Mater Dolorosa, Queen of Martyrs
Novena: Wednesday after Laetare Sunday; Feast: Friday in Passion Week
Holy Mother Church honors Our Lady's Sorrows by two feasts, one observed on the Friday of Passion Week, and the other on the 15th of September. This first feast recalls especially her sufferings during the Passion of Our Lord, known as her Compassion; the second is dedicated more particularly to Her lifelong sorrows. The Blessed Virgin Mary's sorrow on Calvary was deeper than any sorrow ever felt on earth, for no mother in all the world had a heart as tender as the Heart of the Mother of God. She bore her sufferings for us, that we might enjoy the graces of Redemption. She suffered willingly in order to prove her great love for us, for true love is proven by sacrifice. Let us give ourselves over to her love completely, and bear our cross patiently, in union with our Mother of Sorrows.
"When Jesus, therefore, saw His Mother and the disciple standing by, whom He loved, He said to His Mother, 'Woman, behold thy son.' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold thy Mother.' And from that hour the disciple took Her into his home" (John 19:25-27).
Sad and tearful, O Virgin Mary, didst Thou stand by the Cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Redeemer. Hail Mary...
"Blessed be the Lord, Who made Heaven and earth, because He has so glorified thy name this day, that thy praise will never cease to be sung by mankind... For thou hast not spared thy life in order to relieve the distress and sorrow of thy people, and by thy prayers in the Presence of our God, thou hast prevented our ruin" (Judith 13:24). Hail Mary...
Let us stand near the Cross with Mary, the Mother of Jesus, whose soul was pierced by the sword of sorrow! Hail Mary...
Mary speaks:
"Sorrow has crushed me. My face is swollen with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death" (Job 16:8,17).
Hymn -- Stabat Mater
At the Cross her station keeping,
Stood the mournful Mother weeping,
Close to Jesus to the last.
Through her heart, His sorrow sharing,
All His bitter anguish bearing,
Lo! the piercing sword had passed.
O how sad and sore distressed
Was that Mother highly blessed,
Of the sole-begotten One.
Woe-begone, with heart's prostration,
Mother meek, the bitter Passion
Saw she of Her glorious Son
Who on Christ's dear Mother gazing,
In her trouble so amazing,
Born of woman, would not weep?
Who on Christ's dear Mother thinking,
Such a cup of sorrow drinking,
Would not share her sorrow deep?
For His people's sins rejected,
Saw her Jesus unprotected,
Saw with thorns, with scourges rent:
Saw her Son from judgment taken,
Her Beloved in death forsaken,
'Til His spirit forth He sent.
Fount of love and holy sorrow,
Mother! may my spirit borrow
Somewhat of thy woe profound;
Unto Christ, with pure emotion,
Raise my contrite heart's devotion,
Love to read in every wound.
Those five wounds on Jesus smitten,
Mother! in my heart be written,
Deep as in thine own they be;
Thou, thy Savior's Cross who bearest,
Thou, thy Son's rebuke who sharest,
Let me share them both with thee.
In the Passion of my Maker,
Be my sinful soul partaker,
Weep till death and weep with thee;
Mine with thee be that sad station,
There to watch the great salvation,
Wrought upon the atoning tree.
Virgin, thou of virgins fairest,
May the bitter woe thou bearest,
Make on me impression deep.
Thus Christ's dying may I carry,
With Him in His Passion tarry,
And His wounds in memory keep.
May His wounds both wound and heal me,
He enkindle, cleanse, anneal me,
Be His Cross my hope and stay.
May He, when the mountains quiver,
From that flame which burns forever,
Shield me on the judgment day.
Jesus, may Thy Cross defend me,
And Thy Mother's prayer befriend me,
Let me die in Thy embrace.
When to dust my dust returnest,
Grant a soul that to Thee yearneth
In Thy paradise a place. Amen.
