abide in me sample pages 1

ABIDE IN ME A Catholic Manual of Prayers & Devotions

EXTRAORDINARY JUBILEE OF MERCY EDITION

MAY 2016

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Excerpts from A Manual of Prayers for the use of Catholic Laity by Clarence E. Woodman © 1888; excerpts from The Raccolta or Collection of Indulgenced Prayers & Good Works by Ambrose St John © 1910; excerpts from The Catholic Prayerbook and Manual of Meditations compiled by His Eminence Patrick Francis Cardinal Moran, Archbishop of Sydney © 1883; excerpts from The Manual of Catholic Piety by Rev. William Gahan, O.S.A. © 1863; excerpts from With God: A Book of Prayers & Reflections by Fr. F. Lasance © 1911; excerpts from Special Devotion to the Holy Ghost: A Manual for the use of Seminarians, priests, religious and the Christian People by Dr. Otto Zardetti, V.G. © 1888; excerpts from The Augustinian Manual, by an Augustinian Father © 1885; excerpts from The Seraphic Guide: A Manual for the members of the Third Order of St. Francis, by a Franciscan Father © 1884; excerpts from The Pocket Prayerbook: for the use of the clergy and others in the visitation of the sick by Charles Fredereick Gore © 1877; excerpts from Novenas, Hymns, And Litanies, in Honour of St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare by a Religious of The Order 0f Poor Clares © 1863; excerpts from The Prayer-book of St. Mary's Parish, Akron, Ohio © 1901; excerpts from Our Spiritual Service to the Sick & Dying By Rev. Edwin G. Kaiser, C.PP.S. © 1929; excerpts from The Wayfarer’s Prayer book by Rev. John Talbot Smith, LL.D. © 1917; excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2o10, International Committee on English

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INTRODUCTION

HE grace of prayer is a universal grace granted to all men and is necessary as a means of salvation.

Prayer is in everybody's power, for prayer is so easy that no one can reasonably pretend that he is unable to pray. Every man, rich or poor, learned or illiterate, healthy or sick, strong or weak, young or old, busy or at leisure can pray at all times in all positions, even in walking and in lying down; during the day and at night, as the early Christians used to do.

God is everywhere present, and is ever ready to listen to our petitions for His help. “In speaking with God or praying,” says St. Teresa, “we need not use many words or choice phrases; all that is requisite is that we remain deeply recollected in His presence, simply stating to Him our wants in our own words, or merely in our thoughts without uttering a single word, and reminding Him of His promise to help us.”

Since God wills that we should attain a destiny beyond the reach of our natural powers, He must necessarily be willing to grant us His help to attain it, whenever we, earnestly pray for it. We need God's grace for every thought and act pertaining to salvation; we are naturally weak and prone to evil, and cannot of ourselves keep all the commandments of God. For this we need His special assistance, which, in the ordinary course of His providence, He grants only to those who pray for it, because He will not force His graces on the

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unwilling, and those who really want them will surely ask for them.

We have a beautiful illustration of this in the Gospel of St. Matthew about Jesus’ encounter with a Canaanite woman, who persistently pleads with Him to heal her daughter (Mt. 15: 21 - 28). Jesus heals her daughter, and He proclaims that this woman has great faith. If we also persevere in prayer as the Canaanite woman did, we also shall be favorably heard by God in His own good time.

A lack of perseverance in prayer argues a lack of earnest desire. God, by deferring to hear us, does not refuse our prayers, but will even grant us far more than we ask. Speaking on this subject, St. Jerome says: “God, knowing die weight and measure of His goodness, sometimes appears insensible to our prayers, in order to try us, to urge us to pray more earnestly, and to make us more holy through constant prayer.”

ON PRAYER – VOCAL PRAYER & EJACULATORY

PRAYER IN PARTICULAR

ll true Christians frequently recite vocal prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, Apostles

Creed, Acts of faith, hope, charity, and contrition as well as some Ejaculatory or short prayers. The Church through the years has enriched many of these prayers with numerous indulgences, and has approved of many prayer-books filled with prayers suited to every want

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and devotion for us to gain a twofold advantage — the benefit of the beautiful and devout prayers themselves, and the indulgences, which help us to acquit ourselves of the great temporal debt which we have contracted toward the divine justice on account of our numerous sins or we may also apply said indulgences, when so applicable, to the souls in purgatory, who will be relieved thereby and will not fail to intercede for us in our wants.

Vocal prayer & Ejaculatory Prayer, then, are both useful and necessary for all men without exception — even for those who are soaring in the heights of contemplation. It would be well to join, to a certain extent, mental prayer with our vocal & ejaculatory prayers, for the merit of the latter would be thereby greatly increased. In reciting vocal prayers we should strive to attend the meaning of the words, appropriating it to ourselves with all possible fervor and earnestness or, without at all pausing, we reflect thereon while actually pronouncing the prayers with our lips. The Rosary is the most common and readily understood example of this manner of praying. While we are reciting the Our Father and the Hail Mary’s of each decade of the Rosary, we meditate or reflect on some mystery connected with the life of Jesus Christ or of His blessed Mother.

