#holy spirit novena

[blackmalelaw]

(Black Catholics)

[daretoliveinhim]

Day 51, Novena for Our Nation - "Seeking Harmony"

DAY 51 – OUR LADY OF FATIMA, PRAY FOR US WE’RE GOING IN! NOVENA FOR OUR NATION: AUGUST 15 – OCTOBER 7 SEEKING HARMONY There are actually three wounds that ravage souls and bring spiritual death to them by turning away from God. St. John speaks of these evils when he says: “For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy…

[jh-newman-opn]

Rosary Novena Day 39: Glorious Mysteries

the petition related to the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Charity) confused me for a while but I think I've got it now: if we take the paradigm that the Father Son and Holy Spirit are the Lover, the Beloved, and the Love that passes between them, then the Descent of the Holy Spirit is the descent of that binding love into the hearts of the apostles. This mystery is usually a meditation on the formation of the church and the role of preaching, and so in light of this we should perhaps consider that preaching is fundamentally an act of sharing that binding love, and of welcoming others into it, into the Church which is formed and held together by the same binding love of the Trinity. If I keep talking I will probably produce a heresy novel or ancient so I will leave it there. Just a thought for the preacherly-minded among us.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

Everything you need to know about Pentecost

By CNA Staff | 26 May 2023

This weekend, the Church celebrates Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year that concludes the Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church.

The timing and origins of Pentecost

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus and 10 days after his ascension into heaven.

Because Easter is a moveable feast without a fixed date, and Pentecost depends on the timing of Easter, Pentecost can fall anywhere between May 10 and June 13.

The timing of these feasts is also where Catholics get the concept of the novena — nine days of prayer — because in Acts 1, Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost.

Traditionally, the Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.

The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word “pentecoste,” meaning 50th.

There is a parallel Jewish holiday, Shavu’ot, which falls 50 days after Passover.

Shavu’ot is sometimes called the festival of weeks, referring to the seven weeks since Passover.

Originally a harvest feast, Shavu’ot now commemorates the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai, when the Lord revealed the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Every year, the Jewish people renew their acceptance of the gift of the Torah on this feast.

What happens at Pentecost?

In the Christian tradition, Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room.

A “strong, driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other.

It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk.

However, Peter pointed out that it was only the morning and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission — to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations.

It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel.

Where’s that in the bible?

The main event of Pentecost (the strong driving wind and tongues of fire) takes place in Acts 2:13, though the events immediately following (Peter’s homily, the baptism of thousands) continue through verse 41.

Happy Birthday, Church!

It was right after Pentecost that Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached his first homily to Jews and other non-believers in which he opened the scriptures of the Old Testament, showing how the prophet Joel prophesied events and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

He also told the people that the Jesus they crucified is the Lord and was raised from the dead, which “cut them to the heart.”

When they asked what they should do, Peter exhorted them to repent of their sins and to be baptized.

According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter’s sermon.

For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church — Peter, the first Pope, preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers.

The apostles and believers, for the first time, were united by a common language, a common zeal, and a common purpose to go and preach the Gospel.

Pentecost vestments and customs around the world

Typically, priests will wear red vestments on Pentecost, symbolic of the burning fire of God’s love and the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles.

However, in some parts of the world, Pentecost is also referred to as “WhitSunday,” or White Sunday, referring to the white vestments that are typically worn in Britain and Ireland.

The white vestment is symbolic of the dove of the Holy Spirit and typical of the vestments that catechumens desiring baptism wear on that day.

An Italian Pentecost tradition is to scatter rose leaves from the ceiling of the churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues.

In some places in Italy, Pentecost is sometimes called Pascha Rosatum (Easter roses).

In France, it is tradition to blow trumpets during Mass to recall the sound of the driving wind of the Holy Spirit.

In Asia, it is typical to have an extra service, called genuflexion, during which long poems and prayers are recited.

In Russia, Mass-goers often carry flowers or green branches during Pentecost services.

[tinyshe]

Peace be with you!

The Novena to the Holy Spirit for Pentecost is actually the original novena, the very first novena. 

After Jesus ascended into Heaven, the disciples prayed for nine days for the Holy Spirit, for "the promise of my Father." (Luke 24:49). 

And on the tenth day, they received the Holy Spirit, on Pentecost Sunday!

As we pray to the Holy Spirit, like the disciples did, let's trust God with our prayer intentions. You can post your own prayer intentions here, and we invite you to pray for others that you see there too. We're praying for you!