V. Pray for us, O Mother most Sorrowful,
R.That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, in Whose Passion, as Simeon had foretold, the most sweet soul of Mary, Thy glorious Virgin-Mother, was pierced through by a sword of sorrow, mercifully grant that we who reverently meditate upon her Transfixion and her Sufferings, may obtain the blessed fruits of Thy Passion, through the glorious merits and prayers of all the saints faithfully standing at the Cross interceding for us. Who livest and reignest forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Mary, Queen of All Hearts, Advocate of the most hopeless cases; Mother most pure, most compassionate; Mother of Divine love, full of Divine light, we confide to thy care the favors which we ask of thee today. Consider our misery, our tears, our interior trials and sufferings! We know that thou canst help us through the merits of thy Divine Son, Jesus. We promise, if our prayers are heard, to spread thy glory, by making thee known under the title of Mary, Queen of All Hearts, Queen of the Universe. Grant, we beseech thee, hear our prayers at thine altar, where every day thou givest so many proofs of thy love and power to heal both body and soul. We hope against all hope. Ask Jesus to cure us, pardon us, and grant us final perseverance.
O Mary, Queen of All Hearts, cure us, we have confidence thee. (3 times.)
The devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel originated near Rome, where for centuries an Augustinian church, which contains a miraculous picture of Mary, has been a place of pilgrimage. Our earthly pilgrimage is beset with many dangers, and we are in need of advice in the grave problems of life. Let us remember that Jesus gave us a Counselor who will never fail us. Let us go to our Heavenly Mother with childlike confidence and abandonment. Let us entrust ourselves to her prudent guidance, for she is our Mother of Good Counsel.
"I, Wisdom, dwell in counsel and am present in learned thoughts...Counsel is mine, prudence is mine, strength is mine" (Prov. 8:12, 14).
Let us pray:
May the kind intercession of Mary, Thy glorious and ever Virgin-Mother, be our help, we pray Thee, O Lord, that it may make those whom it has blessed with continual favors, ever to know what should be done, and then strengthen them to carry it out faithfully. Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
O Mary, thou art favored more than all other women on earth, for in the presence of our God thou hast aided us in our weakness. Rule over us, thou and Thy Son, because thou hast freed us from the hands of our enemies! Hail Mary...
Mary speaks:
"He that hearkens to me shall not be confounded, and they that work by me shall not sin." (Ecclus. 24:30).
Let us pray:
O God, Who didst give her who bore Thy beloved Son, to be our Mother, and didst deign to glorify her fair image by a wondrous apparition, grant we beseech Thee, that by always following her counsels we may be able to live after Thine own Heart and arrive happily in our heavenly fatherland. Through the Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Most glorious Virgin, chosen by the Eternal Counsel to be the Mother of the Eternal Word Made Flesh, thou who art the treasurer of Divine graces and the advocate of sinners, I who am thy most unworthy servant have recourse to thee; be thou pleased to be my Guide and Counselor in this vale of tears. Obtain for me through the Most Precious Blood of thy Divine Son, the forgiveness of my sins, the salvation of my soul, and the means necessary to obtain it. In like manner, obtain for holy Church victory over her enemies and the spread of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ upon the whole earth. Amen. (500 days indulgence)
Novena to St. Konrad of Parzham
April 14-22 -- "He setteth up the humble on high."
Account of the Life of St. Konrad
FIRST DAY -- April 14
Consideration
Brother Konrad wrote to a devout soul: "My life consists in this: to love and suffer, to admire, adore and wonder at the love of God for creatures. In considering this love I can come to no end. Nothing hinders me from being closely united to my God. Even during my many occupations I am often very closely united to Him. Our confidence must be great, and our love greater. Oh, the good God means so well with us. We ought to give ourselves entirely to Him, our good Father in Heaven. We ought to love Him sincerely. Our love should be great and always grow stronger, for there is no standing still. Yes, our love must become a bright flame that consumes everything that keeps us from being closely united to Him. That is my greatest worry, that I love Him so little. I should like to be a seraph of love and call upon all creatures to help me love my God. Love has no limits."
Application
Good St. Konrad, thou hast known that interior fire that consumes like chaff all sinful passions, all complaints, murmurings, weariness and doubts. My soul is so cowardly and sick, like a pale, weak plant without sunlight, because it lacks this warmth of love. It would surely be my best cure.
