While no list of favorite Catholic Prayers could be complete without a mention of The Most Holy Rosary, we have chosen instead to devote and develop a separate section of our Website to this most powerful of prayers (second only to the Holy Mass itself). Please bear with us while we construct this page.
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into Hell; On the third day, He rose again from the dead. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty whence He will come again 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.
********************
PRAYER BEFORE A CRUCIFIX
Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself upon my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul I pray and beseech that Thou wouldst impress upon my heart lively sentiments of Faith, Hope and Charity, with true repentance for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment, while with deep affection and grief of soul I ponder within myself and mentally contemplate Thy five most precious wounds, having before my eyes that which David spoke in prophecy of Thee, O good Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen
*********************
SALVE REGINA (HAIL HOLY QUEEN)
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope!
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us O Holy Mother of God that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen
**********************
THE MEMORARE – ST. BERNARD
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 then with 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 clemency, hear and answer me. Amen
***********************
PRAYER FOR ADVENT IN PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in
which the Son of God was born of the most pure
Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in the piercing
cold. In that hour vouchsafe, O my God, to hear
my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits
of Our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed
Mother.
Amen.
***********************
PRAYER TO ST. MICHAEL
Saint 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 host, by the power of God, thrust into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen
(Pope Leo XIII -1878-1903, after St. Michael appeared to him and taught him this and other prayers for the protection of the Church and good souls).
************************
PRAYER TO THE CHILD MARY
Sweet Child Mary, destined to be the Mother of God and our sovereign and loving Mother, by the prodigies of grace you lavish upon us, mercifully listen to my humble supplications. In the needs which press upon me from every side and especially in my present tribulation, I place all my trust in you.
O Holy Child, by the privileges granted to you alone and by the merits which you have acquired, be merciful to me this day. Show that the source of spiritual favors and the continuous benefits which you dispense are inexhaustible, because your power with the Heart of God is unlimited. Deign through the immense profusion of graces with which the Most High has enriched you from the first moment of your Immaculate Conception, grant me, O Celestial Child, my petition, and I shall eternally praise the goodness of your Heart. [Particularly to be used as a novena prayer in preparation for the Nativity of Mary, celebrated on September 8th].
*************************
PRAYER OF ST. GERTRUDE THE GREAT
“Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with all the Masses said throughout the world today, for all of the Holy Souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the Universal Church, for sinners in my own home and within my family. Amen.”
**************************
PRAYER TO ST. DISMAS, THE GOOD THIEF (Composed by Ven. Pius XII).
O glorious St. Dismas, you who among all the Saints, were the only one directly canonized by Christ Himself. You who were assured that on that “very day” you would be granted a place in Heaven near to Him, because of the sincere
confession of your sins in the Tribunal of Calvary and because of your true sorrow for them in open confession as you hung on the cross. You who with absolute love and repentance did move the Heart of Jesus to mercy and forgiveness,
even in the fearful presence of the Centurion. You whose face was that closest to Jesus in His Agony, to offer Him a word of consolation, even closer than His most beloved Mother, Mary. You who knew well how to pray. Teach me the
words which I ought to say to Him in order to gain pardon and the grace of perseverance. You who are so close to Him in Heaven, as close as you were to Him during His last moments on earth, pray to Him so that I may never abandon
Him again, and that at the end of my life I may also hear the words which He addressed to you: “This day you shall be with Me in Paradise,” Amen.
***************************
PRAYER IN HONOR OF THE WOUND IN THE SACRED SHOULDER OF OUR LORD
(Taught by Him to St. Bernard of Clairvaux in a vision in which He revealed to him the wound that caused him the most pain in His Passion).
O loving Jesus, meek Lamb of God, I, a miserable sinner, salute and worship the most Sacred Wound of Thy Shoulder on which Thou didst bear Thy heavy Cross, which so tore Thy flesh and laid bare Thy bones as to inflict on Thee an anguish greater than any other wound of Thy most beautiful Body. I adore Thee, Jesus, most sorrowful; I praise and glorify Thee, and give Thee thanks for this most painful and sacred Wound, beseeching Thee by that exceeding pain, and by the crushing burden of Thy heavy Cross, to be merciful to me, a sinner, to forgive me all my mortal and venial sins, and to lead me on towards Heaven along the Way of Thy Cross. Amen.
