Pray Along: Day 9

We have made it to the end of our novena of novenas.  I am glad that I we have done it, but feel that there is still so much prayer that this world needs.  Today begins the novena of St John Vianney.  You can join in on that one by signing up here.  August 15th also begins a Rosary novena for our country and the upcoming election, learn more about that here.  More than anything, we need to keep praying, that is our greatest comfort and strongest weapon.

Thank you for taking this journey with me.  Please stop back later this weekend for my Annual Blog Hop post, and check out all the other wonderful buys available over at Jessica's blog.

Here are the prayers for today:

 Dear LORD, we have made this novena of novenas in petition for the protection of our priests and deacons and for the conversion of our enemies.  Please fortify our priests in heart and mind that they may be graced to easily endure the challenges placed before them.  Protect them from harm and help them to guide their flock through these turbulent waters.  Please LORD protect our enemies and conquer their hearts, lead them to Your merciful and undying Love.  Give them the strength to do what is right and just, and purify their souls that they may rest in Your Peace at the end of their days.  We ask all of this in the name of Your beloved and holy Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}. Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood. It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}. Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood. It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

The Prayer to the Sacred Heart

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, to Your most Sacred Heart I confide this intention {name petition}. Only look upon me, then do what Your love inspires. Let Your Sacred Heart decide. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy. Lord Jesus, You will not fail me.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked You for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, place it in Your open Heart.
When the Eternal Father looks upon it, He will see it covered with Your Precious Blood. It will be no longer my prayer, but Yours, Jesus. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in You. Let me not be disappointed. Amen.
- See more at: http://www.prayers-for-special-help.com/prayer-to-the-sacred-heart.html#sthash.3R4CoVC6.dpuf

Pray Along: Day 8

Sorry for the lateness of this post  I was struggling, once again, on how to begin  There is so much to pray for, however, our main focus in this pray along is our priests and deacons  So, I am beginning with a prayer for priests  Thank you for coming along with me

A Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, keep Thy priests within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart, where none may touch them.
Keep unstained their anointed hands, which daily touch Thy Sacred Body.
Keep unsullied their lips, daily purpled with Thy Precious Blood.
Keep pure and unworldly their hearts, sealed with the sublime mark of the priesthood.
Let Thy Holy Love surround them from the world's contagion.
Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister
be their joy and consolation here and their everlasting crown hereafter.

Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us: obtain for us numerous and holy priests. Amen. 

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Pray Along: Day 7

How is the pray along going?  Seems I get so distracted when I host one of these, like the forces of good and evil are vying for my attention.  Even so, I can't believe that we are at day 7 already. Thank you for praying along with me.  I plan to attend daily Mass tomorrow and will pray for all my fellow prayer warriors who have taken the trip with me.  It means so much to have others praying with me.

Eucharistic adoration is my favorite devotion and from where I draw the most strength and peace.  I feel it appropriate to include today the Angel's Prayer given in Fatima in adoration of the precious Sacrifice of Christ.  The power of the Eucharist is not something to be underestimated.  St Clare saved her entire convent simply by holding the blessed monstrance above her head while they were under siege.  No weapons, just Christ.  Christ truly is all we need.

The Angel's Prayer (pray three times)

 

O most Holy Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--I adore thee profoundly. I offer Thee the Most Precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ--present in all the tabernacles of the world--in reparation of all the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences by which He is offended.  By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg the conversion of poor sinners.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

 

 

Pray Along: Day 6

I have felt drawn to St Philp Neri this pregnancy in a way that I can't really explain.  However, this connection is real and I feel that he is interceding for my in ways I cannot see.  I was struggling to find an opening prayer today, my heart is heavy with many concerns for our world and our Church.  There was no clear direction, no prayer that was just laying on my heart.  In a moment of desperation, since it is getting so late in the day, I searched "St Philip Neri Prayer".  The first prayer offered today is the first one to pop up in my search and it is exactly what I needed for today.  God is good, thank you Holy Spirit!

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)

O holy St. Philip Neri, patron saint of joy, you who trusted Scripture’s promise that the Lord is always at hand and that we need not have anxiety about anything, in your compassion heal our worries and sorrows and lift the burdens from our hearts. We come to you as one whose heart swells with abundant love for God and all creation. Hear us, we pray, especially in this need (make your request here). Keep us safe through your loving intercession, and may the joy of the Holy Spirit which filled your heart, St. Philip, transform our lives and bring us peace. Amen. (source)

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Pray Along: Day 5

Here are the prayers for today. I have to say that I had tears in my eyes throughout Mass thinking of all the events of this past few weeks.  Hope you all had a rich and relaxing Sunday.

Today, we will pray to the Holy Spirit that the hearts of the faithful, plus those who are far from the LORD may be set ablaze and converted to truth.

Come Holy Spirit

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
V. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created.
R. And You shall renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray.
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.

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Pray Along: Day 4

Sorry, this is late. It has been quite a busy day--more on that later next week.  Anyway, could we please pray that the glory of God may be revealed to all people, not just our priests, who would greatly benefit from an extra dose of grace, but our enemies, that they may meet Christ in the Tabernacle and come to worship Him, that they might know the saving power of God's Mercy.

