Thursday, May 31, 2012

Mary's Song, The Magnificat, Canticle of Mary

A beautiful mosaic that appears in the nave of Chyde adoration chapel of the Benedictine Sisters of perpetual adoration.
The Magnificat 
My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.
For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden,
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.
For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with His arm:
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and exalted those of low degree.
He has filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich He has sent empty away.
He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy;
As He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity forever.
(Luke 1:46-55 )
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

Feast Day: May 31st


Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Mary, Help Me,


I have been nesting and cleaning and getting everything ready for when the baby comes all day today, and since I'm on a roll, here are prayers for the next few days in case the baby comes early. :) So sad this month of Mary is almost over. I'll miss the daily prayers to her.

These prayers are from my book, Mother of Mothers, Devotions and Prayers.

Mary, Help Me
O Holy Queen, Mother of Mothers, consolation and protectress of all Christian motherhood-Mother Mary, help me.
When all looks dark and I find none to speak a consoling of cheering word, dear Mary, help me.
When I have tried hard and others do not seem to understand, dear Mary, help me.
When a thousand worrisome distractions and annoyances come into my day and it seems so hard to keep my peace of heart, dear Mary, help me.
In all things, Mother, assist me! That I may, like yourself, with patience turn all my trials into spiritual treasures; that I may grow ever more like you, the cherished Queen of the most Holy Family, dear Mary, help me! 
Amen.

Mother Mary
 Holy Mother Mary, who by virtue of your divine motherhood have become Mother of us all, I place the charge which God has given me under your loving protection. Be a protection mother to my children. Guard their bodies and keep them in health and strength. Guard their minds and keep their thoughts ever holy in the sight of their Creator and God. Guard their hearts and keep them pure and strong and happy in the love of God. Guard always their souls and ever preserve in them faithfully the glorious image of God they received in holy Baptism. Always, Mother, protect them and keep them under your mothering  care. Supply in your all-wise motherhood for my poor human deficiencies and  protect them from all evil. 
Amen.
Queen of the most Holy Family,
Pray for us!
Mother of Mothers,
Pray for us!


And this one is for my little one on the way:

For Protection of the Child
I put my little babe under you protection, Mary, my Mother. Make its tiny mind grow up to love the truths of faith; consecrate its will to the service of God; fill its heart with love for its Creator.
Fashion its little body in all perfection:
let its organs be sound, its senses acute, all its members strong and healthy. You can obtain this favor for me and my child, most powerful Mother. I put my trust in you. Amen.

Monday, May 28, 2012

A Prayer and A Hymn To Mary

Found these in a great little book entitled, "Mother of Mothers, Devotions and Prayers"

Hymn:
Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I ask of thee?
I do not sigh for the wealth of the earth,
For the joys that fade and flee;
But Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This do I long to see,
The Bliss untold which thine arms enfold, 
The treasure upon thy knee.


Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
What shall I ask of thee?
I will love thy Son with the whole of my strength,
My only King shall He be.
Yes, Mother of Christ, Mother of Christ,
This will I do for thee,
Of all that are dear of cherished here,
None shall be dear as He.


Special Prayer For Mothers

For a True Spirit of Motherhood

Mary, my Mother, grant that my little child may instruct me in the ways of God. Let its innocent eyes speak to me of the spotless holiness of Jesus. Let its open smile remind me of the great love God has for His creatures. Let its helplessness teach me the unbounded power of God. May its first feeble effort to speak call to my mind the wisdom of the Almighty. May its simple trust in me lead me to cherish a like confidence in God. May my love for God be stimulated by the deeprooted affection my child has for me. May I in all these things grow in a greater appreciation of my holy motherhood. Mary, I trust in you to obtain this favor for me. Amen.
Mother of Mothers, 
Pray for me!

This prayer reminds me of all the things I have been happy to learn from my children thus far about God. It is amazing how just having a little baby can open your heart to many things you didn't know or think about before, especially about God. My children have taught me more about God than most books I've read and I definitely hear Him speak to me through their lives. Children are such a blessing! Thank you God for my babies and the wisdom they hold. Help me to love and teach them as I should.