Here are the prayers for today:

Day 1 - Novena to the Holy Spirit

(Audio/Video Version)

Charity

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

Let us bow down in humility at the power and grandeur of the Holy Spirit. Let us worship the Holy Trinity and give glory today to the Paraclete, our Advocate.

O Holy Spirit, by Your power, Christ was raised from the dead to save us all. By Your grace, miracles are performed in Jesus’ name. By Your love, we are protected from evil. And so, we ask with humility and a beggar’s heart for Your gift of Charity within us.

The great charity of all the host of Saints is only made possible by your power, O Divine Spirit. Increase in me, the virtue of charity that I may love as God loves with the selflessness of the Saints.

Holy Spirit we ask for the grace of [Mention your intention here].

Amen.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, through Christ Our Lord,

Amen.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.

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Thank you for praying with us!

We are praying for you!

God bless you! John-Paul & Annie - PrayMoreNovenas.com

[portraitsofsaints]

Father Dolindo Ruotolo

He promoted the “Surrender Novena” “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, You take care of everything.”

Father Dolindo Ruotolo was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, miracle worker and prophet, who suffered the wounds of Christ. He was called the “mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit.” He was totally dedicated to Mary, Mother of God and the rosary. He was Padre Pio's spiritual director who called him a saint. His life was one of humiliation and inner pain. Our Lord gave him the “Surrender Novena” “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, You take care of everything.” He offered himself as a victim soul for mankind and was afflicted with many sufferings, including complete paralysis for the last ten years of his life.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase. (website)

[cruxscara]

Folk Magic with Saint Peter

“ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:19)

Who is Saint Peter?:

Saint Peter is one of the Holy Apostles alongside Jesus. He is attributed to two books of the New Testament, along with being the Holy founder and first Pope of the Holy Catholic Church.

What can he Help with?:

Saint Peter, holding the keys to heaven, is an intercessor that holds the power given by Our Lord himself to bring spirits to and from the veil.

Thus, we can call upon Saint Peter when we need communicate with our ancestors, or any other spirit. With this key imagery, he can unlock many roads in one’s path, and reveal what’s beyond the veil.

Along with this, we can appreciate his role as leader and teacher. Known as, “the rock” Saint Peter established the church and lead the teachings of the Lord after his Holy death.

We can call upon him in times of instability, wisdom, and strength with The Lord. Even in his agony of denying The Lord thrice, he was given the chance to atone for his actions and bring the Catholic Church into fruition.

To connect:

Pray his Novena

Use orange or white candles

Place Keys by his image

Utilize crossroads and crossroads magic to symbolise the veil

Read his works in the Bible

[hoexist]

In another life, where I entered the seminary and became a priest, I would have spent this evening taking confessions. I would have prayed solemnly, given kind words, issued penances, smelled the wood and the candles and the stale incense as I sat in the semi darkness, eyes closed, slowly getting warmer. And when that sweet angel, my last confessor, finally arrives, my eyes will only open when I hear her kneel, smell her through the confessional screen.

"Bless me father for I have sinned, it's been one week since my last confession."

"Let us pray. Tell me your sins, child."

"Father, I confess to the sin of lust, and to adultery. I have -" Her voice catches.

"What have you done?"

"Sir I... I have long desired someone. I have prayed over this desire for many months, asking God to take it from me. And so far I had met God's test with strength. But I - last week, I went to him. I confessed my lust, my sin. And together we gave in."

"You allowed him to take you?"

"Yes. We took each other, Father."

A long silence. I sigh heavily, disappointed, pushing the silence into tight, twisted tension.

"This is a most grave sin, as I'm sure you're aware. Grave sins require serious penance."

Her breaths can be heard now. "Yes Father. I will accept anything you chose to give me."

"Tell me, when you committed your adultery, was there evidence left on your body?"

"Yes Father."

"For your penance, you are to pray a novena. For nice days, you will come to the church in the evenings and together we will pray for your forgiveness. Because you hid your sinful desire from God and the world, you must not be allowed to conceal anything further. You will pray your novena naked as Eve before the fall, and like her you shall become free of all sin."

I can practically taste her by now. Her breathing is hard, eyes wide enough that I can almost see them through the screen.

"Yes, I will. Thank you Father."

"Do you have any other obligations this evening?"

"Only you."

