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The Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel

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We opted to decorate our school room for this glorious feast day, The Dedication of St. Michael the Archangel.

As I’ve shared before, most of our feastday celebrations no longer revolve around food/treats. Instead, my boys plan special outings fitting for the saint of the day.

Today, we’re off to the lake for physical activity — to prepare to be warriors just as St. Michael.

How are you celebrating today?

➕
Here is practical consideration from Fr. Francis Xavier Weninger, 1876.

Saint Michael remained true to God when thousands of other angels became faithless to Him. He followed not their example.

You also should not follow the bad example of others, but fulfill God’s commandments.

Remain faithful to the Lord though thousands of others leave Him.

Saint Michael was zealous in honoring God and opposed those who would not be obedient to the Creator. You can also do this.

When others speak against the true faith in your presence, against the ceremonies and commandments of the true Church, against purity, against the honor of your neighbor; when you see that they transgress the laws of God and of the Church, you should defend the honor of the Almighty and prevent all the evil you can. If you are so situated that you cannot say or do much, show, by your silence, by your seriousness, that you are displeased by such offences against the Majesty of the Most High.

Saint Michael fought valiantly against Lucifer and his adherents. Therefore God placed him above all the heavenly spirits.

Lucifer, with his adherents, endeavors to induce you to leave God, to become faithless to Him. Fight bravely against him and you, too, will be exalted.

Say to him: “Who is like God? Who is so kind, so mighty, so amiable as God?” And that you may fight vigorously, as well in life as in death, call often and fervently on Saint Michael: “Help us here to fight and to conquer the enemy, O Saint Michael!”

*Banner from @party_like_a_saint

Archbishop Viganò to Cancelled Priests

by Filed Under: Archbishop Vigano, Libertas, Uncategorized Leave a Comment

“As Catholics, we know and believe that the Holy Church is indefectible; that is, that it cannot be overwhelmed by the gates of Hell, through the promise of Our Lord (Mt 16: 18).

But what we see happening shows us the reality of a terrible situation, in which a corrupt part of the Hierarchy – which I call the deep church for the sake of brevity – has totally surrendered itself to the deep state. It is a betrayal that places the Shepherds and the highest levels of the Church before a very grave moral responsibility and necessitates courageous choices by priests and laity that at other times would be difficult to adopt and justify.

We are faced with a war, an epochal clash, in which our generals not only are not leading the army to face the enemy but are actually ordering it to lay down its weapons and surrender unconditionally, driving away the most courageous soldiers and punishing the most loyal officials.

The entire general staff of the Catholic Church has revealed itself to be allied with the enemy and is itself an enemy of those it instead ought to be defending: enemy of Christ and of those who glory in serving under His banner…

Let us take note of it: Our Lord Jesus Christ not only is no longer recognized as Sovereign of nations. He is now no longer even recognized as Sovereign of His Church, in which the goal of the glory of God and the salvation of souls has been replaced by the glory of man and the consequent damnation of souls.

What was a vice yesterday is today a virtue; what was a virtue yesterday is today a vice: all the present action of the modernist sect that infests the Vatican, the Dioceses, and the Religious Orders is characterized by the overturning of what has been taught and handed down to us.

In this context of rebellion and infidelity, those who remain faithful and strive to continue doing what they have always done are made the object of a true and proper persecution. It began with the ridicule of the traditionalists, designating them as Lefebvrian or preconciliar…

Then, according to the practice that we have seen used in totalitarian regimes, good Catholics have been defined as mad or sick…”


#archbishopvigano 9.23.21 Full Transcript

https://player.vimeo.com/video/612962908?h=647cbe43fe
Video source: https://www.canceledpriests.org/archbishop-vigano-addresses-the-aquinas-communications-sept-22-2021-fundraiser

Spiritual Duties

by Filed Under: Morning Offering, Rosary, Rule of Life, Spiritual Duties, St. Padre Pio 1 Comment

Holy shepherds, religious, traditional Catechisms, and the saints will all lead us to form a solid Rule of Life. This includes spiritual duties.

In a sermon on the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, I reheard the maxims of Padre Pio (from the article, Saint Padre Pio, by Rev. Father Jean, OFM., Cap.)

