EJACULATION
St. Joseph, model and patron of those who love the Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec. 19, 1891.
Prayer for Divine Direction in the Choice of a State of Life
Almight God! Whose wise and amiable providence watches over every human event, deign to be my light and my counsel in all my undertakings, particularly in the choice of a state of life. I know that on this important step my sanctification and salvation may in a great measure depend. I know that I am incapable of discerning what may be best for me; therefore I cast myself into Thy arms, beseeching Thee, my God, Who hast sent me into this world only to love and serve Thee, to direct by Thy grace every action of my life to the glorious end of my creation. I renounce most sincerely every other wish than to fulfil Thy designs on my soul, whatever they may be; and I beseech Thee to give me the grace to be imbued with the spirit of Christ and to qualify myself for any state of life to which Thy adorable providence may call me. O my God! whenever it may become my duty to make a choice, do Thou be my light and my counsel, and mercifully deign to make the way known to me wherein I should walk, for I have lifted up my soul to Thee. Preserve me from listening to the suggestions of self-love, or worldly prudence, in prejudice to Thy holy inspirations. Let Thy good Spirit lead me into the right way, and let Thy adorable providence place me, not where I may naturally feel inclined to go, but where all things may be most conducive to Thy glory and to the good of my soul. Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, Seat of Wisdom, Help of Christians, pray
for me. Amen. Prayer for Travelers
The Breviary contains prayers for travelers that have received the consecration of the Church and of centuries — the " Itinerary," which priests seldom fail to recite for themselves and their companions as often as they begin a journey. As it may seem rather long for general use, we give an abridgment for the use of those who may wish to know and learn it.
MAY the almighty and merciful Lord direct us on our journey; may He make it prosper and maintain us in peace.
May the Archangel Raphael accompany us along the way, and may we return to our homes in peace, joy, and health.
Lord, have mercy on us! Jesus Christ, have mercy on us! Lord, have mercy on us!
Prayer
O God, Who didst cause the children of Israel to traverse the Red Sea dryshod; Thou Who didst point out by a star to the Magi the road that led them to Thee; grant us, we beseech Thee, a prosperous journey and propitious weather; so that, under the guidance of Thy holy angels, we may safely reach that journey's end, and later the haven of eternal salvation.
Hear, O Lord, the prayers of Thy servants. Bless their journeys. Thou Who art everywhere present, shower everywhere upon them the effects of Thy mercy; so that, insured by Thy protection against all dangers, they may return to offer Thee their thanksgiving. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
(Those who have a special confidence in St. Joseph may make use of the following prayer, which solicits also supernatural graces, and especially that of traveling always in the way of the commandments, so as ultimately to reach the celestial terminus.) O BLESSED St. Joseph, who didst accompany Jesus and Mary in all their journeys, and who hast therefore merited to be called the patron of all travelers, accompany us in this journey that we are about to undertake. Be our guide and our protector; watch over us; preserve us from all accidents and dangers to soul and body; support us in our fatigue, and aid us to sanctify it by offering it to God. Make us ever mindful that we are strangers, sojourners here below; that heaven is our true home; and help us to persevere on the straight road that leads thereunto. We beseech thee especially to protect and aid us in the last great voyage from time to eternity, so that, under thy guidance, we may reach the realm of happiness and glory, there to repose eternally with thee in the company of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Still another prayer for travelers, asking in a special manner for the protection of the guardian angels, was composed by the saintly Mgr. Dupanloup. It reads:
O ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Who hast commissioned Thy angels to guide and protect us, command them to be our assiduous companions from our setting out until our return; to clothe us with their invisible protection; to keep from us all danger of collision, of fire, of explosion, of falls and hurts; and finally, having preserved us from all evil, and especially from sin, to guide us to our heavenly home. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Another not less beautiful prayer runs thus:
MY holy angel guardian, ask the Lord to bless the journey which I undertake, that it may profit the health of my soul and body; that I may reach its end; and that, returning safe and sound, I may find all at home in good health. Do thou guard, guide, and preserve us. Amen.
The following couplet was a favorite ejaculation of Columbus:
Jesus and Mary, we pray,
Be with us ever on our way.
One should not fail at least to make the sign of the cross
on beginning a journey. The neglect or performance of
such acts of piety may make all the difference between
having our names figure on the list of " killed and wounded "
in some railway catastrophe, and having them appear as
those of passengers "saved by a miracle." — Ave Maria
Press.
Prayer for the Church and for the Civil Authorities
(Composed by Archbishop Carroll)
WE pray Thee, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name.
We pray Thee, Who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop N.N., the vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of His Church; our own bishop, N.N. (or, if he be not consecrated, our bishop-elect); all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise among us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.
We pray Thee, O God of might, wisdom, and justice through Whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy holy spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of the United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We pray for his Excellency, the Governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.
We recommend likewise to Thy unbounded mercy all our brethren and fellow-citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world can not give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.
Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith, and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
Temperance pledge
O God, my Father, to show my love for Thee, to make reparation to Thy wounded honor, to obtain the salvation of souls, I firmly resolve not to take wine, alcoholic liquor, or any intoxicating drink this day.
