Queen of the Most Holy Rosary

"The Rosary is a powerful weapon to put the demons to flight and to keep oneself from sin…If you desire peace in your hearts, in your homes, and in your country, assemble each evening to recite the Rosary. Let not even one day pass without saying it, no matter how burdened you may be with many cares and labors."

Pope Pius XI

Jesus and His Cross

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. "

Matthew 16:24

All Souls Mass

Daily Prayer for the Holy Souls

Immortal God, holy Lord,Father and Protector of all You have created,we raise our hearts to You today for those who have passed out of this mortal life.

In Your loving mercy, Father of all,be pleased to receive them in Your heavenly company,and forgive the failings and faults they may have done from human frailty.

Your only Son, Christ, our Savior,suffered so cruelly that He might deliver them from the second death.

By his merits may they share in the glory of His victory over sin and death.For all the faithful who have died we pray,but in particular for those dear to us,parents, relatives and friends.nor do we forget all who did good to us while on earth, who helped us by their prayers, sacrifice and example.We pray also for any who may have done us harm,and stand in special need of Your forgiveness.

May the merits and prayers of our Virgin Mother,Mary, and those of all the Angels and Saints,speak for us and assist them now.This we ask in Christ's name.

Amen.

Saint Columbanus

Grant, O Lord, that the light of your love may never be dimmed within us. Let it shine forth from our warmed hearts to comfort others in times of peace and in seasons of adversity, and in bright beams of your goodness and love may we come at last to the vision of your glory; through Christ our Lord. Amen

Saint Columbanus, protect us from floods.

Saint Christopher's Protection

Dear Saint Christopher, protect me today
in all my travels along the road's way.
Give your warning sign if danger is near
so that I may stop while the path is clear.
Be at my window
and direct me through when the vision blurs
from out of the blue.
Carry me safely to my destined place,
like you carried Christ in your close embrace.
Amen.

Saint Christopher, protect us from floods.

The Ascension

He who ascends
never ceases to go from beginning to beginning,
through a series of beginnings that never ends.
The one who ascends never ceases to desire
what he already knows.
But continually ascending,
from one desire for something newer and greater
to still another that is higher,
the soul continues its course towards the infinite,
by means of ever more upward flights.
Thus, to the one who is ascending
there comes ever more insistently a call
which leads him to rise ever more on high,
"Come, my love, my dove, hiding in the clefts of the rock."

Gregory of Nissa, Homily 8 on the Song of Songs

Take My Yoke

Come Holy Spirit

O Holy spirit of God;
Take me as Your disciple.
Guide me, illuminate me,
Sanctify me.
Bind my hands,
That they may do no evil.
Cover my eyes,
That they may see it no more.
Sanctify my heart,
That evil may not dwell within me.
You are my God.
You are my guide.
Whatsoever You forbid me,
I will renounce.
And whatsoever You commend me,
In Your strength I will do.
Lead me then
Unto the fullness of Your truth.
Amen.

In celebration of John Michael's Confirmation Day, May 22, 2011

Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle,
be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host,
by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan
and all evil spirits who wander through the world
for the ruin of souls.
Amen

Saint Joan of Arc

In the face of your enemies, in the face of harassment, ridicule, and doubt, you held firm in your faith. Even in your abandonment, alone and without friends, you held firm in your faith. Even as you faced your own mortality, you held firm in your faith. I pray that I may be as bold in my beliefs as you, St. Joan. I ask that you ride alongside me in my own battles. Help me be mindful that what is worthwhile can be won when I persist. Help me hold firm in my faith. Help me believe in my ability to act well and wisely. Amen.