About the Image of Our Lady's Tears

Our Lady of Tears to Sr. Amalia: "Through this rosary the devil will be conquered and the power of hell will be destroyed."
Our Lady spoke to Sister Amalia: "Do you know why I wear a blue mantle? To remind you of heaven, when you are feeling weary from your labors, and carrying the cross of your tribulations. My mantle reminds you of heaven, to give you indescribable joy and eternal happiness , and this will give courage to your soul and peace to your heart, to continue the struggle until the end!" Do you understand the significance of my purple-violet tunic? I will tell you that you should remember, as you stand before the image of Tears, of the colors I wear, purple signifies pain. The pain the Jesus felt when they beat him, barbarically, on his body. My mother's heart and my soul were also lacerated by pain, on seeing Jesus.""My child, I will explain to you why I wear this white veil , around my breast and covering my head. White signifies purity, and being the white flower of the Holy Trinity, I could appear without this whiteness. The sweet smile you see traced on my lips is for the immense happiness to be able to give mankind such a precious treasure!"
"I will explain to you the reason I appear with my eyes inclined downward. Inspired painters have recorded my eyes looking upward to sing the glory of my immaculate conception. Then why are my eyes inclined downward in this apparition, into which you entrust yourself to my blessed tears? It signifies my compassion toward humanity, because I have come from heaven to alleviate your suffering. My eyes will always be directed to your sorrows and afflictions, whenever you ask my Son through the tears I shed. And as you are near my image, see that I gaze at you with eyes of compassion and tenderness."

"My child, I will tell you about the rosary in my hands. I have named it the Crown (chaplet) of Tears . When you are near me, seeing this chaplet in my hands, remember that it signifies mercy, love, and pain... this chaplet of my blessed tears signifies that your Mother loves you. Use all its privileges, resort to it with confidence and love."

(Source: Catholic Devotions)
Get this chaplet here, pray it often as a powerful spiritual weapon against the devil.

How to Pray the Rosary of Our Lady of Tears

The rosary transmitted to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God consists of forty-nine white beads, which is divided into seven parts by seven larger beads of the same color -- similar to the rosary of the seven sorrows of Mary. At the end, there are attached three more small beads and a medal of our dear Lady of Tears. Through these instructions we are directed to honor Mary our Mother on account of her sorrows, for which she shed many tears. The medal of our Lady of Tears is an essential part of the rosary, but it must be the way it was revealed to Sister Amalia by the Mother of God on April 30, 1930. In Germany, this medal is made with the specified inscription in all the European languages.
On the Medal to Jesus
(flipside of Medal of Our Lady's Tears)O crucified Jesus, we fall at Your feet and offer You the tears of the one, who with deep compassionate love accompanied You on Your sorrowful way of the Cross. O good Master, grant that we take to heart the lessons which the tears of Your most holy Mother teach us, so that we may fulfill Your holy will on earth, that we may be worthy to praise and exalt You in Heaven for all eternity. Amen+

In Place of the Our Father: (and on the final three beads) V. O Jesus, look upon the tears of the one who loved You most on earth,R. And loves You most ardently in heaven.
In Place of the Hail Mary: V. O Jesus, listen to our prayers,R. For the sake of the tears of your most Holy Mother.
On the Medal to Mary: O Mary, Mother of Love, Sorrow and mercy, we beseech you to unite your prayers with ours so that Jesus, your Divine Son, to whom we turn, may hear our petititons in the name of your maternal tears, and grant us, not only the favors we now ask, but the crown of everlasting life. Amen+

Promises

1. Jesus to Sr. Amalia: ""If you want to receive favors, ask me for the sake of My Mother's tears."

2. "My daughter, whatever people will beg Me for the sake of the tears of My Mother, I shall lovingly grant them. "

3. Later, My Mother will hand over this treasure to our beloved Institute as a Magnet of mercy." This took place on November 8, 1929

4. Mary to Sr. Amalia: "My Son wants to honor me in a special way through these invocations, and so, He will grant all graces that are begged for the sake of my tears."
5. "This rosary will provide for the conversion of many sinners, especially those possessed by the devil."