I offer Thee this act of mortification in union with the sacrifice of Thy Son Jesus Christ, Who daily offers Himself a victim on the altar for Thy greater glory. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days. — Pius X, March 29, 1904. Prayer for the Sovereign Pontiff
V. Let us pray for our Pontiff, N.
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.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, Nov. 26, 1876.
A Plenary Indulgence at the Hour of Death
Take this Version
O LORD my God, I now, at this moment, readily and willingly accept at thy hand whatever kind of death it may please Thee to send me, with all its pains, penalties, and sorrows.
By a decree of the Congregation of Indulgences of March 9, 1904, His Holiness, Pope Pius X, has granted a plenary indulgence at the moment of death to all the faithful who, on any day they may choose, will receive the Sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist and make the above act for the love of God.
EJACULATIONS FOR A HAPPY DEATH
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you.
Indulgence of 300 days, every time; 100 days for saying one of the ejaculations. — Pius VII, April 28, 1807. A Prayer for Certain Afflicted Persons
O Jesus! by that wound which Thou didst suffer in Thy shoulder from the carriage of Thy cross, have mercy, I entreat Thee, on those who have a life-long cross to bear, as also upon such as have secret sorrows which only Thou canst know. May the memory of Thy painful cross-bearing give them strength to carry theirs with courage and fidelity to the end, and may the thought of that secret suffering Thou didst endure, teach them to sanctify their hidden sorrows that they may be fruitful for Thy glory. Amen. — From The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
"My Elect Shall not Labor in Vain"
It is said — (it is God Who has spoken):
"His elect shall not labor in vain
Though sorrow on earth be their portion
Their "fruit shall forever remain."
By sorrow and dire contradiction,
God would life to mankind impart,
And His last sad plaint when dying
Was the cry of a broken Heart.
There is strength in each toil and struggle —
In the brave heart's inward strife, —
In the chill of seeming failure, —
For these are the seeds of life.
Each heart-ache endured for Jesus
Has gone up and told its tale,
And though upon earth deemed fruitless,
With Him — shall it not prevail?
Oh! because his soul hath labored
He shall see a long-lived seed,
In the promise of Truth eternal
For Whom the will is the deed.
Oh! yes, there is joy in sorrow,
Oh! yes, there is balm in tears:
For their fruit — God's greater glory —
Shall last for eternal years. — Ibid.
A Universal Prayer
For All Things Necessary to Salvation
(Composed by Pope Clement XI, 1721)
O MY God, I believe in Thee; do Thou strengthen my faith. All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them. I love Thee; teach me to love Thee daily 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, words, actions, and sufferings; that henceforward I may think of Thee, speak of Thee, refer all my actions to Thy greater glory, and suffer willingly whatever Thou shalt appoint.
Lord, I desire that in all things Thy will may be done because it is Thy will, and in the manner that Thou wiliest.
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, and to acquire the virtues proper for my state of life.
Fill my heart with tender affection for Thy goodness, hatred of my faults, love of my neighbor, and contempt of the world.
May Thy grace help me to 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 devotion.
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, and my comportment regular.
Assist me, that I may continually labor to overcome nature, to correspond with Thy grace, to keep Thy commandments, and to work out my salvation.
Make me realize, O my God! the nothingness of this world, the greatness of heaven, the shortness of time, and the length of eternity.
Grant that I may prepare for death; that I may fear Thy judgments, and in the end obtain heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgences for a Novena in Honor of the Guardian Angel
i. Three hundred days, each day.
ii. Plenary, once during the novena (on the usual conditions).
The novena may be made at any time and with any form of prayer sanctioned by competent ecclesiastical authority. — Pius IX, November 26, 1876.
Prayer to the Angel Guardian
ANGEL of God, my guardian dear,
To whom His love commits me here.
Ever this day be at my side.
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days; plenary indulgence on the feast of the holy guardian angels (Oct. 2), to those who shall have said this prayer, morning and evening, throughout, the year, on the usual conditions; plenary indulgence at the hour of death.—Pius VI, Oct. 2, 1795; June 11, 1796. Pius on May 15, 1821, granted a plenary indulgence, once a month, to all the faithful who shall have said it every day for a month, as above directed.
V. Pray for us, O holy angel guardian,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O God, Who, in Thine ineffable providence, hast deigned to send thy holy angels to watch over us: vouchsafe to us Thy suppliants in all our days to find safety in their protection, and in eternity to share their happiness.
Antiphon to the Archangel Michael
HOLY Archangel Michael, defend us in the day of battle, that we may not be lost in the dreadful judgment.
Indulgence of 100 days.—Leo XIII, Aug. 19, 1893.
Prayer to St. Raphael, Archangel
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, illustrious for thy gifts of wisdom and grace, guide of travelers by land and sea, consoler of the unfortunate, and refuge of sinners, I entreat thee to help me in all my needs and in all the trials of this life, as thou didst once assist the young Tobias in his journeying. And since thou art the "physician of God," I humbly pray thee to heal my soul of its many infirmities and my body of the ills that afflict it, if it be for my greater good. I ask, especially, for angelic purity, that I may be made fit to be the living temple of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days.—Leo XIII, June 21, 1890. Prayer to the Archangel Gabriel
O BLESSED archangel Gabriel, we beseech thee do thou intercede for us at the throne of divine mercy in our present necessities, that, as thou didst announce to Mary the mystery of the Incarnation, so through thy prayers and patronage in heaven we may obtain the benefits of the same, and sing the praise of God forever in the land of the living. Amen.
