November 1^st

Solemnity of All Saints

All Saints’ Day is a solemn holy day of the Catholic Church celebrated annually on November 1. The day is dedicated to the saints of the Church, that is, all those who have attained heaven. All Saints’ Day observances tend to focus on known saints –that is those recognized in the canon of the saints by the Catholic Church. All Saints’ Day is a Catholic Holy Day of Obligation, meaning all Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day. All Saints’ Day was formally started by Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated the Pantheon at Rome to the Virgin Mary and all the Martyrs on May 13 in 609 AD. Boniface IV also established All Souls’ Day, which follows All Saints.

Prayer for All Saints Day

We give you thanks, O God, for all the saints who ever worshiped you
Whether in brush arbors or cathedrals,
Weathered wooden churches or crumbling cement meeting houses
Where your name was lifted and adored.
We give you thanks, O God, for hands lifted in praise:
Manicured hands and hands stained with grease or soil,
Strong hands and those gnarled with age
Holy hands
Used as wave offerings across the land.
We thank you, God, for hardworking saints;
Whether hard-hatted or steel-booted,
Head ragged or aproned,
Blue-collared or three-piece-suited
They left their mark on the earth for you, for us, for our children to come.
Thank you, God, for the tremendous sacrifices made by those who have gone before us.
Bless the memories of your saints, God.
May we learn how to walk wisely from their examples of faith, dedication, worship, and love.

Prayer for All Saints Day

Dear God, thank you for the example of the Saints. I desire to join in their company, worshiping you forever in Heaven. Please help me follow their footsteps, and yours, Jesus Christ. Please help me to conform myself to Your image, seeking Your will in all things, as the Saints did. Please help me to devote myself, and all that I do, to Your glory, and to the service of my neighbors.
Amen.

Collect Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, by whose gift we venerate in one celebration the merits of all the Saints, bestow on us, we pray, through the prayers of so many intercessors, an abundance of the reconciliation with you for which we earnestly long. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

Petition for the Prayers of the Saints

Oh all ye saints and angels, who see Him face to face, Whom I here receive under these humble veils, and thou, most especially, ever blessed Virgin Mary, in whose sacred womb He was conceived and borne for nine months–I most humbly beg the assistance of your prayers and intercession, that I may in such a manner receive Him here in this place of banishment, as to be brought, one day, to behold Him with you in our true country, and there to praise and bless Him for ever and ever.
Amen.

Prayer

Lord, as the saints in Heaven adore You for eternity, I beg for their intercession. Saints of God, please come to my aide. Pray for me and bring to me the grace I need to live a holy life in imitation of your own lives. All saints of God, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.

Prayer for the Solemnity of All Saints

God our Father, source of all holiness, the work of your hands is manifest in your saints, the beauty of your truth is reflected in their faith. May we who aspire to have part in their joy be filled with the Spirit that blessed their lives, so that having shared their faith on earth we may also know their peace in your kingdom. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer in Praise of the Saints

How shining and splendid are your gifts, O Lord
which you give us for our eternal well-being
Your glory shines radiantly in your saints, O God
In the honour and noble victory of the martyrs.
The white-robed company follow you,
bright with their abundant faith;
They scorned the wicked words of those with this world’s power.
For you they sustained fierce beatings, chains, and torments,
they were drained by cruel punishments.
They bore their holy witness to you
who were grounded deep within their hearts;
they were sustained by patience and constancy.
Endowed with your everlasting grace,
may we rejoice forever
with the martyrs in our bright fatherland.
O Christ, in your goodness,
grant to us the gracious heavenly realms of eternal life.
Unknown author, 10th century
Prayer to the Saints and Angels Before Mass
Angels, Archangels,
Thrones, Dominions,
Principalities, Powers,
heavenly Virtues,
Cherubim and Seraphim;
all Saints of God,
holy men and women,
and especially my patrons:
intercede for me
that I may be worthy
to offer this Sacrifice to almighty God,
to the praise and glory of His name,
for my own welfare
and also that of all His holy Church.
Amen.

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, pray for us
Holy Mother of God, pray for us
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us
St. Michael, pray for us
St. Gabriel, pray for us
St. Raphael, pray for us
All you holy Angels and Archangels, pray for us
All you holy orders of blessed Spirits, pray for us
St. John the Baptist, pray for us
St. Joseph, pray for us
All you holy Patriarchs and Prophets, pray for us
St. Peter, pray for us
St. Paul, pray for us
St. Andrew, pray for us
St. James, pray for us
St. John, pray for us
St. Thomas, pray for us
St. James, pray for us
St. Philip, pray for us
St. Bartholomew, pray for us
St. Matthew, pray for us
St. Simon, pray for us
St. Thaddeus, pray for us
St. Matthias, pray for us
St. Barnabas, pray for us
St. Luke, pray for us
St. Mark, pray for us
All you holy Apostles and Evangelists, pray for us
All you holy Disciples of the Lord, pray for us
All you holy Innocents, pray for us
St. Stephen, pray for us
St. Lawrence, pray for us
St. Vincent, pray for us
Sts. Fabian and Sebastian, pray for us
Sts. John and Paul, pray for us
Sts. Cosmas and Damian, pray for us
Sts. Gervase and Protase, pray for us
All you holy Martyrs, pray for us
St. Sylvester, pray for us
St. Gregory, pray for us
St. Ambrose, pray for us
St. Augustine, pray for us
St. Jerome, pray for us
St. Martin, pray for us
St. Nicholas, pray for us
All you holy Bishops and Confessors, pray for us
All you holy Doctors, pray for us
St. Anthony, pray for us
St. Benedict, pray for us
St. Bernard, pray for us
St. Dominic, pray for us
St. Francis, pray for us
All you holy Priests and Levites, pray for us
All you holy Monks and Hermits, pray for us
St. Mary Magdalen, pray for us
St. Agatha, pray for us
St. Lucy, pray for us
St. Agnes, pray for us
St. Cecilia, pray for us
St. Catherine, pray for us
St. Anastasia, pray for us
All you holy Virgins and Widows, pray for us
All you Holy Men and Women, Saints of God, make intercession for us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.

From all evil, deliver us, O Lord.
From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.
From your wrath, deliver us, O Lord.
From sudden and unprovided death, deliver us, O Lord.
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Lord.
From anger, and hatred, and all ill-will, deliver us, O Lord.
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Lord.
From lightning and tempest, deliver us, O Lord.
From the scourge of earthquake, deliver us, O Lord.
From plague, famine, and war, deliver us, O Lord.
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the mystery of your holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your Coming, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your Nativity, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your Baptism and holy Fasting, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your Cross and Passion, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your Death and Burial, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your holy Resurrection, deliver us, O Lord.
Through your admirable Ascension, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, deliver us, O Lord.
In the day of judgment, deliver us, O Lord.
We sinners, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would spare us, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would pardon us, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would bring us to true penance, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to govern and preserve your holy Church, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to preserve our Apostolic Prelate, and all orders of the Church in holy religion, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to humble the enemies of Holy Church, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to grant peace and unity to all Christian people, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to call back to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from the truth and lead all unbelievers to the light of the Gospel, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to confirm and preserve us in your holy service, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would lift up our minds to heavenly desires, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would render eternal blessings to all our benefactors, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deliver our souls and the souls of our brethren, relations and benefactors, from eternal damnation, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to give and preserve the fruits of the earth, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign to grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
That you would deign graciously hear us, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
Son of God, We beseech you, hear our prayer.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Our Father, etc. (inaudibly).
V. And lead us not into temptation.
R. But deliver us from evil.

Psalm 69:

Deign, O Lord, to rescue me; O Lord, make haste to help me.
Let them be put to shame and confounded who seek my life.
Let them be turned back in disgrace who desire my ruin.
Let them retire in their shame who say to me, “Aha, aha!”
But may all who seek you exult and be glad in you, and may those who love your salvation say ever, “God be glorified!”
But I am afflicted and poor; O God, hasten to me!
You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, hold not back!
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.
V. Save your servants.
R. Who trust in you, O my God.
V. Be a tower of strength for us, O Lord,
R. Against the attack of the enemy.
V. Let not the enemy prevail against us.
R. And let not the son of evil dare to harm us.
V. Lord, deal not with us according to our sins.
R. Neither requite us according to our iniquities.
V. Let us pray for our Sovereign Pontiff, Pope N.
R. The Lord preserve him, and give him life, and make him blessed upon the earth, and deliver him not up to the will of his enemies.
V. Let us pray for our benefactors.
R. Deign, O Lord, for Your name’s sake, to reward with eternal life all those who do us good. Amen.
V. Let us pray for the faithful departed.
R. Eternal rest give to them, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon them.
V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.
V. For our absent brethren.
R. Save your servants, who trust in you, my God.
V. Send them help, O Lord, from your sanctuary.
R. And sustain them from Zion.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
V. The Lord be with you.
R. And with your spirit.

Let us pray

O God, whose property is always to have mercy and to spare, receive our petition, that we, and all your servants who are bound by the chains of sin, may, by the compassion of your goodness, be mercifully absolved. Graciously hear, we beg you, O Lord, the prayers of your suppliants, and pardon the sins of those who confess to you, that in your bounty you may grant us both pardon and peace.

In your clemency, O Lord, show us your ineffable mercy, that you may both free us from all our sins, and deliver us from the punishments which we deserve for them.

God, who by sin are offended and by penance pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of your suppliant people, and turn away the scourges of your anger, which we deserve for our sins.

Almighty, everlasting God, have mercy upon your servant N., our Sovereign Pontiff, and direct him according to your clemency into the way of everlasting salvation, that by your grace he may desire those things that are pleasing to you, and perform them with all his strength.

O God, from whom are holy desires, good counsels, and just works, give to your servants that peace which the world cannot give, that our hearts be set to keep your commandments, and that, being removed from the fear of our enemies, we may pass our time in peace under your protection.

Burn our desires and our hearts with the fire of the Holy Spirit, O Lord, that we may serve you with a chaste body, and with a clean heart be pleasing to you.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of your servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that, through devout prayers, they may obtain the pardon which they always desired.

Direct, we beg you, O Lord, our actions by your holy inspirations, and carry them on by your gracious assistance, that every prayer and work of ours may begin always with you, and through you be happily ended.

Almighty and everlasting God, you have dominion over the living and the dead, and you are merciful to all who you foreknow will be yours by faith and good works; we humbly beg you that those for whom we intend to pour forth our prayers, whether this present world still detain them in the flesh, or the world to come has already received them our of their bodies, may through the intercession of all your Saints, by the clemency of your goodness, obtain the remission of all their sins. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
V. May the almighty and merciful Lord graciously hear us.
R. Amen.
V. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

November 2^nd

Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed

This day is observed the commemoration of the faithful departed, in which our common and pious Mother the Church, immediately after having endeavored to celebrate by worthy praise all her children who already rejoice in heaven, strives to aid by her powerful intercession with Christ, her Lord and Spouse, all those who still groan in purgatory, so that they may join as soon as possible the inhabitants of the heavenly city.”

Prayer

Let perpetual light shine upon them,
with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them,
with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.
Amen.

Prayer

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.

Blessed are you, Lord our God, lover of souls
you uphold us in life and sustain us in death:
to you be glory and praise for ever!
For the darkness of this age is passing away
as Christ the bright and morning star
brings to his saints the light of life.
As you give light to those in darkness
who walk in the shadow of death
so remember in your kingdom your faithful servants
that death may be for them the gate to life
and to unending fellowship with you;
where with your saints you live and reign
one in the perfect union of love
now and forever.
Amen.

Hear us, O merciful Father,
as we remember in love N
whom we have placed in your hands.
Acknowledge, we pray, a sheep of your own fold,
a lamb of your own flock,
a sinner of your own redeeming.
Enfold him/her in the arms of your mercy,
in the blessed rest of everlasting peace,
and in the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.

Collect Prayer

Listen kindly to our prayers, O Lord, and, as our faith in your Son, raised from the dead, is deepened, so may our hope of resurrection for your departed servants also find new strength. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

For the Departed

We pray for our Loved Ones after their death “because we still hold them in our love, and because we trust in God’s presence those who have chosen to serve him will grow in his love, until they see him as he is.”
The communion of saints is the whole family of God, the living and the dead, those whom we love and those whom we hurt, bound together in Christ by sacrament, prayer, and praise.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend to you [name]. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.
Amen.

Opening Prayer

O God, glory of the faithful and life of the just,
by the Death and Resurrection of whose Son
we have been redeemed, look mercifully on your departed servants,
hat, just as they professed the mystery of our resurrection,
so they may merit to receive the joys of eternal happiness.
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.
Amen.

A Collect for All Souls Day

O God, the Maker, and Redeemer of all believers: Grant to the faithful departed the unsearchable benefits of the passion of your Son; that on the day of his appearing they may be manifested as your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

For All Faithful Departed

Almighty God, with whom the souls of the faithful who have departed this life are in joy and felicity: We praise and magnify your holy Name for all your servants who have finished their course in your faith and fear; and we most humbly pray that, at the day of resurrection, we and all who are members of the mystical body of your Son may be set on his right hand, and hear his most joyful voice: “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Grant this, O merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate.
Amen.