A few short vocal & ejaculatory prayers well said, specially in times of trial & temptation are far more acceptable to God than a great many long ones recited without attention or fervor. If we accustom ourselves to

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recite these prayers in this way, we shall not only make them our own and pray well, but we shall also acquire the habit of making mental prayer, which tends to unite us more closely to God, and, through the practical imitation of our divine Savior's virtues, to render us conformable to Him.

MENTAL PRAYER OR MEDITATION

aily Meditation for at least a quarter of an hour both in the morning and in the evening, especially

in front of the Blessed Sacrament aids us powerfully in the pursuit of our destiny, to know God, to love Him, to serve Him that we may be happy with Him forever; it helps us to know ourselves and to discover the means of avoiding and correcting our vices, our faults, and weaknesses; it reveals to us the dangers to which our salvation is exposed and leads us to pray with a contrite and humble heart for the necessary graces to cope with temptations, to control our passions, and to lead a holy life.

Mental prayer inflames our hearts with the love of God and strengthens us to do His holy will with zeal and perseverance. It differs from mere study in its object. We study to improve our minds and to store up information; we meditate to move the will to pray and to embrace what is good. We study that we may know; we meditate that we may pray.

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St. Teresa tells us that in her meditations she helped herself with a book for seventeen years. By reading either a text of Holy Scripture or a few lines out of some other holy book; for instance, “The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius,” “The Imitation of Christ,” and other books written by Saints, the mind is rendered attentive and is set on a train of thought. Further to help the mind you can ask yourself some such questions as the following: What does this mean? What lesson does it teach me? What has been my conduct regarding this matter? What have I done, what shall I do, and how shall I do it? What particular virtue must I practice? But do not forget to pray.

Do not imagine, moreover, that it is necessary to wait for a great fire to flame up in your soul, but cherish the little spark that you have got. Above all, never give way to the mistaken notion that you must restrain yourself from prayer in order to go through all the thoughts suggested by your book, or because your prayer does not appear to have a close connection with the subject of your meditation. This would simply be to turn from God to your own thoughts or to those of some other thoughts. If we feel dry or despondent and unable to meditate or pray well, let us repeat many times as earnestly as possible: 'My Jesus, mercy!' 'Lord, for Your mercy's sake, assist me!' 'My God, I love You!'

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BASIC & COMMON PRAYERS

SIGN OF THE CROSS (SIGNUM CRUCIS)

IN nomine Patris, et

Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

IN the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

OUR FATHER (PATER NOSTER)

PATER NOSTER,

qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in

OUR FATHER,

who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespassed against us. And lead us not into

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tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen.

temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY (AVE MARIA )

AVE MARIA,

gratia plena, Dominus tecum. Benedicta tu in mulieribus, et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus. Sancta Maria, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccatoribus, nunc, et in hora mortis nostrae. Amen.

HAIL MARY, full

of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death. Amen.

GLORY BE (GLORIA PAT RI)

GLORIA Patri, et

Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

GLORY be to the

Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

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HAIL HOLY QUEEN (SALVE REGINA)

SALVE, Regina,

mater misericordiae, vita, dulcedo, et spes nostra, salve. Ad te clamamus exsules filii Hevae. Ad te suspiramus, gementes et flentes in hac lacrimarum valle. Eia, ergo, advocata nostra, illos tuos misericordes oculos ad nos converte. Et Iesum, benedictum fructum ventris tui, nobis post hoc exsilium ostende. O clemens, O pia, O dulcis Virgo Maria.

HAIL holy Queen,

Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley 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 your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

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Oremus Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, qui gloriosae Virginis Matris Mariae corpus et animam, ut dignum Filii tui habitaculum effici mereretur, Spiritu Sancto cooperante, praeparasti: da, ut cuius commemoratione laetamur; eius pia intercessione, ab instantibus malis, et a morte perpetua liberemur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Let us pray

Almighty, everlasting God, who by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, didst prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to become a worthy dwelling for Your Son; grant that we who rejoice in her commemoration may, by her loving intercession, be delivered from present evils and from the everlasting death. Amen.

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THE APOSTLE’S CREED

CREDO in Deum

Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae. Et in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, qui conceptus est de Spiritu Sancto, natus ex Maria Virgine, passus sub Pontio Pilato, crucifixus, mortuus, et sepultus, descendit ad inferos, tertia die resurrexit a mortuis, ascendit ad caelos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis, inde venturus est iudicare vivos et mortuos. Credo in Spiritum Sanctum, sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, sanctorum communionem, remissionem peccatorum, carnis

I BELIEVE in God,

the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; He descended into hell; on the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from there He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,

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resurrectionem, vitam aeternam. Amen.

the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

ANGEL OF GOD (ANGELE DEI)

ANGELE DEI, qui

custos es mei, Me tibi commissum pietate superna; (Hodie, Hac nocte) illumina, custodi, rege, et guberna. Amen.