Prayer to St. Anne
Glorious St. Anne, thou hast shown thyself so powerful in thy intercession, so tender and compassionate toward those who honor thee and invoke thee in suffering and distress, that I cast myself at thy feet with perfect confidence and beseech thee most humbly and earnestly to take me under thy protection in my present necessities and to obtain for me the favor I desire. Vouchsafe to recommend my request to Mary, thy beloved daughter, the merciful Queen of heaven, that she may plead my cause with you before the throne of Jesus, her divine Son. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me a great love for Jesus and Mary, that my heart may be adorned with their virtues, that I may live a good life and die a happy death, and one day behold my God face to face in the blissful abode of the saints.
Another Prayer to St. Anne
WITH deep and heartfelt veneration I prostrate myself before thee, O glorious St. Anne. Thou art that beloved and privileged creature who on account of thy extraordinary virtues and sanctity wast worthy to receive from God the supreme grace of giving life to the treasure house of all graces, blessed among women, Mother of the Word Incarnate, the most holy Virgin Mary. Deign, therefore, O most compassionate saint, for the sake of this lofty privilege, to receive me into the number of thy true followers, for such I protest I am and desire to remain so long as I may live. Surround me with thy powerful patronage, and obtain for me from God the grace to imitate those virtues with which thou wast so abundantly adorned. Grant that I may know and bitterly lament my sins. Obtain for me a most lively affection for Jesus and Mary, and fidelity and constancy in the practice of the duties of my state. Preserve me from every danger in life, and assist me in the moment of my death, so that, safe in paradise, I may unite with thee, most blessed Mother, in praising the Word of God made man in the bosom of thy most pure child, the Virgin Mary. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father, three times.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, March 20, 1886.
INDULGENCED PRAYER TO ST. JOACHIM
St. Joachim, spouse of Anne, father of the Blessed Virgin, aid thy clients here on the way to salvation.
Indulgence of 300 days. — Pius X, June 16, 1906.
The Novena of Grace in Honor of St. Francis
ORIGIN OF THE NOVENA
The Novena of Grace, which begins on March 4th and ends on the 12th, the day of the canonization of St. Francis Xavier, owes its origin to the saint himself. At Naples, in December, 1633, Father Marcello Mastrilli, S.J., was at the point of death. The saint appeared to him, and bidding him renew a vow he had made to labor in Japan, said: " All those who implore my help daily for nine consecutive days, from the 4th to the 12th of March included, and worthily receive the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist on one of the nine days, will experience my protection and may hope to obtain from God any grace they ask for the good of their souls and the glory of God." The Father arose, instantly cured. So well has the saint kept this promise, that this devotion in his honor became universally known as the Novena of Grace. Its efficacy is not restricted to the dates mentioned. It may be made very appropriately in preparation for the feast of St. Francis Xavier, viz., the 3d of December. Though any prayers may be said in honor of the saint, the following are generally recommended.
Prayer to St. Francis Xavier
Used for the novena from the beginning and attributed to Father Mastrilli, S.J.
MOST amiable and most loving St. Francis Xavier, in union with thee I reverently adore the divine majesty. I rejoice exceedingly on account of the marvelous gifts which God bestowed upon thee. I thank God for the special graces He gave thee during thy life on earth and for the great glory that came to thee after thy death. I beseech thee with all my heart to obtain for me by thy powerful intercession the all-important grace of living and dying in a holy manner. I entreat thee to obtain for me also the special grace I desire to receive in this Novena (here you may mention the grace, spiritual or temporal, you wish to obtain), and if what I ask is not for the glory of God and for the greater good of my soul, obtain for me that which is most conducive to this end. Amen.
V. Pray for us, St. Francis Xavier.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O God, who didst vouchsafe, by the preaching and miracles of St. Francis Xavier, to join unto Thy Church the nations of the Indies; grant, we beseech Thee, that we who reverence his glorious merits may also imitate his example, through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Then add Our Father and Hail Mary, three times, in memory of St. Francis Xavier's devotion to the Most Holy Trinity, and Glory be to the Father, ten times, in thanksgiving for the graces received during his ten years of apostleship.
Another Prayer to St. Francis Xavier
O FERVENT apostle, indefatigable laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, glorious St. Francis Xavier, who, urged by a burning zeal for the salvation of souls, didst expose thyself to extreme dangers, and didst welcome the most appalling labors and sacrifices, vouchsafe also to take charge of my perfection.
Obtain that I may imitate thy perfect detachment from creatures, thy confidence in God, thy abandonment to the divine will, thy humility, obedience, and charity, thy generosity in the practice of virtue, and thy zeal for souls. Pray for me that I may strive earnestly to make Jesus Christ reign in all hearts, and that, having by the aid of divine grace, walked in thy footsteps here below, I may one day enjoy with thee the bliss of heaven. Amen.
