Prayers & Devotions
PRAYER FOR NIGERIA IN DISTRESS
PRAYER FOR NIGERIA IN DISTRESS
All powerful and merciful Father
You are a God of justice love and peace,
You rule over all the nations of the earth,
Power and might are in your hands and no one can withstand you,
We present our country Nigeria before you,
We praise and thank you for you are the source of all we have and are,
We are sorry for all the sins we have committed and for the good deeds we have failed to do.
In your loving forgiveness keep us safe from the punishment we deserve.
Lord we are weighed down not only by uncertainties but also by moral, economic and political problems.
Listen to the cries of Your people who confidently turn to You.
God of infinite goodness, our strength in adversity, our health in weakness, our comfort in sorrow
Be merciful to us your people; spare this nation Nigeria from chaos, anarchy and doom.
Bless us with your kingdom of justice, love and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
Michael the Archangel, defend us in
battle, be our protection 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, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The Angelus
The Angelus
V. The Angel of the Lord declared to Mary:
R. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
V. Behold the handmaid of of the Lord
R. Be it done unto me according to Thy word.
Hail Mary . . .
V. And the Word was made flesh
R. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary . . .
V. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
R. that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts; that we, to whom the incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of His Resurrection, through the same Christ Our
The Regina Caeli
The Regina Caeli
(It is said during Easter Season in place of the Angelus)
V. Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
R. For He whom you did merit to bear, alleluia.
V. Has risen, as he said, alleluia.
R. Pray for us to God, alleluia.
V. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.
R. For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.
Let us pray:
O God, who gave joy to the world through the resurrection of Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, grant we beseech Thee, that through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His Mother, we may obtain the joys of everlasting life. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Memorare
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
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.
Serenity Prayer
Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the SERENITY to accept the things I cannot change,
the COURAGE to change the things I can,
and the WISDOM to know the difference.
A Traditional Chaldean Morning Prayer
A Traditional Chaldean Morning Prayer
As morning dawns, we praise you, Lord, for you have saved your whole creation. In mercy, grant a day of peace; bestow forgiveness for our sins.
May you not ever cut off hope, nor shut the door before our face. Do not withhold your care from us, for you alone know our weakness.
Sow love, peace, and harmony; uphold our priests and calm our kings; heal all our sick and guard the strong; forgive the sins of all mankind. Amen.
Prayer for Vocations
Prayer for Vocations
Lord Jesus, Shepherd of souls, who called the Apostles to be fishers of men, raise up new Apostles in your Church. Teach them that to serve you is to reign: to possess you is to possess all things. Kindle in the young hearts of our sons and daughters the fire of zeal for souls. Make them eager to spread your kingdom on earth. Grant them courage to follow you, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life; You who live and reign for ever and ever. Amen
Prayer before a Crucifix
Prayer before a Crucifix
Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Your face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech You to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins, and a firm purpose of amendment.
While I contemplate, with great love and tender pity, Your five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me and calling to mind the words which David, Your prophet, said to You, my Jesus: “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen.
Prayer for Detachment From Earthly Goods
Prayer for Detachment From Earthly Goods
O Jesus, Who chose a life of poverty and obscurity, grant me the grace to keep my heart detached from the transitory things of this world. Let it be that henceforth, You are my only treasure, for You are infinitely more precious than all others possessions. My heart is too solicitous for the vain and fleeting things of earth. Make me always mindful of Your warning words: “What does it profit a man if he gain the whole world, but suffer the loss of his own soul? “Grant me the grace to keep Your holy example always before my eyes, that I may despise the nothingness of this world and make You the object of all my desires and affections. Amen.
Prayer to Overcome Bad Habits
Prayer to Overcome Bad Habits
Behold me, O my God, at thy feet! I do not deserve mercy, but O, my Redeemer, the blood which Thou hast shed for me encourages me and obliges me to hope for it. How often have I offended Thee, repented, and yet have I again fallen into the same sin.