Here are five habits that Padre Pio believed all Catholics should practice, based on advice he gave to his spiritual children.

I. Weekly Confession
“Confession is the soul’s bath. You must go at least once a week. I do not want souls to stay away from confession more than a week. Even a clean and unoccupied room gathers dust; return after a week and you will see that it needs dusting again!”

II. Daily Communion
“It is quite true, we are not worthy of such a gift. However, to approach the Blessed Sacrament in a state of mortal sin is one thing, and to be unworthy is quite another. All of us are unworthy, but it is He who invites us. It is He who desires it. Let us humble ourselves and receive Him with a heart contrite and full of love.”

III. Examination of Conscience Every Evening
“Every experienced merchant in this world not only keeps track throughout the day of whether he has lost or gained on each sale. In the evening, he does the bookkeeping for the day to determine what he should do tomorrow. It follows that it is indispensable to make a rigorous examination of conscience, brief but lucid, every night.”

IV. Daily Spiritual Reading
“The harm that comes to souls from the lack of reading holy books makes me shudder…. What power spiritual reading has to lead to a change of course, and to make even worldly people enter into the way of perfection.”

V. Mental Prayer Twice Daily
“If you do not succeed in meditating well, do not give up doing your duty. If the distractions are numerous, do not be discouraged; do the meditation of patience, and you will still profit. Decide upon the length of your meditation, and do not leave your place before finishing, even if you have to be crucified. Why do you worry so much because you do not know how to meditate as you would like? Meditation is a means to attaining God, but it is not a goal in itself. Meditation aims at the love of God and neighbor. Love God with all your soul without reserve, and love your neighbor as yourself, and you will have accomplished half of your meditation.”

We print and hang in our children’s bedroom or school area.

We have always tended to our family prayers & devotions. The children also begin to take reign of their own spiritual lives from their earliest days.

We have seasons where we work to encourage this by helping them keep an “inventory” of their promises to God & spiritual duties. The start of a new school year is usually one of those seasons foe us.

At the request of many, I’m sharing our printable.

You are invited to download and use the Spiritual Duties printable. It can be adopted for all ages. I’ve also included a printable of some of the prayers that can help one get started with implementing spiritual duties with their children and family devotions.

Download the Spiritual Duties Printable

Files are not to be shared — only share the direct link to the original posting.

May we help our children’s spiritual growth by our personal example, including habits of daily prayer, Holy Mass attendance, rosary devotions, etc…

Oh my Jesus it is for the love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

Sts. Primus and Felicianus

by Filed Under: 06 June Saints, Pictorial Lives of the Saints, Pilgrimage, Pilgrimage to Our Lady of Bethlehem, The Church’s Year Leave a Comment

There’s so much that we’re unpacking from our recent pilgrimage and much more that we will quietly carry, waiting for the good Lord to reveal in His time.

One thing is certain, we desire to joyfully take up our cross, to be transformed, refined, and stripped as He wills for us.

11th Our Lady of Bethlehem Pilgrimage 2021 – two brothers walk together

We further meditate on the lives of today’s saints and the following reflection from the #pictoriallivesofthesaints.

“A soul which truly loves God regards all the things of this world as nothing. The loss of goods, the disgrace of the world, torments, sickness, and other afflictions are bitter to the senses, but appear light to him that loves. If we cannot bear our trials with patience and silence, it is because we love God only in words.

“One who is slothful and lukewarm complains of every thing, and calls the lightest precepts hard,” says Thomas a Kempis.”

Sts. Primus and Felicianus, orate pro nobis.

Pictorial Lives of the Saints – Saint Primus and Felicianus, Martyrs

These two martyrs were brothers, and lived in Rome, toward the latter part of the third century, for many years, mutually encouraging each other in the practice of all good works. They seemed to possess nothing but for the poor, and often spent both nights and days with the confessors in their dungeons, or at the places of their torments and execution. Some they encouraged to perseverance, others, who had fallen, they raised again, and they made themselves the servants of all in Christ, that all might attain to salvation through Him. Though their zeal was most remarkable, they had escaped the dangers of many bloody persecutions, and were grown old in the heroic exercises of virtue, when it pleased God to crown their labors with a glorious martyrdom. The pagans raised so great an outcry against them that they were both apprehended and put in chains. They were inhumanly scourged, and then sent to a town twelve miles from Rome, to be farther chastised, as avowed enemies to the gods. There they were cruelly tortured, first both together, afterward separately. But the grace of God strengthened them, and they were at length both beheaded on the 9th of June.