Prayer of St. Francis Xavier for the Conversion of the Infidels
ETERNAL God, the Maker of all things, remember that the souls of unbelievers have been created by Thee, and that they have been made after thy own image and likeness. Behold, O Lord, to Thy dishonor, with these very souls hell is filled. Remember, O God, that for their salvation Thy Son Jesus Christ underwent a most cruel death. O Lord, suffer not that Thy Son be despised by unbelievers; but, appeased by the prayers of holy men and of the Church, the Spouse of Thy most holy Son, remember Thy own pity, and, forgetting their idolatry and their unbelief, bring to pass that they may at length acknowledge Thy Son Jesus Christ, Who is our salvation life, and resurrection, through Whom we are saved and set free; to Whom be glory from age to age without end. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, May 24, 1847.
St. Francis Xavier's Hymn of Love
O God, I love Thee for Thyself
And not that I may heaven me, gain,
Nor because those who love
Thee not,
Must suffer hell's eternal pain.
Thou, O my Jesus ! Thou didst me
Upon the cross embrace;
For me didst bear the nails
and spear
and manifold disgrace;
And griefs and torments numberless,
And sweat of agony;
E'en death itself — and all for one
Who was Thine enemy.
Then why, O blessed Jesus Christ,
Should I not love Thee well:
Not for the sake of winning heaven,
Or of escaping hell;
Not with the hope of gaining
aught, not seeking a reward;
But, as Thyself hast loved
O ever-loving Lord?
E'en so I love Thee, and will
love, and in Thy praise will sing;
Solely because Thou art my God
And my eternal King.
The Need of the Sacred Heart
Other sheep I have; them also I must bring, (St. John X. 16)
ALL you who fain what you possess
To others would impart,
Oh! listen to those words of fire
Breathed forth from Jesus' Heart.
"And other sheep I have," He says,
"And they too I must bring.
That there may be one only Fold,
One Kingdom and one King."
To bring them back He little heeds
What tears and blood He spent —
As though without those "other sheep "
He could not be content.
Count not the cost, ye chosen ones,
At which souls must be bought;
Cost what it may, to Jesus' Heart
Those "others" must be brought.
With all we love, and life itself,
Oh! what a joy to part!
To satisfy the burning thirst
Of Jesus' sacred Heart.
Da Mihi Animas
Give Me Souls
ASK what Thou wilt, O dearest Lord,
Nought, nought will I deny,
But only give me countless souls
For thee, before I die.
Let others pray about themselves,[1]
Thy grace leads many ways.
Da mihi animas, 'tis thus.
Thy Spirit in me prays.
A life-long sorrow, if Thou wilt.
And sharp enduring pain;
All, all were light, if souls for Thee,
Might be the precious gain.
Tears will be sweet, for Thou hast wept,
And blood, if needs must be;
No cost too great to purchase souls,
O dearest Lord, for Thee,
Whatever be the price, O Lord,
This grace to me impart:
Souls from the world and sin set free —
Souls for Thy sacred Heart.
— From The Voice of the Sacred Heart.
St. Teresa, Virgin
Prayer of St. Alphonsus
O SERAPHIC virgin, St. Teresa, beloved spouse of the Crucified, thou who didst burn with such great love of God while on earth, and now burnest with a still purer and brighter flame in Heaven; thou who didst so greatly desire to see Him loved by all men, obtain for me too, I pray thee, a spark of that holy fire, whereby I may oppose the world, creatures, and myself; and grant that all my thoughts, desires, and affections may be ever employed in pursuing, whether in the midst of joys or of sufferings, the will of the Supreme Good, who deserves our unbounded love and obedience. Oh, obtain for me this grace, thou who art so powerful with God, that, like thee, I may be all on fire with divine love. Amen.
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, April 22, 1898, granted to the faithful, who shall recite the above prayer, an indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
St. Agnes, Virgin, Martyr
Prayers
O SINGULAR example of virtue, glorious St. Agnes, by that lively faith which animated thee from thy most tender years, and rendered thee so acceptable to God that thou didst merit the crown of martyrdom; obtain for us the grace to preserve entire in our hearts the Catholic Faith, and sincerely to profess ourselves Christians not only in word but also in deed; so that while we confess Jesus openly in the face of men, Jesus may give favorable testimony of us before his heavenly Father. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
O INVINCIBLE martyr, St. Agnes, by that hope which thou hadst in the divine aid, when being condemned by the impious prefect to see the lily of thy purity stained and trampled under foot, thou wast wholly undismayed, firmly trusting in the God who gives his angels charge over those who trust in Him; we beseech thee to obtain for us by thy intercession the grace to guard this virtue jealously in our hearts, so that to the many sins which we commit we may never add that most hateful sin of distrust in the mercy of God. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
O BRAVE child, most pure St. Agnes, by that ardent charity which inflamed thy heart and secured thee from being injured by the flames of passion or of the stake at which the enemies of Jesus Christ sought to destroy thee; obtain for us from God that every fire may be extinguished in us except that which Jesus Christ came on earth to enkindle; so that after passing a spotless life in the exercise of this beautiful virtue we may be allowed to share in that glory which is the crown of thy purity of heart and of thy martyrdom. Pater, Ave, Gloria.