O my God, I wish to amend, and in order to be faithful to Thee, I will place all my confidence in Thee. I will, whenever I am tempted, instantly have recourse to Thee. Hitherto, I have trusted in my own promises and resolutions and have neglected to recommend myself to Thee in my temptations. This has been the cause of my repeated failures. From this day forward, be Thou, O Lord, my strength, and thus shall I be able to do all things, for “I can do all things to Him who strengthens me.” Amen.
A Prayer for Grace
A Prayer for Grace
O my God and my all, in Thy goodness and mercy, grant that before I die I may regain all the graces which I have lost through my carelessness and folly. Permit me to attain the degree of merit and perfection to which Thou didst desire to lead me, and which I failed by my unfaithfulness to reach. Mercifully grant also that others regain the graces which they have lost through my fault. This I humbly beg through the merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Virgin Mary. Amen.
A Short Protection Prayer (Against Poisoning of the Body and Soul)
A Short Protection Prayer (Against Poisoning of the Body and Soul)
Admirable Saint and Doctor of Humility, you practiced what you taught, assiduously praying for God’s glory and lovingly fulfilling all work for God and the benefit of all human beings. You know the many physical dangers that surround us today often caused or occasioned by human inventions. Guard us against poisoning of the body as well as of mind and soul, and thus be truly a “Blessed” one for us. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY
PRAYERS FOR THE HOLY SOULS IN PURGATORY
Heroic Act of Charity
O my God, for Thy greater glory, and to imitate as closely as possible the generous Heart of Jesus, my Redeemer, and also to testify to my devotion to the Blessed Virgin, my Mother, who is also the Mother of the Souls in Purgatory, I place in her hands all of my satisfactory works, as well as the fruit of all those which may be offered for my intention after my death, that she may apply them to the Souls in Purgatory according to her wisdom and good pleasure. Amen.
Eternal Rest
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
THE HOLY ROSARY
THE HOLY ROSARY
Startby making the sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Then recite the Creed
Then say 1 “Our Father”, 3 “Hail Mary’s” for the virtues of
Faith, Hope and Charity; and then 1 “Glory Be”:
The Rosary is divided into Four (4) parts, each having five mysteries. While
meditating on the Mysteries, recite for each Mystery:
One (1) “Our Father”
Ten (10) “Hail Mary’s” and
One (1) “Glory Be”
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Joyful Mystery of the Rosary
(Monday & Saturday)
1. The Annunciation of the Lord to Mary
Mary is chosen to be the mother of Jesus.
2. The Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth
Elizabeth recognizes Mary as the mother of our Lord.
3. The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus is born and laid in a manger.
4. The Presentation of our Lord
Jesus is presented in the Temple of Jerusalem.
5. Finding Jesus in the Temple at age 12
Jesus is found discussing God’s laws in the temple.
Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary
(Tuesday & Friday)
1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden
Jesus prays when confronted with the sins of the world.
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
Jesus is whipped before His execution.
3. Jesus is Crowned with Thorns
Jesus is mocked with a painful crown of thorns.
Jesus carries the weight of our sins to His crucifixion.
5. The Crucifixion of our Lord
Jesus Christ dies to save all mankind
Glorious Mystery of the Rosary
(Wednesday & Sunday)
1. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Jesus rises triumphant over death.
2. The Ascension of Jesus to Heaven
As Jesus ascends, He gives us a special task.
3. The Descent of the Holy Ghost
At Pentecost the Church is born.
4. The Assumption of Mary into Heaven
The Virgin Mary is gloriously assumed into heaven.
5. Mary is Crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth
Maryis honored above all creatures.
Luminous Mystery of the Rosary
(Thursday)
God proclaims Jesus is His Son.
Jesus performs a surprising miracle at a wedding.
3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom
Jesus calls us to do something important.
Jesus is gloriously transformed.
5. The Institution of theEucharist
Jesus shares His Body and Blood for our salvation.
After each Mystery the “Fatima Prayer” is said.
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fire of hell, lead all
souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of Thy mercy.
All together this makes up one decade.
After the completion of the five mysteries (five
decades), the “Hail Holy Queen” is said:
Hail Holy Queen
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this exile show unto us the blessed
fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us Pray:
O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal salvation. Grant, we beseech Thee, that while meditating on these mysteries of the most holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that we may both imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus… Have mercy on us.