ANGEL OF GOD,

my guardian dear, To whom his love commits me here; Ever this (day, night) be at my side, To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

ETERNAL REST (REQUIEM AETERNAM)

REQUIEM

aeternam dona ei (eis), Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei (eis). Requiescat (-ant) in pace. Amen.

ETERNAL rest grant

unto him/her (them), O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him/her (them). May he/she (they) rest in peace. Amen.

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ACT OF FAITH (ACTUS FIDEI)

DOMINE Deus,

firma fide credo et confiteor omnia et singula quae sancta ecclesia Catholica proponit, quia tu, Deus, ea omnia revelasti, qui es aeterna veritas et sapientia quae nec fallere nec falli potest. In hac fide vivere et mori statuo. Amen.

O LORD God, I

firmly believe each and every truth which the holy Catholic Church teaches, because You, O God, Who art eternal truth and wisdom which can neither deceive nor be deceived, hast revealed them all. In this faith I stand to live and die. Amen.

ACT OF HOPE (ACTUS SPEI)

DOMINE Deus,

spero per gratiam tuam remissionem omnium peccatorum, et post hanc vitam aeternam felicitatem me esse consecuturum: quia tu promisisti, qui es

O LORD God,

through Your grace I hope to obtain remission of all my sins and after this life eternal happiness, for You hast promised, Who art all powerful,

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infinite potens, fidelis, benignus, et misericors. In hac spe vivere et mori statuo. Amen.

faithful, kind, and merciful. In this hope I stand to live and die. Amen.

ACT OF LOVE (ACTUS CARITATIS)

DOMINE Deus,

amo te super omnia et proximum meum propter te, quia tu es summum, infinitum, et perfectissimum bonum, omni dilectione dignum. In hac caritate vivere et mori statuo. Amen.

O LORD God, I love

You above all things, and I love my neighbor on account of You, because You art the highest, infinite and most perfect good, worthy of all love. In this love I stand to live and die. Amen.

ACT OF CONTRITION (ACTUS CONTRITIONIS)

DEUS meus, ex toto

corde paenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum, eaque detestor, quia

O MY God, I am

heartily sorry for having offended You and I detest all my sins because of Your just

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peccando, non solum poenas a Te iuste statutas promeritus sum, sed praesertim quia offendi Te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris. Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia Tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.

punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and avoid the near occasions of sin. Amen.

THE ANGELUS

V. Angelus Domini nuntiavit Mariae;

R. Et concepit de Spiritu Sancto.

Ave Maria…

V. Ecce ancilla Domini.

R. Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum.

V. The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary; R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary…

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord:

R. Be it done unto me according to Your word.

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Ave Maria…

V. Et Verbum caro factum est.

R. Et habitavit in nobis.

Ave Maria…

V. Ora pro nobis, sancta Dei Genetrix.

R. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.

Oremus: Gratiam tuam, quaesumus, Domine, mentibus nostris infunde; ut qui, Angelo nuntiante, Christi Filii tui incarnationem cognovimus, per passionem eius et crucem, ad resurrectionis gloriam perducamur. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made flesh:

R. And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary…

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

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

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Your 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.

R. Amen.

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REGINA CAELI

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia:

Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.

Resurrexit sicut dixit, alleluia.

Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

Queen of Heaven rejoice, alleluia:

For He whom you merited to bear, alleluia,

Has risen as He said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

V. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, Alleluia,

R. Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia. R. Because the Lord is truly risen, alleluia.

Oremus:

Deus qui per resurrectionem Filii tui, Domini nostri Iesu Christi, mundum laetificare dignatus es: praesta, quaesumus, ut per eius Genetricem Virginem Mariam, perpetuae capiamus

Let us pray:

O God, who by the Resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, granted joy to the whole world: grant we beg You, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His

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gaudia vitae. Per eundem Christum Dominum nostrum.

R. Amen.

Mother, we may lay hold of the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ our Lord.

R. Amen.

PRAYER TO THE HOLY S PIRIT

VENI, Sancte

Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium, et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.

COME, Holy Spirit,

fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.

V. Emitte Spiritum tuum et creabuntur;

R. Et renovabis faciem terrae.

V. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created R. And You shalt renew the face of the earth.

Oremus: DEUS, qui corda fidelium Sancti Spiritus illustratione docuisti: da

Let us pray:

O GOD, Who taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy

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nobis in eodem Spiritu recta sapere, et de eius semper consolatione gaudere. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

Spirit, grant that, by the gift of the same Spirit, we may be always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

BLESSING BEFORE MEALS

BENEDIC, Domine,

nos et haec tua dona quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi. Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.