Here are today's prayers:

O Sacrament Most Holy (pray three times)

O Sacrament Most Holy,

O Sacrament Divine,

All praise and all thanksgiving

be every moment Thine 

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

 

Please return tomorrow for Day 5.  God bless.

 

Pray Along: Day 3

Today was set aside by the French Bishops as a day of prayer and fasting after the slaying of Father Hamel in Normandy.  Even if you did not get to fast today, please pray along with me for our clergy and the conversion of our enemies.

A Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, Eternal Priest, look down with love upon Thy priests. Fill them with burning zeal for the conversion of sinners. Keep them within the shelter of Thy Sacred Heart. Keep unstained their anointed hands. which daily touch Thy Sacred Body. Keep unsullied their lips purpled with Thy precious Blood. Keep pure and unearthly their hearts sealed with the sublime marks of Thy glorious Priesthood. Let Thy holy love protect them from the world's contagion. Bless their labors with abundant fruit, and may the souls to whom they minister on earth be one day their joy and consolation in heaven. Amen. (source)

Memorare (Pray nine times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Michael Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

Please come back tomorrow for day 4. God bless.

Pray Along: Day 2

It is day 2 of our novena, please keep praying and feel free to share this even if you missed a day.  Here is the post for day 1 if you are behind.

Here are today's prayers.  Thank you for praying along.

Pardon Prayer from Fatima (pray 3 times)

MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust, and I love Thee!
I ask pardon for for those who do not believe,
do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.Amen.

Memorare (pray 9 times)

REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

St Micheal Prayer 

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the malice and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all evil spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

If you have not heard, tomorrow July 29 has been designated a day of prayer and fasting by the bishops of France for priests.  Please consider participating.  

Pray Along: Novena for Our Priests and Deacons

There are so many things I have wanted to share but with the still persistent pregnancy fatigue and a nasty head/chest cold that just won't go away, my waiting one more day to blog has turned into weeks.  However, I have been having a feeling that I should host another pray along on the blog.  I just wanted a specific request to begin.  There is so much to pray for, it gets very overwhelming.

In the past day, my mission to pray has been clarified.  I wanted to lead this prayer for the LORD, and He has finally shown me what it is I must request.  The martydom of Father Hamel in France has broken my heart.  France is a country I love so dearly.  It also made it quite plain that these types of attacks can happen anywhere.  The persecuted church is not just in the marginal nations, it is in our own backyard.

So I am hosting this pray along of a novena of novenas for the protection of our priests and deacons, as well as the conversion of our enemies--not only for our sake, but the sake of their souls. Please pray along with me and share this with your friends and family, our clergy needs our prayers and petitions more than they ever have!

Day 1:

Litany of Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for our beloved country
Our Lady of Fatima, Sanctify our clergy
Our Lady of Fatima, Make our Catholics more feverent
Our Lady of Fatima, Guide and inspire those who govern us
Our Lady of Fatima, Cure the sick who confide in thee
Our Lady of Fatima, Console the sorrowful who trust in thee
Our Lady of Fatima, Help those who invoke thine aid
Our Lady of Fatima, Deliver us from all dangers
Our Lady of Fatima, Help us resist temptation
Our Lady of Fatima, Obtain for us all that we lovingly ask of thee
Our Lady of Fatima, Help those who are dear to us
Our Lady of Fatima, Bring to the Holy Catholic Church those who are in error
Our Lady of Fatima, Give us back our ancient fervor
Our Lady of Fatima, Obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses
Our Lady of Fatima, Bring all men to the feet of thy Divine Child
Our Lady of Fatima, Obtain peace for the world

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

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let us pray: O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in Thy dear Mother, whom we invoke under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary and Our Lady of Fatima, and grant us by her powerful intercession all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen (courtesy of Keepsakes by Carrie)

 Pray nine times:
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Dear Lady, lover of Christ and His Church, please intercede for her clergy.  Protect and fortify our priests and deacons.  Call down legions of angels to fight off the evil that seeks to destroy these holy men who want nothing but to serve your Son in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.  Please grant them strength in these difficult times and peace despite all that happens around them.

Bring the hearts of our enemies to the one, true God.  Bend their knees to the LORD and Savior, that they may not persecute your children, but serve the Kingdom now and forever.

Original - Prayer to St. Michael

“O Glorious Prince of the heavenly host, St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle and in the terrible warfare that we are waging against the principalities and powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the evil spirits. Come to the aid of man, whom Almighty God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of Satan.

“Fight this day the battle of the Lord, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men has taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of God and of His Christ, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, of blasphemy, and the pestilent breath of impurity, and of every vice and iniquity.

“These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the spouse of the immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where the See of Holy Peter and the Chair of Truth has been set up as the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be.

“Arise then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of God, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as her defense against the malicious power of hell; to thee has God entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the God of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly find mercy in the sight of the Lord; and vanquishing the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.

V. Behold the Cross of the Lord; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered the root of David.
V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O Lord.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.

Let us pray.

