Preparing for the feast of St. Juan Diego

Saint Juan Diego

feast: December 9th

Prayer to St. Juan Diego

You who were chosen by Our Lady of Guadalupe as an instrument to show your people and the world that the way of Christianity is one of love, compassion, understanding, values, sacrifices, repentance of our sins, appreciation and respect for God’s creation, and most of all one of humility and obedience; You whom we know is now in the Kingdom of the Lord and close to our Mother; Be our angel and protect us, stay with us as we struggle in this modern life often not knowing where to set our priorities; Help us to pray to our God to obtain the gifts of the Holy Spirit and use them for the good of humanity and the good of our Church, through the Heart of Our Lady of Guadalupe to the Heart of Jesus. Amen.

Preparing for the Memorial of Saint Hannah

As we prepare for the memorial feast of Saint Hannah, it has entered my heart that we should consider praying the novena to Saint Ann. Saint Ann and Saint Joachim also struggled with the long period of waiting for their child Mary (Our Most Blessed Mother). If you take time to meditate on the life of St. Hannah in the Old Testament and what she did with Samuel when he reached the age of 3 and the story of St. Ann and where Mary went as a young girl, you will see that each child was given back to God the Father and placed in the Temple of the Lord. This is a lesson to all of us to give our gifts to Our Lord and consecrate our children to him before they are conceived and place them in His hands once they are with us.

St. Hannah

feast December 9th

Saint Ann Novena

Please do not feel burdened that you must accomplish every novena on this site. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and accomplish that which gives you peace of mind.

St. Andrew's Christmas Novena

Say 15 times a day

from St. Andrew's Day

November 30 - December 24 (Christmas Eve)

Hail, and blessed be the hour and moment at which

the Son of God was born of a most pure Virgin at a stable

at midnight in Bethlehem in the piercing cold.

At that hour vouchsafe, I beseech Thee,

to hear my prayers and grant my desires.

(Mention your intentions here)

Through Jesus Christ and His most Blessed Mother. Amen

It is piously believed that whoever recites the above prayer

fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew,

on November 30th, until Christmas will obtain what is asked.

Imprimatur

+

Rev. MICHAEL AUGUSTINE

 Archbishop of New York, New York

 February 6, 1897

**Archbishop Rev. Michael Augustine Corrigan

1839-1902

Michael Augustine Corrigan was the third archbishop of the Roman Catholic archdiocese of New York, in the United States, was born in Newark, New Jersey, on the13th of August 1839. In 1859 he graduated at Mount St Mary's College, Emmittsburg, Maryland, and began his studies for the priesthood as the first of the twelve students with whom the American College at Rome was opened. On the 19th of September 1863 he was ordained priest, and in 1864 obtained the degree of D.D. Returning to America, he was appointed professor of Dogmatic Theology and Sacred Scripture, and director of the ecclesiastical seminary of Seton Hall College at South Orange, New Jersey; soon afterwards he was made vice-president of the institution; and in 1868 became president, succeeding Rev . Bernard J. M`Quaid (b.1823), the first Roman Catholic bishop of Rochester. In October 1868 Corrigan became vicar-general of Newark, a diocese then including all the state of New Jersey . When Archbishop Bayley was transferred to the see of Baltimore in 1873, Pius IX. appointed Corrigan bishop of Newark.  In 1876 he resigned the presidency of Seton Hall College . In 1880 Bishop Corrigan was made coadjutor, with the right of succession, to Cardinal McCloskey, archbishop of New York, under the title of archbishop of Petra; and thereafter nearly all the practical work of the archdiocese fell to his hands . He was at the time the youngest archbishop in the Catholic Church in America .
On the death of Cardinal McCloskey in 1885 Archbishop Corrigan became metropolitan of the diocese of New York . He died on the 5th of May 1902 .

**Remembering the man, priest, and archbishop that placed the Impramatur on this beautiful Christmas Novena.  Let us remember the beauty of his vocation and the blessings he left us in this Year of the Priest.  May God bless you Archbishop Corrigan and may you pray for us also.

