Andy's Collection of Prayers

Abandonment to God

Father, I abandon myself into Thy hands; do with me what Thou will. Whatever Tbou may do, I thank Thee: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only Thy will be done in me, and in all Thy creatures - I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul; I offer it to Thee with all the love of my heart, for I love Thee, Lord, and so need to give myself, to surrender myself into Thy hands, without reserve, and with boundless confidence, for Thou art my Father. Amen.

Act of Adoration

Jesus, my God, I adore Thee, here present in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar, where Thou waitst day and night to be our comfort while we await Thy unveiled presence in heaven. Jesus, my God, I adore Thee in all places where the Blessed Sacrament is reserved and where sins are committed against this Sacrament of Love. Jesus, my God, I adore Thee for all time, past, present and future, for every soul that ever was, is or shall be created. Jesus, my God, who for us has endured hunger and cold, labor and fatigue, I adore Thee. Jesus, my God, who for my sake has deigned to subject Thyself to the humiliation of temptation, to the perfidy and defection of friends, to the scorn of Thy enemies, I adore Thee. Jesus, my God, who for us has endured the buffeting of Thy passion, the scourging, the crowning with thorns, the heavy weight of the cross, I adore Thee. Jesus, my God, who, for my salvation and that of all mankind, was cruelly nailed to the cross and hung there for three long hours in bitter agony, I adore Thee. Jesus, My God, who for love of us did institute this Blessed Sacrament and offer Thyself daily for the sins of men, I adore Thee. Jesus, my God, who in Holy Communion became the food of my soul, I adore Thee.

Jesus, for Thee I live.
Jesus, for Thee I die.
Jesus, I am Thine in life and death. Amen.

Act of Contrition

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and pains of hell. But mostly because I offend Thee my God, who art worthy and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.

Act of Faith

O my God, I firmly believe that Thou are one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. I believe that Thy Divine Son became man and died for our sins, and that He will come again to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which Thy Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou can neither deceive nor be deceived. Amen.

Act of Hope

O my God, relying on Thy infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer. Amen.

Act of Love

O my God, I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all-good and worthy of all love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and I ask par injured. Amen.

Act of Oblation to the Sacred Heart

My loving Jesus, out of the grateful love I bear thee, and to make reparation for my unfaithfulness to grace, I give Thee my heart, and I consecrate myself wholly to Thee; and with Thy help I purpose never to sin again. Amen.

Act of Reparation

Eternal Father, we offer Thee the Holy Face of Jesus covered with blood, sweat, dust and spittle in reparation for the crimes of communists, blasphemers, profaners of the Holy Name of Jesus and of the holy day of Sunday. May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most mysterious and unutterable name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven, onearth and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most holy sacrament of the altar. Amen.

Act of Thanksgiving

O my God, I thank Thee for all the favors Thou hast bestowed upon me. I give Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart for having created me, and for all the joys of life, and its sorrows, too, for the home Thou gavest me, for the loved ones with which Thou hast surrounded me, for the friends I have made through life.

My Lord, I thank Thee for guarding me always and keeping me safe; I thank Thee for giving me so often in the sacrament of Penance forgiveness for my sins; for offering Thyself in Holy Mass with all Thy infinite merits to the Father for me; for coming to me in Holy Communion, in spite of the coldness of my welcome; for the patient waiting in the adorable sacrament of the altar.

My Jesus, I thank Thee for having lived, suffered and died for me. I thank Thee for Thy love. I thank Thee, Lord, for preparing a place for me in heaven where I hope to be happy with Thee, and to thank Thee for all eternity. Amen.

After an Operation

Blessed Savior, I thank Thee that this operation is safely past, and now I rest in Thy abiding presence, relaxing every tension, releasing every care and anxiety, receiving more and more of Thy healing life into every part of my being; in moments of pain I turn to Thee for strength, in times of loneliness I feel Thy loving nearness; and then grant that Thy life and love and joy may flow through me for the healing of others in Thy name. Amen.

After Communion

Dear Lord, help me to remove from my mind every thought or opinion which Thou wouldst not sanction, every feeling from my heart which Thou wouldst not approve. Grant that I may spend the hours of the day gladly working with Thee according to Thy will. Help me just for today and be with me in it. In the long hours of work, that I may not grow weary or slack in serving Thee. In conversations that they may not be to me occasions of uncharitableness. In the day's worries and disappointments, that I may be patient with myself and with those around me. In moments of fatigue and illness, that I may be mindful of theirs rather than of myself. In temptations, that I may be generous and loyal, so that when the day is over I may lay it at Thy feet, with its successes which are all Thine, and its failures which are all mine, and feel that life is real and peaceful, and blessed when spent with Thee as the Guest of my soul. Amen.

After Confession

My dearest Jesus, I have told all my sins to the best of my ability. I have sincerely tried to make a good confession and I know that Thou hast forgiven me. Thank Thee dear Jesus! Thy divine heart is full of love and mercy for poor sinners. I love Thee dear Jesus; Thou art so good to me. My loving Savior, I shall try to keep from sin and to love Thee more each day.

Dearest Mother Mary, pray for me and help me to keep all of my promises. Protect me and do not let me fall back into sin.

Dear God, help me to lead a good life. Without Thy grace I can do nothing. Amen.

After Meals

We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O almighty God, who lives and reigns forever; and may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Against Storms

Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace.
+ God became man,
+ and the Word was made flesh.
+ Christ was born of a Virgin.
+ Christ suffered.
+ Christ was crucified.
+ Christ died.
+ Christ rose from the dead.
+ Christ ascended into Heaven.
+ Christ conquers.
+ Christ reigns.
+ Christ orders.

+ May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning.
+ Christ went through their midst in Peace,
+ and the word was made flesh.
+ Christ is with us with Mary.
+ Flee you enemy spirits because the Lion of the Generation of Juda, the Root David, has won.
+ Holy God!
+ Holy Powerful God!
+ Holy Immortal God!
+ Have mercy on us. Amen!

+ Make the sign of the cross at this point.

Angels of God

Angel of God my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here. Ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.

The Angelus

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.
R. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. (Hail Mary...)

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
R. Be done unto me according to thy word. (Hail Mary...)

V. And the word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us. (Hail Mary...)

V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of the Word, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross be brought to the glory of His resurrection through the same Christ, Our Lord. Amen.

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ be my sanctification
Body of Christ be my salvation

Blood of Christ fill all my veins
Water of Christ's side wash out my stains

Passion of Christ my comfort be
O good Jesus listen to me

In Thy wounds I fain would hide
Never to be parted from Thy side

Guard me when my foe's assail me
Call me when my life shall fail me

Bid me come to Thee above
With Thy saints to sing Thy love

World without end. Amen.

The Apostles Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Aspirations

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for me. Mary, my Mother, shield me from the justice my sins deserve. Sweet Jesus, permit not the child of Thy Mother to perish. O Mary, obtain for me perfect sorrow for having offended so good a God. Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, inflame our hearts with love for Thee. My Jesus have mercy!

Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me. Sweet Jesus, I unite my sufferings to Thine. O Jesus, accept my death, united to Thine, in expiation of my sins. Glorious St. Joseph, who had the happiness of dying in the arms of Jesus and Mary, assist me in the hour of my death. O my holy Angel Guardian, protect me against all the powers of darkness. Amen.

Ave Maris Stella (Hail Thou Star of Ocean)

Ave Regina Caelorum

Hail, Queen of heaven;
Hail, Mistress of the Angels;
Hail, root of Jesse;
Hail, the gate through which the Light rose over the earth.
Rejoice, Virgin most renowned and of unsurpassed beauty.