"Then we will begin tonight. Do you know your act of contrition?"

"Yes Father."

"Then let us pray."

And for the first time that day, I would pray in unison with a confessor, our voices layering and mixing.

"O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. Amen. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen."

Another silence as the Spirit passes between us, the seal of the sacrament settling.

She gives a last shaky breath and stands from the wooden kneeler, not yet sore. The door of the confessional opens and closes, and I hear her deliberate steps towards the front of the church. I sit in the confessional for a while longer, praying, basking, knowing she is kneeling again.

After about 20 minutes, I stand and leave the confessional. The sight that greets me is sublime.

She is kneeling in the front right pew, just off the aisle. Her dress, something long and floral, is draped over the back of the pew. From the confessionals at the back of the church, I can only see the back of her head and shoulders. Visible on one shoulder is a vicious bite, a nasty circular bruise with a reddish patch in the center, just beginning to turn green at the edges. Her hair is twisted tightly into a clip at the back of her skull.

I walk slowly, deliberately up the aisle, wood heeled shoes echoing with each step. She does not move from her prostrated position, hands praying and head bowed. More of her back comes into view, and with it broken blood vessels from a flogging wrapping across her body. They extend all the way down her thighs, and I savor the sight as I stop to stand just next to her lowered head. Her eyes are closed.

Without saying anything, I'd kneel as if to genuflect and reach down behind her and stick two fingers in her wet, hot cunt. She's already soaked, wetness clinging to her public hair and beginning to dampen her thighs, as I know she has been since she left for confession.

She gasps, but her hands stay clasped and eyes stay closed.

"You know, penance is meant to be a punishment. You suffer, and through your suffering and the surrender of your pain to God, come to find redemption."

I twist my fingers, finding that electric spot that makes her weep, and now her eyes are open as she pants up at me.

"Please Father. Ah! I - please Father wash me clean of sin."

With my other hand I grab her hair and bring our faces together, air mingling.

"What am I to do with you? You confess, you complete your penance, you appear sincere and heartily sorry, and yet each week have more to confess. I'm beginning to think you're nothing but a dirty slut, a filthy thing only fit to be used for pleasure by your betters." I give her head a shake. "What do you think?"

"Yes sir, yes please I am a whore, I'm a lusting slut and I can't stop, please, please Father forgive me -"

I pull my fingers out and undo the clip already slipping from her hair to grab a better fistful of it, hauling her to her feet. The only things on her body are her shoes and a small scapular depicting St. Agnes of Rome around her neck. Patron saint of virgins. I love her sense of humor.

Holding her hair at waist level, she is forced to lean over and stumble as I drag her up the steps of the alter, to where the crucifix stands tall behind it. I push her to her knees in front of it.

"Stay. Look only at Him." I pointed to Jesus on the cross.

Obediently she sits, legs apart, staring up. I want to the vestibule, open a cabinet and remove a heavy wooden box. From it, I take two hanks of rope and a heavy scourge. I leave the steel cilice in the box for tonight.

Outside the vestibule she is still staring at the cross, having relaxed slightly.

"Stand."

She looks up at me and stands, mischievous smile brightening her face. I smile back, and with the hand not holding the rope and scourge, gently caress her cheek. She leans her face into my hand, and I kiss her gently, softly, slowly and deeply. She is so tender under my touch.

After a long while, I pull back. Her eyes flutter open, and watched as I draw my hand back and slap her, hard, across the same cheek I held. She nearly falls, but I grab her by the arm and quickly begin a simple single column tie.

"I did not tell you to look away from God." I reach up and tie the tail of the rope to an arm of the cross. "You will stare into the face of Our Lord as he was crucified and you will contemplate his suffering and death. I can only hope it will teach you some reverence." Her other wrist is now also tied to the cross and she stands in front of it, arms outstretched, mirroring and nearly embracing the bloody and tortured body of God.

"Thank you Father."

"Good girl." She whimpers.

Walking behind her, I begin to swing the scourge. She can hear it cutting through the air, and just once I bring it down with an almighty whack on the alter. I laugh cruelly as she jumps and gives a small scream.

I take a deep breath and smile at the ceiling, thanking God and Satan for delivering this lost lamb to me.

"Let us pray."

~ Fr. Marino

[koscheys-skull]

Novenas To Lord Lucifer

Nine Day Novenas to Lord Lucifer the Lightbringer

Day 1. Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

As you raise up the penurious and as you reign in the despots, I ask for your scales of wisdom and empowerment. For in your shadows there is comfort and in your light there is truth. Make me wise to see the path before me. Make me strong to elevate those around me. 

