Our Lady of La Salette IX

La Salette Seer - Melanie

Melanie likewise had an unsettled life. She entered and subsequently left several convents, starting at the Sisters of Providence in Corps. At this convent Melanie was unfortunately laden with fame and acclaim due to the apparition - both of which can feed deadly pride and kill spiritual growth. Melanie was the center of attention and after some time began to tell of other "mystical experiences." Despite the grandiosity of her tales, the mistress of novices encouraged Melanie to relate them, imprudently as it turned out. The area Bishop tried to curb these stories emanating from the convent but to no avail. When it came time for Melanie to profess her solemn vows, he refused his permission. Angered by this, the seer left this convent for a community of Carmelites in England. She shortly left these sisters and returned to her native France, where she entered the Our Lady of Compassion convent in Marseille. There she trained as a teacher. Her order proceeded to send her to teach in an orphanage in Cephalonia, a tiny Greek island. Melanie returned to Marseille after two years there and hoped to publish her "secret." This effort was unsuccessful at first, but eventually she did manage to propagate her "secret" which caused a veritable explosion of controversy. Finally on May 9, 1923 the Holy Father placed Melanie's "secret" on the Index of Forbidden Books. The Church ruled that the "secret" was not authentic and not in any way connected to the apparition of Our Lady of La Salette.

Throughout this scandalous time, Melanie traversed between France and Italy, her health failing and her reputation marred. She spent the last several months of her life in Altamura Italy where she died December 14, 1904 at the age of 74.

The unsettled lives on Maximin and Melanie prove to us that the Church's approval of apparitions of Our Lady do not depend on the personal sanctity of the seers. What lessons can we draw from thier lives? We can contrast thier lives with those of many other saints and see the heroic virtues necessary for canonization are born and bred in the domestic church. Family prayer and practice of the faith are very powerful in the development of good Catholics. Lacking this childhood formation and example given by parents make God's graces more less apt to be cooperated with. Regardless of this, it is good to be able to rely on the right judgement of our Holy Church in the matters of things supernatural. Due to the approval of this apparition we can with confidence let the message of La Salette sink into our souls, we are free to honor Our Lady of La Salette, visit the site and so on due to the authority of the Magisterium, which is a great gift to us from God.

Prayer to Our Lady of La Salette

True Mother of Sorrows, the tears you shed for us on Calvary. Remember also the care you have taken to keep us faithful to Christ, your Son. Having done so much for your children, you will not now abandon us. Comforted by this consoling thought, we come to you pleading, despite our infidelities and ingratitude. Virgin of Reconciliation, do not reject our prayers, but intercede for us, obtain for us the grace to love Jesus above all else. May we console you by living a holy life and so come to share eternal life Christ gained by his cross. Amen+

Our Lady of La Salette VIII

Maximin - Seer of La Salette

Melanie and Maximin met on the mountainside for the first time the day prior to the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Melanie, accustomed to solitute would have preferred to remain alone, nonetheless she agreed to meet with the lonely Maximin the next day - he was quite anxious to have company and craved companionship.

The day of apparition, Saturday , September 19, 1846, began as all others. They were tending thier heards of cows until Maximin peered into the ravine to see Our Lady seated upon a rock, her head in her hand, weeping. He would later recount to pilgrims "From there, she (Our Lady) rose into the air, disappeared, and left me with all my faults." He stated at another time, "The apparition and I are two different things. I was only an instrument. We have only been conduits , only parrots who have repeated what we have heard. We were stupid before the apparition, and we remain stupid after, and we will be stupid all of our lives."

When the message of the apparition of Our Lady of La Salette became widely known, the children were placed in Providence, a convent school for four years. There they were protected, educated, catechised and were given First Communion. Melanie's family was also granted a small stipend so they would not suffer for loss of her income, nor would her siblings have to beg. The children were only give First Communion after thier parents made thier Easter Duty.

They both went on to have troubled and unsettled lives. This is in seeming contrast to the lives of some other well-known apparitions such as Lourdes and Fatima. However, these two also lacked the devout and relatively stable homes of the more fortunate seers. We could draw from this that a stable, prayerful and pious family is certainly the foundation of a stable, prayerful and pious adult life. We see this in our society today - dysfunctional homes produce dysfunctional children who grow into dysfunctional adults. This seems to have been the case with the La Salette seers. However, this does not negate the message, nor did this apparent "dysfunction" prevent them from carrying out the mission given them by Our Lady, namely, "You will make this know to all my people." This they did indeed carry out.

Maximin wanted to become a priest, and entered several seminaries. He was ejected from each one as he had no interest in study. The Superior of the convent school Providence described him thus: "Maximin has ordinary abilities; he is sufficiently obedient, but light, fond of play, and always in motion." He suffered from a short attention span but generally had a pleasant disposition. He tried and failed at other venues such as: mechanic, doctor, pharmacist and artist. Nothing could be gained by him it seemed in his studies. While in Paris, he became so destitute he went hungry and handled his finances poorly. He became a Papal Zouave, a voluntary soldier of the Holy Father but this also lasted a short time. He then entered into French military service for a time. Without sufficient insight or prudence, he lent his name to a liquor distributor who swindled him of his remaining money. Poor and a "worldly" failure, Maxmin returned to Corps for the remainder of his life. When questioned near to the time of his death "Hasn't the apparition produced something special within you? I mean, hasn't it brought you a particular grace to improve you, to inspire you to live in a saintly way?" Maximin responded, "I can't say that. I never felt anything special. But the Blessed Virgin did grant me the grace of a very Christian education with the good sisters at Corps. She surrounded me with very edifying priests. My childhood and youth were spent in a milieu that encouraged me to do good and to avoid evil. Without the apparition I could have strayed far from God and become really bad. I might even have become a member of the Internationale, or the Commune. By keeping me in this milieu and giving me the religious convictions I still have, she betowed a wonderful gift on me." Indeed it would seem he retained the innocence of boyhood to the end, when he died of tubuculosis at the age of 40.

Our Lady of La Salette VII

The Seers of La Salette - Who are they?

Francoise Melanie and Peter Maximin were born in Corps, France, a tiny hamlet with a population of less than 1000 in the Southern French Alps. The two children did not meet until the day prior to the appearance of the Virgin Mary.

Melanie was born November 7, 1831 and was 14 at the time of the apparition. She was born into a family that was not devout and quite poor. Put to work as a young child to assist the family financially, she was hired out by her parents as a shepherdess for area farmers. This life of hard work and long hours left her with little to no time to attend Mass, even on holy days. Her primary contact with the Church was in hearing the bells ring prior to Mass while at work in the valley. When Our Lady asked her "Do you say your prayers well my children?" Melanie answered in all honesty, "No Madame, hardly at all." Later in her life, she would relate "Isn't justice served that I, the least of all creatures, who did not begin to pray until the age of 15, suffer more and am more humiliated than others?"

