St Patrick's Day Novena

Thanks to Scott P. Richert Catholicism Guide at About.com for this insight into the Breastplate of St Patrick. I will make it part of my morning prayers this March in preparation for his feast day. In addition to baking my Gran's recipe for Irish Soda Bread and decorating the house in Irish green.

The Lorica, or Breastplate, of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is best known for only one of its verses (the one that begins "Christ with me"). But the full version, printed here, incorporates all the elements of Catholic morning prayer: It is anAct of Faith (expressing the Catholic teaching on the Trinity and on Christ); an Act of Hope (in God's protection throughout the day and throughout life, as well as in eternal salvation); and an Act of Charity (in the love expressed for God). It is, therefore, an ideal morning prayer, especially for those who have a devotion to Saint Patrick.

The Breastplate of Saint Patrick

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,
through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial,
through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.

I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim
in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets,
in preachings of Apostles, in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins, in deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire,
speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea,
stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me:
against snares of devils, against temptations of vices,
against inclinations of nature, against everyone who
shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose my body and my soul, against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics, against craft of idolatry,
against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today
against poison, against burning,
against drowning, against wounding,
so that there may come abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth, Christ in length, Christ in height,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of Christ. May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.

Pray for abortionists

I am reading the absolutely riveting story "Unplanned" about Abby Johnson's conversion from a Planned Parenthood Clinic director to a pro-life Catholic activist, and thinking of Dr Bruchalski.
Read about how Our Lady brought him from an abortionist to the head of a completely pro-life medical center which serves poor women in crisis pregnancies. It is named after where Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared, the hill of Tepeyac, the Tepeyac Family Center.
Read the entire story at Life Site News. 

Rorate Caeli

A Song for my Aunt Teresa

My Aunt Teresa is preparing to meet Our Lord today, she has been anointed, her family is with her, and we are praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Will you pray a Hail Mary for her and join me in this tender song about the Infant Jesus coming down from the stars to earth?

She was the matriarch of our family and will be greatly missed. 

Here are the lyrics to Tu scendi dalle stelle from Italy, in Italian and with an English translation…

Tu scendi dalle stelle
(Italian)
Tu scendi dalle stelle
O Re del Cielo
E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo.

E vieni in una grotta
Al freddo al gelo.
O Bambino mio Divino
Io ti vedo qui a tremar,
O Dio Beato
Ah, quanto ti costò
L’avermi amato.
Ah, quanto ti costò

L’avermi amato.

A te che sei del mondo,
Il creatore
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.
Mancano panni e fuoco,
O mio Signore.

Caro eletto, Pargoletto,
Quanto questa povertà,
Piu m’innamora
Giacche ti fece amor
Povero ancora.
Giacche ti fece amor
Povero ancora.
Here’s a rough English translation of Tu scendi dalle stelle by Monique Palomares…

You Come Down from the Stars

(English)
You come down from the stars
Oh King of Heavens,
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.
And you come in a cave
In the cold, in the frost.

Oh my Divine Baby
I see you trembling here,
Oh Blessed God,
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.
Ah, how much it cost you,
Your loving me.

For you, who are of all the world
The creator,
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
No robes and fire,
Oh my Lord.
Dear chosen one. 

The Holy Father called, we responded

In the diocese of Norwich, CT, Bishop Michael Cote held a Holy Hour and Benediction for Nascent Human Life. It was well attended, and the Benediction hymns were enthusiastically sung in Latin. Some of the petitions were particularly touching, especially,
"You love those who are afflicted,
Help parents of unborn children with disabilities to cherish the baby you have entrusted to their care".
Your Son, Jesus, healed the sick,
Guide all doctors to be guardians of life, especially the lives of unborn children with serious health conditions."
I don't know whether those petitions were written by the bishop or sent from the Vatican, but I appreciated them and they gave me great comfort that the Church Militant was praying as one with the Church Suffering and the Church Triumphant for the people closest to my heart.Imagine the power we unleashed last night! These are the people for whom we prayed are those I have dedicated my work on this blog and elsewhere.
Here is the prayer from Pope John Paul's  encyclical Evangelium Vitae which we prayed.

