Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Thank you, Blessed Mother for loving us and for teaching us how to pray.

COLLECT for Today’s Mass

GRANT US, O MERCIFUL GOD, protection in our weakness,
that we who keep the Memorial of the Immaculate Mother of God, may, with the help of her intercession,
rise up from our iniquities.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes

O IMMACULATE Virgin Mary, you are the refuge of sinners, the health of the sick, and the comfort of the afflicted. By your appearances at the Grotto of Lourdes, you made it a privileged sanctuary where your favors are given to people streaming to it from all over the world. Over the years, countless sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities—whether of soul, mind, or body. Therefore, I come with limitless confidence to implore your motherly intercession.

Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests.
Through gratitude for your favors,
I will endeavor to imitate your virtues,
that I may one day share your glory.

 Amen.

Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord into Heaven

My St Patrick's Day Montage

I created this in honor of St Patrick. For a translation of the haunting Ag Criost an Siol the second song on the montage, click here.

Last year's celebration of the Solemnity of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

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

Sometimes it helps to remember Who's in charge of the world

A blessed feast of Christ the King to all of you.
Here's an excellent post on the feast day.
Que vive Cristo Rex!

"The New Manna" by Fr. John McCartney

On the East End of Long Island in the years 2000-2004, I had the privilege of attending a special First Friday Mass and Benediction for homeschoolers said by Fr. McCartney.
His homilies were always memorable; Fr. McCartney, though fresh from his ordination in 1999 had a knowledge of Catholic history, ardent love for Christ and the Church, and a gift for storytelling that made his homilies mesmerizing for adults and children alike.
I told him he should have his own show on EWTN, and I hope he does; read this for an example of his gift of making the most eternal of truths understandable, without diminishing their glory.
This is his first column in The Long Island Catholic, on the origins of the Feast of Corpus Christi which we celebrate this Sunday, and I hope it will be only one of many.
HT The Long Island Catholic
Here is my other post about Fr. McCartney, a Catholic hero.

Veni Creator Spiritus: Pentecost

This chant which we are learning in my home for my daugher to sing in the Traditional Mass, is one which we sing in honor of the birthday of the Church, Pentecost.

1 Veni Creátor Spíritus,Méntes tuórum vísita:

Imple supérna grátia,Quæ tu creásti péctora.

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator come,From Thy bright heavenly throne!Come, take posession of our souls,And make them all Thine own!

2 Qui díceris Paráclitus,Altíssimi dónum Déi,Fons vivus, ignis, cáritas,Et spiritális únctio. Thou who art called the Paraclete,Best Gift of God above,The Living Spring, the Living Fire,Sweet Unction, and True Love!

3 Tu septifórmis múnere,Dígitus Patérnæ déxteræ,Tu rite promíssum Pátris,Sermóne ditans gúttura.
Thou who art seven-fold in Thy grace,Finger of God's right Hand,His promise, teaching little onesTo speak and understand!

4 Accénde lúmen sénsibus,Infúnde amórem córdibus,

Infírma nóstri córporisVirtúte fírmans pérpeti.
O guide our minds with Thy blest light,With love our hearts inflame,And with Thy strength which ne'er decaysConfirm our mortal frame.

5 Hóstem repéllas lóngius,Pacémque dónes prótinus:

Ductóre sic te prævio,Vitémus ómne nóxium.
Far from us drive our hellish foe,True peace unto us bring, And through all perils guide us safeBeneath Thy sacred wing.

6 Per te sciámus da Pátrem,Noscámus atque Fílium,

Téque utriúsque SpíritumCredámus ómni témpore.
Through Thee may we the Father know,Through Thee the Eternal Son,And Thee the Spirit of them BothThrice-blessed Three in One.

7 Déo Pátri sit glória,Et Fílio, qui a mórtuisSurréxit,

ac Paráclito,In sæculórum sæcula.
All glory to the Father be,And to the risen Son;The same to Thee, O Paraclete,While endless ages run.

The Divine Mercy Novena

Began on Good Friday, and continues until Divine Mercy Sunday. Click here for details and instructions.

If ever our country needed the Divine Mercy, it does today.

Please pray for our nation to make a wise choice in November's election.

Happy St. Patrick's Day my montage Beautiful Ireland

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We're celebrating St. Patrick on Friday this year

It's the first time since 1940 the Church has had to move up the good saint's feast day so that it doesn't fall in Holy Week. St. Patrick's Day is to be celebrated on March 14, my daughter Christina's 6th birthday. She won't mind, she has my Irish Grandma giving her a touch of Irish blood, and we have always planned her party for the day of the town St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Enjoy my montage Beautiful Ireland in honor of St. Patrick.

Blessed Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord

You can celebrate with the Holy Father by watching his mass on EWTN today.

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God

I heard an excellent homily on today's Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God, and have posted on it at Mount Carmel Catholic Bloggers. Go over there and see the stunning photos of Christmas in Rome with the Holy Father. I can't believe I'll be seeing him this spring in New York City. It certainly will be a Happy New Year!

Our Ladyof Guadalupe, Patroness of the Church Militant

by Fr. Tom Euteneuer

The apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe which occurred in Mexico in 1531 were an evangelization experience unsurpassed in all of Church history with the possible exception of the Day of Pentecost. December 12th marks the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, who I believe can be titled Patroness of the Church Militant. I say this because, in that experience, she brought together all of the elements of a spiritual army that conquered what was then a total culture of death; if she could overcome the evil forces that directed the massacre of thousands of innocent human beings in 16th Century Mexico, we can be assured that she can repeat that victory for our modern day culture of death and dethrone the abortion demon from his altar of sacrifice.