For the Saints and Faithful Departed

We give thanks to you, O Lord our God, for all your servants and witnesses of time past: for Abraham, the father of believers, and Sarah, his wife; for Moses, the lawgiver, and Aaron, the priest; for Miriam and Joshua, Deborah and Gideon, and Samuel with Hannah, his mother; for David, King over Israel; for Isaiah and all the prophets; for Mary, the mother of our Lord; for Peter and Paul and all the apostles; for Mary and Martha, and Mary Magdalene; for Stephen, the first martyr, and all the martyrs and saints in every age and in every land. In your mercy, O Lord our God, give us, as you gave to them, the hope of salvation and the promise of eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, the firstborn of many from the dead.
Amen.

Prayer

God of mercy and compassion, hear our humble prayers for all the faithful departed. Through the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, grant them a share in Christ’s triumph over death and the joy of his kingdom, where he lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Response: Amen.

Prayer

My merciful Lord, You desire that my soul and the souls of all your faithful be purified of every sin, even the smallest imperfection. I thank You for the mercy of Purgatory and pray that I will continually work toward that purification here and now. I pray, also, for all those who have gone before me and are still in need of these purifying fires. Pour forth Your mercy upon them so that they may be counted among the saints in Heaven. Jesus, I trust in You.

Prayer

Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord. Let Perpetual Light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. May their souls and the souls of all the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Amen.

Prayer For The Holy Souls – Diary of St. Faustina

Eternal Father, turn your merciful graze upon the souls suffering in Purgatory, who are enfolded in the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. I beg you, by the sorrowful Passion of Jesus Your Son, and by all the bitterness with which His most sacred Soul was flooded, manifest Your mercy to the souls who are under Your just scrutiny. Look upon them in no other way than through the Wounds of Jesus, Your dearly beloved Son; for we firmly believe that there is no limit to Your goodness and compassion.
Have mercy, O Lord, have mercy on the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
(Our Lady of Solitude Monastery)

Prayer Of St. Gertrude The Great

“Eternal Father, I offer thee the most precious blood of thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the Masses said throughout the world today, for all the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my home and within my family.”
Amen.

Prayer For The Holy Souls
(Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M.)

Merciful Father, hear our prayer and console us. As we renew our faith in Your Son, whom You raised from the dead, strengthen our hope that all our departed brothers and sisters will share in His Resurrection, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.

Prayer For All Souls
(Missionaries of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary)

Dear God of Mercy, I pray this day for all souls, both known and unknown to me, who, although touched by death, have not yet entered Your Heavenly Kingdom. While they loved you in their lifetime, they failed in some way to attain the perfection Heaven demands. So in my love for them, I offer my prayers, my small works of mercy in the hope that Your mercy will flow to them and bring them to eternal peace with You.
May they intercede for me for the graces I may need to live out my life on earth in perfect obedience and love of You, my Father, so that I, too, may join them in everlasting life with You in Heaven.
May the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.

Prayer For All The Faithful Departed
(From The New Saint Joseph People’s Prayer Book, 1348)

Heavenly Father, I believe that in Your wisdom and justice You willed to purify all persons who die without having attained the state that they need for all eternity, all who have still to expiate completely the sins committed here on earth.
I also believe that You mercifully arranged that this process of purification can be aided by the prayers of the living, and especially by the Eucharist. Help me to pray for my brothers and sisters who have departed from this world.
(Here mention the names of those you pray for)
May their time of purification be short, and may they be quickly guided into that holy light promised by our Lord to Abraham and his descendants. I offer You sacrifices and prayers of praise. Accept them for all the souls of the faithful departed and admit them all to the eternal joy of heaven.
Amen.

All Souls Nonena

[Say once a day for nine days, starting on the 24th of October until the eve of All Souls Day.]
O God, the Creater and Redeemer of all the faithful,
grant to the souls of Thy servants and handmaids departed,
the remission of all their sins;
that through pious supplications
they may obtain the pardon they have always desired.
Who livest and reignest with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
God, world without end.
Amen.

November 3^rd

Saint Martin de Porres

The illegitimate son of a Spanish nobleman, Juan, and a young freed black slave, Anna Velasquez, Martin grew up in poverty. He spent part of his youth with a surgeon–barber from whom he learned some medicine and care of the sick. At age 11 he became a servant in the Holy Rosary Dominican priory in Lima, Peru. Promoted to almoner, he begged more than $2,000 a week from the rich to support the poor and sick of Lima. Placed in charge of the Dominican‘s infirmary; known for his tender care of the sick and for his spectacular cures. His superiors dropped the stipulation that “no black person may be received to the holy habit or profession of our Order” and Martin took vows as a Dominican brother in 1603. Established an orphanage and children‘s hospital for the poor children of the slums. Set up a shelter for the stray cats and dogs and nursed them back to health. Lived in self-imposed austerity, never ate meat, fasted continuously, and spent much time in prayer and meditation with a great devotion to the Holy Eucharist. Friend of Saint John de Massias.He was venerated from the day of his death. Many miraculous cures, including raising the dead attributed to Brother Martin. First black saint from the Americas.

A Prayer To St. Martin De Porres

To you Saint Martin de Porres we prayerfully lift up our hearts filled with serene confidence and devotion. Mindful of your unbounded and helpful charity to all levels of society and also of your meekness and humility of heart, we offer our petitions to you. Pour out upon our families the precious gifts of your solicitous and generous intercession; show to the people of every race and every color the paths of unity and of justice; implore from our Father in heaven the coming of his kingdom, so that through mutual benevolence in God men may increase the fruits of grace and merit the rewards of eternal life.
Amen.

For Grace

Most humble Martin de Porres, whose burning charity embraced not only thy needy brethren but also the very animals of the field, splendid example of charity, we hail and invoke thee.]

From that high throne which thou dost occupy, deign to listen to the supplications of thy needy brethren that, by imitating thy virtues, we may live contented in that state in which God has placed us, and, carrying our cross with strength and courage, we may follow in the footsteps of our Blessed Redeemer and His most afflicted Mother, to reach at last the Kingdom of Heaven through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.

For Humility

God, Who has given us in Thy Humble Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, the model of all virtue and perfection, grant to us the virtue of humility. We think so little of Thee because we are so full of self. We cannot love Thee more until humility shows us our own nothingness and makes us rejoice in our complete dependence upon Thee.

You have given to the world a glorious apostle of humility, St Martin de Porres. Guide us by his example and strengthen us through his intercessions in our efforts to conform our hearts to the humble Heart of Thy Crucified Son.

Renew, O Lord, in these days, when pride and forgetfulness of Thee are so widespread, the wonders which You performed through Thy humble servant, Martin de Porres, during his lifetime. We pray that all the world may know of St Martin and of the surpassing value of the virtue of humility. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Invocation Prayer

In the name of the Most Holy Trinity,
In the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
In the name of Mary, Queen of Heaven,
In the name of Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church,
Saint Martin help me (them)
For the honour and glory of God
and the Salvation of souls.
Amen.

Prayer to St Martin De Porres.

Most humble St. Martin, whose burning charity embraces all, but especially those who are sick, afflicted, or in need, we turn to thee for help in our present difficulties and we implore thee to obtain for us from God health of soul and body, and in particular the favour we now ask … (pause to ask favours).
May we, by imitating thy charity and humility, find quiet and contentment all our days, and cheerful submission to God’s holy will in all the trials and difficulties of life.
Amen.

Prayer To St Martin De Porres

O GLORIOUS Saint Martin de Porres, great Saint of the Dominican Order, look down in mercy upon a poor soul who cries out to thee, and deign to come to my aid in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, but in particular…
[Here mention your intention]
I thank thee, Saint Martin de Porres, for all the help that thou hast given me, both now and in the past, and I promise to be ever grateful to thee and to make thee known to all who are in need of thine assistance.
Amen.

St Martin’s Humility

Prayer: St Martin, ask our Lord and his Blessed Mother to give us the grace of true humility that we may not become proud, but may be contented with the gifts that God gives us. Obtain for us the light of the Holy Spirit that we may understand, as you did that pride is an obstacle to union with God, and that true happiness comes only from doing the will of God.
Amen.

St Martin’s Love for the Poor

Prayer: St Martin, teach us to be generous with the gifts that God has given us. Make us sympathetic toward those who are suffering and afflicted. Pray to our Redeemer and to Our Lady of Mercy that we may always be kind and generous to our neighbours because they are the children of our heavenly Father.
Amen.

St Martin’s Faith

Prayer: O St Martin, we need strong faith in God and His holy Church, especially in these days when religion is often considered unimportant. Bring all people to a knowledge and love of the true Church, that they may find the way of salvation and happiness. Ask Christ and Our Lady of Good Counsel to make us faithful disciples of Jesus Christ in life and in death.
Amen.

St Martin’s Confidence in God

St Martin, help us to have a great confidence in almighty God. Make us understand that He is one friend Who will never desert us. Keep us from foolishly presuming that we will be saved without doing our part, but keep us also from despair, which forgets the mercy of God. Ask Jesus and His Mother to increase in our hearts faith, hope and charity.
Amen.

St Martin’s Devotion to Prayer

St Martin, help us to have great faith in Christ’s promise: “Ask and it will be given you; search and you will find; knock and the door will be opened for you” (Mt 7:7). Make us faithful in participating in Holy Mass and in devoting time to personal prayer every day, to obtain the blessings of God. Ask the Queen of the Most Holy Rosary to intercede for us too.
Amen.

Litany of St. Martin De Porres

Lord, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for us. (repeat after each line)
St. Martin de Porres,
Ever in the presence of God,
Faithful servant of Christ,
Lover of the Holy Eucharist,
Devoted to our Blessed Mother,
Spiritual patron of Americas,
Honored son of St. Dominic,
Lover of the Most Holy Rosary,
Apostle of mercy,
Protector of the tempted and repentant,
Helper of souls in doubt and darkness,
Compassionate to the sorrowful and afflicted,
Consoler of the discouraged and unfortunate,
Peacemaker in all discords,
Touched by all suffering,
Comforter of the sick and dying,
Worker of miraculous cures,
Guardian of the homeless child,
Humbly hiding God-given powers,
Devoted to holy poverty,
Model of obedience,
Lover of heroic penance,
Strong in self-denial,
Performing menial tasks with holy ardor,
Gifted with prophecy,
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, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, you take away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
Pray for us, St. Martin, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

O God, who did make St. Martin, your confessor, to enter the heavenly Kingdom, grant through his merits and intercession that we may so follow the example of his humility on earth as to deserve to be exalted with him in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

November 4^th

Saint Charles Borromeo

Saint Charles Borromeo was the nephew of Pope Pius IV. He was born in 1537 of one of the oldest, noblest, and wealthiest families of Lombardy, being the second son of Count Borrormeo. From his earliest years the little Charles was so noted for the gravity and sanctity of his character, that his uncle, Pope Pius, created him cardinal-archbishop of Milan at the age of twenty-three. There the young prelate’s life (as even a non-Catholic writer of note attests) presented a picture of active charity and self-denying humility, only to be equalled by those of the primitive apostles and teachers of Christianity. When the plague ravaged Milan, not satisfied with tending the sick in person, he offered himself solemnly to God as a sacrifice for his people. God did not demand that precious life; but the plague ceased miraculously. Saint Charles died on November 4, 1584, breathing out in rapture the words “Ecce venio!” He was the intimate friend of Saint Philip Neri, and the patron of Palestrina.

A Novena to Saint Charles Borromeo

O glorious St. Charles, the father of the clergy, and the perfect model of holy prelates! You are that good pastor, who, like your divine Master, gave up your life for your flock, if not by death, at least by the numerous sacrifices of your painful mission. Your sanctified life on earth was a spur to the most fervent, your exemplary penance was a reproach to the slothful, and your untiring zeal was the support of the Church.

O great Prelate, since the glory of God and the salvation of souls are the only objects of solicitude to the blessed in heaven, vouchsafe to intercede for me now, and to offer up for the intention of this novena, those fervent prayers which were so successful while you were on earth.
[Mention your request]

You are, O great St. Charles, among all the Saints of God, one in whose intercession I should most confide, because you were chosen by God to promote the interests of religion, by promoting the Christian education of youth. You were, like Jesus Christ himself, always accessible to little ones; for whom you broke the bread of the word of God, and procured for them also the blessings of a Christian Education. To you, then, I have recourse with confidence, beseeching you to obtain for me the grace to profit of the advantages I enjoy, and for which I am so considerably indebted to your zeal. Preserve me by your prayers from the dangers of the world; obtain that my heart may be impressed with a lively horror of sin; a deep sense of my duty as a Christian; a sincere contempt for the opinion and false maxims of the world; an ardent love for God, and that holy fear which is the beginning of wisdom.

Let us pray

Preserve Your Church, O Lord, under the continual protection of Your glorious Confessor and Bishop, St. Charles, that as he was eminent for the discharge of his pastoral duties, so his prayers may make us zealous in the love of Your holy name: through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer of Saint Charles Borromeo

Almighty God, you have generously made known to human beings the mysteries of your life through Jesus Christ your Son in the Holy Spirit. Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries which your Church treasures and teaches. Move my heart to love them and my will to live in accord with them. Give me the ability to teach this Faith to others without pride, without ostentation, and without personal gain. Let me realize that I am simply your instrument for bringing others to the knowledge of the wonderful things you have done for all your creatures. Help me to be faithful to this task that you have entrusted to me.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Charles Borromeo

O St. Charles, you are invoked as
the patron of all those who suffer
with stomach ailments and obesity.
You are also called upon as a helper
for all those attempting to diet and lose weight.
Please intercede for me today
and help me to control
my desires and compulsions,
so that I may fix my appetite
on the glory of heaven.
Amen.