Reflection – A soul which truly loves God regards all the things of this world as nothing. The loss of goods, the disgrace of the world, torments, sickness, and other afflictions are bitter to the senses, but appear light to him that loves. If we cannot bear our trials with patience and silence, it is because we love God only in words. “One who is slothful and lukewarm complains of every thing, and calls the lightest precepts hard,” says Thomas a Kempis.

JUNE 9: STS. PRIMUS AND FELICIAN, MARTYRS

From Dom Guéranger’s The Liturgical Year.

ROSES and lilies are exquisitely alternated in the wreath woven by centuries for the bride of the Son of God. Though the world be heedless of the fact, it is none the less true that everything here below has but one object, namely to bedeck the Church with the attractive charms of heaven, to adjust her jewelled robes formed of the virtues of her saints, that she may be fitted to take her seat beside her divine Spouse, in the highest heavens, for all eternity.[1] The sacred cycle, in its yearly course, presents an image of those ceaseless labours whereby the Holy Ghost continues to form, up to the day of the eternal nuptials, that varied robe of holy Church, by diversifying the merits of God’s servants, her members here below. To-day we have two martyrs becrimsoned with their own blood, setting off the dazzling whiteness of Norbert’s works, or of William’s innocence; and to-morrow we may contemplate with delighted gaze the softer light beamed upon our earth by Margaret, Scotland’s pearl.

Primus and Felician, wealthy Romans, had already attained maturity of age, when our Lord made his voice heard inviting them to forsake their vain idols. Brothers according to the flesh, they now became more really such by fidelity to the same call of grace. Together they proved themselves intrepid helpers of the confessors of Christ amidst the atrocious persecution which raged against the Church during the latter half of the third century. In the same combat were they to fall side by side, exchanging this frail life here below for that into which, at one birth, they were to enter for ever in heaven. They furthermore were honoured by having their precious relics placed in the celebrated sanctuary consecrated to St Stephen, the Proto-Martyr, on Monte Cœlio; and they form its richest treasure.

The holy liturgy relates their triumph in these few lines:

Primus et Felicianus fratres, in persecutione Diocletiani et Maximiani accusati christianæ religionis, in vincula conjiciuntur: quibus soluti, inde eripiuntur ab angelo. Mox ad prætorem adducti, cum christianam fidem acerrime tuerentur, alter ab altero distracti sunt; ac primum varie tentata est constantia Feliciani. Sed cum suasores impietatis se posse quidquam verbis proficere despcrarent, affixis stipiti manibus ejus et pedibus, ipsum sine cibo et potu inde triduum pendentem reliquerunt. Postridie ejus diei prætor vocatum ad se Primum sic affatur: Vides quanto sit prudentior quam tu frater tuus, qui, obsecutus imperatoribus, apud ipsos est honoratus. Quem si tu quoque imitari volueris, particeps eris ejus honoris et gratiæ.

Cui Primus: Quid factum sit fratri meo cognovi ex angelo. Utinam quemadmodum sum cum eo voluntate conjunctissimus, sic ab eodem ne martyrio disjungar.

Quo dicto, excanduit prætor, et ad cæteros cruciatus quibus Primum affecit, præsente jam Feliciano, liquatum igne plumbum in os ejus jussit infundi. Mox utrumque perduci imperat in theatrum, in eosque immitti duos leones: qui prostrati ad eorum genua, capite et cauda ipsis blandiebantur. Ad id spectaculum cum amplius duodecim millia hominum convenissent, quingenti cum suis familiis christianam religionem susceperunt. Quibus rebus permotus prætor, eos securi percuti jussit.

