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Our Lady of Mount Carmel

by Filed Under: 07 July, Brown Scapular, Our Lady of Mount Carmel 2 Comments

“O Mary, flower of Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, who brought forth the Son of God yet remained a Virgin, sweet and Immaculate Mother, grant the favors your children implore, O Star of the sea” ~ St. Simon Stock

COMMEMORATION OF
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL (1251AD)

GREATER DOUBLE / WHITE
Simon Stock, a holy youth of the County of Kent in England, was told by Our Lady that he would join a religious order not yet known to the English. In due time Carmelites crossed the Channel, and Simon entered the Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The Carmelites in England chose Simon Stock as their prior general in 1245. Mary appeared to Simon on July 16, 1251, and gave him the scapular as an assurance of Her protection. Devotion to the scapular spread quickly throughout Christendom.INTROIT
Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God.

Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king.
V. Glory be . . .COLLECT
O God, the order of Carmel was singularly honored when the title of the most blessed ever-virgin Mary, Your Mother, was given to it. Grant that we who commemorate this solemn feast today may be shielded by Her protection and attain everlasting happiness; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

 

READING Eccli. 24: 23-31 [Sirach]
As the vine I have brought forth a pleasant odour: and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of fair love, and of fear, and of knowledge, and of holy hope. In me is all grace of the way and of the truth, in me is all hope of life and of virtue. Come over to me, all ye that desire me, and be filled with my fruits. For my spirit is sweet above honey, and my inheritance above honey and the honeycomb. My memory is unto everlasting generations. They that eat me, shall yet hunger: and they that drink me, shall yet thirst. He that hearkeneth to me, shall not be confounded: and they that work by me, shall not sin. They that explain me shall have life everlasting.
GRADUAL
You are blessed and venerable, O Virgin Mary, for without loss of your virginity you became the Mother of our Saviour.
V. O Virgin Mother of God, He whom the whole world cannot contain enclosed Himself in your womb and was made man.

Alleluia, alleluia! V.
Through you, O Mother of God, we have received back the life we had lost, for you have received your Son from heaven and bestowed upon the world its Saviour. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 11:27-28
At that time, as Jesus was speaking to the multitudes, a certain woman from the crowd, lifted up her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore Thee, and the breasts that nursed Thee.” But He said,  “Rather, blessed are they who hear the word of God and keep it.”

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Jer. 18:20
Remember, O Virgin Mother, to speak good things in our behalf before the face of God, that He may turn away His anger from us.

SECRET
Sanctify the gifts we offer You, O Lord, and grant that they may bring us closer to salvation through the intercession of Mary the Blessed Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON
Most worthy Queen of the world, Mary, ever-virgin, who brought forth Christ, the Lord and Saviour of all mankind, pray for our peace and safety.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord, help us by the prayers of Your Immaculate ever-virgin Mother Mary. Her loving care has already brought us lasting blessings; may She shield us from all dangers and unite us in heart and mind; who lives and rules with God the Father . . .

 

 Divine Intimacy

Presence of God – O Mary, Beauty of Carmel, make me worthy of your protection, clothe me with your scapular, and be the teacher of my interior life.

MEDITATION

The Blessed Virgin is a Mother who clothes us with grace and takes our supernatural life under her protection, in order to bring it to its full flowering in eternal life. She, the Immaculate, full of grace from the first moment of her conception, takes our souls stained by sin, and with a maternal gesture, cleanses them in the Blood of Christ and clothes them with grace, which, together with Him, she has merited for us. We can truly say that the garment of grace was woven by the blessed hands of Mary, who day by day, moment by moment, gave herself entirely, in union with her Son, for our salvation. Legend tells of the seamless robe which the Blessed Virgin wove for Jesus; but, for us–and in reality–she has done much more. She has cooperated in obtaining the garment of our eternal salvation, the wedding garment in which we shall enter the banquet hall of heaven. How she longs that this robe be imperishable! From the moment we received it, Mary has never ceased to follow us with her maternal gaze, to safeguard within us the life of grace. Each time we are converted and return to God or rise again after falling into sin–be it great or small–each time we increase in grace, all, everything, is effected through Mary’s mediation. The scapular, the little habit, that our Lady of Mount Carmel offers us, is only the external symbol of her unceasing, maternal care: the symbol, but also the sign, the pledge of eternal salvation. “My beloved son,” Mary said to St. Simon Stock, “take this scapular … whoever dies clothed in it will not suffer eternal fire.” The Blessed Virgin gives the assurance of the supreme grace of final perseverance to all who wear worthily her little habit.

