The One True Faith : Mary and the Eucharist

A Great Catholic Quote!

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"When I was born, my mother laid me on a bed of straw, and I desire no better pallet when I die, asking only to be in the state of grace and worthy of salvation."

-- Anton Slomsek, Austrian Bishop.

July ~ ~ Catholics Honor the Precious Blood of Jesus

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The Chaplet of the Precious Blood

This devotion focuses on seven mysteries on which to meditate on the seven main sheddings of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. It is broken down into into 7 groups that contain 33 beads which honor our Lord's 33 years of life here on earth.

The Our Father is said five times after each mystery except the last, when it is said three times. When finished, 33 Our Fathers are said honoring Christ's life.  While praying this devotion, you are asked to meditate on each of the seven bloodsheddings of Jesus.

Mystery 1

Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision.
Let us ask for chastity of soul and body.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 2


Jesus shed His Blood whilst praying in the Garden of Olives.
Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 3


Jesus shed His Blood in the scourging.
Let us ask for the grace of mortification.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 4


Jesus shed His Blood in the crowning with thorns.
Let us ask for contempt of worldly honors.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 5


Jesus shed His Blood while carrying His cross.
Let us ask for patience.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 6


Jesus shed His Blood in the crucifixion.
Let us ask for contrition for our sins.

Say the Our Father... 5 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Mystery 7


Jesus shed His Blood and water when His side was pierced.
Let us ask for the grace of perseverance.

Say the Our Father... 3 times.

Say the following prayer:

"Incline unto my aid, O God. O Lord, make haste to help me."

Say the Glory Be... 1 time.

Say the following prayer:

V. "We beseech You, Lord, help Your servants."
R. "Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood."

Conclude this devotion with this final prayer:


Eternal Father,
I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ
in satisfaction for my sins,
for the needs of Holy Church
and for the relief of the souls in purgatory.

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help ~ ~ June 27th

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Today Catholics honor Our Lady of Perpetual Help (Succour).  The original images of her are painted in the Byzantine style and illustrates our Blessed Mother of God holding her Divine Child, Jesus.  The Archangels Michael and Gabriel are presenting Jesus, Our Lord with the instruments of His Passion.  In Greek, are the names Mother of God, Jesus Christ, Archangel Michael, and Archangel Gabriel.

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favored by God.
You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer but the Mother of the redeemed as well.
We come to you today as your loving children.
Watch over us and take care of us.
As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms.
Be a mother ready at every moment to help us.
For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and His mercy is from age to age on those who love Him.
Our greatest fear is that in time of temptation, we may fail to call out to you, and become lost children. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help

~ ~ From the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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The Message of the Icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help
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The child Jesus has just seen the angels who have shown him the instruments of his passion. St. Michael the Archangel holds the lance and gall-sop. St. Gabriel the Archangel holds the Cross and the nails. Frightened by the sight, Jesus has run to his mother’s arms so quickly that he almost lost one of His tiny sandals. It dangles from his foot. Mary holds Him lovingly but her eyes look at us - pleading with us to avoid sin and love Her Son.  His hands are in hers to show that, as a child, Jesus placed Himself in Mary’s hands for protection and to remind us that He now has placed into Her hands all graces, to be given to those who turn to His mother and ask.  The star on Mary’s veil shows her to be the one who brought the light of Christ to the darkened world - the beacon that leads the way to Heaven.  The falling sandal symbolizes a soul clinging to Christ by one last thread--devotion to Mary.  The golden background is symbolic of Heaven and shines to show the heavenly joy Jesus and His mother can bring to tired human hearts.

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Front of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Scottsdale, Arizona

When I lived in Scottsdale, Arizona in the late '80s, I was so fortunate to be able to send my daughter to Kindergarten at this wonderful Catholic school.  She had the most incredible education with a Catholic foundation.  Sadly, I could not send her to OLPH after her first year enrolled as my husband left me and abandoned my two children.  Without the funds and far too much pride to take charity from the Church, my daughter left the halls of OLPH to attend first grade in public school where both of my children completed their pre-university years.  Both my daughter and I were heart-broken over the move to a different school, but the Lord and Our Lady continued to help and take care of us and her little brother. We never once felt alone or abandoned.  We always felt safe and protected and watched over.  I feel the same today!  Our beautiful Catholic faith, the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Mother, and all of the angels and saints were (and are) with us each and every day that we were a broken family.  The Lord sent me a most loving man who raised my children as if they were his own.  Never lose the faith my friends!

