Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes - Day 3

Day 3 – February 4 – Feast of Saint Andrew Corsini

Prayers-

"You are all fair, O Mary, and there is in you no stain of original sin." O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. O brilliant star of sanctity, as on that lovely day, upon a rough rock in Lourdes you spoke to the child Bernadette and a fountain broke from the plain earth and miracles happened and the great shrine of Lourdes began, so now I beseech you to hear our fervent prayer and do, we beseech you, grant us the petition we now so earnestly seek. (make your request)  O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious  in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

Blessed be the holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Ave Maria…

To thee, therefore, most Blessed Virgin, in the presence of the nine choirs of Angels and all the Saints, I now give it. Do thou, in my name, consecrate it to Jesus; and out of the filial confidence which I hereby make profession of, I am certain that now and always thou wilt do all thou canst to bring it to pass that my heart may ever wholly belong to Jesus, and may imitate perfectly the example of the Saints, and in particular that of Saint Joseph, thy most pure Spouse. Amen. (Bl. Vincent Pallotti)

O God, Who dost continually raise up in thy Church new ensamples of godly living, grant unto thy people so to follow in the steps of thy blessed Bishop and Confessor Andrew, that at the last they may together with him attain unto thine eternal reward.  Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.

Reading –

Taken from the Readings in the Divine Office for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke (1:26-28)

“In that time the angel Gabriel was sent from God into a city of Galilee, called Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And so on.”

Homily by St German, Patriarch of Constantinople

On the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Hail, Mary, full of grace, holier than the Saints, higher than the heavens, more glorious than the Cherubim, more honourable than the Seraphim, and the most worshipful thing that the hands of God have made. Hail, O dove, bearing in thy beak the olive-branch of peace that telleth us of salvation from the spiritual flood (Gen. 8:10), O dove, blessed omen of a safe harbour, whose wings are of silver, and thy feathers of gold, shining in the bright beams of the Most Holy and Light-giving Spirit. (Ps. 67:14) Hail, thou living garden of Eden, planted towards the East by the right hand of the Most Merciful and Mighty God, wherein do grow to His glory rich lilies and unfading roses, for the healing of them that have drunk in death from the blighting and pestilential breezes of the bitter West, Gen. ii. 8, 9; Eden, wherein hath sprung that Tree of life, Whereof if any man eat he shall live for ever. (Gen. 2:9; 3:22; John 6:52) Hail, stately Palace of the King, most holy, stainless, purest, House of the Most High God, adorned with His Royal splendour, open to all, filled with Kingly dainties; Palace wherein is that spiritual bridal chamber, not made with hands, nor hung with divers colours, in the which the Eternal Word, when He would raise up fallen man, wedded flesh unto Himself, that He might reconcile unto the Father them who had cast themselves away.

Hail, O rich and shady Mountain of God, whereon pastured the True Lamb, Who hath taken away our sins and infirmities (Hab. 3:3; Isa. 53:4; John 1:29), mountain, whereout hath been cut without hands that Stone which hath smitten the altars of the idols, and become the head-stone of the corner, marvellous in our eyes. (Dan. 2:34; Ps. 117:22, 23) Hail, thou holy Throne of God, thou divinest store-house, thou temple of glory, thou bright crown, thou chosen treasure, thou mercy-seat for the whole world, thou heaven declaring the glory of God. (Ps. 18:2) Hail, thou vessel of pure gold, made to hold the manna that came down from heaven, the sweet food of our souls, even Christ. (Ex. 16:33; Heb. 9;4; John 6:49-51). Hail, O purest Virgin, most praiseworthy and most worshipful, hallowed treasury for the wants of all creatures; thou art the untitled earth, the unploughed field; thou art the vine full of flowers, the well overflowing with waters, Maiden and Mother; thou art the Mother that knew not a man, the hidden treasure of guilelessness, and the clear, bright star of holiness; by thy most acceptable prayers, strong from thy motherly mouth, obtain for all estates of men in the Church that they may continually tend unto Him Who is the Lord, and God, and Maker of thee, and of them, and of all, but of thee the Son also, conceived without man's intervention; obtain this, O Mother, pilot them to the harbour of peace.