O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we call upon Thy holy Name, and as supplicants, we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious St. Michael the Archangel, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all the other unclean spirits who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen.”


Roman Raccolta, July 23, 1898, supplement approved July 31, 1902,
London: Burnes, Oates & Washbourne Ltd., 1935, 12th edition.

Works of Mercy Bouquet: Bury the Dead

It has been awhile since I have really posted regularly.  Have you missed me?  I don't know if anyone has noticed that the blog is quiet, sometimes I wonder if there are actually people out there who read and anticipate new posts.  We have been incredibly busy, plus I do not have internet hooked up at the new house.  I told my husband that I could live without it for a couple of months, but I am missing writing and it seems impossible to get anything posted without constant internet.  We have been working non-stop to settle into the new house and prepare the old house for rental, throw in some major plumbing issues and a two year old, and well that's why I haven't been writing. 

I wanted to finish my Works of Mercy Series in time for Christmas, everywhere I look the world is telling me that I am running out of time.  On top of the internet problems, I have really struggled with what to write about "Bury the Dead".  I considered skipping it, but that didn't seem right.  I knew there had to be a story there to share, a piece of wisdom that the LORD wanted me to pen for all of you.  But what?  What more is there to say about bury the dead other than the title of the work implies.  Surely, in modern cultures, the dead are always buried in some way, shape, or form.  Most places have laws about that, you cannot just leave a body on the ground and ignore it. 
However, two recent events made me realize why this is an act of mercy.  The first was the terrorist attacks in Paris, the second, the anniversary of my daughter's due date--she would have been five on the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungry.  I realized despite all our civility and hygienic laws, we do not properly bury our dead, and as Catholics, we must step up and go against the tide, and demand better for God's sake and our own.  I shared the story of losing my daughter to miscarriage and the miscarriage of justice for her remains that followed before.  I was assured that her ashes were buried within a stranger's coffin, along with "other medical waste."  Read as other pre-born children, except they were one who had been selectively terminated for whatever reason, I never wanted to bury my daughter before even meeting her.  So, yes, she was buried, but how and where and when?  I was never allowed to know.  Did she have a Christian burial?  Was she buried with honor and dignity?  While, I will never know the answer to the first question, the second is a resounding NO!  She was mixed in with other lost children, cremated, then strategically hidden in a casket, the family and friends never being the wiser.  The loved ones who wept over the casket and grave never knew that they were weeping over my child, nor any child.  Yes, she was buried for propriety's sake, but no dignity was shown.  The value of her life was never considered, she was just some waste that had to be dealt with legally and efficiently.  Do only the wanted and useful deserve to have dignity? 

To my discredit, in examining this topic and the duties of the work that we are obliged to undertake, I found myself lacking as well.  I never had a proper Mass of Burial said for Ashley.  I have included her in many prayer intentions and Mass requests, particularly in November.  I have lit candles and wept prayerful tears, however never a proper Mass just for her.  Once I could not acquire her remains to bury, I felt that I had no right to such a blessing.  I felt my opportunity to lay her to rest ended with the hospital disposing of her remains without my consent.  Through prayer and reflection, I realize that I am wrong.  I'm not really sure how one accomplishes such a task as a Mass of Burial five years later with no body to bury, but God has laid it on my heart to discover just that.

In the midst of this soul searching, the attacks on Paris occurred.  They truly shook my heart and soul.  I had sensed rumbling of something awful to come, but more over I have a great appreciate and love for Paris and her people.  The shocking, yet not completely unexpected considering all that has been going on in the world, news led me down another path of examination.  What could all this violence and evil have to do with a work of mercy?  The LORD kept drawing my mind back to this article but I couldn't understand why.  Then it hit me, head on---what will become of the dead terrorists?  Where will their remains be laid to rest?  Will anyone pray for their souls?  Were they annointed and shown dignity that every human being, as a child of God, deserves?  More and more questions, no answers!

I know that this is not a part of the puzzle that we want to consult.  They are dead and we rejoice in that shred of hope that at least they can commit no more atrocities against humanity.  However, part of me always wonders, what were their last thoughts?  Did they have children, a wife, siblings, friends?  Even in a radical, militarist society, their mothers must weep knowing they are gone.  Surely, even with a mission from Allah, they will be missed.  Even if they aren't, they were all infused with immortal souls at conception, they were blessed by the LORD and their lives were planned before eternity began.  Yes, they have turned against God.  Yes, they have sinned against their fellow man, taking innocent lives and creating fear in a cloud of evil and destruction.  But, do we not all sin?  Does it not grieve the Father when we speak harshly to our brother or child, when we react selfishly and refuse to focus on the other?  Are we any more deserving of mercy because our sins have not become international news? 

There is great evil in the world and it begins to feel like darkness is closing in on us, advancing every second.  In moments of weakness, we may fear that the dark forces may win--but they will never prevail.  Still, every one of us will stand judgement, all of us will meet our Maker and account for our every second of life.  We will stand alone, there will not be a hierarchy, there will be no one less worthy beside us to make us look better.  Our body will be buried in some way, shape, or form, and our soul will ascend to the Gate.  Will we be welcomed in?  Who will we meet on the other side?  Will there be a Paris terrorist?  Will there be a poor, lost, and sinful soul that we wrote off as no good?  God is our ultimate Judge, in His courts, true justice is metered out; not by what we deserve but by what He deems, in His Mercy, we will receive.