His Holiness, Pope Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, Jan, 16, 1886, granted to all the faithful who, with contrite hearts, devoutly recite the above prayers: an indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
St. John Berchmans
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE FIVE SUNDAYS
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, May 17, 1890, granted to the faithful who, on the five Sundays immediately preceding the feast of St. John Berchmans (August 13th), having received the sacraments of Penance and the Holy Eucharist, shall perform some pious exercise in honor of the saint, and shall visit a church or public oratory and pray there for the intention of the Sovereign Pontiff, an indulgence of seven years and seven quarantines on the first four Sundays; and a plenary indulgence on the fifth Sunday.
Prayer
ST. John Berchmans, my most loving patron, seraph of charity, I rejoice with thee at the ardent fire of charity which kept thy pure and innocent heart always at peace and united to God; I humbly pray thee, obtain for me such ardor of divine love that it may remove from my heart every inordinate earthly affection, destroy my evil tendencies, and cause me in all my actions to be prompted by the purest intention: All for the love of Jesus! All for the greater glory of God! Pater, Ave, Gloria.
Indulgence of 300 days, once a day. — Pius IX, May 24, 1847.
Devout Exercise of the Six Sundays in Honor of St. Aloysius Gonzaga
A plenary indulgence on each of the six Sundays which are wont to be kept in honor of this saint, either immediately before his feast, on June 21, or at any other time of the year. In order to gain this plenary indulgence, it is requisite to keep the six Sundays consecutively; and on each of them, after confession and communion, to employ one's self in pious meditations or vocal prayers, or other works of Christian piety, in honor of the saint. — Clement XII, Dec. II, 1739;' Jan. 7, 1740.
A Prayer to St. Aloysius
O BLESSED Aloysius, adorned with angelic graces, I, thy most unworthy suppliant, recommend specially to thee the chastity of my soul and body, praying thee by thy angelic purity to plead for me with Jesus Christ, the immaculate Lamb, and His most holy Mother, Virgin of virgins, that they would vouchsafe to keep me from all grievous sin. O never let me be defiled with any stain of impurity; but when thou dost see me in temptation, or in danger of falling, then remove far from my heart all bad thoughts and unclean desires, and awaken in me the memory of eternity to come and of Jesus crucified; impress deeply in my heart a sense of the holy fear of God; and thus, kindling in me the fire of divine love, enable me so to follow thy footsteps here on earth that, in heaven with thee, I may be made worthy to enjoy the vision of our God forever. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Pius VII, March 6, 1802.
The Death of St. Stanislaus Kostka
St. Stanislaus had drawn as his monthly patron for August the glorious martyr St. Laurence, and in his honor he performed daily some penance or devotion. On the eve of his feast he obtained leave to take the discipline; in the morning he went to Communion, and then laid before the image of the saint a letter addressed to our Lady, in which he begged that he might die on her feast of the Assumption, and he prayed St. Laurence to present to her his petition. That night he was seized with a slight fever, which, however, rapidly increased; and on Assumption-eve he received the last sacraments. Then, as he lay dying, he had brought to him a little book containing a litany in his own writing of his monthly patron saints, whom he constantly invoked. At 3 a.m. on the feast of the Assumption his face suddenly lit up with joy, and he breathed forth his soul to the Mother of God, who had come to conduct him to heaven.
Prayer to St. Stanislaus Kostka
Prayer
(From the Roman Missal)
O God, who among the many wonders of thy wisdom dost endue some, even in tender years, with the grace of ripest holiness: grant unto us, we beseech thee, after the pattern of blessed Stanislaus, to be instant in good works, and thus to make speed to enter into everlasting rest.
Aspirations to St. Anthony of Padua to Obtain Various Graces
St. Anthony, we beseech thee, obtain for us the grace that we desire. St. Anthony, great wonder-worker, intercede for us that God may grant us our request, if it be for the good of our soul.
St. Anthony, be our patron, our protector, and our advocate in life and in death.
St. Anthony, attentive to those who invoke thee, grant us the aid of thy powerful intercession for the grace of holy purity, meekness, humility, obedience, the spirit of poverty, and perfect abandonment to the will of God.
St. Anthony, glory of the Church and hammer of heretics, pray for our Holy Father, our bishops, our priests, our Religious Orders, that, through their pious zeal and apostolic labors, infidels, heretics, and all those outside the true Church of Christ may be converted and, united in faith, give greater glory to God.
St. Anthony, servant of Mary, obtain for us greater devotion to the blessed Mother of God.
St. Anthony, obtain for us the grace of perseverance, the grace of a happy death.
Indulgenced Responsory in Honor of St. Anthony
IF, then, you ask for miracles,
Death, error, all calamities.
The leprosy, and demons fly,
And health succeeds infirmities.
The sea obeys, and fetters break;
And lifeless limbs thou dost restore;
Whilst treasures lost are found again,
When young or old thine aid implore.
All dangers vanish at thy prayer,
And direst need doth quickly flee;
Let those who know, thy power proclaim,
Let Paduans say: These are of thee.
The sea obeys, and fetters break;
And lifeless limbs thou dost restore;
Whilst treasures lost are found again.
When young or old thine aid implore.
To Father, Son, may glory be,
And Holy Ghost eternally. The sea obeys, etc.