Let us pray:
Thou great God of love, Who art worthy of all love in Heaven and on earth, like a dry limb on a tree do I seem in comparison with the verdant foliage of St. Konrad's virtues. Let me not be a branch which is entirely cut off from Thee. May the trial that I am undergoing serve as a spark to inflame me with true love. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
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,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Brother Konrad,
St. Konrad, child of pious parents,
St. Konrad, enemy of every sin,
St. Konrad, man of work and prayer,
St. Konrad, shining example of true meekness of heart,
St. Konrad, just man who lived by faith,
St. Konrad, Seraph burning with the love of God,
St. Konrad, victim of Holy Charity,
St. Konrad, hero of unshakable trust in God,
St. Konrad, beautiful model of one living in union with God,
St. Konrad, inspired worshiper of Jesus and Mary,
St. Konrad, lover of the Holy Cross,
St. Konrad, heartfelt worshiper of the bitter sorrows of Christ,
St. Konrad, silent adorer before the Divine Savior in the Tabernacle,
St. Konrad, example of a tender love of the Holy Rosary,
St. Konrad, perfect Religious of thy Order,
St. Konrad, true son of thy holy father, St. Francis,
St. Konrad, faithful observer of the Holy Rule of thy Order,
St. Konrad, friend of Holy Poverty,
St. Konrad, angel of purity,
St. Konrad, obedient religious after the model of thy Lord and Master,
St. Konrad, glorious example of one faithful to his vocation,
St. Konrad, mirror of great mildness and gentleness,
St. Konrad, master of strong-souled patience,
St. Konrad, father of the poor,
St. Konrad, comforter of afflicted hearts,
St. Konrad, loving friend of children,
St. Konrad, loyal son of Holy Mother Church,
St. Konrad, silent sacrificer for the priesthood,
St. Konrad, ardent intercessor for the missions,
St. Konrad, helper in all things,
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. Pray for us, O Holy St. Konrad
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Thou hast given us, O God, in Holy Brother Konrad a splendid example of a virtuous life and a faithful intercessor in all difficulties and necessities. Mercifully grant that we, after his example, may learn to love the Holy Cross above all things and thereupon attain to all virtue. Deign also to us to have in Holy Brother Konrad a faithful intercessor before Thy Heavenly throne. Grant that we, thus honoring him here on earth, may one day be with him in the Heavenly Kingdom, praising and loving Thee eternally. Amen.
Prayer to St. Konrad:
"Saint Brother Konrad", powerful friend at the throne of God! During thy life thou wert so kind and willing to help others. Many are they whom thou didst console and strengthen in their crosses and sufferings. By the kindly glance of thine eye, by a cheering word at the right time, thou didst pour soothing balsam on many a wounded heart. Behold, I come to thee now, as a suppliant in my need. I do not know the wise plans of God, nor why He has laid this heavy cross on my shoulders; still I may pray with Jesus: "Father, if it be possible, let this chalice pass from Me." But should it be God's will that I be tried and purified by this cross, then obtain for me, dear Brother, the grace to bear it patiently and with full resignation. Amen.
SECOND DAY -- April 15
Consideration
Brother Konrad wrote to a devout soul: "I speak very confidingly with my beloved God, like a child with his father. I make known to Him my needs, my petitions, and the things that worry me most. Then I ask Him to grant me this or that grace, but with childlike trust... Yes, with great trust. If I have sinned, then I ask Him humbly for pardon; I promise to be a good child again and to love Him all the more. To those who love God, all things work together unto good. No matter how wrong things go, it is nevertheless, surely for the best. The good God will help. His mercy has no limits."
His usual word of consolation was: "Only have trust in God, and everything will turn out all right." Trust is like the calyx of the flower that unfolds itself to God's dew and sunshine. It is our own fault if we wall up the windows of our soul.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, the reason thy prayers have always borne such wonderful fruit is that thou ha st gone to thy Heavenly Father like a trusting child and hoped for nothing from thyself but everything from Him. In my case, pride, selfishness and self-sufficiency have broken my wings. For this reason it is often so difficult for me to trust in the ever-present help and goodness of God and to fly to Him with full confidence.
Let us pray:
O God of power and wisdom, no sin can displease Thee more than mistrust and doubt, because these deny Thy Divinity and make Thee smaller than the world and its tribulation. Now I shall cast aside all fear, and with all my cares cast myself entirely upon Thee. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Litany of St. Konrad
THIRD DAY -- April 16
Consideration
Brother Konrad wrote to another person: "The means that I use to practice humility and meekness is none other than the Crucifix. This is my book. I learn patience, humility, meekness and to bear with every affliction. Yes, everything, thereby, becomes sweet and light." One can learn much from suffering.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, thou wert not frightened by the cross but didst love it and bear it willingly, because in it thou didst see thy suffering Savior. Moreover, thou didst pray much for others and had prayers said for them when they were heavily visited with crosses and sufferings. Is my difficulty such that thou wouldst also have prayed for me?