Through your Light we are rid of fear and doubt. We are made wise with wisdom and our wells flow with water. We are fearless with your burning passion and tender with your caressing heart. 

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (Petition).

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 2.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Blessed Lucifer, I give thanks for the Wisdom and the Strength I currently possess. I am within myself and my power as I am here and as I am now. I am washed in your illuminated Grace and kindled in your warm Embrace. Through your Blessings I am empowered with my Will as Your Will. My mind and heart true to your Teachings and Will. 

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (Petition)

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 3.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Blessed Lucifer, I offer thanks and gratitude for all that have come before me. Through hardship and adversity with bold hearts and kind souls. Brave warriors that have risen to brace against the cruel and the powerful. We take inspiration from the incredible figures across the ages and carry their banners with us within our hearts.

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (petition)

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 4.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Brilliant and Vast Lucifer, I pray to you with a mind open and a heart beating. I pray to you with a tongue within my mouth and fingers that touch with interest. I pray as I become a part of this world that you share with me. Behind my eyelids are veins. Within my jaw are teeth. Within my chest are ribs. I am created with molecules of light. I am myself. Of love and sight and sensations. 

There are skies and the earth and the trees. There are stones and rivers that inhale and exhale with me. I pray to you with their grace and your guidance.

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand. 

I pray to you for (petition)

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 5.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Graceful and Brilliant Lucifer, I pray to you. In your Evening Light, illuminate and vivid against the dark, I find your gravity in the pitch of my woes. What does not come cannot be foretold. In the veil of your night your grace shrouds me in your path of narrow light. Show to me what I must know for I ask your eye and ear to bless me with sight and sound in these hours. 

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (petition).

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 6.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Holy Lucifer, in the Dawn of the dark, I pray. In the shadow of hardship we face great challenge to our beings. Through you, we are taught resilience and measurement, forgiveness and tenderness. Through the night you shine. Through the dark you shine and bring your grace to the most harrowing of days. 

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (petition).

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 7.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Luminous Lucifer, In the wake of ignorance and unease, you bathe fear in the comfort of your light. Where doubt and the quagmire of blindness shrouds the eyes and mind, your brisk winds wisk away fear and misgivings. In your wake, the mind is left clean.

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (petition).

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 8. 

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

Sacred Lucifer, I give thanks and honour your gifts and wisdom. The teachings of your Divinity and Grace bless me with nourishment. Through you battles within and without are won. Savaged by cruelties I am mended by your grace like a balm. Rich is your words and wise is the tongue from which you speak. Blessed is the mind touched by your grace. I give thanks for your gifts.

I bring my petition to you with a tender heart and a furtive hand.

I pray to you for (petition).

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

Day 9.

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer,

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray. Blessed Lucifer, In Your Sacred Light, help me embody your Grace and Spirit. As you rise in the Morning and set in the Eve, the Waning and the Waxing, I ask for your Light.

As you raise up the penurious and as you reign in the despots, I ask for your scales of wisdom and empowerment. For in your shadows there is comfort and in your light there is truth. Make me wise to see the path before me. Make me strong to elevate those around me. 

Through your Light we are rid of fear and doubt. We are made wise with wisdom and our wells flow with water. We are fearless with your burning passion and tender with your caressing heart. 

With my hands open, furtive and open. With my heart tender and yielding. I bring to you my petition.

I pray to you for (Petition).

On this day, the Ninth of My Will. With your Grace and with your Blessing I honour you and our time together. I bring to a close these Blessed and Sacred Days.

In the name of the Divine, bathed in their (Un)Holy Light, I pray

Renich Tasa Uberaca Biasa Icar Lucifer.

These novenas were written by yours truly. Please do not repost. These are free to use but credit must be given where it is due!

[angeltreasure]

WHAT IS THE IMPOSSIBLE NOVENA?

“Also known as the “Walk of the Incarnation,” this is a 9 month Novena where we journey with Our Lady throughout her entire pregnancy from the Feast of the Annunciation to Christmas Day. 3/25-12/25

It is an opportunity to ask Mary to take 3 of our most “impossible” requests and present them to Jesus, to plead with Him on our behalf.

