Saint Raymond Nonnatus, August 31

Patronage
childbirth
children
expectant mothers
infants
midwives
newborn babies
obstetricians
pregnant women


Novena Prayer to Saint Raymond Nonnatus
O Blessed Saint Raymond Nonnatus, so loving to all your devotees, I being last of them all, I am happy to know that through the infinite goodness of God, He has deigned to make you a Saint, adorned thee with special graces and help, for which I am most thankful. On the Most Holy Trinity, and you my adorable patron saint, through your merits and those of the blood poured by our Savior Jesus Christ, and through the Immaculate Conception of Mary, I most humbly beg thee, deign to intercede from the most sublime God, protection for the holy Mother Church, that through your prayers, God's wrath be taken away, see the progress of true faith, defeat the wrong doctrines, the peace and understanding of all Christians, peace of the whole country and the redemption of the Christian captives.

I am humbly begging you my devoted saint, that you be may be my intercessor. Since for many hours you did not die of the womb of your dead mother an you were successfully delivered from her side, to be the joy of the world, and that my soul may live in grace in this earthly world, may I imitate your live and exemplary holiness, so that when the hour of my death comes, I may detest all evil thoughts and temporary wealth of this world, so that with the burning love for God, my soul may reach heaven and together with you and the angels and all the saints, praise God Almighty forever.

Deign to grant me most amiable father the favor I am asking in this novena (mention the request). I firmly believe most amiable father that you will be my protection since you are merciful to any one imploring thy help. But if the favor I am asking will not be for the glory of God and the good of my soul, then beg from God that I will be resigned to his Divine Will, so that I may have the peace of soul while I live, till the hour of my death and that I enjoy true happiness in heaven.

http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/Raymond.htm

http://www.orderofmercy.org/Media/Pages/StRaymondGuild.html

Prayer Card:
http://www.catholictradition.org/Life/nonnatus-card.htm

Govenor Sarah Palin Witness of Hope

Govenor Sarah Palin is a witness of hope in an age where abortion is readily available to those who are suffering with difficult pregnancy. What an inspiration to the faithful, as we fight for and pray for life! Here's an article that was published by the National Catholic Register called "2 Ways of Seeing Babies".

Let us keep this election in our prayers and lift our suffering to the Lord as He makes use of them all. Remember nothing is waisted!

As Mrs. Palin struggled with a difficult pregnancy, many families in this life do. Please check out Leticia Velasquez's blog site, she is also a mom of a down syndrome child and has much wisdom and support on her site (she is also a part of the Extraordinary Mom's Network ).... Cause of Our Joy Blog Site . Another article from a Catholic blog friend...http://mommylife.net/archives/2008/04/sarah_palin_ala.html


Below are some of the sites for special needs children that Leticia has found helpful:

The Arc
Living with Trisomy 13
My Child, My Gift
DownSyn.com
Mommy Monsters Inc.
Patricia E. Bauer
CHASK
Praying for . . Stephen's Miracle

If you are struggling with a difficult pregnancy, please find the Be Not Afraid site on the right hand side of this blog. There are many resources available for your needs.


God Bless~

*Added 9/12/08

THE RISE OF SARAH PALIN

By Raymond Arroyo

Saint Monica, August 27

Dearest Friends,

Some of you have written with your requests to be placed on the altar at Holy Mass on September 8, if you have not heard from us directly, please know that you are in our prayers and your intentions for both you and your husband will be remembered at this Mass. Anyone else that would like to be remembered, please let us know by writing the email on this site. We still have a little more time before it must be turned into the office. So, let us know...

"Nothing is far from God." - Saint Monica
Feast Day - August 27th
Patron of Wives

Dear St. Monica, troubled wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet, you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence, and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your beloved husband, Patricius,and your beloved son, Augustine; your prayers were answered. Grant me that same fortitude, patience, and trust in the Lord. Intercede for me, dear St. Monica, that God may favorably hear my plea for (Mention your intention here.) and grant me the grace to accept His Will in all things, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

Transverberation of the Heart of Teresa of Avila

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend. And I clearly see that is we expect to please him and receive an abundance of his graces, God desires that these graces must come to us from the hands of Christ, through his most sacred humanity, in which God takes delight. All blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding his life we find that he is the best example. What more do we desire from such a good friend at our side? Unlike our friends in the world, he will never abandon us when we are troubled or distressed. Blessed is the one who truly loves him and always keeps him near. Whenever we think of Christ we should recall the love that led him to bestow on us so many graces and favors, and also the great love God showed in giving us in Christ a pledge of his love; for love calls for love in return. Let us strive to keep this always before our eyes and to rouse ourselves to love him. For is at some time the Lord should grant us the grace of impressing his love on our hearts, all will become easy for us and we shall accomplish great things quickly and without effort.

Saint Teresa of Avila

The Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary

Sorrowful Mother

Let us lay our sorrows at the feet of Our Blessed Mother. Let us draw near to her heart as she knows the pains of sorrow. Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries in the Holy Rosary, please continue to pray for this ministry as we keep you also in prayer.