***************************
ANIMA CHRISTI – SOUL OF CHRIST
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds, hide me.
Allow me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
At the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee
That with Thy Saints, I may praise Thee
Forever and ever. Amen.
****************************
THE DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET (To be recited using regular Rosary beads).
First say an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and the Apostles’ Creed.
For each Our Father bead say: Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, of Thy dearly beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ / in atonement for our sins of those of the whole world..
On the Hail Mary beads say: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion / have mercy on us and on the whole world.
At the end, say three times: Holy God, Mighty God, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us, / and on the whole world.
****************************
OUR LADY OF SORROWS -FEAST SEPTEMBER 15
One of the consequences of being the Mother of God and the Messiah is the fact that she would have to be the Mother of Sorrows, Mother of the of the suffering Servant predicted by the Prophet St. Isaiah. Thus from the very beginning of her mission as Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Mother knew sorrow and suffering as her lot, along with the tremendous joy and blessedness that was hers as Mother of the Lord. This is so much a constitutive element of her role as Mediatrix and Co-Redemptrix of the human race with Christ (cf. Second Vatican Council. “Lumen Gentium,” “Constitution on the Church,” chapter VIII), her Lord, that the Church confers upon it not one but two feasts each year. One is fixed on the 15th day of September, the day after the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the other on Friday of the fifth week in Lent (Tridentine calendar). Here we reproduce for your spiritual benefit the Seven (principal) Sorrows and the prayers that go along with them for meditation. These are part of the Chaplet of Our Lady of Sorrows: (After each sorrow one prays seven Hail Mary’s). 1. The Prophecy of St. Simeon 2. The Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt 3. Jesus is Lost in the Temple 4. Mary Meets Jesus on the Way of the Cross 5. Mary at the Foot of the Cross 6. Jesus is taken down from the Cross 7. Mary arranges the Body of Jesus in the Tomb After these meditations three additional Hail Mary’s are added in remembrance and honor of the tears shed by Mary on account of the sufferings of Jesus in His Passion and to obtain the grace of true repentance and sorrow for our sins. We end by praying: V. Pray for us, O most sorrowful Virgin. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Prayer: Lord Jesus, we now implore, both for the present and for the hour of our death, the intercession of the most Blessed Virgin Mary, Thy Mother, whole holy soul was pierced at the time of Thy Passion by a sword of sorrow. Grant us this favor, O Savior of the world, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
************************
PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH
O, my beloved St. Joseph, adopt me as thy child, take care of my salvation,
watch over me day and night, preserve me from the occasion of sin, obtain
for me purity of soul and body! Through thy intercession with Jesus grant me
a spirit of sacrifice, of humility and self-denial, a burning love for Jesus
in the Blessed Sacrament, and a sweet tender love for Mary, my Mother. St.
Joseph, be with me living, be with me dying and obtain for me a favorable
judgment from Jesus, my merciful Savior. Amen
Ad te beate Joseph – prayer of Pope Leo XIII (+1903) who prescribed the recitation of this prayer in his encyclical on
Devotion to St. Joseph, “Quamquam Pluries.” A partial indulgenced is attached to the prayer.
*************************
Save us, O Lord! Save us, O Lord!
To thee, O blessed Joseph, do we have recourse in our tribulation, and
having implored the help of thy thrice holy Spouse, we confidently invoke
thy patronage also. By that charity wherewith thou wast united to the
Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and by that fatherly affection with which
thou didst embrace the Child Jesus, we beseech thee and we humbly pray, that
thou wouldst look graciously upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ hath
purchased by His Blood, and assist us in our needs by thy power and
strength.
