About Fasting

           I write this out of loving concern for those who may not understand the true nature and value of Christian fasting. 
     We know that Our Lord holds very dear within His heart persons afflicted with eating disorders, emotional infirmity and medical conditions, who may feel that they are unable or unworthy to receive the blessings of fasting. Regardless of physical or emotional condition or state of life, Our Heavenly father loves all of His children without measure. 
     Christian fasting is a prayer filled experience, through which we are supernaturally  guided by the Holy Spirit to grow closer to Our Lord. There are many variations of fasting. For example, juice fasting and strict adherence to medically prescribed meal plans are valid and powerfully spiritually rewarding types of fasts.

     Fasting, as prescribed by the Roman Catholic Church has very specific guidelines, with consideration given to age and state of health. Holy obedience and self denial are paramount features of a Christian fast. They beautifully demonstrate trust in our God, who loves us unconditionally. In Christian fasting we turn away from earthly desires. Our motivation is to be drawn more closely to Christ in every thought, word and action. Our hearts are more receptive to the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. We are free to surrender to His perfect and holy will for us. 

     Persons with medical ailments or eating disorders should not embark on a total fast, rather they should seek the advice of their priest and physician with regards to an alternate yet fitting holy sacrifice. Examples can be found in the spiritual and corporal Works of Mercy. Attending Mass more frequently, Eucharistic Adoration, and increased time devoted to prayer and scripture are other examples. May our Blessed Lord Jesus bless you abundantly on your fasting journey.

Please see:

Faithfully Awaiting Supernatural Transformation

and

Prayer and Fasting ~ Lent

The Memorare

     Cold icy winds seem never ending. Spring seems so far away. Thankfully, we are never without the enduring presence of Our Savior's unconditional love, Our Blessed Mother's holy intercession, or our beloved Saint Joseph's protection.

The Memorare:

   "Remember o most Blessed 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 conficence, I fly unto thee oh Virgin of Virgins our Mother. To thee do we come, before thee we kneel sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen."

Learn more about this beautiful prayer here, @Thesaurus Precum Latinarum.

Pelican of Mercy

"Living Bread that giveth all Thy creatures breath 

grant my spirit ever by Thy life may live 

to my taste Thy sweetness never failing give. 

Pelican of Mercy, Jesus Lord and God, 

cleanse me wreched sinner in Thy Precious Blood 

where one drop for human kind out poured 

might from all transgression have the world restored."

(from: Adoro te Devote, the ancient Eucharistic Hymn written by Saint Thomas Aquinas)

      Early Christian tradition tells us that when famine would strike, mater pelican averted the starvation of her young by shedding her own blood, sacrificing herself to give them life. So has Blessed Lord Jesus, sacrificed Himself, shedding His Holy Blood to give us Eternal Life. The Pelican of Mercy is a most beautiful Christian symbol of Christ's love.

slaves/esclavos

When we are slaves to worry,
Our Most Blessed Virgin Mother
Leads us into the Presence of Jesus,

The only One Who can free us.

And when our loved ones are enslaved by fear,  
The prayerful encouragement of Our Lady

Helps us to be a Saint Peter Claver for them.

Cuando somos esclavos de las preocupaciones, 
Nuestra Santísima Virgen Madre
Nos lleva a la Presencia de Jesús, 
El Unico que nos puede liberar.
Y cuando nuestros seres queridos están esclavizados por el miedo 
El aliento orante de Nuestra Señora
Nos ayuda ser el San Pedro Claver para ellos.

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

Dios te salve María, llena eres de gracia, 
el Señor es contigo. 
Bendita tú eres entre todas las mujeres 
y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre, Jesús. 
Santa María Madre de Dios, 
ruega por nosotros los pecadores, 
ahora y en la hora de nuestra muerte. Amen

Praying for Our Children

...a vocation of love

I press towards the mark to the prize

of the supernal vocation of God

in Christ Jesus.

(Philippians 3:14 DRB)

Discernment: to Jesus through Mary

Our Pastor asked us to pray for an increase in Catholic vocations:

Priesthood

Religious Vocations

Marriage

Single Life

Lay Associates

May we imitate Mary in following Jesus:

"Come Holy Spirit,

Come by means of the powerful intercession

of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Thy well beloved Spouse"

Prayer by Father Gobbi (1930-2011)

Marian Movement of Priests

http://www.mmp-usa.net/cenacle_format.html

Student"s Prayer

Creator of all things, true source of light and wisdom, 

Origin of all being

Graciously let a ray of Your light 

penetrate the darkness of my understanding.

Take from me the double darkness into which I have been born~

the obscurity of sin and ignorance.

Give me a keen understanding, a retentive memory, 

and the ability to grasp things correctly and fundamentally

Grant me the talent of being exact in all my explanations

and the ability to express myself with thoroughness and charm.

Point out the beginning, 

direct the progress and help in the completion.

I ask this through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen

This prayer was written by Saint Thomas Aquinas

Saint Padre Pio's Efficacious Sacred Heart Novena

(1) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, ask and you shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." 

Behold, I knock, seek and ask for the grace of 

(name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

(2) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, 

he will give it to you." 

Behold,in your name I ask the Father for the grace of 

(name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

(3) O my Jesus, You have said,

"Truly I say to you, heaven and earth shall pass away, 

but my words will not pass away." 

Encouraged by Your infallible words, I now ask for the grace of

 (name your request)

Recite the Our Father~Hail Mary~Glory Be, followed by 

"Sacred Heart of Jesus I place all my trust in Thee."

O Sacred Heart of Jesus for whom it is impossible not to have compassion on the afflicted, have pity on us miserable sinners and grant us the grace which we ask of you through the Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Your tender Mother and ours.

Recite the Hail Holy Queen followed by 

"Saint Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us."

Learn more about the Sacred heart Novenas:

http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm

The Most Precious Blood of Jesus

Litany of The Most Precious Blood of Jesus:

(Icon written by Secular Carmelite)

Lord have mercy~Lord have mercy

Christ have mercy~Christ have mercy

Lord have mercy~Lord have mercy

Christ hear us~Christ hear us

Christ graciously 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

Blood of Christ, only begotten Son of the Eternal Father ~Save us

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God~Save us

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament~Save us

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Agony~Save us

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the scourging~Save us

Blood of Christ, poured out on the cross, 
poured forth with the crowning of thorns~Save us

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation~Save us

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness~Save us

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls~Save us

Blood of Christ, stream of mercy~Save us

Blood of Christ, victor over deamons~Save us

Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs~Save us

Blood of Christ, strength of confessors~Save us

Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins~Save us

Blood of Christ, help of those in peril~Save us

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened~Save us

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow~Save us

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent~Save us

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying~Save us

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts~Save us

Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life~Save us

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory~Save us

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor~Save us

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world~
Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world~
Graciously hear us, O Lord
Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world~
Have mercy on us, O Lord

Priest~Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood
Response~And made us for our God, a Kingdom.

Almighty and Eternal God, Thou hast appointed 
Thine only begotten Son, the Redeemer of the world, 
and willed to be appeased by His Blood. 
Grant, we beg of Thee, that we may worthily adore 
this price of our salvation 
and through its power, be safeguarded 
from the evils of the present life, 
so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. 
Through the same Christ, O Lord, Amen.

Saint Bonaventure said, 
"He who desires to go on advancing 
from virtue to virtue, from grace to grace, 
should constantly meditate upon 
the passion of Jesus Christ." 

Please see Catholic Online for more prayers and information.