Monday 27 January 2014

St. John Chrysostom

 

Today's feast is that of St. John Chrysostom, who with Ss. Athanasius, Gregory Nazianzen and Basil, is one of the four great Doctors of the Eastern Church.

As I am a bit short of time, I have again borrowed the following account verbatim from American Catholic's excellent 'Saint of the Day' webpages:-

St John Chrysostom
The ambiguity and intrigue surrounding John, the great preacher (his name means "golden-mouthed") from Antioch, are characteristic of the life of any great man in a capital city. Brought to Constantinople after a dozen years of priestly service in Syria, John found himself the reluctant victim of an imperial ruse to make him bishop in the greatest city of the empire. Ascetic, unimposing but dignified, and troubled by stomach ailments from his desert days as a monk, John became a bishop under the cloud of imperial politics.
If his body was weak, his tongue was powerful. The content of his sermons, his exegesis of Scripture, were never without a point. Sometimes the point stung the high and mighty. Some sermons lasted up to two hours.

His lifestyle at the imperial court was not appreciated by many courtiers. He offered a modest table to episcopal sycophants hanging around for imperial and ecclesiastical favors. John deplored the court protocol that accorded him precedence before the highest state officials. He would not be a kept man.

His zeal led him to decisive action. Bishops who bribed their way into office were deposed. Many of his sermons called for concrete steps to share wealth with the poor. The rich did not appreciate hearing from John that private property existed because of Adam's fall from grace any more than married men liked to hear that they were bound to marital fidelity just as much as their wives were. When it came to justice and charity, John acknowledged no double standards.

Aloof, energetic, outspoken, especially when he became excited in the pulpit, John was a sure target for criticism and personal trouble. He was accused of gorging himself secretly on rich wines and fine foods. His faithfulness as spiritual director to the rich widow, Olympia, provoked much gossip attempting to prove him a hypocrite where wealth and chastity were concerned. His actions taken against unworthy bishops in Asia Minor were viewed by other ecclesiastics as a greedy, uncanonical extension of his authority.

Theophilus, archbishop of Alexandria, and Empress Eudoxia were determined to discredit John. Theophilus feared the growth in importance of the Bishop of Constantinople and took occasion to charge John with fostering heresy. Theophilus and other angered bishops were supported by Eudoxia. The empress resented his sermons contrasting gospel values with the excesses of imperial court life. Whether intended or not, sermons mentioning the lurid Jezebel (1 Kings 9:121:23) and impious Herodias (Mark 6:17-29) were associated with the empress, who finally did manage to have John exiled. He died in exile in 407.
Comment:
John Chrysostom's preaching, by word and example, exemplifies the role of the prophet to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. For his honesty and courage he paid the price of a turbulent ministry as bishop, personal vilification and exile.

Quote:
Bishops "should set forth the ways by which are to be solved very grave questions concerning the ownership, increase and just distribution of material goods, peace and war, and brotherly relations among all people" (Vatican II, Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops, 12).
Patron Saint of:
Orators
Preachers
Speakers

Ora pro nobis

 


Holocaust Memorial Day

Today is Holocaust Memorial Day.

I would urge everyone to take time to pray...

...for the souls of those who died in the Holocaust (even though most were, of course, not baptised, I trust that through their faith as the first people chosen to hear the words of God, many will have been granted His favour, the Baptism of blood or of desire, and now be with Him, or on their way to Him) and in susequent genocides..

...for those now suffering atrocities throughout the world, especially in Syria...

...to saints like Maximilian Kolbe, who were martyred in the Nazi camps, to unite with us in praying for peace, and an end to persecution and inhumanity.



Please recall that the Holocaust weighed heavy in the thoughts of recent Popes, whose lives had been personally touched by the actions of the Nazis, and who both visited and prayed at the Yad Veshem Holocaust Memorial.

 
Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 2009

Blessed John Paul II, 2000


Our Lady, Queen of Peace, pray for us

St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us

Blessed John Paul II, pray for us


 


Sunday 26 January 2014

Commemoration of St. Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr


Martyrdom of St. Polycarp, from the ceiling paintings in St. Polycarp's Church, Izmir, Turkey


[Text from Amerian Catholic website http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1300 ]

St Polycarp
Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna (modern Izmir, Turkey), disciple of St. John the Apostle and friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch was a revered Christian leader during the first half of the second century.
St. Ignatius, on his way to Rome to be martyred, visited Polycarp at Smyrna, and later at Troas wrote him a personal letter. The Asia Minor Churches recognized Polycarp’s leadership by choosing him as a representative to discuss with Pope Anicetus the date of the Easter celebration in Rome—a major controversy in the early Church.