Primus and Felician were brothers, and, being accused of professing the Christian religion during the persecution of Diocletian and Maximian, they were thrown into irons, which an angel broke, and they were delivered. But, being soon led again before the pr*tor, and as they most earnestly clung to the Christian faith, they were separated one from the other. The steadfastness of Felician was the first to be put to the test in divers ways. As they who strove to persuade him to impiety found it hopeless to gain aught from him by words, he was fastened hand and foot to a stake, and there left to hang three days without either food or drink. The day after that, the prætor having called Primus before him, thus addressed him: ‘Seest thou how much wiser is thy brother than thou art? He hath obeyed the emperors, and they have made him honourable. Thou hast only to follow his example to be made partaker of his honours and favours.’

Primus replied: ‘What hath befallen my brother I know, for an angel hath told me. Would to God, that seeing I have the same will that he hath, I were not divided from him in the same martyrdom.’

These words raised the wrath of the prætor, and in addition to the torments which he had already inflicted on Primus, he ordered boiling lead to be poured into his mouth, and this in presence of Felician. After that, he had them both dragged into the amphitheatre, and two lions let loose upon them, in presence of about twelve thousand people, who were gathered together to see the show. The lions only fawned upon the knees of the saints, making friends with them, caressingly moving their heads and tails. This spectacle converted five hundred persons of the assembled crowd, together with their households, to the Christian religion. The prætor, moved to anger by what had passed, caused Primus and Felician to be beheaded with an axe.

O ye brave veterans of the Lord’s battles, teach us what energy we must bring to the service of God, whatsoever be our age. Less favoured than we are, ye came late in life to the knowledge of the Gospel and of those inestimable treasures promised to the Christian. But in holy Baptism your youth was renewed as that of the eagle,[2] and for thirty years the Holy Ghost continued to produce rich fruits in you. When, in extreme old age, the hour of final victory at last sounded, your courage was equal to that of the most vigorous warriors. You were nerved up to such heroism and sustained therein, through prayer constantly kept alive within you by the words of the psalms, as your Acts attest. Revive then amongst us faith in the word of God; his promises will make us despise, as ye did, this present life. Lead our piety back to those true sources which strengthen the soul: the knowledge and daily use of those sacred formulas which bind our earth unfailingly to heaven, whence they were brought down to us.

Missal Cover Review

by Filed Under: Holy Mass, Missal Leave a Comment

St. Padre Pio recommends during the Mass to “keep your mind focused on the mystery that is unfolding before your eyes. In your mind’s eye transport yourself to Calvary and meditate on the Victim who offers Himself to Divine Justice, paying the price of your redemption.”

All of our missal covers (and mostly everything else we share) have been purchased from our parish bookstore.

You can also order from the SS Bookstore if you would like to directly support a FSSP Apostolate & Parish. They can help you find whatever you’re looking for and ship to your home.

I’ve also included other links to purchase. Please not that my sharing of these other links is not an endorsement of the company, religious order, or any other product offerings on their sites.

The canvas missal cover can be found here or here

The canvas cover (intended for a Bible) is my #1 choice for a missal cover. It is durable, protective, and the best fit for most missals. Our 1962 missals which have been in these covers for 4+ years look like-new (aside from ribbons). The price point is also a huge incentive given how much one can spend on an actual missal, especially for large families who have multiple missals to cover. The cover does not clean up ya easily as the vinyl or leather options. I’ve been told that the newly produced covers no longer fit the missals — they’re too small. $15-$20

The leather missal cover can be found here or here or here

The leather missal cover is actually intended for a breviary. It has a formed structure that helps it keep its shape nicely. The ribbons are able to hang from the small opening at the bottom of the zipper. It looks great and the option with a clear pocket on front (as pictured) allows it to be customized with a holy card of your choice. Given that it is not an exact fit for any of the missals, it shifts easily and can be cumbersome to hold. Often it requires adjusting of the missal cover in the pockets upon opening and adds to the wear and tear of the missal. $30-$42

The embroidered vinyl & fabric missal cover can be found here or here

The vinyl and fabric option with embroidery looks stunning and is cherished by my young children. The ribbons are able to hang from the small opening at the bottom of the zipper. However, I find that it does not provide the protection of the other two options shared. $35-$40

We encourage all to get a missal cover to protect the investment of a missal. It makes a huge difference in the lifespan of a missal — worth the added expense.