O Mary, bright dawn of the new world, Mother of the living,
To yo do we entrust the cause of life. Look down, O Mother, upon the vast numbers of babies not allowed to be born, of the poor whose lives are made difficult, of men and women who are victims of brutal violence, of the elderly and the sick killed by indifference or out of misguided mercy.
Grant that all who believe in your Son may proclaim the Gospel as a gift ever new, the joy of celebrating it with gratitude throughout their lives and the courage to bear witness to it resolutely, in order to build, with all people of good will, the civilization of truth and love, to the praise and glory of God, the Creator and lover of life.
Read the entire article at CNS.

Holy Father asks pro-lifers to participate in a worldwide prayer vigil Nov 27

He has never made this request before. This is a perfect way to spend the First Sunday of Advent, preparing the world for the coming of He Who is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Mark your calendars.
LIfe Site News reports:

Earlier this year Pope Benedict XVI announced the worldwide vigil, and urged all dioceses around the world to participate as much as they are able.

As part of its effort to raise awareness about the event, HLI has sponsored an international petition of solidarity with the pope.

"We hope that Catholics understand the historical significance of Pope Benedict's invitation," said Joseph Meaney, HLI's director of international coordination. "The Holy Father for the first time in history has asked the Universal Catholic Church to gather together in a common liturgical event and pray for our preborn brothers and sisters who are being slaughtered around the world by abortion and other attacks of the culture of death."

HLI said that it is inviting all who want to join Pope Benedict and the universal Church in the vigil to sign a pledge of solidarity at yes-for-benedict.net.

Read the story at Life Site News.

Inspiring quotes from the Chilean miners

from an email from the Catholic League, proving that the rescue of the minters is a true Catholic moment.

· “There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here.” Time.com

· “Altars, prayers, rosary beads all came out as soon as word came out. Bringing together the entire country with nuns and priests visiting the mine to provide relatives with emotional support, and praying for there for protection.” CBS

· “Mario Gore Messes who at 63 is the eldest of a group of miners. He became the group’s spiritual leader requesting a crucifix and Catholic statues of saints to construct an underground shrine.” CBS

· “Many miners wore the same t-shirt. It reads, ‘gracias, senor,’ or thank you, Lord.” CBS News

· “More than 1,000 relatives of the stranded miners move to the desert and set up tents. Before long, the area around the San Jose mine becomes a village. A village based on prayers, hope, faith. In fact, they call this place Camp Hope. Every Sunday, there’s a Catholic Mass.” WABC

· “He hugged and kissed just about everyone, and then said of his ordeal. ‘I met God, I met the devil, God won.’” WNBC

· “The miners aren’t coming out of the mine empty-handed. They will carry with them letters from loved ones, religion statues, and rocks from the mine.” WABC

· “It ended everything as a blessing of God.” Fox News Channel


· “Mario Gomez, 63 years old, he stepped out of that capsule into the arms of his wife, Lila, then he hugged her and then he took to her knee and prayed to God and the Virgin Mary.” CNN

· “Religion has played a large part in their hope insofar as their desire to get out of there.” Fox News Business


· “They have been touched by God.” Fox News Business

· “They’re being reunited with that land that they were singing about. It’s a belief in God, belief in religion, and the beauty of that country that helped to sustain them all of this time and now, here they are back up.” CNN


· “We’ve seen that for some of the miners that have come out talking about their spiritual cris underground and it’s a tremendously emotional moment for these men. Jeff, I wanted to talk about that religious moment there. We had one of the miners after he came up he said, he felt like he saw both God and the devil down there and he saw that God won. That is a case where religion can just be so important at a moment like that because faith sometimes is all you have to cling to.” MSNBC


· “Gomez’s ‘Dear Lila’ letter was filled with faith and determination, and showed the world the miners were holding strong. ‘Even if we have to wait months to communicate…I want to tell everyone that im good and we’ll surely come out OK. Patience and faith. God is great and the help of my God is going to make it possible to leave this mine alive.’” Miami Herald


· “When Esteban Rojas came out he knelt down and prayed. In that instant his wife presented him with an image of Our Lady. It would be an image that would stick with many of the others.” La Quarta

· “We find them with God’s help and rescued them as Chileans. In this regard, [the Chilean president] expressed that, ‘God put us to the test this year, but God never puts us a burden that we are not able to cope with.’” Chile.com

· “What began as a possible tragedy, we hope—and thank God—seems to be ending as a true blessing.” Bloomberg.com