Be it thine to clothe God's priests with righteousness, and to make them shout aloud for joy (Ps. 131:9, 16) in approved and stainless, and upright and glorious faith. thine be it to guide in peace the sceptres of orthodox princes, even of princes who put their trust in thee to be the crown of their Majesty, and the Royal Robe of their greatness, and the firm foundation of their dominion, more than in purple, or fine gold, or pearls, or precious stones; thine be it to put under their feet the unfaithful nations, nations that blaspheme thee, and the God That was born of thee; thine be it to keep in meek obedience the people that are under them, according to the commandment of God. Behold, this is thine own city, which hath thee for her towers and her foundations, crown her with victory, gird the house of God with strength, keep undefiled the loveliness of His tabernacles, as for them that praise thy name, be thou their deliverer from strife and bitterness of spirit. Free thou the prisoner, protect the wanderer, and if there be any that hath no refuge, be thou to him a consolation. Stretch forth thine hand and help the whole earth so shall we year by year keep this and all thy feasts, and at last be found with thee in Christ Jesus, Who is Lord of all, and verily our God. To Him, with the Holy Father, Who is the Fountain of Life, and the coeternal Spirit, Three Persons and One Substance, even as there is one Kingdom, be glory and strength, now and for ever. Amen.

Prayers for each day.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes - Day 2

Day 2 – February 3 – Feast of Saint Blaise

Prayers-

Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest yourself shining with light, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child Saint Bernadette: "I am the Immaculate Conception!" O Mary Immaculate, inflame our hearts with one ray of the burning love of your pure heart Let them be consumed with love for Jesus and for you, in order that we may merit one day to enjoy your glorious eternity. O dispenser of His graces here below, take into your keeping and present to your Divine Son the petition for which we are making this novena. (make your request) O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your  assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

O Mary, thou didst enter the world without stain; do thou obtain for me from

God, that I may leave it without sin. Ave Maria…

O God, Who gladden us with the yearly festival of blessed Blaise, Your Martyr and Bishop, mercifully grant that, as we venerate the anniversary of his martyrdom, we may also rejoice in his protection. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Reading-

“A woman came to a house of our little Congregation in this kingdom to let one of the Fathers know that her husband had not been to confession for many years, and the poor creature could no longer tell by what means to bring him to his duty; for if she named confession to him, he beat her.  The Father told her to give him a picture of Mary Immaculate.  In the evening the woman once more begged her husband to go to confession; but he as usual turned a deaf ear to her entreaties.  She gave him the picture.  Behold! he had scarcely received it, when he said, "Well, when will you take me to confession, for I am willing to go?"  The wife, on seeing this instantaneous change, began to weep for joy.  In the morning he really came to our church, and when the Father asked him how long it was since he had been to confession, he answered, "Twenty-eight years."  The Father again asked him what had induced him to come that morning.  "Father," he said, "I was obstinate; but last night my wife gave me a picture of our Blessed Lady, and in the same moment I felt my heart changed, so much so, that during the whole night every moment seemed a thousand years, so great was my desire to go to confession."  He then confessed his sins with great contrition, changed his life, and continued for a long time to go frequently to confession to the same Father.

“In another place, in the diocese of Salerno, in which we were giving a mission, there was a man who bore a great hatred to another who had offended him.  One of our Fathers spoke to him that he might be reconciled; but he answered: "Father, did you ever see me at the sermon?  No, and for this very reason, I do not go.  I know that I am damned; but nothing else will satisfy me, I must have revenge."  The Father did all that he could to convert him; but seeing that he lost his time, he said, "Here, take this picture of our Blessed Lady."  The man at first replied, "But what is the use of this picture?"  But no sooner had he taken it, than, as if he had never refused to be reconciled, he said to the missionary, "Father, is anything else required besides reconciliation?—I am willing."  The following morning was fixed for it.  When, however, the time came, he had again changed, and would do nothing.  The Father offered him another picture, but he refused it; but at length, with great reluctance, took it, when, behold! he scarcely had possession of it than he immediately said.  Now let us be quick; where is Mastrodati?" and he was instantly reconciled with him, and then went to confession.”

-Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, The Glories of Mary, Discourse for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Example 

Prayers for each day.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes - Day 1

Day 1 – February 2 – Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Prayers-

O Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, virgin and mother, queen of heaven, chosen from all eternity to be the Mother of the Eternal Word and in virtue of this title preserved from original sin, we kneel before you as did little Bernadette at Lourdes and pray with childlike trust in you that as we contemplate your glorious appearance at Lourdes, you will look with mercy on our present petition and secure for us a favorable answer to the request for which we are making this novena. (make your request)  O Brilliant star of purity, Mary Immaculate, Our Lady of Lourdes, glorious in your assumption, triumphant in your coronation, show unto us the mercy of the Mother of God, Virgin Mary, Queen and Mother, be our comfort, hope, strength, and consolation. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

To thee, O Virgin Mother, who wast never touched by any spot of Original or actual sin, I commend and entrust the purity of my heart.  Ave Maria…

Almighty and everliving God, we humbly beseech thy Majesty, that as thy Only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in substance of our flesh, so we may be presented unto thee with pure and clean hearts. Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

Reading –

Taken from the Readings in the Divine Office for the Feast of the Purification of the BVM

From the Holy Gospel according to Luke (2:22-32)

“In that time after the days of her purification, according to the law of Moses, were accomplished, they carried him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord: As it is written in the law of the Lord: And so on.”

Homily on this passage by St Ambrose, Bishop of Milan - Bk. 2, Comm. on Luke ii.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel. The birth of the Lord is attested not only by Angels and Prophets, and shepherds, but also by elders and just men. Every age, and both sexes, as well as the miracles of the events themselves, are here to strengthen our faith. A virgin conceiveth, a barren woman beareth, a dumb man speaketh, Elizabeth prophesieth, the wise man worshippeth, the unborn child leapeth, the widow praiseth, and the just man waiteth.

Well is he called just, who looked not for favour for himself, but for consolation for his people. He desired to be set free from the bondage of this frail body, but he waited to see the Promised One for he knew that blessed are the eyes that see Him. Then took he Him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word. Behold a just man, confined in the weary prison of the body, desiring to be dissolved and to begin to be with Christ. For to be dissolved and to be with Christ is much better. Phil. i. 23.

Whosoever will be dissolved and be with Christ, let him come into the Temple, let him come to Jerusalem, let him wait for the Lord's Christ, let him take hold on the Word of God, let him embrace it with good works, as it were with arms of faith and then let him depart in peace, for he shall not see death, who hath seen life. Behold how the Lord's Birth doth overflow with abounding grace for all, and prophecy is not denied to the just, but to the unbelieving. Behold, Simeon prophesieth that the Lord Jesus Christ is come for the fall and rising again of many yea, He shall separate the just from the unjust by their deserts, and according as our work shall be, so shall the true and righteous Judge command us to be punished or rewarded.

Prayers for each day.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes - Daily Prayers

Novena for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes  (Feb. 2^nd-10^th)

Feast: February 11th

Day 1 - Day 2 - Day 3  - Day 4  - Day 5

Day 6 - Day 7 - Day 8  - Day 9

~Prayer to be said each Day~

Be blessed, O most pure Virgin, for having vouchsafed to manifest your shining with life, sweetness and beauty, in the Grotto of Lourdes, saying to the child, St. Bernadette: "I am the Immaculate Conception." A thousand times we congratulate you upon your Immaculate Conception. And now, O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, Health of the sick, Refuge of sinners, Comforter of the afflicted, you know our wants, our troubles, our sufferings deign to cast upon us a look of mercy.

By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favors, and already many have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and physical. We come, therefore, with the most unbounded confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain for us, O loving Mother, the granting of our request.

(state your request)

Through gratitude for your favors, we will endeavor to imitate your virtues, that we may one day share your glory.

