Prayer for the Protection of the Church to Saint Michael
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 29, 2022 at 01:10AM in Prayers
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, Cary NC
O glorious Saint Michael, guardian and
defender of the Church of Jesus Christ, come to the assistance of the
Church, against which the powers of Hell are unchained, guard with
especial care her august Head, and obtain that for him and for us the
hour of triumph may speedily arrive.
O glorious Archangel Saint
Michael, watch over us during life, defend us against the assaults of
the demon, assist us especially at the hour of death; obtain for us a
favorable judgment, and the happiness of beholding God face to face for
endless ages. Amen
Source: CAPG
Ember Friday: Christ was crucified
by VP
Posted on Friday September 23, 2022 at 01:00AM in Prayers
"The violence of the enemy is always directed against those priests who are most generous and most loyal. The more you are like your Divine Model, your Savior and your God, the more certainly will you be the target for the calumnies, the abuse and persecutions of the wicked." Revs. Jacques Nicolas et P. Millet, S.J. (Jesus Living in the Priest: Considerations on the greatness and Holiness of the Priesthood)
Way of the Cross for Priests:
INTENTION: O dearest Lord Jesus, I offer Thee the way of the Cross which
I am about to make for Thy honor and glory and for all Thy priests,
especially those who are suffering persecution for Thy sake.
Prayer to St. Joseph for Persecuted Priests:
Dearest St. Joseph, be the protector and defender of those priests undergoing persecution for being faithful to their Lord and Sovereign Priest, Jesus Christ. See in them the image of thy beloved child, and cherish them with that tender solicitude which God places in Thy paternal heart. Obtain for them the good graces of thy Queen and Spouse, for such graces of predilection will surely lighten their burdens and render their crosses sweet. Amen.
Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer Group
Ember Wednesday: the day Christ was betrayed
by VP
Posted on Wednesday September 21, 2022 at 01:51AM in Prayers
Prayer for Priests Who Have Become Unfaithful to Their Vocation
Divine Savior Jesus Christ, Thou are the
Good Shepherd who gives His life for His sheep. Oh, be in a very
special way the Good Shepherd of those poor lost priests who are also
appointed by Thee to be leaders of Thy people, but who have broken the
oath of their holy ordination and have become unfaithful to their
exalted calling. Bestow upon these poorest of the poor the very fullness
of that pastoral solicitude with which Thou dost so faithfully seek the
sheep that are lost! Touch their hearts with the irresistible ray of
grace which emanates from Thine all-merciful love! Enlighten their minds
and strengthen their wills, that they may turn away from all sin and
error and come back to Thy holy altar and to Thy people. O most
compassionate Savior! Remember that Thou didst once redeem the souls of
Thine erring priests with Thy Precious Blood and in infinite
preferential love didst impress upon them the indelible character of the
priesthood. Put wholly to shame those miserable helpers of Satan who
lay snares for the virtue of priests and endanger the holy ideal of the
priesthood. Most graciously accept our prayers and sacrifices for poor
priests who have gone astray and hear our earnest petition. Amen
St. Anthony of Padua, defender of the Holy Eucharist, obtain for us holy priests.
St. John-Mary Vianney, model of sacerdotal holiness, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Francis Xavier, patron of missionary priests, obtain for us holy priests.
St. Therese of the Child-Jesus and of the Holy Face, victim offered for the sanctification of priests, obtain for us holy priests.
Saints and Servants of God, obtain for us holy priests.
Imprimatur - Bishop John F. Null (April 18, 1948)
Fall Ember Days
by VP
Posted on Tuesday September 20, 2022 at 01:01AM in Prayers
"The Observance of ember-days is of great antiquity in the Church. Their connection with the ordination of the ministers of religion renders them particularly worthy the regard of the faithful. We cannot be too deeply impressed with the blessing granted a people, whose priests are according to Godʼs own heart. To obtain such, no humiliation should be deemed too great; no supplication should be neglected. Whilst therefore we thank God for the fruits of the earth, and humble ourselves for the sins we have committed, we should beg God to supply his Church with worthy pastors." St. Vincentʼs Manual, 1854
Ember days are:
Wednesday: the day Christ was betrayed (Fast and half-abstinence)
Friday: Christ was crucified (Fast and abstinence)
and Saturday: the day Christ was entombed. (Fast and half-abstinence)
These fasts were instituted to sanctify each season of the year, and
thus obtain the favors of God, especially His mercy. They were also
established to obtain the blessing of the Almighty on the fruits of the
land. In spring we pray for fertility; in summer, for preservation of
the crops; in autumn, for a good harvest; and in winter we offer up our
grateful thanksgiving for the blessings received.
The Church, too, wishes us to pray for those who are to be ordained
priests on these days, that they may obtain the graces necessary to
fulfill all their obligations, and the virtues that adorn their sacred
calling. “And when they had ordained for them priests in every church,
and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in Whom
they believed.” (Acts xiv.22.)