I would love to hear about some of the things others have learned from their children if anyone would like to share?

Hope all have a happy Memorial day!

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Making Up My Prayers For The Last 3 Days

Life has been keeping me busy and away from the computer so here are 3 prayers for the last few days:
August Queen of Heaven, Sovereign Mistress of the Angels, who didst receive from the beginning the mission and power to crush the serpent's head, we beseech Thee to send Thy Holy Angels that, under Thy power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks and drive them hence into the abyss of woe.
Most Holy Mother, send Thy Angels to defend us and to drive the cruel enemy from us.
All ye Holy Angels and Archangels help and defend us. Amen

My favorite bible verse:
Revalations 12:1-5
[1] And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: [2] And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. [3] And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: [4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne.
O Most Holy One
(O Sanctissima)

O most holy one,
O most lowly one,
Dearest Virgin Maria!
Mother of fair Love,
Home of the Spirit Dove,
Ora, Ora pro nobis.

Mother, Maiden fair,
Look with loving care,
hear our prayer, O Maria!
Our sorrow feeling,
Send us thy healing,
Ora, Ora pro nobis.


Life has been keeping me busy and away from the computer so here are 2 prayers and a bible verse for the last few days:

August Queen of Heaven, Sovereign Mistress of the Angels, who didst receive from the beginning the mission and power to crush the serpent's head, we beseech Thee to send Thy Holy Angels that, under Thy power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks and drive them hence into the abyss of woe.
Most Holy Mother, send Thy Angels to defend us and to drive the cruel enemy from us.
All ye Holy Angels and Archangels help and defend us. Amen

My favorite bible verse:
Revalations 12:1-5
[1] And a great sign appeared in heaven: A woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars: [2] And being with child, she cried travailing in birth, and was in pain to be delivered. [3] And there was seen another sign in heaven: and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads, and ten horns: and on his head seven diadems: [4] And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered; that, when she should be delivered, he might devour her son. [5] And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with an iron rod: and her son was taken up to God, and to his throne.
O Most Holy One
(O Sanctissima)

O most holy one,
O most lowly one,
Dearest Virgin Maria!
Mother of fair Love,
Home of the Spirit Dove,
Ora, Ora pro nobis.

Mother, Maiden fair,
Look with loving care,
hear our prayer, O Maria!
Our sorrow feeling,
Send us thy healing,
Ora, Ora pro nobis.


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

A Poem of Mary

Herself a rose, who bore the Rose,
She bore the Rose and felt its thorn,
All loveliness new-born
Took on her bosom its repose,
And slept an woke there night and morn.

Lily herself, she bore the one
Fair Lily; sweeter, whiter, far
Than she or others are:
The Sun of Righteousness her Son,
She was His morning star.

She gracious, He essential Grace, 
He was the Fountain, she the rill:
Her goodness to fulfil
And gladness, with proportioned pace
He led her steps thro' good and ill.

Christ's mirror she of grace and love,
Of beauty and of life and death:
By hope and love and faith
Transfigured to His Likeness " Dove
Spouse, Sister, Mother," Jesus saith.
                                                                                      -CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Irish Litany of Mary

Great Mary
Greatest of Marys
Greatest of Women
Mother of Eternal Glory
Mother of the Golden Light
Honor of the Sky
Temple of the Divinity
Fountain of the Gardens
Serene as the Moon
Bright as the Sun
Garden Enclosed
Temple of the Living God
Light of Nazareth
Beauty of the World
Queen of Life
Ladder of Heaven
Mother of God
Pray for us
Amen.

 

Monday, May 21, 2012

First Blossoms From My Garden and a Blessing








O almighty everlasting God we beseech thee to bless these flowers... that there may be in them goodness, virtue, tranquility, peace, victory, abundance of good things, the plenitude of blessing, thanksgiving to God the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and a most pleasing commemoration of the glorious Mother of God, that they may put forth an odor of virtue and sweetness.
-Servite rite for the blessing of flowers for the Coronation of Mary's images on Holy Saturday.