Melanie led a lonely and rather sad life for such a young girl. She was described by those who knew her, and especially by those for whom she worked as timid, shy, sulky and introverted. She was totally uneducated and illiterate. Her time was spent day after day, week after week on the mountainside tending flocks, in freezing rain, blistering heat, wind and snow. One employer testified the following "She was excessively timid, and so careless of herself, that on returning from the mountain, drenched with rain, she never thought of changing her clothes. Sometimes, and it was part of her character, she would sleep in the cattle sheds; and at others, if not observed, she would have passed the night under the stars." Her employer at the time of apparition, Baptiste Pra, also described the young seer thus, "...idle, disobedient, inclined to pout, and moody." He also said that following the appearance of the Blessed Virgin, Melanie changed, she was more active, obedient and prayerful. It would appear that the young seer started to fight against her own moodiness, and with some success.

Maximin was four years Melanie's junior and was born August 27, 1835, also to a poor and irreligious family. Maximin's father was a cartwright, who had a well deserved reputation as a man who lacked reliability. In Corps he was viewed as a "spendthrift and a drifter." Maximin's mother died when he young very young and his stepmother was said to dislike him intensely. He was high-spirited, energetic and behaved in a poorly disciplined manner, although he received regular beatings from his parents. Despite this outwardly looking bleakness - the young seer tended toward a cheerful disposition and was well liked by his fellow children. He generally performed poorly in his studies, which often took place with his father in the local tavern. He could neither read nor write but had learned the Ave and the Our Father just prior to the apparition of Our Lady.

Neither of the little visionaries recieved any guidance or spiritual direction. They likewise had no examples of piety by which to form themselves, no training or education in natural or supernatural virtues, little to no catechesis and attended the Sacraments rarely. At the time of the Blessed Virgin's appearance, Melanie was tending Baptiste Pra's cows, and Maximin had the day prior been hired as a replacement worker by Peter Selme to herd his cows.

It should be obvious to all that these two children were indeed among the poorest and most wretched of the inhabitants of this small community in the French Alps. Only God, who knows and tests the hearts of each one of us, knows why Melanie and Maximin were chosen to hear and make known to all His message related through His Holy Mother. More will be posted on the lives and experiences of the two young seers in subsequent posts.

(Source: "You will make this known to all my people" by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, 1998. This books bears the Imprimatur of Rev. Bishop Sean O'Malley.)

May Mary's prayers go with you always.

Our Lady of La Salette VI

The Seers of La Salette

Melanie Mathieu, 14 & Maximin Giraud, 11

"It is not the healthy who are in need of a physician, but they who are sick. For I have come not to call the just, but sinners." Mark 2:17

The words of our Saviour as recorded by the Apostle Mark, apply for all time, for those to whom He personally spoke as well as those reading His words in the present day. At La Salette, in 1846 our Lord sent his Blessed Mother to these two children with a message for the entire world. As often happens, the Lord chooses the simple to confound the powerful and wise. This was certainly the case with the two french La Salette seers. Melanie and Maximin certainly represent the people of France at this time in history - lacking in faith, religion and proper catechesis. Neither of these two seers have been canonized, nor have they even been declared venerable. In fact, their lives after seeing the Blessed Virgin Mary were not examples of heroic virtue as we have seen with the seers of Lourdes and Fatima.

However, these two uneducated children, in thier simplicity did in fact complete the mission given them by Our Lady of La Salette: "You will make this known to all my people." They weren't given her message because they were holy, but rather to call us to holiness. Mary appeared at this time of irreligion with a social message, not a personal message for these children. The parish priest at Corps, the parish nearest to La Salette stated it best:

"Many people would like to see the children more mystical, at least more perfect. But the Blessed Virgin has left them thier own natures and there is nothing we can do about it. What has been confided to them, it seems to me, can be compared to an orange in a jar. The orange does not change the jar, will not make of it crystal if it is simple glass. But the jar lets us see the orange just as it is."

Melanie and Maximin consistently throughout thier lives recounted the message without embellishments nor did they change a single word. They did not contradict themselves nor each other, despite several interrogations conducted separately and by many clerics and prelates. They faithfully and with great love repeated the words of the Lady; "If my people will not obey..." The seers warned the world that if they continued to work on Sundays and to take the Lord's name in vain, uttering all sorts of blasphemies which were common at this time (anyone who learns colloquial french will know this even now) that their crops would be destoyed, there would be a famine and they would "...atone for thier sins with hunger." But "...if they would convert, the very stones will change to wheat and the potatoes will sow themselves."

More on the seers of La Salette in the next posts. May Mary's prayers go with you always!

Our Lady of La Salette V

The Appartion Continues
Our Lady to her young French seers: “You will make this know to all my people.” She then turned from them and floated up the ravine, paused and without turning to face them she repeated, “You will make this known to all my people.” She continued to move away from them, Melanie and Maximin began to follow her.

The Heavenly Lady paused a moment, then rose into the air. She turned her gaze to heaven and the children could see a joyful expression on her lovely face, her tears having ceased. She turned her gaze southeast to Rome. The light surrounding her grew more resplendent and glorious before beginning to fade. The Lady and the heavenly light surrounding her then “melted away” and could be seen no more. Melanie then said to Maximin “Perhaps she was a great saint.” They had no idea they were speaking to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A spring of water was found in very close proximity to the place the Blessed Virgin had appeared to the seers and miracles and healings were soon reported. Pilgrimages began in earnest; the town priest preached a sermon on the message and the word spread to French villages near and far. In July of the following year, Bishop Philibert de Bruillard opened an official investigation into the apparition, this following the two initial inquiries held the previous fall. The children were questioned by as many as nine bishops who aided Bishop de Bruillard. In the mean time, reports of miracles associated with the miraculous spring and pilgrimages to the site multiplied.

The official diocesan report describes the most remarkable effect of these events to be the large number of conversions taking place in the region of previously atheist France. “Striking was the acceptance of the story by the people of Ablandins and La Salette.” At first skeptical and mocking, they quickly were swayed by cures and the sweeping peace and grace at the site of apparition. Three years into the inquiry, during which the seers never contradicted themselves or each other, it was decreed, “Therefore, to demonstrate our lively thanks to God and to the glorious Virgin Mary, we authorize the cult of Our Lady of La Salette.”

Prayer
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, and my soul shall be joyful in my God: for He hath clothed me with garments of salvation, and with the robe of justice He hath coverd me, as a bride adorned with jewels. I will extoll Thee, O Lord, for Thou hast upheld me: and hast not made my enemies to rejoice over me. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen+

(Sources: Meetings with Mary by Janice Connell. Ballantine Books. NY. 1995.
“You will make this known to all my people” by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. New Bedford, MA. 1998)

Our Lady of La Salette IV

Our Lady's Tears at La Salette France September 19, 1846.

Our Lady of La Salette to the seers Melanie and Maximin: “If the harvest is spoiled, it is your own fault. I warned you last year by means of the potatoes. You paid no heed. Quite the reverse, when you discovered that the potatoes had rotted, you swore, you abused my Son’s name. They will continue to rot, and by Christmas this year there will be none left. If you have grain, it will do no good to sow it, for what you sow the beasts will devour, and any part of it that springs up will crumble into dust when you thresh it.”