Mary's "Fiat" at the Annunciation was the moment when she invited Jesus to dwell within her womb which became His nurturing home for nine months. Mary's Immaculate womb was the place where Her Son's tiny Body not only dwelled, but grew and developed a bit more every single day.

On March 25th, we invite Jesus to dwell within us in a uniquely intimate way too. As we meditate on Jesus growing in Mary's womb, we imagine Him expanding within our own hearts...growing to make room for Him to abide more fully each day.

During this time, it is recommended to attend mass and receive the sacraments of Penance and Holy Communion on the 25th of each month.”

I just found this. It’s never too late to sign up because God is outside of time and always uses our prayers! 🙏🏻

“The only thing you NEED for this Novena are the prayers. But we wanted to have a more comprehensive experience available for you. A place to come back to when you have questions or need some help. A place to learn more, seek guidance, and find friendship. There is no right or wrong way to use/explore this website. Let the Holy Spirit be your guide.”

[joanofarcs-stigmata]

wrote a quick (not so) little prayer for mental clarity and peace based on the grotto in Lourdes. It can be used as a stand-alone prayer, but is technically intended to be a novena.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Amen. 

Almighty God, Three in One, the Creator, the Birthed, and the Spirit, who by the creation of the sweet soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary did create a worthy Mother for the Son, I humbly cry out to you that, as I ponder the apparition of Our Lady in the Grotto of Lourdes, I may be blessed with health of mind and body. Most gracious Mother Mary, who held our Lord and Redeemer at your breast, look with favor upon me as you did that day on gentle Bernadette, and intercede on my behalf for a clarity of mind, as still and peaceful as the blue of your mantel, and as clear and steady as the waters of your Grotto. 

Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed be the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. 

Sweetest Virgin, blessed Mother, I come to you on my knees, not unlike little Bernadette, who prayed with such childlike adoration and faith. My clothes are stained with the mud on the Grotto bank, my skin cold with swirling winter air, far from your example of how to live a Christian life. I yearn for your Son, but my mind is clouded and ravished. Beckon your Son close and whisper in His holy ear that I might have a mind that reflects the gentle waves and clear warmth of your Grotto’s waters, for it is known that He abandons none who you so grace with your intercession.

Immaculate Mary, Mother of the Creator of gentle waters and clear night skies, you gifted Bernadette with the knowledge of your Grotto’s waters, and of the healing properties of your presence that lingers in its touch. As Bernadette knelt at your feet and the miraculous spring burst forth, Mother of God, I kneel before you today to pray that you would ask your Precious Son to let my mind reflect your healing waters, and to settle my mind as your waters settle the spiritual and mundane at your Son’s behest. 

In exchange for your petitions and your Son’s grace, I swear to show forth the mercy and humility that makes up the stitches on your mantel. Oh, Lady of Lourdes, pray for me! Child of Lourdes, Saint Bernadette, pray for me! Most Holy Trinity, have mercy! 

Amen. 

[daretoliveinhim]

Day 23, Novena for Our Nation - Gentleness

DAY 23 – MARY, CAUSE OF OUR JOY, PRAY THAT WE RECEIVE THE FRUIT OF GENTLENESS! WE’RE GOING IN! NOVENA FOR OUR NATION: AUGUST 15 – OCTOBER 7 GOD’S WORD “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:29) “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and…

[anastpaul]

Indulgenced Pentecost Novena

Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit for the Seven Gifts – 10 May Foreword The Novena in honour of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all Novenas, since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself, when He sent His Apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the…

[cruger2984]

THE DESCRIPTION OF SAINT LUCY OF SYRACUSE The Patron of the Blind and Throat Infections Feast Day: December 13

"Those whose hearts are pure are temples of the Holy Spirit."

Lucy, or Lucy of Syracuse was born of a noble family in Syracuse in the year 283 AD, and believe it or not, she is one of the best known virgin martyrs, along with Agatha of Sicily, Agnes of Rome, Cecilia of Rome and Catherine of Alexandria. Her father was of Roman origin, but died when Lucy was five years old, leaving her and her mother without a protective guardian. Her mother's name, Eutychia seems to indicate that she came from a Greek background. Lucy's name can branch from two words: 'lux' (Latin) meaning 'light,' and 'lucid' (English) which means 'clear,' 'vivid' and 'intelligible.'