BLESS us, O Lord, and

these Your gifts which we are about to receive from Your bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

GRACE AFTER MEALS

AGIMUS tibi gratias,

omnipotens Deus, pro universis beneficiis tuis, qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen.

WE give You thanks,

almighty God, for all Your benefits, who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

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SANCTIFY THE DAY

MORNING PRAYERS

As soon as you awake, and it is time to get up, raise your thoughts immediately to God, make the holy sign of the cross, dress quickly, kneel down, and begin to pray.

I. THANKSGIVING.

MY God! I adore you, and I love you with my whole heart. I thank you for all the benefits which you

have granted me, and especially for having protected me so mercifully during the night.

II. PRAYER FOR NECESSARY GRACE.

My Jesus, bear me in your hands this day. Ever Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear Mother and Queen,

may I find shelter under your protecting mantle and to You, O heavenly Father, show me mercy, for the love of Jesus and of Mary. My Guardian Angel, and all my patron Saints, help me by your holy prayers especially at the hour of my death.

III. GOOD INTENTION.

O you, my God, I offer all that I shall do, all that I may suffer during the day and I unite all my actions and

sufferings to the sufferings of Jesus and Mary, and I

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make the intention now to gain all the indulgences to which I may be entitled for any good works of mine this day.

IV. FOR THE SUPREME PONTIFF

or the intentions of the Holy Father, Pope (N.) especially for the intentions this month, we pray:

Pray 1 Our Father, 1 Hail Mary & 1 Glory be

V. SCRIPTURE READING AND/OR MEDITATION

PROPER

N.B. — It is a most profitable exercise for those whose way of life allows of it, to make at least a quarter of an hour's meditation during their morning prayers. One may use the readings for the day or may use some short Aspirations from the Scriptures.

VI. RESOLUTION

MY God! I firmly resolve to fly from every sin, to live in a life of holiness and I implore you for Jesus'

sake to grant me the grace of perseverance and especially I am resolved that in every trial, taking refuge in your holy will, the prayer of my heart shall be, “O Lord, Your will be done!”

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VII. THE BLESSING

ay the peace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the virtue of His sacred passion, the sign of His Holy Cross,

the purity and humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the protection of the angels, and the intercession of all the saints and elect of God, be with me (us) and defend me (us), now and at the hour of my (our) death, sweet Jesus. Amen.

INVOCATIONS OR EJACULATORY PRAYERS

MY God, grant that I may love You, and as the sole reward of my love, grant that I may ever love You more and more.

My God, my only good, You art all mine; grant that I may be all thine.

My God, unite all minds in the truth and all hearts in charity.

My Jesus, mercy!

Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.

SWEETEST Jesus, be to me not a judge but a Savior.

Praised be Jesus Christ R: For evermore.

Lord, preserve to us the Faith.

MOST sweet Jesus, increase my faith, hope, and charity, and give me a humble and contrite heart.

Sweet Heart of my Jesus, Make me love You ever more and more!

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HEART of Jesus burning with love of us, inflame our hearts with love of You.

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You.

Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, set free the holy souls in Purgatory.

HEART of love, I place all my trust in You: for though I fear all things from my weakness, I hope all things from your mercies. (Ejaculation of St. Margaret Mary)

Mary, our hope, have pity on us.

Mary sorrowing, Mother of all Christians, pray for us.

The Following Ejaculations can be used in reverence to the most Blessed Sacrament specially when passing by a church or chapel where it is kept.

Jesus, my God, I adore You here present in the Sacrament of your love.

Blessed and praised every moment be the most holy and divine Sacrament.

ETERNAL Father, by the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, glorify his most holy Name, according to the intention and the desires of his adorable Heart.

May the Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.

Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us.

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NOON PRAYERS

Pray the Prayer to the Holy Spirit as on page - 17 - then recite the Angelus (or Regina Caeli during Easter Season) on page - 14 -. Continue with:

V. GRANT, O holy Joseph, that, ever under your protection, we may pass our lives without guilt.

R. Amen.

V. Sweet Heart of Jesus

R. Be my love.

V. Sweet Heart of Mary

R. Be my salvation.

V. Eternal Rest Grant unto them O Lord.

R. And Let the perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in Peace.

R. Amen.

V. Let us praise the Lord.

R. Thanks be to God!

EVENING PRAYERS

When the clock strikes at 6:00 PM, the traditional “Angelus” (or the “Regina Caeli” during Easter Season) can be said as on page - 14 -. Continue with the “Sub Tuum Praesidium” Prayer as Error! Bookmark not defined.. End with the “Eternal Rest…” Prayer as on Noon prayer.

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NIGHT PRAYERS

I. OPENING PRAYER

TERNAL, Infinite, and Almighty God, whose glory the heaven of heavens cannot contain, I adore You

and I thank You for all the graces You have bestowed on me this day. Look down upon me, your unworthy servant, prostrate at the feet of your mercy, and humbly confessing to you, in the sight of all the holy angels and the saints, the sinfulness and vanity of my life, but especially the transgressions of this day, by which I have so grievously wounded my own soul.