“A great famine is coming. But before that happens, the children under seven years of age will be seized with trembling and die in their parents’ arms. The grownups will pay for their sins by hunger. The grapes will rot, and the walnuts will turn bad.”

Mary then turned to Maximin and spoke to him a secret, which Melanie could not hear. Our Lady of La Salette then turned to Melanie and confided to her a secret that Maximin could not hear. Then together they heard: “If people are converted, the rocks will become piles of wheat, and it will be found that the potatoes have sown themselves.”

The Queen of Heaven then looked at them questioningly, “Do you say your prayers well, my children?” “No,” they both admitted. “We hardly say them at all.”

“Ah, my children it is very important to say them, at night and in the morning. When you don’t have time, at least say and Our Father and a Hail Mary. And when you can, say more. Only a few rather old women go to Mass in the summer. All the rest work every Sunday throughout the summer. And in winter, when they don’t know what to do with themselves, they go to Mass only to poke fun at religion. During Lent they flock to the butcher shops, like dogs. My children, haven’t you ever seen spoiled grain?” “No, never,” replied Maximin.

“But my child, you must have seen it once, near Coin, with your papa. The owner of a field said to your papa, ‘Come and see my spoiled grain.’ The two of you went. You took two or three ears of grain in your in your fingers. You rubbed them, and they crumbled to dust. Then you came back from Coin. When you were but a half hour away from Corps, your papa gave you a piece of bread and said, ‘Well, my son, eat some bread this year, anyhow. I don’t know who’ll be eating any next year, if the grain goes on spoiling like that.’”

Maximin then remembered that long forgotten incident and marveled at how the beautiful Lady before him recounted it perfectly, word for word. He replied “It is very true, Madame. Now I remember it. Until now I had not.” Mary looked sternly at the children, “You will make this known to all my people.”

Prayer
God will help her with His countenance: God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved. The stream of the river maketh the city of God joyful: the Most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle. Alleluia, alleluia. This is a wise virgin, and one of the number of the prudent. Alleuia, amen+
(Gradual Ps. 45 Mass of a Virgin Martyr)

(Sources: Meetings with Mary by Janice Connell. Ballantine Books. NY. 1995.
“You will make this known to all my people” by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. New Bedford, MA. 1998)

Our Lady of La Salette III

The Words of the Mother of God
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, Our Lady of La Salette to Melanie and Maximin:

“Dear little children, I entreat my Son constantly for all of you. Will you not listen to your mother’s voice? My Mother’s heart bleeds for each of you. I love you so much! Do not bring more suffering upon yourselves. Dear little children, return to God. Only in God do you experience peace, joy, and love. Only in God, in His ways, in His ordinances is happiness attainable. God has given you six days for work, but you take seven. Many people swear. They profane God’s name.

“I come to warn you that a great famine is coming. Nothing can grow without the blessing of God. When the harvest is spoiled, realize you yourselves have caused this. God’s justice is love. He will permit the adults to atone for their sins by hunger. Children under seven will be afflicted with seizure and die in their homes.”

“If God’s awaken to His presence and His ways, the rocks will become piles of wheat and the potatoes will sow themselves. You must say your prayers, my little children, both in the morning and at night. Pray more. Pray at least one Our Father, one Ave, each day if you can do no more. Do not devour food like hungry dogs. Fast and abstain for the love of God so that He may fill you with health. Make my words known to all the world.”

Prayer
Eternal Father! I offer Thee the precious blood of Jesus Christ
In satisfaction for my sins, and for the wants of the Holy Catholic Church.

Amen+

Our Lady of La Salette II

The Tears of the Virgin Mary at La Salette

“Come to me, my dear children. Do not be afraid. I have come to tell you something of great importance.” ~The Blessed Virgin Mary to the seers of La Salette

Melanie and Maximin reported the Lady they saw was extremely sad and crying real tears. She wore a brilliant white dress, adorned with pearls and a golden colored apron. Upon her head was a wreath of roses, which wrapped around her gold crown. This crown was high and bent slightly forward in the front. She wore slippers tipped with roses upon her feet. Around her neck she wore a necklace from which hung a crucifix with a hammer on one side and pincers on the other.

The Lady spoke in French, not in the local patois of the people. This made it difficult for the children to follow her every word, but they clearly understood her beckoning to them. After Mary bid them come closer, they entered the ravine and approached with Queen of Heaven within touching distance. They could see her very closely, could see her bright, crystal-like tears. She spoke to them again, but this time in their patois:

“If my people will not obey, I shall be compelled to loose my son’s arm. It is so heavy, so pressing that I can no longer restrain it. How long have I suffered for you! If my Son is not to cast you off, I am obliged to entreat Him without ceasing. But you take not the least notice of that. No matter how well you pray in the future, no matter how well you act, you will never be able to make up to me what I have endured for your sake.”

This sentence in particular resonates in my soul: “But you take not the least notice of that {Mary’s suffering on our behalf}” Our Heavenly Mother holds back the arm of her Son’s justice from coming down and striking us – with tears she entreats Him, she weeps and suffers on our behalf and we “take not the least notice”!! Fellow Christians – we must work to love our Mother for all she does for us. Appease her tears, pray in honor of her sorrows, pray the chaplet of Our Lady’s Tears – even if only a couple of times a week. Think often on the many graces Your Mother has obtained for Mankind, and for your wicked soul - be grateful!

Prayer
Our Lady of La Salette, I offer myself, my small sufferings and sacrifices to God through your Immaculate Heart. Please dear Mother, accept my prayers and small offerings, mingle them with your tears and offer them to the Heavenly Father on my behalf. Be for me the narrow gate which leads to Heaven!

(Sources: Meetings with Mary by Janice Connell. Ballantine Books. NY. 1995.
“You will make this known to all my people” by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. New Bedford, MA. 1998)

Our Lady of La Salette I

Our Lady's Tears at La Salette

Today we hear a great deal of talk of our Lady’s apparitions at Lourdes and Fatima, but what of La Salette? This apparition is approved by Holy Mother Church and in my humble opinion is oft ignored. What attracted me initially to this apparition is the fact that Mary appeared as Our Sorrowful Mother, weeping before the seers, Maximin and Melanie. The next several posts will be devoted to this apparition and Heaven’s messages related for all mankind through Our Heavenly Mother.

Mary’s appearance in La Salette France in 1854 predates Lourdes by seven years. La Salette is located in the French Alps, a sparsely populated, rural town near Grenoble. The people were mostly poor shepherds and farmers and were unfortunately caught up in the lack of religious fervor that time. Church attendance had dropped off, most worked on Sunday and only thought of religion when the local parish’s bell rang calling the people to Mass. A call that too often went unanswered.

France had endured its “revolution”. While the nation remained intact, the religion and soul of France was dying. This time is often referred to as the “Age of Reason” but the title of “Age of Insanity” was much more appropriate. The simplicity and virtue that accompanied family life in Catholic France was fast eroding due to the avarice, greed and wickedness of the atheist French rulers.