6. "Through this rosary the devil will be conquered and the power of hell will be destroyed. Get ready for this great battle."

(Source, Pamphlet Our Dear Lady of Tears.ImprimaturBuchweiser, Gen. - Bit.Munchen, 22. Marz 1935)

Heaven's Promises ~ Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel

We should all do everything in our power to follow the General of God's army!

Origin: One day St. Michael Archangel appeared to devotee Servant of God Antonia De Astónac. The Archangel told the nun that he wished to be honored through recitation of nine salutations. These nine salutations correspond to the nine choirs of angels. The chaplet consists of one Our Father and three Hail Mary in honor of each angelical choir.

Promises: To those that practice this devotion in his honor, St. Michael promises great blessings:

1. To send an angel from each angelical choir to accompany the devotees at the time of Holy Communion.

2. Additionally, to those that recite these nine salutations every day, it assures them that they will enjoy his continuous assistance. That is to say, during this life and also after

3. Furthermore, they will be accompanied by all the angels and together with all their loved ones, they will be freed from Purgatory.

Practice: In the chaplet all nine choirs of angels are invoked. After each invocation 1 Our Father and 3 Hail Mary's are said. It is recommended to offer this chaplet for the Church, so that it may be defended from all the attacks of the demon, and for those alienated from God. There are many beautiful and pious invocations and prayers associated with the saying of this chaplet. Learn more about it here.

Go here to purchase the Chaplet of St. Michael the Archangel.

Heaven's Promises ~ Red Scapular of Christ's Passion

Have a special devotion to our Lord's passion? There's a holy sacramental just for you! Along with promises from Jesus Himself and approved by Mother Church for the edification of the faithful! I have worn a scapular now for years. At first I thought something like this..."How can I commit to wearing something around my neck for the rest of my life?" Now, I cannot imagine NOT wearing my scapular for the rest of my life. It is as natural as wearing a shirt, or a watch, or my wedding ring. It is an easy thing to accustom to and a rich source of prayer, devotion and graces from God.

Purpose: To implore protection of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and to promote memory of the Passion

Practices: Wear the scapular with intention to fulfill the purposes the scapular represents

Promises: Special graces of faith, hope and charity on Fridays to the wearer along with indulgences granted by the Church

Origin: This scapular owes its origin to a series of apparitions of Jesus Christ to a Sister of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul, Sister Apolline Andriveau, in 1846 in which He showed the sister a red scapular.

Promises: To all who should wear it on every Friday a great increase of faith, hope, and charity.

Church Approval: It was approved and indulgences were granted to its wearers by Pope Pius IX in 1897. Priests of the Mission (Lazarists) were given the faculty of blessing the scapular and investing the faithful with it; the Superior-General can communicate the faculty of blessing and investing with this scapular to other regular or secular priests.

The Image: This scapular and its bands are of red woolen material. On one half is a picture of Our Crucified Lord with the implements of His Passion and the words "Holy Passion of Jesus Christ, Save Us"; on the other are represented the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and above these a cross with the inscription: "Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, protect us."

To purchase one go here.

To learn more, an excellent article with great background and more detail on practice go here.

Heaven's Promises ~ Green Scapular

The Green Scapular, called by Our Lady, “The Badge of the Immaculate Heart of Mary,” was given to the world by the Blessed Virgin Mary herself, through a series of apparitions to Sister Justine Bisqueyburo, a Daughter of Charity, in the early 1840’s in Paris, France. On the Feast of the Nativity of Mary, Sept. 8th, 1840, the Mother of God appeared holding in her right hand her Immaculate Heart, surmounted by flames and holding in her other hand a green scapular.The scapular consisted of a simple piece of green cloth, rectangular in shape, hanging from a green string. On one side was an image of Our Lady dressed in a long white gown which reached to her bare feet. Over this she wore a light blue mantle. However, she wore no veil. Instead, her hair hung loosely about her; and in her hands she held her Heart from the top of which gushed abundant flames. Her bearing was enhanced by a majestic beauty all heavenly. On the other side of the scapular was pictured her Immaculate Heart, all ablaze and transparent as crystal, with rays pouring out that appeared more dazzling than the sun. This Heart, pierced with a sword, was encircled by an inscription in the form of an oval and topped by a golden Cross. The inscription read:

“Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us, now and at the hour of our death.”