Prayer to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

O Mother of Perpetual Help,
grant that I may ever invoke thy most powerful name,
which is the safeguard of the living and the salvation of the dying.
O Purest Mary, O Sweetest Mary, let thy name henceforth be ever on my lips.
Delay not, O Blessed Lady, to help me whenever I call on thee,
for, in all my needs, in all my temptations I shall never cease to call on thee,
ever repeating thy sacred name, Mary, Mary.

O what consolation, what sweetness,
what confidence, what emotion fill my soul
when I pronounce thy sacred name, or even only think of thee.
I thank God for having given thee, for my good,
so sweet, so powerful, so lovely a name.
But I will not be content with merely pronouncing thy name:
let my love for thee prompt me ever to hail thee,
Mother of Perpetual Help.

Amen.

The Feast and Devotion To The Sacred Heart of Jesus

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The Feast of the Sacred Heart falls nineteen (19) days after Pentecost Sunday, and is usually celebrated in June, thus the reason to Catholics, the month of June is celebrated as the Month of the Sacred Heart.  Catholics are asked to pray to the Sacred Heart daily during June.

Sacred Heart of Jesus

Where your treasure lies there will you find your heart.

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

in your wounds I find my consolation,

in your pierced heart I find a companion for my sorrows.

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

in your heart's joy I find my contentment,

in your purity I find my hope.

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

in the radiant light streaming from your heart my blindness disappears,

in your fiery love I am ablaze with awe.

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

in your humiliation I can bear scorn from others,

in your longings I am fulfilled.

O most Sacred Heart of Jesus,

in the blood and water which gushed forth from your lanced heart I am reborn in you, 

you refresh my very being.

Forever beating in the love of the Holy Trinity is found your human heart,

authoring life and radiating eternal affection.

Would that I could find God's treasure,

it would be found in a humble and contrite heart.

You by your divinity know all things divine and

by your humanity you feel all things human.

By the mystery of your Sacred Heart,

you have united man to yourself forever.

Hold back nothing from me that could draw me

more completely into the deepest recesses of your heart.

Whether peace or distress, bliss or grief,

I accept all as an invitation to know you and love you more profoundly.

O Lord perfect me in your love, confirm me in your grace

and take delight in the richness of my surrender.

Where your treasure lies there will you find my heart.

Amen

Blessings!

Catholics Support All Human Life and Dignity!

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Greetings again for this day!

Please consider looking into the following web-site which supports all aspects of human life from conception to death. Why? This is what our Catholic faith believes!!!

Here is the link for you:

Whole Life Ethic

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Blessings!

A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan

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Have you ever wondered where to begin to discover some of the BEST Catholic references and/or books to learn more about Our Beautiful Catholic Faith? I know that I sure have!

 There is SO MUCH that I did not learn from my Catholic school teachings, from my CCD classes when I was in public schools, and even from my parents. I am a self-educating Catholic from simply the constant reading of literature that is approved by the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Today I discovered this list from a conservative Catholic web-site linked to the Cardinal Newman Society that supports true Catholic education. I can't wait to start reading this list . . . and as the title states, it will take a LIFETIME! Why? The Holy Roman Catholic Church is rich in its treasures and beauty and it will take a lifetime and MORE, to discover Her treasures!

Here is the link for you too:

A Catholic Lifetime Reading Plan

Blessings!

Invocation To The Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Holy Card image above posted with permission from Holy Cards For Your Inspiration

Another wonderful short prayer that Catholics should pray often during their day is this little prayer that follows which was written back in the 17th century by St. Margaret Mary Alocoque whose visions of Jesus were the inspiration for the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Invocation to the Sacred Heart

O Heart of love, 
I put all my trust in Thee; 
for I fear all things from my own weakness, 
but I hope for all things from Thy goodness. 

Amen.

Blessings!!

Prayer For the Help of The Sacred Heart

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Another powerful prayer that Catholics can recite is the following prayer in which we request the help of the Sacred Heart, more specifically we ask our Lord to remove any and all of our human shortcomings and failures that prevent us from living a full Catholic Christina life.

