Ember Friday in Whitsun Week. Christ was crucified (Fast and abstinence)
by VP
Posted on Friday May 24, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
"THIS being the time, when the Holy Ghost, the Comforter as Christ had promised, came down upon the apostles, in the form of fiery tongues, and so replenished them with anew spirit, that they were now fitted for that great work, which Christ had recommended to them, of preaching His faith to all nations; with gratitude acknowledged this mercy, and give praise to God for the blessing of this time. The Holy Spirit was sent down upon the apostles to be their guide, to teach them, and lead them into all truth; to be their light, to go before them, and give them understanding: to be their comforter, to abide with them for ever. He was their life and strength; He prepared and fitted them to preach the faith of Christ to all nations, and to establish his Church as an eternal kingdom. Endeavour to be truly sensible of this goodness, and that living a faithful servant of God, you may have the benefit of His holy institution. Express your hearty desires, that as this Holy Church is your unspeakable comfort and support, amidst the distracted notions of an unbelieving world, so it may daily bring forth children to God, who may walk here by the Gospel and spirit of our Lord Jesus, and being translated from this Gis mystical body here on earth, may be added to those choirs above, there to give him eternal praises for all His mercies.
It being Ember Week, join in fasting, humiliation, and prayer, as the Church requires, and offer your petitions to God, in particular for those, who at this time are promoted to Holy Orders, throughout the Church; that the Holy
Ghost may rest upon them, and every way prepare them for that great and
difficult charge, to which they are called. Recommend to Almighty God
all the ministers of His holy altar, that they may be vested with holiness, and walk in all things, according to the sanctity of their vocation; that when the prince of pastors shall appear, they may receive an unfading crown of glory." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer to the Holy Ghost for Priests
O Holy Ghost, Thou Friend of priests, send them daily Thy seven gifts, that they may live worthy of their calling, and become all to all in order to win souls for heaven. Give them patience with children, pity for the sick, humility toward the poor, and generosity toward the enemies of Thy holy Church. Make them active in teaching, untiring in the tribunal of penance, and zealous in distributing Holy Communion. Let them be terrible to the demons of hell and messengers of peace to all who are of good will. May Thy blessing accompany them wherever they may go; may Thy peace enter with them in the dwellings they may visit; mayest Thou bless all whom they may bless. Make them true apostles and saints. Amen. Come Holy Ghost, a compilation of prayers in honor of the Divine Spirit. 1932 Fr. Lester Martin Dooley.
Ember Wednesday in Whitsun Week.
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
"It may appear extraordinary, that in this great solemnity of joy and thanksgiving, the Church should oblige her children to fasting, humiliation, and penance. The reason is, that in this week bishops confer Holy Orders, ordaining priests, deacons, and other ministers of the Church. Being sensible how absolutely necessary the Holy Ghost is for them, in the discharge of their sacred functions, the Church summons the faithful to make their addresses to God in their behalf, in fasting and prayer; that so this spirit may be abundantly poured forth upon them, and they may thus be made worthy ministers of God's Church. This summons ought to be faithfully obeyed by all; inasmuch as this is a great concern of the whole body, of which they are members. Unhappy those, who on these days, when the Church obliges, never concern themselves about imploring the assistance of God's Holy Spirit for such as are presented for this important charge, but seek profanely their own amusement and satisfaction, when they should be making their application to God in the spirit of humility, for this public good. How ought we all then to pray this day, that none may be promoted to Holy Orders, but such as are called by Almighty God, and prepared by His special grace to be fit ministers in his Church. By the blood of His only Son, He has purchased to Himself a Church, for the glory of His name, and for instructing the whole world in His saving truths. Beg of Him therefore mercifully to secure it under His protection, and fulfil all His promises to it, that it may answer all those holy purposes, for which it was ordained. Pray to Him to be the pastor of all its pastors; and by the influence of His grace, so to direct and govern them, that they may be so many lights to the flock, and both by word and example, lead them in the way of salvation. And in a special manner recommend to His fatherly care, all, who at this time are promoted to Holy Orders throughout the Church." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Let us pray the Holy Spirit to enlighten our bishop in the choice of worthy candidates for the Holy Priesthood.
"On Ember days we pray and make sacrifices for ourselves, our families, the Church and the world." We should never let these seasons pass without adding prayer to our fasts, or it may be compensating fast by prayer. Our prayer should be for the clergy, not only those ordained, though for them especially; but for the Sovereign Pontiff, the cardinals, bishops, parochial clergy, missionaries and religious orders, seminarians; and for the grace of vocation to the priesthood.
Brief Meditations for Pentecost Ember Days
Today is Ember Wednesday of the Summer or Pentecost Embertide. These Ember Days fall during the week after Pentecost (the traditional octave of Pentecost), near the summer solstice. The three focal points for the Ember Days of this period of the year are:
1) to ask God to bless especially the wheat harvest,
2) to thank God for the season of summer, and
3) to ask for special graces for those being ordained as priests during this season.
- An excellent prayer for this purpose is the Litany of the Saints, in which so many bishops, priests, and levites are invoked; or the Rosary may be appropriately said, grouping those for whom we pray into five classes (Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, and Seminarians), corresponding to the five decades.
- Listen, Almighty God, we beseech Thee, to the prayers which Thy universal Church offers to Thee at this time, beseeching Thy blessing on those who are about to be admitted to Thy Holy Service of the Altar, in particular on Deacon Cong lee andRoss Williams. Give Thy grace to all who are called to any office and administration amongst Thy clergy, and so replenish them with the truth of Thy doctrine, and indue them with innocence of life, that they may faithfully serve Thee, to the glory of Thy great name and the benefit of Thy Holy Church. Amen
- O God, of Whose mercies there is no number, and of Whose goodness the treasure is infinite, we humbly thank Thee for the gifts thou hast bestowed upon us. Continue Thy mercy to us, and give us also so much of Thy temporal blessings as Thou knowest to be for our good. Grant that the fruits of the earth may, by Thy holy favor, increase and multiply. Defend them from all drought, frosts or tempests, or whatever else may be hurtful to them. It is from Thy hand only that we look for succor, and to Thee we have recourse in all our necessities. Amen. Source: St. John's Manual 1856, Archbishop of New York John J. Hugues
Source: Ember Days (Cure d'Ars Prayer Group)
Pentecost
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 19, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
Digitized by google
Jesus, Good Shepherd, You sent us the Holy Spirit to guide Your Church
and lead her faithful to You through the ministry of Your priests.
Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, grant to Your priests wisdom in leading,
faithfulness in teaching, and holiness in guarding Your sacred Mysteries.
As they cry out with all the faithful, "Abba, Father!" may Your priests be ever
more closely identified with You in Your divine Sonship and offer their own lives
with You, the one saving Victim. Make them helpful brothers of one another,
and understanding fathers of all Your people.
On this Pentecost Sunday, renew in Your priests deeper faith, greater trust in You,
childlike reliance on our Mother Mary, and unwavering fidelity to the Holy Father and his bishops.
Holy Mary, intercede for your priests.
St. Joseph, protect them.
St. Michael, defend them.
St. John Vianney, pray for them.
Amen.
Our Lord spoke these words to His apostles before His Passion,- but they were not to have effect till after His ascension into heaven. It was not His will that they should have the courage and confidence to which He here exhorts them till that time which we celebrate today, when the Holy Ghost came upon them and fitted them for the great work to which they were appointed. Even while our Lord was with them after His resurrection, and still more after He had ascended and left them to themselves, they were anxious and fearful, not daring to call themselves His disciples or to risk anything for His sake. But when they received the Holy Ghost all this was changed. They confessed Christ openly; all their doubts and fears were gone; and "they rejoiced," as we read in the Acts, "that they were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus. And they ceased not every day, in the temple and from house to house, to teach and preach Christ Jesus."
Now, we ought to imitate their conduct after Pentecost, and not that before. For we have not the excuse that they had before that time. We have received the Holy Ghost, as they did. He has not come on us visibly in fiery tongues, but He has come just as really and truly in the sacrament of confirmation which we have received. There is no reason for us to be troubled or afraid; when the Holy Ghost came into our hearts He brought courage and confidence with Him ; He brought them to each one of us, as He did to the holy apostles.
And He gave this courage and confidence to each of us for the same reason as to them, because we have all to be apostles in our own way and degree. We have not all got to preach Christ publicly, as they did, but we have all got to speak a word for Him when the proper occasion comes. We have not all got to die for Christ, as they did, but we have got to suffer something for the sake of our faith in Him, and that quite often, too, it may be. We have a real duty in this matter; we shall be rewarded if we fulfill it, and punished if we do not. It was not for His apostles only but for each one of us that those words of His were meant: "Everyone that shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven ; but he that shall deny me before men, I will also deny him before my Father who is in heaven."
And yet how often must it be acknowledged, to our shame and disgrace, that Christians do deny their Lord and Master before men! I do not mean that they deny their faith, and say they are not Catholics when they are asked; this, thank God, though it does happen, is not so very common. But is it not common enough to find young Catholic men and women with whom one might associate for years and never suspect them to be Catholics, and, in fact, be quite sure that they were not and this not merely because they do not parade their religion, but because they do not defend it when it is attacked; because they agree with, and even express, all sorts of infidel, heretical, false, and so-called liberal opinions, that they may not give offense; or even, perhaps, with out any sort of need, but only to win favor for themselves by falling in with the fashion of those with whom they associate.
And how often, again, do Christians, even if they do stand up for their faith, cast contempt on it in the eyes of the world by acting and talking just as if it had no power over their lives, and was never meant to have any! They curse, and swear, and talk immodestly, just as those do who do not profess to believe in God and Christ, and even, perhaps, worse. Or if they do not go so far as this, they laugh at profanity and impurity, and make companions of those who are addicted to these vices ; and this they do, not because they really wish to do or to sanction such things, but merely from a miserable weakness that prevents them from facing a little contempt and unpopularity. What would they do, if called on to shed their blood for Christ, who cannot bear even to be laughed at a little for being practical Catholics? They are like cowardly soldiers who run away from a battle at the first smoke from the enemy's guns.
You know what a shame it is for a soldier to be a coward. And now try to remember, dear Christians, especially on this holy day, that a Christian has got to be a soldier, and that if he is a coward he disgraces himself and his cause. The Holy Ghost is given to us in confirmation that we may not be weak and cowardly, but strong and perfect Christians, and true soldiers of Jesus Christ. If you have not yet received Him in this way make haste to do so; if you have, make use of the graces which He has given you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid; there is nothing to be afraid of, for God is on your side. Do not fear but rather count it a joy to suffer a little persecution for His name. "
Ascension
by VP
Posted on Thursday May 09, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
Image source: Prince of Glory digitized by google public domain
"Our Savior ascended into Heaven in order to leave Priests upon earth as stewards and dispensers of the gifts which (as St. Thomas says) He sends from His eternal throne in Heaven, where He sits as God and Lord.
If visible miracles are less frequent in these days than they were in the first ages of Christianity, yet spiritual miracles are still of frequent occurrence; for says St. Gregory Holy Church now works in spiritual things what the Apostles did in corporal things. In truth, Her ministers cast our the devil from the souls of the Faithful; they speak with that tongue of the Apostles which is not spoken by others; they take up serpents, that is to say, those vices which creep about the world, and would induce penitents to fall again into sins; in Sacramental Confession they drink in with the ear the poison of sinful narratives, and this poison does not hurt them; they cure the sick, that is to say, those who are tormented with spiritual maladies, so says St. Bernard. And these miracles are greater than corporal miracles, inasmuch as they are concerned with men's souls, with grace, with eternity; which are more precious than the body, and nature, and time, says St. Gregory.