This prayer should be prayed daily by the one giving the scapular, and preferably by the person receiving it. Although wonderful graces are obtained, they are proportionate to the confidence with which it is given. The Green Scapular was twice approved by Pope Pius IX, in 1863, and again in 1870, when he said: "Write to these good Sisters that I authorize them to make and distribute it."

The Green Scapular is a life line for conversion. At the same time, as Sr. Justine received the scapular, an interior voice revealed to her the meaning of the vision. This new scapular and the prayers of those who used it would be a means that God would use to bring Himself those who had no faith and to reconcile those who had strayed from their faith. The green scapular was distributed, and God granted wonderful conversions and some bodily cures.
The manner of using the Scapular was indicated by the Blessed Virgin. Since it is not the badge of a confraternity but simply a double image attached to a single piece of cloth and suspended from a cord, investiture is not required. It must be blessed by a priest and may be worn by one for whom it is intended. It may also simply be placed in the clothing, on the bed, or simply in the room.

One may offer the Scapular to any individual as a "token of my friendship and love," and as a promise to say the prayer on the Scapular daily for that person, that God make His Will known in their life.

The Scapular has no power. It is not a "good luck charm." The faith with which it is given is the powerful tool of conversion. Also, the scapular must be blessed before it is used, but indeed use it as a Church approved sacramental with great faith!

To learn more, or to join the Apostolate of the Green Scapular go here.

Promises & Favors of Devotion to Mary's Sorrows

(Source: Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother by TAN Books, available for purchase here.)

Four Special Favors

The graces promised by Our Lord to those who venerate His Holy Mother's sorrows are very great. St. Alphonsus Liguouri states in the Glories of Mary that it was revealed to St. Elizabeth of Hungary that some years following the assumption of Mary,

St. John the Evangelist missed the mother Jesus had given to him upon the cross and was "seized with an ardent desire to see her again."

This grace was granted to St. John, and Lo - Mary appeared to him with Jesus. Mary then was heard to ask her Divine Son for special graces for those who meditated upon her sorrows. Our Lord promised these four favors:

1. Those who invoke the Heavenly Mother though her sorrows will obtain true sorrow for their sins before death.
   
2. Our Saviour will protect them in their tribulations, especially at the hour of death.
   
3. He will impress upon them a memory of His Passion, and will reward them for it in Heaven.


4. He will commit such devout servants to the hands of Mary, that she may dispose of them according to her pleasure, and obtain for them all the graces she desires.
   
   Seven Promises to Those Who Meditate on Our Lady's Tears & Sorrows

St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) was one of the greatest mystics of the Catholic church. She was blessed with several apparitions of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Her revelations, including those listed below, are available for purchase here. The following graces are promised by Mary herself to those who daily honor her tears and sorrows by reciting seven Hail Mary's in honor of her tears and sorrows:

1. "I will grant peace to their families."
2. "They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries."
3. "I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work."
4. "I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of my divine Son or the sanctification of their souls."
5. "I will defend them in thier spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives."
6. "I will visibly help them at the moment of their death - they will see the face of their mother."
7. "I have obtained this grace from my divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to my tears and dolors (sorrows) will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and my Son will be their eternal consolation and joy."

Let us dear reader, together endeavor always to honor our Dear Mother and compassionate her sorrows. How generous will be her Holy Son with us! May Mary's prayers go with you always!

Heaven's Promises ~ First Five Saturday Devotion

Church Approved Apparition of Our Lady

The Blessed Virgin Mary gave this message to Lucia at Fatima in 1917: "Jesus wants to use you to make me known and loved. He wants to establish the devotion to my Immaculate Heart in the world. I promise salvation to those who embrace it and their souls will be loved by God as flowers placed by myself to adorn His throne." Our Lady has requested we make the Five First Saturday devotion in honor of her Immaculate Heart. "I promise to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who, on the First Saturday of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me."

