, in which is the office + recited by the priest every day; and the <i>Ritual</i>, + where is to be found the form of administering the + different sacraments, the funeral service, and the + various benedictions. + </p> + <p> + The sacramental of most frequent use in the Church is + the <i>sign of the cross</i>. It is used to remind us + of the Passion and Death of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus + Christ on the cross. The cross is the emblem of the + Christian, the "sign of the Son of Man." It is an act + of faith in the principal truths of Christianity. When + we say the words, "In the name," we profess our faith + in the unity of God, which means that there is but one + God; "of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy + Ghost," are a profession of faith in the + Trinity—<i>i.e.</i>, that there are three divine + persons in one God. The form of the cross which we + trace with our right hand from our forehead to our + breast, and then from the left to the right shoulder, + is a profession of faith in the Incarnation of the Son + of God, who became man and died on the cross for our + redemption. Tertullian and other writers of the early + ages of the Church tell us that before every action, + before rising or retiring, before meals, at every step, + "we impress on our forehead the sign of the cross." The + Catholic Church of to-day, in accordance with the + teachings of Christ, His apostles, and their successors + of all time, teaches her children to put their trust in + the merits of Jesus Christ's sufferings on the cross, + and to do everything "in the name of the Father and of + the Son and of the Holy Ghost." + </p> + <p> + <i>Holy water</i> is water blessed by a priest. During + the blessing beautiful prayers are recited. These + prayers express the spiritual blessings the Church + wishes to follow all who use it. The Church uses holy + water in all the benedictions and some of her + sacraments. It is placed at the doors of her churches, + that all who enter may use it and be reminded of that + purity of heart which it symbolizes. Holy water is also + kept in the houses of Catholics, to be used in times of + trial and when the priest comes to administer the + sacraments. + </p> + <p> + The <i>blessed candles</i> used in the service of the + Church receive their special blessing on Candlemas Day. + We use these lighted candles at different times to + remind us of Jesus, who is the "Light of the world." + Catholics always keep a blessed candle in the house. + The Church puts a lighted candle in our hand at our + baptism, and wishes us to die with one in our hand, to + remind us to hope in Him who is our Light and the light + of the world. + </p> + <p> + On Ash Wednesday <i>ashes</i> are blessed and put on + the forehead of the faithful in the form of a cross, + with the words, "Remember, man, that thou art dust and + unto dust thou shalt return," to remind them that they + are only dust and ashes. These are the ashes of burnt + <i>palms</i> blessed the Palm Sunday of the previous + year. These palms are blessed in memory of the + triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when the + people spread palm branches along the way. This palm + should remind us to perform faithfully our duty if we + wish to enjoy the palm of victory. + </p> + <p> + The <i>holy oils</i> are blessed by the bishop on Holy + Thursday of each year. They are of three kinds: oil of + the sick, used in the sacrament of Extreme Unction; oil + of the Catechumens, used in blessing baptismal water + and in the sacrament of Baptism; and Holy Chrism, used + in the preparation of baptismal water in the ceremonies + of Baptism, Confirmation, and at the consecration of a + bishop, of churches, altars, bells and chalices. The + olive oil used should remind us of Our Saviour's + <i>passion</i> in the Garden of Olives. + </p> + <p> + <i>Agnus Deis</i> (blessed by the Pope), + <i>scapulars</i>, and <i>medals</i> are small articles + worn by Catholics to remind them of Our Lord (the Lamb + of God), of the Blessed Virgin, and of the saints. They + are emblems of the Christian, as the starry banner is + the emblem of the American; and as the flag of our + country shows that we are under the protection of the + Government of the United States, so the Agnus Dei, + scapulars, and medals show that we are under the + protection of Jesus Christ, His Blessed Mother, and His + saints. + </p> + <p> + <i>Prayer</i> is the elevation of our mind and heart to + God to ask Him for all blessings, temporal and + spiritual. Prayer is necessary to salvation. We are + taught in St. Luke (xviii.) to pray always and faint + not. We should pray with attention and devotion, with + confidence and humility. We are told in the Lord's + Prayer to pray for others as well as for ourselves, and + God's choicest blessings will be granted us through + Jesus Christ Our Lord. The best of all prayers is the + one God taught us—the Lord's Prayer. Other + prayers common in the Church are Litanies, Rosaries, + the Angelus, Stations, and the Funeral Service for the + dead. The Litanies most in use in the Church are the + Litany of All Saints, of the Blessed Virgin, of the + Holy Name of Jesus. In these Litanies we ask God to + have mercy on