It was in this societal erosion and disarray that two young shepherds met one Fall day on a mountainside. Melanie age fourteen and Maximin aged 11 met for the first time the day before the apparition and had spent the day talking and playing. Neither came from devout families, they were not children of prayer, but rather were wholly uneducated and knew little of the Catholic faith.

On the second afternoon of their acquaintance, they say below them a bright light in a ravine. As they looked on in shock at this wonder, they could eventually see the form of a beautiful woman at the center of this light. The woman was seated upon a rock, her head in her hands and was weeping with profound grief. The children drew as close as they dared. This beautiful Lady looked at them and spoke these words:

“Come to me, my dear children. Do not be afraid. I have come to tell you something of great importance.”

(Sources: Meetings with Mary by Janice Connell. Ballantine Books. NY. 1995.
“You will make this known to all my people” by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate. New Bedford MA. 1998)

Prayer

Mother of our Savior! Hear thy people's cry, Star of the Sea, and Portal of the Sky!

Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made,

Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid;

Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee,

Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.

Amen+

Prayers Honoring Our Lady's Sorrows II

Prayer before and Image of Mary Most Sorrowful Continued

(by Ven. Martin von Cochem)

I recall to thy mind this thine inexpressible anguish and beseech thee to obtain for me the pardon of my sins. O Mary, intercede for me with Jesus, whom thou didst bear in thine arms! O Jesus! O Mary! By thine unutterable suffering, have pity on me, a miserable sinner. O dearest Jesus, show to Thy Heavenly Father all the wounds and anguish which Thou didst bear for me. O sweetest Virgin, show Him all the tears which thou didst shed for me. O Son! O Mother! Show Him all the agony, all the anguish of heart which thou didst endure for me.

O Mary, I beseech thee, through this most painful mystery of thy dolors, obtain mercy for me from God the Father, and taking the mangled and dead body of thy beloved Son into thy maternal arms, offer Him to the Eternal Father in the same manner as thou didst once offer to Him His pierced side and thine own broken heart, His bitter sufferings and thy painful compassion, His and thy burning tears, His and thy sighs, in a word, everything which Jesus and thou didst suffer upon earth, that through these same sufferings, thou mayest obtain mercy and pardon for me. Amen+

Image of Our Sorrowful Mother I

Prayer Before an Image of Mary Most Sorrowful

(By Ven. Martin von Cochem)

O Most loving Mother of my Lord Jesus Christ, thou who dost never reject nor despise anyone who turns to thee with a contrite heart, nor refuse to console the afflicted, behold, poor and sinful, I draw near to thy holy image with deep devotion, and beseech thee to obtain for me the grace to honor and love thee with all my strength.

O merciful Heart of Mary, let me obtain mercy from thee, as so many sinners already have obtained it; for what is thy heart, O Mary, but a heart of mercy? How is it possible, then, that grace could be refused to anyone who implores it from this seat of mercy?

Most tender and compassionate Mother, thou knowest how much an afflicted heart is in want of compassion, because the intensity of thy sufferings was so great that all mankind together would have been incapable of supporting it.

Oh, what unutterable bitterness filled thy soul when thou didst contemplate the disfigured form of thy beloved Son, when thou didst receive His mangled and lifeless body into thy virginal arms, and pressing it tenderly to thy maternal heart, didst embrace it countless times, didst bedew it with a stream of burning tears, and finally didst rest thine agonizing heart on the wounded brow of thy Jesus!

(Continued in next posting)

Holy Water II

Holy Water a Means of Spiritual Wealth

(Source: THE ANGELUS

July 1986, Volume IX, Number 7)

Holy water is a sacramental that remits venial sin. Because of the blessing attached to it, Holy Church strongly urges its use upon her children, especially when dangers threaten, such as fire, storms, sickness and other calamities. Every Catholic home should always have a supply of holy water in it. We do not take advantage of the benefits derived from holy water.

LET US CULTIVATE ITS USE

Untold spiritual wealth is concentrated in a tiny drop of blessed water. And we give it so little thought! If we would but realize now, as we shall realize after death, the many benefits which may be derived from holy water, we would use it far more frequently, and with greater faith and reverence. Holy water has great power and efficacy derived from the prayers of the Church, which the Holy Trinity accepts always.

Following are some of the petitions the priest may makes to god when he blesses water:

"O God . . . grant that this creature of Thine (water) may be endowed with Divine grace to drive away devils and to cast out diseases, that whatever in the houses or possessions of the faithful may be sprinkled by this water, may be freed from everything unclean, and delivered from what is hurtful . . . Let everything that threatens the safety or peace of the dwellers therein be banished by the sprinkling of this water; so that the health which they seek by calling upon Thy Holy Name may be guarded from all assault."

These prayers ascend to Heaven evert time you take holy water and sprinkle a drop in a place, bless yourself or another, whether they are present or not. Be assured, God's blessing will descend for both body and soul.

Other Qualities of Holy Water

Dispel the Devil: The devil hates holy water because of its power over him. He cannot long abide near a person or in a place that is often sprinkled with this blessed water. Holy water, sprinkled with faith and piety, can move the Sacred Heart to bless your loved ones and protect them, even at a distance, from attacks to soul or person. When worried or fearful, go to a holy water font at Church or at home. Give those whom you wish the benefit of the Church's prayers.

The Holy Souls Long For It: Only in Purgatory will we understand how ardently a poor soul longs for the relief of holy water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to often remember their yearnings, and often assist them at the holy water font. The holy souls nearest to Heaven may need the sprinkling of only one drop offered for thier benefit so they may attain the Beatific Vision!

Remits Venial Sins: Because holy water is one of the Church's sacramentals, it remits venial sin. Keep your soul beautifully pure before God by making the Sign of the Cross carefully while saying: "By this holy water and by Thy Precious Blood wash away all my sins, O Lord."

Keep holy water in your homes, use it every morning. Carry a small amount in your purse, your pocket. Bless your car, your house, and especially any airplane you travel on. Bless every ATM machine you use and ask the Lord to convert and save every person who uses it. Be creative and generous with this holy sacramental!

Prayer

O most Just Judge, look down I beseech Thee, from Thy throne in Heaven upon me, a poor sinner, and for the sake of Thine infinite compassion be merciful to me in the day of final judgement. I know that I shall not be able to stand in that dread day, but by Thy just sentence I shall condemned to eternal damnation. Yet I know also that if a sinner implores mercy of Thee in a time of grace, it will not be denied him! Therefore I entreat Thee with deep humility and contrition through, Thy bitter passion, that Thou wouldst pardon my sins and pass a lenient sentence upon me in the Day of Judgement. Amen+

(Source: The Last Four Things. Fr. Martin von Cochem, by TAN Books)

Great Article

Go here for a great article with exerpts of early Christian writers about the nature of hell. Pray for the conversion and salvation of poor sinners!

Must See Prolife Movie

Go here to the official website and view the trailer. "Bella" is written, directed and acted by orthodox Catholics and strongly prolife. Due out in March - a must see for all!