Please feel free to drop us an email if you are in need of prayer.

God bless you,

The Apostolate of Hannah's Tears

Columbus, Ohio

Rose of Lima, August 23

Saint Rose of Lima

1586-1617

First canonized Saint of America

with lots of sufferings and mortification

living at home.

"Apart from the cross there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven."

August 22 ~ Coronation of Mary

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope.

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.

To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this 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 thy womb, Jesus.

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.

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

EWTN Audio/Video

Our Lady of Knock ~ Our Lady of Silence ~ August 21, 2008

Happy Feast of Our Lady of Knock to all you that are Irish or Irish at heart. Our Lady of Knock is also known as Our Lady of Silence, at times when we pray, our prayers are most times answered in silence. If this is where you are right now, just aware of God's silence... Renew your trust in Jesus and Mary and know that your are not alone. Most of us are learning to trust the Lord in His silence. There is a scripture that says "Be Still and Know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). Maybe this is where we need to be when things feel like they are not going our way. Listen to the Lord in His silence, there is much to be learned in this apparition of Our Lady of Knock.

God bless you!

PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF KNOCK, IRELAND

Eleventh Century Irish Litany of Mary

Great Mary,

Greatest of Marys,

Greatest of Women,

Mother of Eternal Glory,

Mother of the Golden Light,

Honor of the Sky,

Temple of the Divinity,

Fountain of the Gardens,

Serene as the Moon,

Bright as the Sun,

Garden Enclosed,

Temple of the Living God,

Light of Nazareth,

Beauty of the World,

Queen of Life,

Ladder of Heaven,

Mother of God.

Pray for us.

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux ~ August 20

“In dangers, in doubts, in difficulties, think of Mary, call upon Mary. Let not her name depart from your lips, never suffer it to leave your heart. And that you may more surely obtain the assistance of her prayer, neglect not to walk in her footsteps. With her for guide, you shall never go astray; while invoking her, you shall never lose heart; so long as she is in your mind, you are safe from deception; while she holds your hand, you cannot fall; under her protection you have nothing to fear; if she walks before you, you shall not grow weary; if she shows you favor, you shall reach the goal”

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Saint Sarah ~ August 19

Jewish Old Testament Matriarch. Wife of the Patriarch Abraham. A convert from paganism, she was the first female convert to the faith of Abraham. Nomad in the desert of Canaan. When she was aged 90, she heard angels say she would finally become a mother. She laughed at the idea, and when her son was born, she named him Isaac from the word for laughter.



Scripture reading: Sarah and Abraham

Saint John Eudes ~ August 19

Saint John Eudes

1601-1680

Jean Eudes Champion of the

Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary,

improvement of Seminaries,

penitent women, and missions.

Father of mercies and God of all consolation, You gave us the loving Heart of your own beloved Son, because of the boundless love by which You have loved us, which no tongue can describe. May we render You a love that is perfect with hearts made one with His. Grant, we pray, that our hearts may be brought to perfect unity: each heart with the other and all hearts with the Heart of Jesus....and may the rightful yearnings of our hearts find fulfillment through Him: Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Collection from Saint John Eudes' Mass, Gaudeamus, 1668

The Servant's Prayer
Good Morning Dear Lord,
Thank you for the precious gift
You have given me this morning
-my life- to live fully and joyfully
one more day! Please give me the
grace to be kind and patient today
that I may see beyond worldly
appearances, so that I may
encounter your holy presence
in each person I meet.
Close my ears dear Father to all
gossip. Seal my lips to all
judgments and criticisms that my
words will only bless all about
me and warm the coldest heart.
Let my actions be so just, my
feelings be so tender, my conduct
be so humble and true to
your will that throughout this
day I will be a reflection of
your heavenly mercy and love.
Amen

Catholic Prayers for Conception, Pregnancy, Adoption

This is a beautiful site which has many prayers offered for conception, pregnancy, adoption... blessings, etc... If you're seeking a special prayer this might be the one you're looking for.  Prayers for those desiring to be mothers:

http://www.2heartsnetwork.org/pregnant

For prayer support, please email us at

Prayer@HannahsTears.org

we are waiting to hear from
you!

IVF or Surrogacy?

Please check our Heidi Hess Saxton's article Should I Try IVF or Surrogacy?

Holy Mother Church has such great wisdom, which guides and protects us in all of our needs...

Thank you Heidi for such a great post!!!

Saint Helena ~ August 18 ~ pray for us

Saint Helena

Holy and blessed Saint Helena, with the anguish and devotion with which you sought the Cross of Christ, I plead that you give me God's grace to suffer in patience the labors of this life, so that through them and through your intercession and protection, I will be able to seek and carry the Cross, which God has placed upon me, so that I can serve Him in this life and enjoy His Glory ever after. Amen.

August 18 ~ Saint Jane Frances of Chantel

Hold your eyes on God and leave the doing to him. That is all the doing you have to worry about.