I pray often for the conversion of our enemies, for the softening of their hearts.  I pray that their knees will bend to the One, True, God and they will turn from the darkness and embrace the Light.  I pray that their consciences will guide them to the beauty of humanity and the sanctity of life.  However, I have never prayed for their dead.  I have never lit candles for the repose of their soul, never requested a Mass be said for their intentions.  The LORD wishes that none should perish, in that final moment between here and the hereafter, we are given the choice of eternity in praise or eternity in misery.  Which did they choose?  Did even one of the terrorists repent as their soul departed this earth?  Is he "serving his time" of cleansing in Purgatory?  What is the quickest way out of Purgatory?  The prayers of many faithful for your release. 

So how do we live this work of mercy?  Surely, we cannot hold funerals for children that we never knew existed.  Should we track down the morgues were those killed in the perpetration of crimes are kept and offer to bury their bodies?  I do not have the answers.  All I do know is that we should mourn every life lost.  Our heart should weep for every soul that leaves this earth, and pray for its eternal destination.  So I ask all of you, please do just a little part in remembering all the dead, those loved--but more importantly, those forgotten, unloved, and reviled.  Please, this Sunday, as you go to Mass pray for the victims, every victim, of the ISIS tragedies--those lost by force and those lost as perpetrators of force.  In the prayers of the faithful, offer a silent prayer for the repose of the souls of the terrorists.  After Mass, light a candle and ask God to grant them a conditional blessing, that if their bodies were not treated with dignity that they may be blessed in traveling from this earth to their final resting place, that they may receive a proper burial as children of God; for surely even if no one else in their family nor country has wept for them, their Father in Heaven has.

Works of Mercy Bouquet: Ransom the Captive

Ransoming the captive has changed in connotation over the centuries.  I still wonder what our obligation is as Catholics.  I don't feel it right to negotiate with terrorists, however, we are called to set captives free.  Not captives justly jailed because of laws broken, but those held prisoner by governments and individuals holding captives for political power, persecution, and exacting terror.

The Church was built by the blood of martyrs and the persecuted.  Today, the assault on Christianity is rampant.  The number of martyrs is growing exponentially and there are many who say this is the greatest age of Christian martyrs.  The persecution of Christians around the world is an overwhelming heartbreak and dire situation.  I would love to sit down with ISIS and convince them to ransom the captives of their reign of terror, however that is not realistic.  Because of all this, I have postponed writing this post, what could I do?  What can I tell my readers to do?  Then I saw an article asking for prayer for Pastor Saeed Abedini, and knew God wanted me to write this very imperfect post.

1

 

Seek out information on those held captive.  Captive doesn't always mean locked behind bars.  There are those who are held captive by fear by terrorists, or neglect by apathetic care givers.  Read updates on sites like The Voice of the Martyrs and International Christian Concern.  Become active in pro-life activities and organizations to bring a voice to those imprisoned without voices--the elderly, unborn, and disabled.  Information is power, and knowing the truth gives wings to those who cannot speak for themselves, educate yourself and share what you have learned.  This is how strength in numbers grows, and spotlights are shined in the darkest corners.

 

 

2

 

Sign petitions to set captives free and raise awareness.  If you need a place to start, go to Change.org human rights page and see what you can do to set a captive free.

 

 

3

 

Visit Free Pastor Saeed and read the story of an American citizen, jailed in Iran while building orphanages for three years for his Christian faith.  He is an American, and is still held captive, and he is not the only one!  Learn his story and share it, because if this poor man can be jailed for years, any of us can.  Do not let his story be forgotten, his wife and children need him home.

 

 

4

 

Support organizations on the ground ministering to people held captive by poverty, fear, and persecution.  Samaritan's Purse, Mary's Meals, and Operation Christmas Child take your gifts and bring them right to those most in need.  When choosing a charity, choose carefully.  Find one that puts its effort into serving, not all charities are created equal.

 

 

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Lastly, PRAY.  Pray for the conversion of our enemies and the release of all captives.  This Saturday, September 26, 2015 marks three years of imprisonment for Pastor Saeed.  His wife and young daughters have asked for a day for prayer for his release.  Please pray at noon that this American husband, father, and Christian maybe set free, along with the countless prisoners of conscience around the world.  Pray for the persecuted that they may be ransomed and protected.

 

It is not that Pastor Saeed is more important than any other prisoner, it is that his story is the story of far too many prisoners, many that we will never know their names.  Please rally and pray on his behalf and for all the Pastor Saeeds that feel forgotten.  Thank you.

 

Linking up with Jenna.





Urgent Call to Prayer!! Please Pray Along with Me

I have hosted a Novena of Novenas before.  I think it is time we do so again.  The conditions for Christians in the Middle East are beyond horrendous! When the photos were released of the Holocaust, the world vowed, never again!  Yet, photos are flooding out of the largest and most vicious genocide ever, and our world is waiting and watching in silence. 