Let us pray:
O God of goodness and knowledge, I shall strive to understand Thee. Trustingly shall I endeavor to obtain from Thee deliverance from my sorrow and tribulation, because Thy own Son in the Garden of Olives so taught me. I am confident that Thou wilt remove this chalice from me if it is better thus. But if Thou decidest that I drink it, grant me the strength and grace to do so. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.... Litany of St. Konrad
FOURTH DAY -- April 17
Consideration
In one of his letters, Brother Konrad wrote: "O my sister, God means well with us. He has loaded us with many graces, which He has shared with us out of pure mercy. O what ingratitude it would be on our part if we neglected or misused them. No, we shall never do that! We shall give ourselves entirely to Him, to our beloved Father in Heaven."
To many, the life of Brother Konrad may seem insignificant, and they find it hard to understand how a wealthy young farmer could hide himself in the monastery. Yet, in this quiet seclusion he was unusually happy, whereas in the world he had always felt homesick, and as a stranger. Gratitude and content can make even a foot of earth more beautiful and richer than a kingdom.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, thou didst consider it a sin and unjust to throw away, as useless, a gift of God and not use it to the fullest extent. Therefore, even the crumbs of life were sufficient to make thee happy and a saint. I, on the contrary, wish always for the things I do not possess, murmur when others have more than I, and hence I am never satisfied. How can I concern myself with great things if I cannot learn to perform the small tasks that God gives me to perform?
Let us pray:
O God, Thou Creator of the little and the great, no more shall I forget that Thine eye hath rested on the small as well as the big things, before Thou givest them to me. If Thou wouldst fulfill but a small part of my request, I should be grateful for it and seek therein the pearl of love, which Thou hast concealed. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.... Litany of St. Konrad
FIFTH DAY -- April 18
Consideration
During his life Brother Konrad wished to be the servant of all. Nothing suited him better than to be the unnoticed and unseen benefactor of everyone. Surely in Heaven that is now his greatest joy! The word of God is wonderfully fulfilled in him that the humble shall be exalted. Humility is a blue mantle that covers the beauty of the soul and keeps it intact and fresh.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, when thou didst pray, God listened, for there was no discord of self-love or presumption in thy voice. How thin and threadbare is the cloak of my heart when it appears before the all-penetrating eye of God, because I have woven it with the thread of my own vanity and self-indulgence.
Let us pray:
O Thou great and inscrutable God, how poor do I appear before Thee in my nakedness, and how empty I am, being so full of myself! But my present trial, before which I stand so helpless, will convince me how much I depend upon Thee for everything and how little I can do without Thee. Yet, for the sake of the humility of Thy servant Konrad, let Thy grace visit me again. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Litany of St. Konrad
SIXTH DAY -- April 19
Consideration
Brother Konrad wrote in one of his letters: "Let us endeavor to lead an interior life, one hidden in God, for it is good to converse with our beloved God. If we are truly interior, nothing will be able to hinder us, even in the midst of occupations that our life demands of us. Let us love silence, for a person who talks much will never arrive at an interior life". In order to spend his life in quiet and silence, Brother Konrad left the world and entered the monastery. The more dissipated we are and the more concerned with our own importance, the less we hear within us the voice of God.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, thou didst never fill the whole world with thy lamentations and set Heaven and earth in commotion over thy sorrows as I have done. How little I feel with my aches and pains beside thy quiet and noble strength! How much worse have I made things by bemoaning my sufferings to the world.
Let us pray:
Thou great God of silent and mighty eternity, like a frightened sparrow have I often noised abroad my smallness and inner poverty before Thee and the whole world. The more one pours out his soul to others, the emptier his own heart becomes; and the more one mingles with men, the narrower will he be compressed within. My present suffering will be a secret between me and Thee, my God, and the beginning of a withdrawal within myself. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Litany of St. Konrad
SEVENTH DAY -- April 20
Consideration
Brother Konrad was goodness and kindness itself. During his lifetime he did good to hundreds of thousands, and no one ever saw him angry or vexed. There was always a smile on his face. He could not understand uncharitableness, and when anyone came to him with complaints about others, he cut them short with one remark: "O this useless talk."