Litany Of St. Charles Borromeo

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us,
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven,
Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit,
Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God,
Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,
Pray for us. *

Queen of Apostles, *
St. Charles, *
St. Charles, imitator of Christ, *
St. Charles, faithful follower of Christ crucified, *
St. Charles, replenished with the spirit of the Apostles, *
St. Charles, consumed with zeal for the glory of God, *
St. Charles, Father and Guide of the Clergy, *
St. Charles, the light and support of the Church, *
St. Charles, a model of humility and penance, *
St. Charles, most desirous of the salvation of souls, *
St. Charles, most zealous, for the instruction of youth, *
St. Charles, Patron of the Ursuline Schools, *

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, O glorious St. Charles.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

Preserve thy Church, O Lord, under the continual protection of thy glorious Confessor and Bishop, St. Charles, that as he was eminent for the discharge of his pastoral duties, so his prayers may make us zealous in the love of Thy holy name: through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

November 5^th

Saint Peter Chrysologus

Prayer of St. Peter Chrysologus

O God, who made the Bishop St. Peter Chrysologus
an outstanding preacher of Your word,
grant, through his intercession,
that we may constantly ponder in our hearts
the mysteries of Your salvation
and faithfully express them in what we do.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns in unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.
Amen.

O God, who didst elect the blessed
and illustrious Doctor, Peter Chrysologus,
by a divine direction, to govern and instruct Thy Church;
grant, we beseech Thee,
that we may deserve to have him for our intercessor in heaven,
whom we have had as our teacher of the supernatural life on earth.
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.
Amen.

November 9^th

Dedication of Saint John Lateran Basilica

Collect Prayer

O God, who from living and chosen stones prepare an eternal dwelling for your majesty, increase in your Church the spirit of grace you have bestowed, so that by new growth your faithful people may build up the heavenly Jerusalem. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to Your shepherd, the Pope, a spirit of courage and right judgment, a spirit of knowledge and love. By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he, as successor to the apostle Peter and vicar of Christ, build Your church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

O God, who were pleased to call your Church the Bride,
grant that the people that serves your name
may revere you, love you and follow you,
and may be led by you
to attain your promises in heaven.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

November 10^th

Saint Leo the Great

Prayer

God our Father,
you will never allow the powers of hell
to prevail against your Church,
founded on the rock of the apostle Peter.
Let the prayers of Pope Leo the Great
keep us faithful to your truth
and secure in your peace.
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.
Amen.

Pope St. Leo the Great Novena

O God, who never allow the gates of hell
to prevail against your Church,
firmly founded on the apostolic rock,
grant her, we pray,
that through the intercession of Pope Saint Leo,
she may stand firm in your truth
and know the protection of lasting peace.
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.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Leo the Great

Dear Lord, we thank You for giving us
Pope St. Leo the Great as an example of holiness.
Help us to imitate the love of You he showed
in choosing to respond to Your call to the diaconate
and the papacy.

You served the Church faithfully as a deacon,
and You became known for Your virtues.
Then, You answered God’s call to lead
His Church as the Pope.

Pray for me, that I may always be open to doing
God’s will in my life, no matter what He might call me to.
Pray that I may be as devoted a servant of God as You were.

Novena Prayer to St. Leo the Great

Eternal Shepherd, look favorably upon Thy flock, which we beseech Thee to guard and keep for evermore through the blessed Leo, Supreme Pontiff, who Thou didst choose to be chief shepherd of the whole Church. And by his mighty merits, glorious intercession, and solicitude care for the flock we beg of Thee to:

(Mention your intentions)

And govern Thy Church in Thy clemency, we beseech Thee, O Lord, so that under the guidance of Thy mighty rule, she may enjoy greater freedom and abiding integrity of religion. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer For The Intercession Of St Leo The Great

God our Father,
you will never allow the powers of hell
to prevail against your Church,
founded on the rock of the apostle Peter.
Let the prayers of Pope Leo the Great
keep us faithful to your truth
and secure in your peace.
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.
Amen.

Prayer Of St Leo The Great

Grant to us, O Lord, not to mind earthly things, but rather to love heavenly things, that while all things around us pass away, we even now may hold fast those things which last forever.

Prayer

Dear St. Leo, I pray for all to understand that the office of the pontificate was first given to Saint Peter as recorded in sacred scripture (Mt 16:18), and that the power of this office comes directly from God. There are so many in the world who do not accept or understand this truth — even many Catholics. Please St. Leo, intercede for those who are in darkness concerning the Church and the office of the papacy and ask our Lord to remove the scales from their eyes so that they may understand and be docile to this authority that God, Himself, has given.
Amen.

November 11^th

Saint Martin of Tours

On Nov. 11, the Catholic Church honors St. Martin of Tours, who left his post in the Roman army to become a “soldier of Christ” as a monk and later bishop.Martin was born around the year 316 in modern-day Hungary. His family left that region for Italy when his father, a military official of the Roman Empire, had to transfer there. Martin’s parents were pagans, but he felt an attraction to the Catholic faith which had become legal throughout the empire in 313. He received religious instruction at age 10, and even considered becoming a hermit in the desert. St. Martin of Tours has historically been among the most beloved saints in the history of Europe. In a 2007 Angelus address, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his hope “that all Christians may be like St Martin, generous witnesses of the Gospel of love and tireless builders of jointly responsible sharing.”

Saint Martin of Tours Novena

Blessed Saint Martín of Tours, full of the Spirit of the Lord always having inexhaustible charity for the needy.

You, who full of love and generosity when you saw the beggar that was freezing from cold, without knowing that in truth he was Christ, did not doubt to give him half of your cape, and did not give it completely to him since the other half belonged to the Roman army; you, who did not seek recognition but only to favor your neighbor, found glory before the Lord. And when the Savior appeared to you dressed with the half-cape so as to express appreciation for your gesture and He told you “today you covered me with your mantle”, you decided to no longer serve the army and to dedicate your life to God and to the salvation of souls, being from then on a propagator of the faith and a holy man totally dedicated to whomever was in need.

Glorious Saint Martin, you who worked miracles and prodigies, who with joy, amiability and the most exquisite goodness won over the hearts of all and did not cease to ever work for their well being: give me your hand and help me to come out of all lack and scarcity which today afflicts me and weighs me down.

Glorious Saint Martin, my blessed patron, I humbly ask you with great faith that you attain from God, the fount of all Mercies that my ways on this earth, my work and my toils be cleansed and opened with clarity. In the name of Omnipotent God, Saint Martin of Tours, remove all that harms me and give me work and prosperity. O blessed relief, give me your saintly protection, assist me, I beg you, in these difficult times:

Concluding Prayer

You, noble Saint Martin, who have miraculous power
take my supplications with haste to the Heavens,
ask for my home all that is good;
may sorrows, ruins and miseries leave,
and may the Lord deign I merit
blessed fortune in my work (business),
and with it, abundance and prosperity,
so I may give freely to all in need.

Saint Martin, blessed Bishop of Tours,
may your virtues and charity
accompany me always.
I will not cease to pray to you
and to thank Almighty God
for all the favors granted;
and I promise to be charitable
and giving with all my brothers and sisters in need.

Saint Martin please intercede for me;
free and protect all my loved ones and I
from all that is evil.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Martin of Tours

Blessed saint, you were born under pagan ways but since your childhood you were chosen to be a Prince of the Church and, as Bishop of Tours, many souls were redeemed and liberated from the satanic forces through your prayers, austerities and blessings.
We humbly ask for your intercession before Our Lord Jesus Christ because we want to be worthy of the grace and mercy of the Holy Spirit that lead us from darkness to light into the eternal kingdom, for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Martin of Tours, Pray for us.

Concluding Prayer

Blessed St. Martin of Tours, obtain for us not only forgiveness, but also a spirit of love towards neighbor enabling us to be compassionate. Obtain for us the grace to love all people as brothers and sisters with a pure and disinterested heart. May we, like you, one day enjoy the blessed vision of God forever and ever.
Amen.

Collect

O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin
both by his life and death,
make new, we pray,
the wonders of your grace in our hearts,
that neither death nor life
may separate us from your love.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

Prayer Of St. Martin Of Tours To Continue To Fight For God

Lord, if Your people still have need of my services,
I will not avoid the toil.
Your will be done.
I have fought the good fight long enough.
Yet if You bid me continue to hold the battle line
in defense of Your camp,
I will never beg to be excused from failing strength.
I will do the work You entrust to me.
While You command,
I will fight beneath Your banner.

Prayer To Saint Martin Of Tours

Saint Martin, you shared what you had
with the poor and needy.
You preached Christ’s word and served his people.
Help us to be generous in sharing what we have.
Saint Martin, pray for us!

November 12^th

Saint Josaphat

Prayer to Saint Josaphat

O Saint Josaphat, wonderful Saint and heroic martyr for the union of our Church with the Vicar of Christ, the Pope of Rome. Thou are glorious on account of thy zeal in the propagation of the true Catholic faith among our people. Thou art wonderful because of thy heroic martyrdom for the unity of faith of our people with the Holy See of Rome, the true center of orthodox Catholicism.Thou art admirable on account of thy sublime virtues with which thou has adorned thy soul. We admire thy ardent love for Jesus and Mary and thy allegiance to the Vicar of Christ. Thou art a sublime example of all virtues for the people of whom thou wert born. Since thou art so powerful with God as thy miracles prove, I ask thee to obtain for me from Jesus and Mary a strong attachment to the Catholic faith and my beautiful Eastern Rite which I shall never betray nor abandon. Obtain also the grace of indefatigable zeal that I may labor for the reunion of my separated Eastern Brethren.
Amen.

Prayer For The Feast Of Saint Josaphat

Stir up within Thy Church, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
the Spirit with which blessed Josaphat,
Thy Martyr and Bishop, was filled,
when he laid down his life for his sheep:
so that, through his intercession,
we too may be moved and strengthen by the same Spirit,
and may not shrink from giving our lives for our brethren.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Josaphat

O Saint Josaphat, wonderful Saint and heroic martyr for the union of our Church with the Vicar of Christ, the Pope of Rome. Thou are glorious on account of thy zeal in the propagation of the true Catholic faith among our people. Thou art wonderful because of thy heroic martyrdom for the unity of faith of our people with the Holy See of Rome, the true center of orthodox Catholicism.

Thou art admirable on account of thy sublime virtues with which thou has adorned thy soul. We admire thy ardent love for Jesus and Mary and thy allegiance to the Vicar of Christ. Thou art a sublime example of all virtues for the people of whom thou were born. Since thou art so powerful with God as thy miracles prove, I ask thee to obtain for me from Jesus and Mary a strong attachment to the Catholic faith and my beautiful Eastern Rite which I shall never betray nor abandon. Obtain also the grace of indefatigable zeal that I may labor for the reunion of my separated Eastern Brethren.

O glorious martyr of our Catholic Church, remember the nation of which thou wert a son, look at our people and pray to God for future reunion of all Ukrainians under one fold and one shepherd. May the day come soon in which all thy Brethren will assemble before thy holy relics in a free and independent Ukraine to give thanks to God for the union of all Ukrainians with the Holy See.
Amen.

Prayer

Lord,
fill your Church with the Spirit
that gave Saint Josaphat courage
to lay down his life for his people.
By his prayers
may your Spirit make us strong
and willing to offer our lives
for our brothers and sisters.
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.
Amen.

Collect

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord,
the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat
as he laid down his life for the sheep,
so that through his intercession
we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit
and not be afraid to lay down our life for others.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

November 13^th

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Frances Cabrini was born in Italy in 1850, one of thirteen children. When she was eighteen years old, poor health kept her from becoming a Sister. She helped her mother and father until their death, and then worked on a farm with her brother and sister.A priest asked her to teach in a school for girls. She taught for six years. Because a bishop asked her, she started a missionary order in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to care for poor children in schools and hospitals.Frances wrote to Pope Leo XIII, and he told her: “Go to the United States, my child. There is much work awaiting you there.”She came to the United States with six Sisters in 1889, and began working among the Italian people of New York. She became an American citizen. Mother Cabrini started 67 orphanages, schools, and hospitals in 35 years. She was the first American citizen to become a Saint, 7 July 1946.

Novena to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Almighty and Eternal Father, Giver of all Gifts, show us Your mercy, and grant, we beseech You, through the merits of Your faithful Servant, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, that all who invoke her intercession may obtain what they desire according to the good pleasure of Your Holy Will.
[Mention your request]
O Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, mindful of Your bountiful goodness and love, deign, we implore You, through the tender devotion of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini for Your Sacred Heart, to hear our prayers and grant our petitions.
O God, the Holy Spirit, Comforter of the afflicted, Fountain of Light and Truth, through the ardent zeal of Your humble handmaid, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, grant us Your all-powerful aid in our necessities, sanctify our souls and fill our minds with Divine Light that we may see the Holy Will of God in all things.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, beloved spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, intercede for us that the favor we now ask may be granted.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be (three times)

Prayers of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

First American Citizen to be Canonized (1946)
Fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit and give your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless anxiety, solicitude and worry. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to you so that your Will may be my will. Grant that I may rid myself of all unholy desires and that, for your love, I may remain obscure and unknown in this world, to be known only to you. Do not permit me to attribute to myself the good that you perform in me and through me, but rather, referring all honor to your Majesty, may I glory only in my infirmities, so that renouncing sincerely all vainglory which comes from the world, I may aspire to that true and lasting glory which comes from you.
Amen.