Immaculate Heart of Mary… Pray for us.
RITE OF EUCHARISTIC EXPOSITION AND BENEDICTION
RITE OF EUCHARISTIC EXPOSITION AND BENEDICTION
Kneel: When the celebrant (priest
or deacon) goes to the tabernacle and when he opens it all kneel.
Once the celebrant has
reached the front of the altar and kneels, O Saving Victim is sung by the
congregation.
O Salutaris Hostia
O saving Victim, open wide
The gate of heaven to us below.
Our foes press on from every side;
Your aid supply, your strength bestow.
To your great name be endless praise,
Immortal Godhead, One in Three;
O grant us endless length of days
In our true native landwith thee.
O Salutaris Hostia
Quae caeli pandis ostium;
Bella premunt hostilia,
Da robur, fer auxillium.
Uni trinoque Domino
Sit sempiterna gloria,
Qui vitam sine termino
Nobis donet in patria.
Amen.
ADORATION
During this period there may be appropriate prayers, songs, readings from scripture, and a brief homily to help the congregation focus its attention to the worship of the Lord. It is important to remember that the Eucharist is the “Real Presence” of Jesus Christ. You may kneel or be seated for your private portion of adoration/devotion.
BENEDICTION
After a period of meditation and reflection the celebrant goes to the altar, genuflects, and kneels. All kneel and join in singing the Tantum Ergo.
Tantum Ergo.
Tantum ergo Sacramentum
Veneremur cernui,
Et antiquum documentum
Novo cedat ritui;
Praestet fides supplementum
Sensuum defectfui.
Genitori Gentioque
Laus et jubilatio,
Salus, honor, virtus quoque
Sit et benedictio;
Procedenti ab utroque
Compar sit laudatio.
Amen.
Down in adoration falling,
This great Sacrament we hail;
Over ancient forms of worship
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith will tell us Christ is present,
When our human senses fail.
To the everlasting Father,
And the Son who made us free,
And the Spirit, God proceeding
From them Each eternally,
Be salvation, honor, blessing,
Might and endless majesty.
Amen.
All remain kneeling when
the celebrant stands and says
Priest/Deacon: You have given them Bread from heaven
ALL: Having all sweetness within it
Priest/Deacon: Panem de caelo praestitisti eis.
ALL: Omne delectamentum in se habentem.
Let us Pray
O God, who in thiswonderful Sacrament have left us a memorial of your Passion, grant us, we pray, so to revere the sacred mysteries of your Body and Blood that we may always experience in ourselves the fruits of your redemption. Who live and reign with God the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen
Oremus
Deus qui nobis sub Sacramento mirabili. passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti; tribue, quaesumus, ita mos Corporis
et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria venerari, ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis iugiter sentiamus. Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. Amen
The Blessing
After this prayer the priest puts on the humeral veil. Then he genuflects and makes the sign of the cross over the people with the monstrance.
The Divine Praises
Blessed be God!
Blessed be His Holy Name!
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man!
Blessed be the Name of Jesus!
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart!
Blessed be his Most Precious Blood!
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar!
Blessed be Jesus, the Divine Mercy!
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete!
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most Holy!
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception!
Blessed be her glorious Assumption!
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother!
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse!
Blessed be God in His angels and in His saints!
Adoremus in Aeternum
Adoremus in aeternum
Sanctissimum Sacramentum.
Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes,
Laudate Eum, omnes populi.
Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus,
Et veritas Domini manet in aeternum.
Gloria Patri, Gloria Filio,
Gloria Spiritui Sancto,
Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, et in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Adoremus in aeternum
Sanctissimum Sacramentum.
(In English)
We will adore for eternity the most holy
Sacrament.
Praise the Lord, all ye nations:
Praise Him all ye peoples.
Because his mercy is confirmed upon us:
and the truth of the Lord remains forever.
Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost:
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be, worldwithout end. Amen.