For the Help of the Sacred Heart

Take away, O my Jesus, 

the blindness of my heart, that I may know Thee; 

take away the hardness of my heart, that I may fear Thee; 

take away the coldness of my heart, 

that I may resist everything that is contrary to Thy will; 

take away its heavy, earthly sluggishness and selfishness, 

that I may be capable of heroic sacrifice for Thy glory, 

and for the souls whom Thou has redeemed 

with Thy own most precious blood. 

Amen.

Blessings!

The Memorare to The Sacred Heart

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Yet again is another beautiful Catholic prayer that we know as a "memorare" in which we ask our Lord to recall or remember something.  In this Memorare to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we ask Him to look not at our sins but to hear our request for a special favor.

Memorare to the Sacred Heart

Remember, O most sweet Jesus, 

that no one who has had recourse to Thy Sacred Heart, 

implored its help, or sought its mercy was ever abandoned. 

Encouraged with confidence, O tenderest of hearts, 

we present ourselves before Thee, 

crushed beneath the weight of our sins. 

In our misery, O Sacred Heart of Jesus, 

despise not our simple prayers, 

but mercifully grant our requests. 

Amen.

Blessings!

Prayer to The Sacred Heart

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Holy Card reprinted with loving permission from 'Holy Cards for Your Inspiration' blog (see sidebar)

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Here is another beautiful prayer to The Sacred Heart of Jesus written by St. Gertrude the Great, who was a Benedictine nun and mystic (1256-1302).  In this we ask Jesus to conform our hearts and will to His Heart and Will.
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Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Hail!   O Sacred Heart of Jesus, 

living and quickening source of eternal life, 

infinite treasure of the Divinity, 

and burning furnace of divine love. 

Thou art my refuge and my sanctuary, O my amiable Savior. 

Consume my heart with that burning fire with which Thine is ever inflamed. 

Pour down on my soul those graces which flow from Thy love, 

and let my heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, 

and mine in all things, be conformed to Thine. 

May Thy divine will be equally the standard 

and rule of all my desires and of all my actions. 

Amen.

Blessings!

More June Prayers for Devotion to The Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Here is another little prayer that is easy to put to memory in order to pray several times a day, especially whenever we come across and/or see a picture or statue of our Lord's Sacred Heart.

Aspiration to the Sacred Heart

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved in every place.

Blessings!

JUNE! The Month Catholics Pray To The Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Catholics pray during each day of June various prayers to our Lord's Sacred Heart.  Here is a very simple prayer that can be memorized in order to be recited frequently throughout the day.

Sweet Heart of Jesus

Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may ever love Thee more.

Our Lord told us to pray without ceasing and constantly.  This is one way we can keep our thoughts ever-present on Him!
Blessings!

God's Beauty Reflected in My Gardens!

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Our God is a most loving God, and is the creator of all things! That is exactly why I am in utter AWE with the breathtaking, literally breathtaking, beauty of nature that surrounds me. I try my best to work alongside with what God has given me to create a little paradise here on earth, constantly remembering that everything, all the way down to the soil and organisms, is from our loving, heavenly Father! I have always loved beautiful things, but most especially I love the beauty found in natural, living things. My God knows this about me and gives me these beautiful, precious reminders of His Glory on a simple and daily basis. I am ever so grateful!

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Here is just a glimpse of what He gave me to see and enjoy in my gardens this spring. I hope that you enjoy them too and gain a sense of AWE when considering how beautiful and loving our Father in Heaven is for giving us this beauty around us!

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The bleeding hearts have just taken over the shady part of my gardens this spring after establishing themselves for five years! So abundant in blooms!

Who can resist staring and glaring at the vivid lavender and purple colors of the Eastern redbud trees that flash in front of us every spring? This year the lavish winter rains really helped the bloom development!

I just planted these gorgeous blue and white iris last fall and have simply been taken back by their beauty. I think of our Blessed Mother Mary every time I look at these blue darlings!

And for a last minute flash of fuscia, hot pink color, here's my clematis that joyfully opens every spring. Just incredible! God is so beautiful in all His creations, isn't He? I have so many more photos and glimpses of His beauty around me and will certainly share them with you as time goes by.

I hope and pray that you enjoy the beauty around you that God has blessed you with! He loves us so much!

Blessings!

Catholics Should Sing Hymns Reflecting Our Faith Alone

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Here's a superb video from "The Vortex" that really educated me further about our Catholic faith. I had no idea what the words of "Amazing Grace" meant in certain parts. I am so grateful for this enlightenment!