God our Father, you called Frances Xavier Cabrini from Italy to serve the immigrants of America. By her example teach us concern for the stranger, the sick, and the frustrated. By her prayers help us to see Christ in all the men and women we meet. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Novena Prayer to Mother Cabrini, Patron Saint of Immigrants

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini,
woman of God, disciple of Christ,
you offered the people you met the gifts of life and love
by responding to their physical, emotional
and spiritual needs in practical and creative ways.
Inspired by your confidence in God
and your compassion, love and sense of justice,
we ask you to accompany us as we work
to respond to the urgent needs of our sisters and brothers
fleeing their home countries in search of refuge and peace.
Teach us. Pray for us.
Amen.

For Discernment

My Jesus, I have not always recognized your loving plans for me.
Every day, with the help of your light I learn more of you loving care. Continue to increase my awareness of the gentleness of your loving plans.
I want to follow the purpose for which I was created.
See, I am in your hands.
Help me to choose the best way to serve you.
Walk with me, Jesus. Stay by my side and guide me!

For Peace of Mind

Jesus, fortify me with the grace of your Holy Spirit
and give your peace to my Soul that I may be free of all needless anxiety, solicitude, and worry.
Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to You so that your will may be my own.

For Surrender to Jesus

My loving Jesus, I enclose myself i you and surrender myself completely in your loving Heart…Enlighten my mind with a ray of your light, move my heart and soul and make me do whatever pleases you and is for your greater glory.

Jesus, I love you so much…but I am so weak that in my ignorance and sinfulness I still do not know how to correspond, even partially, to all the special graces and loving tenderness with which you surround me.

I will think of you and rest in you, my beloved Jesus.
Behold your servant — do with me whatever you want!

A Prayer After Confession By St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

My dearest Jesus, I have told all my sins as well as I could. I tried hard to make a good confession. I feel sure that you have forgiven me. I thank You. It is only because of all Your sufferings that I can go to confession and free myself from my sins. Your Heart is full of love and mercy for poor sinners. I love You because You are so good to me. My loving Saviour, I shall try to keep from sin and to love You more each day. My dear Mother Mary, pray for me and help me to keep my promises. Protect me and do not let me fall back into sin. Almighty God, kneeling before Your Divine Majesty, I adore You and because You command me, I dare approach Your divine Heart. But what shall I say if You do not enlighten me with a ray of Your divine light?

Speak to my soul, O Lord, and command me to listen to Your voice. Enlighten my will to put Your words into practice. Pour Your grace into my heart; lift up my soul weighed down by my sins; raise my mind to heavenly things, so that earthly desires may no longer appeal to me. Speak to my soul with Your divine omnipotence, for You are my salvation, my life, and my peace, in time and in eternity. Strengthen me with the grace of Your Holy Spirit and give Your peace to my soul that I may be free from all needless worry and care. Help me to desire always that which is pleasing and acceptable to You so that Your Will may be my will, Grant that I may rid myself of all unholy desires, and that for Your love I may remain unknown in this world, and be known only to You.

Do not permit me to attribute to myself the good that You perform in me and through me, but rather, referring all honor to Your majesty, may I glory only in my weakness, so that renouncing sincerely all vain glory which comes from the world, I may aspire to the true and lasting glory which comes from you.
Amen.

Collect Prayer

God our Father, who called Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini from Italy to serve the immigrants of America, by her example, teach us to have concern for the stranger, the sick, and all those in need, and by her prayers help us to see Christ in all the men and women we meet. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

November 15^th

Saint Albert the Great

Supreme Lord

We pray to You, O Lord,
who are the supreme Truth,
and all truth is from you.
We beseech You, O Lord,
who are the highest Wisdom,
and all the wise depend on You for their wisdom.
You are the supreme Joy,
and all who are happy owe it to You.
You are the Light of minds,
and all receive their understanding from You.
We love, we love You above all.
We seek You, we follow You,
and we are ready to serve You.
We desire to dwell under Your power
for You are the King of all. Amen.
… St Albert the Great, Pray for Us …

God, our refuge and strength, you gave the sainted bishop and teacher of the Church, Albert, the power to associate human knowledge with eternal wisdom. With his intercession and strengthen, protect our faith in the intellectual confusion of our days. Give us the openness of his intellect so that the progress of science may also help us to know you more profoundly and come closer to you. Let us grow in the knowledge of the truth which you yourself are, so that we may some day see you face to face in the presence of all the saints. For this we pray through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

O God, who did richly adorn St. Albert with your heavenly gifts and decorated him with all virtues, grant that, following in his footsteps, we may persevere in your service until death and securely obtain an everlasting reward. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord.
Amen.

Novena to St. Albert the Great

Heavenly Father, you made St. Albert the Great, by enabling him to combine human wisdom and Divine Faith. We ask you heavenly Father to allow St. Albert the Great to come to our assistance as we study and prepare for our Finals and Exams. We ask the blessed Mother Mary to intercede on our behalf, in not only bringing us closer to her Son Jesus, but also to take us to Jesus along with St. Albert the Great, the patron Saint of Students. May our knowledge that we work so hard to gain in our Colleges and Universities bring us ever closer to Jesus, and may our knowledge be of service to building up the Kingdom of God. May all we do glorify God as we work toward a higher education. May St. Albert the Great help ease our anxiety as we study, prepare, and take our finals. All this we ask in Jesus name,
Amen.
St. Albert the Great, pray for us!

Prayer to St. Albert the Great

God of Truth You endowed our brother Albert
with the gift of combining human wisdom with divine faith.
May the pursuit of all human knowledge
lead to a greater knowledge and love of You.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Collect

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Albert great
by his joining of human wisdom to divine faith,
grant, we pray, that we may so adhere to the truths he taught,
that through progress in learning
we may come to a deeper knowledge and love of you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

November 16^th

Saint Gertrude the Great

Gertrude was raised in the Benedictine abbey of Saint Mary of Helfta, Eisleben, Saxony from age five. An extremely bright and dedicated student, she excelled in literature and philosophy, and when she was old enough, became a Benedictine nun. At age 26, when she had become too enamored of philosophy, she received a vision of Christ who reproached her; from then on she studied the Bible and the works of the Church Fathers. Gertrude received other visions and mystical instruction, which formed the basis of her writings. She helped spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Her writings have been greatly praised by Saint Teresa and Saint Francis de Sales, and continue in print today.

Prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory by St. Gertrude the Great

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family.
Amen.

Prayer Of St. Gertrude To The Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, living and life giving fountain of eternal life,
infinite treasury of the Divinity, and glowing furnace of love, Thou art
my refuge and my sanctuary. O adorable and glorious Savior,
consume my heart with that burning fire that ever inflames Thy Heart.

Pour down on my souls those graces that flow from Thy love. Let my
heart be so united with Thine, that our wills may be one, and mine
may in all things be conformed to Thine. May Thy will be the rule
of both my desires and my actions.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, for Mercy

O Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal sweetness and jubilee of those who love Thee, remember all the presentiment of grief Thou didst endure from the moment of Thy conception, and especially at Thy entrance into Thy Passion, when Thou didst say: “My soul is sorrowful even unto death”; and when, by reason of Thy overwhelming dread and anguish and grief, Thou didst sweat, as it were, drops of Blood trickling down upon the ground. Remember all the bitterness of Thy sorrow when Thou wast seized upon by the Jews, accused by false witnesses, condemned by Thy three judges, buffeted and smitten, spit upon, scourged, and crowned with thorns. O sweetest Jesus, I implore Thee, by all the sorrows and insults Thou didst endure, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Amen.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, for Deliverance of All Punishment

O Jesus, paradise of the delights of God, remember now all the dread and sorrow Thou didst endure when Pilate pronounced on Thee sentence of death; when the godless soldiers laid the heavy Cross on Thy Shoulders, and fastened Thee thereon with rude and blunted nails, cruelly stretching Thy sacred Limbs so that all Thy Bones could be numbered; I beseech Thee, vouchsafe to pronounce a merciful sentence on me in the day of judgment, and deliver me from all punishment.
Amen.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude for, Worth of His Passion

O Jesus, Heavenly Physician, remember now the languor and the pain Thou didst endure when lifted upon the Cross, when all Thy Bones were out of joint, so that no sorrow was like to Thy sorrow, because, from the sole of Thy Foot to the top of Thy Head, there was no soundness in Thee; when, notwithstanding, Thou didst put away the feeling of all Thine own griefs, and pray to Thy Father for Thine enemies, saying: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” By this, Thy charity and Thy mercy, grant that the dignity and worth of Thy Passion may be the entire remission of all my sins.
Amen.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, for Consolation

O Jesus, King most beloved, remember now the mournful desolation of Thy Heart, when Thou, forsaken by all, wert mocked as Thou didst hang on the Cross; when Thou didst find none to comfort Thee but Thy beloved Mother, who stood by Thy Cross to the last, and whom Thou didst commend to Thy disciple, saying: “Woman, behold thy son,” and to the disciple: “Behold thy Mother.” I beseech Thee, O compassionate Jesus, by that sword of anguish which then pierced her heart, do Thou condole with me and console me in all my tribulations.
Amen.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, for Extinguishing the Thirst of Worldly Delights

O Jesus, inexhaustible fountain of pity, remember now that bitterness which Thou didst endure when, Thy strength being exhausted and Thy sacred Body dried up, Thou didst feel that burning thirst, and hadst not one drop of water to cool Thy parched Tongue, but only vinegar upon hyssop; I beseech Thee that Thou wouldst extinguish in me the thirst of carnal concupiscence and worldy delights.
Amen.

A Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great, for Washing of Soul at the Hour of Death

O Jesus, true and fruitful Vine, remember now the lavish, the excessive profusion wherewith Thou didst shed Thy Precious Blood, when on the Cross Thou didst tread the winepress alone, and wast crushed as a cluster of ripe grapes; when Thou didst give us water and Blood from Thy pierced Side, so that not one drop remained in Thy Heart. Then wast Thou hung up as a bundle of myrrh, and Thy tender Flesh grew pale, and Thy moisture was all dried up within Thee, and the marrow of Thy bones consumed. By this Thy most bitter Passion, and by the shedding of Thy most Precious Blood, I beseech Thee, O most loving Jesus, wash my soul at the hour of my death with the water which flowed from Thy Sacred Side, and adorn it with comeliness in the Precious Blood of Thy sweetest Heart, and render it acceptable in Thy Sight in the fragrant odor of Thy Divine Love.
Amen.

Marian Prayer Of Saint Gertrude Of Helfta

Most chaste Virgin Mary,
by the spotless purity
with which you prepared for the Son of God
a dwelling of delight in your virginal womb,
I beg of you to intercede for me
that I may be cleansed from every stain.
Most humble Virgin
by that most profound humility
by which you deserved to be raised high
above all the choirs of angels and saints,
I beg of you to intercede for me
that all my sins may be expiated.
Most amiable Mary,
by that indescribable love
that united you so closely and inseparably to God,
I beg of you to intercede for me
that I may obtain an abundance of all merits.
Amen.

Prayer To Saint Gertrude In Honour Of Angels

I salute you through the Sacred Heart of Jesus,
all you holy angels and saints of God.
I rejoice in your glory,
and I give thanks to our Lord
for all the benefits which He has showered upon you.
I praise Him and glorify Him,
and offer you,
for an increase in your joy and honour,
the most gentle Heart of Jesus.
Deign, therefore, to pray for me
so that I may become according to the Heart of God.
Amen.

November 16^th

Saint Margaret of Scotland

Matron, Queen of Scotland, born c.1045; died 1093. She was the daughter of King Edward the Exile of England. After her father’s death she and her mother fled from England; they were received by Malcolm III, of Scotland, who later, c.1070, married Margaret. As queen, Margaret used her influence in the interests of the faith; she convoked a synod which made regulations concerning the Lenten fast, Easter Communion, and marriage laws. She founded several churches, and was constantly engaged in prayer and pious practises. Canonized, 1259. Feast, Roman Calendar, 10 June.

St. Margaret’s Prayer

Lord, you gave Saint Margaret of Scotland a special love for the poor.
Let her example and prayers help us to become a living sign of your goodness.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever.

Prayer To St Margaret Of Scotland

Merciful God,
you gave the holy Queen Margaret of Scotland
great love for the poor.
Lend your ear to the
intercessions of this holy woman
and help us
to live after her example
so that your goodness and mercy
becomes visible in today’s world.
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.
Amen.

Novena Prayer to St Margaret of Scotland

Almighty God, we thank you for all of your gifts to us. We thank you for the gift of our faith, for our families and for the example and prayers of St. Margaret of Scotland. Through her intercession we approach you now, asking that we may grow in our love for you and in service of our neighbour. With confidence and through the intercession of St Margaret, we ask you to hear our prayers and grant us the graces that we need. (In silence we ask St Margaret to carry our prayers to the Father). Let us pray. O God, who made Saint Margaret of Scotland wonderful in her outstanding charity towards the poor, grant that through her intercession and example we may reflect among all humanity the image of your divine goodness. 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.
Amen.