us and the saints to pray for us; but we + ask everything through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Few + practices of the Church are more widespread than the + <i>Rosary</i> of the Blessed Virgin. It consists of the + best of all prayers—the Apostles' Creed, the Our + Father, three Hail Marys, and the Glory be to the + Father; then the Our Father and ten Hail Marys repeated + five times. This constitutes the beads, or one-third + part of the Rosary. During the recitation of these + prayers the mind should be occupied meditating on the + principal mysteries of the life of Our Lord. These + mysteries are divided into the five joyful mysteries: + the Annunciation by the angel Gabriel, the Visitation + of the Blessed Virgin to St. Elizabeth, the Birth of + Our Lord, the Presentation, and the Finding in the + Temple; the five sorrowful mysteries: the Agony in the + Garden, the Scourging, the Crowning with Thorns, the + Carrying of the Cross, and the Crucifixion; and the + five glorious mysteries: the Resurrection, the + Ascension, the Descent of the Holy Ghost, the + Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, and the Crowning of + the Blessed Virgin in heaven. Any one of these + mysteries furnishes sufficient material to occupy the + mind of man for hours. These mysteries contain the + whole history of the Redemption. The prayers and + meditations of the Rosary satisfy the minds of the + humblest, while they are sufficient to occupy the + attention of the most exalted and most cultivated. The + <i>Angelus</i> is a beautiful prayer, said morning, + noon, and night. In Catholic countries the bell is + rung, when all cease their occupations, kneel, and + recite: "The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary, and + she conceived by the Holy Ghost"—a Hail Mary. + "Behold the handmaid of the Lord—be it done unto + me according to Thy Word"—a Hail Mary. "And the + Word was made flesh, and dwelt amongst us"—a Hail + Mary. The prayer: "Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, + Thy grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the + Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the + message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be + brought to the glory of His resurrection, through the + same Christ Our Lord. Amen." By this beautiful practice + we show in a special manner our faith in the + Incarnation of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Stations of the Cross</i> are fourteen paintings + representing the various stages of the passion and + death of Our Redeemer. The faithful pass from station + to station and meditate upon that feature of the + passion represented by each station. Tradition tells us + that from the beginning pious pilgrims were accustomed + to tread the path and bedew with their tears the way + sanctified by our Saviour on that sorrowful journey + from Pilate's tribunal to Calvary's heights. But + Jerusalem falling into the hands of infidels, and many + being unable to visit those holy places, permission was + obtained to erect in churches fourteen crosses and + pictures commemorating these sorrowful acts. From these + stations all can meditate upon the sufferings of our + Saviour, and learn from Him submission to God's holy + will, patience, charity, and forgiveness of injuries. + </p> + <p> + The <i>funeral service</i> of the Catholic Church is + beautiful, touching, and instructive. After blessing, + strengthening, and encouraging us through life with her + sacraments; after fortifying our souls for the last + great struggle, she follows us beyond the grave with + her blessings, her prayers, and her sacrifices. + "Eternal rest give unto them, O Lord," she prays; "and + let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in + peace." + </p> + <p> + There are various other prayers and blessings used by + the Church on special occasions. In fact, the Church + blesses everything she uses. This blessing of the + priest is not such an absurd thing as some imagine it + to be; it is rather a most reasonable practice. It is + simply a prayer said by the priest, asking God to send + His blessing upon the person or thing indicated. People + of all denominations say grace before meals, asking God + to bless the food they are about to use. This is + precisely what the priest does when blessing anything. + He uses different forms of prayer ordained by the + Church to implore God's blessing upon the water, + candles, and other things before using them. This + blessing of churches, water, candles, and other things + has its foundation on Scripture. We read in the Old + Testament of the solemn blessing of the Temple of + Solomon. St. Paul tells us that "every creature is + sanctified by the word of God and prayer." Churches, + water, candles, bells, books, persons, and other things + blessed by the Church are creatures. Therefore we are + following St. Paul in blessing them, for every creature + is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. + </p> + <p> + We do not claim that those articles that are blessed + have any efficacy in themselves; but we hope and pray + that God in His infinite goodness and mercy may render + those blessed articles beneficial to those using them, + may protect them and lead them to <i>His blessed abode + above, where all is peace and light and love.