October 17th, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
by VP
Posted on Tuesday October 17, 2023 at 12:00AM in Articles
"The
special devotions of the Church are various and manifold. They are
suited to the character of the times and of each individual. All are
good. Some are more suited to one class of individuals than to another.
Because of the abundance of these devotions, not all may be practiced by
a single person, and each one chooses such as appeal more strongly to
his inclination and taste. "In selecting devotions we must not supplant
what is essential, nor unduly multiply what is merely accidental.”
There are two, however, which must be fostered by every priest. They are a fervent devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and a tender affection for His Blessed Mother.
The famous moralist, Father H. Noldin, says of the devotion to the Sacred Heart: "The candidate for the priesthood who understands and practices this devotion, will surely acquire the sacerdotal spirit and the characteristic virtues of the priesthood as preparation for Holy Orders. He possesses in this devotion a certain means of preserving and guarding the spirit of his calling throughout life."
From the Sacred Heart of Jesus the seminarian imbibes that zeal for the salvation of souls which is the keystone of a good priestly life. "Learn of Me, for I am meek and humble of heart." Jesus wishes His future priests especially to imitate Him. In the first seminary He was the teacher. The zeal of the Apostles was kindled by the Sacred Heart.
Again in His revelations to the Blessed Margaret Mary Alacoque He promised to priests who
honor His Sacred Heart, grace to convert hardened sinners. Since those
devotions, which are of benefit not only for himself but also for those
who are to receive his priestly ministrations, are best suited to the
priest, it is evident that devotion to the Sacred Heart is admirably
adapted to the aspirant to the priesthood. It inflames the heart of the
priest with burning love for God, and brings advantages for those under
his charge. "When the priest is kindled with the fire of the Sacred Heart, his people, too, will walk in a great light," says Cardinal Manning." The Seminarian, His Character and Work By Rev. Albert Rung, Diocese of Buffalo 1916
LITANY IN HONOR OF THE BLESSED MARGARET MARY ALACOQUE.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, 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, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Pray for us
Holy Mother of God, Pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, Pray for us
St John, Pray for us
St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
St Jane Frances Chantal, Pray for us
Blessed Margaret Mary, Pray for us
Pearl of great price, Pray for us
Flower of the field, Pray for us
Lily of the valleys, Pray for us
Morning rose, Pray for us
Child most dear to Mary, Pray for us
Incense of sweet odor, Pray for us
Palm of patience, Pray for us
Treasure of charity, Pray for us
Despiser of the world, Pray for us
Spouse most beloved of Christ, Pray for us
Violet of the garden of St Francis of Sales, Pray for us
Star shining in the midst of clouds, Pray for us
Rule of obedience, Pray for us
Model of mortification, Pray for us
Seraph before the altar, Pray for us
Sanctuary of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Delight of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Apostle of the heart of Jesus, Pray for us
Plaintive dove, Pray for us
Dove most beautiful, Pray for us
Rock unmoved in the midst of tempests, Pray for us
Mistress most gentle, Pray for us
Angel of holy counsel, Pray for us
Terror of demons, Pray for us
Intercessor for sinners, Pray for us
Solace of the poor, Pray for us
Relief of the sick, Pray for us
Holocaust of divine love, Pray for us
New star of the Church, Pray for us
Joy of thy holy order, Pray for us
Glory of thy people, Pray for us
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us: Christ, graciously hear us.
Anthem.
The kingdom of heaven is like to a merchant seeking good pearls, who, when he had found one of great price, gave all that he had and bought it.
V. Grace is poured abroad in thy lips;
R. Therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.
Prayer:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast wonderfully revealed to the blessed Margaret, Virgin, the unsearchable riches of thy heart: grant that we, by her merits and following her example, may love thee in all things and above all things, and may be found worthy to obtain an eternal resting-place in the same thy heart.
Accept, O Lord, the offerings of thy people, and grant that we may feel the flames of that divine fire, which, issuing from the heart of thy Son, inflamed so ardently the blessed Margaret.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we who have received the mysteries of thy body and blood, may, through the intercession of the blessed Margaret, be made worthy to cast away the proud vanities of the world, and to put on the gentleness and humility of thy heart.
The Manual of the Sacred Heart: a Select Volume of Prayer for Daily Us, 1866