Only one of the many letters written by Polycarp has been preserved, the one he wrote to the Church of Philippi in Macedonia.

At 86, Polycarp was led into the crowded Smyrna stadium to be burned alive. The flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a dagger. The centurion ordered the saint’s body burned. The “Acts” of Polycarp’s martyrdom are the earliest preserved, fully reliable account of a Christian martyr’s death. He died in 156.
Comment:
Polycarp was recognized as a Christian leader by all Asia Minor Christians—a strong fortress of faith and loyalty to Jesus Christ. His own strength emerged from his trust in God, even when events contradicted this trust. Living among pagans and under a government opposed to the new religion, he led and fed his flock. Like the Good Shepherd, he laid down his life for his sheep and kept them from more persecution in Smyrna. He summarized his trust in God just before he died: “Father... I bless Thee, for having made me worthy of the day and the hour... .” (Martyrdom, Chapter 14).
Quote:
“Stand fast, therefore, in this conduct and follow the example of the Lord, ‘firm and unchangeable in faith, lovers of the brotherhood, loving each other, united in truth,’ helping each other with the mildness of the Lord, despising no man” (Polycarp, Letter to the Philippians).
Patron Saint of:
Earaches

Saturday 25 January 2014

Pope Francis and M. Hollande

 




Have just seen the footage of Pope Francis' initial meeting with Francois Hollande yesterday, and it seems quite obvious that the Holy Father found the whole thing rather traumatic.
 
"Who am I to judge?......but...." ?

Let's hope that the meeting may have prompted the French president's conscience both in his politics and his personal life.


Footnote ...  I see I am not the only one to have had these thoughts:-



St Joan of Arc, pray for us.

Conversion of St. Paul



Happy Feast.

 
 
This might be an apt day to pray for all those who, like St. Paul, as Saul of Tarsus, are intent on the persecution and destruction of Christianity, that Christ may also choose to reveal Himself to them as He did to Paul on the road to Damascus. Perhaps some may also become great apologists for the Faith.
 
 
Wishful thinking, perhaps?
 


Sancte Paule, ora pro nobis.


Tuesday 14 January 2014

Sunshine Award




I have finally got round to following this up.

Thank you to Mac of Mulier Fortis for nominating me: I was rather humbled to see that she considers me to be a "blogger who positively and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere."

Apparently I am supposed to write 10 pieces of information about myself. As I don't want to publish lots of personal information about myself on the web, I will focus on things which I have probably already mentioned or implied somewhere else on this blog (hope that's not cheating) - in no particular order:-

  1. I worship at Our Lady of the Rosary church, Blackfen, the domain of the famous Fr Tim
  2. I am a teacher
  3. My blog identity, Matthaeus, is the Latin form of my Confirmation name, Matthew
  4. I like Latin,especially in the Liturgy
  5. I find churches intersting, particularly if they have some architectural or historical merit
  6. I find the sermons and writings of the Venerable Fulton Sheen inspiring and helpful
  7. The first saint I was encouraged to pray to was St. Anthony of Padua (because I had lost something as a small child).
  8. I am rather fond of real ale
  9. I hope I have a sense of humour.
  10. My faith is very important to me.
I know I am supposed also to nominate some other bloggers for the award, but, like Leutgeb, I find everyone I would think of has already been 'nabbed' by Eccles or Mac, so will have to defer on this front.


Monday 6 January 2014

Hymn for Epiphany - We Three Kings

Thought I would go for an old favourite this year, even if in the vernacular - doesn't hurt when the symbolism of the Magi's gift is so eloquently explained (and the tune is rather a good one).

First, here is a traditional rendition by the choir of King's College, Cambridge:-

 
 


...and also this version by the Mediaeval Baebes, which I rather like, even if the video is a bit peculiar (I suspect they may have been watching too much of the Bangles' Eternal Flame when they planned this one :-))

 
Happy Feast!

Feast of the Epiphany





Omnes de Saba venient,
aurum et thus deferentes,
et laudem Domino annuntiates.
Surge, et illuminare, Jerusalem:
quia gloria Domini super te orta est.
 
All they from Saba shall come,
bringing gold and frankincense,
and showing forth praise to the Lord.
Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem:
for the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.
 