A Latin Mass Missal Review can be found here.

Sunday After The Ascension

by Filed Under: 05 May Saints, Ascension of Our Lord, Fr. Leonard Goffine, Pentecost, The Church’s Year, The Liturgical Year Leave a Comment

Send us, O Lord Jesus! the Paraclete, that He may console and strengthen us in all our afflictions. Enlighten us by Thy Holy Spirit that we may learn and live in accordance with the truths of faith. Amen.

We continue to await the Holy Ghost on this Sunday after the Ascension.

“O King of Glory, Lord of hosts, who has this day mounted in triumph above all the heavens, leave us not orphans; but send unto us the Promise of the Father, the Spirit of truth, alleluia” (Magnificat antiphon of the Ascension).

Dom Prosper Gueranger gives us the following instruction for this Sunday Within the Octave of the Ascension.

It can be read in full, here and one can subscribe to receive it daily in their email.

On this Thy coronation-day, receive our devoted homage, O Jesus, our King, our Lord, our Judge! By our sins, we were the cause of Thy humiliations and sufferings; so much the more fervently, then, do we nite with the acclamations made to Thee by the angels when the royal diadem was placed on Thy head by the eternal Father.

As yet, we but faintly see Thy grandeur; but the holy Spirit, whom Thou art about to send upon us, will teach us more and more of Thy sovereign power, for we are, and wish to be eternally, Thy humble and faithful subjects!

Picture of roses & sweet treats from recent First Holy Communion Celebration – May 8, 2021

In the middle-ages, the Sunday within the octave of the Ascension was called the Sunday of roses, because it was the custom to strew the pavement of the churches with roses, as a homage to Christ who ascended to heaven when earth was in the season of flowers.

How well the Christians of those times appreciated the harmony that God has set between the world of grace and that of nature!

The feast of the Ascension, when considered in its chief characteristic, is one of gladness and jubilation, and spring’s loveliest days are made for its celebration. Our forefathers had the spirit of the Church; they forgot, for a moment, the sadness of poor earth at losing her Emmanuel, and they remembered how He said to His apostles: ‘If ye loved Me, ye would be glad, because I go to the Father!’

Let us do in like manner; let us offer to Jesus the roses wherewith He has beautified our earth: their beauty and fragrance should make us think of Him who made them, of Him who calls Himself the flower of the field and the lily of the valleys. He loved to be called Jesus of Nazareth; for Nazareth meaus a flower; and the symbol would tell us what a charm and sweetness there is in Him whom we serve and love as our God.

Archbishop Lefebvre gives us the following instruction; “

“This Sunday is a preparation for Pentecost. Before ascending to heaven, our Lord had promised, at the Last Supper, that He would not leave us orphans, but would send us the Holy Ghost, the Paraclete (Gospel, Alleluia); that in all things we might glorify God, through Jesus Christ our Lord (Gospel – John XV. 26-27., to XVI. 1-4).

Therefore, like the Apostles assembled in the Cenacle, we must prepare by prayer and charity (Epistle – 1 Peter IV. 7-11.) for the holy day of Pentecost, when Christ, who is our Advocate with the Father, will obtain for us from Him the Holy Ghost.

On Pentecost, by tongues of flame descending, the Holy Ghost will give His testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Apostles will bear witness of what they have seen and heard, and seal their testimony with their blood. They will go forth to convert the nations, teaching them by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.”

Fr. Leonard Goffine offers us pertinent and concise instruction on how we ought to be preparing for Pentecost.

INSTRUCTION ON PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST

1). We should withdraw, after the example ef the Blessed Virgin and the apostles, to some solitary place, or at least avoid, intercourse with others, as much as possible; speak but little, and apply ourselves to earnest and persevering prayer; for in solitude God speaks to man.