Examination of conscience takes place. Ask the Lord for enlightenment to see the wrong things done and ask him to repair this defects during this day. Then pray the “Act of Contrition” as on page - 13 -. Continue with the Following prayers:

offer to you my sleep and every moment of this night, and I beseech You to keep me free from sin. I

place myself within Your sacred side and under the protecting mantle of the ever Blessed Virgin Mary. Let the eyes of your providence watch over me, and your holy angels set their guard about me; that, being safely delivered from all dangers, and healthily refreshed with moderate sleep, I may the better be enabled to perform the employments of my calling and state of life, and faithfully persevere in the discharge of the duties of your

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service; and so daily advance to new victories over my passions, and to a more perfect observance of your commandments; till, having passed my days in your fear, I may end them in your favor, and rejoice with your forever in your heavenly kingdom: through Jesus Christ our Lord and only Savior, who, lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

II. PRAYER FOR BENEFACTORS

ouchsafe, O Lord, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good, for Your name's sake.

Amen.

III. PRAYERS FOR THE POOR SOULS IN

PURGATORY

Prayers as on page - 29 -

IV. CONCLUDING PRAYERS

ISIT, we beseech you O Lord, this habitation, and repel from it all the snares of the enemy. Let your

holy angels dwell herein to preserve us peace; and May your blessing be upon us forever: through Christ our Lord. Amen.

May the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and all the saints, pray for us to Our Lord, that we may be preserved this night from sin and evil. Amen.

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SANCTIFY THE WEEK

It was an ancient & pious practice among the faithful to dedicate everyday in the week to some particular devotion. Conformably with this custom, a prayer is here given for each of those days, to be said immediately after morning prayers, or at any other time of the day, as each person's leisure from the necessary occupations of his state of life may permit. But it is to be observed, that the worship of the mystery, or the devotion to the saint we propose to honor, consists less in the prayer itself, than in the particular instructions which it contains.

SUNDAY – THE HOLY TRINITY

Sunday is dedicated to the Holy Trinity, a day to thank God for the many blessings and as well as trials that He gives us for the past few days of work. It is a day where we can be with our families and relatives, to attend the Holy Mass together, to care for them and spend time with them that is often (for some) difficult to do on other days of the week. It is also a time for reflection, silence, cultivation of the mind, and meditation which furthers the growth of the Christian interior life. Sunday is traditionally consecrated by Christian piety to do Corporal and Spiritual works of mercy as Error! Bookmark not defined.

A PRAYER TO THE HOLY TRINITY

ADORE You, O my God, one God in three Persons; I annihilate myself before your Majesty. You alone art

being, life, truth, beauty, and goodness. I glorify You, I praise You, I thank You, and I love You, all incapable and unworthy as I am, in union with your dear Son Jesus

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Christ, our Savior and our Father, in the mercifulness of his heart and through his infinite merits. I wish to serve You, to please You, to obey You, and to love You always, in union with Mary immaculate, Mother of God and our Mother, loving- also and serving- my neighbor for your sake. Therefore, give me your Holy Spirit to enlighten, correct, and guide me in the way of your commandments, and in all perfection, until we come to the happiness of heaven, where we shall glorify You forever. Amen.

More Prayers Error! Bookmark not defined.

MONDAY – THE HOLY SPIRIT & TH E FAITHFUL

DEPARTED

As another week starts, one can make a consecration to the Holy Spirit or one can acknowledge His presence not just for the day but for the rest of this week and especially the rest of our Lives! In this way, we are reminded that we are God’s temple and that He continuously dwells in us. Let’s also not forget our departed brethren and relatives by making the so called “Heroic Act” for them. The heroic act of charity in behalf of the souls in purgatory consists in a voluntary offering, made by any one of the faithful in their favor, of all works of satisfaction done by him in this life, as well as of all suffrages which shall be offered for him after his death; by this act. All Indulgences granted, or to be granted and gained by the faithful who have made this offering, are applicable to the holy souls in purgatory.

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SHORT PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

HOLY Spirit, divine spirit of light and love, I consecrate to You my understanding, heart and

will, my whole being for time and for eternity. May my understanding be always submissive to your heavenly inspirations, and to the teaching of the Catholic Church, of which You are the infallible Guide; may my heart be ever inflamed with love of God and of my neighbor; may my will be ever conformed to the divine will, and may my whole life be a faithful imitation of the life and virtues of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and You be honor and glory forever. Amen.


A PRAYER FOR THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY

GOD, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your departed servants the

full remission of all their offences, that, through the help of pious supplications, they may obtain the pardon of which they have been always desirous: You who live and reign, world without end. Amen.

V. Give them, O Lord, eternal rest.

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May they rest in peace.