Just found this great little blessing and more information about Mary Gardens at this site:

Sunday, May 20, 2012

The Rosary


 I couldn't finish this Month of Our Lady without sharing this beautiful and powerful prayer that she gave to us and asks us to say daily, the Rosary. It is a gift, a weapon against evil and there is much grace to be given when it is said.

Here is a little guide on how to pray the rosary:



Mysteries, Prayers and much more information about the Rosary:
http://www.ourladyweb.com/mary-rosary.html

                 
                         Came across this great little item at a shop on Etsy. Take a look. :)
                                            Handmade Learn to Pray Rosary, A Color Coded Large Wooden Bead Rosary-Great Gift for 1st Communion, Baptism or for someone with arthritis
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61967240/handmade-learn-to-pray-rosary-a-color?ref=tre-2720280019-2

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Miraculous Medal Prayer

 Keeping it short and simple today. 
Some embroidered patches I made a while ago that were inspired by the back of the Miraculous Medal. I've always been so drawn to the images of the Sacred and Immaculate Hearts. They are lovely to behold and speak directly to my heart. There are no words needed.


 O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

 Here is the same prayer that St. Maximilian Kolbe added to:
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee, and for those who do not have recourse to thee, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to thee. Amen. 

  
for more information about the Miraculous Medal and St. Catherine Laboure check out these web sites:

http://joyfilledfamily.blogspot.com/2010/12/st-catherine-laboure-humility.html
This second one has some nice coloring pages and activities for children and families.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Why I love you, O Mary by St. Therese of Lisieux

  I Just read this for the first time. It is a beautiful poem to Mary by St. Therese of Lisieux, "The Little Flower". She goes through the life of Mary in the bible and all the reasons she loves Her for what she finds there in scripture, and I am guessing, what has been revealed to her by God. It is full of love and holy substance. It gives you a lot to think about, inspires and moves the heart. It's long but not like a 500 page novel or anything, so sick with it to the end. You will be glad you did. ;)

 

 

 

Why I love you, o Mary !

Oh ! I would like to sing, Mary, why I love you,
Why your sweet name thrills my heart,
And why the thought of your supreme greatness
Could not bring fear to my soul.
If I gazed on you in your sublime glory,
Surpassing the splendor of all the blessed,
I could not believe that I am your child.
O Mary, before you I would lower my eyes !…

If a child is to cherish his mother,
She has to cry with him and share his sorrows.
O my dearest Mother, on this foreign shore
How many tears you shed to draw me to you !…
In pondering your life in the holy Gospels,
I dare look at you and come near you.
It’s not difficult for me to believe I’m your child,
For I see you human and suffering like me…

When an angel from Heaven bids you be the Mother
O the God who is to reign for all eternity,
I see you prefer, O Mary, what a mystery !
The ineffable treasure of virginity.
O Immaculate Virgin, I understand how your soul
Is dearer to the Lord than his heavenly dwelling.
I understand how your soul, Humble and Sweet Valley,
Can contain Jesus, the Ocean of Love !…

Oh ! I love you, Mary, saying you are the servant
Of the God whom you charm by your humility.
This hidden virtue makes you all-powerful.
It attracts the Holy Trinity into your heart.
Then the Spirit of Love covering you with his shadow,
The Son equal to the Father became incarnate in you,
There will be a great many of his sinner brothers,
Since he will be called : Jesus, your first-born !…

O beloved Mother, despite my littleness,
Like you I possess The All-Powerful within me.
But I don’t tremble in seeing my weakness ;
The treasures of a mother belong to her child,
And I am your child, O my dearest Mother.
Aren’t your virtues and your love mine too ?
So when the white Host comes into my heart,
Jesus, your Sweet Lamb, thinks he is resting in you !…

You make me feel that it’s not impossible
To follow in your footsteps, O Queen of the elect.
You made visible the narrow road to Heaven
While always practicing the humblest virtues.
Near you, Mary, I like to stay little.
I see the vanity of greatness here below.
At the home of Saint Elizabeth, receiving your visit,
I learn how to practice ardent charity.

There, Sweet Queen of angels, I listen, delighted,
To the sacred canticle springing forth from your heart.
You teach me to sing divine praises,
To glory in Jesus my Savior.
Your words of love are mystical roses
Destined to perfume the centuries to come.
In you the Almighty has done great things.
I want to ponder them to bless him for them.