Syrian Christians are on the cusp of mass slaughter, already displaced and starving, they now face certain death at the hands of ISIS. Am I being over dramatic?  I think not. I think that there are no real words to explain to horror.  We have been inundated by such horror of late, we are paralyzed, overwhelmed by the onslaught of endless evil and darkness.

I am begging you all to pray a Novena of Novenas for the Christians under attack by ISIS and for a sincere conversion of not only our enemies, but our nation at well.  Pray for God to break our hearts and bend our knees.  We have no hope left, but our LORD.

Here is how to join in:

Pray the Memorare nine times a day for nine days.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, 

but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

 

Pray the St Michael Prayer each day and after every Mass

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Pray the Holy Spirit Prayer each morning and night

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle 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.

Lastly, share this prayer request as far and wide as you can. We must awaken the giant and begin to fight the evil in our midst.  Our world is becoming very dark, let us shine our lights in the darkness!

Joyful Penitence and a Homeschool Conference

This past weekend, I was blessed to attend the Chaplet Homeschool Conference. I have much to share about it and will be doing so in the coming days, but the great highlight for me was getting to hear TWO traditional Latin Masses in one day!

The morning Mass was a High Mass, a real treat, as I have not experienced a High Mass of any kind in quite awhile.  I can remember, as a child, regularly having High Mass in the Ordinary Form, however it does not seem to be as popular now.  There is just something so moving and holy about sung prayers. After all, the angels sing God's praises without end, and whenever someone is scripture is greatly blessed by God, they sing!  Perhaps that is where the saying, "Singing is praying twice." originated.

Before morning Mass, we walked a procession across the grounds of the parish, to a grotto with a large crucifix. As we walked, we sung the traditional Litany of the Saints.  Despite it being Easter Season, the priest wore purple and it was considered a day of penance.

I felt as if the sermon was written for me. I needed to here the words that penance and prayer can deliver us from evil. I needed to be reminded that invoking Our Blessed Mother and the intercession of the saints can turn the tide and triumph over darkness.  The words, "After all, it took only one person to save Nineva." spoke right to my heart. It was the Sermon that wrapped up my novena and slated any doubts of whether or not it had been a good idea.  It was the type of Sermon that I wish I could have recorded and played over and over.

I have decided to start praying the Litany of the Saints daily for triumph over evil. There sure seems to be a lot of darkness out there.  If you are interested in joining me, the entire litany in English and Latin is listed below, courtesy of Fish Eaters. God bless!

Litany of the Saints

Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord have mercy on us.)  Christ, have mercy on us. (Christ have mercy on us.) Lord, have mercy on us. (Lord, have mercy on us.)  Christ, hear us. (Christ, hear us.) Christ, graciously hear us. (Christ, graciously hear us.)  God the Father of heaven, (have mercy on us.)  God the Son, Redeemer of the world, (have mercy on us.)  God the Holy Ghost, (have mercy on us.)  Holy Trinity, one God, (have mercy on us.)
Holy Mary, Holy Mother of God, Holy Virgin of virgins, St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, All ye holy Angels and Archangels, All ye holy orders of blessed Spirits, St. John the Baptist, St. Joseph, All ye holy Patriarchs and Prophets, St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Andrew, St. James, St. John, St. Thomas, St. James, St. Philip, St. Bartholomew, St. Matthew, St. Simon, St. Thaddeus, St. Matthias, St. Barnabas, St. Luke, St. Mark, All ye holy Apostles and Evangelists, All ye holy Disciples of the Lord, All ye holy Innocents, St. Stephen, St. Lawrence, St. Vincent, SS. Fabian and Sebastian, SS. John and Paul, SS. Cosmas and Damian, SS. Gervase and Protase, All ye holy Martyrs, St. Sylvester, St. Gregory, St. Ambrose, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, St. Martin, St. Nicholas, All ye holy Bishops and Confessors, All ye holy Doctors, St. Anthony, St. Benedict, St. Bernard, St. Dominic, St. Francis, All ye holy Priests and Levites, All ye holy Monks and Hermits, St. Mary Magdalen, St. Agatha, St. Lucy, St. Agnes, St. Cecilia, St. Catherine, St. Anastasia, All ye holy Virgins and Widows,	p r a y f o r u s
All ye holy Saints of God, (Make intercession for us.)  Be merciful, (Spare us, O Lord.)  Be merciful, (Graciously hear us, O Lord.)
From all evil, O Lord From all sin, From Thy wrath, From sudden and unlooked for death, From the snares of the devil, From anger, and hatred, and every evil will, From the spirit of fornication, From lightning and tempest, From the scourge of earthquakes, From plague, famine and war, From everlasting death, Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, Through Thy Coming, Through Thy Birth, Through Thy Baptism and holy Fasting, Through Thy Cross and Passion, Through Thy Death and Burial, Through Thy holy Resurrection, Through Thine admirable Ascension, Through the coming of the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete. In the day of judgment.	d e l i v e r u s
We sinners, That Thou wouldst spare us, That Thou wouldst pardon us, That Thou wouldst bring us to true penance, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to govern and preserve  Thy holy Church, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to preserve our Apostolic Prelate, and all orders of the Church in holy religion, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to humble the enemies of holy Church, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give peace and true concord to Christian kings and princes, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant peace and unity to the whole Christian world, That Thou wouldst call back to the unity of the Church all who have strayed from her fold, and to guide all unbelievers into the light of the Gospel That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to confirm and preserve us in Thy holy service, That Thou wouldst lift up our minds to heavenly desires, That Thou wouldst render eternal blessings to all our benefactors, That Thou wouldst deliver our souls, and the souls of our brethren, relations, and benefactors, from eternal damnation, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to give and preserve the fruits of the earth, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant eternal rest to all the faithful departed, That Thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to hear us, Son of God,	w e b e s e e c h T h e e, h e a r u s
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, (spare us, O Lord.) Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, (graciously hear us, O Lord.) Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, (have mercy on us.)  Christ, (hear us.) Christ, (graciously hear us.) Lord, have mercy, (Lord, have mercy.) Christ, have mercy, (Christ, have mercy.) Lord, have mercy, (Lord, have mercy.) [Our Father inaudibly] And lead us not into temptation (but deliver us from evil.)