· “We have lived a magical night, a night we will remember throughout our lives, a night in which life defeated death.” Los Angeles Times

· “No doubt there will be books and movies and richer detail of a long burial spent, as one miner described it, close to both God and the devil. But it will be hard to beat the day of rescue, when millions watched and celebrated the survival of all hands.”Anchorage Daily News


· “While Rojas was underground, he told his wife of 25 years that it was time for a church wedding ‘once and for all’ to make up for their civil ceremony. The couple have three children.” Arizona Republic

· “We have prayed to San Lorenzo, the patron saint of miners, and to many other saints so that my brothers Florencio and Renan would come out of the mine all right. It is as if they had been born again.” Associated Press Online

· “Pope Benedict XVI said in Spanish that he ‘continues with hope to entrust God’s goodness’ the fate of the men.” Associated Press Online


· “He dropped to his knees after he emerged, bowed his head in prayer and clutched the Chilean flag.” Associated Press Online

· “Gomez wrote ‘patience and faith. God is great and the help of my God is going to make it possible to leave this mine alive.’” Associated Press


· “Jose Henriquez, 55, formed and led a prayer group while trapped and had friends send 33 small Bibles down the tiny supply hole.” Associated Press

· “We give thanks to God.” Associated Press

· “I think I had extraordinary luck. I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God.” Atlanta Journal-Constitution


· “He dropped to his knees after he emerged, bowed his head in prayer, and clutched the Chilean flag.” Boston Globe
· “This has become spiritual.” Boston Globe

· “And so, suddenly, there they were, vigorous and exultant and newly thankful for the privilege of walking atop God’s orb.” Daily News


· “As they came to the surface, most were ebullient—rejoicing with family and friends—and praising God for their blessings.” Daily News Leader
· “Their survival was miracle enough.” Investor’s Business Daily

· “It’s a—I don’t know how to say ‘milagro.’ A miracle.” Journal News

· “Some knelt and prayed, other pumped their fists. All of them are finally free.” Miami Herald

· “I’m praying it all goes well.” New York Times

· “We hope that with the help of God this epic will end in a happy way.” New York Times


· “‘Miracle at the Mine’ is what ‘Good Morning America’ called it, and it was a Nativity scene witnessed worldwide.” New York Times

· “He hugged his wife and sank to his knees in prayer.” New York Times

· “He dropped to the ground in prayer.’ New York Times

· “Some of the miners rescued here said they were touched by God.” New York Times

· “I think I had extraordinary luck. I was with God and with the devil. And I reached out for God.” New York Times

· “Rarely are we reminded so clearly of the sweetness of human life.” News & Observer


· “And now they gathered at the premises owned by a Chilean native, quietly marveling as one by one, the miraculous rescues continued.” Newsday

· “God was always present. It’s a miracle. This recue was so difficult. It is a great miracle.” News Tribune


· “I have suffered much, in the toughest times, I thanked God I had a daughter.” AOLnews.com

· “God wanted me to stay here, I do not know why, maybe for me to change.” AOLnews.com

· “Esteban Rojas, 44, left the rescue capsule and prayed. He got down on his knees, crossed himself, put his hands together in the pose of prayer, crossed himself again, and then put his hands over his head.” CNN.com

· “No. 21 was Jose Henriquez, 55, who had asked for 33 small Bibles to be send to the miners so he could lead a prayer group.” Wall Street Journal

· “Gomez dropped to his knees in prayer and raised his arms up to the heavens before hugging his wife again.” Vancouver Sun

· “The 33 miners trapped in the San Jose mine in Atacama, Chile, have requested that statues and religious pictures be sent down to them as they wait to be rescued.”Catholic Herald

· “Although a crucifix has already been sent down, the miners are continuing to request more statues of Mary and the saints to construct a makeshift chapel. The miners want to set up a section of the chamber they are in as a shrine.” TheNewAmerican.com

· “We always knew that we would be rescued, we never lost faith.” News Tribune

Out of the Depths

Out of the Depths
is a beautiful meditation on the spiritual aspects of the saving of the 33 Chilean miners, and how their Catholic faith was the secret to preserving hope, and coming back to the light, safe and sound. The miners prayed the rosary every day, they carved a chapel out of the cave where they were trapped, and the rescue happened on the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima.
This has not been shared on any news channel. they keep emphasizing that miner 22 has a mistress. What the archbishop of Chile said is "there is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future".
Let's pray that the miners carry the memory of their dependence on God and His answer throughout the rest of their lives.