As alms generally accompany fasting and prayer, a donation toward the
education of priests for the foreign mission would be in keeping with
the spirit of the Church on these occasions. We ought also to pray for
vocations, especially for the foreign missions. “The harvest is great,
but the laborers few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He
send laborers into the vineyard.” (Matt. ix. 37,38.).
These days should also remind us of asking ourselves how we stand with
regard to God. If there be anything troubling our conscience, we ought
to set it right, and then make good resolutions for the coming quarter.
Thus, keeping ourselves always ready for the final summons, death will
be disarmed of its terrors, and the close of life will be marked with a
beautiful serenity.
“And grant us, while by fasts we strive
This mortal body to control,
To fast from all the food of ins,
And so to purify the soul.”
Source: Curé d'Ars Prayer Group
Our Lady Mother of Sorrows
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 15, 2022 at 01:19AM in Prayers
September 12th: Feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary
by VP
Posted on Monday September 12, 2022 at 04:29PM in Prayers
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.
Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.
Heavenly Father, of Whom Mary is the Daughter, have mercy on us.
Eternal Word, of Whom Mary is the Mother, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, of Whom Mary is the spouse, have mercy on us.
Divine Trinity, of Whom Mary is the Handmaid, have mercy on us.
Mary, Mother of the Living God, pray for us
Mary, daughter of the Light Eternal, pray for us
Mary, our light, pray for us
Mary, our sister, pray for us
Mary, flower of Jesse, pray for us
Mary, issue of kings, pray for us
Mary, chief work of God, pray for us
Mary, the beloved of God, pray for us
Mary, Immaculate Virgin, pray for us
Mary, all fair, pray for us
Mary, light in darkness, pray for us
Mary, our sure rest, pray for us
Mary, house of God, pray for us
Mary, sanctuary of the Lord, pray for us
Mary, altar of the Divinity, pray for us
Mary, Virgin Mother, pray for us
Mary, embracing your Infant God, pray for us
Mary, reposing with Eternal Wisdom, pray for us
Mary, ocean of bitterness, pray for us
Mary, Star of the Sea, pray for us
Mary, suffering with your only Son, pray for us
Mary, pierced with a sword of sorrow, pray for us
Mary, torn with a cruel wound, pray for us
Mary, sorrowful even unto death, pray for us
Mary, bereft of all consolation, pray for us
Mary, submissive to the law of God, pray for us
Mary, standing by the Cross of Jesus, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady, pray for us
Mary, Our Queen, pray for us
Mary, Queen of glory, pray for us
Mary glory of the Church Triumphant, pray for us
Mary, Blessed Queen, pray for us
Mary, advocate of the Church Militant, pray for us
Mary, Queen of Mercy, pray for us
Mary, consoler of the Church Suffering, pray for us
Mary, exalted above the angels, pray for us
Mary, crowned with twelve stars, pray for us
Mary, fair as the moon, pray for us
Mary, bright as the sun, pray for us
Mary, distinguished above all, pray for us
Mary, seated at the right hand of Jesus, pray for us
Mary, our hope, pray for us
Mary, our sweetness, pray for us
Mary, glory of Jerusalem, pray for us
Mary, joy of Israel, pray for us
Mary, honor of our people, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of the Assumption, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Loreto, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of the Angels, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Dolors, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Mercy, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Victory, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of La Trappe, pray for us
Mary, Our Lady of Divine Providence, pray for us
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus.
Son of Mary, hear us.
Son of Mary, graciously hear us.
I will declare thy name unto my brethren.
I will praise thee in the assembly of the faithful.
Let Us Pray
O Almighty God, Who beholds Thy servants earnestly desiring to place
themselves under the shadow of the name and protection of the Most Holy
Virgin Mary, grant, we beseech thee, that by her charitable intercession,
we may be delivered from all evil on earth, and may arrive at
everlasting joys in Heaven, through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Father Thomas Price
by VP
Posted on Monday September 12, 2022 at 01:00AM in Prayers
"Rev. Thomas Price: What explanation can be given to the questions: When a person has been thoroughly educated in the Catholic Faith, having had great care bestowed on his training, but who when he reaches manhood falls away from the Church and says he does not believe in the religion of his childhood?
The general reply is that faith is a gift of God whereby we trust God and all that He says simply because He says it, and that a person loses this trust in God because of his faithlessness to God's grace. Education and training, the very best education and training, are after all only a means, a great means, but after all only a means, to strengthen this trust in God and what He says, and after it is all done a person may and sometimes does through faithlessness to God's grace fall, that is, lose this belief in God and God's words. No man ever loses faith in God or the Catholic Church except by his own fault. The fault may be hidden. It may be pride, especially of intellect; it may be wilful trifling with temptations against faith, it may be a loss of grace through immoral life, or it may be a neglect of the means of grace, the sacraments, etc. But in every particular case, if the truth can be reached, it will be found to be faithlessness to God's grace. Neither any amount of education nor training nor anything else can save a man against his own will, nor cause him to retain Catholic faith if he is untrue to God's grace. Such persons as you speak of are usually led away from the Church by pride, or baneful associations of one kind or another, terminating in faithlessness to the graces of faith. They often yield to these influences for a time and then return to God and the Church. Let our correspondent pray, as St. Monica prayed for St. Augustine, and the same God who listened to Monica's prayers will not fail our correspondent."