Latin version:
Litaniae Sanctorum

Kyrie, eleison (Kyrie, eleison.)  Christe, eleison (Christe, eleison.)  Kyrie, eleison (Kyrie, eleison.)  Christe, audi nos (Christe, audi nos.)  Christe, exaudi nos. (Christe, exaudi nos.)  Pater de caelis, Deus, (miserere nobis.)  Fili, Redemptor mundi, Deus, (miserere nobis.)  Spiritus Sancte, Deus, (miserere nobis.)  Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus, (miserere nobis.)
Sancta Maria, Sancta Dei Genetrix, Sancta Virgo virginum, Sancte Michael, Sancte Gabriel, Sancte Raphael, Omnes sancti Angeli et Archangeli, Omnes sancti beatorum Spirituum ordines, Sancte Ioannes Baptista, Sancte Ioseph, Omnes sancti Patriarchae et Prophetae, Sancte Petre, Sancte Paule, Sancte Andrea, Sancte Iacobe, Sancte Ioannes, Sancte Thoma, Sancte Iacobe, Sancte Philippe, Sancte Bartolomaee, Sancte Matthaee, Sancte Simon, Sancte Thaddaee, Sancte Matthia, Sancte Barnaba, Sancte Luca, Sancte Marce, Omnes sancti Apostoli et Evangelistae, Omnes sancti discipuli Domini, Omnes sancti Innocentes, Sancte Stephane, Sancte Laurenti, Sancte Vincenti, Sancti Fabiane et Sebastiane, Sancti Iohannes et Paule, Sancti Cosma et Damiane, Sancti Gervasi et Protasi, Omnes sancti martyres, Sancte Sylvester, Sancte Gregori, Sancte Ambrosi, Sancte Augustine, Sancte Hieronyme, Sancte Martine, Sancte Nicolae, Omnes sancti Pontifices et Confessores, Omnes sancti Doctores, Sancte Antoni, Sancte Benedicte, Sancte Bernarde, Sancte Dominice, Sancte Francisce, Omnes sancti Sacerdotes et Levitae, Omnes sancti Monachi et Eremitae, Sancta Maria Magdalena, Sancta Agatha, Sancta Lucia, Sancta Agnes, Sancta Caecilia, Sancta Catharina, Sancta Anastasia, Omnes sanctae Virgines et Viduae	o r a (te) p r o n o b i s
Omnes Sancti et Sanctae Dei, (intercedite pro nobis.) Propitius esto, (parce nos, Domine.)  Propitius esto, (exaudi nos, Domine.)
Ab omni malo, Ab omni peccato, Ab ira tua, A subitanea et improvisa morte, Ab insidiis diaboli, Ab ira et odio et omni mala voluntate, A spiritu fornicationis, A fulgure et tempestate, A flagello terraemotus, A peste, fame et bello, A morte perpetua, Per mysterium sanctae Incarnationis tuae, Per adventum tuum, Per nativitatem tuam, Per baptismum et sanctum ieiunium tuum, Per crucem et passionem tuam, Per mortem et sepulturam tuam, Per sanctam resurrectionem tuam, Per admirabilem ascensionem tuam, Per adventum Spiritus Sancti Paracliti, In die iudicii,	l i b e r a n o s, D o m i n e
Peccatores, Ut nobis parcas, Ut nobis indulgeas, Ut ad veram paenitentiam nos perducere digneris, Ut Ecclesiam tuam sanctam regere et conservare digneris, Ut domum Apostolicum et omnes ecclesiasticos ordines in sancta religione conservare digneris, .  Ut inimicos sanctae Ecclesiae humiliare digneris, Ut regibus et principibus christianis pacem et veram concordiam donare digneris, Ut cuncto populo christiano pacem et unitatem largiri digneris, Ut omnes errantes ad unitatem Ecclesiae revocare, et infideles universos ad Evangelii lumen perducere digneris, Ut nosmetipsos in tuo sancto servitio confortare et conservare digneris, Ut mentes nostras ad caelestia desideria erigas, Ut omnibus benefactoribus nostris sempiterna bona retribuas, Ut animas nostras, fratrum, propinquorum et benefactorum nostrorum ab aeterna damnatione eripias, Ut fructus terrae dare et conservare digneris, Ut omnibus fidelibus defunctis requiem aeternam donare digneris, Ut nos exaudire digneris, Fili Dei,	T e r o g a m u s, a u d i n o s
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, (parce nobis, Domine.)  Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, (exaudi nos, Domine.) Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, (miserere nobis.) Christe, (audi nos.) Christe, (exaudi nos.) Kyrie, eleison. (Kyrie, eleison.) Christe, eleison. (Christe, eleison.) Kyrie, eleison. (Kyrie, eleison.) [Pater noster silentio] Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. (Sed libera nos a malo.)