V. Pray for us, blessed Anthony.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray
O God! may the votive commemoration of the blessed Anthony, Thy confessor, be a source of joy to Thy Church, that she may always be fortified with spiritual assistance, and deserve to enjoy eternal rewards. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
His Holiness, Pope Pius IX, by a decree of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, Jan. 25, 1866, granted to all the faithful, as often as they shall, with at least contrite heart and devotion, say this responsory, with the versicle and prayer annexed, an indulgence of 100 days; also a plenary indulgence, once a month, on any day, to all those who have said it for a month, provided that, being truly penitent, after confession and communion, they shall visit a church or public oratory, and there pray, for some time, for the intention of His Holiness.
Prayer to St. Anthony of Padua
To thee we have recourse, most powerful worker of miracles, in whose breast burned a sublime fire of charity towards God and the poor. To thee, who wast deemed worthy to hold in thy arms the infant Jesus, who chose to be born poor, to thee, full of confidence, we betake ourselves, that thou mayest pray the good Jesus to have compassion on us in our great tribulations. Oh! obtain for us the favor which we humbly implore (here state the favor needed). If thou dost obtain it for us, O glorious St. Anthony, we will offer thee bread for the poor whom thou didst love so greatly on earth.
Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory.
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, May ii, 1897, granted to the faithful who shall recite the above prayer, with an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory, etc., an indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
THIRTEEN PATERS, AVES, AND GLORIAS IN HONOR OF ST. ANTHONY
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a rescript of the S. Congr. of Indulgences, June 9, 1896, granted to the faithful who shall say thirteen Paters, Aves, and Glorias in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, an indulgence of one hundred days, once a day.
PIOUS PRACTICE OF THE THIRTEEN TUESDAYS, OR OF THE THIRTEEN SUNDAYS
His Holiness, Leo XIII, by a brief of March i, 1898, granted to the faithful who, on thirteen successive Tuesdays or as many successive Sundays, once only, at any time during the year, shall spend some time in pious meditation, or vocal prayers, or any other works of piety, to the glory of God and in honor of St. Anthony of Padua, on the usual conditions, confession and communion; and a plenary indulgence on each of the said Tuesdays or Sundays.
Note. — St. Anthony of Padua, of the Order of St. Francis, was by birth a Portuguese. In life, as after death, he worked many miracles, and was famous for learning as well as for holiness. He died at Padua, in north Italy, whence the name by which he is universally known.
In 1231, on June 13th, when the saint was thirty-six years of age, his brief but brilliant apostolate came to a sudden close. After his death, beginning on the day of his burial at Padua, which happened on Tuesday, June 17th, so many miracles were wrought through the intercession of St. Anthony, that already in the following year, on May 30, 1232, he was publicly and solemnly declared a saint by Pope Gregory IX.
Devotions in Honor of St. Francis of Assisi
The Five Sundays in Honor of the Sacred Stigmata
(Feast, September 17th)
To all the faithful who, upon the five Sundays which immediately precede the feast of the sacred Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi, or upon any other five consecutive Sundays during the year, shall exercise themselves either in pious meditation, or in vocal prayer, or in any other work of Christian piety, in honor of the said sacred Stigmata, a plenary indulgence is granted once a year, on each of the five Sundays, on the usual conditions. — Leo XIII, Nov. 21, 1885.
THE seraphic St. Francis of Assisi, in September, 1224, being rapt in contemplation on the desolate Mount Alvernia in the Apennines, received from Almighty God the wondrous grace of having impressed on his hands, feet, and side, the likeness of the sacred wounds of Christ. From these stigmata blood flowed at intervals, until the day of the saint's death, two years later. The Holy See has decreed that this miracle be annually commemorated in the Church, on September 17.
Prayer of the Church in Honor of the Sacred Stigmata of St. Francis of Assisi
O Lord Jesus Christ, who when the world was growing cold, in order that the hearts of men might burn anew with the fire of Thy love, didst in the flesh of the most blessed Francis reproduce the stigmata of Thy passion: be mindful of his merits and prayers; and in Thy mercy vouchsafe to us the grace ever to carry Thy cross, and to bring forth worthy fruits of penance.
Prayer for the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi
(October 4th)
From the Roman Missal
Saint Francis of Assisi, Founder of the great Order of Friars Minor, was renowned for the strict practice of evangelical poverty, which he, both by example and by precept, inculcated on his followers. Pope Innocent III, having seen in a vision the humble Francis supporting the tottering walls of the Lateran Basilica, the Cathedral of Rome, fostered to the utmost the new Institute. Miraculously marked with the sacred stigmata (Sept. 17), Saint Francis passed away at Assisi, his birthplace, Oct. 4, 1226, being then in the 45th year of his age.
O God, who, through the merits of blessed Francis, dost magnify thy church, enriching it anew with spiritual offspring: make us, like him, to disdain the goods of earth, nor at any time to lack the comforting gifts of heaven.
Novena to St. Francis of Assisi
I. Glorious St. Francis, who didst voluntarily renounce all the comforts and riches of thy home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation of Jesus Christ: obtain for us, we pray, a generous contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true and eternal things of heaven.
Glory be, etc.
2. O glorious St. Francis, who during the whole course of thy life didst continually weep over the Passion of the Redeemer, and labor most zealously for the salvation of souls: obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme mercy.