Rosary of Sorrows II

The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows

(Also known as the Servite Rosary/Chaplet of Seven Sorrows/Dolors)

This pious practice is offered for your consideration for Lent. I encourage all to make this a devotion year round, if only to keep in mind and be sympathetic to your Mother's sorrows and tears which were shed for you.
The Rosary of the Seven Sorrows consists of seven groups of seven beads, with three additional beads and a medal of Our Lady of Sorrows. The seven groups of seven Hail Marys are recited in remembrance of the Seven Sorrows of Mary, namely:

1. The prophecy of Simeon.
2. The flight into Egypt.
3. The loss of the Child Jesus in the Temple.
4. Mary meets Jesus carrying His cross.
5. The Death of Jesus
6. Mary received the body of Jesus from the cross
7. The body of Jesus is placed in a tomb.

Three Hail Marys are added in remembrance of the tears Mary shed because of the suffering of her Divine Son. These are said to obtain true sorrow for our sins. Following is the concluding prayer.
V. Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin. R. The we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray: Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whose holy soul was pierced at the time of Thy passion by a sword of grief. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen+
(The rosary pictured above can be purchased for a mere $7.00 here. The above booklet is included.)

Rosary of Sorrows

Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

Prayerfully consider beginning a devotion to honor and appease the tears of our Lady by meditating on her seven sorrows. Simply recite one Hail Mary as you think/contemplate the seven sorrows that are particularly singled out by Holy Mother Church for our veneration.
1. The Prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation
2. The Flight into Egypt
3. Jesus lost in the temple for three days
4. Meeting Jesus as He carries His cross
5. Death of Our Lord Jesus on the cross
6. Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in the arms of His Mother
7. The burial of Jesus
Another way to honor Mary's sorrows and appease her tears is to use the rosary of Our Lady of Tears to pray the chaplet of Mary's seven sorrows. Simply meditate on her sorrows, and pray on the beads as you would pray the rosary, i.e. Our Fathers followed by Hail Marys. If you wish, there are Our Lady's Sorrows rosaries (also called chaplets interchangably). These typically have black beads and medals in place of the Our Father beads depicting each sorrowful scene. More on this tomorrow.

Prayer ~ In Your Tears

In your tears, O grieving Mother, what a world of sorrow shimmers, while the rot of hate now simmers. As they vie with one another to add shame to the weight he bears. In your tears, O grieving Mother, echoes all the weight of sin, pain and anguish entered in. Since Eva listened to another, and the world grew rife with tares. In your tears, O grieving Mother, witness to a great God's gift, of how he chose to heal the rift, sacrificing for all others. Lamb of God, the cross now bears. In your tears, O grieving Mother I see the sorrow veil your face, as you penetrate that place, your greatest yes to give the Father. The pain of your son's death you bear. Let me grieve with you, my Mother, as you sit in sorrow deep. God pierce my heart that I might weep for the sins of self and brother, that lead you to such pain and care. Susan E. Stone

God Bless Pope Benedict XVI

Lent is for Conversion NOT self-realization!

(Source: Catholic World News article)

Our Holy Father in his Ash Wednesday audience gives all the faithful wise direction:

"Speaking to about 10,000 people in the Paul VI auditorium, the Holy Father broke from his series of talks on the apostolic Church to speak about the spiritual challenges of Lent, saying that the penitential season is an invitation for the faithful to experience...."

"...train ourselves more earnestly to seek God.” He insisted that the process of sacrifice and prayer should be seen as a process of conversion and a striving for union with God rather than an exercise in self-improvement.
“Self-realization is a contradiction,” the Pope said, “and it is too little for us. We have a higher destiny.” Pope Benedict called attention to his Lenten Message, which emphasize Christ’s love for mankind, culminating in his Sacrifice. “The Cross is the definitive revelation of love and divine mercy,” he said. “ To enter into this mystery of love there is no other way than that of losing ourselves, giving ourselves, the Way of the Cross."

Try as I might I cannot think of an office more burdensome than that of the Holy Pontiff. On the day of his election, he said to each of us "I entrust myself to your prayers." We must take this seriously - he needs are prayers very much for our Holy Father is the shepherd of the Church at a very difficult time. Not only does evil reign in so many areas of the world, so many of the faithful have become food for the mouths of wolves - but there is so much open dissent within the ranks of our Holy Religion. That along with the hyper-scrutiny placed upon his every word and action in a venemously Christian hating media. Each of us have a grave duty to pray for our Holy Father!

Prayer

May the Lord bless and protect our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI

May he be blessed upon the earth, may he not be turned over to his enemies.

God Bless our Holy Father's personal sanctity, may he be rich in holiness and a perfect example to all the faithful. May his ministry be pleasing to Your Holy Sight. Keep him safe so he may shepherd your church for many years to come.

Amen+

Holy Water

The Power of Sacramentals

" It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins" (2 Mac 12:46)

Great video in YouTube on the power of holy water, go here to view it. (Tried to embed it, but couldn't get it to copy right!)

Sacramentals are those rites, actions, prayers and objects, instituted by the Church as a means to obtain for the faithful spiritual and temporal favours from God. The sacramentals benefit the faithful by obtaining actual grace, forgiveness of venial sin, remission of temporal punishment, health of body, material blessings, conversion of hearts, and protection from evil spirits.

These effects depend upon the mercy of God Who regards the prayers of the Church, and upon the dispositions of those who use the sacramentals. The chief sacramentals are the many blessings given by members of the clergy, exorcism, and the blessing and use of such objects of devotion as holy water, candles, medals, rosaries and incense.

Father Paul O'Sullivan in "How to Avoid Purgatory":
"Only in Purgatory can one understand ardently the poor souls longing for Holy Water. If we desire to make a host of intercessors for ourselves, let us try to realize now some of their yearnings, and never forget them at the Holy Water font."

When blessing yourself with holy water mentally offer this act for the benefit of the Holy Souls. Consider offering this for priests, especially those of your own parish, who have served the sacraments and said masses. In gratitude offer this act of blessing with holy water several times daily and have Masses offered up for the repose of their souls.

Bless your home, car, workplace, public places such as airplanes, ATM's, train stations,etc. Sprinkle a few drops of Holy Water and pray fervently:

“O God, in Your Mercy multiply these drops into as many drops of Holy Water as there are souls in Purgatory, and allow them not to fear the pains of Purgatory, as long as the moisture of Holy Water is present. Bring down blessings upon this {place, object, area, etc} and all who come into contact with it. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen+”

At the Foot of the Cross

St. John with Mary at the Foot of the Cross

Think, if you will, for a moment on how St. John the Evangelist stood beside Mary, the Mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross. Our Sorrowful Mother, whose tears fell like rain as she witnessed the suffering of her Son, was granted the grace of John, who stood beside her during the Passion.