We will adore for eternity the most Holy
Sacrament
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
DIVINE MERCY PRAYER
Make the sign of the cross: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Opening Prayer
You died, O Jesus, but the source of life gushed forth for souls, and the ocean of mercy opened up for the whole
world. Oh fount of love, unfathomable Divine Mercy, envelope the whole world and empty yourself out upon us.
(Pray in silence) and then say:
O Blood and Water which gushed forth from the heart of Jesus as a fountain of Mercy for us, I trust in You (3
times)
CHAPLET OF DIVINE MERCY
One Our Father… One Hail Mary… I Believe (Creed)
(Prayingthe five (5) decades, each decade begins with):
On the large bead of your rosary, pray:
Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus
Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of those of the whole world.
On the small ten beads of your rosary, pray:
For the sake of His sorrowful passion; have mercy on us and on the whole world.
At the conclusion of the five decades, pray:
Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (3 times)
SILENT PRAYER AND
PETITIONS
St. Maria Faustina, pray for us.
LITANY OF DIVINE MERCY
Lord have mercy
Christ have mercy
Lord have mercy
Christ hear us
God the Father of heaven
God the Son, Redeemer of the world
God the Holy Spirit
Holy Trinity, one God
Divine Mercy gushing forth from the bosom of the Father… I Trust in You
Divine Mercy, greatest attribute of God,
Divine Mercy, incomprehensible mystery,
Divine Mercy, fount gushing forth from the mystery of the Blessed Trinity
Divine Mercy, unfathomed by any intellect, Human or angelic,
Divine Mercy, from which wells forth all life and happiness,
Divine Mercy, better than the heavens
Divine Mercy, source of miracles and wonders
Divine Mercy, encompassing the whole universe
Divine Mercy, descending to earth in the person of the Incarnate Word
Divine Mercy, which flowed out from the open wound of the heart of Jesus,
Divine Mercy, enclosed in the heart of Jesus for us, and especially for sinners,
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in the institution of the Sacred Host,
Divine Mercy, in the founding of the Holy Church
Divine Mercy, in the sacrament of Holy Baptism
Divine Mercy, in our justification through Jesus Christ
Divine Mercy, accompanying us through our whole life
Divine Mercy, embracing us, especially at the hour of death,
Divine Mercy, endowing us with immortal life,
Divine Mercy, accompanying us every moment of our life,
Divine Mercy, shielding us from the fire of hell,
Divine Mercy, in the conversion of hardened sinners,
Divine Mercy, astonishment for Angels, incomprehensible to Saints,
Divine Mercy, unfathomed in all the mysteries of God
Divine Mercy, lifting us out of every misery,
Divine Mercy, source of our happiness and joy
Divine Mercy, in calling us forth from nothingness to existence,
Divine Mercy, embracing all the works of his hands,
Divine Mercy, sweet relieve for anguished hearts,
Divine Mercy, only hope for despairing souls,
Divine Mercy, repose of hearts, peace amidst fear,
Divine Mercy, delight and ecstasy of holy souls,
Divine Mercy, inspiring hope against all hope,
Let us pray
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible. Look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we may not become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself.
A PRAYER OF DIVINE MERCY
O greatly merciful God, infinite goodness, today all mankind calls out from its abyss of misery to Your great compassion, O God, and it is with this mighty voice of misery that it cries out. Gracious God, do not reject the prayer of this earth’s exiles! O God, goodness beyond our understanding, who are acquainted with our misery through and through, and know that by our own power we cannot ascend to You. We implore you: anticipate us with your grace and keep on increasing Your mercy in us, that we may faithfully carry out Your holy will all through our lives and at the death’s hour. Let the omnipotence of Your mercy shield us from the darts of our salvation’s enemies, that we may with confidence, as Your children await Your final coming that day known to you alone. And we expect to obtain everything promised us by Jesus in spite of all our wretchedness for Jesus is our hope, through His merciful heart as through an open gate we pass through to heaven. Amen.