There are three principal practices of devotion which Our Lady has requested in honor of her Immaculate Heart: the First Saturday of the month, the Five First Saturdays, and the Consecration of Russia. They bear a marked similarity to the devotions in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The practice of the First Saturdays: This consists of the following exercises, performed with the intention of consoling the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and making reparation to her for all the outrages and blasphemies of which it is the object on the part of ungrateful Christians: 1. the Rosary
2. Communion of Reparation.
The practice of the Five First Saturdays - In addition to the two exercises already mentioned, the following two are added on the first Saturday of five consecutive months:
3. Go to confession.
4. Join with Our Lady in meditation for a quarter of an hour on the mysteries of the Rosary. These two must be offered in reparation to the Immaculate Heart . The meditation may be on one or several mysteries.
5. Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary - Our Lady asked that Russia be consecrated to her Immaculate Heart and Lucia, one of the seers, has explained that Our Lady wants the Pope and all the bishops of the world to do this on one special day. If this is done She will convert Russia and there will be peace. This was indeed performed by Our Holy Father Pope John Paul II of happy memory.

Again, the Promise of the First Saturday Devotion: "I promise to assist at the hour of death with all the graces necessary for salvation all those who, on the First Saturday of five consecutive months, confess, receive Holy Communion, recite five decades of the Rosary, and keep me company for fifteen minutes meditating on the mysteries of the Rosary, with the intention of making reparation to me." ~The Words of Our Lady of Fatima to seers Lucia, Bl. Jacinta and Bl. Francisco.

I strongly encourage the practice of this Devotion with your children or grandchildren. Shortly after my youngest made his First Communion, we as a family completed the First Five Saturdays and all they included. Now we are working on the First Friday devotion to the Sacred Heart and this is more challenging, but so worth it! One hint for completing the meditation portion of the devotion with little kids - we played segments of movies made with scenes from the mysteries of the Rosary. A childrens rosary book could be used as well. It is not easy for children to meditate, but this can be easily overcome!

In this age of great temptation, wickedness and apostacy, having your children complete this devotion could be a sure means for conversion and salvation should they fall prey to worldliness. There are so many good Christian parents who lament their "stray" children. I hope to die in peace counting on this promise! Amen!

Heaven's Promises ~ Two Divine Promises

The Two Divine Promises are a powerful devotion relying on God's Mercy which originated with revelations in Poland in 1954 and which spread worldwide. Tapping into the primary sources of grace – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Holy Communion and prayer – the Two Divine Promises are a sure way and a true method for growth in holiness and an increase of graces for ourselves and others. A booklet by one Fr. Hoppe shows the relationship of the Two Divine Promises to three other 20th-century revelations of God's Mercy and gives advice on how best to practice this pious devotion, plus he gives numerous testimonies from lay Catholics who have received from it tremendous spiritual benefits. Fr. Hoppe's own challenge – just to try this devotion is to believe in it wholeheartedly – is undoubtedly the best recommendation one can possibly make for the Two Divine Promises.

PROMISE 1: "Each priest who worthily offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for 30 consecutive days and, in addition, makes the Stations of the Cross daily, will receive for himself: and another soul selected by him, the assurance of eternal salvation."
PROMISE 2: "Likewise, each individual who will receive Holy Communion worthily for 30 consecutive days, and will recite one Our Father and Hail Mary for the welfare of the Holy Catholic Church, will receive for himself and one other soul selected by him, the assurance of eternal salvation." -----Words of Our Lord to an anonymous Polish soul

In this devotion we are merely employing the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the Blessed Eucharist and a few extra prayers-----the normal means Our Lord has established for the welfare of our souls and our eternal salvation. The important question here is whether God has in fact bound Himself to grant the results which this devotion claims for itself. Again, we cannot know for sure. We must simply leave that to Him in His great mercy and wait until eternity to find out. At any rate, there cannot be found within this devotion anything displeasing, as God wishes us to pray, receive Communion and what would He want more than the salvation of souls?