A favorite blogger of mine, also a singer and evangelist, Mark Mallett posts these thoughts today on the subject:

"JOHN, AND THE HIDDEN PREPARATION"

"During the years of Christ’s ministry, the Apostle John never imagined that he would one day stand beneath the Cross of Jesus. As it turns out, he was the only one of the Twelve who did. Why? Scripture notes that Jesus considered John the "beloved" disciple. And we see why at the Last Supper:

One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus. (John 13:23)
John had his ear to the Heart of Jesus. He heard Love whispering to him, a whisper which reached the depths of his soul in ways that He did not comprehend. It was this same apostle who later penned the words, "God is love."
John found strength to remain beneath the Cross while all the others fled, because he was prepared by the Heart of Jesus. For us Catholics, that is the Eucharist. But it is not just a matter of receiving the Eucharist on our tongues, but also in our hearts. For didn’t the betrayer of Christ also partake of the Last Supper?"

"John stood beneath the Cross with Mary. Perhaps it was seeing her strength, standing there alone, that drew him to her side. Indeed, Mary’s strength, her fortitude, her faithfulness, will always draw you to the feet of Jesus. And so brothers and sisters, take up the Rosary and pray; do not let go of our Mother’s hand. And with your whole heart receive her son, our Eucharistic savior. In this way, you will acquire the graces necessary to stand with Jesus in the days ahead…"

John was indeed a privileged soul. He is now in heaven beside his Mother once again, worshipping God without ceasing. He stood beside the cross when all the other disciples fled and as a reward recieved the Mother of God. Let us also stand beside this great saint and our Sorrowful Mother and recieve untold of graces that will allow us to know Him, love Him, serve Him and spend all eternity with Him in heaven.

Prayer

Do Thou, of Thy goodness, O Lord, cast Thy bright beams of light upon Thy Church; that being illumined by the doctrine of Blessed John, Thine Apostle and Evangelist, she may obtain eternal gifts. Almighty and everlasting God, give unto us an increase of faith, hope and charity, and that we may be worthy to gain what Thou dost promise, make us love what Thou commandest. Through Christ , our Lord. Amen+ (Source: My Daily Prayer, Confraternity of the Precious Blood, 1955)

Sub Tuum

We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin Mary. Amen+

Blessed Candles

An Offering for the Dead

"And you shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may be set up to burn continually." (Exodus 27:20)

Candles have always played an important role in the church. Lit candles are part of the Mass, adoration, and may be utilized in processions, night prayers and other liturgies. In the early Church, candles were kept burning on the graves of martyrs as a sign of honor and remembrance.

In Medieval times it was in common practice to make offerings to maintain lamps that were kept burning on the graves year round in order to comfort the dearly departed. The lights signify the light of Christ - the Eternal Light - to whom all prayers are raised on behalf of the dead. These candles kept silent vigil and began to be called "vigil lights." The offering of a lighted candle for a particular soul, or for a catagory of souls is a worthy offering which will comfort the members of the Church Suffering.

Let’s not forget the poor souls in purgatory who have no one to pray for them. The thought that someone would have no one to pray for them is indeed a chilling thought, but one we must be aware of. Many relatives and friends too soon canonize thier loved ones and cease to pray for those who had died. We must realize the truth: Many people leave behind relatives and friends who neglect to pray for them, perhaps because they forget. Or perhaps because they are no longer believers themselves.

We should continue to truly love our dear dead. When we shall die, they shall remember us at death’s hour with the same love with which we commemorate them during our lives. Light a candle, it entails but a small offering and takes but a moment. Be generous!

"Though the deceased is buried in the earth, thou must not omit to burn oil and wax on his grave, for this is pleasing to God and merits great reward." ~St. Athanasius

St. Gertrude's Prayer for the Holy Souls

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most precious blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home, and within my family. Amen. Jesus, Jesus, Jesus "

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 9

Q: How do I become a Saint?

A: Help others become Saints

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2)

As stated yesterday the "Heroic Act of Charity" is the offering of the satisfactory value (not the merits) of all of our works, prayers and sufferings and works for the entirety of our lives and of any offerings or spiritual benefits gained after death for the relief of the souls in Purgatory. We do this by first deciding to do so, and then praying (using our own words or the more formal prayer below) to offer these things to God through Mary's hands. Doing this is not a matter of taking a vow; it doesn't bind under pain of sin, and it is revokable (unless one vows never to revoke the Act). But it is a tremendous sacrifice, hence the name. It is truly heroic, a giving up of one's own earned relief from the temporal effects of sin -- even relief of the sufferings of Purgatory -- for the good of others. In addition to asking God to use their satisfactory works for the souls in Purgatory, those who make this Act also receive a plenary indulgence (under the usual conditions) for the souls in Purgatory each time they receive Communion, and each time they hear Mass for the sake of the departed. Words to a formal Act of Heroic Charity are as follows:

Heroic Act of Charity
O Holy and Adorable Trinity, desiring to aid in the relief and release of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, through my devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, I cede and renounce, on behalf of these souls, all the satisfactory part of my works, and all the suffrages which may be given to me after my death. In their entirety, I offer them to Mary, the Most Holy Mother of God, that she may use them, according to her good pleasure, for those souls of the faithful departed whom she desires to alleviate their suffering. O my God, deign to accept and bless my offering which I make to Thee through the most august Queen of Heaven and Earth. Amen+

The greatest advantage to making this act is the increase we will receive for our eternal glory. We will receive a greater degree of God for all eternity. In making this act we imitate God's own charity - he spent all, gave all for us. According to Susan Tassone..

"The heroic act is an exchange of glory for merit, of purgatory for heaven, of time for eternity, of pain for glory and for God. It is one of the greatest sacrifices we can make to God. We take upon ourselves to pay 'to the last penny' the whole of the debt that we now own, and may ever owe to God." (Thirty-Day Devotions for the Holy Souls, Our Sunday Visitor, 2004)

Not everyone is called perhaps to this, but pray about it at least. Copy the Heroic Act of Charity onto your computer, think on it, pray some more. Yes, you will be left indigent and without your "covering of satisfactory works" but since you are poor on account of your charity, Our Lord will be powerfully moved to cover you with His own. Be an imitator of Our Lord who emptied Himself for you. Empty yourself spiritually for others and be a receiver of His generous grace!

Prayer

Graciously hear, O God, the fervent prayers we offer Thee for the suffering

and poor souls in purgatory who, not having satisfied Thy justice,

confide in Thine infinite mercy and our intercessions.

Extend unto them Thy consolations,

and redeem them, through Christ our Lord. Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary...

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual

light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen+

Meditations of the End of Man

Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art called. (I Tim 6:12)

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 8

More On the "Heroic Act"

(Source: Catholic Encyclopedia)

"A decree of the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences dated 18 December, 1885, and confirmed the following day by Leo XIII, says:
The Heroic Act of Charity in favour of the souls detained in purgatory consists in this, that a member of the Church militant, either using a set formula or simply by an act of his will, offers to God for the souls in purgatory all the satisfactory works which he will perform during his lifetime, and also all the suffrages which may accrue to him after his death. Many Christians devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, acting on the advice of the Theatine Regular Cleric Father Gaspar Olider, of blessed memory, make it a practice to deposit the said merits and suffrages as it were into the hands of the Blessed Virgin that she may distribute these favours to the souls in purgatory according to her own merciful pleasure."