“Those who wear the scapular,” said [Venerable] Pius XII, “profess to belong to Our Lady.” Because we belong to Mary she takes special care of our souls. One who belongs to her cannot be lost or be touched by eternal fire. Her powerful maternal intercession gives her the right to repeat, for her children, the words of Jesus: “Holy Father … those whom Thou gavest Me have I kept; and none of them is lost” (John 17:12).

COLLOQUY

“O Mary, flower of Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of heaven, who brought forth the Son of God yet remained a Virgin, sweet and Immaculate Mother, grant the favors your children implore, O Star of the sea” (St. Simon Stock).

“O most Blessed Virgin: has anyone ever invoked your aid without being helped? We, your little children, rejoice with you for all your virtues, but particularly for your mercy. We praise your virginity, we admire your humility; but for the needy, mercy has even a sweeter savor. We have a more tender love for mercy, we recall it more often, and we invoke it more frequently. Truly your mercy has obtained the redemption of the world; together with your prayers, it has secured the salvation of all mankind. Oh Mary, who can measure the length, breadth, height and depth of your mercy? Its length reaches to the end of time, to help all who call upon it; its breadth encompasses the whole world, for all the earth is full of your goodness! The height of your mercy has unlocked the gates of the heavenly city and has obtained the redemption of those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. By you, O Mary, the erring are brought back to the right road and heaven is filled. Thus your most powerful and merciful charity is poured over us like a compassionate and helpful love” (St. Bernard).

 

The Brown Scapular was given to St. Simon Stock, a Carmelite, in 1253.

HISTORY AND PROMISES: During the last Fatima apparition (October 13, 1917), the Blessed Mother held in her hand a Brown Scapular while she presented herself as Our Lady of Mount Carmel. When asked why Our Lady held it, Sr. Lucia answered… “because she wants everyone to wear the scapular… because it is our sign of consecration to her Immaculate Heart.”

The Brown Scapular worn by people today is a miniature form of the large scapular which is part of the Carmelite habit; a large Carmelite scapular was presented by Our Lady to St. Simon Stock, General of the Carmelite Order, about the year 1253. During this apparition, the Blessed Mother told him:

PROMISE: “This shall be to you and all Carmelites a privilege, that anyone who dies clothed in this shall not suffer eternal fire; and if wearing it they die, they shall be saved.”

THE SABBATINE PRIVILEGE: During another apparition, this one to Pope John XXII (1316-1334), the Blessed Mother generously granted what is known as the Sabbatine Privilege: that those who fulfill certain conditions will be freed from Purgatory on the first Saturday after death. This promise was also mentioned in a bull issued on March 3,1322, by Pope John XXII. It was Pope Paul V (1605-1621) who settled a controversy concerning the Privilege when he issued an official statement in which he gave priests permission to preach that the Blessed Virgin of Mt. Carmel
…will aid the souls of the Brothers and Sisters of the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel after their death by her continual intercession, by her suffrages and merits and by her special protection, especially on the day of Saturday which is the day especially dedicated by the Church to the same Blessed Virgin Mary…”

To receive the Scapular privileges one must be enrolled in the Brown Scapular. One should ask a priest to make this enrollment.

The conditions for obtaining the Sabbatine Privilege are:

  • Wear the Brown Scapular faithfully.
  • Observe chastity according to one’s state in life.
  • Recite the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin daily, or, with permission, substitute for this another pious work, e.g., the daily recitation of five decades of the Rosary.
    Any priest with faculties to hear confessions (this includes most priests) has the faculty to commute (change) this third requirement.