Ave, Regina caelorum,
ave, Domina angelorum,
salve, radix, salve, porta,
ex qua mundo lux est orta.
Gaude, Virgo gloriosa,
super omnes speciosa;
vale, O valde decora,
et pro nobis Christum exora.

Before a Crucifix

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment. While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Thy prophet, said of Thee, my Jesus: "They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones." (Psalms 22:17-18). Amen.

Before an Operation

Loving Father, I entrust myself to Thy care this day; guide with wisdom and skill the minds and hands of those who minister in Thy Name; and grant that every cause of illness being removed, I may be restored to soundness of health and learn to live in more perfect harmony with Thee and with my fellow man, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Into Thy hands I commend my body and my soul. Amen.

Before Communion

Come, O blessed Savior, and nourish my soul with heavenly Food, the Food which contains every sweetness and every delight. Come, Bread of Angels, and satisfy the hunger of my soul. Come, glowing Furnace of Charity, and enkindle in my heart the flame of divine love. Come, Light of the World, and enlighten the darkness of my mind. Come, King of Kings, and make me obedient to Thy holy will. Come, loving Savior, and make me meek and humble. Come, Friend of the Sick, and heal the infirmities of my body and the weakness of my soul. Come, Good Shepherd, my God and my All, and take me to Thyself. O most holy Mother, Mary Immaculate, prepare my heart to receive my Savior. Amen.

Before Confession

Come Holy Ghost into my soul. Enlighten my mind that I may know the sins I ought to confess, and grant me Thy grace to confess them fully, humbly and with contrite heart. Help me to firmly resolve not to commit them again. O Blessed Virgin, Mother of my Redeemer, mirror of innocence and sanctity, and refuge of penitent sinners, intercede for me through the Passion of thy Son, that I may obtain the grace to make a good confession. All you blessed Angels and Saints of God, pray for me, a most miserable sinner, that I may repent from my evil ways, that my heart may henceforth be forever united with thine in eternal love. Amen.

Before Meals (1)

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Before Meals (2)

O most provident God; through Thy generous bounty Thou hast given us life and sustance. Bless us, and this food, and those who partake of it; that we may live according to Thy will. Amen.

Blood of Christ, Inebriate Me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me! Inebriate me with Thy Love, that I may be absorbed in Thy interests and Thy Will. Absorbed so as to be unmindful of my ills and petty cares. Unmindful of weariness and pain, heartache, and disappointment. Heedless of the lash of cruel words, and patient under wrongs. Amen.

Body of Christ, Save Me

Body of Christ, save me! Save me from my great arch-enemy, my weak and faltering self. Save me from all greed of money, of power, and of praise. Save me from thirst for pleasure, worldly show, and midnight revelry. Save me from betraying Thou, Dear Lord, in thought, or in word, or in deed. Amen.

Chaplet of the Holy Wounds

(To be prayed using the Rosary beads)

(On the crucifix and first three beads)
O Jesus, Divine Redeemer, be merciful to us and to the whole world. Amen.

1. Strong God, holy God, immortal God, have mercy on us and on the whole world. Amen.
2. Grace and mercy, O my Jesus, during present dangers; cover us with Thy Precious Blood. Amen.
3. Eternal Father, grant us mercy through the Blood of Jesus Christ, Thine only Son; grant us mercy, we beseech Thee. Amen.

(On the large beads)
V. Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
R. To heal the wounds of our Souls.

(On the small beads)
V. My Jesus, pardon and mercy.
R. Through the merits of Thy Holy Wounds.

Child's Prayer for Parents

Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for my father and mother, and for our home. Bless us all, and help us to love Thee; and in love to serve one another as Jesus taught us to do. Give me strength to do what is right today, and to do unto others as I would want them to do unto me. Amen.

Come Holy Ghost

Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of Thy divine love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created
R. and Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us Pray.

O God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of Thy faithful, grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consoloation, through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Confiteor

I confess to almighty God, to Blessed Mary ever virgin, to Blessed Micheal the Archangel, to Blessed John the Baptist, to Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, to all the angels and saints, and to you my brothers, that I have sinned in thought - word - and deed, * through my own fault,* through my own fault, * through my most greivious fault. Therefore, I beseech thee Blesed Mary ever virgin, Blessed Micheal the Archangel, Blessed John the Baptist, Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, all the angels and saints, and you my brothers, to pray for to the Lord our God.

May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to life everlasting. Amen.

* is were you strike your breast (humility).

Consoling Thoughts

Dear Lord, make me remember, when the world seems cold and dreary and I know not where to turn for comfort, that there is always one spot bright and cheerful - Thy Sanctuary.

When I am in desolation of spirit, when all who are dear to me have passed away like summer flowers and none are left to love me and care for me, whisper to my troubled soul that there is one Friend who dies not - one whose love never changes - Jesus on the altar. When sorrows thicken and crush me with their burden, when I look in vain for comfort, let me remember Your words: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will refresh you." Thy friendship, dear Lord, henceforth shall be the dearest treasure I possess. It shall be my consolation when all who hold a place in my heart are gone from this earth! With Thy friendship the world shall never be dreary and life never without charm. Would that I could realize the pure happiness of possessing Your sympathy and compassion.

When I am crushed and weary, when the hope I have lived for has gone, when sorrows and trials that I dare not reveal to any make my soul sink almost unto death, when I look in vain for someone to understand me, one who will enter into my miseries, make me then remember that there is Someone who knows every fiber of my heart, every sorrow, every pain special to my peculiar nature, and who deeply sympathizes with me. Compassionate Jesus! When shared with Thee, the cross becomes lighter, and in Thy Heart I find rest and strength. Amen.

Christ Our King

Lord Jesus Christ, Thou art the King of the whole world. All that was made was created for Thee. Exercise Thy sovereign rights over me. I renew my baptismal vows, renouncing Satan with all his works and his false glamor, and I promise to live as a good Christian. In particular, I pledge myself to do all in my power to make the rights of God and of Thy Church triumph in the world.

Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer Thee whatever I do, however feeble, to obtain that all human hearts may admit Thy sacred kingship, so that the kingdom of Thy peace will be established throughout the whole world. Amen.

The Divine Praises

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the Name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Ghost, the paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.

May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. Amen.

For Daily Neglects

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all its Love, all its Sufferings and all its Merits.

1. To expiate all the sins I have committed this day and during all my life. GLORY BE...
2. To purify the good I have done badly this day and during all my life. GLORY BE...
3. To supply for the good I ought to have done, and that I have neglected this day and during all my life. GLORY BE...

Defeat the Works of Satan

O Divine Eternal Father, in union with Thy Divine Son and the Holy Ghost, and through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg Thee to destroy the power of Thy greatest enemy - the evil spirits. Cast them into the deepest recesses of hell and chain them there forever! Take possession of Thy Kingdom which Thou hast created and which is rightfully Thine. Heavenly Father, give us the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. I repeat this prayer out of pure love for Thee with every b eat of my heart and with every breath I take. Amen.

Evening Prayer

Watch Thou, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give Thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend Thy sick ones, O Lord Christ. Rest Thy weary ones. Bless Thy dying ones. Soothe Thy suffering ones. Pity Thine afflicted ones. Shield Thy joyous ones. And all for Thy love's sake. Amen.

For a Father

I thank Thee, Lord, for my father. Grant me to realize the depth of his love for me, so often left unspoken, and to appreciate his great and continuous sacrifices. His fatherly care reflects Thy divine care; his strength, Thy power; his understanding, Thy wisdom. He is Thy faithful servant and image. Bless him with peace of soul, health of body, and success in his life. Amen.