(Source: "The Two Divine Promises" by TAN Books and Publishers, link above.)

Heaven's Promises ~ Divine Mercy Devotion

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"Jesus I trust in Thee"

The Divine Mercy chaplet and devotion have become quite popular in this age. Therefore I will not focus much on its practice, but rather on its history and its promises. If you'd like more information on the practice of the Divine Mercy devotion go here, here and here.

The following is an excerpt from the brochure "Divine Mercy Devotion"

"Between 1930 and 1938 Christ appeared to Sister Faustina, a Sister of Mercy in Poland, to re-teach us the story of His love even unto death, and His disappointment in us because of distrust in His Mercy and goodness. Sister Faustina's life was a routine of everyday chores – tending the door, cooking, sweeping, gardening; Even the closest of her nun companions never guessed God's predilections for her, or knew the wonderful secrets He whispered to her at prayer."
"Sister Faustina received the first apparition of the Merciful Christ on the 22nd of February, 1931 in Plotzk. She describes it thus: "It happened in the evening. I was in my cell, when I saw Jesus dressed in a white garment. He held one hand raised in blessing and with the other, He was touching the garment at the breast. From under the garment came two rays of light, one red the other pale. In silence I contemplated the Lord. My soul was filled with fear and, at the same time, with great joy. After a moment Jesus said to me: 'Paint a picture according to the vision you see and with the inscription: – Jesus, I Trust in Thee – I desire that the picture be venerated first in your chapel and then throughout the whole world'."
"These rays (red and pale, symbolizing the Blood and Water that gushed forth from the Sacred Heart) shield the soul before the wrath of My Father. Fortunate is he who lives in Their shelter for the just hand of God will never reach him."

Promises ~ Given by Jesus Himself to St. Faustina

1. "Those who venerate this picture (Divine Mercy portrait) shall not perish."

2. "I further promise to that soul victory over its enemies already here on earth and especially in the hour of death. I, Myself, shall defend that soul as my own glory."

3. "When punishments for sins shall come upon the earth, and your native land shall be in extreme abasement, the only salvation will be hope in Divine Mercy. I shall preserve the cities and homes which this picture shall be found; I shall protect likewise those persons who shall venerate and have confidence in My Mercy."

4. "Whoever will recite it will receive great mercy at the hour of death...Priests should recommend it to sinners as a last hope of salvation. Even the most hardened sinner, if he recites this chaplet even once, will receive grace from My infinite mercy . . . Oh, what great graces I will grant to souls who will recite this chaplet . . . By means of it you can ask and obtain anything, if what you ask for will be compatible with My will . . . I want the whole world to know My infinite mercy. I want to give unimaginable graces to those who trust in My mercy."

5. "Souls who spread the honor of My Mercy I will shield through their entire life as a tender mother her infant, and at the hour of death I will not be a Judge for them, but the Merciful Savior."

6. "Tell My priests that hardened sinners will crumble beneath their words when they will speak about My unfathomable Mercy, about the compassion I have for them in My heart. To priests who will proclaim and extol My Mercy I will give wonderful power, and I will anoint their words and I will touch the hearts to which they will speak."

7. "When they say this chaplet in the presence of the dying, I will stand between My Father and the dying person, not as the just Judge but as the Merciful Savior"

Heaven's Promises ~ Three Hail Mary's Devotion

Opening Heaven with the Three Hail Mary's Devotion

One of the greatest means of salvation and one of the surest signs of predestination, is unquestionably, the devotion to the Most Blessed Virgin. All the holy doctors of the Church are unanimous in saying with St. Alphonsus of Liguori: "A devout servant of Mary shall never perish." The chief issue is to persevere faithfully until death in this devotion.