Most watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, protect the chosen people of
Jesus Christ; keep far from us, most loving father, all blight of error
and corruption: mercifully assist us from heaven, most mighty defender,
in this our conflict with the powers of darkness; and, even as of old thou
didst rescue the Child Jesus from the supreme peril of his life, so now
defend God’s Holy Church from the snares of the enemy and from all
adversity; keep us one and all under thy continual protection, that we may
be supported by thine example and thine assistance, may be enabled to lead
a holy life, die a happy death and come at last to the possession of
everlasting blessedness in heaven. Amen.
****************************
PRAYERS WRITTEN (OR MODIFIED) BY FR. PEREZ
PRAYER FOR THOSE IN POSITIONS OF AUTHORITY
by Fr. Héctor R.G. Pérez y Robles, STD
O heavenly Father, Thou art the Creator of the Universe. All that is good comes from Thee. Thine only begotten Son, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, has told us that all authority has been given to Him. He also has said to Pontius Pilate that those who hold political authority would not have it were it not willed or permitted by Him. We beg Thee to inspire those who hold political office, whether elected or appointed, to be mindful of Thee and Thy holy commandments. That they may seek truth, justice and peace – in particular the inalienable right to life which all persons have from the first moment of conception in their mother’s womb to the natural end of their life on this earth. Grant that those who have forgotten these sacred Truths may be turned from their own ways to Thy Way for only in Thee can we find true happiness. Only Thou art the “Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We ask this through Our Lord, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns one God, forever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER FOR THE GREATER LOVE OF JESUS
O my Jesus, Thou knowest well that I love Thee; but I do not love Thee enough. O grant that I may love Thee more ! Grant that I may bear my crosses with Thee as St. Simon the Cyrenean bore Thy Cross for Thee ! O Love that burnest
ever and never failest, my God, Thou Who art Charity itself, enkindle in my heart that divine fire which consumes the Saints and transforms them into Thee! Amen.
PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF SORROWS FOR ASSISTANCE IN MAKING A GOOD AND HOLY COMMUNION
O most Blessed Virgin Mother of Sorrows, Mother of all gentleness and mercy, who didst follow thy beloved Son on His Way of the Cross to His Supreme Sacrifice on Calvary, and whose soul was pierced by a sword as thou didst behold
thy Son suffer and die for my salvation and then had the unspeakable sorrow of receiving His lifeless Body into thy arms, I, a miserable and unworthy sinner, fly to thy protection with every sentiment of humility and love. I implore
of thy loving kindness that thou wouldst vouchsafe graciously to be near me, and all who throughout the whole Church are to receive that same Body and Blood of thy Son this day in Holy Communion, that, aided by thy gracious help,
we may receive Him worthily and never do anything that will offend or desecrate Him in this Most Blessed Sacrament of Love, so that with each Communion we may join Him in offering up a pure and acceptable Sacrifice in the sight
of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. Amen.
PRAYER FOR LENT
Most adorable Jesus, behold me prostrate at Thy feet, at the foot of Thy Cross which Thou didst carry and on which Thou wert crucified for love of me, a most abject sinner. How many times in my life, indeed, how many times a day
do I not profess to love Thee with all my heart above all else; above anyone else. And how many times in my life and, in fact, every single day do I not betray my profession of love and fidelity by being unfaithful to Thee through
sin, whether venial or, alas, even mortal ! Make me realize the import of my sins, O God ! Let me realize that I not only risk the eternal loss of my soul to the fires of Hell, but that I also hurt all my brothers and sisters who
are members of Thy Mystical Body, the Holy Catholic Church, and that I also weaken the possibilities of others who are not yet members of Hers to have the strength and the courage to come humbly to Her for the saving waters of
Baptism and the sacred Anointing of Confirmation. Let me see that by my sins I not only deny myself the privilege of receiving Thy Body and Blood in Holy Communion but even of those others whom I affect by my sinfulness ! Let it
be my purpose this Lent to amend my life and change my sinful ways so that I may not impede the work of Thy Church, the conversion of souls, and my own spiritual growth of which I stand in such dire need. Help me, O sweet Jesus
Crucified ! Help me, O Sorrowful Mother Mary and all ye Saints of God ! Let this Lent and my life itself make a difference to all, and especially to me. This is my humble but ardent prayer, O most merciful Jesus ! Amen.