 

RESOURCES:

Traditional Catholic Calendars {FREE to under $20}

by Filed Under: Liturgical Calendar, Liturgucal Rhythm, Rule of Life 1 Comment

The traditional Catholic Liturgical Year is filled with great reverence, symbolism, and beauty just like the Latin Tridentine Mass.  Each month and each day of the week is named for a special devotion.  We can join in the richness of our Catholic faith by following the days, weeks, seasons and feastdays of the traditional calendar in a natural rhythm that brings us ever closer to God and our Holy Mother Church. 

This is a list of the resources that I have found to be the most helpful for us, a Traditional Catholic Family of 10 on a tight budget.  I hope you find some resources to help you along as you work on living the Liturgical Year within your home and observe your Rule of Life.  I’d love to hear what you are using or plan to use.  Leave a message in the comments.

 (Updated links 1.2024 – We follow the pre-1955 Liturgical Calendar but have opted to keep calendars listed here that we have used to various degrees over the years.  My inclusion of any group/publisher is not an endorsement of all their works or stances.)

  • Traditional Catholic Wall Liturgical Calendar to print at home was created using Saint Andrew Daily Missal published in 1945 and the Father Lasance missal published in 1945 with no revisions. The traditional holy week remains intact. Has color images of a saint or each month with a nice explanation.  FREE to view/print
  • This Traditional Catholic Wall Calendar follows the 1962 Temporal and Sanctoral cycles AND includes many elements from the pre-1955 liturgical calendar.  It has a wealth of info packed into it.  Fatima Center –  $12.99

  • Online Liturgical Calendar – The FSSP provides this simple listing for easy and quick reference of the 1962 LIturgical Calendar It is updated each year. (Currently, they only have Jan – Aug 2024 available) not for print
  • Digital Liturgical Calendar – Digital download, ready to be used in your Outlook, Google Calendar, Mac Calendar and more! This calendar contains all the same information as their standard 1962 calendar, but with the added benefit of a short explanation of that day’s feast or saint! Start your day at your desk – or on your phone – with the Church’s teaching. Angelus Press –  $4.99
  • Digital Liturgical Calendar 1962 — If you use Google Calendar, you can add the 1962 liturgical calendar by going to this link and clicking on the “+” sign in the bottom right corner (it will say “Add to Calendar” when you mouse over it). This will populate all of the 1962 feast days to your Google Calendar, which you can sync with your smartphone calendar. FREE
  • Online Ordo, Blessings, and Rites – This is a full 1962 liturgical calendar available for FREE. You can access this calendar on all devices: PCs, Macs, tablets, and phones. It includes all liturgical instructions for Mass and the Breviary. Built as a web app, the calendar is primarily built for handheld devices. The SSPX is proud to offer this as a service to the Church, for all, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. Angelus Press – FREE
  • Saints Calendar & 16 Month Daily Planner Spiral Bound – This is a favorite printable calendar/planner. I keep one at home for daily reference and my husband keeps one at work. TAN calendars contain special feasts and fascinating Catholic traditions. They are marked with days of Fasting, special Saints Days, and the Sundays of the Liturgical Year for both the Ordinary and Extraordinary Calendar. I generally don’t mix the calendars or recommend sources that combine them but this is good for reference and one of the most complete options that I have found.  $18.95

——

  • Catholic Home Wall Calendar* for use for home educating, family with children, or anyone desiring to leave the liturgical life in the home.  This Wall Calendar printable includes saints from the Traditional Calendar of the Latin Mass Liturgy with occasional Historical (H) feast days noted and has moveable pieces to follow the 1962 or pre-1955. – $15

*Sharing of these calendars/links is not an endorsement of all the sites, creators, or their contents offered.

The Most Precious Blood of Jesus

by Filed Under: 07 July Saints, Precious Blood of Jesus Leave a Comment

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, in satisfaction for my sins, in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church [especially for the soul of (Name)].

THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

The feast of the Most Precious Blood continues the mystery of redemption proper to Good Friday and to feasts such as the Holy Cross, Corpus Christi, and the Sacred Heart.

The observance was placed on the first Sunday in July by Pius IX in 1849, as the whole month is dedicated to the Precious Blood. The Breviary reform of St. Pius X assigned the feast to the present date of July 1.