2). We should purify our conscience by a contrite confession, become reconciled to our neighbor, it we have lived in enmity; for the Holy Ghost, as a spirit of peace and purity, lives only in pure and peaceful souls. (Ps. IXXV. 3.) 3). We should give alms according to our means, for it is said in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts X.) of the Gentile centurion Cornelius, that by prayer and alms-deeds he made himself worthy of the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

4). We should fervently desire to receive the Holy Ghost, and should give expression to this longing by frequent aspirations to God, making use of the prayer: “Come, O Holy Ghost, etc.”

Novena to the Holy Ghost

by Filed Under: Novena, Pentecost Leave a Comment

We ought to pray and invoke the Holy Spirit, for each of us greatly needs His protection and His help. The more a man is deficient in wisdom, weak in strength, borne down with trouble, prone to sin, so ought he the more fly to Him Who is the never ceasing Fount of Light, Strength, Consolation and Holiness.” – Pope Leo XIII

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. To encourage devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has enriched this novena with the following indulgences:

The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy Ghost immediately preceding the feast of Pentecost may gain:

1. An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the novena

2. A Plenary indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the exercises; and moreover go to confession, and receive Holy Communion and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.

Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Ghost, either before Pentecost or at any other time in the year may gain:

1. An indulgence of 7 years on any day of this novena

2. A Plenary indulgence under the usual conditions; but if a public novena is held, this indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully hindered from being part in the same.

The above indulgences were granted prior to the 1968 Enchiridion of Indulgences

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.

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

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 rribulation. “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

Below are a few additional novena options.

Pentecost Novena

One can simply offer the  Veni Sancte Spiritus or Veni Creator Spiritus before your family rosary.

Modesty Matters

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There is much talk resurfacing about modesty.  I’ve chimed in over the years to various degrees, sharing instructions of holy shepherds as well as my own convictions and experiences as a women who once only wore workout clothes and mama of 8 — 3 girls (26-15). 

Holy Mother Church does not set an official teaching on modesty so we must properly discern with our formed conscience what is most pleasing to God and is consistent with the Faith.  

Recently I had a brief exchange with another Catholic mom who felt that certain “modest” attire was “too extreme.”  I truly get it! I was once there myself just 15 years ago.  

I encourage all women to check their dress.  Do it without attachments.  Wear modest skirts exclusively (for all things) for a set period of time. Cover it all in prayer & fasting.  Take an honest assessment and move forward as God is prompting you.  

Below is instruction from a Fr. Franz Schmidberger regarding clothing.  

“Clothes have three separate functions: they provide exterior protection for the body, especially against the cold, and, secondly, they are a mark of modesty, for they cover the flesh and they veil the contours. 

In this context I would like to cite yet another booklet written by Fr. Jean-Dominique, entitled Christian Motherhood:

“Clothing shall neither emphasise the material body, nor shall it attract attention in such a way as to draw gazes upon a woman. 

On the contrary, it should signal to everyone that woman is a spiritual creature with a very special mission, that God has given her very special privileges. 

It would take too long to expound the way in which the design of a garment, its length, its cut, its folds, can be employed to express a woman’s soul and her spiritual relationship with God. 

Suffice to say that it is one of modesty and peaceful trust. A simple appeal to personal experience will do to remind us all that a long garment expresses a certain degree of nobility, commanding respect and propriety. 

Conversely, a manner of dress that underscores the contours will neglect the soul and accentuate the carnal side, even if the flesh is concealed. Wherever there is mention in the Bible of women’s attire, it is always in respect to their attitude, the state of their souls and their personal dignity.”

Thirdly, clothing is an expression of one’s personality by means of which inner values are projected outwards. 

People who dress shabbily evidently do not value themselves, whereas persons that are neatly clothed signal to the outside world that their souls must likewise be in order. 

Pope Pius XII tells us that clothing has to be aesthetic, for it should mirror the spiritual nobility of man. It must not be soiled or slatternly, nor must it be too luxurious. 

Let us remember the maxim that truth, goodness, and beauty are inseparable from one another. Truth is always good and beautiful; goodness is always true and beautiful, and beauty is always good and true.”

Catholic Action {Marching Orders}

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There is much talk about our role as Christians in the current times. Whatever one wants to call it, one thing is certain — a defense of the Faith is absolutely necessary AT ALL TIMES!