Gratitude

Sunday's Gospel was about the 10 lepers Jesus cured and the fact that only one returned to thank Him.
Fr Tito's homily reminded us, that without gratitude, we can fall prey to bitterness, as we expect too much from the world. The world is good, but all it owes us is an opportunity to gain heaven. When you get more joy and abundance than trouble and trials, be grateful.

So when my beautiful kitchen window is full to overflowing with my tomato harvest, and I find myself having to can for the first time in decades, I am grateful. Last year, my tomatoes died of neglect, as I ran to Long Island to be with my mother who was wasting away from cancer. This year, I had my in-laws, farmers from El Salvador, to help tend the garden. I showed them how to can tomatoes and make savory homemade Italian spaghetti sauce. We invited over 10 of our friends, and had a party. We sent frozen sauce to Fr Tito, and my father. We were grateful.

. After our meal, we attended an inspiring presentation given at his youth group by Susan Conroy about her life helping Blessed Mother Teresa in the slums of Calcutta. Susan Conroy says she gives thanks each night she sleeps on a soft pillow with clean sheets, after she watched thousands sleep on the filthy sidewalks of Calcutta. She spoke fondly of watching a poor man die like an angel, and how Mother Teresa told her of the many graces which flowed into her from this experience. She is grateful.

 Fr Tito invites the best Catholic speakers available for his group, which has grown to 60 members. Last month we were able to see Fr Donald Calloway give his amazing testimony. Thanks be to God for a holy pastor who helps us grow spiritually.
We are grateful for you, Fr Tito.

Are you praying for Christopher Hitchens?

At the Cennacle Sunday talk given by Fr Bonaventure, FI at the Marian Friary of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Griswold, we were reminded of the conversion story of hardened atheist Alfonse Ratisbonne. His friend who had been praying for him for some time, asked him to sit in a church while he spoke to the priest in the sacristy.
When the man emerged, Ratisbonne had undergone a radical transformation, for he said, "how this man (his friend) has prayed for me". He became an ardent Catholic from that moment on, having received the extraordinary grace of instantaneous conversion and infused knowlege (he learned the truths of the Faith instantly from God, not through study).
That is what I am interceding to God for a radical conversion to Catholicism for  Christopher Hitchens, who wrote "God is not Good" and persists in his sinful denial of God's existence.
I want him to be a sign of contradiction which will bring many more atheists to Holy Mother Church.
His heart is touched by charity, I heard from a friend who had a chance to meet him alone.

Hitchens recently told the AP that the people praying for him fall into one of three groups. The first are those who delight in his suffering and might wish to hasten his death. The second are those who want Hitchens to have a conversion experience. And the third group consists of those who are asking God to heal him.

I think we should be praying for a radical conversion, then, if God wills it, a miraculous healing so that he can spend the rest of his long life as a sign of he power of God.
Read the entire article on Renew America.

My five favorite devotions

Patty in CT tagged me for this meme on my five favorite devotions.
They are:
1.Eucharistic Adoration; I have a 6PM slot at the Friary today, and its nearly five. Meeting Jesus face to face in the Blessed Sacrament is my greatest source of inspiration as a writer.
2. the rosary; brings my family together after a day going in many directions, reminds me of my Mother's love, and keeps me focused on the life of Christ.
3. singing traditional hymns like Salve Regina are a sure way to transport my heart and soul to heavenly realms, St Augustine said, "he who sings prays twice".
4. The Divine Mercy Chaplet; Although we always had dedication to this devotion and St Faustina,wer were amazed at the power of this was a tremendous source of peace when my mother died on 2:55 on a Friday, we prayed the Chaplet as a send off from this earth, and into the arms of our Jesus of Mercy.
5. Five first Saturdays; we began this practice as homeschoolers, and continue it with the community who gathers at The Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

I tag whoever wants to participate in this meme, just leave a comment to let me know you are joining in.

Knights of Columbus start novena today for Pope Benedict

When the Holy Father is under attack, whether by actual troops or legions of pro-death journalists, the faithful mus protect him. Join the Knights in a novena to protect the Holy Father and help him spread the Truth, no mater the cost.
The link to the novena.