Fidelity toward God consists in being perfectly resigned to his holy will, in enduring everything that his goodness allows in our lives, and in carrying out all our duties, especially that of prayer, with love and for love. In prayer we must converse very familiarly with our Lord, concerning our little needs, telling him what they are, and remaining submissive to anything he may wish to do with us...

We should go to prayer with deep humility and an awareness of our nothingness. We must invoke the help of the Holy Spirit and that of our good angel, and then remain still in God's presence, full of faith that he is more in us than we are in ourselves.

There is no danger if our prayer is without words or reflection because the good success of prayer dependsd neither on words nor on study. It depends upon the simple raising of our minds to God, and the more simple and stripped of feeling it is, the surer it is.

We must never dwell on our sins during prayer. Regarding our offenses, a simple humbling of our soul before God, without a thought of this offense or that, is enough...such thoughts act as distractions.

Saint Jeanne de Chantal, from Wings to the Lord

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Prayers:

AN ACT OF ABANDONMENTTO DIVINE PROVIDENCE

By Saint Jane Frances De Chantal

Mass Petitions

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There will be a Mass offered for the Apostolate of Hannah's Tears on September 8, 2008. Anyone who would like to have their names placed on the altar at this Mass, please send in your petitions to Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com
God Bless You!

Immaulate Heart of Mary

Let us renew our trust in the one who, from heaven,

watches over us with maternal love at every moment.

—POPE BENEDICT XVI, General Audience, August 13th, 2008

O most pure heart of Mary, full of goodness, show your love towards us. Let the flame of your heart, O Mary, descend on all people. We love you immensely. Impress on our hearts true love so that we may long for you.

O Mary, gentle and humble of heart, remember us when we sin. You know that all people sin. Grant that through your most pure and motherly heart, we may be healed from every spiritual sickness. Grant that we may always experience the goodness of your motherly heart, and that through the flame of your heart we may be converted.

Amen.

O' Mary heal our broken hearts

that we may find peace in your

only Son

Patron Saint of the Pro-Life Movement

St. Maximillian Kolbe

Patron Saint

Pro-Life Movement

A Rule of Life

for Those Consecrated

to the Immaculate Virgin,

by Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe

O Lord Jesus Christ who said, "greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends," through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions .....(mention them here).

Through the Knights of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us all an example of unselfish love for all men --- a love which was inspired by true devotion to Mary.

Grant O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian.

Amen.

(Say 3 Hail Marys and a Glory be....)

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There will be a Mass offered for the Apostolate of Hannah's Tears on September 8, 2008. Anyone who would like to have their names placed on the altar at this Mass, please send in your petitions to Hannahs.Tears@gmail.com

God Bless You!

Still Birth

Please pray for all the couples that are eduring the pains of a still birth today... as a mother is giving birth to a son or daughter who will be born in silence. May Our Lady of Knock, who also appeared in great silence bring them the comfort only she and Our Lord can give.

Hail Mary,

full of grace

the Lord is with thee

Blessed art thou

Among Women

and Blessed

is the fruit

of thy womb Jesus.

Holy Mary

Mother of God

pray for us sinners

now and at the hour of

our death.

Amen

May Our Lady of Silence remind us where we truly belong: absorbed in God in childlike contemplative prayer

Miscarriage Ministry Support

Guest writer Kambra Malone has a few words to share about "Back In His Arms Again Ministry"

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Dear Friends of Hannah's Tears,

I am writing you today to tell you of a ministry that my husband and I along with Fr. H. Blubaugh began in 2005. It is called "Back In His Arms Again". We felt called to begin this ministry after the loss of our son, Gabriel Francis. Since May 2005 we have been approved and distributed throughout the Columbus diocese. Not only do we help families in need during the loss of their baby, we also have made presentations at many area churches, hospitals, the National convention of "Newborns In Need" and most recently recorded a program with Fr. Frank Pavone which aired on June 1, 2008, "Gospel of Life" program. In addition we have recorded two radio programs with our local Catholic station, St. Gabriel Radio, "Yes Lord!" program.

One of our most recent projects is establishing a "Garden of Holy Innocents" at each of the four Catholic cemetery's in Columbus Ohio. This would provide a place of healing and prayer for families that experience the loss of a baby. We anticipate the completion of these burial "Gardens" in the next year.

We receive 50-100 emails and phone calls per month from around the USA, and we have received several international phone calls. Our ministry provides anything from burial layettes, caskets, funeral home support, hospital transportation, etc... the whole idea is to bring together resources from our community and beyond to help families give their babies a respectful and dignified burial. It is evident from our rapid growth in the past three years, that we need to help families through the Catholic faith to find healing and peace.

Fr. Frank Pavone, will soon be helping us to grow even further on a National level. We are looking forward to expanding so we may help as many families as possible.

Please find our web address below to learn more about our ministry to honor precious little lives.

http://www.backinhisarmsagain.com/

In Christ and for LIFE,

Kambra Malone

Director ~ Back In His Arms Again

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Please find a list of prayers under the title (scroll down on the right side of the blog page) Loss of a Child: Miscarriage, Still Birth...