St. Margaret Of Scotland Prayer

Loving god,
You call your people to holiness and create among them models of kindness. We thank you for the life
of St. Margaret of Scotland:
a woman of leadership and hope in a confusing world;
a wife and mother excelling in patience, dedication and love;
a teacher supported and inspired by a life of learning;
a generous friend and a loyal servant to the poor and helpless;
a model of Christian faith and constant prayerfulness.
As we build our faith, help us to grow rich in the values of St. Margaret:
The faith hope and love might inspire
our presence in the city and neighborhood,
our relationships with family and friends,
our concern for the education of the young,
our care for the poor and the weak,
our community’s prayer in word and sacrament.
Bless our parish and our school;
Let it be for us a community of love and sharing, and a source of life and grace;
Let it be a witness to our neighbors of your life, your presence and your love.
Through Christ, Our Lord,
Amen.

Dear Saint Margaret of Scotland pray for us
to be generous to the needy,
to be zealous reformers and teachers of the Roman Catholic faith,
to speak with the “salt of wisdom,”
to be “filled with good thoughts,”
so that we can become “a pattern of a virtuous life” to those around us.
Amen.

St. Margaret of Scotland Novena

O God, who made Saint Margaret of Scotland wonderful in her outstanding charity towards the poor, grant that through her intercession and example we may reflect among all humanity the image of your divine goodness.
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.
Amen.

Pendant Bead

O God, who called your servant Margaret to an earthly throne that she might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave her zeal for your church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate her this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; though Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever

November 17^th

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Saint Elizabeth, called by her people “the dear Saint Elizabeth,” was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and the beloved spouse of the landgrave Louis of Thuringia. She was the good angel of the landgrave’s court; but her heroic virtues were often a reproach to others less holy, and she was tried by many persecutions. When about twenty years of age Elizabeth was deprived of the protection of her devoted husband. He started with his liege lord, Frederick II, to join the Third Crusade, but died of fever before he reached Palestine. His brother cruelly turned Elizabeth out of doors with her four children, the youngest being a babe at the breast. The holy young widow rejoiced to suffer these pains with her despised Lord. She was ultimately restored to her rights, but led a life of wonderful penance and humility to the end, enrolled in the Third Order of Saint Francis. In her last agony she sang like an angel, and died November 19, 1231, having just completed her twenty-fourth year. Many miracles are recorded in her life.

Novena Prayer to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Dear Saint Elizabeth, you
were always poor in spirit,
most generous toward the
poor, faithful to your
husband, and fully
consecrated to your Divine
Bridegroom.
Grant your help to widows
and widowers and keep
them faithful to their
heavenly Lord. Teach them
to make use of their time
in the service of God our Lord.
Amen.

(Mention your request here…)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us.

Prayer

Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of Thy faithful servants, and through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, make us to despise the pleasing things of this world, and ever to delight in the consolations of heaven. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Blessed Elizabeth, vessel elect of exalted virtues, thou dost show forth to the world by thy example what the virtues of Faith, Hope, and Charity are able to do in a Christian soul. Thou didst employ all the powers of thy heart to love thy God alone. Thou didst love Him with a love so pure and fervent that it rendered thee worthy to taste upon earth beforehand those favours and those sweetness’s of Paradise which are communicated to souls invited to the nuptials of the Divine adorable Lamb of God.

Thou, illuminated by supernatural light and faith immovable, didst show thyself to be a true daughter of the Holy Gospel, by seeing in the person of thy neighbour the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ, sole object of thy affections; and therefore didst thou place all thy delight in holding converse with the poor, in serving them, in drying their tears and comforting their spirits, in assisting them with every pious good office, in the midst of pestilence and the miseries to which our human nature is subject.

Thou didst make thyself poor in order to succour thy neighbour in his poverty–poor in the good things of earth, to enrich thyself with the goods of heaven. Thou wast so humble that, after thou hadst exchanged a throne for a poor hovel, and a royal mantle for the modest habit of St Francis, thou didst subject thyself, innocent though thou wast, to a life of privation and of penance, and with holy joy didst embrace the cross of thy Redeemer, with goodwill accepting with Him insults and the most unjust persecution: thus didst thou forget the world and thyself, to remember thy God alone.

Dearest Saint, who wast so beloved by God, vouchsafe to be the heavenly friend of our souls, and help them to become ever more and more acceptable to Jesus. Cast down upon us from the height of heaven one of those tender looks which, when thou wast upon earth, healed the most distressing infirmities. In this our age, so depraved and corrupt, and at the same time so cold and indifferent to the things of God, we have recourse to thee with confidence, in order that we may receive from our Lord light for the understanding and strength for the will, and thence obtain peace of soul.

Whilst we bless the Lord for having glorified his name in this world with the splendour of thy heroic virtues and the eternal reward accorded to them, do thou bless them, O dear St. Elizabeth, from that Blessed throne which thou dost occupy close to the Saint of Saints; protect us in our dangerous pilgrimage; obtain for us the pardon of our sins, and open for us the way to enter and share with thee the Kingdom of God.
Amen.

Prayer

O God, by whose grace your servant Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and revered Christ in the poor, grant, through her intercession, that we may serve with unfailing charity the needy and those afflicted. 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.
Amen.

Prayer

Almighty God, by whose grace your servant Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and honored Jesus in the poor of this world:
Grant that we, following her example,
may with love and gladness serve those in any need or trouble, in the name and for the sake of through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Amen.

Prayer of Widows and Widowers

Lord Jesus Christ, during your earthly life You showed compassion on those who had lost a loved one. Turn your compassionate eyes on me in my sorrow
over the loss of my life’s partner. Take him/her into your heavenly kingdom as a reward for his/her earthly service.
Help me to cope with my loss by relying on You even more than before.
Teach me to adapt to the new conditions of my life and to continue doing
your will as I see it. Enable me to avoid withdrawing from life
and make me give myself to others more readily, so that I may continue to live in your grace and to do the tasks that You have laid out for me.
Amen.

Litany In Honour Of Saint Elizabeth Of Hungary

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, Mother of Mercy, pray for us.
Holy Elizabeth, mother of the poor, pray for us.
Saint Elizabeth, who didst fear God from thy heart, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, most fervent in devotion, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, devout and beloved disciple of Jesus, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, imitator of blessed Francis, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, of noblest faith and birth, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, devoted to all pious offices, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, whose nights were spent in prayer and contemplation, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, who wast consoled with heavenly visions, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, beloved of God and man, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, full of contempt of this world, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, example of poverty, chastity and obedience, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, solace of thy husband, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, mirror of widows, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, holocaust of penance and humility, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, admirable preacher of meekness, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, despiser of the luxuries of the regal house, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, lover of the Cross of Christ, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, light of all pious women, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, nourisher of the orphans, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, always intent on works of mercy, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, consoler of all sorrows, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, teacher of the poor, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, seeker of contumely and affronts, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, distributor of thy riches to thy poor neighbors, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, patient in adversity, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, maker of garments for the poor, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, hospitable receiver of pilgrims and the sick, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, succor of the needy, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, formidable to demons, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, example of all spiritual perfection, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, repressor of all vain and dissolute conversation, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, cheered by angelic choirs in thy last agony, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, miraculous in life, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, helper of our devotions, pray for us.
St. Elizabeth, our sweetest patron, pray for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Lord.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

V. pray for us, blessed Elizabeth,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray

Enlighten, O God of compassion, the hearts of Thy faithful servants, and through the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, make us to despise the pleasing things of this world and ever to delight in the consolations of Heaven, through Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

O God of tender mercies, pour forth Thy light over the hearts of Thy faithful people, and graciously listening to the glorious prayers of blessed Elizabeth, make us to think little of worldly prosperity and to be ever gladdened by heavenly consolation, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who liveth and reigneth with God the Father and the Holy Spirit, world without end.
Amen.

November 18^th

Dedication of Churches of Saints Peter and Paul

This feast celebrates the dedications of two of the four major basilicas of Rome.Saint Peter’s Basilica was originally built in 323 by the emperor Constantine. The basilica was constructed over the tomb of Peter the Apostle, the Church’s first Pope. After standing for more than a thousand years, Pope Julius II ordered the building to be torn down due to structural concerns. The construction of the new church spanned over 200 years before its completion. It was dedicated on Nov. 18, 1626. It is considered the most famous church in Christendom.
Saint Paul´s Basilica is located outside the original walls of Rome. It was also originally built by the emperor Constantine though it was destroyed by fire in 1823. Donations from around the world made the reconstruction possible. Before the completion of Saint Peter´s Basilica, St Paul’s was the largest church in Rome. The Basilica was built over St. Paul´s grave. Pope Pius IX consecrated the Basilica in 1854.
These two churches continue to draw millions of faithful pilgrims each year as well as many visitors from other faiths .

St Peter & St Paul

O Holy St Peter and Paul, upon you, Almighty God has built His Church. Obtain for me I pray you: lively faith, firm hope, burning love and perseverance in the grace of God even unto death.

Glory be to the…

Prayer

Holy martyrs Peter and Paul, your tombs are the sacred destinations of many pilgrimages to the eternal city. May all visits to the Basilicas dedicated to your honor deepen one’s love and commitment to Mother Church.
O Holy St Peter and Paul, upon you, Almighty God has built His Church. Obtain for us, we pray, lively faith, firm hope, burning love and perseverance in the grace of God unto death.
Amen.

Prayer On The Memorial Of The Dedication Of The Churches Of Saints Peter And Paul

Lord,
give your Church the protection of the apostles.
From them it first received the faith of Christ.
May they help your Church to grow in your grace
until the end of time.
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.
Amen.

Prayer After Communion

May your people, we pray, O Lord,
nourished by the Bread of heaven,
rejoice in commemorating the Apostles Peter and Paul,
for it is through your gift
that we are governed under their patronage.
Through Christ our Lord.

November 20^th

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

St. Rose was born into a family with wealth and political connections on August 29, 1769 in Grenoble, France. From the young age of eight, St. Rose had a desire to evangelize in the Americas, sparked by hearing a Jesuit missionary speak of his work there. She received a basic education at home from tutors, and religious education from her mother. At the age 19, Rose joined the convent of the Visitation nuns in Grenoble, in 1788 without the permission or knowledge of her family. In 1804 she joined the Society of the Sacred Heart, which sent her to the United States in 1818. She founded a boarding school for daughters of pioneers near St. Louis and opened the first free school west of the Missouri. Two convent schools were founded in Louisiana, at Grand Coteau (1821) and St. Michael’s (1825), and an academy and orphanage in St. Louis, Missouri (1827). She spent her last decade at the convent in Saint Charles, Missouri where she lived austerely and in constant prayer. She died on November 18, 1852 at Saint Charles, Missouri. She was beatified on May 12, 1940 by Pope Pius XII, and canonized July 3, 1988 by Pope John Paul II. She is often referred to as “The Lady of Mercy,” or ” Woman Who Prays Always.”

Novena of Confidence

Lord Jesus,
Through the intercession of St. Philippine Duchesne to your Sacred Heart, I confide and place my trust in you.
Only look. Then do what your Heart inspires. Let your Heart decide. I count on it. I trust in it. I throw myself on its mercy.
Lord Jesus,
You will not fail me!

A Prayer of Dedication to Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

When we are asked to be bold and courageous,
You are our inspiration
When our imaginations dream and see beyond the limits of our sight,
You are our hope
When we fail to meet a challenge and need to accept our limitations,
You are our model
When we pray with the desire for deep union with God,
You are our Saint
And with your blessing, to the greater glory of God, we seek to be loving people who live and serve others with your same purpose, vision, and quiet humility.
Amen.

Prayer To Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)

Gracious God, you filled the heart of Philippine Duchesne with charity and missionary zeal, and gave her the desire to make you known to all peoples. Fill us who honor her memory today with that same love and zeal, and extend your kingdom to the ends of the earth. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer by Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

I am where God wills me to be, and so I have found rest and security. His wisdom governs me, His power defends me, His grace sanctifies me, His mercy encompasses me, His joy sustains me and all will go well with me.
Amen.

Prayer by St. Rose Philippine Duchesne

O Jesus, my Divine Saviour, I offer You my mind and heart. Direct their movements while I pray, So that I may offer my prayer in union With Your Immaculate Mother.
Amen.

Novena To Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne

(Repeat the following Novena prayers every day for 9 consecutive days.)

Philippine Duchesne, you were a pioneer woman,
called to join a pioneer endeavour, to explore, to begin,
to expand the educational frontiers of a new world.

Each of us, as a Duchesne Pioneer,
asks that, through your intercession,
we be able to face our ‘frontiers’
and meet the challenge of being ‘pioneers.’
As boundaries appear before us,
help us to step gently over despair
and fashion a resurrection realm,
a hope-hallowed world.

Help us follow your model,
as we strive for a world
which we cannot explain,
risk our lives to find new life,
challenge social patterns which give false comfort,
enter the Heart of the One who is Beginning and End,
share in the restlessness of the Spirit,
and become instruments of peace.
Amen.

Prayer used by St. Philippine Duchesne…
Lord, You alone are the Center in which I find rest.
Give me Your arm to support me,
Your shoulders to carry me,
Your breast to lean upon,
Your Cross to uphold me,
Your Body to nourish me.
In You, Lord, I sleep and rest in peace.
Amen.

[Mention your intention(s) here…]

Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory Be…

St Rose Philippine, Pray for us.
St Rose Philippine, Pray for us.
St Rose Philippine, Pray for us.