The Heroic Act is usually considered a vow, but it differs in its nature because it can be revoked at any time. It is rather an offering made to God and to Mary. This point has been decided by the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences, 20 Feb., 1907, in answer to a question regarding the Heroic Vow:

"A special vow "never to revoke the Act" would probably be binding, because its subject matter is an act of the personal will of which man can freely dispose, whereas he has not the disposal of his satisfactory works in favour of the departed; that depends on God; for man it is only a matter of pious desire, and only in this sense a votum. It always remains doubtful to what extent God accepts the oblation, and it is certain that the holy souls altogether lack the power of accepting it. The practice of the Heroic Act is based on the communion of saints, in virtue of which the good deeds of one member of Christ's body benefit all other members. Its meritoriousness results from the more intense charity (love of God and His suffering friends) which inspires it, and on which the intrinsic perfection of all our good deeds depends. Its heroicity arises from the willingness it involves to take upon one's self the dreadful pains of purgatory for the love of one's neighbour, although there remains the reasonable hope that God in His goodness, and the sainted souls in their gratitude, will not allow the punishment to be exacted to the full." (Emphasis added)

Keep in mind, the taking of this vow entails our willingness endure a longer purgatory since we have given away all our satisfactory works. All that we have done in our lives that could be weighted against our debt of sins we would have volunatarily donated to other poor souls. So, in order to take the vow we must be willing to undergo a longer purgatory to pay our own debts. The trick here is this - will God indeed suffer us to suffer more due to charity? God will NOT be outdone in charity, "Charity doth cover a multitude of sins" (Tobit) if we have given everything to help others, we can have great trust that God will use our charity at our particular judgement to cover our sins, thus we may be blessed to actually have a shorter purgatory or in His generosity to avoid it altogether! Tomorrow I will post more thoughts on the Heroic Vow along with the formula prayer.

Prayer

O Lord God almighty, I pray Thee by the precious blood shed by

Our Lord Jesus Christ on His most holy cross of sacrifice

to release many suffering souls from Purgatory.

Let Thine justice be appeased and accept my humble

prayer as payment of thier debts due to sin.

Have mercy my Lord and let them enter into Thy Glory.

Our Father, Hail Mary...

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,

may eternal light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen+

Meditations on the End of Man

Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.

(Ps 128:2)

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 7

Our Sacred Duty
VIII. UTILITY OF PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED
(Source: Catholic Encyclopedia, subject Purgatory)

"It is the traditional faith of Catholics that the souls in purgatory are not separated from the Church, and that the love which is the bond of union between the Church's members should embrace those who have departed this life in God's grace. Hence, since our prayers and our sacrifices can help those who are still waiting in purgatory, the saints have not hesitated to warn us that we have a real duty toward those who are still in purgatorial expiation. Holy Church through the Congregation of Indulgences, 18 December 1885, has bestowed a special blessing on the so-called "heroic act" in virtue of which "a member of the Church militant offers to God for the souls in purgatory all the satisfactory works which he will perform during his lifetime, and also all the suffrages which may accrue to him after his death".

The practice of devotion to the dead is also consoling to humanity and eminently worthy of a religion which seconds all the purest feelings of the human heart. "Sweet", says Cardinal Wiseman, "is the consolation of the dying man, who, conscious of imperfection, believes that there are others to make intercession for him, when his own time for merit has expired; soothing to the afflicted survivors the thought that they possess powerful means of relieving their friend. In the first moments of grief, this sentiment will often overpower religious prejudice, cast down the unbeliever on his knees beside the remains of his friend and snatch from him an unconscious prayer for rest; it is an impulse of nature which for the moment, aided by the analogies of revealed truth, seizes at once upon this consoling belief. But it is only a flitting and melancholy light, while the Catholic feeling, cheering though with solemn dimness, resembles the unfailing lamp, which the piety of the ancients is said to have hung before the sepulchres of their dead."

Try as I might, I could not alter or improve on the above text. We are now informed that assisting the souls in purgatory is our duty, how can we best perform this duty? The above mentioned "Heroic Act" is considered the highest form of charity possible. Keep in mind, God will not be outdone in charity - you offer all for them, He will give back to you tenfold. Exchange your own acts of satisfaction for heaven itself! The next two days of this novena will focus on this Act of Charity, leading up to the formula prayer, or "act" itself on day 9.

Prayer
O Lord God almighty, I beseech Thee, by the precious blood which gushed forth from the side of Thy divine Son Jesus, in the sight of, and to the extreme pain of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one amongst them all which was the most devout to her; that it may soon attain unto Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee, world without end. Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary...

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, let eternal light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen+

Reflection on the End of Man
Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven! (Matthew 11:20)

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 6

Offering Sacrifices
"Offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (IPeter 2:5)
In order for any good work or sacrifice to be of any use for the poor souls in purgatory, they must be performed by one in a state of grace. When a soul is in mortal sin it cannot make satisfaction for itself nor for the poor souls. Prayer coming from a soul in grace is, according to St. Augustine "a key to heaven."

Gaining indulgences with the intention of aiding the souls in purgatory, either a specific soul or for any in general is a great act of charity and gains merit for the one earning the indulgence. I encourage you to purchase The Handbook of Indulgences, read it, use it daily, it is available here. Apply your indulgences to your deceased family members, loved ones or such catagories as souls most abandoned, souls nearest or farthest from attaining Heaven, priests & religious.

We call the souls in purgatory "poor" because they suffer great poverty of spirit, paying the price they owe due to sin. They can do nothing for themselves, rather they passively submit to purification and suffer more than we can imagine. We call them "holy" because they are holy having died in a state of grace and they can sin no more. They are loved by God and He is very pleased when we help them with our prayers and sacrifices. Today, offer a small sacrifice on thier behalf - set aside part of a meal, drive in silence rather than amuse yourself with music, read holy books instead on watching TV, think of small offerings you can make and make of this a holy habit! The souls that benefit will repay you tenfold with thier prayers for you!

Prayer
O Lord God almighty, I pray Thee, by the precious blood which Thy divine son shed on this day upon the wood of the cross, especially from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and in particular that soul for which I am most bound to pray; that no neglect of mine may hinder it from praising Thee in Thy glory and blessing Thee forever. Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary...

Eternal rest grant unto them, may eternal light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen+

Reflections on the end of man
"The path of the just, as a shining light goeth forward and increaseth even unto the perfect day." (Proverbs 9:18)

Excellent Video Honoring Our Lady

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 5

The Power of the Mass

As St. Augustine stood beside his dying mother, St. Monica, she said to him "Bury my body wherever you please. Take no thought about that. Only one thing I beg of you. That at the Lord's altar, wherever you may be, remember me." St. Augustine does this, and goes one step further in his famous treastise Confession he asks the reader to also pray for his dear mother. And of course, Monica was herself raised to the altar and declared a member of heaven by Holy Mother Church.