Advent Begins

Advent a time of new beginnings

As you light the first purple candle pray this Psalm together:

To you, O Lord, I lift my soul.
Show me your paths
and teach me to follow;
guide me by your truth
and instruct me.
—Psalm 25

Immaculate Conception Novena

Say once a day for nine days, especially starting on November 29 and ending on December 7, the Vigil of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Immaculate Virgin! Mary, conceived without sin! Remember, thou wert miraculously preserved from even the shadow of sin, because thou wert destined to become not only the Mother of God, but also the mother, the refuge, and the advocate of man; penetrated therefore, with the most lively confidence in thy never-failing intercession, we most humbly implore thee to look with favor upon the intentions of this novena, and to obtain for us the graces and the favors we request. Thou knowest, O Mary, how often our hearts are the sanctuaries of God, Who abhors iniquity. Obtain for us, then, than angelic purity which was thy favorite virtue, that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone, and that purity of intention which will consecrate every thought, word, and action to His greater glory. Obtain also for us a constant spirit of prayer and self-denial, that we many recover by penance that innocence which we have lost by sin, and at length attain safety to that blessed abode of the saints, where nothing defiled can enter.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

V. Thou are all fair, O Mary.
R. Thou art all fair, O Mary.
V. And the original stain is not in thee.
R. And the original stain is not in thee.
V. Thou art the glory of Jerusalem.
R. Thou art the joy of Israel
V. Thou art the honor of our people.
R. Thou art the advocate of sinners.
V. O Mary.
R. O Mary.
V. Virgin, most prudent.
R. Mother, most tender.
V. Pray for us.
R. Intercede for us with Jesus our Lord.
V. In thy conception, Holy Virgin, thou wast immaculate.
R. Pray for us to the Father Whose Son thou didst bring forth.
V. O Lady! aid my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto thee.

Let us pray

Holy Mary, Queen of Heaven, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and mistress of the world, who forsakest no one, and despisest no one, look upon me, O Lady! with an eye of pity, and entreat for me of thy beloved Son the forgiveness of all my sins; that, as I now celebrate, with devout affection, thy holy and immaculate conception, so, hereafter I may receive the prize of eternal blessedness, by the grace of Him whom thou, in virginity, didst bring forth, Jesus Christ Our Lord: Who, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, in perfect Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Saint Nicholas of Myra Novena and Prayers

Novena begins

November 28 - December 6, 2009

Feast Day December 6

Novena to St. Nicholas
Say once a day for 9 days

All-praised and all-honored hierarch, great wonderworker, Saint of Christ, Father Nicholas, man of God and faithful servant, man of love, chosen vessel, strong pillar of the Church, most-brilliant lamp, star that illumines and enlightens the whole world. Thou art a righteous man that did flourish like a palm tree planted in the courts of the Lord; dwelling in Myra thou hast diffused the fragrance of myrrh, and thou pourest out the ever-flowing myrrh of the grace of god. 

By thy presence most-holy Father, the sea was sanctified when your most-miraculous relics were carried to the city of Bari, from the East to the West to praise the name of the Lord. 

O most-superb and most-marvellous wonderworker, speedy helper, fervent intercessor, good shepherd that saveth the rational flock from all dangers, we glorify and magnify thee as the hope of all Christians, a fountain of miracles, a defender of the faithful, a most wise teacher, a feeder of the hungry, the gladness of those that mourn, clothing of the naked, healer of the sick, pilot of those that sail the sea, liberator of prisoners, nourisher and protector of widows and orphans, guardian of chastity, gentle tutor of children, support of the aged, guide of fasters, rest of those that labor, abundant riches of the poor and needy. 

Hearken unto us that pray unto thee and flee to thy protection. Show thy mediation on our behalf with the Most High, and obtain through thy God-pleasing intercessions all that is useful for the salvation of our souls and bodies. Keep this holy habitation, every city and town, and every Christian country, and the people that dwell therein, from all oppression through thy help, for we know that the prayer of a righteous man availeth much for good; and after the most-blessed Virgin Mary, we have thee as a righteous mediator with the All-Merciful God, and to thy fervent intercession and protection we humbly hasten. 