O Suffering Jesus ! O Sorrowful Mother !
******************************
PRAYERS TO OR IN HONOR OF THE HOLY ANGELS
PRAYER(S) TO ST. MICHAEL
SAINT 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 host, by the power of God thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.
O MOST GLORIOUS PRINCE
O MOST glorious Prince, Saint Michael the Archangel, I, thy most humble servant, salute thee through the most beloved Heart of Jesus Christ which I lovingly offer for the increase of thy joy and thy glory. I give thanks to God for the blessedness which He brings to thee and with which He wishes to honor and exalt thee above all the other Angels. I especially commend myself to thy care in life and death. Be with me now and always, especially at the end of my life. Kindly console me, strengthen me, and protect me. Obtain for me an increase in faith, hope, and charity. Do not permit me to stray from the holy faith, nor fall into the snare of desperation, nor to take for granted good works, which I am engaged in through the grace of God. Obtain for me pardon of my sins, humility, patience and the other virtues, true perseverance in goodness, and the final grace that I may give glory to God with thee forever. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. RAPHAEL
O HEAVENLY doctor and most faithful companion, saint Raphael, thou who didst restore sight to the elder Tobit, and didst escort the younger Tobias throughout his appointed journey and kept him safe and sound, be the doctor of my body and soul. Dispel the darkness of my ignorance, and assist me in the dangerous journey of this life always, until thou leadeth me to my heavenly homeland. Amen.
PRAYER TO ST. GABRIEL
O STRENGTH of God, Saint Gabriel, thou who announcedst to the Virgin Mary the incarnation of the only-begotten Son of God, I praise thee and honor thee, O elect spirit. I humbly beg thee, with Jesus Christ our Savior and with His Blessed Mother, to be my advocate. I also pray that thou wouldst comfort me and strengthen me in all my difficulties, lest at any time I may be overcome by temptation and I might offend God by sinning. Amen.
PRAYER OF LIBERATION FROM EVIL TO THE HOLY ARCHANGELS
O Lord, Thou art great; Thou art God; Thou art Father. We pray Thee through the intercession and with the aid of the Archangels Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, that our brothers and sisters may be liberated from the evil one who has rendered them slaves. All ye Saints, come to our aid!
From anguish, from sadness, from obsessions, we pray Thee:
From hatred, from fornication, from envy, we pray Thee:
From thoughts of jealousy, of anger, of death, we pray Thee: ….
From every temptation against life, we pray Thee: …
From every form of evil sexuality, we pray Thee: …
From family divisions and from every evil friendship, we pray Thee: …
From every form of curse, malediction, incantation and witchcraft, we pray Thee: …
O Lord, Who hast said ‘I leave thee peace, My peace I give to thee,’ through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and of the holy Archangels, Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, grant unto us to be liberated from every curse and to always enjoy Thy peace. We ask this through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
************************************
NOVENA to the HOLY GHOST
(Start Friday after Ascension Thursday – nine days before Pentecost)
Foreword
The novena to the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first
made at the direction of Our Lord when He sent His apostles back to
Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the First Pentecost. It
is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to
the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the
light, strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.
First Day
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give!
The Holy Ghost
Only one thing is important – eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore,
is to be feared – sin. Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and
indifference. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of
Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will,
and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to
invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We
know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh
for us.”
Prayer
Almighty and eternal God, Who has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and
the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send
forth from heaven upon us Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and
Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge
and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Act of Consecration to the Holy Ghost
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body, to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the
might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul. In Thee I
live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to
grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against
Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch
for Thy light, and listen to Thy voice, and follow Thy gracious
inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy
compassion, to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of
Jesus, and looking at His five wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood,
and adoring His opened side and stricken Heart, I implore Thee, Adorable
Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never
sin against Thee. Give me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, “Speak Lord, for Thy servant
heareth.” Amen.