A special intention

The famous authors of Creative Minority Report, Matthew and Patrick Archbold have a brother Kevin who is sick with brain cancer. He needs a miracle to survive. We are interceding through the prayers of Mother Mary Alphonso Hawthorne. Please join us. Read their post here.

A World Gone Mad; Be Thou My Vision

When the most pro-death politician in the history of the world, Barack Obama, is given the same Nobel Peace Prize as the most pro-life woman the world has ever seen, Blessed Mother Teresa, we know the world has lost it's moral compass.
We have no other recourse but to turn to our Lord in prayer.
Listen to "Be Thou My Vision" in Irish to regain your peace while you pray.
Update:
Jill Stanek has lifted my spirits with her inspiring post about last year's truly worthy Noble Prize candidate, who lost to AL Gore(what has he accomplished besides getting rich off carbon credits?).
Irena Sendler, a Polish Catholic social worker, saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Warsaw Ghetto from the Nazis (twice as many as Oskar Shindler of "Shindler's List").
Her legacy was nearly forgotten when four Kansas schoolgirls wrote a play about her incredible feat. She passed on this year, and is receiving the greatest prize; eternal life.
http://www.irenasendler.org/
HT Jay Andersen

God's work at 40 Days for Life in Norwich, CT

This just in:
"Today, while I was walking and praying at 12 Case Street, two young women in a car stopped and rolled down their window. They asked, "You are against abortion?." I responded, "Yes." The driver explained she has a little one (who was in the back seat). She said, "I can't take care of him. How can I take care of this baby, as she held her tummy. Her friend with her told me she was pregnant also, and that they had just left Planned Parenthood. I told them, "God Bless you for stopping", and explained that there is help available for you to have your babies, that I would get them in touch with someone that could help them, and that those babies inside them were a precious gift from God. One of them gave me her phone number and first name.

I went to the vigil today not expecting anything to happen. When it did (it happened so fast), I prayed I had said the right thing, and that these girls would give their babies LIFE. I will continue to pray for them and help in any way I can.

God was letting us know today that we are doing His work.
God bless our 40 Days for Life Vigil!

Kathy (a volunteer who prays at 40 Days for Life at 12 Case Street, Norwich)
Thank you Our Lady of Victory, whose feast day we celebrate today as Our Lady of the Rosary. Thank you for two precious lives saved. These women wanted true choice, and Kathy was able to help them find love and support when they needed it most. Well done Kathy!
None of this would be possible without the countless rosaries said outside the clinic this fall.

Bishop Wenski offers a Mass of Reparation for Notre Dame scandal

All are Invited to the Mass of Reparation
As Catholics we are aware of the many shortcomings and transgressions committed against the dignity and sacredness of human life in our world. That is why it is inconceivable that Notre Dame University, a Catholic institution of higher learning, should receive and honor anyone who promotes policies that are contradictory to who we are as a people of faith.
As our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI stated in his visit to the U.S. last year in reference to Catholic university presidents, "to justify positions that contradict the faith and teaching of the church would obstruct or even betray the university’s identity and mission."
Mass of Reparation
May 3 at 6:00 p.m.
Cathedral of St. James
215 N. Orange Avenue
Downtown Orlando
Come and pray with Bishop Wenski for all of our transgressions against the Gospel of Life.
Reparation is the making amends for a wrong done or for an offense against God. By his death on the cross, the Son of God offered his life out of love for the Father to make reparation for our sinful disobedience (CCC #614).
We are obliged to make reparation for personal sins against justice and truth (CCC #2412 and #2487).

Obama speaks out against hate at National Prayer Breakfast

The President said,“But no matter what we choose to believe, let us remember that there is no religion whose central tenet is hate. There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know.”
"When will he speak out for the personhood of the unborn? Such hypocrisy is staggering. How does he sleep at night?
Read Tom McFeely's editorial at the NC Register, Deacon Keith Fournier at Catholic Online.

"Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it"

George Weigel recently found that the youth of Poland have forgotten their greatest legacy, Pope John Paul and Lech Walensa's Solidarity Movement. This is shocking considering that they owe their freedom today to their sacrifice and courageous activism.
Read the entire article at Catholic Exchange.
When I went to Poland in 1987, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Gorbachev and Reagan were talking peace. Millions of Poles packed churches spilling out into churchyards, kneeling on the frozen cobblestones, praying. Their churches were festooned in the colors of the Vatican, and the motto "Totus Tuus". They knew the name of their deliverer, and his means, his Marian consecration and the powerful intercession of Our Lady of Czestochowa.
Pray for them Black Madonna, that they may remember you before it is too late.