For All Christians

Lord God and Father, in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Thou willed to reconcile all mankind to Thyself and so to reconcile men with each other in peace. Hear the prayer of your people.

Let Thy Spirit of life and holiness renew us in the depths of our being, unite us throughout our life to the risen Christ, for he is our brother and Savior.

With all Christians we seek to follow the way of the Gospel. Keep us faithful to the teaching of Thy Holy Church and alive to the needs of our brothers. Give us strength to work for reconciliation, unity and peace.

May those who seek the God they do not yet know discover in Thee the source of light and hope; may those who work for others find strength in Thee: may those who know Thee seek even further and experience the depths of your love.

Forgive us our sins: deepen our faith: kindle our hope and enliven our hearts with love for our brothers. May we walk in the footsteps of Christ as Thy beloved sons and daughters. With the help of Mary, our Mother, may Thy Holy Catholic Church be the sign and sacrament of salvation for all men: that the world may believe in your love and your truth.

Father, of Thy great goodness, hear in the words of Thy people the prayer of the Spirit to the praise of Thy glory and the salvation of men. Through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord, the Way, the Truth and the Life, for ever and ever. Amen.

For All Who Work

Direct us, O Lord, in all our work - with pride in craftsmanship, conviction in purpose, and strength in difficulty. Sustain and preserve our good efforts. And, finally, by Thy mercy, grant us eternal rest from all labor. Amen.

For Faith

My Jesus, how often I feel very small and inadequate before great tasks and responsibilities. What can I do but bring all that I have, even though it isn't much, and place all this in Thy hands. Wait for Thy blessing, breaking, thanking; and receive back again with amazing power to reach all who depend on me, fill them with goodness and still have more than what I started with. May I never hold back my gifts from Thee. May I believe that Thy blessing multiplies my smallest gifts to maximum powers. May I rejoice that Thou return the task to me and I have the personal thrill of seeing many satisfied by my ministrations. I adore Thy wisdom, Thy power, Thy sharing. Amen.

For Guidance

Come O Holy Ghost! Enlighten the minds of all with Thy sacred light, and inflame their hearts with the fire of Thy love. Teach us what we are to believe, and engage us to practice it. For, alas! what will it avail us to know what is required of us in order to be saved, if we do not endeavor to reduce it to practice?

Suffer not our faith to condemn us at the last day, by bearing witness to what we ought to have done to gain heaven, and to our having neglected to perform it; and grant that both our minds and our hearts by belief and practice may equally conspire to prepare us for eternal bliss. Amen.

For Healing

Lord, look upon me with the eyes of Thy mercy, may Thy healing hand rest upon me, may Thy life-giving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in Thy Kingdom. Amen.

For Healing (2)

O God, who art the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant unto me such a consciousness of Thy indwelling and surrounding presence, that I may permit Thee to give me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

For Husbands and Wives

Lord, inspire those men and women who bear the titles Husband and Wife. Help them to look to Thee, to themselves, and to one another to rediscover the fullness and mystery they once felt in their union.

Let them be honest enough to ask:
Where have we been together and where are we going?

Let them be brave enough to question:
How have we failed?

Let each be foolhardy enough to say:
For me, we come first.

Help them, together, to reexamine their commitment in the light of Thy love - willingly, openly, compassionately. Help them, together, to believe how fragile - yet powerful; how weak - yet how strong; how impossible - yet attainable, their love can be. Give "Husband" and "Wife" the courage to be for each other a person rather than a title. Amen.

For Knowledge

Come, Holy Ghost, and renew in me Thy gift of knowledge. Help me to use the intellectual abilities Thou hast given me to make sense out of this complicated world. With Thy gift of knowledge, may I spread Thy love and bring Thee glory. Amen.

For Light

O Holy Ghost my God, take me as Thy disciple; guide me, illuminate me, sanctify me. Bind my hands, that they may do no evil; cover my eyes, that they may see it no more; sanctify my heart, that evil may not dwell within me. Be Thou my God; be Thou my guide. Whithersoever Thou leadest me I will go; whatsoever Thou forbiddest me I will renounce; and whatsoever Thou commandest me, in Thy strength I will do. Lead me, then, unto the fullness of Thy truth. Amen.

For One's Family

Father, sometimes the family gets me down. The children are noisy and bills pile up. Relatives and friends make demands on my time and attention. I try to keep first things first and create an atmosphere where Thy name is honored, Thy word observed. But I get tired and a hard edge creeps into my voice. Help me to cope with the daily strains of living in a family. Help me to sustain a climate in which my partner can grow in Thy love, to encourage my children to develop fully the talents Thou hast given them, and to make of my family the community of love that Thy Son came to bring. Amen.

For Our Dear Departed

O good Jesus, whose loving Heart was ever troubled by the sorrows of others, look with pity on the souls of our dear ones in Purgatory. O Thou who didst love Thine own, hear our cry for mercy, and grant that those whom Thou hast called from our homes and hearts may soon enjoy everlasting rest in the home of Thy Love in Heaven. Amen.

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

For Our Times

In a selfish world that seeks to destroy Thee, O Lord, and in a world mounted with false gods and pyramids of pleasure, we seek Thee, O Lord with a loving and sincere heart.

In a listless world that has lost its divine beat and pulsates erratically with hate, envy, jealousy, greed, and every type of crime, we listen for the comforting words Thou uttered to a little girl when Thou took her by the hand and said: "Telitha Koum" (little girl rise).

In a faithless world we strive to touch the hem of Thy garment and our reach is not long enough, it seems, and our courage is hardly reflective of Thy undying loyalty and love for us.

In a blind world we search the walls and wells of time, for at least some small penetrating light to restore our faith in Thou, O Lord and to leave all things directed to Almighty God.

In a musty and ill-smelling world sunken very low in the foul odors of the flesh pots of our sexually-crazed society we look to Thee, O Lord, for relief from the swamps of filth and corruption to make our taste and smell wholly responsive to the Divine Banquet and the Last Supper in reparation for our sins and the sins of others. The Last Supper became the beginning of our frequent convenant with Thee, O Lord, in the incensation of the oblation by the angels themselves and in the Divine-Human harmony.

In a deaf, indifferent, and unconcerned world, O Lord, grant us the hearing of Thy Holy Word and never close Thy Holy Words to us. We hope to share in Thy life, in Thy Peace, in Thy Justice that we remain always in perfect accord with Thee. May the deep springs of grace issue forth the gifts and the fruits of the Holy Ghost so that we too may be filled with Divine Love and with Divine Compassion. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ who dwells in eternity with the Father and the Holy Ghost as one God now and forever. Amen.

For Priests (1)

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep all Thy priests within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where none may harm them. Keep unstained their anointed hands which daily touch Thy Sacred Body. Keep unsullied their lips purpled with Thy Precious Blood. Keep pure and unearthly their hearts sealed with the sublime marks of Thy glorious priesthood. Let Thy holy love surround them and shield them from the world's contagion. Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they have ministered be here below their joy and consolation and in Heaven their beautiful and everlasting crown. Amen.

For Priests (2)

O Jesus, I pray for Thy faithful and fervent priests; for Thy unfaithful and tepid priests; for Thy priests laboring at home or abroad in distant mission fields; for Thy tempted priests; for Thy lonely and desolate priests; for Thy young priests; for Thy dying priests; for the souls of Thy priests in purgatory.

But above all I recommend to Thee the priests dearest to me; the priest who baptized me; the priests who absolved me from my sins; the priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me Thy Body and Blood in Holy Communion; the priests who taught and instructed me; all the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way, O Jesus, keep them close to Your heart, and bless them abundantly in time and in eternity. Amen.