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in
my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom
that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after
the things that are eternal; the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my
mind with the light of Thy divine truth; the Spirit of Counsel that I may
ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven; the Spirit of
Fortitude that I may bear my cross with Thee and that I may overcome with
courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation; the Spirit of Knowledge
that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the
Saints; the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and
amiable; the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence
towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord,
with the sign of Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy
Spirit. Amen.
Second Day
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou Light of all that live!
The Gift of Fear
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us
dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not
from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial
submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of
wisdom, detaching us from the worldly pleasures that could in any way
separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts,
and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”
Prayer
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may
set Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all
things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure
eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the
unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Third Day
Thou, of all consolers best,
Visiting the troubled breast,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.
The Gift of Piety
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our
most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons
and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His
authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible
Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is
filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a
burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no
labor.
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a
love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His
sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Fourth Day
Thou in toil art comfort sweet;
Pleasant coolness in the heat;
Solace in the midst of woe.
The Gift of Fortitude
By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and
supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the
will an impulse and energy which move it to undertake without hesitancy the
most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect,
and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong
tribulation. “He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude uphold my soul in time of troubles and
adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give
me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be
overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Fifth Day
Light immortal! Light Divine!
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill!
The Gift of Knowledge
The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their
true worth – in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of
creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose
as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God
even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of
life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the
friendship of God beyond all else. “Knowledge is a fountain of life to him
that possesseth it.”
Prayer
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will
of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize
their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking
ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Sixth Day
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.
The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, helps us to grasp the meaning of
the truths of our holy religion. By faith we know them, but by Understanding
we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner
meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of
life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of
life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to
“walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge
of God.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know
and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the
eternal light of Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision
of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Seventh Day
Heal our wounds – our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away!
The Gift of Counsel
The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it
to judge promptly and rightly what must be done, especially in difficult
circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and
Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the
course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and
Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless
treasure in the quest of salvation. “Above all things, pray to the Most
High, that He may direct thy way in truth.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may
always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it
away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy
commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Eighth Day
Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go astray!
The Gift of Wisdom
Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues,
Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of Wisdom it is written “all good
things come to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands.” It is
the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects
charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom
enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation
of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a
divine sweetness according to the words of the Savior: “Take up thy cross
and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light.”
Prayer
Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly
things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them
above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to
attain them and possess them for ever. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
Ninth Day
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die;
Give the life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.
The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us
to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in
the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Ghost, our
service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and
consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. These Fruits in turn
render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful
incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is
to reign.
Prayer
Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity,
joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance,
that I may never weary on the service of God, but by continued faithful
submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in
the love of the Father and the Son. Amen.
Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts
****************************************************************
Prayers to the Holy Ghost
Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let us pray – Oh God, Who hast instructed the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the same Spirit we may be always
truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen. (From the Roman Missal).
********************************************
O Holy Spirit, beloved of my soul, I adore You.
Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me.
Tell me what I should do, give me Your orders.
I promise to submit myself to all that You desire of me
and to accept all that You permit to happen to me.
Let me only know Your will. Amen
****************************
July is the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus
Seven Offerings of the Precious Blood
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the propagation and exaltation of my dear Mother of the Holy Church, for the safety and prosperity of her visible Head, the Holy Roman Pontiff, for the cardinals, bishops and pastors of souls, and for all the ministers of the sanctuary. Glory be to the Father …
Blessed and praised forevermore be Jesus who hath saved us by His Precious Blood! Amen.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the peace and concord of nations, for the conversion of the enemies of our holy faith and for the happiness of all Christian people. Glory be…, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for the repentance of unbelievers, the expiration of all heresies, and the conversion of sinners. Glory be…, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my relations, friends and enemies, for the poor, the sick, and those in tribulation, and for all those for whom Thou willest I should pray, or knowest that I ought to pray. Glory be…, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those this day pass to another life, that Thou mayest preserve them from the pains of hell, and admit them the more readily to the possession of Thy Glory. Glory be…, Etc.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those who are lovers of this Treasure of His Blood, and for those who join with me in adoring and honoring It, and for all those who try to spread devotion to it. Glory be…, etc.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Thy Beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all my wants, spiritual and temporal, for the holy souls in Purgatory, and particularly for those who in their lifetime were most devoted to this Price of our redemption, and to the sorrows and pains of our Dear Mother, most Holy Mary…Glory be…, etc.