Our Lady of Lourdes, Mother of Christ, you had influence with your divine son while upon earth. You have the same influence now in Heaven. Pray for us; obtain for us from your Divine Son our special requests if it be the Divine Will. Amen.

Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us.

Saint Bernadette, pray for us.

+++++

Novena to Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face

Novena to St. Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face

September 24th-October 2nd

Feast: October 3rd

The Novena prayer and Litany found below are taken from the official approved prayers used at the American National Shrine of the Little Flower.  They are approved for public or private use.  They can be found in The Little Flower Prayerbook.

Novena Prayer

O Blessed Little Flower of Jesus, thou didst desire upon earth to live for Jesus alone, to suffer for His sake, to make Him better known and love by all men.  Now that thou rejoicest in the everlasting vision of that Holy Face, continue to send upon the World a shower of roses, the sweetness of whose perfume will draw all souls from the passing things of time to the joys that never end.

Obtain for our Holy Father the Pope, the favors of which he stands in much need; for our bishops, all things necessary to enable them to be true shepherds of the flock committed to their care; for our priests, a right understanding of their vocation and a burning zeal for souls; for our religious, the true spirit of their holy state; for our lay people, the gift of loyalty to Christ and His holy Church; for fallen Catholics, the grace to become again the friends of God; for non-Catholics, the light of the true faith and help to overcome the obstacles that are keeping them outside the One True Fold; for the foreign missions, zealous workers in those distant vineyards of the master.  Obtain for us the grace to imitate thy "little way" that leads with certainty to the feet of Jesus, and beg for us those favors especially which we now confidently ask of thee (name any special favors).

These things we ask through thy love for the Child Jesus and the Holy Face.

O Little Therese of the Child Jesus, who during thy short life on earth didst become a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that thou rejoicest in the reward of they virtues cast a glance of pity on us as we leave all things in thy hands.  Make our troubles thine own and interceded for us to our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love thou wert, to that Queen of Heaven who "smiled on thee at the dawn of life."  Beg her as Queen of the Heart of Jesus to obtain for us the grace we yearn for so ardently, and to join with it a blessing that may strengthen us during life, defend us at the hour of death, and lead us straight on to a happy eternity.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------


Litany of Saint Therese of the Child Jesus and of the Holy Face
(To be said on the Feast of Saint Therese) 

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 Mary, Mother of God, pray for us. (Repeat after each line)
Our Lady of Victory,
Our Lady of Mount Carmel,
St. Therese of the Child Jesus,
St. Therese of the Holy Face,
St. Therese, child of Mary,
St. Therese, devoted to St. Joseph,
St. Therese, angel of innocence,
St. Therese, model child,
St. Therese, pattern of religious,
St. Therese, flower of Carmel,
St. Therese, converter of hardened hearts,
St. Therese, healer of the diseased,
St. Therese, filled with love for the Blessed Sacrament,
St. Therese, filled with angelic fervor,
St. Therese, filled with an apostle's zeal,
St. Therese, filled with loyalty to the Holy Father,
St. Therese, filled with a tender love for the Church,
St. Therese, filled with extraordinary love for God and neighbor,
St. Therese, wounded with a heavenly flame,
St. Therese, victim of divine love,
St. Therese, patient in sufferings,
St. Therese, eager for humiliations,
St. Therese, consumed with love,
St. Therese, rapt in ecstasy,
Who desired always to be as a little child,
Who taught the way of spiritual childhood,
Who gave perfect example of trust in God,
Whom Jesus filled with a desire for suffering,
Who found perfection in little things,
Who refused God nothing,
Who sought bitterness in this life,
Who told us to call you littleTherese,
Who offered her life to God for priests and missionaries,
Who gained countless souls for Christ,
Who promised, after her death, a shower of roses,
Who foretold: "I will spend my heaven doing good upon earth,"
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, St. Therese.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray

O Lord, who hast said: Unless you become as little children you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven; grant us, we beseech Thee, so to follow in humility and simplicity of heart, the footsteps of St. Therese, the virgin, that we may obtain everlasting rewards. Who livest and reignest forever. Amen.