When good Saint Joseph did not know of the miracle
That you wanted to hide in your humility,
You let him cry close by the Tabernacle
Veiling the Savior’s divine beauty !…
Oh Mary ! how I love your eloquent silence !
For me it is a sweet, melodious concert
That speaks to me of the greatness and power
Of a soul which looks only to Heaven for help…

Later in Bethlehem, O Joseph and Mary !
I see you rejected by all the villagers.
No one wants to take in poor foreigners.
There’s room for the great ones…
There’s room for the great ones, and it’s in a stable
That the Queen of Heaven must give birth to a God.
O my dearest Mother, how lovable I find you,
How great I find you in such a poor place !…

When I see the Eternal God wrapped in swaddling clothes,
When I hear the poor cry of the Divine Word,
O my dearest Mother, I no longer envy the angels,
For their Powerful Lord is my dearest Brother !…
How I love you, Mary, you who made
This Divine Flower blossom on our shores !…
How I love you listening to the shepherds and wisemen
And keeping it all in your heart with care !…

I love you mingling with the other women
Walking toward the holy temple.
I love you presenting the Savior of our souls
To the blessed Old Man who pressed Him to his heart.
At first I smile as I listen to his canticle,
But soon his tone makes me shed tears.
Plunging a prophetic glance into the future,
Simeon presents you with a sword of sorrows.

O Queen of martyrs, till the evening of your life
That sorrowful sword will pierce your heart.
Already you must leave your native land
To flee a king’s jealous fury.
Jesus sleeps in peace under the folds of your veil.
Joseph comes begging you to leave at once,
And at once your obedience is revealed.
You leave without delay or reasoning.

O Mary, it seems to me that in the land of Egypt
Your heart remains joyful in poverty,
For is not Jesus the fairest Homeland,
What does exile matter to you ? You hold Heaven…
But in Jerusalem a bitter sadness
Comes to flood your heart like a vast ocean.
For three days, Jesus hides from your tenderness.
That is indeed exile in all its harshness !…

At last you find him and you are overcome with joy,
You say to the fair Child captivating the doctors :
"O my Son, why have you done this ?
Your father and I have been searching for you in tears."
And the Child God replies (O what a deep mystery !)
To his dearest Mother holding out her arms to him :
"Why were you searching for me ?
I must be about My Father’s business. Didn’t you know ?"

The Gospel tells me that, growing in wisdom,
Jesus remains subject to Joseph and Mary,
And my heart reveals to me with what tenderness
He always obeys his dear parents.
Now I understand the mystery of the temple,
The hidden words of my Lovable King.
Mother, your sweet Child wants you to be the example
Of the soul searching for Him in the night of faith.

Since the King of Heaven wanted his Mother
To be plunged into the night, in anguish of heart,
Mary, is it thus a blessing to suffer on earth ?
Yes, to suffer while loving is the purest happiness !…
All that He has given me, Jesus can take back.
Tell him not to bother with me…
He can indeed hide from me, I’m willing to wait for him
Till the day without sunset when my faith will fade away…

Mother full of grace, I know that in Nazareth
You live in poverty, wanting nothing more.
No rapture, miracle, or ecstasy
Embellish your life, O Queen of the Elect !…
The number of little ones on earth is truly great.
They can raise their eyes to you without trembling.
It’s by the ordinary way, incomparable Mother,
That you like to walk to guide them to Heaven.

While waiting for Heaven, O my dear Mother,
I want to live with you, to follow you each day.
Mother, contemplating you, I joyfully immerse myself,
Discovering in your heart abysses of love.
Your motherly gaze banishes all my fears.
It teaches me to cry, it teaches me to rejoice.
Instead of scorning pure and simple joys,
You want to share in them, you deign to bless them.