DIVINE MERCY STATIONS OF THE CROSS
DIVINE MERCY STATIONS OF THE CROSS
STATION I
JESUS IS CONDEMNED TO DEATH
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus in order to put him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. (Matthew 26:59-60)
Jesus: Do not be surprised that you are sometimes unjustly accused. I myself first drank this cup of undeserved suffering for the love of you (Diary 289). When I was before Herod, I obtained a grace for you: namely, that you would be able to rise above human scorn and follow faithfully in My footsteps (1164).
St. Faustina: We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it is God’s will that we should speak. A silent soul is strong: no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God (477).
Hymn: At the cross her station keeping, stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last.
STATION II
JESUS TAKES UP HIS CROSS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
Then Pilate took Jesus and had him scourged. And the soldiers wove a crown out of thorns and placed it on his head, and clothed him in a purple cloak, and they came to him and said, ‘Hail King of the Jews! Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple cloak. And he [Pilate] said to them, behold, the man! When the chief priests and the guards saw him they cried out, crucify him, crucify him! (John 19:1-6).
Jesus: Do not be afraid of sufferings: I am with you (151). The more you will come to love suffering, the purer your love for Me will be (279).
St. Faustina: Jesus, I thank you for the little daily crosses, for opposition to my endeavors, for the hardships of life, for the misinterpretation of my intentions, for humiliations at the hands of others, for the harsh way in which we are treated, for false suspicions, for poor health and loss of strength, for self-denial, for dying to myself, for lack of recognition in everything, for the upsetting of all my plans (343).
Hymn: Through her heart, His sorrow sharing. All His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword had passed.
STATION III
JESUS FALLS THE FIRST TIME
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
We had all gone astray like sheep, each following his own way; but the Lord laid upon him the guilt of us all… And he shall take away the sins of many, and win pardon for their offenses. (Isaiah 53:6, 12)
Jesus: My daughter, write that involuntary offenses of souls do not hinder My love for them or prevent Me from uniting Myself with them. But voluntary offenses, even the smallest, obstruct My graces, and I cannot lavish My gifts on such souls (1641).
St. Faustina: O my Jesus, how prone I am to evil, and this forces me to be constantly vigilant. But I do not lose heart. I trust God’s grace, which abounds in the worst misery (606).
Hymn: Oh, how sad and sore distressed, was that Mother highly blessed, of the sole-begotten One!
STATION IV
JESUS MEETS HIS MOTHER
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted, and you yourself a sword will pierce. (Luke. 2:34-35)
Jesus: Listen, although all the works that come into being by My will are exposed to great sufferings, consider whether any of them has been subject to greater difficulties than that work which is directly Mine-the work of Redemption. You should not worry too much about adversities (1643).
St. Faustina: I saw the Blessed Virgin, unspeakably beautiful, she held me close to herself and said to me: Be courageous. Do not fear apparent obstacles, but fix your gaze upon the Passion of My Son, and in this way, you will be victorious (449).
Hymn: Christ above in torment hangs, she beneath beholds the pangs of her dying, glorious Son.
STATION V
SIMON OF CYRENE HELPS JESUS CARRY HIS CROSS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
As they led him away they took hold of a certain Simon, a Cyrenian who was coming in from the country; and after laying the cross on him, they made him carry it behind Jesus. (Luke 23-26)
Jesus: I permit adversities in order to increase merit. I do not reward for good results but for the patience and hardship undergone for My sake (86).
St. Faustina: O my Jesus, You do not give a reward for the successful performance of a work, but for the good will and labor undertaken. Therefore. I am completely at peace, even if all my undertakings and efforts should be thwarted or should come to naught. If I do all that is in my power, the rest is not my business (952).
Hymn: Is there one who would not weep, whelmed in miseries so deep, Christ’s dear Mother to behold?
STATION VI
VERONICA WIPES THE FACE OF JESUS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
There was in him no stately bearing to make us look at him, nor appearance that would attract us to him. He was spurned and avoided by men, a man of suffering, accustomed to infirmity, one of those from whom men hide their faces, spurned, and we held him in no esteem. (Isaiah 53.2-3)
Jesus: Know that whatever good you do to any soul, I accept it as if you had done it to Me (1768).
St. Faustina: I am learning how to be good from Jesus, from Him who is goodness itself, so that I may be called a daughter of the heavenly Father (699). Great love can change small things into great ones, and it is only love which lends value to our actions (303).