The early Fathers say that the Church was born from the pierced side of Christ and that the Sacraments were brought forth through His Blood. The special beauty of this feast is its centering of our attention directly on the Blood of Christ, a shortcut to the heart of revelation. In these days we need to think of the Passion of Christ; we do not know how God is going to test us. Devotion to the Precious Blood is a fundamental, sane approach to God. It is hard and painful; it will help us to steel our own hearts against weakness.

 

 

Litany of the Most Precious Blood

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, 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.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God, save us.
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.
Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in the Agony, save us.
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, save us.
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.
Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.
Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.
Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.
Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.
Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.
Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.
Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord!
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

V. Thou hast redeemed us, O LORD, in Thy Blood.
R. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who didst appoint Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world, and hast willed to be appeased by His Blood; grant unto us, we beseech Thee, so to venerate (with solemn worship) the price of our redemption, and by its power be so defended against the evils of this life, that we may enjoy the fruit thereof forevermore in Heaven. Through the same Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

 

Sanguis Christi: O Most Precious Blood

A poem in honor of the redeeming Precious Blood shed by our Divine Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Son of man,
Who had no place
to lay His head,
on the eighth day,
His Blood He shed,
Word-Made-Flesh,
His Blood did give, Eternal Drink
that we would live.

O glorious, Precious Blood
that rained down
upon mankind―
as in the days of Noe,
the awful, dreadful Flood,
symbolic portent
of Thy Precious Blood―
poured forth
upon the earth,
sacramental birth,
to wash away
the stain of sin,
to make us
new-made wine.

Thy sacred Side,
the Door―
as in Noah’s Ark―
from which,
Thy Sacred Heart
did pour
Thy most Precious Blood;
sacramental wine,
glorious, mystic Sign;
Eucharistic drink―
The Blood Thou shed,
The Fountainhead,
The Rock,
which Moses struck.[1]

Life-Giving Water
atop Jacob’s well
imbibed Samaritan woman,
boldly she did tell;
The good wine at Cana,
which from water
Thou didst make,
foretaste of
Thy Precious Blood,
our souls’ thirst to slake.

The wine
tread at
the winepress,
the prophet did prophesy,[2]
the Blood
that drenched
Thy garments,
as Thou trod
to Calvary;
that mingled with
Thy sweat
in Gethsemani;
that poured from
Thy sinless Flesh,
the Scourging
ripped and torn,
flayed by sinister soldiers,
who did mock and scorn;
from Thy hallowed Head
pressed by
the Crown of Thorns;
from Thy Hands and Feet,
which nails did adorn;
from Thy sacred Side,
forsaken and forlorn,
fulfilling David’s prophecy:
His Lord’s bitter agony.[3]

As our Sorrowful Mother
mourned and agonized,
Immaculate heart pierced,
as Simeon prophesied
Virgin ewe
whose blood
was fed
to the Lamb
Whose Blood
was shed―
in the Circumcision;
at the Pillar;
by the Crown of Thorns;
the nails;
the soldier’s spear―
Precious Blood,
O so dear.

The Angelic Salutation,
proclaimed at the
Annunciation:
Ave Maria
gratia plena
Dominus tecum
Word-Made-Flesh
in Virgin Womb
flesh and blood
He did assume…
She His holy habitation,
Chalice of His sweet libation
Blood poured forth
for our salvation
O most Wondrous
Incarnation!

Take and drink ye all of this.
For this is
the Chalice of My Blood,
of the New and
Eternal Testament
—The Mystery of Faith—
Which Shall be Shed for You
and for Many
unto the Remission of Sins.

Footnotes
1 Cf. I Corinthians 10:2-4 and Numbers 20:11.
2 Isaias 63:1-3.
3 Psalm 21.

Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

(“Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD)

In today’s liturgy, the majestic figure of Jesus stands before us
as that of a king who presents himself to his people robed in his
royal mantle. The first antiphon of Vespers says: “Who is this that
cometh. With dyed garments? This beautiful one in his robe.”
But the mantle Jesus wears is not beautiful by reason of fine linen
or purple, but rather because it is sprinkled with His Blood, which
was shed for our sins. “He was clothed in a robe sprinkled with
blood, and His Name is called the Word of God.” That blood
which the Word, when He became incarnate, took from our human
nature, He gave back to us—every drop of it—as the price of our
redemption. And He gave it back, not as if constrained by anyone,
but freely, because He willed to, because He loved us. “Christ . . .
hath loved us,” says St. John, “and washed us from our sins in His
own Blood.” All the mysteries of our redemption are mysteries of
love; and, therefore, all urge us to love. But the one on which we
meditate today is especially moving since it makes us consider the
redemption from its most terrible aspect: the shedding of the
Blood of Jesus, which, from Calvary, flowed forth to crimson the
whole world, to sprinkle all souls. Christ has redeemed us,
“neither by the blood of goats or of calves, but by His own Blood,”
St. Paul exclaims in the Epistle. This is a great truth which, if
really understood, would more than suffice to make us genuine
saints. We must have a “sense” of Christ’s Blood, that Blood
which He shed to the last drop for us, and which, through the
Sacraments, especially Penance, continually flows over our souls
to cleanse them, purify them and enrich them with the infinite
merits of the Redeemer. “Bathe in His Blood, immerse yourself in
His blood, clothe yourself in the Blood of Christ, “Was St.
Catherine of Siena’s continual cry.

In the Office of the day, St. Paul earnestly invites us to
correspond with Christ’s gift. “Jesus . . . that He might sanctify
the people by His own Blood, suffered outside the gate. Let us go
forth therefore to Him. . . Bearing His reproach.” If we want the
Blood of Christ to bear all its fruit in us, we must unite our own
blood with it. His alone is most precious, so precious that a single
drop is sufficient to save the whole world; nevertheless, Jesus, as
always, wants us to add our little share, our contribution of
suffering and sacrifice, “bearing His reproach.” If we are sincere
we will have to admit that we do all in our power to escape
Christ’s shame and disgrace. A lack of consideration, a slight
offense, a cutting word, are all that it takes to arouse our passions.
How can we say that we know how to share in Christ’s
humiliations? Behold our divine Master treated like a malefactor,
dragged amidst the coarse insults of the soldiers outside the gate of
Jerusalem and there crucified between two thieves! And we?
What part do we take in His Passion? How do we share in His
reproach?

To redeem us, “Jesus … endured the Cross despising the
shame…: and “you,” St. Paul reproaches us, “have not yet resisted
unto blood, striving against sin.” Can we say that we know how to
struggle “unto blood” to overcome our faults, our pride, our self-love?
Oh! How weak and cowardly we are in the struggle, how
self-indulgent and full of pity for ourselves, especially for our
pride! Jesus, Innocence itself, expiated our sins even unto a
bloody, ignominious death! We, the guilty ones, far from atoning
for our faults unto blood, cannot even sacrifice our self-love. The
blood which flows from sincere, total renunciation of self, from
humble, generous acceptance of everything that mortifies, breaks,
and destroys our pride: this is the blood which Jesus asks us to
unite with His!

 

Resources:

Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

by Filed Under: 06 June, 06 June Saints, Sacred Heart of Jesus Leave a Comment

“I ask of you that the Friday after the Octave of Corpus Christi be set apart for a special Feast to honor My Heart.” ~Our Lord

 

FEAST OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS


DOUBLE, FIRST CLASS / WHITE
The heart stands for love. The human heart of Jesus stands both for His human love and for the infinite love of His divine Person. His love was not just a shimmering, dreamy softness; it was wisely strong and true to its eternal purposes. Despite the anguish of Gethsemane, His love yielded His human life to crucifixion. His love had all the majesty and fullness of God, a height and a depth that make paltry the wisdom of men. Every mystery of His life, every miracle, sermon, and kindness, was a new revelation of divine love that enlightens and warms mankind.

INTROIT  Ps. 32:11, 19 
The thoughts of His heart stand through all generations, to deliver their souls from death, and keep them alive in spite of famine. 
Ps. 32:1. Rejoice in the Lord, you just; praise befits the upright.
V. Glory be . . .
COLLECT
O God, through Your mercy we possess the treasures of Your love in the Sacred Heart of Your Son, the same Sacred Heart which we wounded by our sins. May our honor, devotion, and love make reparation to Him for our faults. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

EPISTLE Eph. 3:8-12, 14-19
Brethren: To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith–that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 

GRADUAL Ps. 24:8-9The Lord is kind and just, therefore He shows even the erring the way.
V. He guides the humble in justice, He teaches the meek His way.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Matt. 11:29
Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your souls. Alleluia!