</i> + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_13" id="practice_13">XIII. The + Celebration of Feasts</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Seven days shalt thou celebrate feasts to the Lord thy + God, in the place which the Lord shalt choose" + (<i>Deut</i>. xvi. 15). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "If he will not hear the Church, let him be to thee as + the heathen and the publican" (<i>Matt.</i> xviii. 17). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>ROM these texts we learn that + besides the Sunday God wishes certain other days to be + observed religiously, and that the Church has the power + of designating these days. + </p> + <p> + As the State sets aside certain national holidays in + commemoration of its founder or of the Declaration of + Independence, so the Church sets aside these holidays + in honor of Jesus Christ, the Blessed Virgin, and the + saints. + </p> + <p> + Besides the feasts celebrated on Sundays, there are in + this country but six holidays of obligation. Three of + these are commemorative of events in the life of Our + Lord: Christmas, the Circumcision, and the Ascension; + two, the Immaculate Conception and the Assumption, in + honor of the Blessed Virgin; and one in honor of God's + saints—the Feast of All Saints. + </p> + <p> + The ecclesiastical year begins in Advent. Advent is a + period of about four weeks of penance and prayer + preparatory to the great feast of Christmas and + corresponding to the penitential season of Lent before + Easter. During the ecclesiastical year, the first of + the feasts of obligation in the order of time is the + feast of the <i>Immaculate Conception</i>. + </p> + <p> + It is celebrated on the 8th of December. On this day we + commemorate the fact that Mary was immaculate when she + first came into being in her mother's womb; that she + was always pure; that sin never touched her fair soul. + Immaculate Conception, as you will see in the article + on the Blessed Virgin, means that she was always free + from sin. + </p> + <p> + The great feast of <i>Christmas</i>, in honor of the + birth of Jesus Christ, is celebrated on December 25th. + This feast is a time of joy and peace to all mankind, + and is celebrated by the Church with much pomp and + ceremony. + </p> + <p> + The festival of the <i>Circumcision</i> is kept on the + first day of the new year. It is commemorative of Our + Lord's strict observance of the law by submitting to + the Jewish ceremony of circumcision. We solemnly + celebrate the day in honor of our merciful Lord, who is + our model in all things. + </p> + <p> + Next in the order of time is the feast of the + <i>Ascension</i>. It is kept forty days after the grand + feast of Easter, and is in honor of Our Lord's glorious + ascension into heaven. + </p> + <p> + The <i>Assumption</i> of the Blessed Virgin, celebrated + the 15th of August, is commemorative of the glorious + taking up to heaven of Mary, soul and body. (This is a + pious tradition.) + </p> + <p> + <i>All Saints'</i> Day is November 1st. Every day is a + saint's day. There is not a day that the Catholic + Church does not celebrate a feast in honor of some + special mystery or saint. But as there are more saints + in heaven than could be thus specially honored, she + sets aside this one day every year in honor of all the + saints in heaven. + </p> + <p> + There are various other important feasts, some of which + fall on Sunday; but these we have mentioned being + feasts of obligation to be observed as Sunday, it was + thought that it would not be uninteresting to give a + short explanation of them. + </p> + <p> + On them we honor God and His special friends. Let us + always, by faith, hope, and love, <i>bear Jesus in our + minds and hearts</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_14" id="practice_14">XIV. Infant + Baptism</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "Amen, amen, I say to thee, unless a man be born again + of water and the Holy Ghost, he can not enter into the + kingdom of God" (<i>John</i> iii 5). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>HILE most Christians admit the + necessity of Baptism for adults, the Catholic Church is + alone in insisting upon the practice of infant Baptism. + This practice is in accordance with the teaching of St. + John, quoted above. It is also in accordance with + apostolic teaching and practice. + </p> + <p> + We read in the 16th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles + that St. Paul baptized Lydia "and her household," and + that the keeper of the prison was converted and "was + baptized and presently all his family." Among these + families it is but reasonable to suppose that there + were some infants. + </p> + <p> + Infant Baptism was the practice of the apostles; it was + the practice of the Christians of the early Church, as + Origen tells us. The Church received the tradition from + the apostles to give Baptism to infants, and it has + been the practice of the Church from the time of Christ + until the present. + </p> + <p> + St. Paul tells us that Adam's sin was transmitted to + all his posterity. "Wherefore as by one man sin entered + into this world, and by sin death, and so death passed + unto all men in whom all have sinned" (<i>Rom</i>. v. + 12). Every infant, according to St. Paul, is born to + sin—original sin. But as Baptism takes away + original sin, and as nothing defiled can enter heaven + (<i>Apoc</i>. xxi.), Baptism of infants is necessary to + open for them the gates of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Baptism may be validly administered by dipping, + sprinkling, or pouring. The method practised in this + part of Christendom is pouring the water on the head of + the person to be baptized, saying at the same time: "I + baptize thee in the name of the Father and of the Son + and of the Holy Ghost." + </p> + <p> + The reasonableness of the practice of baptizing infants + will be evident if we remember that Christ taught the + necessity of baptism for all when He said: "Unless a + man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he can + not enter into the kingdom of God"; and that He + declared little children capable of entering into the + kingdom of God when He said: "Suffer little children to + come unto Me and forbid them not, for of such is the + kingdom of heaven." + </p> + <p> + Now, if infants are capable of entering heaven (and + Christ so declares), they must be capable of receiving + Baptism, without which Christ says no one can enter the + kingdom of God. + </p> + <p> + While in adults faith and sorrow for sin are required + before receiving Baptism, no disposition is required in + infants. + </p> + <p> + They contracted original sin without their knowledge; + without their knowledge they are freed from it. + </p> + <p> + By Baptism they are made heirs of the kingdom of + heaven. + </p> + <p> + They can be made heirs of property, of a kingdom on + earth without their consent; why not also of the + kingdom of heaven? + </p> + <p> + Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments which the + Church confers upon man. It cleanses us from original + sin (actual sin also if the recipient be guilty of + any), makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs + of heaven. It prepares us for the reception of the + other sacraments. By Baptism we all contracted the + obligation of believing and practising the doctrines of + Jesus Christ as taught us by the true Church. We fulfil + this obligation by <i>leading a truly Christian + life</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_15" id="practice_15">XV. The Marriage + Tie—One and Indissoluble</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "But I say to you that whosoever shall put away his + wife, excepting for the cause of fornication, maketh + her to commit adultery; and he that shall marry her + that is put away committeth adultery" (<i>Matt</i>. v. + 33). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "What, therefore, God hath joined together, let no man + put asunder" (<i>Matt</i>. xix. 5, 6). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">F</font>EW practices of the Church have + been productive of more good to society than that + concerning Christian marriage. The Christian family is + the foundation of Christian society, and Christian + marriage is the basis of the Christian family. Without + marriage neither the family nor society could exist. + Marriage was instituted by God before society existed, + and, as a natural consequence, it is subject not to the + laws of society, but to the laws of God and His Church. + The principal law and necessary condition of Christian + marriage is its unity and indissolubility. It is the + union of one man with one woman for the purposes + intended by the Creator, which union is to last as long + as both survive. Such was marriage in the beginning; to + such it was restored by our Saviour when He made it a + sacrament of His law and a type of His union with His + Church. + </p> + <p> + The practice of the Catholic Church in not permitting a + divorce that will allow either party to marry during + the life of the other, is clearly taught by Jesus + Christ in the 5th chapter of Matthew: "He who puts away + his wife maketh her to commit adultery, and he that + marrieth her committeth adultery." + </p> + <p> + No human power can break the bond of marriage. "What + God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." It + is the work of God. Let no man dare meddle with it. St. + Paul teaches the same when he says in the 39th verse of + the 7th chapter of the First Epistle to the + Corinthians: "A woman is bound by the law as long as + her husband liveth; but if her husband die, she is at + liberty, let her marry whom she will." The practice of + the Catholic Church is conformable to this teaching of + Christ, St. Paul, the apostles, and their successors. + </p> + <p> + In defence of this practice of forbidding divorce, + since marriage is one and indissoluble, the Catholic + Church has had many a severe conflict. And had she not + fought this battle bravely for the sanctity, the unity, + and the indissolubility of the marriage tie, Europe and + America would today be in as degraded a condition as + are the Mahometan and other nations where the laws of + marriage are disregarded. For divorces are not only + contrary to Christ's teaching concerning the