Numerous examples show how agreeable the three Hail Marys Devotion is to the Divine Mother and what special graces it draws, during life and at the hour of death, on those who never omit it for a single day.
This practice was revealed to St. Melchtilde (13th century) while she was beseeching Our Blessed Mother to assist her in her hour of death. Our Lady appeared to her and said:

"I will, certainly. But I also want you to say three special Hail Marys to me every day. The first will be in honor of God the Father, Whose omnipotence raised my soul so high above every other creature that after God I have the greatest power in heaven and on earth. In the hour of your death I will use that power of God the Father to keep any hostile power far from you. The second Hail Mary will be said in honor of the Son of God Who communicated His inscrutable wisdom to me. In the hour of your death I will fill your soul with the light of that wisdom so that all the darkness of ignorance and error will be dispelled. The third Hail Mary will be in honor of God the Holy Ghost Who filled my soul with the sweetness of His love and tenderness and mercy. In your last hour I will then change the bitterness of death into divine sweetness and delight."

Our Blessed Mother also revealed to St. Gertrude the Great: "To any soul who faithfully prays the Three Hail Marys, I will appear at the hour of death in a splendor so extraordinary that it will fill the soul with heavenly consolation."

St. Leonard of Port Maurice, the celebrated missionary, had the Three Hail Marys recited morning and evening in honor of Mary Immaculate, to obtain the grace of avoiding all mortal sins during the day or night; moreover he promised in a special manner eternal salvation to all those who proved constantly faithful to this practice. He gave this devotion of Three Hail Marys as a penance in the confessional, especially for those who were struggling with sins of impurity.

Promises

1. Mary will appear to you at the hour of death and console the one who practices this devotion.

2. Mary will obtain for you special graces during life.

3. Avoidance of all mortal sin and in a special manner eternal salvation to all who practice this devotion with perserverance.

Practice

Recite morning and evening, three Hail Marys in honor of the three great privileges bestowed upon Our Blessed Mother by the most Blessed Trinity with this invocation at the end: for the morning: "O my Mother preserve me from mortal sin during this day." For the evening: "O my Mother preserve me from mortal sin during this night."

Indulgences

200 days granted by Leo XIII, 300 days for the members of the Archconfraternity of the Three Hail Marys by Benedict XV, and Apostolic Benediction by St. Pius X. Currently this would be considered a partial indulgence according to The Handbook of Indulgences.

Prayer ~ The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace; the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou amongst 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+

(Source: For more on this devotion go here)

Heaven's Promises ~ Brown Scapular

The brown scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is the most popular scapular in the Catholic Church today. In the Middle Ages, a scapular was a full-length garment (apron) worn over the monk's or nun's habit, the color signifying the particular religious order. The brown scapular was revealed to St. Simon Stock, the Prior General of the Carmelite order in 1247. The Virgin Mary appeared to him and gave him the brown scapular and associated promises as a result of his pledge of complete loyalty to her (known as a privilegium). The smaller version (pictured above) of the scapular is worn by lay persons.

I always purchase them here. A new one itches slightly for a day or so, then you don't even know its there. My children were all enrolled shortly after First Communion and wear one all the time. I admit openly I have to constantly remind them though "Are you wearing your scapular?" Answer, "uh...I think I left it in the bathroom/my backpack/my school locker/on my dresser/insert any various place..." They wear it willingly, but as children do, forgetfully. I pray they are more mindful as adults. My husband and I have a number of them, one nicer one for everyday, and a whole bunch of tattered ones for running and working out. We wear them at all times except when swimming or bathing. I used to also wear a scapular medal, but the nonstop clanging against my Miraculous Medal drove me nuts.

Saints and popes throughout the ages have worn and encouraged wearing of the brown scapular, and many miraculous events have attested to the value of the sacramental (the scapular worn by Blessed Pope Gregory X, who died in 1276, was found intact in 1830). Pope John Paul II wore the brown scapular from the time of his First Communion until his death. When I read this in a bio of our Late Great Pope, I went right out and got one myself. If the Pope wears one, so should we all.