[Gradual for the Epiphany, usus antiquior]
 
May the blessings of the Lord God incarnate, made manifest in glory be with you all.
 
 



Sunday 5 January 2014

Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus

 

The Jesus Psalter (in honour of, and petitioning through, the Holy Name of Jesus)


(Text taken from Preces Latinae website)

The Jesus Psalter is believed to have been composed in England by the Brigittine monk, Richard Whitford, who called himself ``the Wretch of Sion''. This devotion was near and dear to the hearts of English Catholics in the days of persecution. It was printed and sold separately as early as 1520, though no copy from that period is known to have survived. In the oldest manuscripts and books the text of the prayer was usually given in English with the various notes and instructions in Latin.
``There is no other Name under heaven given to men whereby we may be saved.'' Acts 4:12
Begin by a devout bowing of the head or genuflection at the adorable Name of Jesus.
Part I
"At the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of things in heaven, of things in earth, and of things in hell; and let every tongue confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:10,11)
First Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - have mercy on me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - have mercy on me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - have mercy on me.
--------------
Jesus, have mercy on me, O God of compassion, and forgive the many and great offenses I have committed in Thy sight.

Many have been the follies of my life, and great are the miseries I have deserved for my ingratitude.

Have mercy on me, dear Jesus, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, who am unable to help myself.

Deliver me from setting my heart upon any of Thy creatures, which may divert my eyes from continually looking up to Thee.
Grant me grace henceforth, for the love of Thee, to hate sin: and out of a just esteem of Thee, to despise worldly vanities.
Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.
O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Second Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - help me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - help me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - help me.
--------------
Jesus, help me to overcome all temptations to sin and the malice of my ghostly enemy.

Help me to spend my time in virtuous actions and in such labors as are acceptable to Thee.

To resist and repress the motions of my flesh to sloth, gluttony, and impurity.

To render my heart enamored of virtue and inflamed with desires of Thy glorious presence.

Help me to deserve and to keep a good name, by a peaceful and pious living; to Thy honor, O Jesus, to my own comfort and the benefit of others.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Third Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - strengthen me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - strengthen me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - strengthen me.
--------------
Jesus, strengthen me in soul and body, to please Thee in doing such works of virtue as may bring me to Thy everlasting joy and felicity.

Grant me a firm purpose, most merciful Savior, to amend my life and atone of the years past:

Those years which I have misspent to Thy displeasure, in vain or wicked thoughts, words, deeds, and evil customs.

Make my heart obedient to Thy will; and ready, for Thy love, to perform all works of mercy.

Grant me the gifts of the Holy Ghost, which, through a virtuous life and a devout frequenting of The most holy sacraments, may at length bring me to Thy heavenly kingdom.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Fourth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - comfort me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - comfort me.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - comfort me.
--------------
Jesus, comfort me and give me grace to place my chief, my only joy and felicity in Thee.

Send me heavenly meditations, spiritual sweetness, and fervent desires of Thy glory; ravish my soul with the contemplation of heaven, where I shall everlastingly dwell with Thee.

Bring often to my remembrance Thy unspeakable goodness, Thy gifts, and Thy great kindness shown to me.

And when Thou bringest to mind the sad remembrance of my sins, whereby I have so unkindly offended Thee, comfort me with the assurance of obtaining Thy grace by the spirit of perfect penance, purging away my guilt and preparing me for Thy kingdom.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.
blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Fifth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me constant
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me constant
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me constant
--------------
Jesus, make me constant in faith, hope, and charity with continuance in all virtues and resolution not to offend Thee.

Make the memory of Thy passion and of those bitter pains Thou sufferedst for me, sustain my patience, and refresh me in all tribulations and adversity.

Make me ever hold fast the doctrines of Thy holy Catholic Church and be a diligent frequenter of all holy duties.

Let no false delight of this deceitful world blind me, no fleshy temptation or fraud of the devil shake my heart:

My heart, which has forever set up its rest in Thee; and is resolved to give up all things for Thy eternal reward.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
"Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross" Phil 2:8.

Hear these my petitions, O most merciful Savior, and grant me Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may prove east steps, whereby my soul may climb up to the knowledge, love, and performance of my duty to Thee and to my neighbor through the whole course of my life. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... I believe in God ...
Part II
"At the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of things in heaven, of things in earth, and of things in hell; and let every tongue confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:10,11)
Sixth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - enlighten me with spiritual wisdom.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - enlighten me with spiritual wisdom.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - enlighten me with spiritual wisdom.
--------------
Jesus, enlighten me with spiritual wisdom to know Thy goodness and all those things which are most acceptable to Thee.