Therefore, let us rejoice in the Lord that we (priests) are destined to such great works! Source: Meditations for the use of the Clergy, Fr. Angelo Scotti
On the Ascension of our Lord, by Bishop Richard Challoner:
"CONSIDER first, that our Lord, after having employed forty days upon earth, to comfort and encourage his disciples, to confirm them in the faith of his Resurrection, and to instruct them in the mysteries of His kingdom, on the fortieth day taking them out with him to Mount Olivet, lifted up His hands and gave them His blessing, and so ascended up visibly to Heaven before their eyes, till a cloud interposed, and took Him out of their sight. Bow thyself down, my soul, to receive with joy and gratitude this blessing of thy Saviour ascending now to His Father, and to thy Father; follow Him in spirit, and contemplate the triumphs and joy of all the heavenly legions that come out to meet Him, and attend Him to His Father's throne: see how He brings along with Him all the patriarchs, prophets, and spirits of the just, into those regions of eternal bliss, and presents them to His Father as the first fruits of His purchase, which He had made upon earth, with His precious Blood. See with joy thy human nature, in the person of thy Lord, raised above all the Cherubims and Seraphims, and seated at the right hand of God; and exercise thyself upon this occasion in acts of love, in the way of congratulation, and of rejoicing at the exaltation and triumphs of thy Saviour.
Consider 2dly that our Lord by His Ascension, has taken possession of the kingdom of Heaven, not only for Himself, but also for us. He purchased this kingdom for us with His own blood, He opened the gates of it by His death, He showed us the way to it by His resurrection, and by His ascension He has given us, as it were, an earnest of our coming one day to reign there with Him. He is our head, we are His members; it is but natural that where the head is, there the members should also be; it would be unnatural, it would be keeping them in a state of violence, to keep them separate from their head. What comfort then to Christian souls to see their head, by this mystery of His Ascension unto Heaven, raised to the highest seat in that eternal kingdom, in order to draw them thither after Him, and in the midtime, preparing a place for them there, that He may in proper time, come and "take them to Himself, that where He is they also may be !" St. John xiv.
Consider 3dly, what further motives we have for rejoicing in the Ascension of our Lord, when we reflect that He has entered into Heaven in quality of our parent, of our friend, of our advocate and mediator, of our high priest, &c. Oh what encouragements are here to raise our hopes! We have a tender Father in Heaven, the true parent of our souls, Who has also power in the court of Heaven, and takes exceedingly to heart our true interest; we have there in the person of our Redeemer, a most affectionate friend, who loves us with an incomparable love; we have a most faithful mediator and advocate, who ever pleads for us with the powerful eloquence of His sacred wounds, which He continually presents to His Father in our behalf; we have a high priest, who to make atonement for us, has carried into this heavenly sanctuary, not the blood of oxen, or of goats, but His own most sacred Blood, shed for obtaining for us an everlasting redemption. O see my soul, upon how many accounts thou oughtest to rejoice on the festival of the Ascension of our Lord, if thou either lovest Him or thyself."
Conclude to consider this festival of the Ascension of our Lord, as one of the principal solemnities of the year. The Church of God considers it as such, and therefore, daily commemorates in a particular manner, in the most sacred mysteries, not only the Passion and Resurrection, but also the Ascension of our heavenly Spouse, as the mystery which put the last seal as it were, to the great work of our redemption, and placed this flesh of ours in heaven, even at the right hand of the Father, which, at the fall of our first parents, had been sentenced to return to its original earth."
Rogation Wednesday: On Other Exercises of the Love of God
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 08, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
"Consider first, that Divine Love is also exercised in the penitential way by souls that, like Magdalene, (of whom our Lord pronounced that many sins were forgiven her because she loved much), go daily to the feet of Christ, in spirit, to wash them with their tears, flowing from a heart full of a sense of the infinite goodness of God, and of a deep regret for having offended that infinite goodness by their sins. This exercise of penitential love, as we see in the case of Magdalene, is most acceptable to our Lord, and most effectual for obtaining the discharge of all our sins; and, if diligently pursued, is capable of advancing even those that have been the greatest sinners to a high degree of virtue and sanctity. And whosoever has forfeited his baptismal innocence by mortal sin, if he would follow the rules of Christian prudence in choosing the safest way in a case where his all is at stake, should endeavor to pursue this exercise of penitential love, and never end it but with his life. Thus did all those great penitents of old who became afterwards such glorious saints. And this kind of exercise of love will become in a manner natural to all such as have a right sense of what God is and what sin is, and of the dreadful evil they have been guilty of in offending, though it were but once in their life, so great and so good a God.
Consider 2ndly, that there are also other ways of mourning in which we may exercise a love of God, most agreeable to Him, and beneficial to ourselves. As when we sit down at the foot of the cross, and there contemplating the extreme anguish and distress, the stripes and wounds, the racking pains and torments of our dear Redeemer, with all that complication of sufferings in all kinds which he endured in His passion for the love of us, we excite in our souls suitable affections of an ardent love in the way of compassion for our crucified Lover, and feed this fire with tears, flowing at the sight of His blood; which, as it shows forth in the most sensible manner His tender affection for us, so it most strongly calls for a return of our love, accompanied with a bitter grief to see our beloved treated with so much cruelty and contempt. Upon the same principle of the concern that every true lover has, to see the outrages offered to his beloved, we may also exercise a love most agreeable to our Lord, in mourning for the innumerable sins that are daily committed against Him throughout the whole world; to see His infinite goodness slighted, His sacred laws and ordinances trodden under foot, His mercies continually abused, and His most adorable majesty treated with the utmost contempt, by poor blind mortals, made by Him, and for Him redeemed by the blood of His Son, and loaded with innumerable favors, to engage them to love Him and serve Him. Oh! how can any true lover of God endure to see these outrages offered to His infinite majesty without having His heart perfectly broken with grief to see His Love thus abused?