Practices

1. Wear the Brown Scapular (or scapular medal) after enrollment*

2. Observe chastity according to your state in life

3. Recite the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin Mary or five decades of the Rosary daily (usual requirements)

Promises/Benefits

1. "...whosoever dies wearing this (the brown scapular) shall not suffer eternal fire" (Virgin Mary's promise to St. Simon)

2. Partial indulgence granted by Pope Benedict XV to those who devoutly kiss their scapular.

3. Sabbatine Priviledge: release from purgatory on the first Saturday after death (revelation by the Virgin to Pope John XXII in 1322). Please note that much controversy has surrounded this 'promise' since its promotion by some early Carmelites. The modern Order does not recognize this as legitimate. It is mentioned here for informational purposes.

Your thoughts and practices on the Brown Scapular to the combox please!

Heaven's Promises ~ Sacred Heart

"You have not chosen me. I have chosen you. Go and bear fruit that will last." (John 15:16)

Go here for a website run by Fr. Roger Smith of one Sacred Heart Church in Morton WA. This is the best source I've found for all things regarding devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, how it is accomplished and including its history.

Briefly, this devotion was given to the world through one St. Margaret Mary Alocoque in 17th century France. This devotion effectively squashed the heresy of Jansenism and greatly helped Christians to come to know more of the great love God has for us. Jesus revealed to us, through his humble servant St. Margaret Mary that His heart veritably burns for love of us.

In His great generosity, which we don't deserve...Jesus has granted mankind twelve promises to those who faithfully practice this devotion:

The Twelve Promises of Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.

2. I will give peace in their families.

3. I will console them in all their troubles.

4. They shall find in My Heart an assured refuge during life and especially at the hour of death.

5. I will pour abundant blessings on all their undertakings.

6. Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.

7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.

8. Fervent souls shall speedily rise to great perfection.

9. I will bless the homes in which the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and honoured.

10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.

11. Those who propagate this devotion shall have their name written in My Heart, and it shall never be effaced.

12. The all-powerful love of My Heart will grant to all those who shall receive Communion on the First Friday of nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance; they shall not die under My displeasure, nor without receiving their Sacraments; My Heart shall be their assured refuge at that last hour.

In our home we have an 8 x 10 print of the Sacred Heart over our fireplace mantle in the living room. In our prayer room (a renovated second floor porch) we have a larger statue of Jesus with His most Sacred Heart situated between statues of Mary and Joseph. Our family is also assisting Mass on First Fridays. Part of our family spiritual practices is reading books together on the lives of the saints. One of the best was the life of St. Margaret Mary, available here. My husband and I enjoy the books just as much as the kids do - St. Catherine of Siena is especially good too. As a family we often dedicate one decade of our rosary to reparation to the Sacred Heart. I also encourage my children to offer other communions, sacrifices and such in reparation for sins of indifference and blasphemy against the Sacred Heart. These are offered simply as examples of various ways to practice this great devotion.

Please feel free to share different ways in which you practice this devotion in the combox.

Heaven's Promises ~ The Rosary

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Today I'm kicking off a new sort of series. I'm going to briefly review several Catholic devotions that have promises given by God for those to faithfully practice them. It is my intention to give honor to God for His abundant generosity to us poor sinners.