R. Amen.


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TUESDAY – THE HOLY ANGELS

While we give thanks to God for having granted to each of us a holy angel for our guardian, we ought ever to bear in mind the respect, devotion, and loving confidence we owe to this blessed spirit; and with these feelings we should often think of him, and implore his constant aid with the following well-known invocation such as the “Angel of God.” Invoking our guardian angel especially in times of trials and difficulties and acknowledging always their presence are strongly encouraged. According to the spirit of the Church's teaching, each human soul upon its creation is given in charge to an angel, not merely for its career upon earth, but even for eternity. Thus the human creature is never alone. Like the heir to a throne it is affectionately watched, attended, illumined, instructed and sustained, to prepare it for its everlasting destiny. What honor and condescension! How such a guardianship displays the mind of God and the dignity of man!

AN INDULGENCED PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN

ANGEL

EAR us, O Holy Lord, Almighty Father, eternal God: and deign to send Your holy angel from heaven to

guard, cherish, protect, visit, and defend all who dwell in this house. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


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WEDNESDAY – ST. JOSEPH

The glorious functions with which God honored St. Joseph in this world, and the rare example of humility, wisdom, patience, fidelity, obedience & submission, which he have given us, should inspire us with the highest idea of his sanctity, and the greatest devotion towards him. Honor him, therefore; but more especially by a faithful imitation of his virtues. Have recourse to him with confidence, and inspire this confidence to others.

A PRAYER TO ST. JOSE PH

GLORIOUS St Joseph, chosen by God to be the reputed father of Jesus, the most pure spouse of

Mary ever Virgin, and the head of the Holy Family, and then elected by the Vicar of Christ to be the heavenly Patron and Protector of the Church founded by Jesus Christ; with the greatest confidence I implore at this time your powerful aid for the entire Church militant. Protect in a special manner with your truly paternal love the Supreme Pontiff and all the bishops and priests united to the See of St Peter. Defend all those who labor for souls in the midst of the afflictions and tribulations of this life, and obtain the willing submission of every nation throughout the world to the Church, the necessary means of salvation for all.

Dearest St Joseph, be pleased to accept the consecration which I make to you of myself. I

dedicate myself entirely to you that you may ever be my father, my protector, and my guide in the way of salvation. Obtain for me great purity of heart and a

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fervent love of the interior life. Grant that after your example all my actions may be directed to the greater glory of God, in union with the divine Heart of Jesus and the immaculate heart of Mary, and with you. Finally, pray for me that I may be able to share in the peace and joy of your most holy death. Amen.


For the Perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help, please turn to page Error! Bookmark not defined.

THURSDAY – THE MOST BLESSED SACRAMENT

On a Thursday evening, Our Lord Jesus instituted the most Holy Eucharist - greatest gift of God to mankind. It is fitting that we remember this greatest of sacraments on this day by visiting Him in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

Every night between Thursday through Friday, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque would rise and prostrate herself for one hour with Jesus between eleven o’clock and midnight to appease the divine anger by begging mercy for sinners, and also to lessen in some manner the anguish Jesus experienced when His apostles abandoned Him, that forced Him to reproach them for not having been able to watch one hour with Him.

One can also do the same in front of the Image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus or a Crucifix. It is also recommended to pray for the sanctification of the clergy and especially for the intentions of the Holy Father.

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AN INDULGENCED PRAYER FOR A VISIT TO THE

BLESSED SACRAMENT

OOK down, Holy Father and Lord, from your sanctuary, and from heaven, your dwelling-place on

high, and behold this sacred Victim which our great High Priest, your holy Child, our Lord Jesus, offers up to You for the sins of his brethren; and be appeased for the multitude of our transgressions. Behold, the voice of the Blood of Jesus, our Brother, cries to You from the Cross. Give ear, O Lord! Be appeased, O Lord! Hearken, and do not tarry, for thine own sake, O my God, for your Name is invoked upon this city and upon your people; and deal with us according to your mercy. Amen.

V. That You vouchsafe to defend, pacify, keep, preserve, and bless this city.

R. We beseech You to hear us.


FRIDAY – THE SACRED HEART & T HE PASSION

OF JESUS

On this Day, Our Lord Jesus was scourged, mocked, ridiculed and died on the Cross, thus saving us from our sins. The Universal Church assigned this day as a day of penance and sacrifice. Here in the Philippines, the Local Church doesn’t require abstinence from meat on Fridays outside Lent but penance is still required in one form or another (through acts of charity). Traditionally, an indulgence can be obtained to all who when the church bell rings on Friday at three in the afternoon, or at any other hour

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fixed by custom, kneel and say five times and say the Pater Noster and Ave Maria, in memory of the Passion of our Lord, and praying according to the intention of the Pope. Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is also observed today by some, since this devotion also recalls the time where the roman soldier pierced Our Lord Jesus’ side with a lance.