Consider 3rdly, that, besides these exercises of the love of benevolence in the penitential and compassionate way, there is another most perfect exercise of love, and which comes the nearest to the love of the blessed in heaven; and that is, in the way of joy and congratulation - as when we rejoice in God and in His boundless perfections; when we are delighted to think that He is what He is, infinitely good, infinitely holy, infinitely happy, infinitely perfect; that He is the sovereign Lord of all, and that nothing can be added to Him, because He is every way infinite. O, what a comfort, what a pleasure, what a joy it is to a true lover of God to think that whatsoever may come to himself, or to any other thing in the world, his Love at least, whom he loves without comparison more than himself and all things else, will always be infinitely glorious, infinitely rich, and infinitely happy! O how like is this love to that of the blessed, even to that love that makes them blessed, which is an eternal joy in God and in all the beauties and perfections they contemplate in Him - this is their eternal delight.
Conclude to dedicate thyself for time and eternity to this most perfect love of God. Make it thy employment here, and it will be thy eternal reward hereafter. In the mean time, labor also to promote as much as thou canst, upon every occasion, the praise and glory of thy maker, the interests of His kingdom, the fulfilling of all His wills, as well in thyself as in all others; be concerned at every thing that displeases Him, put thy heart continually in His hands, give thyself and all things else to Him a hundred times in the day. Such acts as these, frequently repeated in the day, will secure to thee the rich treasure of divine love; by such exercises thou wilt effectually choose the better part, which will never be taken from thee."
Source: Challoner's MeditationsthenOn this day of Rogation, we beg of Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to hear and answer our fervent petitions:
Do Thou, O Lord, defend Thy Holy Church and all Its members against the
snares of the enemy, the powers of evil, and all temporal misfortunes;
Deliver us, O Lord.
From all false doctrine and loss of faith; Deliver us, O Lord.
From famine, disease, and plague; Deliver us, O Lord.
From all captivity by our enemies; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the legions of Hell; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of the world and the flesh; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of pride and disobedience; Deliver us, O Lord.
That Godʼs Holy Church may dwell in peace and unity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thy True Catholic Church may spread throughout all nations; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve, bless, and defend the Bishop Thou hast chosen to govern Thy flock; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to the members of Thy Church the grace to live
in humility and obedience; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That all the members of Thy Holy Church be preserved from all spiritual and physical harm; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst sustain all the members of Thy One, True, Church in
holiness, physical well-being, and material necessity; O Lord, we
beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst convert all peoples to Thy One, True, Holy, Catholic Church; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church and our parishes from all
division, dissension, and disunity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church from all those who have fallen into heresy and schism; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst inspire in the hearts of the faithful a greater spirit of charity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant the blessings of wisdom and holiness to our
Clerics in preparing for the Priesthood; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear
us.
That Thou wouldst preserve our Priests and Religious in the spirit of
charity, piety, holiness, and fervent zeal for souls; O Lord, we beseech
Thee, hear us.
Thou wouldst bless all of our missionary and apostolic labors and grant
abundant conversion of souls; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant abundant laborers to work in the harvest of
souls, and grant to all of our Religious perseverance in their holy
Vocation; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst imbue our youth with the spirit of piety and love of their Holy Faith; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to Thy Church a favorable outcome in all our
court cases, legal actions, and attacks of the press and all of our
enemies; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst bless our Diocese, our Priory, our Friary, our
Seminary, our Convent, our schools, and all our apostolic undertakings; O
Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Let us pray:
Almighty and Everlasting God, we commend unto Thee Thy Holy Catholic
Church: that Thou wouldst grant unto Her peace, unity, and Thy
protection, while shielding Her against the attacks of Her enemies and
subjecting to Her the powers of evil. We thank Thee, O Lord, for the
many blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us, and we beseech Thee to assist
us to live peaceful and tranquil lives; through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on Mt. Gargano, Italy
by VP
Posted on Wednesday May 08, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
Saint Michael, Sacred Heart Dunn, NC
"The holy archangel Michael has ever been honoured in the Christian Church as her guardian under God, and as the protector of the faithful. For God is pleased to employ the zeal and charity of the good angels and their leader against the malice of the devil. To thank Almighty God for this benefit of his merciful providence, is this festival instituted by the Church in honour of the good angels: in which devotion she has been encouraged by several apparitions of this glorious archangel. Among others it is recorded that St. Michael, in a vision, admonished the bishop of Siponto to build a church in his honour on Mount Gargano, in the kingdom of Naples, which happened in the fifth century.
Many apparitions of good angels in favour of men, are recorded both in the Old and New Testaments. It is mentioned in particular of this special guardian and protector of the Church, that in the persecution of Antichrist he will powerfully stand up in her defense: At that time shall Michael rise up, who standeth for the children of thy people. He is not only the protector of the Church, but of every faithful soul. He defeated the devil by humility; we are enlisted in the same warfare. His arms were humility and an ardent love of God: the same must be our weapons.