"There are so Many Stephen's"

Here is the wrap up of our novena in seven super quick takes!1

1

Please read what the Pope had to say about our Church's history of martyrs.

2

Just last month the Adminstrative Committee of the USCCB called for prayer and action in response to the widespread and bloody persecution of Christians.  Let your prayers not end with the end of this novena, please, please continue to pray!

3

Did you hear about the Bishop in Nigeria who had a vision of Christ?  Jesus handed him a sword and when the Bishop took it, the sword turned into a Rosary.  Prayer is our greatest weapon.

4

Then, There is the Bishop pleading for the world to notice and take action as Boko Had an (an Islamic extremist group that has joined forces with ISIS).  If you are wondering what you can do, make sure to read #3!  Also, encourage our leaders to acknowledge the tragedies occurring around the world. Ask your priests to have public prayer for the persecuted.  Find reputable charities to aid victims of persecution.

5

For Day 8 of the novena, please pray nine Memorare prayers, one Hail Holy Queen, and one St Michael Prayer. Please also pray the Mary, Undoer of Knots prayer for the intention of an end to violence.

Source

6

Since I will be at a homeschooling conference tomorrow without internet access, here are the final prayers for tomorrow.

Please pray nine Memorare prayers, one St Michael Prayer, One Rosary, and the Mary, Undoer of Knots prayer for the defeat of enemies of Faith and humanity.

Please continue to storm Heaven for the end of this advancing evil!

7

Next week, I will once again sponsor a giveaway. In the meantime, please check out and enter Giveaway #1 that ends at midnight, and Giveaway #2 that ends next Friday. Thanks.

Novena Day 7

Sorry, but this is a super short post to just remind you to pray.  I wonder how many people are actually following along with this. Anyway, please pray for those who work to stop injustice and serve the persecuted.  Thank you.

Pray nine Memorare prayers, one Hail Holy Queen, and one St Michael Prayer. God bless.

Novena Day 6

I'm sorry this is so late. Please pray along with me for all the children who have been victims of this cruel war against Christians. They have witnessed and suffered horrors that no child ever should. May God grant them protection, peace, strength, joy, and hope. Thank you.

Source

Please pray nine Memorare prayers, one Hail Holy Queen, and one St Michael prayer. God bless!

Novena Day 5

Thank you for once again coming to pray with me.  There is much to pray for, much sadness and darkness, but we are a people of hope. With faith, there is always hope and never true fear.  Like Moses at the banks of the Red Sea, we are lifting our arms to the LORD in praise and obedience.  The Israelites did not try to fight, they did not try to run, they did not abandon their quest for the Holy Land. They simply walked through a open piece of land with walls of water on either side and an army on their heels. Terrifying, right?  No, because they had God before them and behind them. There was nothing to fear, and terrorists only win if they create terror. So let us pray once more for their conversion and adoption of peace instead of war. We can never pray for our enemies too much, Jesus asked us to do so!  God we lift our hearts in praise that we can have hope and pray for our enemies instead of fearing them!

Please pray nine Memorare prayers, one Hail, Holy Queen, and one St. Michael Prayer. Thank you!

Novena Day 4: And Then There were None

On Facebook, the other day, there was a meme that stated, "If we offered a minute of silence for every victim of the Holocaust, we would be silent for eleven and a half years.  It got me wondering, if we offered a minute of silence for every victim of persecution and ethnic cleansing, would we ever speak again?

In college, I had the opportunity to spend six months in Austria to study political science and history.  As one of our study tours, we visited a small concentration camp. It is the only part of my three semesters abroad for which I have no photographs.  It seemed like too hallowed of ground to photograph. Also, I knew I would never forget being there-- twenty years later I can still feel the immense weight of sorrow that presses in on you and smell the stench of heinous deaths.  What struck me most, though, was the small strip of green grass that separated this place of horrors from a beautiful town.  Yards away people were eating and drinking, playing and building lives. They had to have known something was wrong.  Why didn't they stop it?  I'm sure some of it was fear, but I believe the true root of why the holocaust even occurred was indifference.  "They don't want me."  "That isn't in my backyard, let them take care of it themselves."  " I have my own life to live."