November 21^st

Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated annually on November 21st, commemorates the presentation of the Blessed Virgin as a child by her parents in the Temple in Jerusalem. Before Mary’s birth, her parents received a heavenly message that they would bear a child. In thanksgiving for the God’s gift of Mary’s birth, they brought her to the Temple to consecrate their only daughter to The Lord.The celebration of the Feast is first documented in the 11th century within the Byzantine Catholic Church. It was introduced into the Roman Catholic Church in the 15th century by Pope Gregory XI, then removed from the calendar by Pope Pius V in the mid 16th century. Pope Sixtus V later reestablished the feast in 1585, and it is still celebrated today, commemorating the faith of her parents, Joachim and Anne, and the purity of Mary.

Prayer for the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

As we venerate the glorious memory
of the most holy Virgin Mary, grant, we pray, O Lord, through her intercession,
that we, too, may merit to receive
the fullness of your grace. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.

A prayer to Our Lady to celebrate the Feast of her Presentation in the Temple, by St Alphonsus Liguori from ‘the Glories of Mary’

Oh holy Lady know that already through thy prayers the Son of God is hastening to come and redeem the world, and know that thou art the blessed one chosen to be the Mother of God, most holy Child, thou prayest for all, pray also for me.
Thou hast consecrated thyself wholly even from infancy to the love of thy God. Obtain for me at least during the remaining years of my life that I may live for God alone.
Today, together with thee, I renounce all creatures, and consecrate myself to the love of my Lord. I also offer myself to thee, oh my queen to serve thee forever. Accept me for thy special servant and obtain for me the grace to be faithful to thee and to thy Son, so that I may come one day to praise thee and love thee in paradise.
Amen.

Prayer

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known, that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother! To thee to do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

O blessed Virgin Mary! who can duly thank thee, or herald forth thy praises, who, by the assent of thy single will, didst rescue a fallen world? What honor can be paid to thee by our weak human nature, which, by thy intervention alone, hath found the way to return to grace and life? Accept then, such poor thanks as we have here to offer, unequal to thy merits though they be; and, accepting our good desires, obtain by thy prayers the remission of our offenses. Graciously hear our prayers, and obtain for us the remedy of reconciliation.

May the offering we make to God through thee, through thee be acceptable in his sight; and may that be granted which we ask with trustful heart. Accept our offerings, grant us our petitions, banish our fears; for thou art the sole hope of sinners. Through thee we hope for forgiveness of our sins; and in thee, most blessed Lady, is the hope of our reward.

Holy Mary, succor the wretched, help the fainthearted, comfort the sorrowful, pray for the people, shield the clergy, intercede for holy women; let all who celebrate thy holy commemoration feel thy protection. Be thou at hand, ready to aid our prayers, and obtain for us what we desire. Make it thy care, blessed Lady, to intercede ever for the people of God–thou who didst deserve to bear the Redeemer of the world, who liveth and reigneth, forever and ever.
Amen.

Prayer On Presentation Of Mary

Eternal Father, we honor the holiness and glory of the Virgin Mary. May her prayers bring us the fullness of your life and love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Prayer For The Feast Of The Presentation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

O God, Who didst will that on this day
the blessed ever Virgin Mary,
the dwelling-place of the Holy Ghost,
should be presented in the temple:
grant, we beseech Thee,
that through her intercession,
we may be made worthy to be presented in the temple of Thy glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son,
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee
in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God,
world without end.
Amen.

Short Prayer On The Presentation Of Mary

Heavenly Father, the Blessed Virgin Mary was dedicated to You by her parents when she was three. In the temple, she joined the girls who spent their days praying, reading Scripture, and serving the temple priests. Her holiness was very evident, and the high priest thought that You probably had great plans for her. I ask Mary to pray for the plans You have for my life. Where I have strayed onto a road of my own choosing, give me her hand to guide me back to where You want me. Where I need to wait for a new plan to begin, give me the grace remain patient and say, “Your will be done.” Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for me.
Amen.

Novena For The Presentation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

This Novena begins November 13th and ends November 21st, the Feast of Presentation of the Blessed virgin Mary.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.

1. O great Virgin and dear Mother! by the marvellous promptitude with which you dedicated your earliest years to the service of God, obtain that we may from this time forward be enabled to consecrate our hearts to the divine service without ever being diverted from our purpose.
Pray one Ave Maria

2. O great Virgin and dear Mother! by that seraphic zeal with which in your childhood you served in the temple, thereby becoming an object of admiration to angels and men, obtain for us that we may approach the holy Sacraments with the true spirit of devotion.
Pray one Ave Maria

3. O great Virgin and dear Mother! by the admirable courage with which you subdued your attachment to home and parents, in your first years of life, that you might devote yourself to the service of God, obtain for us that, no longer seduced by the deceits of our enemies, we may be able to keep our hearts detached from all earthly things, seeking for our true and perfect good alone, and may enjoy one day with you the eternal delights of Paradise.
Pray one Ave Maria

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Amen.

Novena In Honor Of The Presentation Of The Blessed Virgin Mary

(Beginning November 12)
[i. 300 Days each day.
ii. Plenary on the Feast or during the Octave. I, II, IV.
(See Instructions, p. 1.)]

1st, 4th and 7th Days – November 12, 15, and 18

Mary, Mother of God, tradition tells us that when you were three years of age, your parents, Joachim and Anne, took you to the Temple in Jerusalem to fulfill their vow. The holy couple offered you to God by the ministry of the priest in charge, who invoked the blessing of God upon you and your parents. How fervently your mother and father thanked God for having given you to them and begged Him to accept the offering that they were making! They then left a small offering of silver required by the Law of Moses.

What a beautiful example for parents to imitate! Their children also belong to God, for they are His gift. Teach parents to care for their children as God’s sacred trust, to guard them from sin and to lead them in the way of virtue. May they consider it to be the greatest privilege bestowed upon them by God to dedicate their sons and daughters to His holy service. Help them to become worthy of this blessing through their own prayers and good example.

Mary, my Mother, your first presentation to God, made by the hands of your parents, was an offering most acceptable in His sight. Let my consecration of myself to God be made under your patronage and assisted by your intercession and in union with your merits.
Amen.

Then follows Pater, Ave, Gloria Patri, and the Litany of Loreto, Memorare, and Act of Consecration.
Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of Mercy, pray for me and the departed.

2nd, 5th, and 8th Days – November 13, 16, and 19

Mary, Mother of God, already in your childhood you dedicated yourself to the love and service of God. Led by divine inspiration to His house, you prepared yourself for your sublime dignity of Divine Motherhood in silence and solitude with God. Though the designs of God were unknown to you, you nevertheless detached your heart from the world in order to give all your love to God.

Consecrated to the Lord, you may have remained in the Temple until the age of 12. When you later returned to your home, you were under the loving care of your mother, Saint Anne. With her you loved to sing the psalms and canticles of the inspired authors of your nation. From Anne you heard the touching story of the Chosen People. You learned to read the sacred books by yourself and tried to penetrate their hidden meaning. You often discussed the coming of the Messiah, since you knew He would be of your race and family.

Mary, my Mother, you were laying the foundation of that hidden life in which, by the practice of the highest virtues, you were to reach that sublime degree of holiness to which you were predestined as Mother of the Son of God and Mother of all the souls for whom He was to die. Attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit, you diligently gathered up all His lessons, preserving them in your soul with zealous care.
Amen.

Then follows Pater, Ave, Gloria Patri, and the Litany of Loreto, Memorare, and Act of Consecration.
Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of Mercy, pray for me and the departed.

3rd, 6th and 9th Days – November 14, 17, and 20

Mary, Mother of God, may the perfect gift of yourself to God through love in your presentation in the temple be an inspiration to me. You loved God with your whole heart and mind and strength. Obtain for me the grace to love God with my whole heart—so that all the love my heart is capable of may be consecrated to Him, and all other affection subordinated to the love I owe God.

Help me to love God with my whole soul—so that all the faculties of my soul may be consecrated to Him, and that I may make use of them only to make Him known, loved and served.

Help me to love God with my whole mind—so that my mind may be habitually occupied with God and that I may value His good pleasure above everything else, above my convenience, above all earthly treasures, above all knowledge and friendship, above health and life.

Help me to love God with my whole strength—so that I may consecrate undividedly, unreservedly and continually to His service, my life, my health and all I am and have.

Mary, my Mother, pray that the love of God above all things and detachment from the world and its false pleasures, may also make my soul the temple of the living God. After your example, I desire to be known to God and unknown to men, to possess God and to be forgotten by creatures. May God dwell in me and may I live to Him alone through frequent Holy Communion and still more frequent prayer so that God may direct my whole life—my thoughts, words and actions—to His greater honor and glory.
Amen.

Then follows Pater, Ave, Gloria Patri, and the Litany of Loreto, Memorare, and Act of Consecration.
Mary, Mother of God, and Mother of Mercy, pray for me and the departed.

November 22^nd

Saint Cecilia

This noble virgin was born in Rome towards the close of the second century, while Alexander Severus was the reigning emperor. Her talent for music was remarkable, and she not only composed and sang hymns, but is said to have invented the organ, consecrating it to the service of God. When she was about sixteen, her parents married her to a young senator named Valerian. He was a pagan, but of a noble and generous nature. Cecilia having revealed to him the vow of virginity she had made, the young husband reverenced her angelic resolution; and Cecilia was the means of converting him and his brother, Tiburtius. to Christianity. After their martyrdom, the young widow was put to the torture, being first immersed in boiling water (from which she emerged unscathed), and then struck with an axe in the head and breast. She lay bleeding from these cruel wounds for the space of three days, praying, and exhorting all who visited her, and at last expired, singing hymns of praise to God. Saint Cecilia is the patroness of sacred music.

Prayer to Saint Cecilia

O glorious Saint, who chose to die
instead of denying your King.
We pray you please to help us
as His fair praise we sing!
We lift our hearts in joyous song
to honor Him this way.
And while we sing, remembering
to sing is to doubly pray.
At once in our hearts and our
tongues we offer double prayer
Sent heavenward on winged notes
to praise God dwelling there.
While with our hearts and tongues
we try with song to praise God twice.
We ask dear Saint to help us be
united close with Christ!

Prayer to Saint Cecilia

O glorious St. Cecilia, virgin and
martyr, you won the martyr’s crown
without renouncing your love for
Jesus, the delight of your soul. We
ask that you help us to be faithful in
our love for Jesus, that, in the
communion of the saints, we may
praise Him twice in our song of
rejoicing for the Blood that He shed
which gave us the grace to accomplish
His will on earth.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Cecilia

Dear Saint Cecilia, one thing we know for certain about you is that you became a heroic martyr in fidelity to your divine Bridegroom.
We do not know that you were a musician but we are told that you heard Angels sing.
Inspire musicians to gladden the hearts of people by filling the air with God’s gift of music and reminding them of the divine Musician who created all beauty.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Cecilia

St. Cecilia, I confide in your intercession because you generously offered your life as a sacrifice for the love of Jesus, to whom you were devoted with your whole heart and soul. Jesus will not refuse your prayers. Beg Jesus to grant me this favor:
(Mention your request.)
For the sake of Jesus Christ, Who filled your heart with pure and heroic love, Who crowned you with the glorious crown of martyrdom, Who permitted your body to remain incorrupt through these many centuries, and Who willed that your memory be praised by the Church at every Holy Day Mass, I earnestly ask you to intercede for me. I resign myself entirely to the Holy Will of God. Help me to imitate your faith and love of God, that I may be ready to make any sacrifice for my Catholic faith. Through your prayers may I someday reach heaven and praise with you the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the loving Spouse of your soul and mine.
Amen.

Prayer Invoking the Intercession of St. Cecilia

O Eternal God, Who gave us, in the person of St. Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise You and bless You forevermore in eternity.
Amen.

Prayer to St. Cecilia

O gentle Cecilia, sweet voice and melody of the Heart of Jesus. We come to you to beg your assistance. pray for us Cecilia, teach us to sing to glories of God and also for the Glory of God. Give us the voice to sing the “Ave” as you did at the hour of your martyrdom. pray for us o martyr with a singing heart.
Amen.

Litany Of St. Cecilia

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us. Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, wise virgin, pray for us .
Saint Cecilia, whose heart burned with the fire of Divine love, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, apostle by thy zeal and charity, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who converted thy spouse and procured for him the crown of Martyrdom, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy pleadings moved the hearts of pagans, and brought them into the true Church, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst unceasingly see thy guardian Angel by thy side, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who didst mingle thy voice with the celestial harmonies of the virgins, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who by thy melodious accents celebrated the praises of Jesus, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, illustrious Martyr of Jesus Christ, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, who during three days dist suffer most excruciating torments, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, consolation of the afflicted, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, protectress of all who invoke thee, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, patroness of holy canticles, pray for us.
Saint Cecilia, special patroness and advocate of all singers, musicians, authors, and students, pray for us.
We salute thee, O Virgin, who didst give thy blood for the defense and faith of Jesus Christ.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.
God glorified Saint Cecilia,
And He crowned her virtues.

Let us pray

O Eternal God, Who didst give us, in the person of Saint Cecilia, a powerful protectress, grant that after having faithfully passed our days, like herself, in innocence and holiness, we may one day attain the land of beatitude, where in concert with her, we may praise Thee and bless Thee forevermore in eternity.
Amen.