Give thanks to God for that glory which the angels enjoy. Unite with them in adoring your Creator, and falling down before the Lamb who sits upon the throne. Acknowledge their praises to be justly due; rejoice that God is worthily praised by them; and lament the unworthy performance of that part which belongs to you. Give thanks for the fidelity of St. Michael and the other angels in resisting the dragon; and for the victory
which they gained. Pray for a like fidelity, as often as you shall be
assaulted by that powerful enemy; and beseech God that in all
temptations his holy angels may stand by you. If those pure spirits, who
had none to tempt them, fell from heaven, how ought man to fear, who is
encompassed with a body of sin, and has the world and hell against him? Help us therefore, O God, or we perish." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
"Guardian Angel of Holy Church! now is the time for thee to exert all the might of thine arm. Satan is furious in his efforts against the noble Spouse of thy Master; brandish thy bright sword, and give battle to this implacable enemy. The Kingdom of Christ is shaken to its very foundations. (...). Is it that the reign of the Man of Sin is about to be proclaimed on the earth? Are we near that Last Day, when this guilty world having been destroyed by fire, thou art to exercise, in the name of the Sovereign Judge, the terrible office of separating the goats from the sheep?—If this earth is still to exist; if the mission of the Church is not yet completed; is it not time for thee, O Michael! to show the Dragon of hell that he may not, with impunity, insult on this earth the God who created it, who redeemed it, and whose name is King of kings, and Lord of lord? The torrent of error and crime is unceasingly dragging the world to the brink of the precipice; save it, O glorious Archangel, by confounding the dark plots which are laid for its destruction!" Dom Gueranger
Prayer to the Holy Angels for Parishes :
All you legions and choirs of Angels,
please make haste to come to the aid and defense of our One Holy Roman
Catholic Church. Led by St. Michael, may She be protected from
destruction within by all modernistic attempts that try to diminish the
true presence of God and take away His proper and due respect! In
particular, come to the aid of my parish (name your parish) that it may
remain or be remade to be a place of reverence and a stronghold from
which the One True Triune God may continue to lead and strengthen us.
Amen.
Rogation Tuesday: On Acts of Divine Love
by VP
Posted on Tuesday May 07, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
"Consider first, that the love of God is like a fire: its nature is to be always in motion, and always tending upwards towards its heavenly element; it quickly expires and dies if it lies idle. Wherefore if we would keep it alive, we must nourish it, and blow it up by frequent acts of love; and those not mere verbal acts, by telling God that we love Him, whilst our heart perhaps is far from Him, but by the real exercise of loving God both in our heart and in our works. We exercise the love of God in our heart, by affection; we exercise the love of God in our works, by effects. We love God with a love of chaste concupiscence, when in heart and work we tend to Him as our sovereign good, and aspire after the eternal enjoyment of Him. We love Him with a love of benevolence, that is of sincere and perfect friendship and charity, when both in heart and work we give our whole selves, with all our thoughts, words, and deeds, and all things else to Him, as being infinitely good in Himself. It is just we should exercise ourselves in acts of the love of God in both these ways, as in both these ways He is infinitely amiable but more especially that we should tend to love Him with the love of benevolence, by giving ourselves and all things to Him.
Consider 2ndly, that benevolence is a love by which we wish all manner of good to the person beloved; a love by which we earnestly seek and procure whatever may be for his honor, interest, or pleasure; by which we delight in all his advantages, and are concerned at all his losses, etc. Wherefore, if we would make proper acts of the love of benevolence towards God, we must desire, seek, and procure, as much as lies in us, the greater honor and glory of His name, and the propagation of His kingdom, both in our own hearts and throughout the whole world, and pray that all men may know Him, love Him, and serve Him; we must rejoice at every thing that is agreeable to his Holy Will, and be concerned at every thing that offends Him. This is the proper exercise of the love of benevolence; these are far better acts of divine charity than merely telling God that we love Him. My soul, what are thy dispositions? Dost thou sincerely desire and heartily pray that all the world may know, love, and serve thy God; that all his creatures in heaven and earth may give perpetual glory to Him; that the reign of sin may be abolished; and that the kingdom of God may take possession of all hearts; that none may resist or rebel against His orders; but that all may embrace and bow down, and adore His Divine Will? If so, there is no doubt but thou lovest God. Such as these are perfect acts of the love of God.
Consider 3rdly, that the exercise of the love of God, which, above all others, is recommended in Holy Scriptures, is the loving of his Divine Law and the keeping of His commandments. "This is the charity (that is the love) of God that we keep his commandments," 1 John v. 3. "He that keepeth his word, in him, in very deed, the charity of God is perfected,’ chap. ii. 5. The beloved disciple continually recommends acts of this kind of Divine Love, and the Psalms are full of aspirations or breathings of a soul that is in love with the Holy Law and commandments of God. This devotion to the commandments of God is loving God indeed with a true and effectual love, because it is giving up for His sake what is most dear to us, viz., our own will and liberty, and making a present of it to Him; it is giving Him what He chiefly calls for at our hands; whatsoever else we give Him can never content Him. He always prefers the sacrifice of obedience before all other sacrifices, because here we sacrifice to Him our own clear will, and immolate it, as it were, to His honor and glory. This kind of love is the safest from illusions, for whosoever loves the commandments of God and His Divine Will, and makes all that is in him submit thereunto, most certainly loves God, and is in the right way that will bring him safe to God. No other devotion without this can secure any man.
Conclude to exercise thyself daily in all these ways of loving God, and ever remember that loving God and keeping His commandments go always hand-in-hand, because we cannot love God without loving His Will, notified to us by His commandments."
Source: Challoner's MeditationsthenOn this day of Rogation, we beg of Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to hear and answer our fervent petitions:
Do Thou, O Lord, defend Thy Holy Church and all Its members against the
snares of the enemy, the powers of evil, and all temporal misfortunes;
Deliver us, O Lord.
From all false doctrine and loss of faith; Deliver us, O Lord.
From famine, disease, and plague; Deliver us, O Lord.
From all captivity by our enemies; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the legions of Hell; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of the world and the flesh; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of pride and disobedience; Deliver us, O Lord.
That Godʼs Holy Church may dwell in peace and unity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thy True Catholic Church may spread throughout all nations; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve, bless, and defend the Bishop Thou hast chosen to govern Thy flock; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to the members of Thy Church the grace to live
in humility and obedience; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That all the members of Thy Holy Church be preserved from all spiritual and physical harm; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst sustain all the members of Thy One, True, Church in
holiness, physical well-being, and material necessity; O Lord, we
beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst convert all peoples to Thy One, True, Holy, Catholic Church; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church and our parishes from all
division, dissension, and disunity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church from all those who have fallen into heresy and schism; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst inspire in the hearts of the faithful a greater spirit of charity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant the blessings of wisdom and holiness to our
Clerics in preparing for the Priesthood; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear
us.