Hymn: Can the human heart refrain, from partaking in her pain. In that Mother’s pain untold?
STATION VII
JESUS FALLS A SECOND TIME
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
Yes it was our infirmities that he bore, our sufferings that he endured, while we thought of him as stricken, as one smitten by God and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4)
Jesus: The cause of your falls is that you rely too much upon yourself and too little on Me (1488). Without special help from Me, you are not even capable of accepting My graces (738)
St. Faustina: Jesus, do not leave me alone… You know, Lord, how weak I am. I am an abyss of wretchedness, I am nothingness itself, so what will be so strange if You leave me alone and I fall? (1489) So You, Jesus, must stand by me constantly like a mother by a helpless child- and even more so (264).
Hymn: Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled, She beheld her tender Child, all with bloody scourges rent.
STATION VIII
JESUS CONSOLES THE WOMEN OF JERUSALEM
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
A large crowd of people followed Jesus, including many women who mourned and lamented him. Jesus turned to them and said, ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep instead for yourselves. (Luke 23:27-28)
Jesus: O how pleasing to Me is living faith! (1420) I desire that you would all have more faith at the present time (352).
St. Faustina: I fervently beg the Lord to strengthen my faith, so that in my drab, everyday life I will not be guided by human dispositions, but by those of the spirit. Oh, how everything drags man towards the earth! But lively faith maintains the soul in the higher regions and assigns self-love its proper place; that is to say, the lowest one (210).
Hymn: For
the sins of His own nation, saw Him hang in desolation, till His spirit forthHe sent.
STATION IX
JESUS FALLS THE THIRD TIME
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
Though he was harshly treated, he submitted and opened not his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter or a sheep before the shearer’s, he was silent and opened not his mouth… But the Lord was pleased to crush him in infirmity. (Isaiah
53:7-10)
Jesus: My child, know that the greatest obstacles to holiness are discouragement and an exaggerated anxiety. These will deprive you of the ability to practice virtue… I am always ready to forgive you. As often as you beg for it, you glorify My mercy (1488).
St. Faustina: My Jesus, despite Your graces, I see and feel all my misery. I begin my day with battle and end it with battle. As soon as I conquer one obstacle, ten more appear to take its place. But I am not worried, because I know that this is the time of struggle, not peace (606).
Hymn: Holy Mother, fountain of love, make me feel the force of the sorrow, so that I may mourn with you.
STATION X
JESUS IS STRIPPED OF HIS GARMENTS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
When the soldiers… took his clothes and divided them into four shares, a share for each soldier. They also took his tunic, but the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from the top down. So they said to one another, ‘Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it will be,’ in order that the passage of the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 19:23-24)
St. Faustina: Jesus was suddenly standing before me, stripped of His clothes, His body completely covered with wounds. His eyes flooded with tears and blood, His face disfigured and covered with spittle. The Lord then said to me:
Jesus: The bride must resemble her Betrothed.
St. Faustina: I understood these words to their very depth. There is no room for doubt here. My likeness to Jesus must be through suffering and humility (268).
Hymn: Make me feel as thou hast felt, make my soul to glow and melt. With the love of Christ, my Lord.
STATION XI
JESUS IS NAILED TO THE CROSS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
Those passing by reviled him, shaking their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself if you are the Son of God, (and) come down from the cross!’ Likewise the chief priests with the scribes and elders mocked him and said, ‘He saved others; he cannot save himself… He trusted in God; let him deliver him now if he wants him. For He said: I am the Son of God. (Matthew 27:39-43)
Jesus: My pupil, have great love for those who cause you suffering. Do good to those who hate you (1628).
St. Faustina: Oh my Jesus, you know what efforts are needed to live sincerely and unaffectedly with those from whom our nature flees, or with those who, deliberately or not, have made us suffer. Humanly speaking, this is impossible. At such times more than at others. I try to discover the Lord Jesus in such a person and for this same Jesus, I do everything for such people (766).
Hymn: Holy Mother! Pierce me through, in my heart each wound renew, of my Saviour crucified.
