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 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.