If only we thought more of the value of the sacrifice of the Mass said for our dearly departed. The Mass is the most efficacious means to supply help and to pay the debts of the holy souls in purgatory. The Church has from the beginning remembered the dead in the Mass and has encouraged her members to offer prayers and sacrifices for them. Remember, the poor souls cannot pray for themselves, they ask us for our prayers. They cannot attend Mass, they ask us to receive the Blessed Sacrament for them. They cannot make the way of the cross, they beg us to walk and pray it for them. Gain merit for yourself, do a simple yet great act of charity and have masses said for the dead. Often our own parishes have few or no masses available to offer, I strongly encourage each of you to go here and have masses said by the Capuchins at the Seraphic Mass Association. You can have as many or as few as one Mass said and it is so easy to do!

Prayer

O Lord God almighty, I pray Thee, by the precious body and blood of Thy divine Son Jesus,

which He gave with His own hands upon the eve of His passion to His beloved apostles to be their meat and drink, and which He left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and a

life giving food of His own faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that one which was most devoted to this mystery of infinite love, that it may with the same Thy divine Son and with Thy Holy Spirit, ever praise Thee for Thy love therein in eternal glory. Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary...

Eternal rest grant unto them, may perpetual light shine upon them,

may they rest in peace. Amen+

Reflection on the End of Man

What shall it profit a man, if he gain the whole world,

and suffer the loss of his soul?

Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

(Mark 7: 36)

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 4

Triumph of the Elect

After this I saw before me a huge crowd which no one could count from every nation and race, people and tongue. They stood before the throne and the Lamb, dressed in long white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice, "Salvation is from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb!" Then one of the elders asked me, "Who are these people all dressed in white? And where have they come from?" I said to him, "Sir, you should know better than I." He then told me "These are the ones who have survived the great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

"It was this that brought them before God's throne: day and night they minister to Him in His temple; He who sits on the throne will give them shelter. Never again shall they know hunger or thirst, nor shall the sun or its heat beat down on them, for the Lamb on the throne will shepherd them" (Rev 7: 9-10; 13-17)

Our beloved dead may be already with the Lord. Some of them may still be undergoing a purification awaiting thier heavenly home. In either case, the fact that they have left this life is never reason enough to leave them out of our prayers. If they are indeed in Heaven, our Lord in His great generosity will apply them to another. No prayer is ever wasted.

Prayer

O Lord God almighty, I pray Thee by the precious blood which Thy divine Son Jesus

shed in the streets of Jerusalem, when He carried the

cross on His sacred shoulders,

deliver the souls in purgatory and especially that soul

which is richest in merits before Thee, that so, in that throne of glory

which awaits it, it may magnify Thee and bless Thee forever.

Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary..

Eternal rest grant unto them, may eternal light shine upon them

may they rest in peace. Amen+

Reflection of the End of Man

In all thy works remember thy last end, and thou shall never sin (Eccl 7:40)

Lord Jesus Christ, have compassion on Thy Church Suffering. Temper Thy justice with pity and open the gates of heaven for the souls in Purgatory, that they may praise and glorify Thee forever. Amen+

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 3

Ask for Our Mother's Help

Our own prayers are efficacious in helping pay the debts of the poor souls in Purgatory. We could however, make our prayers even more helpful by seeking the assistance of Our Blessed Mother. She takes our small insignificant prayers and enhances them, embossing them – taking our stones and turning them into priceless jewels, which her Son, Our Lord accepts from her holy hands with joy. It would be a pious and good thing to offer your veneration of Mary and the saints with the intention of aiding the Poor Souls. If you help them, be assured they will help you in all your needs with their prayers.

The Blessed Virgin Mary said to St. Bridget of Sweden: “I am the Mother of the souls in Purgatory, their torments are continually eased in some manner through my intercession. For it pleases the Lord to remit in this manner some punishments which are theirs due by justice.” (Source: Thirty-Day Devotions for the Holy Souls by Susan Tassone. Our Sunday Visitor Pub.)

Let us pray for our faithful departed:

O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee by the precious blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the holy souls in purgatory, and in particular that one amongst them all which would be the last to depart out of those pains, that it may not tarry so long a time before it come to praise Thee in Thy glory and bless Thee forever. Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary

Eternal rest grant unto them, let eternal light shine upon them, may they rest in peace. Amen+

Reflection on the end of man: What things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. (Galatians 8)

Novena for the Holy Souls - Day 2

Praying for the Dead

"We do not often enough remember our dead, our faithful departed."

~St. Francis de Sales

The month of November is the month set aside by the Catholic church for praying for the dead. This pious practice ought to be practiced year round by the faithful however and only particularly stressed during November. Praying for the dead is biblical and has been preached by all the great Church Fathers & Doctors. More on this daily during this Novena.

Prayer

(Source: Manna of the Soul by Fr. F. X. Lasance. Published by Benzinger Bros, NY. 1917)

O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee by the precious blood which Thy divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in Purgatory, and that soul especially amongst them all which is nearest to its entrace into Thy glory; that so it may forthwith begin to praise and bless Thee forever.

Our Father, Hail Mary

Blessed Souls, you are suffering and asking suffrage from me; I am in great danger and need, and I await aid and protection from you.

So for these nine days I will offer all my prayers and

especially all my good works for you.

And you in turn remember my needs; deliver me from the

dangers I face, and in particular, obtain for me this grace

(here mention your request)

And let the first of you to enter heaven not cease to

plead for me before the divine mercy until

I, too, arrive there. May the Sacred Heart

bless this agreement.

Amen+

~Bl. James Albergione

Novena for the Holy Souls

Day One

Purgatory is a subject that cannot be avoided if we are serious about our Catholic faith. If we are serious about life after death, purgatory is an essential Magisterial teaching, in fact the Dogma of Purgatory entails a required belief for all Catholics. This Dogma causes us to confront the future that depends on our relationship with God at the moment of death. What becomes of those who die professing the Christian faith, but have not yet been fully transformed into His Image and Likeness? What becomes of those who die in His grace, thier sins forgiven but with debts due to those sins left unpaid?

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC, no. 1030) tells us authoritatively that such souls must "achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven.", and "after death...undergo purification" Though the situation of the souls after death is already determined by God at the moment of death, we can yet assist them by offering prayers, good works, sufferings and sacrifices on thier behalf. It is not only a good thing to do, it is verily our duty to assist them. I offer this novena prayer for your use so that they may be aided.

Novena on Behalf of the Holy Souls of Purgatory

O Lord God almighty I pray Thee,

by the precious blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus

shed in the garden,

deliver the souls in Purgatory,

and especially that soul amongst them all

which is most destitute of spiritual aid;

and vouchsafe to bring it to Thy glory,

there to praise and bless Thee forever.

Amen+

Our Father, Hail Mary

Psalm cxxix

Out of the depths I have cried to Thee, O Lord

Lord hear my voice.

Let Thine ears be attentive: to the voice of my supplication.

If Thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities

Lord who shall stand it?

For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of Thy law

I have waited for Thee O Lord.

My soul hath relied 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 plentiful redemption.

And He shall redeem Israel, from all his inquities.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord

And let perpetual light shine upon them

May they rest in peace.

Amen+