Let us be faithful to our spiritual exercizes, trust in our Lady's intercession and pray the rosary daily. Click here for a great resource in how to pray the Rosary. It takes only 20 to 30 minutes a day. The Holy Father John Paul II asked that every Catholic pray the rosary every day. If all Catholics were faithful to this pious practice, the devil would be bound by the chain of Mary to the foot of the cross and would have no power over the world. Have faith, pray the rosary and the rewards will be great. NonCatholics may also pray the Rosary, just get one and say the prayers, Mary will take care of obtaining your salvation.
The following are the Promises given by Heaven for those who pray the Rosary faithfully:
1. Whoever shall faithfully serve me by the recitation of the rosary, shall receive signal graces.
2. I promise my special protection and the greatest graces to all those who shall recite the rosary.
3. The rosary shall be a powerful armor against hell, it will destroy vice, decrease sin, and defeat heresies.
4. It will cause virtue and good works to flourish; it will obtain for souls the abundant mercy of God; it will withdraw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things. Oh, that souls would sanctify themselves by this means.
5. The soul which recommends itself to me by the recitation of the rosary, shall not perish.
6. Whoever shall recite the rosary devoutly, applying himself to the consideration of its sacred mysteries shall never be conquered by misfortune. God will not chastise him in His justice, he shall not perish by an unprovided death; if he be just he shall remain in the grace of God and become worthy of eternal life.
7. Whoever shall have a true devotion for the rosary shall not die without the sacraments of the Church.
8. Those who are faithful to recite the rosary shall have during their life and at their death the light of God and the plentitude of His graces; at the moment of death they shall participate in the merits of the saints in paradise.
9. I shall deliver from purgatory those who have been devoted to the rosary.
10. The faithful children of the rosary shall merit a high degree of glory in heaven.
11. You shall obtain all you ask of me by the recitation of the rosary.
12. All those who propagate the Holy Rosary shall be aided by me in their necessities.
13. I have obtained from my Divine Son that all Members of the Rosary Confraternity shall have for intercessors the entire celestial court during their life and at the hour of death.
14. All who recite the rosary are my sons, and brothers of my only son Jesus Christ.
15. Devotion of my rosary is a great sign of predestination.
~Revealed to the Dominican Blessed Alanus de la Roche, by the Blessed Virgin Mary in the 15h century. For myself, I would have to say the promise that I have experience most strongly is that part of number four: "It will draw the hearts of men from the love of the world and its vanities, and will lift them to the desire of eternal things." Since becoming "reverted" and a devotee of the Rosary this detachment from the world (not perfectly!) and desire of life eternal has been granted my poor soul. Many of the things I once cared about, I care not a wit for now (i.e popular music, lively social life, wanting to liked/popular and such). Many of the things I cared not bit about, I now care deeply about (being in God's grace, charity, sacrifice, virtue, mortification, etc.). I invite you to share what promises you have seen revealed in your soul in the combox. Let us rejoice in God's generosity!

Graces Obtained

Father Frederick William Faber

(1814-1863)

Father Faber was born in Yorkshire, England in 1814. He was converted from the Anglican ministry to Catholicism in 1845. Ordained a priest in 1847, he joined the Oratorians in 1848 under John Henry Cardinal Newman. In addition to numerous fine hymns, Fr. Faber authored nine books. Fr. Faber died in London in 1863. He is considered a master of the theology of the spiritual life. (Souce: read more here)

Some of his most renown writings are on purgatory - he also had a lively devotion to Our Lady's Sorrows and wrote on that subject as well. Thus his writings are highly regarded and shall be talked about quite a bit on this blog!

As stated in earlier posts, devotion to the Sorrows of Mary have many promises or graces which will come to the soul who practices such. Father Faber in his writing enumerates other graces which are commonly obtained through devotion to Mary's Sorrows:

• "This devotion has a remarkable connection with great inner holiness."
• This devotion "reveals the emptiness of worldly joys. Worldliness finds no soul harder to attack than one entrenched in the sorrows of our Blessed Lady. The world can graft itself upon nothing in this devotion."
• It give us "a permanent share in the sorrow for sin which Jesus and Mary felt."
• Our thoughts are kept close to Jesus Christ, and to Him Crucified.
• To our souls is communicated the "spirit of the Cross, and gives us strength to edure our own sufferings with resignation to the holy Will of God."
• "This devotion is wholly covered with the Precious Blood of Jesus and leads us directly into the depths of the Heart of our Saviour."
• "Anyone who during his lifetime has cherished compassion for thier afllicted Mother may consider this as a most assured sign of predistination."

(Source Devotion to the Sorrowful Mother by TAN Books)

Prayer

Beloved Mother who greatly suffered, give us a courageous heart like yours.

We accept all the sufferings as God so wishes, our own and that inflicted by others.

You alone purify our suffering so that we may give glory to God and save our souls.

Amen+