Source: Truth Magazine page 74. June 1908 Founded 1897 by Rev. Thomas Frederick Price
The diocesan phase for the Cause for Beatification and Canonization of Father Price was opened on March 9, 2012.
Please join us in prayer for
its success.
Heavenly Father, You so inspired Father Thomas
Frederick Price with love for You and zeal for the Gospel that he
dedicated his life to serve You and Your Church,
first in North Carolina, his home state, and then in
the foreign missions. Grant that by his example we may grow in holiness
and into a deeper union with Our Lord
Jesus Christ. Help us to be authentic witnesses of
the Gospel and proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus throughout the Diocese of
Raleigh and to all the people and in
all the places we are sent to love and serve.
If it be according to Your Will, glorify Your servant, Father Thomas Frederick Price, by granting the favor I (we) now request through his prayerful intercession (mention your request here). I (we) make this prayer confidently through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Source: Cure d'Ars Prayer Group
September 3rd; Prayer for Priests, St. Pius X
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 03, 2022 at 01:00AM in Prayers
Prayer for Priests (St. Pius X)
O Jesus, eternal High Priest, divine Sacrificer, Thou who in an unspeakable burst of love for men, Thy Brethren, didst cause the Christian Priesthood to spring forth from Thy Sacred Heart, vouchsafe to pour forth upon Thy priests continual living streams of infinite love.
Live in them, transform them in to Thee; make them, by Thy Grace, fit instruments of Thy mercy; do Thou act in them and through them, and grant, that they may become wholly one with Thee by their faithful imitation of Thy Virtues; and, in Thy name and by the strength of Thy spirit, may they do the works which Thou didst accomplish for the salvation of the world.
Divine Redeemer of souls, behold how great is the multitude of those who still sleep in the darkness of error; reckon up the number of those unfaithful sheep who stray to the edge of the precipice; consider the throngs of the poor, the hungry, the ignorant and the feeble who groan in their abandoned condition.
Return to us in the person of Thy priests; truly live again in them; act through them and pass once more through the world, teaching, forgiving, comforting, sacrificing and renewing the sacred bonds of love between the Heart of God and the heart of man.
Amen.
St. Pius X (Raccolta 1907, Prayer 614. Rescript in his own hand. March 3, 1905 )
Priests' First Saturday
by VP
Posted on Saturday September 03, 2022 at 01:00AM in Prayers
"As recently as 1934 the General of the Salvatorians suggested to Pope
Pius XI that one Saturday each month might become a day specially
devoted to prayers for priests. Pius XI agreed wholeheartedly, declaring
that he praised and blessed the suggestion, and since 1934, bishops of
more than fifty European dioceses have recommended this practice. How
does one take part in Priestsʼ Saturday? It means offering the Saturday
after the First Friday of the month wholly and entirely for the
sanctification of priests throughout the world; offering Mass and Holy
Communion together with all the prayers, actions, joys, sorrows of the
day and offering it all to Christ through the hands of Mary. Priestsʼ
Saturday is intended to help all priests--the Pope, the bishops,
missionaries, all who teach in seminaries and schools, the contemplative
religious, the parish priests. For some people a weekday Mass will be
impossible. Still they can make an offering of their whole day, and they
could say this prayer at least once on Priestsʼ Saturday:"
Source: Priests' Saturday
September 1rst: Prayer for the Church and for France to Saint Giles
by VP
Posted on Thursday September 01, 2022 at 12:11PM in Prayers
Most powerful Saint Giles, whose cult shines with new splendor in these days of anxiety and anguish, we come to implore your help, O you whom our fathers, in their gratitude, loved to proclaim one of the fourteen saints the most helpful in heaven: Come to our aid. As you can see, the waves are about to overwhelm Peter's boat, and like the apostles, we cry to heaven: "Save us, we are going to perish!" You who by your prayers calm the storms, calm the tempest that rumbles over the Church, you who have loved its leader so much, preserve for us our glorious Pontiff, deign to obtain for him calm and happy days, by the defeat of his enemies and the humble submission of all his children.
Saint Giles, who wanted to come to France to edify and sanctify it with your humility, your penance, your love for the Holy Church and all your admirable virtues, protect our country, victim of pride, indifference and of human respect. Obtain from the Lord, by your powerful prayers, that France no longer be afraid to pray to her God, to abjure error, to affirm her faith and to protect the Church, Amen.
Source: Vie et culte de Saint Gilles, Jules de Kerval 1875 (Prayer translated by CAPG)