Fifteen Promises of the Rosary~The Second Promise

     The second promise of Our Lady to those who faithfully pray the Rosary, is special protection.  Sacred Scripture tells us of Our Heavenly Father's protection of Jesus, Mary and Joseph~ the Holy Family. In today's world, there is a great need for protection of the family.

      Father Patrick Peyton, servant of God, devoted his life to the propagation of devotion to Our Lady through praying the Rosary. He is famous for the saying "The family that prays toegether, stays together." Contemporary families are often crushed by the burden of procuring material posessions and social acceptance. In our culture of instantaneous gratification, there is no room for being still and listening to Jesus. Tranquil surrender to His will is replaced by frenzied and uninhibited free will.  However, many Catholic families have resumed the practice of praying the Rosary together with miraculous results.

     A loved one of mine affectionately remembers listening to Father Peyton's radio program with family members as a child. There is more information about Father Peyton and his work here: 

Apostle to Families~Father Patrick Peyton

Eucharistic Procession

     Our Parish Priest has re established the tradition of a yearly Eucharistic Procession on the Solemnity of the feast of Corpus Christi.I especially remember a procession which took place a few years ago.

     Carrying the Blessed Sacrament in a Monstrance, Father was accompanied by a small group of parishioners and a faithful altar server bearing holy incense. We walked through our town, praying the  Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary, reading Scripture passages and singing hymns. At the edge of town, we crossed a bridge where we greeted some people fishing on this warm resplendent afternoon. 

     A couple passing through town got out of their truck and reverently genuflected while making the sign of the Cross.

     At the conclusion of our procession, before we convened inside the Church for Benediction, a Knight of Columbus graced us with beautiful bagpipe music.

Prayer Before a Crucifix:

"Behold, o good and most sweet Jesus, 

I fall upon my knees before Thee 

and with most fervent desire beg and beseech Thee 

that Thou would impress upon my heart 

a lively sense of faith, hope and charity, 

true repentance for my sins, 

and a firm resolve to make amends. 

And with deep affection and grief, 

I reflect upon Thy five wounds, 

having before my eyes 

that which Thy prophet David spoke about Thee, 

Oh good Jesus. 

"They have pierced my hands and feet, 

they have counted all my bones." 

AMEN

The Brown Scapular

     Unassuming and fragile the Brown Scapular attracts very little outward attention. The Brown Scapular is a most powerful supernatural gift from Our Blessed Mother.
     After moving into our house, I encountered a Brown Scapular tucked under a heating register. There it was, just waiting for me.
    As my father was dying, it was a tremendous comfort that he was wearing a Brown Scapular.

Wearing the Scapular is a constant reminder of the intensity 

of our dear Holy Mother's advocacy for us. We, her children are ever protected by her intercession for us throughout this earthly spiritual battle. To learn more about the Brown Scapular see:

http://www.ewtn.com/expert/answers/brown_scapular.HTM 

http://carmelitanacollection.com/catechesis.html