For Priests (3)

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Keep them, I pray Thee Lord, keep them for they are Thine,
thy priests whose lives burn out before Thy consecrated shrine.

Keep them, for they are in the world, though from the world apart,
when earthly pleasures tempt, allure, shelter them in Thy heart.

Keep them, and comfort them, in hours of loneliness and pain,
when all their life of sacrifice for souls seems but in vain.

Keep them, and remember Lord, they have no one but Thee,
yet they have only human hearts, with human frailty.

Keep them as spotless as the Host, that daily they caress,
their every thought and word and deed, Deign, dearest Lord, to bless.

Amen.

For the Church

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We pray Thou, O almighty and eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ have revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy name. Amen.

For the Church, To St. Joseph

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We come to thee, O blessed Joseph, in our sore distress. Having sought the aid of thy most blessed spouse, we now confidently implore thy assistance also. We humbly beg that, mindful of the dutiful affection which bound thee to the immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and of the fatherly love with which thee cherished the Child Jesus, thou will lovingly watch over the heritage which Jesus Christ purchased with His blood, and by thy powerful intercession help us in our urgent need.

Most powerful guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen race of Jesus Christ; drive far from us, most loving father, every pest of error and corrupting sin. From thy place in heaven, most powerful protector, graciously come to our aid in this conflict with the powers of darkness, and as of old you delivered the Child Jesus from supreme peril of life, so now defend the holy Church of God from the snares of her enemies and from all adversity. Have each of us always in thy keeping, that, following thy example, and borne up by thy strength, we may be able to live holily, die happily, and so enter the everlasting bliss of heaven. Amen.

For the Dying

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Most Merciful Jesus, lover of souls, I pray Thee, by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thy Immaculate Mother, to wash in Thy Most Precious Blood, the sinners of the world who are now in their agony, and who will die today. Heart of Jesus, once in agony, have mercy on the dying. Amen.

For the Poor Souls (1)

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May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

For the Poor Souls (2)

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O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of Hell and from the deep pit; deliver them from the lion's mouth, that Hell may not swallow them up, and may they not fall into darkness; but may the holy standard-bearer Michael lead them into the holy Light which Thou didst promise to Abraham and to his seed of old. We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers; do Thou receive them on behalf of those souls whom we commemorate this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that Life which Thou didst promise to Abraham and to his seed of old. Amen.

For the Poor Souls (3)

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O gentle Heart of Jesus, ever present in the Blessed Sacrament, ever consumed with burning love for the poor captive souls in Purgatory, have mercy on them. Be not severe in Thy judgments, but let some drops of Thy Precious Blood fall upon the devouring flames. And, Merciful Savior, send Thy angels to conduct them to a place of refreshment, light and peace. Amen.

For the Poor Souls (4)

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O most loving Jesus, I humbly beseech Thee that Thou wouldst Thyself offer to Thine eternal Father, on behalf of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, Thy most precious Blood, which poured forth from the Sacred Wounds of Thine adorable Body, together with Thine agony and death. And do thou likewise, O sorrowful Virgin Mary, present unto the Heavenly Father, together with the dolorous passion of thy dear Son, thine own sighs and tears, and all the sorrows thou didst suffer in His suffering, in order that, through the merits of the same, refreshment may be granted to the souls now suffering in the fiery torments of Purgatory, so that, being delivered from that painful prison, they may be clothed with glory in Heaven, there to sing the mercies of God for ever and ever. Amen.

Absolve, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from every bond of sin, that by Thy gracious assistance they may deserve to escape the judgment of vengeance and enjoy the blessedness of everlasting light. Amen.

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

V. From the gates of Hell,
R. Deliver their souls, O Lord.

V. May they rest in peace.
R. Amen.

V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant unto the souls of Thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that through our devout supplications they may obtain the pardon they have always desired, Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. Amen.

For the Sick

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Dear Jesus, Divine Physician and Healer of the Sick, we turn to Thee in this time of illness. O dearest comforter of the troubled, alleviate our worry and sorrow with Your gentle love, and grant us the grace and strength to accept this burden. Dear God, we place our worries in Thy hands. We place our sick under Your care and humbly ask that Thou restore Thy servant to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Thy holy will and know that whatsoever Thou dost, Thou dost for the love of us. Amen.

For Those in Temptation

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Lord, let me not deceive myself. I know what I am considering is wrong. Let me not be swept away by its immediate attraction. God the Father, watch over me. Christ our Lord, strengthen me. Holy Ghost, live in me. Amen.

For Those Who Need Courage (1)

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Come, Holy Ghost, and renew in me Thy gift of courage. Give me the strength to do the right thing in spite of any obstacles or difficulties that make it hard to do so. With Thy gift of courage, may I spread Thy love and bring Thee glory. Amen.

For Those Who Need Courage (2)

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Dear Lord, teach me to be generous; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to work and ask for no reward, save that of knowing I am doing Thy will. Amen.

For Wisdom

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O God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by that same Holy Ghost we may become truly wise and evermore rejoice in His consolation. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Glory Be

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Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The Golden Arrow

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May the most holy, most sacred, most adorable, most mysterious and unutterable Name of God be always praised, blessed, loved, adored and glorified in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, by all the creatures of God, and by the Sacred Heart of our Lord Jesus Christ in the most Holy Sacrament of the altar. Amen.

Hail Holy Queen

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Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, O most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

The Hail Mary

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

In Time of Suffering

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Behold me, my beloved Jesus, weighed down under the burden of my trials and sufferings, I cast myself at Thy feet, that Thou may renew my strength and my courage, while I rest here in Thy Presence. Permit me to lay down my cross in Thy Sacred Heart, for only Thy infinite goodness can sustain me; only Thy love can help me bear my cross; only Thy powerful hand can lighten its weight.

O Divine King, Jesus, whose heart is so compassionate to the afflicted, I wish to live in Thee; suffer and die in Thee. During my life be to me my model and my support. At the hour of my death, be my hope and my refuge. Amen.

Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we Thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and by the glorious intercession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, be delivered from present sorrow and enjoy eternal happiness. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Let us pray.

Almighty and everlasting God, graciously regard the heart of Thy well-beloved Son and the acts of praise and satisfaction which He renders Thee on behalf of us sinners; and through their merit, grant pardon to us who implore Thy mercy, in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Litany of the Saints

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Little Crown of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Crown of Excellence

(To honor the divine maternity of the Blessed Virgin, her ineffable virginity, her purity without stain and her innumerable virtues.)

1. Our Father...
   Hail Mary...
   Blessed art thou, O Virgin Mary, who didst bear the Lord, the Creator of the world; thou didst give birth to Him Who made thee and remainest a Virgin forever. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary. Rejoice a thousand times!
2. Hail Mary...
   O holy and immaculate Virgin, I know not with what praise to extoll thee, since thou didst bear in thy womb the very One Whom the heavens cannot contain. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
3. Hail Mary...
   Thou art all fair, O Virgin Mary, and there is no stain in thee. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
4. Hail Mary...
   Thy virtues, O Virgin, surpass the stars in number. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times! Glory Be...

Crown of Power

(To honor the royalty of the Blessed Virgin, her magnificence, her universal mediation and the strength of her rule.

1. Our Father...
   Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O empress of the world! Bring us with thee to the joys of heaven. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
2. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O treasure-house of the Lord's graces! Grant us a share in thy riches. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
3. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O Mediatrix between God and man! Through thee may the Almighty be favorable to us. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
4. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee who destroyest heresies and crushest demons! Be thou our loving guide. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!

Crown of Goodness

(To honor the mercy of the Blessed Virgin toward sinners, the poor, the just and the dying.)