Blessed and exalted by the Blood of Jesus, now and always, and through all eternity. Amen.
ACT OF CONSECRATION OF THE HUMAN RACE
TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS KING OF THE UNIVERSE
Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us, humbly prostrate before Thine altar.
We are Thine and Thine we wish to be;
but to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today
to Thy Most Sacred Heart. Many, indeed, have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts, have rejected Thee.
Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus,
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart. Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee,
but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to their Father’s house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith,
so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.
Be Thou King of all those who even now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam,
and refuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy kingdom.
Look, finally, with eyes of pity upon the children of that race,
which was for so long a time Thy chosen people;
and let Thy Blood, which was once invoked upon them in vengeance,
now descend upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.
Grant, O Lord, to Thy Church, assurance of freedom and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations, and make the earth resound
from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the Divine Heart
that wrought our salvation: to it be glory and honour forever. Amen. (PIUS XI)
LENTEN PRAYER 2015
By Fr. Héctor R.G. Pérez y Robles, S.T.D.
Oh, my Jesus, Thou knowest that I love Thee; but I do not love Thee enough! O, grant that I may love Thee more ! Thou knowest that I trust in Thee and Thy Providence; but I prefer to trust myself and others more. O, grant that I may live in, by and for Thee alone! Grant me to bear with joy and patience all the crosses of life! Grant that I may walk with Thee and Thy Sorrowful Mother the Way of the Cross, so that I may share with Thee in the glory of the Resurrection. O, Love that burnest ever and never failest, my sweet Lord and my God, enkindle in my heart that Divine Fire which consumes all the Saints and transforms them into Thee! O, let me never be separated from Thee! Amen. Oh, Suffering Jesus! Oh, Sorrowful Mother!
LENTEN PRAYER 2020
By the Very Rev. Canon Héctor R.G. Pérez y Robles, S.T.D., C.S.L.J.
Most compassionate Jesus, I contemplate Thy Sacred Countenance and see the result of my sins and that of all mankind. Grant that this Lent this realization may lead me to true contrition for my sins and a way of life that will unite me to Thee and may lead me to be able to receive Thy gifts of grace and of eternal life. Grant that I may be closer to Thee throughout Lent and afterwards as well. Grant that I may always be aware of Thy Presence and of all Thou hast done for me and for all. Grant that I may always strive to be continually united to Thee in all I do. Let me truly live my life in Thee, everywhere and always. I ask Thee this through the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Death and Resurrection. Amen.
Oh, Suffering Jesus! Oh, Sorrowful Mother!
PRAYER FOR LENT 2023
By the Very Rev. Canon Héctor R.G. Pérez y Robles, S.T.D., C.S.L.J.
Beloved Lord Jesus, we have begun yet another Lent. Would that I could make it truly a time for reflection, prayer and repentance. That it could really be a time of change and growth for me. If only I could love Thee more ardently, O my dear God, my All. Let me embrace Thee with my whole heart; with my whole being. Let all my delight and joy come solely from Thee, and from Thy creatures as Thine. Grant that this year I may grow in imitation of Thee and, what’s more, in the love of Thee Who hast suffered so much for my salvation. Grant me to die to self and to be filled with Thy Spirit of Love and Supreme Sacrifice! Grant me true repentance for my sins and a firm purpose of amendment coupled with a sincere and strong desire never to offend Thee again. O Lord, Thou art Perfection Itself. Only from Thee can I attain anything good. Grant me to be ever united to Thee in soul and heart, always and everywhere, for now and eternity. Amen.
O Suffering Jesus ! O Sorrowful Mother !