At Cana, seeing the married couple’s anxiety
Which they cannot hide, for they have run out of wine,
In your concern you tell the Savior,
Hoping for the help of his divine power.
Jesus seems at first to reject your prayer :
« Woman, what does this matter, » he answers, « to you and to me ? »
But in the depths of his heart, He calls you his Mother,
And he works his first miracle for you…

One day when sinners are listening to the doctrine
Of Him who would like to welcome them in Heaven,
Mary, I find you with them on the hill.
Someone says to Jesus that you wish to see him.
Then, before the whole multitude, your Divine Son
Shows us the immensity of his love for us.
He says : "Who is my brother and my sister and my Mother,
If not the one who does my will ?"

O Immaculate Virgin, most tender of Mothers,
In listening to Jesus, you are not saddened.
But you rejoice that He makes us understand
How our souls become his family here below.
Yes, you rejoice that He gives us his life,
The infinite treasures of his divinity !…
How can we not love you, O my dear Mother,
On seeing so much love and so much humility ?

You love us, Mary, as Jesus loves us,
And for us you accept being separated from Him.
To love is to give everything. It’s to give oneself.
You wanted to prove this by remaining our support.
The Savior knew your immense tenderness.
He knew the secrets of your maternal heart.
Refuge of sinners, He leaves us to you
When He leaves the Cross to wait for us in Heaven.

Mary, at the top of Calvary standing beside the Cross
To me you seem like a priest at the altar,
Offering your beloved Jesus, the sweet Emmanuel,
To appease the Father’s justice…
A prophet said, O afflicted Mother,
"There is no sorrow like your sorrow !
" O Queen of Martyrs, while remaining in exile
You lavish on us all the blood of your heart !

Saint John’s home becomes your only refuge.
Zebedee’s son is to replace Jesus…
That is the last detail the Gospel gives.
It tells me nothing more of the Queen of Heaven.
But, O my dear Mother, doesn’t its profound silence
Reveal that The Eternal Word Himself
Wants to sing the secrets of your life
To charm your children, all the Elect of Heaven ?

Soon I’ll hear that sweet harmony.
Soon I’ll go to beautiful Heaven to see you.
You who came to smile at me in the morning of my life,
Come smile at me again … Mother… It’s evening now !…
I no longer fear the splendor of your supreme glory.
With you I’ve suffered and now I want
To sing on your lap, Mary, why I love you,
And to go on saying that I am your child !…

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Gentle Woman Hymn

And for today, one of my favorite church hymns about Mary.

 Hail Mary: Gentle Woman

by Carey Landry

 

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with you

Blessed are you among women,

And blest is the fruit of your womb, Jesus

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners

Now and at the hour of our death, Amen

 
Gentle woman, Quiet light

Morning star so strong and bright

Gentle Mother, peaceful dove

Teach us wisdom, teach us love   (Refrain)


You were chosen by the Father

you were chosen for the Son

you were chosen from all women

and for woman, a shining one    (Repeat refrain)


Blessed are you among women

Bless in turn all women too

Blessed that with peaceful spirits

Blessed they with gentle hearts    (Repeat refrain)

 


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Our Lady of Sorrows

 Our Lady of Sorrows feast day: September 15th.
Oh! on what a sea of sorrow
Was the Virgin-Mother cast, 
When her eyes with tears o'erflowing
Gazed upon her Son aghast,
From the bloodstained gibbet taken,
Dying in her arms at last.

In her better desolation,
His sweet mouth, His bosom too,
Then His riven side beloved,
Then each hand, both wounded through,
Then His feet, with blood encrimsoned,
Her maternal tears bedew.

She, a hundred times and over,
Strains Him closely;
 to her breast
Hearts to heart, arms arms enfolding,
Are His wounds on her impressed:
Thus, in sorrow's very kisses, 
Melt her anguished soul to rest.

Oh, dear Mother! we beseech thee,
By the tears thine eyes have shed,
By the cruel death of Jesus
And His wounds' right royal red,
Make our hearts o'erflow with sorrow
From thy heart's deep fountainhead.

To the Father, Son, and Spirit, 
Now we bend on equal knee:
Glory, sempiternal glory,
To the Most High Trinity;
Yea! perpetual praise and honor
Now and through all ages be.
                                    ASCRIBED TO THE SERVITE,
                                          CALLISTO PALUMBELLA


     The Seven Sorrows of Mary
  1.  The prophecy of Simeon.
  2.  The flight into Egypt.
  3.  The loss of Jesus in the Temple.
  4.  Meeting Jesus on his way to Calvary.
  5.  Jesus dies on the Cross.
  6.  Jesus being taken down from the Cross.
  7.  Jesus is laid in the tomb.