Grant me a clear apprehension of my only good and discretion to order my life according to it.

Grant that I may wisely proceed from virtue to virtue till at length I arrive at the clear vision of Thy glorious majesty.

Permit me not, dear Lord, to return to those sins for which I have sorrowed and of which I have purged myself by confession.

Grant me grace to benefit the souls of others by my good example and to convert those by good council who have used me ill.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Seventh Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fear Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fear Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fear Thee.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace inwardly to fear Thee and to avoid all occasions of offending Thee.

Let the threats of the torments which shall befall sinners, the fear of losing Thy love and Thy heavenly inheritance, ever keep me in awe.

Let me not dare to remain in sin, but call me soon to repentance: lest through Thine anger the dreadful sentence of endless death and damnation fall upon me.

May the powerful intercession of Thy blessed Mother and all the saints, and above all, Thy own merits and mercy, O my Savior, be ever between Thy avenging justice and me.

Enable me, O my God, to work out my salvation with fear and trembling; and may the apprehension of Thy sacred judgments render me a more humble and diligent suitor at the throne of grace.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Eighth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace truly to love Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace truly to love Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace truly to love Thee.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace truly to love Thee for Thy infinite goodness and those great bounties I have received and hope forever to receive from Thee.

Let the remembrance of Thy kindness and patience conquer the malice and evil inclinations of my perverse nature.

Let the consideration of my deliverances and Thy gracious calls and continued protection through life shame me out of my ingratitude.

And what dost Thou require of me, for and by all Thy mercies, but to love Thee; and why, but because Thou art my only good?

O my dear Lord! my whole life shall be nothing but a desire of Thee: and because I truly love Thee, I will most diligently keep all Thy commandments.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Ninth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to remember my death.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to remember my death.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to remember my death.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace always to remember my death and the great account I then must render; that so being kept continually disposed, my soul may depart out of this world rightly in Thy grace.

Then by the gracious intercession of Thy blessed Mother and the assistance of the glorious St. Michael, deliver me from the danger of my soul's enemies; and do thou, my good angel, I beseech thee, help me at the hour of death.

The, dear Jesus, remember Thy mercy; and turn not, for my offenses, Thy face away from me.

Secure me against the terrors of that day, by causing me now to die daily to all earthly things and to have my continual conversation in heaven.

Let the remembrance of Thy death teach me how to esteem my life; and the memory of Thy resurrection encourage me cheerfully to descend into the grave.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Tenth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - send me here my purgatory.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - send me here my purgatory.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - send me here my purgatory.
--------------
Jesus, send me here my purgatory, and so prevent the torments of that cleansing fire, which, after this life, awaits unpurged souls.

Vouchsafe to grant me those merciful crosses and afflictions, which Thou seest are necessary to break off my affections from all things here below.

Since none can see Thee that loves any thing but for Thy sake, permit not my heart to find here any rest but a seeking after Thee.

Too bitter, alas! will be the anguish of a separated soul that desires, but cannot come to Thee, clogged with the heavy chains of sin.

Here then, O my Savior, keep me continually mortified in this world; that purged thoroughly by the fire of love, I may immediately pass into the everlasting possessions.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
"Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross" Phil 2:8.

Hear these my petitions, O most merciful Savior, and grant me Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may prove east steps, whereby my soul may climb up to the knowledge, love, and performance of my duty to Thee and to my neighbor through the whole course of my life. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... I believe in God ...
Part III
"At the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of things in heaven, of things in earth, and of things in hell; and let every tongue confess that our Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father" (Phil 2:10,11)
Eleventh Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fly evil company.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fly evil company.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fly evil company.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace to fly evil company; or if I chance to come among such, I beseech Thee, by the merits of Thy uncorrupt conversation among sinners, preserve me from being overcome by any temptations to mortal sin.

Make me, O blessed Lord, ten remember always with dread, that Thou art present and hearest; who wilt judge us according to our words and actions.

How, then, dare I converse with slanderers, liars drunkards, or swearers, or such whose discourse is either quarrelsome, dissolute, or vain?

Repress in me, dear Jesus, all inordinate affection for the pleasures of taste and of the flesh; and grant me grace to avoid all such as would excite the fire of these unhappy appetites.