Do thou, as a watchful and good shepherd, keep us from all enemies and pestilence, earthquake and hail, famine, flood and fire, the sword and invasions, and, in all our misfortunes and affliction, do thou give us a helping hand and open the doors of God’s compassion; for we are unworthy to look upon the height of Heaven because of the multitude of our sins. We are bound by the bonds of sin and have not done the will of our Creator nor kept His commandments.

Wherefore, we bow the knees of our broken and humble heart to our Maker, and we ask thy fatherly intercession with Him lest we perish with our sins. Deliver us from all evil, and from every adverse thing. Direct our minds and strengthen our hearts in the orthodox Faith, which, through thy mediation and intercession, neither wounds, nor threats, nor plague, nor the wrath of our Creator shall lessen. But vouchsafe that we may live a peaceful life here and see the good things in the land of the living, glorifying the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God glorified and worshipped in Trinity, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

click titles below for prayers

St. Nicholas Rosary Meditations

St. Nicholas Chaplet

St. Catherine Laboure ~ Happy Feast Day!!!

Feast celebrated:

November 28

click here:

Daughters of Charity

On July 18, the first apparition occurred in the community's motherhouse. St. Catherine beheld a lady seated on the right side of the sanctuary. When St. Catherine approached her, the heavenly visitor told her how to act in time of trial and pointed to the altar as the source of all consolation. Promising to entrust St. Catherine with a mission which would cause her great suffering, the lady also predicted the anticlerical revolt which occurred at Paris in 1870.

On November 27, the lady showed St. Catherine the medal of the Immaculate Conception, now universally known as the "Miraculous Medal." She commissioned St. Catherine to have one made, and to spread devotion to this medal. At that time, only her spiritual director, Father Aladel, knew of the apparitions. Forty-five years later, St. Catherine spoke fully of the apparitions to one of her superiors. She died on December 31, 1876, and was canonized on July 27, 1947. Her feast day is November 25.

Saint Catherine Laboure

SISTER CATHERINE, DAUGHTER OF CHARITY

Whenever I go to the chapel,
I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him
"Lord, I am here.
Tell me what you would have me do."

If he gives me some task,
I am content and I thank him.

If he gives me nothing,
I still thank him
since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that.

And then, I tell God
everything that is in my heart.
I tell him about my pains and my joys,
and then I listen.

If you listen, God will also speak to you,
for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.

God always speaks to you
when you approach him plainly and simply.

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Today is the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, let us rejoice in the consolations that she sends to us as we consecrate our hearts to her... this is the final day of our Novena ...

O Virgin Mother of God,

Mary Immaculate,
we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you
under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
May this Medal be for each one of us
a sure sign of your affection for us
and a constant reminder of our duties towards you.
Ever while wearing it,
may we be blessed by your loving protection
and preserved in the grace of your Son.
O most powerful Virgin,
Mother of our Saviour,
keep us close to you every moment of our lives.
Obtain for us,
your children,
the grace of a happy death;
so that, in union with you,
we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever.

Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.

Amen

More go to: Catholic Fire

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

May Our Lord bless everyone this Thanksgiving day... below are some memories from childhood, just a reminder of the joy we should seek everyday of our lives.

Please continue your novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, feast day tomorrow.

God bless you and have a beautiful day filled with peace, joy and much thanks!!!

Hannah's Tears Ministry

Miraculous Medal Novena ~ begins today!!!

I am reposting this novena just as a reminder. We are now on day 5 of our novena to Our Lady, please continue to have faith and hope as you continue to pray!

Please join us in prayer

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Novena

November 19th - November 27, 2009

click picture

May this novena bring a new beginning to your life and my life today, that I may place all my needs, desires, sorrows, and joys in Our Lady's hands.