The troops in Iraq celebrating Christmas;pray for them

Feast of the Immaculate Conception hour of grace

Acknowledgments: A Very special Thank you to the Felician Sisters in general who printed this story in their "AVE MARIA" magazine and who so graciously translated this story from Polish into English in order to comply with the request of the Blessed Virgin Mary that this message be sent throughout the world.
During the period of November 24, 1946 to December 8, 1947, the Blessed Mother appeared to Sister Pierrina in a little church in Montichiari, Italy, eleven times.
On the first appearance the Blessed Mother told Sister Pierrina that She wanted to be known as the 'Mystical Rose' and that an hour of grace should be kept at noon, December 8th in all the Catholic Churches of the world. The Blessed Mother wanted this to be known through all of Italy and the entire world.It was November 16, 1947 when Sister Pierrina was finishing her thanksgiving after Holy Communion when she saw a great light. She then saw a vision of the Blessed Mother as the 'Mystical Rose'.Sister was so deeply moved by the stunning beauty of Our Lady that she began talking to Her. All of a sudden a gentle force made her kneel down in front of Our Lady. The Blessed Mother spoke these words.
"My Son is greatly offended by the sins of impurity. He is already planning to end the deluge upon the people, for their destruction, but I have asked him to show mercy and not send the destruction. So that is why I have appeared to ask for penance and atonement for the sins of impurity."Then the Blessed Mother asked for an Act of Humility by Sister Pierrina. She asked her to make the sign of the cross with her tongue on each of the stones in the Sanctuary. "This shall be a reminder to the people that I have appeared here and do not have the people step on those stones."The Blessed Mother then stepped on each of the stones so that Her gown touched all four stones.
On the 22nd of November, Sister Pierrina felt the overwhelming urge to go to Church at 4:00. The Mother Superior, four Sisters and a group of friends accompanied her. They were all saying the Rosary when the Blessed Mother appeared as before.She instructed Sister Pierrina to make the sign of the cross on the stones and fence them off so that no one would step on them.Again Our Lady asked for penance. She said, "Penance is nothing more than accepting all our crosses daily willingly. No matter how small, accept them with love. "At this time, she told sister Pierrina to come again on December 8th at noon. "This will be My Hour of Grace.". The Sister asked how she was to prepare for this Hour of Grace? To which the Blessed Mother said, "With Prayers and Penance. Pray the 51st Psalm with outstretched arms three times.
During the Hour of Grace, many spiritual graces would be granted. The most hard-hearted sinners will be touched by the grace of God."The Blessed Virgin promised that whatever a person asked Her for during this Hour of Grace (even in impossible cases) would be granted to them, if it was in accordance with the will of the Eternal Father.
It was December 7th when Sister Pierrina felt the urge to go to Church. This time she was accompanied by the Priest and the Mother Superior.The Blessed Mother appeared with a young boy and girl dressed in beautiful white clothing. Sister Pierrina was sure these little ones were angels because they were so beautiful.The Blessed Mother said, "Tomorrow I will show you My Immaculate Heart which is so little known among the people." She asked people to pray for Russia."
There are so many people being held prisoners which their families know nothing of because they have been gone for so many years. Pray for the conversion of Russia, the suffering of the soldiers and their sacrifices and martyrdom will bring peace to Italy.The little children are Francisco and Jacinta. I am giving them to you as your companions. You will have much to suffer for My sake. I want simplicity and goodness from you as of these little children." The Blessed Mother then blessed Sister Pierrina, the Priest and all those who were gathered there.