sanctity, + unity, and indissolubility of the marriage tie, but are + also subversive of society. They sever the marriage tie + inasmuch as the law of man can do it. If the marriage + tie is loosened, the family is dissolved; and if the + family is dissolved, society, the state, falls to ruin. + Divorce destroys conjugal love, causes unhappiness, + renders the proper education of children impossible, + and often leads to terrible crimes. Is it not + reasonable as well as scriptural to forbid it? + </p> + <p> + The Christian husband and wife, knowing the sanctity, + the unity, and the indissolubility of the marriage tie, + live in love and peace and honor together; together + they rear the issue of their union, teaching them to be + good children, good citizens, and good Christians; + together, after a long, a prosperous, and a happy + union, they return to dust; and together they will meet + again beyond the confines of the tomb—<i>yes, + they will meet to part no more</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_16" id="practice_16">XVI. Respect + Shown to Ecclesiastical Superiors</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "We are ambassadors for Christ; God, as it were, + exhorting by us" (<i>2 Cor</i>. v. 20). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "As the Father sent me, I also send you" (<i>John</i> + xx. 21). + </p> + <p align="center"> + "Go ye into the whole world and preach the Gospel to + every creature" (<i>Mark</i> xvi. 15). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE respect Catholics have for + the bishops and priests of the Church is often a matter + of surprise to those not of the Faith. They do not + understand, as Catholics do, that the priests are + "ambassadors for Christ" sent to "preach the Gospel to + every creature." For Christ instituted the priesthood + to carry on divine worship, to govern the Church, to + preach His doctrine, and to administer the sacraments. + </p> + <p> + As in the Old Law God chose His priests from among the + family of Aaron, so in the New Law He chooses them from + among those whom His apostles and their successors see + fit to ordain. Priests and other ministers of the + Church receive in the sacrament of Holy Orders the + power and grace to perform their sacred duties. If we + would but consider seriously for a moment the + importance of these duties and the great dignity of the + minister of God, we would have no difficulty in + understanding the reasonableness of the Catholic + practice of showing profound respect to God's + priesthood. + </p> + <p> + The priest is the minister of Jesus Christ, who chose + him that he might obtain for himself the greatest good + and in return bestow this good upon his fellow-man. + Jesus Christ chose him that he might aid Him in the + work for which He came on earth. What a noble mission! + What important duties! What a great dignity! To aid + Jesus Christ in saving souls, to teach them the truths + of salvation, to loose them from their sins, to offer + the eucharistic sacrifice for them, to pray for them, + to minister unto them, and to fill them with Heaven's + choice blessings; for such a high mission, for such + important duties did Jesus Christ choose the priest. If + his duties are so important, his dignity must be + correspondingly great. + </p> + <p> + On the banks of the Lake of Genesareth the Great + Teacher chose Peter as His vicar and head of His + Church. As the pontiff could not be everywhere, Peter + and the other apostles imposed hands on others as the + needs of the growing Church demanded. They understood + that it was by a living, teaching ministry this work of + salvation was to be carried on. For we find it recorded + in the 14th chapter of the Acts that Paul and Barnabas + ordained priests in Lystra and Iconium. + </p> + <p> + Paul also consecrated Titus Bishop of Crete, for the + express purpose of ordaining others. Thus we see that + as Christ was sent by the Father, the apostles by + Christ, so, too, is the priest invested with the same + power "for the perfecting of the saints, for the work + of the ministry and for the edification of the body of + Christ" (<i>Eph</i>. iv. 12), and that no one but a + priest divinely called, rightly ordained, and + legitimately sent has power from God to teach God's + words to the faithful. He is the ambassador of God, + commissioned to do His work with His authority; the + vicar of Christ continuing the work He commenced; and + the organ of the Holy Ghost for the sanctification of + souls. He is ever imitating his model, going "about + doing good." He devotes his life to alleviate the + sufferings of men. To spend one's life instructing man + is but second in importance to alleviating his + sufferings. This the priest is ever doing. He rescued + us from barbarism; saved for us at the risk of his life + the Holy Scriptures, the classics of Greece and Rome, + and the writings of the Fathers; founded the great + universities of Europe; and is to-day, as in the past, + the greatest educator in the world. He does all this + for love of God. Do you wonder, then, that Catholics + love and revere their priests? + </p> + <p> + Nowhere can there be found a body of men or a series of + rulers so venerable, so renowned for wisdom, justice, + charity, and holiness, as the Popes, bishops, and + priests of the Catholic Church in every age, <i>from + the time of Christ until the present</i>. + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_17" id="practice_17">XVII. + Celibacy</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "He who is unmarried careth about the things of the + Lord, how he may please God" (<i>i Cor</i>. vii. 32). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">T</font>HE Catholic Church recognizes + matrimony as a holy state. She recommends celibacy to + those desiring greater perfection, and enjoins it on + her priests because, as St. Paul says, "He who is + unmarried careth about the things of the Lord." It is + said that the life of the priest is a hard, lonely one, + and that it is unscriptural. Let us see. That his life + is one of hardships is certain. His path is by no means + one of roses; it is rather one covered with thorns. The + young man knows this well before he enters it. With a + full knowledge of its duties and responsibilities, he + willingly enters the priesthood. He knows well that it + is a life full of trials and crosses. He knows, too, + that the whole life of Jesus Christ, from the stable of + Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary's heights, was one + continuous trial, cross, mortification; and that the + life of every follower, especially every minister, of + Jesus Christ should be fashioned after that of his + divine model. "If any man will come after Me," He says + in the 16th chapter of St. Matthew, "let him deny + himself, take up his cross and follow Me." The + disciple, the minister of Christ, is not above his + Master; and it is not becoming that the path of the + disciple or minister should be covered with flowers + while that of the Master was strewn with thorns and + sprinkled with His own precious blood. + </p> + <p> + Yes, the priest's life is one of trials, crosses, and + hardships. But the more trials he has to bear, the more + crosses he has to carry, the more hardships he has to + endure, the greater is his resemblance to his model, + Jesus Christ; and if he bears those trials, crosses, + and hardships, which he shares with his Master here, + with a proper spirit, the more certain he is of sharing + with Him a happy eternity hereafter. + </p> + <p> + But is the life of celibacy unscriptural? No. In fact, + few questions are more clearly defined in Holy + Scripture than that of religious celibacy. St. Paul, in + the 7th chapter of the First Epistle to the + Corinthians, says: "I would have you without + solicitude. He who is unmarried careth for the things + of the Lord, how he may please God; but he who is + married careth about the things of the world, how he + may please his wife, and is divided. And the unmarried + woman and virgin thinketh about the things of the Lord, + how she may be holy in body and spirit. But she that is + married thinketh about the things of the world, how she + may please her husband. Therefore," he concludes, "he + that giveth his virgin in marriage doth well; and he + who giveth her not doth better." Could language be + clearer? Marriage is good; celibacy is better. + </p> + <p> + "He that is unmarried careth about the things of the + Lord, how he may please God." This teaching of St. Paul + is the teaching of the Church— that marriage is + honorable, is good, but that there is a better, a + holier state for those who are called by the grace of + God to embrace it. + </p> + <p> + Religious celibacy is one of the principal reasons why + the Catholic priest and missionary will risk all + dangers, overcome all obstacles, face all terrors, and + in time of plague expose himself to death in its most + disgusting forms for the good of his fellow-man. + </p> + <p> + All are acquainted with the noble examples of numbers + of priests and Sisters of Charity who, at the risk of + their own lives, voluntarily nursed the sick and dying + during the yellow-fever scourge in the South a few + years ago. Do you think they would have done so had + they families depending upon them? No; they would have + cared for the things of this world. Jesus Christ has + said: "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man + give up his life for his fellow-man." This the good + priest is ever doing, ever ready to do. Although death + stares him in the face, he never shrinks from his post + of duty, never abandons his flock while there is a + wound to heal, a soul to save. + </p> + <p> + When his duty calls him, he is not afraid of death, + because St. Paul says: "<i>He who is without a wife is + solicitous about the things of the Lord.