1. Our Father...
   Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O refuge of sinners! Intercede for us with God. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
2. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O Mother of orphans! Render the Almighty favorable to us. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
3. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee, O joy of the just! Lead us with thee to the joys of heaven. Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times!
4. Hail Mary...
   Glory be to thee who art ever ready to assist us in life and in death! Lead us with thee to the kingdom of heaven! Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, Rejoice a thousand times! Glory Be...

Let us pray.

Hail, Mary, Daughter of God the Father; Hail, Mary, Mother of God the Son; Hail, Mary, Spouse of the Holy Ghost; Hail, Mary, Temple of the most Holy Trinity; Hail, Mary, my Mistress, my treasure, my joy, Queen of my heart; my Mother, my life, my sweetness, my dearest hope, yea, my heart and my soul! I am all thine and all that I have is thine, O Virgin blessed above all things! Let thy soul be in me to magnify the Lord; let thy spirit be in me to rejoice in God. Set thyself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon my heart, that in thee and through thee I may be found faithful to God. Receive me, O gracious Virgin, among those whom thou lovest and teachest, whom thou leadest, nourishest and protectest as thy children. Grant that for love of thee I may despise all earthly consolations and ever cling to those of heaven; until through the Holy Ghost, thy faithful Spouse, and through thee, His faithful Spouse, Jesus Christ thy Son be formed in me for the glory of the Father. Amen.

Magnificat

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My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; because He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaid; for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed; Because He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name; and His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.

He has shown might with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has given help to Israel, His servant, mindful of his mercy - even as He spoke to our fathers - to Abraham and to His posterity forever. Amen.

Memorare

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Remember, O most compassionate 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 with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee do I come, before thee I kneel, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.

Morning Offering

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O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You all my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day, for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all our associates, and for the general intention recommended this month. Amen.

Nicene Creed

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I believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen.

And in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in Being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation He came down from heaven:
(genuflect/bow at this point) By the power of the Holy Ghost He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures; He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and His kingdom will have no end.

And in in the Holy Ghost , the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.

And one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Night Prayer

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I adore Thee, my God, and I love Thee with all my heart. I thank Thee for having created me, made me a Christian and kept me this day. Pardon me the evil I have done, and if I have done some good, accept it. Take care of me while I sleep and deliver me from all danger. May Thy grace be always with me and with all my loved ones. Amen.

The Our Father

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

O My Jesus

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O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to heaven, especially those most in need of Thy mercy. Amen.

O Salutaris

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O Saving Victim opening wide,
the gate of heaven to man below.

Our foes press on from every side,
thine aid supply, Thy strength bestow.

To Thy great name be endless praise,
immortal Godhead, one in three.

O grant us endless length of days,
in our true native land with Thee.

Amen.

Obtain the Grace of All Masses

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Eternal Father we humbly offer Thee our poor presence and that of the whole of humanity from the beginning to the end of the world at all the Masses that ever have or ever will be prayed. We offer Thee all the pains, suffering, prayers, sacrifices, joys and relaxations of our lives, in union with those of our dear Lord Jesus here on earth. May the Most Precious Blood of Christ, with all His blood and wounds and agony save us, through the sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes

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O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comfort of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings, deign to cast upon me a look of mercy. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the granting of my requests. Through gratitude for favors, I will endeavor to imitate your virtues that I may one day share your glory. Amen.

Out of the Depths (De Profundis)

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Out of the depths I have cried unto Thee, O Lord - Lord hear my voice! Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark our iniquities, O Lord, who can abide it? For with Thee there is mercy, and by reason of Thy law I have waited for Thee, O Lord. My soul hath waited on His word; my soul hath hoped in the Lord.

From the morning watch even unto night, let Israel hope in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plentiful redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all its iniquities.

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And let perpetual light shine upon them.

Let us pray.

O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Thy departed servants the full remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplications they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired, Thou who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.

Parents' Prayer for Children

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Almighty God, Thou hast called us to the holy state of Matrimony and have shared with us Thy gift of creation. We thank Thee for making our love fruitful. May we be worthy representatives of Thee, dear Lord, in forming our children in Thy knowledge and love.

Thou hast given us children, Almighty God, to teach in Thy ways which will lead to their eternal home of heaven. May our children ever walk in the ways of our commandments and live according to the teachings of Thy Holy Catholic Church. May our example dear God, be such as to inspire our children to grow into the likeness of Thy Son, Jesus Christ. May we be firm but kind in discipline. May we stand as one united in authority so as to be consistent. May we never confuse permissiveness with love. May we teach our children respect for Thy authority in ourselves and in all Thy representatives upon earth.

May our home be as a Church, for Thee, Lord Jesus Christ, are present wherever two or three are gathered together in Thy Name. May praises of God frequently rise from the lips and hearts of our family and may we all one day be united in our eternal home. Amen.

Passion of Christ, Strengthen Me

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Passion of Christ, strengthen me! Strengthen me under the pressure of temptation. Strengthen me when principle is at stake. Strengthen me to do Thy Will, My God. Strengthen me in moments of suffering, in times of loneliness, in periods of depression. Strengthen me that I may never swerve from Thee, dear Christ, nor weaken through human respect, through a desire to be popular, through hope of social distinction. Strengthen me to accept my cross and carry it generously to the end. On the battlefield of life, stand by me that I may never prove a traitor in the ranks. Stand by me that I may not be dazzled by the glitter and glow of the enemy camp. Amen.

Pious Innvocations

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• My God I love Thee. Amen.
• Jesus, Mary, I love you. Save souls. Amen.
• Most Sacred Heart of Jesus may the whole world burn with love for Thee! Amen.
• Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Amen.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus I trust in Thee. Amen.
• Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Amen.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus, Thy kingdom come. Amen.
• Divine heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the holys souls in purgatory. Amen.
• Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine. Amen.
• Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Thy love for me. Amen.
• Glory, love, and thanksgiving be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Amen.
• Oh Mary, queen of the clergy, pray for us; obtain for us a number of holy priests. Amen.
• May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
• May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
• May the divine assistance always remain with us, and may the souls of the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Praise to Thee Father

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Praise to Thee, Father, for the innocent eyes of children, for sunlight and flowers and snowfalls, for the muscles of men who build houses and hospitals and harbors, for the minds of scholars who unfold the truths of the universe, for the hearts of parents who teach us to love. We praise Thee for what we have. We praise Thee, too, for those things that Thy wise love has decided to withhold from us. What we are and have is from Thee. And our grateful response can only be to share these treasures with all Thy children. And praise to Thee, too, Father for so many brothers and sisters. Amen.

Regina Caeli

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Queen of heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
The Son whom thou merited to bear, alleluia,
has risen as he said, alleluia.
Pray to God for us, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia:
quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia.
Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia.
Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia.

Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia.
Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia.

Requiescant

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V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
R. And may perpetual light shine upon them.

V. May their souls and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
R. Amen.

The Rosary

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Begin with the...

1. Sign of the Cross - on the crucifix, then kiss it
2. Apostles' Creed - on the crucifix
3. Our Father - on the 1st bead
4. 3 Hail Marys - on the next 3 beads
5. Glory Be - on the next bead

Repeat the following sequence for each mystery:

• O My Jesus forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.
• Announce the Mystery
• Our Father (on the next bead)
• Hail Mary (on each of the next ten beads)
• Glory Be

End with the...