On the morning of December 8th people began arriving at the little Church at 8:00 in the morning from neighboring towns. By noon, some 10,000 people had gathered to see the Blessed Mother, many of whom had to stand outside because the Church did not have enough room for the large crowd.Sister Pierrina was accompanied to Church by her Mother and Brothers, the Mother Superior and the Chief of Police from Montichiari. Sister was reciting the Rosary with the crowd in the middle of the Church. Suddenly a brilliant white light appeared from the ceiling. Stairs were coming from the light down to the floor of the Church about fifteen feet in length.The staircase was beautifully decorated with red, white and yellow roses. The Blessed Virgin appeared so radiant, dressed in white, with Her Hands folded. She was standing on a splendid carpet at the top of the stairs made of the red, white and yellow roses.In the most gentle and loving voice, Our Lady smiled and began to speak. "I am the Immaculate Conception, the Mother of all graces and the Mother of my Beloved Son, Jesus. I want to be known as the Mystical Rose. My wish is that every year on the 8th of December at noon an 'Hour of Grace' will be installed. Many spiritual graces and physical blessings will be received by those who pray undisturbed during this hour." Then slowly she began to ascend the staircase gracefully scattering roses as She went along until She reached midway of the staircase. Here again the Blessed Mother spoke, "I am very happy to see this great demonstration of Faith."Sister Pierrina asked for many of the sinners to be forgiven. The Blessed Mother replied. "My Divine Son will show his Greatest Mercy as much as the people will pray for them. I want this to be known and told to Pope Pius XII. Tell him I want him to install the 'Hour of Grace' throughout the whole world and even for those who are not able to go to Church during this time, can obtain this grace in their homes at noon time."She also asked that a Statue be made and placed on the spot where she stood.
This should be called the 'Rosa Mystica' and carried in procession through the town at which time many graces will be given and cures will take place. Then the Statue is to be returned to the Church.Our Lady prayed for the sick, some will be cured others not. Many men, women and children were cured at that very instant.A twenty-six year old woman who could not say a word for nine months, suddenly began shouting, "I see Her. I see the Blessed Virgin." An eighteen year old girl with ulcers was instantly cured. A five year old boy who had been paralyzed was told by the Blessed Mother, "Come to Me, you will be walking now." He was placed on the Blessed Stones and was able to walk.There were three others who were very sick and were immediately cured. But of course, the greatest miracles taking place were those of the spiritual blessings being shed upon the people gathered in the Church.The Blessed Mother said, "This is the last time I will appear here. Pray, weep and do penance on these Stones and you will receive the care of My Motherly Heart." She then left the little Church, but because of the Unending Love of Our Heavenly Mother, She has given us the 'Hour of Grace' to be spread through the entire world. She had given all the opportunity to demonstrate our love and trust to Her and to help make reparation for the grievous sins offending Her Beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

REQUEST OF BLESSED MOTHER FOR THE HOUR OF GRACE1. Day and time of Hour of Grace - December 8th Feast of the Immaculate Conception - to be started at 12 noon and will continue until 1 PM (one full hour of prayer)
2. During this hour the person making the 'Hour of Grace' either at home or in the Church must put away all distractions (do not answer the telephone or answer any doors or do anything but totally concentrate on your union with God during this Special Hour of Grace)
3. Begin the Hour of Grace by praying three times the 51st Psalm with outstretched arms. Psalm 51 can be found below.
4. The rest of the Hour of Grace may be spent in silent communication with God meditating upon the Passion of Jesus saying the Holy Rosary, praising God in your own way or by using favorite prayers, singing hymns, meditating upon other Psalms, etc.Please distribute this message to as many people as you can. Remember to pray for your country during this hour. The Blessed Mother has requested that Her message be sent throughout the entire world. Please help the Blessed Virgin Mary to fulfill Her Mission well ... that all souls be drawn to God and that Jesus will be loved in every heart. This is the Perpetual song of her Heart. Let it also be ours.
Psalm 51
1For the leader. A psalm of David,
2when Nathan the prophet came to him after his affair with Bathsheba.3Have mercy on me, God, in your goodness; in your abundant compassion blot out my offense.4Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me.5For I know my offense; my sin is always before me.6Against you alone have I sinned; I have done such evil in your sight That you are just in your sentence, blameless when you condemn.7True, I was born guilty, a sinner, even as my mother conceived me.8Still, you insist on sincerity of heart; in my inmost being teach me wisdom.9Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure; wash me, make me whiter than snow.10Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.11Turn away your face from my sins; blot out all my guilt.12A clean heart create for me, God; renew in me a steadfast spirit.13Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.14Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit.15I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.16Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.17Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.184 For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.19My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.205 Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure; rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.21Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice, burnt offerings and holocausts; then bullocks will be offered on your altar.
HT A Catholic Mom in Hawaii