</i>" + </p> + <h2> + <a name="practice_18" id="practice_18">XVIII. + Conclusion</a> + </h2> + <p align="center"> + "If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments" + (<i>Matt</i>. xix. 17). + </p> + <p> + <font size="+3">W</font>HEN Jesus Christ died on the + cross for us, He did so in order to lead us into life, + to open heaven for all mankind. How important our + salvation must be, then, for which Christ shed His + precious blood. If it is important, He must have taught + us how to attain it. This, too, He did by the words, + "keep the commandments." + </p> + <p> + To assist us in keeping the commandments He left a + representative on earth. His Church, whose ministers + were to teach all nations, is this representative. To + her He said: "He that hears you, hears Me." + </p> + <p> + The night before He died He instituted the adorable + sacrifice of the Mass, saying: "This is My body . . . + This is My blood which shall be shed for you." He then + gave the apostles and their successors power to do what + He had just done: "Do this in commemoration of Me." He + also gave them power to baptize, to forgive sins, to + bless, to be "dispensers of the mysteries of God." He + gave them power to confer these powers on others. "As + the Father sent Me [<i>i.e.</i>, with the same power] I + also send you." To these apostles and their successors + He spoke when He said that He would remain with them + until the consummation of the world. To them and the + Church He said: "He that hears you hears Me." What the + Church teaches, then, Christ teaches. + </p> + <p> + As, in the natural order, man is born, grows to + manhood, is nourished, and if sick needs proper food + and remedies: so, in the supernatural order, there is a + birth, it is Baptism; there is a manly growth, it is + Confirmation; there is a nourishing food, it is the + Holy Eucharist, the Bread of Life; there is a medicinal + remedy against death, it is Penance; and there is a + balm to heal the wounds, the scars of sin, it is + Extreme Unction. These are some of the channels through + which God's grace flows into our souls to assist us to + keep the commandments. + </p> + <p> + The practices of the Church naturally flow from her + teachings. She teaches that there is but one God, the + creator and Lord of heaven and earth and all things; + that man by his reason alone can find out this truth; + that the order, beauty, and harmony of the works of + nature show God's work; but that there are some truths + which the deepest intellect of man can never fathom. + Hence she teaches that God has revealed certain truths; + such as the mysteries of the Holy Trinity, the + Incarnation, and the Blessed Sacrament. When we know + that God has revealed these truths we are acting + reasonably not only in believing them, but also in + showing our belief by practices of respect, adoration, + and love. + </p> + <p> + The Church teaches that we must not only believe, but + practise our religion. For faith alone will not save + us. "Faith without works is dead." To have these works + we must "keep the commandments." We must love God above + all things and our neighbor as ourselves. All the + commandments are comprised in this. In fact, the + essence of Christianity is charity. + </p> + <p> + Where will you find charity practised in reality except + in the Catholic Church? If you wish to see the truth of + this, visit our larger towns and cities, and you will + find hundreds of hospitals, asylums, schools, and other + charitable institutions in which are thousands of the + children of the Catholic Church, who have left + everything to alleviate every ill that flesh is heir + to, and follow the meek and humble Jesus in His mission + of love. + </p> + <p> + The Catholic Church alone teaches, as Jesus taught + while on earth, the duty of penance. "If any man will + come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross + and follow Me." According to Christ's teaching, the + Church sets aside the penitential season of Lent and + other times of mortification. + </p> + <p> + The Church also teaches that we must not only be + faithful in the observance of the practices of + religion, but that we must also live in peace and + justice and charity with all mankind, and die with a + hope beyond the grave. If we love God we will + faithfully observe the practices of the Church; these + practices will assist us in keeping the commandments, + by which we will enter into life. + </p> + <p> + We have seen that the various ceremonies and practices + of the Catholic Church are dictated by right reason; + that they are the rational deduction from Christ's + teaching; that they obtain for us divine grace, excite + pious thoughts, and elevate our minds to God; and that + a true Christian is one who not only believes but also + practises the teachings of Christ and His Church. The + observance of these pious practices of the Church makes + us Christians in fact as well as in name. They assist + us to keep the commandment and to live in accordance + with our faith. By faithfully observing them, we show + that we are not ashamed to be Christ's followers. And + if we follow Him, who is the way, the truth, and the + life, we will not walk in darkness; but will enter by + the narrow way into the presence of truth itself, <i>in + the regions of eternal light</i>. + </p><br> + <br> + <p align="center"> + PRINTED BY BENZINGER BROTHERS, NEW YORK + </p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Mary, Help of Christians, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MARY, HELP OF CHRISTIANS *** + +***** This file should be named 33596-h.htm or 33596-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/5/9/33596/ + +Produced by Michael Gray, the Diocese of San Jose + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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