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Blessings!

Pentecost - The Coming of The Holy Spirit, Third Person of The Trinity

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As Catholics, we celebrate the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles fifty days after our Lord's Resurrection into Heaven. For Catholics, Pentecost is very important and during Mass, priests wear red vestments which symbolize tongues of fire and the love of the Holy Spirit. At present it is of equal rank with Easter Sunday.

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An interesting custom that takes place in my mother country of Italy is the scattering of rose leaves from the ceilings and alcoves of Catholic Churches which symbolize the miracle of the tongues of fire descending on Mary and the Apostles. Thus, the name of Pentecost Sunday is also known as "Pascha Rosatum" in Italy. The name in Italian refers to the red vestments worn by priests.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church instructs that when the Easter season of seven weeks is complete, "Christ's Passover is fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given, and communicated as a divine person: of his fullness, Christ, the Lord, pours out the Spirit in abundance".

On that day, the Holy Trinity is fully revealed. Since that day, the Kingdom announced by Christ has been open to those who believe in him: in the humility of the flesh and in faith, they already share in the communion of the Holy Trinity. By his coming, which never ceases, the Holy Spirit causes the world to enter into the "last days," the time of the Church, the Kingdom already inherited though not yet consummated (732).

We have seen the true Light, we have received the heavenly Spirit, we have found the true faith: we adore the indivisible Trinity, who has saved us (123).

God is Love and love is his first gift, containing all others. God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us (733; 124-125).

Because we are dead or at least wounded through sin, the first effect of the gift of love is the forgiveness of our sins. The communion of the Holy Spirit 126 in the Church restores to the baptized the divine likeness lost through sin (734).

He, then, gives us the "pledge" or "first fruits" of our inheritance: the very life of the Holy Trinity, which is to love as "God [has] loved us." 127 This love (the "charity" of 1 Cor 13) is the source of the new life in Christ, made possible because we have received "power" from the Holy Spirit (753; 128).

By this power of the Spirit, God's children can bear much fruit. He who has grafted us onto the true vine will make us bear "the fruit of the Spirit: . . . love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." 129 "We live by the Spirit"; the more we renounce ourselves, the more we "walk by the Spirit" (736; 130).

Through the Holy Spirit we are restored to paradise, led back to the Kingdom of heaven, and adopted as children, given confidence to call God "Father" and to share in Christ's grace, called children of light and given a share in eternal glory (131)

The mission of Christ and the Holy Spirit is brought to completion in the Church, which is the Body of Christ and the Temple of the Holy Spirit. This joint mission henceforth brings Christ's faithful to share in his communion with the Father in the Holy Spirit. The Spirit prepares men and goes out to them with his grace, in order to draw them to Christ. The Spirit manifests the risen Lord to them, recalls his word to them and opens their minds to the understanding of his Death and Resurrection. He makes present the mystery of Christ, supremely in the Eucharist, in order to reconcile them, to bring them into communion with God, that they may "bear much fruit" (737; 132).

Thus the Church's mission is not an addition to that of Christ and the Holy Spirit, but is its sacrament: in her whole being and in all her members, the Church is sent to announce, bear witness, make present, and spread the mystery of the communion of the Holy Trinity (738).

All of us who have received one and the same Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit, are in a sense blended together with one another and with God. For if Christ, together with the Father's and his own Spirit, comes to dwell in each of us, though we are many, still the Spirit is one and undivided. He binds together the spirits of each and every one of us, . . . and makes all appear as one in him. For just as the power of Christ's sacred flesh unites those in whom it dwells into one body, I think that in the same way the one and undivided Spirit of God, who dwells in all, leads all into spiritual unity (133).

Because the Holy Spirit is the anointing of Christ, it is Christ who, as the head of the Body, pours out the Spirit among his members to nourish, heal, and organize them in their mutual functions, to give them life, send them to bear witness, and associate them to his self-offering to the Father and to his intercession for the whole world. Through the Church's sacraments, Christ communicates his Holy and sanctifying Spirit to the members of his Body (739).

These "mighty works of God," offered to believers in the sacraments of the Church, bear their fruit in the new life in Christ, according to the Spirit (740).

"The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with sighs too deep for words." The Holy Spirit, the artisan of God's works, is the master of prayer (134; 741).

"Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba! Father!"' (Gal 4:6) (742).

From the beginning to the end of time, whenever God sends his Son, he always sends his Spirit: their mission is conjoined and inseparable (743).

In the fullness of time the Holy Spirit completes in Mary all the preparations for Christ's coming among the People of God. By the action of the Holy Spirit in her, the Father gives the world Emmanuel "God-with-us" (Mt 1:23) (744).

The Son of God was consecrated as Christ (Messiah) by the anointing of the Holy Spirit at his Incarnation (cf. Ps 2:6-7) (745).

By his Death and his Resurrection, Jesus is constituted in glory as Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). From his fullness, he poured out the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the Church (746).

The Holy Spirit, whom Christ the head pours out on his members, builds, animates, and sanctifies the Church. She is the sacrament of the Holy Trinity's communion with men (747).

Blessings!

Catholics Themselves Need To Be Evangelized!

Hello dear friends in Christ!

Throughout my life, I can say that there definitely have been periods of time when my faith was weak, when I didn't know the tenants of the Catholic faith as well as I do now, where I haven't practiced my faith, and more. I don't think that I am alone in this behavior. I believe, as illustrated in this version of "The Vortex", that this was because I didn't KNOW my faith because I wasn't TAUGHT my faith, at least completely.

Although I attended Catholic school and also attended Catechism classes while in public school, I was easily caught up in what I thought would make me happy in the "world". I'm not going to be a liar and a hypocrite and say that I don't like nice 'things' anymore, because I still do. I just know that I don't need everything or more of anything but rather know that I need GOD and His Church here on earth for my lasting happiness.

I know that I have family members and friends in the Catholic Church who do not practice their faith in accordance with the Magesterium and who've asked why I know so much more about the faith than they do. My response is that "I taught myself by pouring through Church approved books . . . and can say that it has been, is, and hopefully always will be a daily prayer to strengthen my Catholic faith. So the Holy Spirit has led me to the information that I need to read and learn from. And I am SO GRATEFUL. I also pray for those in my life who have either drifted from or who are weak in the practice of their Catholic Faith. This video validates what I have felt. Do you know other Catholics who need to be evangelized in our very own Catholic faith?

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Blessings!

More Reasons To Be Catholic

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This is SIMPLY Beautiful and I encourage you to view this video on being Catholic and to share it with others!
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Blessings!

A Beautiful New Catholic Blog To Visit!

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Just recently one of my dear Catholic blogging friends has informed me about a new blog resource for my readers to discover. The name of the blog is "A Blessing To Read". Micki, my friend, is kindly posting daily e-mail messages from a devotee of the Blessed Sacrament in a permanent venue to read through a new blog. I have visited the blog and find it to be very inspirational and will have a new link for it on my sidebar. I hope that you take the time to visit and to leave a comment or two!

Here's a direct link for "A Blessing To Read":

http://www.ablessingtoread.blogspot.com

Blessings!

Beautiful Catholic Podcasts For Your Daily Commute And Spiritual Growth!!

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Hello to all my dear friends in Christ Jesus,

I may never have mentioned this on my blogs, but I have a 3-hour daily commute to work (one and a half hours each way). Now, you're probably thinking that this is a complete and total waste of God's time that he as blessed me with. Quite honestly, it is quite a good time for me to spend with the Lord and our Lady in prayer. I drive a fairly fuel-efficient Honda Civic that we lovingly call our "Iddy Biddy Blue" car. I have my Rosary hanging from the rear-view mirror and it is one of the first things that I see each morning as I embark upon my day.

I usually begin my driving time with my morning prayers and follow the recommended prayers of adoration, prayers of gratitude, prayers for forgiveness, and finally prayers for requests. After this good morning hello to God, I proceed to say my Rosary. I may stop through a drive-through to pick up a cup of caffeine so that I don't fall asleep driving.

Then I plug in my earbuds from my handy-dandy little iPod and listen to my downloaded Catholic podcasts. The iPod is truly a wonderful technical innovation and tool that has helped me to learn more about and to strengthen my Catholic Faith! I am so grateful for this blessing of a gadget in my time-crunched schedule. Without it, three hours of simply driving would definitely be an absolute and complete waste of God's precious resource of time!