Application
Good Brother Konrad, thou couldst go trustingly to God at all times with thy prayers, for there was no one to cry after thee because of any injury thou had st done them. In my prayers, however, I am afraid that there are to be found many tears and groans, which I have caused in the course of my life, and perhaps curses of unhappy beings who have to suffer in another world because of me.
Let us pray:
Thou God of justice and Protector of the oppressed, I come before Thee bowed down and in tears. I, who have so often increased the burdened of others. How much reason have I to be kind to others! In the future I propose to be merciful to all. Do Thou be merciful to me now. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Litany of St. Konrad
EIGHTH DAY -- April 21
Consideration
Brother Konrad passed through the world and through the cloister into Heaven like an innocent child. Before the enticements of sin he fled to his angelic patron, St. John, and to his Virgin Mother; the spotless Bread of the Eucharist changed all earthly desires into heavenly longings. He who has a clean heart says no false prayers to God, because his pure eyes see clearly what is proper and becoming to ask.
Application
Good Brother Konrad, see how necessary thou art to me in my cares and worries. My heart is heavy with overmuch guilt and my eyes dim with tears of repentance, and I am unworthy to look upon the Face of God. But no matter how heavy my burden and how strange my case, do thou be my mediator and advocate before the all-knowing and eternal God.
Let us pray:
O God, King of pure and good souls, with fear and trembling I cast myself before Thy throne. What wilt Thou do with me, who have no claim to Thy mercy, and yet so earnestly desire deliverance from my sorrow? Through the intercession of Thy servant Konrad, look upon my affliction. If I could but touch the hem of Thy love, I should be made whole. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be... Litany of St. Konrad
NINTH DAY & FEAST -- April 22
The Deathbed of St. Konrad at Altötting
Consideration
The fidelity of Brother Konrad, and his perseverance, were a continuous miracle. He was not one to put his hands to the plow and then look back. For forty-one years he was a silent hero at the monastery door, from the first to the last day; true to himself, prudent, careful, patient, and kind of heart. Our Holy Father said of his life: "How miserable are we indeed, who, in the face of a difficult duty, find it hard even to ask for the grace of submission. But how edifying is the spectacle of those great and noble souls who do more than is demanded of them in the performance of their duties."
Application
Good Brother Konrad, a good and faithful servant like thee can easily appear before his Lord, for he has the assurance that he will be placed over many things. But who will fill up the great void in my life?
Let us pray:
Thou holy and strong God, truly I am poor and weak and full of misery and guilt in Thy sight. Yet, I am Thy child through grace, and can dare call Thee Father. Why, then, should I fear? My weakness is indeed great, but is not Thy power and love greater? Trusting in the assistance of Brother Konrad, I know that Thou wilt help me, as long as what I ask for will not harm my soul. Amen.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Prayer of Thanksgiving After the Novena:
O good and blessed God, once more I come to Thee with childlike confidence; this time to express to Thee my inmost thanks. I know and feel that I have not prayed to Thee in vain. Thou deservest that I approach nearer and nearer to Thee, like my holy model, Thy blessed servant Konrad. Wherefore, I shall endeavor hereafter to appreciate and use better Thy manifold graces. Amen.
Devotions to St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen
Protomartyr of the Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith -- Feast: April 24
Responsory: Fidelis vir tu nomine
Thy name, Fidelis, doth proclaim
Thy living faith and doctrine's fame;
False teachers bow before thy word,
Thy blood bears witness to thy Lord.
Let Heaven's light, to thee we pray,
Within our hearts and minds hold sway;
Let faith and hope and holy love
Shine in us brightly from above.
Through thee the halt, the lame, the blind,
New health and strength and light do find;
To speechless tongues, speech thou dost give;
Thou makest dying infants live.
Let Heaven's light, to thee we pray,
Within our hearts and minds hold sway;
Let faith and hope and holy love
Shine in us brightly from above.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
Let Heaven's light, to thee we pray,
Within our hearts and minds hold sway;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
Forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Let faith and hope and holy love
Shine in us brightly from above.
Antiphon. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
V. Pray for us, O blessed Fidelis,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, Who has vouchsafed to glorify blessed Fidelis, inflamed with seraphic ardor of spirit, with the palm of martyrdom and the fame of miracles in the propagation of the Frue Faith: by his merits and intercession, we beseech Thee so to strengthen us by Thy grace in faith and charity, that we may deserve to be found faithful in Thy service unto death. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the Unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen. (300 days indulgence; plenary under usual conditions if recited daily with devotion for one month).