GOSPEL John 19:31-37
At that time, the Jews, since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. He who saw it has borne witness–his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth–that you also may believe. For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Ps. 68:21
My heart dreaded reproach and misery, and I looked for someone to sympathize with Me, but there was none. I sought for someone to comfort Me, and I found none.

SECRET
O Lord, behold the love in the heart of Your beloved Son, which no tongue can describe. Because of that love, accept our gift as an offering in atonement for our sins. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 19:34
One of the soldiers opened His side with a lance, and immediately there came out blood and water.

POSTCOMMUNION
O Lord Jesus, let the Blessed Sacrament fire us with a holy fervor, that we may experience the sweetness of Your loving Heart and learn to prefer the things of Heaven to those of earth; who lives and reigns with God the Father . . .

 

The Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

This Litany was granted Papal approval by Leo the XIII on April 2, 1899. Each line or invocation has a scriptural connection. The Litany can be used during the praying of the Holy Hour of Reparation. It is recited after the First Friday Mass by those Priests who particularly celebrate this devotion. It is also prayed after the Mass of the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V/ Lord, have mercy on us.
R/ Lord, have mercy on us.

V/ Christ, have mercy on us.
R/ Christ, have mercy on us.

V/ Lord, have mercy on us.
R/ Lord, have mercy on us.

V/ Christ, hear us.
R/ Christ, graciously hear us.

God, the Father of Heaven,

R/ for ff: have mercy on us

God, the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father.
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of Infinite Majesty,
Heart of Jesus, Sacred Temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, Tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, House of God and Gate of Heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father was well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke Thee,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient to death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and resurrection,
Heart of Jesus, our peace and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who trust in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in Thee,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the Saints,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world.
R/ spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world,
R/ have mercy on us.

Jesus, meek and humble of heart.
R/ Make our hearts like unto Thine.

Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, consider the Heart of Thy well-beloved Son and the praises and satisfaction He offers Thee in the name of sinners; appeased by worthy homage, pardon those who implore Thy mercy in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever.

R/ Amen.

 

The Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pope Leo XXIII wrote an Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, which he urged the faithful to recite in order to dedicate themselves to the Heart of Our Lord and God. He asked that it be recited in conjunction with the Litany. Looking upon the dangers and evils of the modern world, the Holy Father composed this prayer as a petition or act of surrender on the behalf of the faithful to the Divine Heart.

 

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us, humbly prostrate before your altar. We are yours and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your most sacred heart. Many, indeed, have never known you, many too, despising your precepts, have rejected you. Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your sacred heart. Be you king, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their father’s house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger. Be you king of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd. Be you king also of all those who sit in the ancient superstition of the Gentiles, and refuse not you to deliver them out of darkness into the light and kingdom of God. Grant, O Lord, to your 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 honor forever. Amen.

 

 