Surely not everyone felt that way, but without the general populace not objecting, it would not have progressed to such a scale.  The Holocaust was horrendous, we must never forget, but in our remembering, we must take note of where similar atrocities are being committed.  We must stand up for those in Sudan and Western Africa, for the Middle East and Southeast Asia.  Yes, it is far away, but if we do not stand up for them, who will stand up for us when it happens here.  (And it can happen here!)  Evil did not die with Hitler, and while in the 1940's there were many who could claim ignorance due to lack of communication technology, we have no excuse today.  The proof is everywhere, videos and photos, televised torture. We cannot deny it nor say it doesn't exist.

Let us please pray for the persecuted, that they may be delivered from their oppressors and that we may be willing to intervene in any way needed to save them

Please pray nine Memorare, one Hail Holy Queen, and one Prayer of St Michael.

Thank you and God bless.

**Don't forget about the two giveaways going on right now.

A Novena and Giveaway in 7QT

1

The plight of the persecuted has never been more dire, yet most of the world has remained silent---a deafening silence!  My heart has been heavy with wanting to help those who are suffering the unimaginable.  They are constantly on my mind and in my prayers.  While I have tried hard to shield myself from the graphic photographs, just reading about the atrocities has flooded my mind with images that I can't forget.

2

Many nights thoughts and fears have consumed me. Perhaps fear is not the correct word. I do not fear, I know that the gates of Hell shall not prevail. I know that my God has already won. I know that Christ is risen, and in Him I shall never die. God always prevails and provides. However, the feeling of evil closing in around us has greatly saddened my heart.

3

The other night, the feeling of needing to pray hard and ask others to do the same would not let me rest. I kept remembering Mother Teresa's Flying Novena. Then I finally understood what God was telling me to do. A novena of Novenas was born.

4

Have you ever considered the true miracle in the fall of Jericho' s wall?  The true miracle is Joshua hearing the instructions of God, and saying yes.  Surely that wall was no obstacle for God, He did not require trumpets to blow for it to crumble. With a a mere word or thought, God could have vanquished the entire world for His people. Yet, He chose Joshua to lead the way. Joshua the great warrior of Isreal. Joshua the decorated war hero. Joshua the fearless defender of God's Chosen People. Joshua the leader of legions of well armed soldiers.  Imagine how Joshua wrestled inside as he announced his battle plan. Set aside the armour, lay down your weapons, walk away from the armoury; we will claim this city by walking in circles, prayer, and trumpet playing.  While Joshua certainly could have won this battle of his own might, he chose to say yes and attempt the impossible, because he knew that all is possible for the LORD.

5

I have wrestled with doubt and hesitation about this idea. Does it really make sense? Will people think me crazy?  Am I just being paranoid?  Did God really lay this on my heart or was it my overactive imagination?  Why do I think this will even make a difference?  So many questions and a very busy day has led to a very late post that I actually began writing a couple days ago!

6

So, here is the Novena, please pray and pass on.  Please, please pray with me and return tomorrow for the novena prayers of the day. God bless!

For the intention of conversion of our enemies and defeat of evil doers.

Say the Memorare prayer nine times:
REMEMBER, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Say the USA Chaplet (This chaplet has the Nihil Obstat from the Church. You can learn more about it here.) 
1.  The Creed
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth; and in Jeseus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen
2. Our Father
3. Fatima Prayer:
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
4. Glory Be
5. Hail Mary
6. Help for the Most Vulnerable: 
"Merciful LORD, please protect and save the most vulnerable; the unborn, disabled, sick, elderly, and those that know not Your Love and Mercy"
7. "Most loving Father, May Your Will be done on earth as in Heaven."
8. "Sweetest Jesus, for the sake of those that love You, by merit of Your Holy Passion, lift not Your Protective Hand from us and please bless the USA."
9. (Repeat four times) "Eternal God, United to the Perfect & Holy Passion of Jesus, we offer You our joys, sorrows, breaths, heartbeats, and tears to strengthen the faithful, renew the lukewarm, restore the fallen away, and convert the proud."
10. Repeat 7-9 four more times, for a total of five repetitions.
11. "Merciful Father, Whose tender Love has no bounds, Grant, in Your Goodness and Mercy that we always embrace Your Perfect Will in all things with a joyful heart. Please cover us with the Precious Blood of Jesus in which we trust and rely.  Send the Holy Spirit to renew our souls and our land that it may bring You honor and glory and we may, once again,be a nation under God! Bring us daily closer to the Sacred & Immaculate Hearts and increase our Faith that we may always strengthen each other, Jesus' Name. Amen.

Say the St Michael Prayer:
Holy Michael, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do you, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander through the world seeking the ruin of souls. 
Amen

7

I had planned 8 Fridays of giveaways and also wrestled with fulfilling that promise versus leading the novena. Then I visited Battlebeads for the prayers of the USA Chaplet and right next to it was a "Flying Novena" tenner.  God had a plan!  Mary at Battlebeads is not only one of my favorite shopkeepers for gifts, but a dear friend. She is a true inspiration and a saint here on earth. One of my blessed readers will win a USA chaplet in Czech Crystal and Flying Novena tenner. Please just leave a comment below. Winner will be chosen on May 1st.  


Linking up with Kelly.