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Great Apostle and Lover of our Blessed Lady, St. Louis Marie De Montfort, whose one desire was to set the world aflame with love for Jesus through Mary, we entreat thee to obtain for us a childlike, persevering, and perfect devotion to Mary, so as to share in Mary's faith, hope and charity, and to receive the favor we beseech you to obtain for us. Amen.
St. Louis Marie de Montfort, pray for us.
(three times)
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Litany of Saint Louis Marie de Montfort
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,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Saint Louis Marie De Montfort,
Faithful disciple of Jesus Christ the Incarnate Wisdom,
Heart ever docile to the Holy Ghost,
Fervent minister of the Holy Eucharist,
Passionate lover of the Cross,
Loving slave of Jesus in Mary,
Devout client of St. Michael and the Holy Angels,
Pattern of eminent sanctity,
Marvel of poverty and abandonment to Divine Providence,
Angel of innocence and purity,
Model of perfect obedience,
Man of solitude and prayer,
Marvel of self-denial,
Example of patience and charity,
Valiant fighter for God's glory and the salvation of souls,
Tireless preacher of the word of God,
Proclaimer of Christian Doctrine,
Restorer of devotion to the Blessed Sacrament,
Promoter of devotion to the Sacred Heart,
Eminent preacher of the Cross and of the Holy Rosary,
Apostle and prophet of the Reign of Jesus through Mary,
Doctor of perfect devotion to the Blessed Virgin,
Fearless defender of the Faith,
Most devoted son of the Church and of the Vicar of Christ,
Admirable harvester of souls,
Director of Confraternities,
Zealous promoter of Christian education,
Father of the poor,
Friend of the infirm and the sick,
Helper of the souls in Purgatory,
Guide of the true pilgrim,
Restorer of the houses of God,
Founder of Religious Congregations,
Model of priests and missionaries,
Soul consumed with love for God alone,
Powerful advocate with Jesus and Mary,
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. Pray for us, Saint Louis Marie de Montfort.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
O God, Who didst raise up Saint Louis Marie, Thy Confessor, to be a glorious preacher of the Cross and of the most Holy Rosary, and through him, hast enriched the Church with a new family, grant that by his merits and through his intercession, we may obtain the reward of everlasting glory, by the Life, Death and Resurrection of Thine only Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, One God, forever, unto ages of ages. Amen.
Novena to St. Michael the Archangel
April 29 - May 7; Feast: May 8
Consecration
St. Michael the Archangel, invincible prince of the angelic hosts and glorious protector of the Universal Church, I greet thee and praise thee for that splendor with which God has adorned thee, especially to remain faithful when Lucifer and his followers rebelled, and to battle victoriously for the honor of God and the divinity of the Son of Man.
St. Michael, I consecrate to thee my soul and body. I choose thee as my patron and protector and entrust the salvation of my soul to thy care. Be the Guardian of my obligation as a child of God and of the Catholic Church as again I renounce Satan, his works and pomps. Assist me by thy powerful intercession in the fulfillment of these sacred promises, so that imitating thy courage and loyalty to God, and trusting in thy kind help and protection, I may be victorious over the enemies of my soul and be united with God in Heaven forever. Amen.
Novena Prayer
St. Michael the Archangel, loyal champion of God and His people, I turn to thee with confidence and seek thy powerful intercession. For the love of God, Who made thee so glorious in grace and power, and for the love of the Mother of Jesus, the Queen of the Angels, be pleased to hear my prayer. Thou dost know the value of my soul in the eyes of God. May no stain of evil ever disfigure its beauty. Help me to conquer the evil spirit who tempts me. I desire to imitate thy loyalty to God and Holy Mother Church and thy great love for God and men. And since thou art God's messenger for the care of His people, I entrust to thee this special request: (Here mention your request).
St. Michael, since thou art, by the will of the Creator, the powerful intercessor of Christians, I have great confidence in thy prayers. I earnestly trust that if it is God's holy will, my petition will be granted.
Pray for me, St. Michael, and also for those I love. Protect us in all dangers of body and soul. Help us in our daily needs. Through thy powerful intercession, may we live a holy life, die a happy death and reach Heaven where we may praise and love God with thee forever. Amen.