“DEUS, QUI PRO REDEMP TIONE” PRAYER

GOD, who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected

by the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter; who didst suffer yourself to be shamelessly exposed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphas, Pilate and Herod; to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges and insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows, defiled with spittings, to have your divine countenance covered, to be struck with a reed, to be stripped of your clothes, nailed to and raised high upon a Cross between two thieves, to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and then pierced with a lance; do You, O Lord, by these most sacred sufferings, which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to contemplate, by your holy Cross and by your bitter Death, free me from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me to Paradise, whither You didst lead the thief who was crucified with You, my Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy Ghost live and reign, God for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary & Glory be Five times.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Have mercy on us! (Thrice)

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SATURDAY – THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

The pious custom of dedicating this day to the Blessed Virgin Mary is of ancient origin based on a legendary account that Jesus appeared to Mary on the Saturday, the day after His death. He did so to reward her for her steadfast faith in His divinity, which did not waver under the Cross. The Marian Saturdays commenced through the works of Alcuin, a Benedictine monk who composed Votive Masses in honor of Our Lady that was quickly and joyously embraced throughout the whole Church. In the following Centuries, several devotional practices and acts were practiced such as some devotees go on pilgrimages and attend Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady. Some decorates more prominently in a chapel, dining room, or entry way on Saturday an icon of Mary and a vigil candle is lit near it. Some just say prayers to Our Lady and giving alms and acts of charity to the poor. One can also meditate and pray the Holy Rosary for the conversion of sinners throughout the world and make sacrifices for them and for the poor souls as requested by Our Lady in Fatima.

A PRAYER OF ST. ALOY SIUS TO OUR LADY

HOLY Mary, my mistress, into your blessed trust and special custody, and into the bosom of your

mercy I this day, everyday, and in the hour of my death, commend my soul and my body: to you I commit all my anxieties and miseries, my life and the end of my life, that by your most holy intercession and by your merits

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all my actions may be directed and disposed according to your will and that of your Son. Amen.


SANCTIFY THE MONTH

JANUARY – THE CHILDHOOD & HOLY NAME OF JESUS

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FEBRUARY – THE HOLY FAMILY (prayers as Error! Bookmark

not defined.)

MARCH – ST. JOSEPH (prayers as Error! Bookmark not

defined.)

APRIL – THE PASSION OF OUR LORD (prayers as Error!

Bookmark not defined.)

MAY – THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (prayers as Error!


JUNE – SACRED HEART OF JESUS (prayers as Error!


JULY – PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS (prayers as Error!


AUGUST – IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY (prayers as Error!


SEPTEMBER – THE SEVEN SORROWS OF MARY (prayers as

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OCTOBER – THE HOLY ANGELS & THE HOLY ROSARY (prayers

as Error! Bookmark not defined.)

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NOVEMBER – THE POOR SOULS IN PURGATORY (prayers as

Error! Bookmark not defined.)

DECEMBER – IMMACULATE CONCEPTION (prayers as Error!


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SANCTIFY THE YEAR

ADVENT SEASON

THE Church begins her year on the first Sunday in Advent, which usually occurs around the end of November. Advent means in Latin coming, and the season of Advent is one of preparation for the coming of Our Lord at Christmas. The Church reminds us that even as Christ came in that day to all mankind, so He shall come again at the last day to judge the world, to close the history of the human race, and to assign to each man his fixed place in eternity. As the representative of Christ to the circle in which you move, it is your business to follow in spirit the Advent season, and, where it may properly be done, to acquaint your neighbors with its beauty.

CHRISTMAS SEASON

This holy time extends from the vigil of the Feast, December 24, to the seventh day after the Epiphany. In the old English style the Epiphany was called Twelfth Night and Little Christmas. These three weeks were in the good old Catholic times an agreeable mingling of religious service, domestic gatherings, and public celebrations. Your duty as a good Catholic, is to preach it to all who know you, by word and by example. Go to communion on Christmas day, and on Epiphany, which

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stands for the visit of the Magi to Christ. Give liberally to the poor. Read up on the history of the three weeks, and retail it to your friends. At the very least, say daily the simple prayers herein appended. And in particular be on your guard against making the holy season purely pagan by marketing, junketing, idling and sinning, as the commercial world would have it. Live in quiet Bethlehem from December 24 until Epiphany, and not on the highway.

EPIPHANY HOUSE BLESS ING

During Epiphany, it is a tradition in the Catholic Church to bless chalk at the Masses for Epiphany, wherein families mark their entrance door using a blessed chalk with the current year and with the inscription CMB, the initials of Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, the traditional names of the magi and can also be interpreted as the Latin phrase "Christus mansionem benedicat" which means “Christ bless this house”. It is being led by either a priest or the head of the family. Place a cross between each of the letters. It should look something like this: 20+C+M+B+XX (XX = last two digits of current year). After completing the above markings, pray the following prayers:

May all who come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us; and may we seek and serve, in everyone we meet, that same Jesus who is your incarnate Word, now and forever. Amen.