STATION XII
JESUS DIES ON THE CROSS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs, but one soldier thrust his lance into his side, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (John 19:33-40).
Jesus: All this is for the salvation of souls. Consider well what you are doing for their salvation (1184).
St. Faustina: Then I saw the Lord nailed to the cross. When He had hung on it for a while, I saw a multitude of souls crucified like Him. Then I saw a second multitude of souls, and a third. The second multitude were not nailed to [their] crosses, but were holding them firmly in their hands. The third were neither nailed to [their] crosses, nor holding them firmly in their hands, but were dragging [their] crosses behind them and were discontent.
Jesus: Do you see these souls? Those who are like Me in the pain and contempt they suffer will be like Me also in glory. And those who also resemble Me less in pain and contempt will also bear less resemblance to Me in glory (446).
Hymn: Let me share with thee His pain, who for all our sins was slain, who for me in torments died.
STATION XIII
JESUS IS TAKEN DOWN FROM THE CROSS
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
The centurion who witnessed what had happened glorified God and said. “This man was innocent beyond doubt. When all the people who had gathered for this spectacle saw what had happened, they returned home beating their breasts; but all his acquaintances stood at a distance. (Luke 23:47-49)
Jesus: Most dear to Me is the soul that strongly believes in My goodness and has complete trust in Me. I heap My confidence upon it and give it all it asks (453).
St. Faustina: I fly to Your mercy, Compassionate God, who alone are good. Although my misery is great, and my offenses are many, I trust in Your mercy, because You are the God of mercy; and, from time immemorial, it has never been heard of, nor do heaven or earth remember, that a soul trusting in Your mercy has been disappointed (1730).
Hymn: Let me mingle tears with thee, mourning Him, who mourned for me, all the days that I may live.
STATION XIV
JESUS IS PLACED IN THE SEPULCHRE
V: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You (Genuflect)
R: Because by Your holy Cross and Resurrection You have redeemed the world
Reading:
They took the body of Jesus and bound it with the burial cloths along with the spices, according to the Jewish burial custom. Now in the place where he had been crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had yet been buried. So they laid Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation day: for the tomb was close by. (John. 19:40-42)
Jesus: You are not yet in your homeland; so go, fortified by My grace, and fight for My kingdom in human souls; fight as a king’s child would, and remember that the days of your exile will pass quickly, and with them the possibility of earning merit for heaven. I expect from you… a great number of souls who will glorify My mercy for all eternity (1489).
St. Faustina: Every soul You have entrusted to me, Jesus, I will try to aid with prayer and sacrifice, so that Your grace can work in them. O great lover of souls, my Jesus, I thank You for the immense confidence with which You have deigned to place souls in our care (245).
Hymn: By the cross with thee to stay, there with thee to weep and pray, is all I ask of thee to give.
Concluding Prayer
O my Jesus, my only hope, I thank You for the book which You have opened before my soul’s eyes. This book is Your Passion which You underwent for the love of me. It is from this book that I have learned how to love God and souls. In this book there are found for us inexhaustible treasures. O Jesus, how few souls understand You in Your martyrdom of love! Happy the soul that has come to understand the love of the Heart of Jesus! (Diary 304).
HOW TO GO FOR CONFESSION
HOW TO GO FOR CONFESSION
God absolves our sins helps us approach him. Sin isolates us from God; the sacrament of reconciliation closes that distance and better ties us to God.
The priest could advise us in our confession on how to avoid sinning going forward, therefore enabling us to lead better daily lives.
Penance thus “challenges us to have the same kind of compassion and forgiveness for those who sin against us,” the USCCB Explains.
Going to confession might thus be considered as a selfless deed: when we feel God’s love and pardon, we are more ready to offer those gifts to people close by.
Step by Step Guide on How to go for Confession
You should know that your sins are personal. There is no clear guideline on what you should confess about. No common formula for the faults you must atone for.
Your conscience is the most powerful guide available.