In thanksgiving to God for the graces bestowed on St Michael: Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be.
Litany in Honor of St. Michael
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,
God the Holy Ghost,
Holy Trinity, One God,
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us.
St. Michael, the Archangel,
Most glorious attendant of the Triune Divinity,
Standing at the right of the altar of incense,
Ambassador of Paradise,
Glorious Prince of the Heavenly armies,
Defender of the Divine Glory,
First defender of the Kingship of Christ,
Strength of God,
Invincible prince and warrior,
Angel of Peace,
Guide of Christ,
Guardian of the Christian Faith,
Champion of God's people,
Guardian Angel of the Eucharist,
Defender of the Church,
Protector of the Sovereign Pontiff,
Angel of Catholic Action,
Powerful intercessor of Christians,
Bravest defender of those who hope in God,
Guardian of our souls and bodies,
Healer of the sick,
Help of those in their agony,
Consoler of the souls in Purgatory,
God's messenger for the souls of the just,
Terror of the evil spirits,
Victorious in battle against evil,
Guardian and Patron of the Universal Church,
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. Pray for us, O Glorious St. Michael.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray:
Relying, O Lord, upon the intercession of Thy blessed archangel Michael, we humbly beg of Thee, that the Sacrament of the Eucharist which we have received may make our souls holy and pleasing to Thee. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Protection Against the Evil Spirits
St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle; be thou our safeguard against the malice and snares of the Devil. Rebuke him, O God, we humbly beseech Thee; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into Hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle, that we perish not in the fearful judgment.
Saint Michael, first champion of the Kingship of Christ, pray for us.
For Holy Church
O GLORIOUS Archangel St. Michael, Prince of the heavenly host, be our defense in the terrible warfare which we carry on against Principalities and Powers, against the rulers of this world of darkness, spirits of evil. Come to the aid of man, whom God created immortal, made in His own image and likeness, and redeemed at a great price from the tyranny of the devil. Fight this day the battle of the LORD, together with the holy angels, as already thou hast fought the leader of the proud angels, Lucifer, and his apostate host, who were powerless to resist thee, nor was there place for them any longer in Heaven. That cruel, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil or Satan, who seduces the whole world, was cast into the abyss with his angels. Behold, this primeval enemy and slayer of men hast taken courage. Transformed into an angel of light, he wanders about with all the multitude of wicked spirits, invading the earth in order to blot out the name of GOD and of His
CHRIST, to seize upon, slay and cast into eternal perdition souls destined for the crown of eternal glory. This wicked dragon pours out, as a most impure flood, the venom of his malice on men of depraved mind and corrupt heart, the spirit of lying, of impiety, and of every vice and iniquity. These most crafty enemies have filled and inebriated with gall and bitterness the Church, the Spouse of the Immaculate Lamb, and have laid impious hands on Her most sacred possessions. In the Holy Place itself, where has been set up the See of the most holy Peter and the Chair of Truth for the light of the world, they have raised the throne of their abominable impiety, with the iniquitous design that when the Pastor has been struck, the sheep may be scattered. Arise, then, O invincible Prince, bring help against the attacks of the lost spirits to the people of GOD, and give them the victory. They venerate thee as their protector and patron; in thee holy Church glories as Her defense against the malicious power of Hell; to thee has GOD entrusted the souls of men to be established in heavenly beatitude. Oh, pray to the GOD of peace that He may put Satan under our feet, so far conquered that he may no longer be able to hold men in captivity and harm the Church. Offer our prayers in the sight of the Most High, so that they may quickly conciliate the mercies of the LORD; and beating down the dragon, the ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, do thou again make him captive in the abyss, that he may no longer seduce the nations. Amen.
V. Behold the Cross of the LORD; be scattered ye hostile powers.
R. The Lion of the tribe of Juda has conquered, the Root of David.
V. Let Thy mercies be upon us, O LORD.
R. As we have hoped in Thee.
V. O LORD, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come unto Thee.
Let us pray:
O GOD, the FATHER of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, we call upon Thy Holy Name, and as suppliants we implore Thy clemency, that by the intercession of Mary, ever Virgin Immaculate and our Mother, and of the glorious Archangel St. Michael, Thou wouldst deign to help us against Satan and all other unclean spirits, who wander about the world for the injury of the human race and the ruin of souls. Amen.
(Pope Leo XIII; 500 days.)
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