1. Hail Holy Queen (on the central connector)
2. O God, whose only begotten Son by His life death and resurrection, has purchased for us the reward of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on the mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
3. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us.
4. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
5. Sign of the Cross (kiss the crucifix)

A List of the Mysteries

JOYFUL MYSTERIES

1. The Annuciation
   The Angel Gabriel said to Mary: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are thou among women...Thou shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus...Mary answered, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to Thy word." (Luke 1:28, 31, 38)
2. The Visitation
   Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost and cried out in a loud voice: "Blessed are thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb...The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe in my womb leapt for joy. (Luke 1:42-44)
3. The Birth of Jesus
   And it came to pass while they were there, that the days for Mary to be delivered were fulfilled. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:6-7)
4. The Presentation in the Temple
   When the days of her purification were fulfilled they took Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord...Simeon blessed them and said to His Mother, "Behold, this child is destined for the fall and for the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be contradicted; and thy own soul a sword shall pierce." (Luke 2:22,34,35)
5. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple Among the Doctors
   After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions... And He returned with His parents to Nazareth, and was obedient to them.: (Luke 2:46,51)

SORROWFUL MYSTERIES

1. The Agony in the Garden
   Kneeling down, He began to pray, "Father, if it be Your Will, take this cup from Me, yet not My Will but Yours be done...In His anguish He prayed even more intensely, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:42,44)
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
   Pilate released Barabbas to them. Jesus, however, he first had scourged; then he handed Him over to be crucified. (Matthew 27:26)
3. The Crowning with Thorns
   Weaving a crown of thorns they fixed it on His head, and placed a reed in His right hand. To make fun of Him they knelt before Him saying: "Hail, King of the Jews." They spat on Him, and took the reed and kept striking Him on the head. (Matthew 27:29,30)
4. The Carrying of the Cross
   When the soldiers had finished mocking Him... they led Him away to crucify Him. On the way they laid hold of a certain Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and upon him they laid the cross to bear it after Jesus. (Matthew 27:31; Luke 23:26)
5. The Crucifixion
   When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him... Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing"...There was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour... and Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Father, into Thy hands I commend my spirit." (Luke 23:33,34,44,46)

GLORIOUS MYSTERIES

1. The Ressurection
   And looking up they saw that the stone had been rolled back, for it was very large...On entering the tomb they saw a young man sitting at the right side...who said to them, "Do not be afraid. Thou are looking for Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is risen, He is not here. Behold the place where they laid Him." (Mark 16:4-6)
2. The Ascension
   Then, after speaking to them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven and took His seat at God's right hand." (Mark 16:19)
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost
   And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak in foreign tongues, even as the Holy Ghost prompted them to speak." (Acts 2:3,4)
4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
   Arise, my beloved, my beautiful one, and come!... You are all beautiful, my beloved, and there is no blemish in you. (Sg. 2:10; 4:7) You are the splendid boast of our people. (Judith 15:9)
5. The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
   A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. (Revelations 12:1)

To the Sacred Heart for Perseverence

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Eternal Father, who through Thy beloved Son teaches us ever to pray, "Thy kingdom come," grant us, O Lord, through His most Sacred Heart, the grace of final perseverance in Thy love, that having with entire devotion promoted the glory of that Sacred Heart on earth, we may share the more intimate favors of its love for all eternity. Amen.

Salutation to the Blessed Virgin Mary

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Hail, holy Lady,
Most holy Queen,
Mary, Mother of God,
Ever Virgin;

Chosen by the most holy Father in heaven,
Consecrated by Him,
With his most holy beloved Son
And the Holy Ghost, the comforter.

On you descended and in you still remains
All the fullness of grace
And every good.

Hail, His palace.
Hail, His tabernacle.
Hail, His robe.
Hail, His handmaid.
Hail, His Mother.

And hail, all holy virtues,
Who, by the grace and inspiration of the Holy Ghost
Are poured into the hearts of the faithful
So that, faithless no longer,
They may be made faithful servants of God
Through you. Amen.

Serenity Prayer

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God grant me:
- the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
- the courage to change the things I can, and;
- the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

The Sign of the Cross

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

To the Sorrowful Heart of Mary

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Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, dwelling pure and holy, cover my soul with thy maternal protection so that being ever faithful to the voice of Jesus, it responds to His love and obeys His Divine Will. I wish, O, my Mother, to keep unceasingly before me your co-redemption in order to live intimately with your Heart that is totally united to the Heart of thy Divine Son. Fasten me to this Heart by thy own virtues and sorrows. Protect me always. Amen.

Soul of Christ, Sanctify Me

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Soul of Christ, sanctify me! Make a saint of me. Show me how to rid myself of traits of character that annoy others; that make the lives of those about me miserable. Help me to break the hardened shell within which selfishness hides, and which renders me insensible to the needs of others. May I become great enough to be the servant of both rich and poor. May I grow strong in virtue, so as to sustain the weak and encourage the weary. May my heart increase its power to love, so as to be able to minister kindness to the timid and mercy to the wayward. May I have the honor to bring cheer to all my fellow men on the long and sometimes rugged road of life. Amen.

Spiritual Communion (1)

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When unable to receive Holy Communion, it is a pious practice to make a Spiritual Communion. Say the following prayer of St. Francis.

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL COMMUNION

1. I believe that Thou, O Jesus, are in the most holy Sacrament. I love Thee and desire Thee. Come into my heart. I embrace Thee. O never leave me. May the burning and most sweet power of Thy love, O Lord Jesus Christ, I beseech Thee, absorb my mind that I may die through love of Thy love, who were graciously pleased to die through love of my love.
2. O Jesus I turn toward Thy holy tabernacle where Thou livest hidden for love of me. I love Thee, O my God. I cannot receive Thee in Holy communion. Come nevertheless and visit me with Thy grace. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it. Sanctify it. Render it like unto Thy own. Amen.
3. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

Spiritual Communion (2)

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O Jesus, I turn toward the holy tabernacle where you live hidden for love of me. I love you O my God. I cannot receive you in Holy Communion, but come nevertheless, and visit me with with Your graces. Come spiritually into my heart. Purify it, sanctify it, render it like unto thine. Amen.

St. Ambrose

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Lord, teach me to seek Thee, and reveal Thyself to me when I seek Thee. For I cannot seek Thee unless Thou teach me, nor find Thee except Thou reveal Thyself. Let me seek Thee in longing, let me long for Thee in in love, and love Thee in finding. Amen.

St. Augustine

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Breathe in me O Holy Ghost, that my thoughts may all be holy; Act im me O Holy Ghost, that my work, too, may be holy; Draw my heart O Holy Ghost, that I love but what is holy; Strengthen me O Holy Ghost, to defend all that is holy; Guard me, then, O Holy Ghost, that I always may be holy. Amen.

To St. Anne

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Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke thee, and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at thy feet and humbly beg of thee to take the present affair which I recommend to thee under thy special protection.

Vouchsafe to recommend it to thy Daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue. Cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with Thee and Mary and all the Saints, praising and blessing Him to all eternity. Amen.

St. Francis

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Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light; and
where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and
it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.

St. Gertrude the Great

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O 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,
for sinners within my own home and
for those within my family. Amen.

To St. Joseph

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O St. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph, do assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my thanksgiving and homage to the most loving of fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen.

To St. Jude

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Most holy apostle St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered thy beloved Master into the hands of His enemies has caused thee to be forgotten by many. But the Church honors and invokes thee universally as the patron of hopeless cases, of things despaired of. Pray for me I am so helpless and alone. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege given thou; to bringing visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations and sufferings, particularly ...(here make your request)... and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity.

I promise thee, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor thee as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to thee. Amen.

St. Michael

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O GLORIOUS ARCHANGEL St Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, defend us in battle, and in the struggle which is ours against the principalities and Powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against spirits of evil in high places. Come to the aid of men, whom God created immortal, made in his own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil.

Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. But that cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan, who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with all his angels.

Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of man has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of his Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity.

These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions.

In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered.

Arise then, O invincible prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and bring them the victory.

The Church venerates thee as protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious powers of this world and of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude.

Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the Lord; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations.

St. Philomena Novena

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O faithful virgin and glorious martyr, St. Philomena, who works so many miracles on behalf of the poor and sorrowing, have pity on me. Thou knowest the multitude and diversity of my needs. Behold me at thy feet, full of misery, but full of hope. I entreat thy charity, O great saint! Graciously hear me and obtain from God a favorable answer to the request which I now humbly lay before thee (make your request here). I am thoroughly convinced that through thy merits, through the scorn, the sufferings, the death thou didst endure, united to the merits of the passion and death of Jesus thy spouse, I shall obtain what I ask of thee and in the joy of my heart I will bless God, who is admirable in his saints. Amen.

St. Therese of Lixieux

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Jesus, Who in Thy bitter passion did become "the reproach of men and the Man of Sorrows", I venerate Thy Holy Face on which shone the beauty and gentleness of Divinity. In those disfigured features I recognize Thine infinite love, and I long to love Thee and to make Thee loved. May I behold Thy glorious Face in Heaven! Amen.

St. Thomas More

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Give me the grace to long for Thy holy sacraments, and especially to rejoice in the presence of Thy body, sweet Savior Christ, in the holy sacrament of the altar. Amen.

Tantum Ergo

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Bowing low, then offer homage,
to a sacrament so great!

Here's a new and perfect worship,
all the old must terminate.

Senses cannot grasp this marvel,
faith must serve to compensate.

Glory, honor, adoration,
let us sing with one accord!

Praised be God, almighty Father,
praised be Christ, His Son our Lord;

Praised be God, the Holy Ghost,
triune Godhead be adored! Amen.

Teach Me to Pray

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Lord, I know not what to ask of Thee.
Thou only knowest what I need.
Thou lovest me better than I know how to love myself.

O Heavenly Father, give to Thy child what he knows not how to ask.
I dare not ask either cross or consolations.
I stand before Thee.
I open my heart to Thee.

Behold my needs that I know not of;
behold and do Thou according to Thy mercy.
I adore all Thy purposes without knowing them.

Smite me or heal me, depress me or lift me up;
I am silent.
I offer myself to Thee.
I yield to Thee.
I no longer have any desire but to do Thy will.

Lord, teach me to pray. Amen.

Three Very Beautiful Prayers

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(Meant to be said together)

1. Lord Jesus Christ! Thou Son of God and Son of the Virgin Mary, God and Man, Thou who in fear sweated blood for us on the Mount of Olives in order to bring peace, and to offer Thy Most Holy Death to God Thy Heavenly Father for the salvation of this dying person, ____________________. If it be, however, that by his sins he merits eternal damnation, then may it be deflected from him. This, O Eternal Father through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Dear Son, Who lives and reigns in union with The Holy Ghost now and forever. Amen.

2. Lord Jesus Christ! Thou Who meekly died on the trunk of the Cross for us,submitting Thy Will completely to Thy Heavenly Father in order to bring peace and to offer Thy most Holy Death to Thy Heavenly Father in order to free _____________________ and to hide from him what he has earned with his sins; grant this O Eternal Father! Through Our Lord, Jesus, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee in union with the Holy Ghost now and forever. Amen.

3. Lord Jesus Christ! Thou Who remained silent to speak through the mouths of the Prophets: I have drawn Thee to me through Eternal Love, which Love drew Thee from Heaven into the body of The Virgin, which Love drew Thee from the body of The Virgin into the valley of this needful world, which Love kept Thee 33 years in this world, and as a sign of Great Love, Thou has given Thy Holy Body as True Food and Thy Holy Blood as True Drink, as a sign of Great Love, Thou has consented to be a prisoner and to be led from one judge to another, and as a sign of Great Love Thou has consented to be condemned to death, and has consented to die and to be buried and truly risen, and appeared to Thy Holy Mother and all the Holy Apostles, and as a sign of Great Love Thou has ascended, under Thy own Strength and Power, and sit at the Right Hand of God Thy Heavenly Father, and Thou has sent Thy Holy Ghost into the hearts of Thy Apostles and the hearts of all who hope and believe in Thee. Through Thy Sign of Eternal Love, open Heaven today and take this dying person _______________, and forgiving him all his sins, into the Realm of Thy Heavenly Father, that he may reign with Thee now and forever. Amen.

To God To Accede to Mary

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Almighty and everlasting God, who by the cooperation of the Holy Ghost prepared the body and soul of the glorious Virgin-Mother Mary to be a fit dwelling for Thy Son, grant that we who rejoice in her memory may be freed by her kindly prayers both from present ills and from eternal death; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

To the Blessed Trinity

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The Father is my hope. The Son is my refuge. The Holy Ghost is my protector. Glory to the holy and undivided Trinity, now and for ever. Let us praise the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost; let us bless and exalt God above all for ever! Almighty and everlasting God, to whom we owe the grace of professing the true faith, grant that while acknowledging the glory of the eternal Trinity and adoring its unity, we may through Thy majestic power be confirmed in this faith and defended against all adversities; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

To the Holy Ghost

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Come, Holy Ghost, fill my heart with Thy holy gifts. Let my weakness be penetrated with Thy strength this very day that I may fulfill all the duties of my state conscientiously, that I may do what is right and just. Let my charity be such as to offend no one, and hurt no one's feelings; so generous as to pardon sincerely any wrong done to me. Assist me, O Holy Spirit, in all my trials of life, enlighten me in my ignorance, advise me in my doubts, strengthen me in my weakness, help me in all my needs, protect me in temptations and console me in afflictions. Graciously hear me, O Holy Ghost, and pour Your light into my heart, my soul, and my mind. Assist me to live a holy life and to grow in goodness and grace. Amen.

To the Infant of Prague

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O merciful Infant Jesus! I know of Thy miraculous deeds for the sick...in view of the innumerable graces and the cures granted...through the veneration of Thy Holy Infancy, particularly in the statue of Prague...I exclaim with the greatest assurance: O most loving...Infant Jesus, Thou can cure me if Thou wilt! Extend Thy holy hand and by Thy power take away all pain and infirmity. Amen.

To the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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I fly to Thee Sacred Heart of my Savior, for Thou art my refuge, my only hope. Thou art the remedy for all my miseries, my consolation in all my wretchedness, the reparation for all my infidelities, the supplement for all my deficiencies, the expiation for all my sins, and the hope and end of all my prayers. Thou art the only one Who is never weary of me and Who can bear with my faults, because Thou lovest me with an infinite love. Therefore, O my God, have mercy on me according to Thy great mercy, and do with me, and for me, and in me, whatever Thou will, for I give myself entirely to Thee, divine Heart, with full confidence that Thou will never reject me. Amen.

To the Shepherd of the Universe

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Shepherd of the Universe, Who reconcile all peoples, gather the stray sheep and bind up wounds with Your healing love, we ask You to guide and protect every member of the human family.

Bring nations together in peaceful concord ensuring liberty and justice for all. Bring peoples of every race and creed to respect one another in faith, hope, and love as sons and daughters of the living God.

Bring families a deep spirit of love and unity, loyalty, mutual encouragement and understanding. Gather up all those who have strayed from Your love, who are bitter and cynical, defiant and rebellious. Gather up hardened criminals and perverts, drug pushers and all those who lead others astray. Gather up all young people who have lost a sense of meaning in life, who wander aimlessly and hopelessly.