That Thou wouldst preserve our Priests and Religious in the spirit of
charity, piety, holiness, and fervent zeal for souls; O Lord, we beseech
Thee, hear us.
Thou wouldst bless all of our missionary and apostolic labors and grant
abundant conversion of souls; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant abundant laborers to work in the harvest of
souls, and grant to all of our Religious perseverance in their holy
Vocation; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst imbue our youth with the spirit of piety and love of their Holy Faith; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to Thy Church a favorable outcome in all our
court cases, legal actions, and attacks of the press and all of our
enemies; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst bless our Diocese, our Priory, our Friary, our
Seminary, our Convent, our schools, and all our apostolic undertakings; O
Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Let us pray:
Almighty and Everlasting God, we commend unto Thee Thy Holy Catholic
Church: that Thou wouldst grant unto Her peace, unity, and Thy
protection, while shielding Her against the attacks of Her enemies and
subjecting to Her the powers of evil. We thank Thee, O Lord, for the
many blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us, and we beseech Thee to assist
us to live peaceful and tranquil lives; through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Rogation Monday: On the Means of Attaining the Love of God
by VP
Posted on Monday May 06, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
"Consider first, that as the desire of wisdom is the true beginning of wisdom, so the first step to the love of God, (which is true wisdom indeed,) is an earnest desire to love God. "Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after this heavenly justice, for they shall be filled,’" (St. Matthew 5). This desire makes us pray frequently, seek incessantly, knock earnestly at the gate of Divine Love. It makes us rise early in quest of the heavenly wisdom; it makes us glad to part with all things else, that we may purchase this precious pearl, that we may acquire this incomparable treasure. He that with this desire aspires after divine love, already begins to possess what he desires; and the more he relishes the sweetness of what he begins to possess, the more he aspires after it. Thus the desire of love begets love, and love begets a stronger desire, which begets a stronger love. So that the great means of learning to love God is, by repeated desires and acts of love to taste and see how sweet God is, and how sweet a thing it is to love.
Consider 2ndly, that Divine Love will not be found by us, nor come to dwell in our souls, if we take no care to keep our inward house clean and pure for our beloved. "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God," (St. Matthew 5). So that if we entertain in our interior any irregular company, that is, if our affections are set upon worldly vanities, upon filthy lucre, upon sensual pleasures, upon gratifying our corrupt inclinations, Divine Love will not come near us; because it cannot endure such unclean company as this is, nor dwell in a soul that is enslaved to worldly desires and disorderly passions. These are to be parted with, or at least brought into order and subjection, if we would learn to love God. This is the meaning of that Gospel lesson of selling all to acquire the precious pearl of the kingdom of God, by His love reigning in our souls. The kingdom of Divine Love will allow of no rival, no usurper, no rebel in its dominions. The spouse of Divine Love must belong wholly to her spouse alone, she must be a garden close shut to all others, a "fountain sealed up" for Him alone, (Canticle. 5). So that another necessary means of attaining Divine Love is a general mortification of all foreign and irregular affections.
Consider 3rdly, that the sovereign means of acquiring Divine Love is the daily exercise of mental prayer, which employs all the powers of the soul in waiting upon God. Here the memory represents all the motives we have to love Him; here the understanding is taught to know Him; here the affections of the will are inflamed by His presence - this then is the true school of love. O my soul, let us daily frequent it, not only by having a regular time fixed for this great exercise of love, but by practicing it in some measure at all times, by a spirit of recollection, by a continual sense and remembrance of God’s presence, by frequently calling back the soul to Him from all her distractions and evagations, by repeated aspirations and ejaculations of love, etc. This is walking with God indeed, like the ancient saints this is taking God along with us wherever we are going, and whatever we are doing; this is walking in love. O how happy is that life which is thus dedicated to Divine Love.
Conclude to embrace all the means that may bring thee to this happiness. O begin now from this hour to set out in quest of this fountain of life! Let no opposition of earth or hell discourage thee. Never leave off thy search till thou come to drink of this heavenly water, which will become in thee a fountain springing up to everlasting life." Source: Challoner's Meditations
thenOn this day of Rogation, we beg of Thee, O Lord, in Thy mercy, to hear and answer our fervent petitions:
Do Thou, O Lord, defend Thy Holy Church and all Its members against the
snares of the enemy, the powers of evil, and all temporal misfortunes;
Deliver us, O Lord.
From all false doctrine and loss of faith; Deliver us, O Lord.
From famine, disease, and plague; Deliver us, O Lord.
From all captivity by our enemies; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the legions of Hell; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of the world and the flesh; Deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of pride and disobedience; Deliver us, O Lord.
That Godʼs Holy Church may dwell in peace and unity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thy True Catholic Church may spread throughout all nations; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve, bless, and defend the Bishop Thou hast chosen to govern Thy flock; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to the members of Thy Church the grace to live
in humility and obedience; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That all the members of Thy Holy Church be preserved from all spiritual and physical harm; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst sustain all the members of Thy One, True, Church in
holiness, physical well-being, and material necessity; O Lord, we
beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst convert all peoples to Thy One, True, Holy, Catholic Church; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church and our parishes from all
division, dissension, and disunity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst preserve Thy Church from all those who have fallen into heresy and schism; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst inspire in the hearts of the faithful a greater spirit of charity; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant the blessings of wisdom and holiness to our
Clerics in preparing for the Priesthood; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear
us.
That Thou wouldst preserve our Priests and Religious in the spirit of
charity, piety, holiness, and fervent zeal for souls; O Lord, we beseech
Thee, hear us.