Glory be, etc.
3. O glorious St. Francis, who, loving above all things suffering and the cross, didst merit to bear in thy body the miraculous stigmata, by which thou didst become a living image of Jesus Christ crucified: obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ, that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which are infallibly promised to all those who now weep.
"If we be dead with Christ Jesus, we shall live also with Him," says the Apostle; "if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him" (2 Tim. ii. 11, 12).
Pray for us, St. Francis, that we may obtain the graces and favors we ask for in this novena; pray for us, especially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance; of a holy death and a happy eternity. Say the Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, five times.
Invocation to St. Thomas Aquinas before Lecture or Study
O BLESSED Thomas, patron of schools, obtain for us from God an invincible faith, burning charity, a chaste life, and true knowledge, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Indulgence of 100 days, once a day. — Leo XIII, Dec. 14, 1889.
Prayer of St. Thomas Aquinas
{To he said before study or class)
O MERCIFUL God, grant that I may eagerly desire, carefully search out, truthfully acknowledge, and ever perfectly fulfil all things which are pleasing to Thee, to the praise and glory of Thy name. Amen.
Indulgence of 300 days, each time. — Leo XIII, June 21, 1879.
A Novena in Honor of St. Philomena, Virgin and Martyr
The Little Wonder-Worker of Our Own Times
FOR close on a hundred years the name of St. Philomena has been accorded in the Church a veneration which, growing intensified by the number of miracles vouchsafed through her intercession, has spread over the whole world. Previous to the discovery of her tomb and relics at the opening of the nineteenth century, her name had found no place in sacred story. There is a pious tradition that she was a child-martyr and a contemporary of St. Sebastian, who suffered in the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian about the year of Our Lord 286.
The Catacomb of St. Priscilla, outside the walls of Rome, lies beneath the Via Salaria Nova. Here, in the pontificate of Pius VII, a remarkable slab attracted the custodians of the cemetery, who were then prosecuting investigations there, and on the 25th of May, 1802, the tomb was formally examined. On the tiles that enclosed it, the following inscription was read: "Philomeiia Pax Tecum." The devices which were interwoven with these simple words — an anchor, an arrow, and a palm — determined the spot as the last resting place of a martyr. The tomb was opened by Monsignor Ludovici, who disclosed to the gaze of his assistants and bystanders the precious remains. Beside them stood the phial containing the blood of the saint. The examination of the relics having been made, it was ascertained that St. Philomena had been martyred in her tender youth, at about 12 or 13 years of age.
The relics of the saint were bestowed in the Church of Mugnano, which was destined on this account and through the numerous miracles wrought by her intercession to become one of the most honored shrines in the Christian world. It was in the summer of 1805 that the relics were transferred to Mugnano. On the eve of the arrival the bells of all the churches were rung, and cannon were fired in honor of the advent of the relics. The inhabitants made their first petition to the saint by asking, through her intercession, that the long-continued drought from which their crops suffered might come to an end. The sound of the bells from the church towers had scarcely ceased when rain fell in copious torrents. At sunrise the procession entered Mugnano. The joyful inhabitants turned out in vast multitudes with olive branches in their hands to welcome the youthful martyr — and the little children, as they, saw the case of relics dressed with flowers, filled the air with the cries of "Viva la Santa! Viva la Santa! Hail to the saint!"
During the course of the procession to the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie — which occupied two hours — many manifestations of the power of the saint were witnessed.
Although the day was serene and beautiful at one time a whirlwind arose, and yet not a single one of the lights which were carried before the Shrine of Philomena was extinguished.
The body of the saint was placed under a splendid canopy at the Gospel side of the principal altar, where High Mass was celebrated. That day — the 10th of August — was observed as a feast day of obligation, and the spiritual rejoicings lasted over many weeks.
The numerous wonders which immediately began to be wrought at this shrine induced Don Francesco — the saintly priest who had received them from Rome — to announce his long-cherished intention of keeping the relics in his private chapel. After a short time he bestowed them on the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Here a side chapel was prepared to receive them, and an altar erected, beneath which they were henceforth to rest for public veneration.
On the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, September 25, 1805, after the celebration of High Mass, the relics were carried in procession, and solemnly deposited in their appointed place.
Mass was again chanted at the new altar, and thus ended the translation of the relics of St. Philomena. To the zeal and sanctity of the Cure of Ars may be ascribed, in great measure, the rapid and universal spread of devotion to St. Philomena throughout France. Medals and other memorials of the virgin-martyr distributed by him were fruitful of many miracles. The story of the extinction of a fire at his house (caused by the agency of the devil) , through the presence of a statue of St. Philomena, will be remembered by many readers of Monsieur Manney's life.
Among the clients of the martyr, whose special holiness has distinguished them in the annals of this century, may be named — Pere Varin, one of the restorers of the Society of Jesus in France; Venerable Mother Barat, foundress of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart; Madame d'Houet, foundress of the Faithful Companion of Jesus and Mary; Pere Eymard, founder of the Priests of the Most Holy Sacrament.