Read the entire article at Catholic Exchange.

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

Here's the traditional version of the hymn with vocals, and here is just the organ. Click on the link which says "listen" to hear the hymn.

Happy feast of St. Cecelia, patroness of music.

For the beauty of the earth

For the beauty of the earth,

for the beauty of the skies,

for the love which from our birth

over and around us lies,

Refrain:Christ our God, to thee we raise

this our sacrifice of praise.

For the beauty of each hourof the day and of the night,

hill and vale, and tree and flower,

sun and moon, and stars of light,

Refrain

For the joy of ear and eye,

for the heart and brain's delight,

for the mystic harmony

linking sense to sound and sight,

Refrain

For the joy of human love,

brother, sister, parent, child,

friends on earth, and friends above,

for all gentle thoughts and mild,

Refrain

For each perfect gift of thine

to our race so freely given,

graces human and divine,

flowers of earth and buds of heaven,

Refrain

For thy Bride that evermore

lifteth holy hands above,

offering up on every shore

this pure sacrifice of love,

Refrain

For the martyrs' crown of light,

for thy prophets' eagle eye,

for thy bold confessors' might,

for the lips of infancy,

Refrain

For thy virgins' robes of snow,

for thy maiden Mother mild,

for thyself, with hearts aglow,

Jesus,Victim undefiled,

Refrain

Feast of St. Teresa of Avila, Doctor of the Church

For a long time, the only thing I knew about St. Teresa of Avila was the famous story:
Once, when Teresa was travelling mounted on a donkey, she slipped off, and fell into the mud. Shaking her fist at God, she asked, "why did this happen to me, Lord?!" to which Our Lord answered, "I always treat my friends this way." A petulant Teresa retorted, "then, no wonder you have so few!"
That was enough to make me like her, but I wanted to know more, and watched the wonderful series on EWTN about her life, which is showing this month. She reformed the Carmelites in Spain, which of course, made her very unpopular, as the nuns lived very comfortably and actually entertained outside guests in luxury in the convent! St. John of the Cross was her friend, having been imprisoned by his brothers as a reward for reforming his order.
These stories give me courage by reminding me that the Church has had bad times before, and that God will send us saints to see us through. Today in Rome, the Holy Father is canonizing several saints, including Theodore Guerin. Again, see the coverage on EWTN (click on the link above to watch streaming video in case your cable system, like mine, doesn't carry EWTN).
Let 's answer the universal call to holiness, and get the most important initials in the world, the St., in front of our names!

The Lyrics to "Guardian Angels" by Harpo Marx

Guardian angels around my bed
Joining me in my prayers
They hush the shadows when they dance about
They shoo away the bears

Guardian angels to comfort me
If I wake in the night
They gather all my dreams
Their halos are my light
They dry my tears
If I should weep
They tuck me in
They rouse me from my sleep

Guardian angels around my bed
Standing by till I rise
There's one with shining wings that holds my hand
And shows me Paradise

Feast of St. Augustine

Jeanne at Catholic Fire has a great post on St. Augustine, whose feast is today, as well as his mother St. Monica, whose feast day was yesterday. I wonder if these two are the only mother-son saints.
My favorite quote of St. Augustine, "our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee".
And my favorite quote about him comes from St. Ambrose, to whom St Monica often came in tears about her stubbornly sinful son, "talk to God about Augustine, not to Augustine about God". This is sage advice for those of us with family members outside the Church who will not listen to our pleas for their conversion.

Feast of the Queenship of Mary

Litany of the Queenship of Mary

Lord, have mercy.Christ, have mercy.Lord, have mercy. God the Father in Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the son, Redeemer of the world...

God the Holy Spirit...

Holy Trinity, one God...

Holy Mary, pray for us.

Holy Mother of God...

Most honored of virgins...

Chosen daughter of the Father...

Mother of Christ the Kind...

Glory of the Holy Spirit...

Virgin daughter of Zion...

Virgin poor and humble...

Virgin gentle and obedient...

Handmaid of the Lord...

Mother of the Lord...

Helper of the Redeemer...

Full of grace...

Fountain of beauty...

Model of virtue...

First fruit of the redemption...

Perfect disciple of Christ...

Untarnished image of the Church...

Woman transformed...

Woman clothed with the sun...

Woman crowned with stars...

Gentle Lady...

Gracious Lady...

Our Lady...

Joy of Israel...

Splendor of the Church...

Pride of the human race...

Advocate of grace...

Minister of holiness...

Champion of God's people...

Queen of love...

Queen of mercy...

Queen of peace...

Queen of angels...

Queen of patriarchs and prophets...

Queen of apostles and martyrs...

Queen of confessors and virgins...

Queen of all saints...

Queen conceived without original sin...

Queen assumed into heaven...

Queen of all the earth...

Queen of heaven...

Queen of the universe...

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Oremus (Let Us Pray)Father, you have given us the mother of your Son to be our queen and mother. With the support of her prayers may we come to share the glory of your children in the kingdom of heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HT Images Fotos Cofrades

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

There is a very special grace attached to Mary’s House at Ephesus, the place of the Assumption. Her Assumption gives us a glimpse of the Heaven we long for. The Assumption is about hope.

Read the entire meditation on the Feast of the Assumption at Sr Marie de Mandat-Grancey.


Learn a traditional Marian hymn with the MIDI index: Who is She Who Ascends So High?