At an early age, she secretly consecrated her virginity to the Lord, and she hoped to distribute her dowry to the poor. However, Eutychia, not knowing of Lucy's promise, and suffering from a bleeding disorder, feared for Lucy's future. Agatha had been martyred 52 years before during the Decian persecution. Her shrine at Catania, less than 50 miles from Syracuse, attracted a number of pilgrims; many miracles were reported to have happened through her intercession. Eutychia was persuaded to make a pilgrimage to Catania, in hopes of a cure. While there, Agatha came to Lucy in a dream and told her that because of her faith her mother would be cured and that Lucy would be the glory of Syracuse, as she was of Catania. With her mother cured, Lucy took the opportunity to persuade her mother to allow her to distribute a great part of her riches among the poor.

Eutychia suggested that the sums would make a good bequest, but Lucy countered these words: '…whatever you give away at death for the Lord's sake you give because you cannot take it with you. Give now to the true Savior, while you are healthy, whatever you intended to give away at your death.'

News that the patrimony and jewels were being distributed came to Lucy's betrothed, who denounced her to Paschasius, the Governor of Syracuse. Paschasius ordered her to burn a sacrifice to the emperor's image. When she refused, Paschasius sentenced her to be defiled in a brothel.

It was the year 304 AD, during the Diocletianic Persecution. Christian tradition states that when the guards came to take her away, they could not move her even when they hitched her to a team of oxen. Bundles of wood were then heaped about her and set on fire, but would not burn. And finally, Lucy met her death by the sword thrust into her throat.

According to later accounts, before she died she foretold the punishment of Paschasius and the speedy end of the persecution, adding that Diocletian would reign no more, and Maximian would meet his end. This so angered Paschasius that he ordered the guards to remove her eyes. Another version has Lucy taking her own eyes out in order to discourage a persistent suitor who admired them. When her body was prepared for burial in the family mausoleum it was discovered that her eyes had been miraculously restored. This is the reason that Lucy of Syracuse is the patron saint of those with eye-related diseases.

Her major shrine can be found in San Geremia in Venice. Her traditional feast day, known in Europe as Saint Lucy's Day, is observed by Western Christians, and she was honored in the Middle Ages and remained a well-known saint in early modern England.

This is particularly seen in Scandinavian countries, with their long dark winters. There, a young girl dressed in a white dress and a red sash (as the symbol of martyrdom) carries palms and wears a crown or wreath of candles on her head. In Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and parts of Finland, girls dressed as Lucy carry St. Lucia buns in procession as songs are sung. It is said that to vividly celebrate St. Lucy's Day will help one live the long winter days with enough light.

Villagers from Barangay Sta. Lucia in Magarao, Camarines Sur, hold a novena to St. Lucy nine days before her feast. A procession of the saint's image is held every morning at the poblacion or village centre during the nine days leading up to St. Lucy's Day, attracting devotees from other parts of the Bicol Region. Hymns to the saint, known as the Gozos, as well as the Spanish version of the Ave Maria are chanted during the dawn procession, which is followed by a Mass.

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Efficacious Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

“O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, ask and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you.” Behold I knock, I seek and ask for the grace of [insert your intention.] Our Father*…Hail Mary**…Glory be to the Father***…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

“O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, if you ask any thing of the Father in my name, He will give it to you.” Behold, in your name, I ask the Father for the grace of [insert your intention.] Our Father*…Hail Mary**…Glory be to the Father***…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

“O my Jesus, you have said: “Truly I say to you, heaven and earth will pass away but my words will not pass away.” Encouraged by your infallible words I now ask for the grace of [insert your intention.] Our Father*…Hail Mary**…Glory be to the Father***…Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.”

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

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

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.

Saint Pio and Saint Rocco, pray for us.

Saint Pio and Saint Rocco, intercede for us

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

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

***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.

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Father Dolindo Ruotolo

Servant of God 

1882-1970

The Surrender Novena Apostle

Father Dolindo Ruotolo was an Italian Roman Catholic priest, miracle worker and prophet, who suffered the wounds of Christ. He was called the “mouthpiece of the Holy Spirit.” He was totally dedicated to Mary, Mother of God and the rosary. He was Padre Pio's spiritual director who called him a saint. His life was one of humiliation and inner pain. Our Lord gave him the “Surrender Novena” “O Jesus, I surrender myself to you, You take care of everything.” He offered himself as a victim soul for mankind and was afflicted with many sufferings, including complete paralysis for the last ten years of his life.

Prints, plaques & holy cards available for purchase here: (website)