We must pray for fortitude and a courageous spirit to carry out this defense.  The following comes from the 1890 Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII, Sapientiae Christianae (CHRISTIANS AS CITIZENS):

“St. Thomas maintains: “Each one is under obligation to show forth his faith, either to instruct and encourage others of the faithful, or to repel the attacks of unbelievers.”

To recoil before an enemy, or to keep silence when from all sides such clamors are raised against truth, is the part of a man either devoid of character or who entertains doubt as to the truth of what he professes to believe. 

In both cases such mode of behaving is base and is insulting to God, and both are incompatible with the salvation of mankind. 

This kind of conduct is profitable only to the enemies of the faith, for nothing emboldens the wicked so greatly as the lack of courage on the part of the good. Moreover, want of vigor on the part of Christians is so much the more blameworthy, as not seldom little would be needed on their part to bring to naught false charges and refute erroneous opinions, and by always exerting themselves more strenuously they might reckon upon being successful. After all, no one can be prevented from putting forth that strength of soul which is the characteristic of true Christians, and very frequently by such display of courage our enemies lose heart and their designs are thwarted. 

Christians are, moreover, born for combat, whereof the greater the vehemence, the more assured, God aiding, the triumph: “Have confidence; I have overcome the world.”John 16:33)”

Are you ready for combat? I’d love to hear how you’re preparing for this call or have answered it thus far.

Let us pray for one another & let us work to RESTORE ALL THINGS IN CHRIST!

CHISTUS VINCIT!
CHRISTUS REGNAT!
CHRISTUS IMPERAT!

Easter Hymn

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We’ve been meditating on the Victimae Paschali Laudes — an ancient chant that tells the story of death and life locked in a struggle, wherein Christ, the Paschal victim, victorious over death, reconciles us to the Father. It tells the story of Mary Magdalene, who upon finding the empty tomb of the risen Christ and of finding the clothes which once covered his head and limbs, proclaims “Christ my hope has arisen.”

Victimae Paschali Laudes is one of the medieval sequences that were preserved in the Missale Romanum published in 1570 after the Council of Trent (1545-1563), this poetic liturgical hymn continues to be sung at the Tridentine Mass on Easter Sunday and through its Octave. The Easter sequence, attributed to Wipo of Burgundy (✞ 1048).

Victimae Paschali Laudes

Latin & English (literal)

Victimae paschali laudes

immolent Christiani.   

-Let Christians offer sacrificial

praises to the Passover victim.

Agnus redemit oves:

Christus innocens Patri

reconciliavit peccatores.   

-The lamb has redeemed the sheep:

The Innocent Christ has reconciled

the sinners to the Father.

Mors et vita duello

conflixere mirando:

dux vitae mortuus,

regnat vivus.   

-Death and life contended

in a spectacular battle:

the Prince of life, who died,

reigns alive.

Dic nobis Maria,

quid vidisti in via?   

-Tell us, Mary, what did

you see on the road?

Sepulcrum Christi viventis,

et gloriam vidi resurgentis   

-“I saw the tomb of the living Christ

and the glory of his rising,

Angelicos testes,

sudarium, et vestes.   

-The angelic witnesses, the

clothes and the shroud.”

Surrexit Christus spes mea:

praecedet suos [vos] in Galilaeam.   

-“Christ my hope is arisen;

into Galilee, he will go before his own.”

[Credendum est magis soli

Mariae veraci

Quam Judaeorum Turbae fallaci.] *   

-[Happy they who bear the witness

Mary’s word believing

above the tales of Jewry deceiving.] *

Scimus Christum surrexisse

a mortuis vere:

tu nobis, victor Rex, miserere.

-We know Christ is truly risen from the dead!

To us, victorious King, have mercy!

[Amen.] [Alleluia.]   

-Amen. [Alleluia.]

* The section beginning “Credendum est,” with its pejorative reference to the Jews, was deleted in the 1570 missal, which also replaced “praecedet suos (his own)” with “praecedet vos (you)”, and added “Amen” and “Alleluia” to the end.

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