As regards the shrine at Mugnano, the present beautiful church, surmounted by its dome and towers, was underttaken in 1853, and completed three years later. Its great attraction is the chapel containing the relics of St. Philomena. A profusion of the finest marbles, mingled with agate and porphyry, cover the walls from floor to ceiling. Stately columns, supporting Corinthian capitals of white marble, impart an appearance of chaste splendor to the whole interior. Over the white marble altar stands the case containing the relics, revealing the figure of the saint, half sitting, half reclining on her couch, radiant in jewels and costly attire. Above is the familiar picture of our Lady of Good Counsel. At the opposite side of the nave is an altar, on which rests the reliquary containing the phial of the martyr's blood. This exquisite casket was the gift of Marie Therese, Queen of Naples. It is entirely composed of silver, and through an aperture filled with glass the sacred relic may be easily seen. The generosity of faithful hearts, in happier times, bestowed vast endowments and estates on this church of St. Philomena, and thus provided for the relief of the poor and the advancement of other meritorious works. But, alas! the sacrilegious hands of the usurper have confiscated all.
The constant stream of pilgrims has, however, never ceased. Old and young, rich and poor, of all nationalities, assemble there, and bring away with them graces untold, and a deep sense of the power of God through the efficacy of His saints.
The decree authorizing the devotion to St. Philomena, and granting to the clergy of Nola the privilege of saying Mass in her honor, was published by Gregory XVI on January 30, 1837. In March, 1839, the same Pontiff, by decree of the Sacred Congregation of Rites, raised her feast to the dignity of a double of the second class. It is to be noted that hers is the only instance of a Proper Office" being granted in honor of a saint of whom no details are recorded or known, except the bare fact of her martyrdom. This was indicated, as we have already remarked, by the emblems cut on her tomb, and the three simple words inscribed on the slab enclosing her place of rest: "Pax tecum! Philomena." " Peace be with thee! Philomena."
Pius IX and Leo XIII gave evidence of a similar veneration for the martyr of the primitive Church.
In Ireland, the devotion to this child — saint and martyr — has been taken up with great fervor, and rewarded with many striking favors.
The pious Sisterhoods, to whose hands is confided the great work of Catholic education, have not been slow to find how powerful is the help of the "little wonder-worker." Schools, special works of charity, the wants of the sick and afflicted, have many a time been blessed and promoted in wonderful ways through the invocation of St. Philomena. Her name is a household word in many Irish homes. Many a stricken heart turns to her for aid in the necessities which encompass our various paths through this land of distress and sorrow. And it is sweet to think that much of that beautiful fervor and devotion toward St. Philomena, which has spread like the odor of some delicate fragrant flower over pagan and far-off lands, has been borne thither by Irish hands and Irish hearts.
May our efforts to retrace some of the glories which surround the name of the youthful martyr of the Catacombs increase the fervor of those devoted to her. May they urge others to spread wider still veneration for her virtues of constancy and heroism, by which she obtained such favor with God, and merited so many benedictions for those who invoke her! St. Philomena! Pray for us.
Prayer for a Novena in Honor of St. Philomena
O GLORIOUS virgin and martyr, beloved child of God, blessed Philomena! I rejoice in thy glory, and give God thanks that He has bestowed on thee such power, for the glory of His name, for the edification of His Church, and to honor thy merits in life, and thy sufferings and martyrdom in death. Looking up to thee in heaven, I rejoice to see thee so exalted, so powerful, so pure, so generous. I congratulate thee on being so faithful to the precepts and counsels of Jesus Christ, while on earth, and on being so munificently rewarded by Him in heaven. Moved by thine example to the practice of solid virtue, filled with hope at the view of the rewards bestowed upon thee, I resolve to imitate thee in the avoidance of all evil, and in the fulfilment of God's holy will. Assist me, O glorious little saint, by thy powerful intercession, and obtain especially for me perfect purity — invincible fortitude in all trials, temptations, and sufferings — generosity which refuses nothing to God — and love stronger than death for the one true Faith — a ready and willing obedience to the Holy Roman Catholic Church and to our sovereign Pontiff, the common Father of all the faithful, the Pastor of pastors and of their flocks, and vicegerent of Jesus Christ throughout the universe.
Beside these favors which I have now asked through thy powerful intercession, O blessed Philomena! I also ask an additional grace and favor, which I have the fullest confidence of obtaining through thy powerful intercession. (Here mention the graces and favors.)
Surely God, who is so good, and for whom thou hast given up thy life — God who is so good, and who has bestowed so many gifts and favors upon and through thee — God who is so good as to have died for me, and to give Himself to me in holy communion — God who is so good as to have revealed the burning love of His sacred Heart for me, surely He will not refuse to hearken graciously to thy prayers, to my supplications, and even to His own desire to help the afflicted. For this do I hope, while I put all my confidence in God and in thee, O blessed Philomena! Amen.
O Jesus, grant me grace to love Thee, and to make others love Thee. O Mary, my tender Mother, obtain for me a great love for Thy divine Son Jesus. Holy St. Joseph, bless me and intercede for me. St. Philomena, pray for me. Amen.
— Extracts from " Life of St. Philomena," published by
- ↑ In allusion to those words of St. Teresa: "Beware of sharing the sentiment of certain persons to whom it appears very hard not to pray much for themselves." (Way of Perfection, chap, iii.)