Thou wouldst bless all of our missionary and apostolic labors and grant
abundant conversion of souls; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant abundant laborers to work in the harvest of
souls, and grant to all of our Religious perseverance in their holy
Vocation; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst imbue our youth with the spirit of piety and love of their Holy Faith; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst grant to Thy Church a favorable outcome in all our
court cases, legal actions, and attacks of the press and all of our
enemies; O Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou wouldst bless our Diocese, our Priory, our Friary, our
Seminary, our Convent, our schools, and all our apostolic undertakings; O
Lord, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Let us pray:
Almighty and Everlasting God, we commend unto Thee Thy Holy Catholic
Church: that Thou wouldst grant unto Her peace, unity, and Thy
protection, while shielding Her against the attacks of Her enemies and
subjecting to Her the powers of evil. We thank Thee, O Lord, for the
many blessings Thou hast bestowed upon us, and we beseech Thee to assist
us to live peaceful and tranquil lives; through the same Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
Rogation Sunday
by VP
Posted on Sunday May 05, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
Meditation by Bishop Challoner:
Rogation Sunday on the Devotion of the Time:
" Consider first, that these days, between this Sunday and the ascension of our Lord, are days of devotion, and are called rogation-days, because they are set aside by the Church for solemn prayers and supplications, joined with abstinence and penance, in order to turn away the wrath of God, provoked by our sins; and to remove far from us His scourges of wars, plagues, famines, &c.; to implore His mercy for ourselves, and for all His people; and to beg His blessing upon the fruits of the earth. As the first institution of the devotion of these days was occasioned by a terrible scene of disasters and visible judgments of God upon the people, to which a stop was put by dedicating these three days to prayer and penance; so the success that attended this first essay has encouraged the Church to an annual practice of the like devotion ever since. Hence we may learn, with what dispositions of soul we ought to present ourselves before the throne of grace at this time; with what a lively sense of the guilt of our sins, and of the judgments we deserve for them both here and hereafter; with what desire to return to God from our sins, and to offer Him the sacrifice of a contrite and humble heart for them, and to join, as it were in a body, at this time, with the whole people of God, in suing in a proper manner for His mercy, with most humble supplication and fervent prayers. See, my soul, if these be thy dispositions.
Consider 2ndly, that although we do not every day feel the heavy hand of divine justice by the experience of public calamities, or other visible judgments, yet if we consider the guilt of so many crying sins, not only of particular persons, but even of whole nations, which are continually calling to God for vengeance, we shall find too much reason to apprehend that the sword of God’s justice is even now hanging over our heads and that the worst of His judgments will quickly fall upon Christendom in general, if not averted by prayer and penance. This consideration ought to determine all Christians in general (even the most innocent, if they have any concern for the public danger, or true charity for the souls of their neighbors,) gladly to embrace so happy an opportunity as this of joining with all the children of God in humiliations and prayer, in order to prevent the thunder of heaven from suddenly breaking over our heads, and hurrying away thousands into the bottomless pit. And as for every particular sinner, now is the most favorable time for him to sue for mercy, because at this time the whole Church joins in a particular manner in praying for all sinners. And if he should neglect this opportunity, what may he not justly fear from his repeated treason; from the wrath of God above, ready to fall upon him; from the mouth of hell below, gaping to devour him; from the devil, to whom he has sold himself; and from that monster, mortal sin, (which is even worse than the devil,) which he always carries about with him! O sinners, neglect not these days of salvation, lest they never return to you any more. Now is your time - hereafter there may be no time for you.
Consider 3rdly, the encouragement we have both in the Epistle and the Gospel of the Rogations, to look for mercy and for all good, both for ourselves and for our neighbors, from humble and fervent prayer. In the Epistle (St. James 5) we are taught the great efficacy of continual prayer, with an exhortation to pray for one another, in order to salvation and a declaration of what the reward will be of them that contribute to the salvation of others. In the Gospel (St. Luke 11) we are exhorted by Christ our Lord to a holy importunity and perseverance in prayer; and we are taught by the example of a friend, and of a father, to look for good gifts from our heavenly Father by the means of earnest prayer. O what a friend indeed, what a parent have we in Him! or who is like to Him in bounty and mercy? Let us then be encouraged by these divine oracles, "To go with confidence at this time to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in seasonable aid.' Heb. 4. 16.
Conclude to join at this time with the whole Church of God in prayer and penance, that thou mayest obtain mercy both for thyself and for thy neighbors. Heaven can never resist a general assault made by the whole people of God by the means of prayer, when joined with a contrite and humble heart."
"Monday,
Tuesday, and Wednesday before Ascension Thursday were instituted by the
Church to appease divine justice, to ask protection in calamities, and
invoke Godʼs blessing on the harvest .
These Rogation
Days are of French origin, coming about in the 5th c., when St.
Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne, Dauphiné instituted them after a series of
natural calamities.
Rogation is simply an English form of the Latin rogatio, which comes from the verb rogare, which means "to ask". The Rogation Days were marked by the recitation of the litany of the Saints which would normally begin in or at a church.
After
Saint Mary was invoked, the congregation would proceed to walk the
boundaries of the parish, while reciting the rest of the litany (and
repeating it as necessary or supplementing it with some of the
penitential or gradual Psalms). Thus, the entire parish would be
blessed, and the boundaries of the parish would be marked. The
procession would end with a Rogation Mass, in which all in the parish were expected to take part. If your parish does not celebrate the Rogation Days, you may mark the days by reciting the Litany of the saints and fasting. Source: LiturgiaLatina
Litany to obtain Holy Priests:
Lord, have mercy
Christ, have mercy
Lord, have mercy
Christ, hear us
Christ, Graciously hear us
God, Our Heavenly Father, have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us
God, The Holy Ghost, have mercy on us
Holy Trinity, Three Persons in one God, have mercy on us
Lord, obtain for us priests
Lord, obtain for us holy priests and make us docile to their teachings
Holy Mary, Queen of the Clergy, obtain for us holy priests
Saint Joseph, Patron of the Church, obtain for us holy priests
Saint Michael, splendor and protector of the Church militant, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Saints and Archangels, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Martyrs and Virgins, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Bishops and Confessors, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Priests and Doctors, obtain for us holy priests
All you holy Founders of religious orders, obtain for us holy priests
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.