 

~~~

MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE IN YOUR HOME WITH KIDS

Sacred Heart of Jesus Pinterest Board

More reflections for June & Holy Phone Wallpapers can be found on my Insta Stories.

Self Care for the Catholic Mom

by Filed Under: Motherhood, Wellness, Wellness Challenge 2 Comments

Mothers rule the world. They guide the destinies of homes; that is why God is relying on mothers to keep Christ in the world by keeping Him in their hearts and homes.

This month, I was blessed to share about the importance of self-care for mothers (in all seasons) and provide essential oil education to a group of women in a Confraternity of Christian Mothers.

Originated in various parts of France, especially in Lille, when mothers began to gather to pray with and for one another and for their children, to discuss their problems, and to advise one another regarding the Christian rearing of their children. The movement gradually solidified, and on May 1, 1850, the first conference of Christian Mothers was held in Lille, under the leadership of (one of the original members) Louise Josson de Bilhem.

I speak of the self-care, not as the world describes, but as Our Lord desires.  The care of self — full body, mind, and spirit so we can thrive to best serve in our vocations as He wills.  

I share as a fellow-mama in the trenches. A mentor.  By no means, have I arrived.  My words come from a place of Pain to Purpose.  I share in hopes to help others along in ways that I would have benefited at an earlier time and benefit now.  I share because I trust that my blessings (trials and all) are not for me alone, and it’s to give testimony to the goodness of Our Lord.  

It’s not a matter of perfection but faithfulness.  Faithfulness to show up every day to do the hard things well and working within our means to the fullest.  

We discussed warning signs of burnout and the importance of identifying them early vs. reacting to their major issues.

Here are some common signs that someone is under great stress:

  • Chronic fatigue — exhaustion, tiredness, a sense of being physically run down
  • Anger, Bitterness, Loneliness
  • Self-criticism –  decreased self-esteem
  • Feelings of being misunderstood
  • Cynicism, negativity, and irritability
  • Exploding easily at seemingly inconsequential things
  • Frequent headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances
  • Weight loss or gain
  • Sleeplessness and depression
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anxious
  • Feelings of helplessness
  • Difficult to build new relationships
  • Tough to enjoy new experiences

 

We reflected on the wisdom of the saints.  Motherhood is hard and a good mentor/friend, Titus 2 woman (an elder woman living a life of virtue), would be a great blessing for anyone of us but it isn’t always possible.  We must turn to God’s word and those that lived a life of heroic virtue on this earth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I introduced a Self-Care Challenge for Catholic Mothers, similar to my Love Envelope (for Date Nights).  The basis of the challenge is for you to select one task/challenge to be completed throughout the day or week.  It can be selected randomly or chosen with intent.  Either way, this practice is intended to help mothers avoid burnout and turn their hearts & minds towards the Heart of Christ so they can best serve in their vocations. 

 

CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PRINTABLES

You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!
  • Cover
  • Saint Quotes
  • Self Care Challenges

 

 

An additional tool to help a mom along the lines of self-care is a planner to encourage healthy goals.  I created at planner sheet at the start of the year to help mothers along with a RESET.  I share here because it is much more than just tool for a small 1x challenge.  My planner sheet can be incorporated into your current planner, printed and posted on the fridge, or printed and bounded for use on its own.  It provides space to:

  • record your goals
  • meal plan
  • track water
  • list a saintly quote for inspiration
  • note what you are grateful for each day
  • and more!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOU SELF CARE PLANNER PRINTABLE 

You may offer a donation or use the code motherlove to get your packet for FREE!

 

Lastly, we covered natural solutions for moms, our homes, and our families.  Living an essential oil lifestyle means turning to what God created, first. It allows our bodies to work at their optimum without synthetic, nasty toxins.  doTERRA is changing the way healthcare is delivered and Wellness Advocates like me are empowering people with these natural solutions.  We are not doctors (leave that up to the medical and scientific board at doTERRA HQ!) and we’re not prescribing, diagnosing, treating or claiming to cure anything. In essence, we are the doorway to natural and holistic practices that many otherwise might have been kept in the dark about.

Each mom went away with a personalized mini-roller to help with one of the following needs: 

  • Mood Management
  • Focus
  • Respiratory
  • Emotional Aromatherapy
    • Anxious, Fearful, Worried
    • Disinterested, Bored, Discontent
  • Rest & Sleep
  • Muscle & Joints

There was also a Make & Take option to create specialized roller blends for family needs:

  • Immunity
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Headache & head tension
  • Digestive issues

These small and potent compounds are empowering moms everywhere.  One cannot underestimate the goodness of God’s creation!

My husband and I chose to use essential oils from a company that we trusted and most closely shared our core values. We are 100% confident that what we purchase are free from adulterations, pesticides, and synthetics.
There is absolutely a difference in essential oils — your local organic store is NOT the best place to get your oils.  Simply stating 100% pure on a label is NOT a guarantee.
There are two major factors that play a role in the effectiveness and quality of essential oils: plant potency and oil purity.

If you’re interested in learning more about essential oils, natural health,  clean eating, or anything else shared here, you’re invited to contact me or visit me at JOYfilled Wellness.

 

 

 

 

May we (mothers) take care of our bodies as if we were going to live forever, and take care of our souls as if we were going to die tomorrow as St. Augustine prescribes.  

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