God of heaven and earth, you revealed your only-begotten One to every nation by the guidance of a star. Bless this house and all who inhabit it. Fill us with the

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light of Christ, that our concern for others may reflect your love. We ask this through Christ our Savior. Amen.

Loving God, bless this household. May we be blessed with health, goodness of heart, gentleness, and abiding in your will. We ask this through Christ our Savior. Amen.

LENTEN SEASON

THIS season begins with Ash-Wednesday, sometime in February, and ends on Easter Sunday seven weeks later. The actual time of Lent is forty days, counting the four days of the first week, and the thirty-six days of the six weeks following. In the Lenten season all devout Catholics follow, according to their ability and condition of life, the laws of fasting and abstinence. The spirit of the season, which is one of rest, quiet, withdrawal from pleasure and excitement, of intimate relations with God, every true Catholic can follow.

The Church observes most tenaciously this season for several reasons. First, in honor of the forty days' fast of Jesus in the desert; secondly and chiefly to remind her children with stern emphasis that they are not born solely for this world, that time and thought must be given to eternity, that they must take stock of their soul, take account of their present method of living, wean themselves from too close a devotion to pleasure and profit.

There are certain devotions practiced by the Church, which should engage your attention. The reciting of the Rosary is a beautiful daily devotion. If you

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have time to visit a Church, make the way of the cross in honor of the Passion of Our Lord. Keep a good book close to your hand. Read the prayers in its golden pages. Get thoroughly rested mentally. Give the great soul within a chance to think, feel, speak and be heard in the noisy market-place. Let the great wave of “religion” (from the Latin word “re-ligare” meaning “to reconnect” or “to bind”) rise about you till you are floating naked on its strengthening tide, stripped of the world's foolishness, and drinking in through every pore the strength of God.

HOLY WEEK

It is the duty of the faithful Catholic to observe this week with respect and devotion. Some find it next to impossible to do so, because the world must have its pleasures, entertainment, and profit no matter who perishes. Everyone can attend the church services each day, and follow respectfully the Passion of Our Lord.

Palm Sunday. Christ enters Jerusalem in triumph, which is signified by the blessing of the palms; the story of His Passion, according to St. Matthew's account, is read in the Mass.

Wednesday is called Spy-Wednesday, because at that time Judas made his preparations for betraying his Divine Master. The solemn offices begin in the afternoon or evening in the churches.

Thursday. On this day Christ ate the last supper with His disciples, and established the Sacrament of the

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Eucharist. At the Mass on this morning, which is celebrated with splendor, all the bells are rung and the organ is played while the priest at the altar chants the Gloria in excelsis. At its close bells and organ are silent until the Mass on Holy Saturday.

Friday. Known as good, because of the death of our Lord on that day. The way of the cross is usually made around on or before three o'clock; the Church is in mourning; at three, the ninth hour of the Gospel, Christ died upon the cross.

Saturday. Long and beautiful ceremonies take place in the churches: the Mass is sung with joy, and at the Gloria the bells and the organ resume their office. The Body of Christ was in the tomb at this time, and His Soul in Limbo: the Church is joyful because the work of her Master was completed on Good Friday, and the glory of His Resurrection, like a beautiful dawn, began to lift the mists of a long night.

EASTER & THE PASCHAL SEASON

ON the Sunday called Easter, the third day after His death, Christ rose from the tomb, and began His reign as the immortal King of the human race. He had suffered death, according to the penalty laid upon mankind, but also He had demonstrated that death is not annihilation. The soul of man is immortal, and the body of man will share in that immortality after the world's course is run. This is the meaning of the Easter festival. From this day to the end of the Easter period,

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which is usually called the Paschal time, and extends for eight weeks into the year, the Church in all her public offices reminds her children of all the things signified by the Resurrection of Christ.

It is our duty as a faithful Catholic to recognize the meaning, beauty, and power of the Paschal Time, and to spread the knowledge of its days and ceremonies among men. The Holy Ghost must direct and inform your life, if you are to be worthwhile here and hereafter. He will change you, as He changed the Apostles, from nothingness into worth, if you submit your soul to His guidance. With Trinity Sunday, exactly eight weeks after Easter Sunday, the Paschal season comes to an end. It is of obligation that every Christian should go to confession and communion at least once in the period extending from the fourth Sunday in Lent to Trinity Sunday. Catholics usually select the Easter festival for that purpose.

THE ORDINARY TIME

FROM Pentecost on the Church marks passing time by special feasts and what may be called minor periods. What a noble panorama is this observance of Time, so lightly considered by men! How it lifts up the soul from the dust of the road to the vision of eternity! Let’s see to it that we walk in the pathway made smooth and firm by the travel of the Saints. Let’s keep our eyes on the splendid scenes of past glory, present action, and future bliss. The Church acts upon that principle: Time is the coin with which man buys eternity.

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