May Thy power defend, Thy wisdom direct, Thy fatherly pity chastise me, and make me so to live here among men as may fit me for the conversation of angels hereafter.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Twelfth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to call for help to Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to call for help to Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to call for help to Thee.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace in all my necessities to call for help to Thee and faithfully remember Thy death and resurrection for me.

Wilt Thou be deaf to my cries, who wouldst lay down Thy life for my ransom? or canst Thou not save me, who couldst take it up gain for my crown?

Whom have I to invoke but Thee, O my Jesus, whose own blessed mouth has pronounced, "Call upon me in the day of trouble and I will relieve thee "?

Thou art my sure rock of defense against all kinds of enemies; Thou art my ever present grace, able to strengthen me to fight and conquer.

In all my sufferings, therefore, in all my weakness and temptations, will I confidently call upon Thee; hear me, O my Jesus, and when Thou hearest, have mercy.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Thirteenth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me to persevere in virtue.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me to persevere in virtue.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - make me to persevere in virtue.
--------------
Jesus, make me to persevere in virtue and a good life; and never to draw back from serving Thee till Thou bringest me to my reward in Thy kingdom.

In all pious customs and holy duties, in my honest and necessary employments, continue and strengthen, O Lord, both my soul and body.

Is my life anything but a pilgrimage upon earth towards the new Jerusalem, at which he that sits down or turns out of the way can never arrive?

O Jesus, make me always consider Thy blessed example, through how many and great pains and how little pleasure Thou pressedst on to a bitter death; because it is the way to a glorious resurrection.

Make me, O my Redeemer, seriously ponder those sever words of Thine, "He only that perseveres to the end shall be saved."

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Fourteenth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fix my mind on Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fix my mind on Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - grant me grace to fix my mind on Thee.
--------------
Jesus, grant me grace to fix my mind on Thee; especially in the time of prayer, when I aspire to converse directly with Thee.

Control the wanderings of my mind and the affections of my heart; repress the power of my spiritual enemies who could then draw off my mind from heavenly things to thoughts and imaginations of vanity.

So shall I, with joy and gratitude, behold Thee as my deliverer from all the evils I have escaped, and as my benefactor for all the good I have received or can hope.

I shall see that Thou Thy very self art my only good; and that all other things are but means ordained by Thee to make me fix my mind on Thee, to make me love Thee more and more and be eternally happy.

O beloved of my soul, absorb all my thoughts here, that I may become worthy to behold Thee forevermore face to face in Thy glory.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
Fifteenth Petition
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - give me grace to order my life to Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - give me grace to order my life to Thee.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus - give me grace to order my life to Thee.
--------------
Jesus, give me grace to order my life to Thee, heartily intending and wisely designing all the operations of my body and soul, for obtaining the reward of Thy infinite bliss and eternal felicity.

For what else is this world, but a school to discipline souls and fit them for the other? And how are they fitted for it but by an eager desire of enjoying God, their only end?

Break my forward spirit, O Jesus; make it humble and obedient; grant me grace to depart hence with a contempt for this world and with a joyful hope of coming to Thee in the next.

Let the memory of Thy passion make me cheerfully embrace all occasions of suffering here for Thy love; whilst my soul breathes after that blissful life and immortal glory, which Thou hast ordained in heaven for Thy servants.

O Jesus, let me frequently and attentively consider whatsoever I gain, if I lose Thee, all is lost; and whatsoever I lose, if I gain Thee, all is gained.

Have mercy on all sinners, O Jesus, I beseech Thee; turn their vices into virtues and, making them true observers of Thy law and sincere lovers of Thee, bring them to bliss in everlasting glory. Have mercy also on the souls in Purgatory, for Thy bitter passion, I beseech Thee, and for Thy glorious name, Jesus.

O blessed Trinity, one eternal God, have mercy on me.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and forever world without end. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ...
"Our Lord Jesus Christ humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the Cross" Phil 2:8.

Hear these my petitions, O most merciful Savior, and grant me Thy grace so frequently to repeat and consider them, that they may prove east steps, whereby my soul may climb up to the knowledge, love, and performance of my duty to Thee and to my neighbor through the whole course of my life. Amen.

Our Father ... Hail Mary ... I believe in God ...


 

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Happy New Year - Veni Creator Spiritus

 
Come, Holy Ghost, Creator.

May I wish you all a happy and blessed 2014.
 
 
 
 

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