November 23^rd

Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro

“¡Viva Cristo Rey!”—Long live Christ the King!—were the last words Pro uttered before he was executed for being a Catholic priest and serving his flock.Born into a prosperous, devout family in Guadalupe de Zacatecas, Mexico, Miguel entered the Jesuits in 1911, but three years later fled to Granada, Spain, because of religious persecution in Mexico. He was ordained in Belgium in 1925.Father Pro immediately returned to Mexico, where he served a Church forced to go “underground.” He celebrated the Eucharist clandestinely and ministered the other sacraments to small groups of Catholics.He and his brother Roberto were arrested on trumped-up charges of attempting to assassinate Mexico’s president. Roberto was spared, but Miguel was sentenced to face a firing squad on November 23, 1927. His funeral became a public demonstration of faith. Miguel Pro was beatified in 1988.

Novena to Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro

Blessed martyr of Christ the King, Father Miguel Agustin Pro, you are a special patron of those who labor, those in illness, depression, or despair. You are also a friend of musicians, the captives, and all who work toward social justice. Your beloved brothers, the Jesuits, revere you and count you among the ranks of their saints. You love your people of Mexico and all those loyal to the Church.
(Mention your request here…)
I thank the Sacred Heart for loving you so dearly. I pray to Our Lady of Guadalupe, whom you love so dearly, to intercede for the cause of your canonization. I pray that you remember me in your eternal and well-deserved rejoicing, and also my needs: [state needs]. Through your courageous life and martyrdom you have won the crown of life everlasting. Remember me, Blessed Miguel, for I remember you. Long live Christ the King! Long live Our Lady of Guadalupe!

Collect

Our God and Father,
who conferred upon your servant Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro
the grace of ardently seeking your greater glory
and the salvation of others,
grant through his intercession and example,
that by faithfully and joyfully performing our daily duties
and effectively assisting those around us,
we may serve you with zeal
and ever seek your glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, forever and ever.

Prayer

Lord, You gave Blessed Miguel the grace to seek Your glory and the salvation of souls. Through his prayers, may we serve and glorify You by faithfully performing our daily duties and helping our neighbors.
Amen.

Blessed Miguel Pro, your gripping last moments sear the mind and pierce the heart. Grant us just an ounce of your ocean of daring, fortitude, and perseverance in living and sharing the faith. Help us to be more like you!

Prayer Composed By Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro

Does our life become from day to day more painful, more oppressive, more replete with afflictions? Blessed be He a thousand times who desires it so. If life be harder, love makes it also stronger, and only this love, grounded on suffering, can carry the Cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. Love without egotism, without relying on self, but enkindling in the depth of the heart an ardent thirst to love and suffer for all those around us: a thirst that neither misfortune nor contempt can extinguish…
I believe, O Lord; but strengthen my faith… Heart of Jesus, I love Thee; but increase my love. Heart of Jesus, I trust in Thee; but give greater vigor to my confidence. Heart of Jesus, I give my heart to Thee; but so enclose it in Thee that it may never be separated from Thee. Heart of Jesus, I am all Thine; but take care of my promise so that I may be able to put it in practice even unto the complete sacrifice of my life.

Catholic Prayer: Chaplet Of Blessed Miguel Pro, Sj

Blessed Miguel, before your death, you told your friend to ask you for favors when you were in Heaven. I beg you to intercede for me and in union with Our Lady and all the angels and saints, to ask Our Lord to grant my petition, provided that it be God’s Will…
{mention the request}
We honor and adore the triune God.
The Gloria…
We ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Come Holy Ghost…
We pray as Jesus taught us to pray.
The Our Father…
We venerate with love the Virgin Mary.
Hail Mary…
All you angels, bless you the Lord forever.
Saint Joseph, Saint {name of your patron}, and all the saints, pray for us.
Blessed Miguel, high spirited youth, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, loving son and brother, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, patient novice, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, exile from your homeland, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, prayerful religious, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, sick and suffering, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, defender of workers, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, courageous priest in hiding, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, prisoner in jail,pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, forgiver of persecutors, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.
Blessed Miguel, holy martyr, pray for us. Viva Christo Rey.

November 24^th

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions

During his papacy, Pope John Paul II canonized a group of 117 martyrs who died for the Roman Catholic Faith in Vietnam during the nineteenth century. The group was made up of ninety-six Vietnamese, eleven Spaniards, and ten French. Eight of the group were bishops, fifty were priests and fifty-nine were lay Catholics including a 9-year-old child. Some of the priests were Dominicans, others were diocesan priests who belonged to the Paris Mission Society.
This feast day, and the witnesses of the lives of the martyrs, give testament to the sufferings inflicted on the Vietnamese Church, which are among the most terrible in the long history of Christian martyrdom.

Collect

O God, source and origin of all fatherhood,
who kept the Martyrs Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and his companions
faithful to the Cross of your Son,
even to the shedding of their blood,
grant, through their intercession,
that, spreading your love among our brothers and sisters,
we may be your children both in name and in truth.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.

November 25^th

Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Almighty and eternal God, with lively faith and reverent worship, I bow before You and invoke, with absolute trust, Your supreme power and mercy.
Illumine the darkness of my mind with a ray of Your heavenly light and inflame my heart with the fire of Your Divine love, so that I may contemplate the great virtues and merits of Saint Catherine of Alexandria in whose honour I make this novena, and following her example imitate, like her, the life of Your Divine Son.
Moreover, I beseech You to graciously grant,
through the merits and intercession of St Catherine,
the petition that I humbly place before You, devoutly acknowledging, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
(Make your request…)
Merciful God, graciously grant my request, if it is for Your greater honour and glory, and the salvation of my soul.

St. Catherine of Alexandria Novena Prayer

St. Catherine, glorious virgin and martyr, resplendent in the luster of wisdom and purity; thy wisdom refuted the adversaries of divine truth and covered them with confusion; thy immaculate purity made thee a spouse of Christ, so that after thy glorious martyrdom angels carried thy body to Mount Sinai. Implore for me progress in the science of the saints and the virtue of holy purity, that vanquishing the enemies of my soul, I may be victorious in my last combat and after death be conducted by the angels into the eternal beatitude of heaven.
Amen.

Prayer in Honor of St. Catherine

O GOD, Who didst distinguish Thy holy Virgin and Martyr Catherine by the gift of great wisdom and virtue, and a victorious combat with the enemies of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, through her intercession, constancy in the Faith and the wisdom of the Saints, that we may devote all the powers of our mind and heart to Thy service. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Concluding Prayer

My Lord and my God! I offer up to Thee my petition in union with the bitter passion and death of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, together with the merits of His immaculate and blessed Mother, Mary ever virgin, and of all the saints, particularly with those of the holy Helper in whose honor I make this novena.
Look down upon me, merciful Lord! Grant me Thy grace and Thy love, and graciously hear my prayer. Amen.

Prayer to the Holy Martyrs

O St. Catherine, and yes also, princes of paradise, who, having sacrificed to God all that you possessed on earth, your possessions, your honors, your life, have now the happiness of reigning in heaven, filled with joy and glory, forever assured of the crown merited by your sufferings, have compassion on us, poor wanderers, sighing in this valley of tears, uncertain of our eternal destiny: obtain for us, we pray you, a great love of God, a love which will give us strength resignedly to bear the evils of this life, to overcome all the temptations of our foes, and thus to persevere until death, so that we also may, one day, praise and bless with you that infinite Good which ye already possess, love, and behold face to face.
Amen.

A Prayer to the Virgin Saints

O Glorious St. Catherine, and all you blessed virgins who, by your purity and your ardent love, were upon earth the delight of your God, pray for me, who alas! am not the object of His delight, but who am the cause of His sufferings through my evil life. Pray to Him to pardon me, to give me a new heart, a heart pure and full of love like unto yours.
Amen.

Prayer of the Church

O GOD, Who didst give the law to Moses on the summit of Mount Sinai, and by the holy Angels didst miraculously transfer there the body of blessed Catherine, Virgin and Martyr; grant us, we beseech Thee, to come, through her intercession, to the mountain which is Christ. Through the same Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Catherine of Alexandria

Glorious St. Catherine, virgin and martyr, help me to imitate your love of purity. Give me strength and courage in fighting off the temptations of the world and evil desires. Help me to love God with my whole heart and serve Him faithfully. O St. Catherine, through your glorious martrydom for the love of Christ, help me to be loyal to my faith and my God as long as I live.
Amen.

We implore Thee, O Lord, by the intercession of Saint Catherine, Virgin and Martyr, who was ever most pleasing to Thy eyes by reason of her eminent purity and the practice of all the virtues, pardon us our sins and grant us all the graces we need (and name any special grace you may require). Amen.

Saint Catherine’s Prayer

Gracious and loving God, we give you thanks for the tradition and example of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
Give us grace to pursue her love of purity, to strive for her strength and courage, to adhere to her abhorrence of the world’s temptations and sinful desires, and to follow her faithfulness.

Empower us to break the wheel of worldly suffering and allow your wisdom to radiate through our lives, so that your glory may shine ever more brightly.

Bring those who seek your presence to share in the ministry and worship of this parish, and help us to welcome those who come in your name.

All this we pray through Jesus Christ, our servant leader, who is one with you and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

November 26^th

Christ the King

On the last Sunday of each liturgical year, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, or Christ the King. Even though Jesus Christ was not a king in the earthly sense, He is the divine King of the Universe, who unites all of creation with the Father.Pope Pius XI instituted this feast in 1925 to respond to growing secularism and atheism. He recognized that attempting to “thrust Jesus Christ and his holy law” out of public life would result in continuing discord among people and nations. This solemnity reminds us that while governments come and go, Christ reigns as King forever.The feast was originally celebrated on the last Sunday in October. It has been observed on the last Sunday before Advent since 1970.

Prayer to Christ the King

O Lord our God, You alone are the Most Holy King and Ruler of all nations.
We pray to You, Lord, in the great expectation of receiving from You, O Divine King, mercy, peace, justice and all good things.
Protect, O Lord our King, our families and the land of our birth.
Guard us we pray Most Faithful One.
Protect us from our enemies and from Your Just Judgment.
Forgive us, O Sovereign King, our sins against you.
Jesus, You are a King of Mercy.
We have deserved Your Just Judgment
Have mercy on us, Lord, and forgive us.
We trust in Your Great Mercy.
O most awe-inspiring King, we bow before You and pray;
May Your Reign, Your Kingdom, be recognized on earth.
Amen.

Prayers for Christ the King / Reign of Christ Sunday

Jesus Christ, our Sovereign and Savior, you pour out your power for the powerless and your salvation for the lost. Remember us in your new creation, so that we may live in peace with you in the presence of the Holy One, to whom be all honor and glory, through you, in the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Christ the King Novena

Christ, our Savior and our King, renew in me allegiance to Your Kingship.
I pray for the grace to place You above the powers of this world in all things.
O Prince of Peace, may Your reign be complete in my life and in the life of the world. Christ, my King, please answer these petitions if they be in accordance with Your Holy Will…
[Mention your intentions here]
As I reflect on Your second, glorious coming and the judgment of all mankind, I beg You to show me mercy and give me the grace to become a great saint. I pray that not only will I spend eternity with You but that You may use me – a sinner – to bring others into Your Kingdom for Your glory.
Christ the King, Your Kingdom come!
Amen.

A Prayer To Christ The King

Christ Jesus, I acknowledge You King of the universe.
All that has been created has been made for You.
Make full use of Your rights over me.

I renew the promises I made in Baptism,
when I renounced Satan and all his Pomps and works,
and I promise to live a good Christian life
and to do all in my power
to procure the triumph of the rights of God
and Your Church.

Divine Heart of Jesus,
I offer you my efforts
in order to obtain that all hearts
may acknowledge your Sacred Royalty,
and that thus the Kingdom of Your peace
may be established throughout the universe.

Amen.

Collect Prayer

Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

November 27^th

Our Lady of Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal, the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, popularly known as the Miraculous Medal, is unique among all medals. The Blessed Virgin gave it to Catherine Laboure on November 27th, 1830. The apparition appeared in the Motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul and St. Louise de Marillac, in Paris France. Catherine saw Our Lady standing on a globe with dazzling rays of light streaming from her outstretched hands. Framing the figure was the inscription O Mary conceived without sin , pray for us who have recourse to thee
Mary then spoke to Catherine, “Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around their neck.”The vision then rotated showing the reverse side of the medal: the letter M surmounted by a cross with a bar at its base. Below this monogram, the Sacred Heart of Jesus crowned with thorns, and the Immaculate Heart of Mary pierced with a sword. Today, millions of Catholics show their love of Christ by honoring his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, by wearing this Medal.

Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal by Saint Pope John Paul II

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you. O Mary, this was the prayer that you gave to Saint Catherine Laboure in the Chapel of the Apparitions, more than one hundred and fifty years ago;

This invocation, engraved on the Miraculous Medal, is not worn and repeated by the faithful throughout the world.

Blessed are you among women! You are intimately associated with the work of our redemption, associated with the cross of our Savior, your heart has been pierced, next to his heart. And now, in the glory of your Son, you never cease to intercede for us, poor sinners.

You watch over the Church for you are its mother. You watch over each of your Children. From God, you obtain for us, all the graces that are symbolized by the rays of light which radiate from your open hands, and the only condition that you demand of us is that we approach with the confidence, the hardiness, and the simplicity of a child. And it is thus that you bring before us your Divine Son.