Do we not know that she is our mother and that she will take care of all our needs? Here's a story that will surely build your faith as to how Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal can help you too....

(read more here)

click picture

Novena of the Miraculous Medal O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our Mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and favors we ask during this novena, if they be beneficial to our immortal souls, and the souls for whom we pray. (Here form your petition) You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for us then a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of men. Amen

Feast of Christ the King

November 22, 2009 - Christ the King

A Royal Truth

Readings:
Daniel 7:13-14
Psalm 93:1-2,5
Revelation 1:5-8
John 18:33-37

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Listen to Dr. Hahn's: Podcast

Saint Hannah

Saint Hannah's Story, go to the Holy Bible, Old Testament,1st Samuel chapter 1-3.

Feast celebrated: December 9

(in the Orthodox Church)

Patron Saint of Childless Wives

The Holy Prophetess Hannah dwelt in marriage with Elkanah, but she was childless. Elkanah took to himself another wife, Phennena, who bore him children. Hannah grieved strongly over her misfortune, and every day she prayed for an end to her barrenness, vowing to dedicate her child to God.

She went to the Temple and prayed fervently, but the priest Heli thought that she was drunk and began to reproach her. But Hannah poured out her grief, and after she received a blessing, she returned home. After this, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel (which means “Asked from God”).

When the child reached the age of boyhood, his mother presented him to the priest Eli, and Samuel remained with him to serve before the Tabernacle (1 Kings/1 Samuel 2: 1-21).

By permission of www.wikipedia.org

Prayer

*Canticle of Hannah*

1 Samuel 2:1-10

"My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.

"There is none holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.

"Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.

"The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumble are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, And those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, And she who has many children has become feeble.

"The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory.

"For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, And He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness.

"For by strength no man shall prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.

"He will give strength to His king, And exalt the horn of His anointed. "For this child I prayed; And the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord;

As long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord."

(St. Hannah's canticle is a reflection of what we would be given in the New Testament as we see in the Canticle of Mary, Hannah's prayer and Mary's prayer mirror each other. Read the Canticle of Mary in the gospel of Luke 1:46-55, this is Mary's response to her cousin Elizabeth's greeting.)

Why she is venerated by the Holy Roman Catholic Church:

• Found in the Book of Samuel (Old Testament)
  
  
• Mother of Samuel

• Samuel became the high priest who anointed David, King of Israel (this is the story of our salvation history)
• One of the few women of the Old Testament to be considered a Prophetess

• Miracles: Through devoted prayer to God, she was able to concieve six children. Prior to this, she was unable to concieve no matter how hard she tried.

If you enjoy icons and history this is a beautiful site about St. Hannah:

http://www.comeandseeicons.com/h/inp114.htm

The Roman Catholic rite of the Church, celebrates the feast of St.Juan Diego on December 9th, he is also a patron of childless couples.

St. Juan Diego (1474-1548), Juan Diego Cuautlatoatzin; Cuauhtlatoatzin
The layman married Mexican Indian to whom Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared

Born an impoverished free man in a strongly class-conscious society. Farm worker, field labourer, and mat maker. Married layman with no children. A mystical and religious man even as a pagan, he became an adult convert to Christianity around age 50, taking the name Juan Diego. Widower in 1529.

Hope in God

Dear Little hearts.

The Holy Father is calling us to look beyond this world, and he reminds us that all things will pass away.... God alone will remain... and we in HIM....

For our lives to have meaning, purpose, we need to keep our eyes ever on the goal, ever on the end, to the Blessings and grace that await us in heaven.... if we live for this life alone we are truly ...most foolish.....

The reason why man knows such despair, and so many loose hope is that they remain, stay, look only at the here and now, we are made for so much more, God gives us a future and a hope....

In the darkest hour take up your Crucifix and press it to your heart and just call upon his NAME...........JESUS.

When we suffer such darkness we share in the darkness of millions of others... it somehow creates a solidarity with so many we can because of faith lift up unto God.

May we be instruments of HOPE!

Your Poor Clare Colenttine Sisters