To celebrate with reverence the Holy Mysteries, obtain for us holy priests
To offer every day the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, obtain for us holy priests
To feed the people of God with the Bread of life, obtain for us holy priests
To promote the splendors of the Divine Worship, obtain for us holy priests
To regenerate souls through baptism, obtain for us holy priests
To instruct the faithful in the Holy Faith, obtain for us holy priests
To keep the faithful in the fear of the Lord, obtain for us holy priests
To announce to all the Word of God, obtain for us holy priests
To unmask and combat false doctrines, obtain for us holy priests
To fortify the Faith of those who doubt, obtain for us holy priests
To support and encourage those who fail, obtain for us holy priests
To raise up those who fall and to reconcile them to God, obtain for us holy priests
To bring back to God those who rejected Him, obtain for us holy priests
To protect christian morality, obtain for us holy priests
To fight with zeal the corruption of morality, obtain for us holy priests
To bless holy unions, obtain for us holy priests
To defend the honor and sanctity of marriage, obtain for us holy priests
To strengthen the happiness of our christian families, obtain for us holy priests
To fortify and console our sicks and those who suffer, obtain for us holy priests
To assist our dying ones, obtain for us holy priests
To lead our dead to eternal happiness, obtain for us holy priests
To pray and offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for our dead, obtain for us holy priests
To give glory to God, and to give grace and peace to souls of good will, obtain for us holy priests.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
The Lord chose for Himself priests so that they will offer Him a worthy thanksgiving.
Let us pray: God Almighty and merciful, favorably grant the prayers of
Your faithful and grant to those whom You have given the immense
generosity of your clemency, to be elevated to the service of the
heavenly mysteries, to become worthy ministers at Your sacred altars, so
that their teachings be confirmed by Your sanctification, through Our
Lord Jesus-Christ, Amen.
Translated by CAPG (Litanies pour Obtenir de Saints Prêtres)
Finding of the Holy Cross.
by VP
Posted on Friday May 03, 2024 at 12:00AM in Tradition
The Discovery of the True Cross and St. Helena Giovanni Battista Tiepolo 1745
"A FESTIVAL in memory of that day, when St. Helen, mother of Constantine the Great, found the cross, on which our Blessed Saviour had suffered, in the year 326, after it had laid buried by the heathens 180 years. Adore Christ crucified, and give God thanks for the memory of His Passion, renewed in the miraculous discovery of His cross. Pray that you may be partaker of His sufferings, and through the merits of His Passion obtain all the divine helps necessary for your salvation.
Pray that you may effectually find the cross of Christ in your soul, by the sincere love of Him who was crucified, and the practice of those lessons, which he has taught you on the cross; by dying to the world and sin, and removing all those earthly and corrupt passions, by which the knowledge of Christ crucified has been so long hidden from your eyes.
Detest the wickedness of those infidels, who, to destroy the memory of Christ's passion, had erected a statue of Venus in the place where the cross had stood; and resolve not to imitate their sacrilegious impiety, by establishing in your heart the love of the world and its sinful pleasures, instead of the love of your crucified Redeemer.
It ought to be a principal business of all Christians, to find the cross of Christ; first by a firm act of faith, professing the belief of Christ crucified; that the second Person of the Blessed Trinity, consubstantial to His Father, was made man, and died on the cross, for the salvation of man.
Secondly, by an act of hope, placing their whole confidence in the merits of Christ's Passion, in virtue of which alone they are to have expectation of grace and glory. This they are to renew every day, as often as they repeat the creed; not running it over without attention, but accompanying what they say with express and lively acts of this their faith and hope, and reflecting on those great obligations, which this mercy of their redemption brings upon them.
Thirdly, they are to find the cross of Christ, by often making the sign of the cross; that as in this they are baptized, so by the same they may consecrate the day, and all the actions of it, to the honour of Christ crucified, and obtain His blessing on all that they do. It is therefore a good practice, and recommended by the primitive Christians, not only to begin and end the day with the sign of the cross, but to make the same at our going abroad, and returning home, at eating and drinking, at our prayers, in time of danger, in the beginning of any occupation, as often as we do perceive any passion growing upon us, or are assaulted with temptations. Thus we are taught by St. John Chrysostom, and other ancient fathers; that by this means, putting ourselves under the conduct of Christ, and desiring His assistance, we may experience the effect of His sufferings, and truly find the cross in that grace and protection, which our Redeemer has purchased for us. For it cannot be doubted, that if upon repeating this action, we as often renew our faith and hope in Christ, and at the same time raise up our hearts to Him with a dependence on Him, and confidence in His assistance, we shall find very good effects of it in abundance of heavenly succours.
Fourthly, Christians are to find the cross, by labouring to bring their hearts to the holy dispositions of Christ crucified. And this ought to be the principal part of this day's devotion; without which all the rest can be but of little advantage to us. For, however we profess a faith and hope in Christ, and by often making the sign of the cross, seem to be solicitous for His help; yet if we advance not so far, as to find the spirit and dispositions of the cross in our hearts, we cannot expect that the rest, without this, will avail us to salvation. Now, to find the spirit of the cross in our hearts, is to find there the humility of the cross, the patience of the cross, the charity of the cross, the resignation, the mortification, and self-denial of the cross, that is, of Christ
crucified. And this cannot be, unless we make a vigorous opposition to
all that corruption and perverseness, which is contrary to the spirit of the cross." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