The Miraculous Medal Perpetual Novena

O Immaculate Virgin Mary, Mother of Our Lord Jesus and our mother, penetrated with the most lively confidence in your all-powerful and never-failing intercession, manifested so often through the Miraculous Medal, we your loving and trustful children implore you to obtain for us the graces and Favors we ask during this Novena, if they be beneficial to our immortal souls, and the souls for whom we pray.
(Here privately form your petitions.)
You know, O Mary, how often our souls have been the sanctuaries of your Son who hates iniquity. Obtain for us, then, a deep hatred of sin and that purity of heart which will attach us to God alone, so that our every thought, word and deed may tend to His greater glory. Obtain for us also a spirit of prayer and self-denial, that we may recover by penance what we have lost by sin and at length attain to that blessed abode where you are the Queen of angels and of men.
Amen.

An Act of Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

O Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate, we dedicate and consecrate ourselves to you under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of your affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward you. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection and preserved in the grace of your Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to you every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with you, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen.

(Repeat 3 times)
Priest: O Mary, conceived without sin.
People: Pray for us who have recourse to you.

Novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

First Day

During the night of July 18-19, 1830, the Most Holy Virgin appeared for the first time to Saint Catherine Labouré, who had been awakened and led from the dormitory to the chapel by her guardian angel.

In the sanctuary, Saint Catherine later wrote:

“I heard something like the rustling of a silk dress, coming from the side of the tribune, close to Saint Joseph’s picture. She alighted on the steps of the altar on the Gospel side, in an arm chair like Saint Anne’s… As I looked up at Our Lady I flung myself close to her, falling on my knees on the altar steps, my hands resting in her knees. That was the sweetest moment of my life.”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my mother, look on my soul with mercy, obtain for me a spirit of prayer that leads me always to have recourse to thee. Obtain for me the graces that I implore of thee and, above all, inspire me to pray for the graces that thou most want to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Second Day

“The times are very evil, misfortunes are going to befall France, the throne will be overthrown, the whole world will be overwhelmed with misfortunes of every kind.” The Holy Virgin looked very distressed as she said this.

“But come to the foot of this altar. Here graces will be bestowed on anyone, great or small, who asks for them with confidence and fervour… A moment will come of such great danger that all will seem lost. But I shall be with you.”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my mother, amidst the great desolation in the world and the Church, obtain for me the graces I ask of thee and inspire me, above all, to request the graces that thou most want to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Third Day

“The Cross will be despised and hurled to the ground, blood will run in the streets, the Side of Our Lord will be opened again. The archbishop will be stripped of his garments.” Here the Holy Virgin, her face filled with sadness, could no longer speak. “My child, the whole world will be plunged in sorrow,” she said to me.

Lert us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my mother, obtain for me the grace to live in union with thee, with thy Divine Son and the Church at this crucial moment in history, as tragic as the Passion, when all humanity is about to choose sides for or against Christ! Obtain for me the graces I implore, especially the grace of requesting that which thou most want to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Fourth Day

At 5:30 on the evening of November 27, 1830, as Saint Catherine was praying in the chapel, the Holy Virgin appeared to her for the second time, standing as high as Saint Joseph’s picture to the right of the main altar.

“Her face was so beautiful that it would be impossible for me to describe it. Her robe was white as the glow of dawn… Her head was covered with a white veil that extended to her feet which rested on a half sphere, with her heel crushing the head of a serpent.”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, be my protection against the assaults of the infernal enemy. Obtain for me the graces I am asking of thee and, above all, inspire me to request the graces that thou most want to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Fifth Day

The Holy Virgin holds a globe in her hands representing the whole world, and each person in particular, and offers it to God, imploring His mercy.
She wears rings on her fingers, bearing precious stones that shed rays, one more beautiful than the next, symbolizing the graces that the Holy Virgin pours out on those who ask for them.

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, obtain for me the graces I am asking of thee and inspire me, above all, to request the graces that thou most wants to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Sixth Day

During the second apparition, Our Blessed Mother explained to Saint Catherine “how pleased she is when people pray to her and how generous she is with them; how she gives special graces to those who ask; and what a great joy she takes in granting them.”

At that point “a frame formed around Our Lady, like an oval, bearing the following words in gold letters: ‘O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.’”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, obtain for me the graces I am asking of thee and inspire me, above all, to request the graces that thou most wants to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Seventh Day

Then a voice was heard, saying, “Have a medal struck after this model. Those who wear it, blessed, around their neck will receive great graces. The graces will be abundant for those who wear it with confidence.”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, obtain for me the graces that I ask of thee and inspire me, above all, to pray for the graces that thou most wants to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Eighth Day

After contemplating the picture on the medal, Saint Catherine saw it turn to display the back.
There she saw an “M,” the monogram of Mary, surmounted by a small cross and, below it, the hearts of Jesus and Mary, the first surrounded with thorns and the latter pierced with a sword.
Twelve stars surrounded the hearts and the monogram.

Let us pray

O Immaculate Heart of Mary, make my heart like unto thine. Obtain for me the graces I am asking of thee and, above all, inspire me to ask of thee the graces thou most wants to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Ninth Day

Queen of the Universe Confirming the predictions of Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, Saint Catherine says that the Most Holy Virgin will be proclaimed Queen of the Universe:

“Oh! how beautiful it will be to hear: Mary is the Queen of the Universe. The children and everyone will cry with joy and rapture. That will be a lasting era of peace and happiness. She will be displayed on standards and paraded all over the world.”

Let us pray

O Most Holy Virgin, O my Mother, obtain for me the graces I am asking of thee and inspire me, above all, to pray for the graces that thou most wants to grant me.

Our Father….
Hail Mary….
Glory Be….

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee!

Prayer to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you.

O Mary, this was the prayer that you gave to Saint Catherine Laboure in the Chapel of the Apparitions, more than one hundred and fifty years ago;
This invocation, engraved on the Miraculous Medal, is not worn and repeated by the faithful throughout the world. Blessed are you among women!

You are intimately associated with the work of our redemption, associated with the cross of our Savior, your heart has been pierced, next to his heart.

And now, in the glory of your Son, you never cease to intercede for us, poor sinners.
You watch over the Church for you are its mother. You watch over each of your Children.

From God, you obtain for us, all the graces that are symbolized by the rays of light which radiate from your open hands, and the only condition that you demand of us is that we approach with the confidence, the hardiness, and the simplicity of a child. And it is thus that you bring before us your Divine Son.

Blessed Pope John Paul II (1980)
on the occasion of the Pope’s visit to the rue du Bac

November 28^th

St Catherine Labore

On November 28, the Church honors St. Catherine Labouré, the humble Daughter of Charity to whom Mary appeared, requesting that the Miraculous Medal be stamped so that all who wear it would receive great graces. Saint Catherine Labouré was born in France on May 2, 1806. She was the ninth of 11 children. Upon her mother’s death, when Catherine was eight years old, the young girl assumed the responsibilities of the household. It was said of her that she was a very quiet and practical child.

Eventually she became a Daughter of Charity, and when she was still a novice at the age of 24, the Virgin Mary appeared to her for the first time. Later, Mary appeared once again and requested that Catherine have a medal made portraying Mary just as she appeared. It took two years before Catherine was able to convince her spiritual director to have the medal created, their dispersal was so rapid and effective that it was said to be miraculous itself. She died in Paris on December 31, 1876 and was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII. Her incorrupt body lies in the crypt of the convent.

Prayer to Saint Catherine Laboure

Saint Catherine Labouré, you were the chosen confidant of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She revealed to you her desire that her children wear the Miraculous Medal as a mark of their love for her and in honor of her Immaculate Conception.

Intercede for us, that we may follow our heavenly mother’s desires. Ask that we may receive those special graces which flow from her motherly hands like rays of light.
Amen.

Prayer to Saint Catherine Laboure

Saint Catherine Laboure O Saint Catherine Laboure, who by thy filial confidence in the Blessed Virgin, merited the privilege of contemplating and conversing with her while on this earth, obtain for us a faith like unto thine in her maternal love.
Grant that we may understand and appreciate the value of prudent silence and of humility, and obtain for us the grace to show forth these virtues in our lives. Teach us to accomplish faithfully the duties of our state in order that we may merit the happiness of contemplating with thee our Immaculate Mother for all eternity.
Amen.

Novena To Saint Catherine Labouré

Repeat the following Novena prayers every day for 9 consecutive days.

Opening Prayer

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created;
and Thou shall renew the face of the earth.
0 God, You instructed the hearts of the faithful
by the light of the Holy Spirit.
Grant us in the same Spirit to be truly wise
and ever to rejoice in His consolation,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for who have recourse to thee.
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for who have recourse to thee.

Lord Jesus Christ, You have been pleased
to glorify by numberless miracles the Blessed Virgin Mary,
immaculate from the first moment of her conception.
Grant that all who devoutly implore her protection on earth
may eternally enjoy Your presence in heaven,
Who, with the Father and the Holy Spirit,
live and reign, God, forever and ever.
Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, for the accomplishment of Your works,
You have chosen the weak things of the world,
that no flesh may glory in Your sight.
And for a better and more widely diffused belief
in the Immaculate Conception of Your Mother,
You have wished that the Miraculous Medal
be manifested to Saint Catherine Laboure.
Grant, we beseech thee, that filled with like humility,
we may glorify this mystery by word and work.
Amen.

Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known
that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help,
and sought thy intercession,
was left unaided.

Inspired with this confidence,
I fly unto thee,
O Virgin of virgins, my mother,
to thee I come,
before thee I stand sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate!
despise not my petitions,
but, in thy mercy, hear and answer me.
Amen.

Prayer of Saint Catherine Labouré

Whenever I go to the chapel,
I put myself in the presence of our good Lord,
and I say to Him,
“Lord, I am here. Tell me what You would have me do.”
If He gives me some task, I am content and I thank Him.
If He gives me nothing, I still thank Him
since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that.
And then, I tell God everything that is in my heart.
I tell Him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen.
If you listen, God will also speak to you.
for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.
God always speaks to you when you approach Him plainly and simply.

Collect for Saint Catherine Laboure

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast deigned to strengthen the Virgin, blessed Catherine, by a wonderful vision of Thy Immaculate Mother; grant, we beseech Thee, that after the examples of tender devotion shown us by the same blessed Catherine, we may so honor Thy holy Mother as to obtain the joys of eternal life. Who liveth and reigneth with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
Amen.

Prayer of Saint Catherine Laboure

Whenever I go to the chapel, I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him, “Lord, I am here. Tell me what you would have me to do.”
If he gives me some tasks, I am content and I thank him.
If he gives me nothing, I still thank him since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that.
And then, I tell God everything that is in my heart.
I tell him about my pains and my joys, and then I listen.
If you listen, God will also speak to you, for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen. God always speaks to you when you approach him plainly and simply.

November 30^th

Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew was the brother of Saint Peter and, like him, a fisherman. He was a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, but on hearing him say one day, “Behold the Lamb of God!” pointing as he did so to our Blessed Lord, he immediately followed Him, and was the first called of the Apostles. He lost no time, after that, in bringing his brother to our Lord, who admitted him among His disciples, and changed his name from Simon to that of Peter. Saint Andrew carried the light of the Gospel into Scythia, Sogdiana, Colchis, Epirus, Pontus, and Achaia. He was apprehended by Egeas, the proconsul, imprisoned, and most cruelly beaten. He was crucified at Patras, in Achaia, on a cross in the form of the letter X; and after hanging on it for two days, preaching to the people, he gave up his blessed soul, encompassed by a great light, a.d. 69.

St Andrew’s Prayer

O Glorious St. Andrew,
you were the first to recognize and follow the Son of God.
With your friend, St. John,
you remained with Jesus,
for your entire life,
and now throughout eternity.

Just as you led your brother, St Peter,
to Christ and many others after him,
draw us also to Him.
Teach us how to lead them,
solely out of love for Jesus
and dedication to His service.
Help us to learn the lesson of the Cross
and carry our daily crosses without complaint,
so that they may carry us to God the Almighty Father. Amen.

St Andrew’s Call

Brother of Simon Peter, you heard John the Baptist say: “Behold the Lamb of God,” and you chose to follow Jesus.
Leaving your nets, you became a successful fisher of souls.
Lover of the Crucified Christ, you too were crucified like him.
Teach us to live and suffer for Him and to win many souls for Christ.
Amen.

O Good Cross (O Bona Crux)

(A prayer reflecting St Andrew’s delight immediately prior to his crucifixion and death)
“O good Cross, made beautiful by the body of the Lord: long have I desired you, ardently have I loved you, unceasingly have I sought you out and now you are ready for my eager soul. Receive me from among men and restore me to my Master, so that he who, by means of You, in dying redeemed me, may now receive me.”
Amen.

Prayers to Saint Andrew

We humbly beseech Thy Majesty. O
Lord, that as the blessed Apostle
Andrew was once a teacher and ruler
of Thy Church, so he may ever be
our advocate with Thee. Through our
Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

O CHRIST, our Lord, Who didst
beautify the most blessed Andrew
with the grace of apostleship, and the
crown of martyrdom, by granting to
him this special gift, that by preaching
the mystery of the cross, he should
merit death on the cross; grant us to
become most true lovers of Thy holy
cross, and, denying ourselves, to take
up our cross and follow Thee; that by
sharing Thy sufferings in this life, we
may deserve the happiness of
obtaining life everlasting.
Amen.

St Andrew Novena Prayer To Obtain Favors

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary,
at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.
In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God!
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,
and of His Blessed Mother.
Amen.