A Precious Offering
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, I beseech thee, by the inexpressible tortures thou didst endure at the death of thy Son, offer to the Eternal Father, in my stead, thy beloved Son all covered with Blood and Wounds, for the grace of (mention your intention). Amen.
~ St. John Vianney, the Curé of Ars 

Prayer to Our Lady of Sorrows, by St. Bridget
O Blessed Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of God, who didst endure a martyrdom of love and grief beholding the sufferings and sorrows of Jesus! Thou didst cooperate in the benefit of my redemption by thine innumerable afflictions and by offering to the Eternal Father His only begotten Son as a holocaust and victim of propitiation for my sins. I thank thee for the unspeakable love which led thee to deprive thyself of the Fruit of thy womb, Jesus, true God and true Man, to save me, a sinner. Oh, make use of the unfailing intercession of thy sorrows with the Father and the Son, that I may steadfastly amend my life and never again crucify my loving Redeemer by new sins, and that, persevering till death in His grace. I may obtain eternal life through the merits of His Cross and Passion. Amen.
Mother of love, of sorrow and of mercy, pray for us.

Prayer To Our Lady of Sorrows
I compassionate thee, O most sorrowful Mother! Thy heart was pierced with a sword of grief when Simeon foretold to thee in the Temple the ignominious death and the desolation of thy divine and most dear Son, which thou west destined one day to witness. By the great anguish of thy suffering heart, O gracious Queen of the universe, impress upon my mind, in life and in death, the sacred Passion of Jesus and thine own sorrows. Amen.
~~ by Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori

Stabat Mater Dolorósa
At the cross her station keeping
stood the mournful Mother weeping,
close to Jesus to the last.

Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
all His bitter anguish bearing
now at lenght the sword had passed.

Oh, how sad and sore distressed
was that Mother highly blessed,
of the sole-begotten One!
Christ above in torment hangs,
she beneath beholds the pangs
of her dying, glorious Son.
 
Is there one who would not weep,
'whelmed in miseries so deep,
Christ's dear Mother to behold?

Can the human heart refrain
from partaking in her pain,
in that Mother's pain untold?
 
Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled,
she beheld her tender Child
All with scourges rent.
 
For the sins of His own nation,
saw Him hang in desolation,
Till His spirit forth He sent.
 
O sweet Mother! fount of love!
Touch my spirit from above,
make my heart with thine accord.
 
Make me feel as thou hast felt;
make my soul to glow and melt
with the love of Christ, my Lord.
 
Holy Mother! pierce me through,
in my heart each wound renew
of my Savior crucified.
 
Let me share with thee His pain,
who for all our sins was slain,
who for me in torments died.
 
Let me mingle tears with thee,
mourning Him who mourned for me,
all the days that I may live.
 
By the Cross with thee to stay,
there with thee to weep and pray,
is all I ask of thee to give.
 
Virgin of all virgins blest!,
Listen to my fond request:
let me share thy grief divine;
 
Let me, to my latest breath,
in my body bear the death
of that dying Son of thine.
 
Wounded with His every wound,
steep my soul till it hath swooned,
in His very Blood away;
 
Be to me, O Virgin, nigh,
lest in flames I burn and die,
in His awful Judgment Day.
 
Christ, when Thou shalt call me hence,
by Thy Mother my defense,
by Thy Cross my victory;
 
While my body here decays,
may my soul Thy goodness praise,
safe in paradise with Thee. Amen.
 


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY AS UNTIER OF KNOTS

Mary Undoer of Knots
“Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it”. -Saint Irenaeus
   
The first time I heard of this image and devotion to Mary was when I happened to come across a lovely painting of her on Etsy. Here is the link to that painting if you would like to see it: http://www.etsy.com/listing/54445798/our-lady-undoer-of-knots
I am still getting to know about the image and devotion myself so here is a good link to more information about her: /http://kbpipes.wordpress.com/2010/09/11/mary-undoer-of-knots/ You will also find the novena to her at this web site.