Examination of Conscience: Spend time examining your conscience to take note of times when you have fallen short, separating yourself from God, the Church, and others around you. This must be done to help you have a good confession. Make sure you don’t try to keep any sin you remember to yourself, if you do, it shows you lack of Contrition.
What is Contrition?
Contrition is the heartfelt sorrow for our sin, because by them we have offended so good a God, together with a firm purpose of amendment.
Step 1: Enter the confessional and greet the priest.
Begin by making the sign of the cross and say “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It’s been [7days/weeks/months (however many days/months/years)] since my last confession.”
Step 2: List your sins.
Mention venial (everyday) sins and mortal sins, which are more serious. It may be more of a conversation, as the priest may ask questions or comment. It doesn’t have to be a non-stop laundry list of sins. It is very possible that you don’t remember every sin, you don’t have to panic. When you’re done, conclude by saying “For these sins I remember and for those I cannot now remember, I ask for forgiveness from God and you Father (priest) absolution and penance if you find me worthy.”
Step 3: Listen to the priest.
When you’re done confessing your sins, the priest may offer some guidance and counselling on ways you can avoid sins in the future. He’ll then give you a penance, which could be a form of prayer, a service or some work of mercy. Most times, you’ll be able to complete your penance while still at church.
Step 4: Pray the Act of Contrition.
The priest will then ask you to say the Act of Contrition. This prayer is short and simple:
My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with Your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy. Or the shorter one
O my God, because you are so good, I am very sorry that I have sinned against Thee and by the help of Thy grace, I will not sin again.
Step 5: Receive absolution from God, through the priest.
The priest say the prayers of absolution after which he makes the sign of the cross and you do the same.
Step 6: Depart from the Confessional and Fulfill your Penance
The priest will give you your penance, it can be Scripture reading, works of mercy, based on how the priest is inspired.
Novenas to Our Lady & Saints
Compiled from Traditional Sources
“To succeed in your intentions, entrust yourselves to the Blessed Virgin Mary always, but especially in moments of difficulty and darkness. ‘From Mary we learn to surrender to God’s will in things. From Mary we learn to trust even when all hope seems gone. From Mary we learn to love Christ, her Son and the Son of God…Learn from her to be always faithful, to trust that God’s Word to you will be fulfilled, and that nothing is impossible with God.’”
– St. John Paul II
Novena to Our Lady Undoer of Knots
This novena invites us to bring our problems, struggles, and worries before the Blessed Virgin Mary under her title, the Undoer of Knots. Just as she patiently unties knots with care and love, we ask her to intercede for us and help untangle the challenges, confusion, and burdens we face in our daily lives.
As we pray, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and mercy, believing that no situation is too difficult for Him. Through Mary’s loving intercession, may our hearts find peace, our faith be strengthened, and our lives be gently led closer to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help
This novena invites us to turn with confidence to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the loving Mother who never abandons her children. In times of need, struggle, and uncertainty, we come before her, trusting in her constant intercession and care.
As we pray this novena, we ask Mary to present our petitions to her Son, Jesus Christ, and to help us remain faithful, hopeful, and strong. May her perpetual help bring us comfort, peace, and renewed trust in God’s mercy.
Novena to Divine Mercy
Jesus asked that the Feast of the Divine Mercy be preceded by a Novena to the Divine Mercy which would begin on Good Friday. During the Solemn Novena, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy should be offered each day for the day’s intentions
Pope St. John Paul II added an opportunity to gain a plenary indulgence on the Feast Day. The following must be done:
Go to Confession (within a week before the Feast Day)
Receive Eucharistic Communion and a say a Prayer for the Pope
In a church or in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in a tabernacle, recite the Our Father, the Nicene Creed, and a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus, such as:
Merciful Jesus, I trust in You; or O Blood and Water, which gushed forth from the Heart of Jesus as a fount of mercy for us, I trust in You
Novena to the Holy Spirit
The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the directions of Our Lord Himself 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 prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian.
The Church grants the following indulgence: “Partial indulgence to those who participate in a public novena before the feast of Christmas or Pentecost, or the Immaculate Conception.” (The Enchiridion of Indulgences, Issued by the Sacred Apostolic Penitentiary, 1968, #34)