So I thought it would be nice to share the names of the Catholic podcasts from which I receive spiritual and Catholic nourishment. I found all of these through iTunes which you need to sign up for a free membership online. Several of these on my list below have not podcasted in a few years, but they had already been downloaded onto my iPod and I never deleted them. There may also be some new Catholic podcasts out there either on iTunes or elsewhere that I'm not aware of or didn't find interesting enough to listen to after a couple of episodes. You have to be your own judge of what you want to listen to for your own spiritual needs and growth in our beautiful Catholic faith.

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Here's my list of Catholic Podcasts that I listen to:

American Catholic Radio

The BreadCast

Catholic Answers Live

Catholic Bible Boot Camp

Catholic Exchange's Rock Solid

Catholic Forum

Catholic Music Express

Catholic Podcasts Ministry

Catholic Praise Cast

Catholic Radio International

Catholic Sound Insight Radio Daily

Catholic Spotlight

ChantCast

ChristLife: We Have Been Sent

Daily Bread - Catholic Reflections

Daily Readings from the New American Bible

Divine Office - Liturgy of the Hours

Dr. James Dobbins - Catholic Apologetics

EWTN's Audio Library

Into The Deep

Our Catholic Life

Pray-As-You-Go

Pray-As-You-Go's Review of The Day

Prayer Reflection with Father James Kubicki

Relevant Answers with John Salza

The SaintCast

Verbum Domini

I hope you comment back and let me know what you think of these and if you also have any recommendations for other great Catholic Podcasts that are not on this list! I would really appreciate that!

Blessings to each of you!

May 14th: First Day of Novena to the Holy Spirit

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Catholics are blessed with a wonderful array of beautiful prayers during which we publicly and privately speak to our Lord directly and/or to our beautiful Blessed Mother and the saints and angels for their "intersession" to pray along with us to the Lord and Heavenly Father. And one of the prayers that we traditionally recite are "novenas". The Latin word, novena, means 'nine' and so Catholic pray novenas for a series of nine days in order to receive special graces, to implore special favors, or to pray for special petitions. Many novenas are available to pray for various intentions and can be prayed privately at home or publicly in church or at chapel. We believe that God sees us giving Him greater devotion.

The oldest and only official Catholic Church prescribed novena honor the Holy Spirit and was first directed to the apostles by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ Himself! Jesus instructed his disciples to go to Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit to come to them, which is the first Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. The Novena to the Holy Spirit starts the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.

Here are nine easy steps on how to proceed with a Novena:

1. Decide on an intention, whether very specific or general, that is important to you or someone important in your life. If there are prayers and intentions of your local Church, priests, Bishops, or even the Pope, you may also pray for those petitions.

2. Pray the novena at a set time each day so that you always remember when you're going to say it.

3. Decide in advance which of the novenas that you will pray.

4. Recite each of the prayers required, while all the while stating your intention.

5. Repeat Step 4 for nine days straight.

6. Say novenas whenever and as often as you wish for your own intentions and others.

7. Be GRATEFUL even if your intention hasn't been answered immediately. Trust that God hears and listens to each of our prayers, and sometimes doesn't give us what we are praying for (I'd say add that He knows better than we do what is good for us and others!). You can always say the novena again for that particular intention.

8. Be open to hear God especially if it's something you might not want to know or hear.

9. Inform others about novenas and tell them how they help you in your life and spiritual journey of faith development.

THE NOVENA TO THE HOLY SPIRIT FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS

OUR FATHER

Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

HAIL MARY

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death Amen.

GLORY BE TO THE FATHER

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. (Recited 7 times daily during the Novena)

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (To be recited daily during the Novena)

On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant hears." Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (To be recited daily during the Novena)

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension or Friday of 6th Week of Easter)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Spirit

Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin· Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helped our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asked for us."

Prayer:

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter)

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!

The Gift of Fear

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls."

Prayer:

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter or transferred Ascension)

Thou, of all consoler’s best, Visiting the troubled breast, Does refreshing peace bestow.

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor.

Prayer:

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.

The Gift of Fortitude

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved."

Prayer:

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter)

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill!

The Gift of Knowledge

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesses it."

Prayer:

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter)

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Prayer:

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)

Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away.

The Gift of Counsel

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth."

Prayer:

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter)

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray!

The Gift of Wisdom

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.

Prayer:

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them forever. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost)

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign.

Prayer:

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE.

Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.

Act of Consecration,

Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Blessings!