I think this would be a nice prayer card to make in the future.
Oh, and here is a prayer I found to her:

PRAYER TO THE VIRGIN MARY AS UNTIER OF KNOTS
Holy Mary, full of the presence of God during your life you accepted with great humility the Holy Will of the Father and the legacy of your Son Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Evil never dared to entangle you with its confusion. Since then you have interceded for all of our difficulties. With all simplicity and patience you have given us example on how to untangle the knots in our complicated lives. By being our Mother forever, you arrange and make clear the path that unites us to Our Lord. Holy Mary, Mother of God and ours, with your maternal heart untie the knots that upset our lives. We ask you to receive in your hands ( mention who or prayer request) and deliver us from the chains and confusions that have us restrained. Blessed Virgin Mary, through your grace, your intercession and by your example, deliver us from evil and untie the knots that keep us from uniting with God, so that once free of every confusion and error, we may find Him in all things, have Him in our hearts and serve him always in our brothers and sisters. Mother of Good Counsel pray for us . Amen


New Prayer Cards!! Now for sale at LittleBirdWares.Etsy.Com

 






Monday, May 14, 2012

Prayer For A Good and Happy Delivery

A sneak peek at some of my new Marian prayer cards.



So, as most of you probably don't know, I am going to have a baby in the next few weeks. Hurrah! I am very excited to meet my new baby :) I mention this because since I have been sharing all these Marian prayers this month and I just so happen to be expecting, I thought this would be a good prayer to share today. It is a prayer for a happy delivery and I happened to find it a wonderful book about Mary by Anne Catherine Emmerich. It is basically saying 9 Hail Marys in honor  the nine months Mary was in her mother's womb. But there is a little more to it so I will just share what it says in the book:
"I saw much of St. Bridget, and was given much knowledge of what had been revealed to this saint about Mary's conception and birth. I remember that the Blessed Virgin said to her that if Women with child celebrated the vigil of her Nativity (September 8th ) by fasting and by the pious recitation of nine Ave Marias in honour of her nine-months' sojourn in her Mother's womb; and if they renewed this devotion frequently during their pregnancy and the day before they expected their confinement, at the same time receiving with devotion the Holy Sacrament, she would bring their prayer before God and beg for a happy delivery even in difficult and dangerous conditions."
 I thought this was so neat when I read it and was happy I found it. It has been a comforting prayer to say every so often throughout my pregnancy and also for family and friends who are expecting. I hope it will be of help to anyone else who may come across it. Have to get back to house work and child rearing now. :) God Bless!




Saturday, May 12, 2012

Our Lady of Fatima and The Most Blessed Sacrament

I come from heaven,
I am the Lady of the Rosary.
I have come to warn the faithful
to amend their lives
and to ask pardon for their sins.
They must not offend Our Lord any more,
for he is already too grievously offended
by the sins of men.
People must say the Rosary.
If people do as I ask,
many souls will be converted
and there will be peace.
-Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima is one of my favorite stories about our Mother. I remember reading a book about her when I was a young girl and being so enchanted and inspired by it. What an amazing thing to have experienced, to see, speak with, and pray with Mary. And then to go through all the struggles and sufferings that came afterwards. To trust fully in God and have such strong faith.

Here are three prayers of Fatima:
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy. (to be said at the end of each decade of the rosary.)

O Jesus, it is for Your love, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary (to be said when doing good deeds.)

My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love You. I ask pardon for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope, and do not love You.
     Most Holy Trinity; Father, son and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly, and I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ present in all the tabernacles of the world in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences with which His is offended; and by the infinite merits of His Most Sacred Heart and of the Immaculate Heart of Mary I ask You for the conversion of sinners. (to be said when visiting Jesus in the blessed Sacrament.)

May 13th is the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, as well as Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament.
I am not familiar with Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, but here is a beautiful prayer to her:

Virgin Immaculate,
perfect lover of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament,
we ask you to obtain for us 
the graces we need to become true adorers
of our Eucharistic God.
Grant us, we beg of you, 
to know Him better, 
to love Him more, 
and to center our lives around the Eucharist,
that is, to make our whole life
a constant prayer of adoration,
thanksgiving, reparation,
and petition to Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament.
Amen.