Heal the poor and unwanted, the dejected and lonely. Heal the sick and dying, especially those enduring extreme physical pain and permanent disabilities. Heal all mental illnesses and handicaps, the dispairing, drug addicts and alcoholics.

Lord, You have told us many times that Thou hadst come to be our Shepherd, to rescue us from evil and to bring us to springs of life. We thank Thee for this promise, for the blood that You have poured down upon us as Lamb of God, bringing us to infinite love as You reconciled us to the Father through Thy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen.

The Universal Prayer

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Lord, I believe in Thee: increase my faith. I trust in Thee: strengthen my trust. I love Thee: let me love Thee more and more. I am sorry for my sins: deepen my sorrow. I worship Thee as my first beginning, I long for Thee as my last end, I praise Thee as my constant helper, and call on Thee as my loving protector.

Guide me by Thy wisdom, correct me with Thy justice, comfort me with Thy mercy, protect me with Thy power.

I offer Thee, Lord, my thoughts: to be fixed on Thee; my words: to have Thee for their theme; my actions: to reflect my love for Thee; my sufferings: to be endured for Thy greater glory.

I want to do what Thou asks of me: in the way Thou ask, for as long as Thou ask, because Thou asks it.

Lord, enlighten my understanding, strengthen my will, purify my heart, and make my holy.

Help me to repent of my past sins and to resist temptation in the future. Help me to rise above my human weaknesses and to grow stronger as a Christian. Let me love Thee, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am: a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies.

Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out toward others. Make me prudent in planning, courageous in taking risks. Make me patient in suffering, unassuming in prosperity. Keep me, Lord, attentive at prayer, temperate in food and drink, diligent in my work, firm in my good intentions. Let my conscience be clear, my conduct wiThout fault, my speech blameless, my life well-ordered. Put me on guard against my human weaknesses. Let me cherish Thy love for me, keep Thy law, and come at last to Thy salvation. Teach me to realize that this world is passing, that my true future is the happiness of heaven, that life on earth is short, and the life to come eternal. Help me to prepare for death with a proper fear of judgment, but a greater trust in Thy goodness. Lead me safely through death to the endless joy of heaven. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Way of the Cross

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Preparatory Prayer

O merciful Jesus! With a contrite heart and penitent spirit I undertake this devotion of The Way of the Cross in honor of Thy bitter sufferings and death. I give humble thanks for the boundless love which impelled Thee to carry the cross for me, an unworthy sinner, and to die for my redemption. Make me worthy to gain all the spiritual benefits which are granted for this holy exercise. I offer them to Thee in satisfaction for my sins, for which I am heartily sorry, for the consolation of the souls in purgatory and for the grace to persevere in the pathways of virtue. Amen.

Act of Contrition...

The following is said before each station:

1. V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
   R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou has redeemed the world!
2. Pause briefly for silent reflection after reading the meditation on each station. Then the following prayers are said:
   
   • Our Father
   • Hail Mary
   • Glory be
3. Lamb of God who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on me.

STATIONS

1. JESUS BEFORE PILATE
   He was silent
   Jesus, bleeding from head to foot offers Himself to His enemies to be led to the most terrible death for me. Think of the love He has for my soul! How much value do I place on my own soul? God thought it worthy of the redeeming death of Christ.
   
   
2. JESUS IS LADEN WITH THE CROSS
   He was resigned
   Jesus gladly accepts the cross to which His hands and feet will be nailed. Do I accept willingly my heaviest cross? What is it? My God, I touch my cross to Thy cross. Help me to carry it patiently. I am mindful that if anyone will follow You, he must be a cross-bearer.
   
   
3. JESUS FALLS UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE CROSS
   He was exhausted
   Jesus willed that His human nature should fall under the weight of His cross. He wished to teach me that without His help I shall fall into sin. My Jesus, give strength to my weakness and save me from again committing my predominant sin of __________________________.
   
   
4. JESUS MEETS HIS BLESSED MOTHER
   He was sorrowful
   Mary had always been close to her Divine Son. After a brief separation she risks her life to be with Him again. How much do I inconvenience myself to go to confession and Holy Communion after days of separation from Jesus? These sacraments keep me close to God.
   
   
5. SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS TO CARRY HIS CROSS
   He was grateful
   Simon of Cyrene does his part to lessen the sufferings of Christ. Do I, by my good example and by prayer, try to prevent another from saying or doing the wrong which would add to the sorrows of the Sacred Heart? My Savior, give me the grace to do my tiny share in lightening the burden of Your heavy cross.
   
   
6. A HOLY WOMAN WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
   He was compassionate
   The woman whom we call Veronica fearlessly fought her way through the mob to the bleeding Savior in order to do Him service. What good turn do I do every day for Christ? Henceforth I shall be more thoughtful. I sow in this life; I reap in the next.
   
   
7. JESUS FALLS THE SECOND TIME
   He was destitute
   Increasing weakness caused Jesus to fall the second time; but He also desires to teach me that I shall fall again and again unless I avoid temptation and seek strength in prayer and the sacraments. Although never tempted beyond my strength, I am a weakling without the support of God's grace.
   
   
8. JESUS CONSOLES THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
   He was sympathetic
   How little Jesus thought of Himself in His sufferings! He is willing to endure agony without murmur if those for whom He suffers will only learn the lesson that their sins have caused that agony. He was bruised for our iniquities. He was wounded for our sins. What sin of mine has grieved Christ most?
   
   
9. JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME
   He was crushed
   How many times have I taken resolutions to avoid my predominant sin, and to do some definite good work? How long have I kept my resolutions? Jesus falling for the third time, give me strength to rise above my weakness, and to walk with You until the end.
   
   
10. JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS
    He was lonely
    Jesus atones, in this station, for our sins of immodesty. In what way do I offend most against modesty - by the eye, the ear, the tongue, by dress, by action? Jesus offers up His body to repair the insults these sins offer to His Father. My Savior, help me to be always on guard so that my heart and soul may remain fitting abodes for Thy presence.
    
    
11. JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
    He was slain
    After a siege of the most terrible suffering, the Master is fastened by nails to His death-bed. Good Jesus, bless me with Thy outstretched hands. Let but one drop of blood from Thy wounded palms fall on my soul and cleanse it from every sin. Grant that my life hereafter may be free from the guilt of Your suffering.
    
    
12. JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
    He was loyal
    At the foot of Your cross, O dying Christ, I ask pardon for the part I have had in Your death. I am heartily sorry for all my sins. Be with me, Divine Redeemer, in my last moments. Forgive me as You forgave the penitent thief and receive my soul into paradise forever.
    
    
13. JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
    He was helpless
    O Mary, Mother of Jesus and my Mother, let me kneel with thee beside the lifeless body of thy beloved Son. Obtain for me the grace to be loyal to Him by walking in the way of His commandments. Obtain for me especially the grace to receive Him worthily in Holy Communion until I am united with Him and with thee for all eternity.
    
    
14. JESUS IS LAID IN THE TOMB
    
    He was at rest
    Jesus taught me how to live and how to die. He reminds me now that if I stay close to Him in life and in death, I shall rise from the tomb as He did, glorious and immortal, and share the happiness of heaven with Him for all eternity. Grant me the grace, good master, so to live on earth that I may be worthy to share Thy glory forever and ever.

Concluding Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, merciful Father, who has given Thy only-begotten Son to the human race as an example of humility, obedience and patience, and has ordained that He carry the cross and precede us on the way of life; grant, we beseech Thee, that inflamed by His infinite love we may take upon ourselves the sweet yoke of His gospel and the mortification of the cross, following Him as His true disciples, so that we may one day gloriously rise with Him in the blessed eternity of the kingdom of heaven.

One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, according to the Holy Father's intention.