V. Pray for us, O Virgin Immaculate,
our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament
R. That the Eucharistic Kingdom of Jesus Christ
may come among us!




Thursday, May 10, 2012

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Today I have a prayer to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel some information on the brown scapular.

This prayer is called 
Flos Carmeli
It is the prayer of St. Simon Stock. On July 16th 1251 Mary appeared to him holding the baby Jesus and gave him the brown scapular and the promise that "whosoever dies wearing this shall be preserved from eternal flames." 

O Most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven,
Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin,
assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me 
and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly
beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to help me
in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, Show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us
who have recourse to thee.
(Say 3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.
(Say 3 times)


Information about the brown Scapular
What is the Scapular?
It is a two small pieces of brown wool connected by ribbons and worn under one's clothes with one piece of wool in the front and the other in the back. It is like a small replica of a religious habit. It is also one of the chief Marian Sacramentals.
A Sacramental is anything set apart or blessed by the Church to excite good thoughts and to increase devotion, and through these movements of the heart, to remit venial sin.
It is not the sacramental that gives grace, but the devotion, love of God, or sorrow for sin that it inspires. So the more devotion we have, the more grace we receive.
It is called a Scapular because it comes from the latin word "scapulae" meaning "shoulders" and that is where it is worn.
Why wear the Scapular? We wear the Scapular to indicate that we place ourselves under the special protection of the Blessed Virgin. It is like wearing a uniform to show that you desire to serve the Blessed Virgin in some special manner.
You do not have to be Catholic to wear a Scapular. Our Lady, as a good Mother will bring conversions to anyone who honors Her by wearing Her Scapular.
The first Scapular one wears should be blessed and imposed by a priest using the formula contained in the Roman ritual for reception into the Confraternity of the Scapular.
The words used by the priest when enrolling a person in the Confraternity of the Scapular are as follows: "Receive this blessed Scapular and beseech the Blessed Virgin that through Her merits, you may  wear it without stain. May it defend you against all adversity and accompany you to eternal life. Amen. AFTER THE INVESTITURE THE PRIEST CONTINUES WITH THE PRAYERS:
I, by the power vested in me, admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits obtained through the mercy of Jesus Christ by the Religious Order of Mount Carmel.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and earth, bless you, He who has deigned to join you to the confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Of Mount Carmel; we beseech Her to crush the head of the ancient serpent so that you my enter into possession of your eternal heritage, through Christ our Lord."
There is no sin if one stops wearing the Scapular after having received it, but the benefits promised would be lost. If one wanted to wear it again after not doing so for a period of time, no new ceremony is necessary.
 
After you receive the initial Scapular from a priest, you do not need to have new ones blessed because the blessing received is attached to the wearer of the Scapular for life. 
When a Scapular is worn out or broken, it should not be thrown in the trash, but buried or burned because it is a sacred object.

The Promise of Our Lady
Our Lady Herself has said, "Take this Scapular. Whosoever dies wearing it shall not suffer eternal fire. It shall be a sign of salvation, a protection in danger, and a pledge of peace." Holy Virgin of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of the Scapular, pray for us!
  

Now, since I've been sick and getting behind again, here is one more prayer for our mothers this weekend.

  Prayer to Mary for Mothers
Mary, on this day when we honor all mothers, we turn to you. We thank the Lord whom you serve for the great gift of motherhood. Never has it been known that anyone who sought your intercession was left unaided by grace. Dear Mother, thank you for your “Yes” to the invitation of the angel which brought heaven to earth and changed human history. You opened yourself to God’s word and the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Dear mother, intercede for all of our mothers. Ask your Divine Son to give them the grace of surrendered love so that they could join with you in giving their own “Fiat.” May they find daily strength to say yes to the call to the sacrificial love- the very heart of the vocation of motherhood. May their love and witness be a source of great inspiration for all of us called to follow your Son.

On this Mothers day, Mother of the Word Incarnate, pray for us who have recourse to you…

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