PRAYER TO ST. JOSEPH

In our tribulation we fly to you O Blessed Joseph; and after imploring the help of your most holy Spouse, we ask also with confidence for your patronage. By the affection which united you to the Immaculate Virgin Mother of God, and the fatherly love with which you embraced the Child Jesus, we beseech you to look kindly upon the inheritance which Jesus Christ acquired by this precious blood, and by your powerful aid to help us in our needs. Protect, most careful guardian of the Holy Family, the chosen people of Jesus Christ. Keep us, most loving father, from all pastilence of error and corruption. Be merciful to us, most powerful protector, from your place in heaven, in this warfare with the powers of darkness; and as you snatched the Child Jesus from the danger of death, so now defend the Holy Church of God from the snares of the enemy and from all adversity. Guard each of us by your perpetual patronage, so that, sustained by your example and help, we may live in holiness, die a holy death and obtain the everlasting happiness of heaven. Amen.

The Journey to Purity of Heart

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (Matthew 5:8) Dear FRIENDS, The angel's greeting to Mary is an inexhaustible subject for meditation: `Rejoice, you who enjoy God's favour: the Lord is with you' (Luke 1:28 NJB). This summons to the most pure Virgin to rejoice, because she is perfectly ready to receive the gift of the Most High, evokes the Beatitudes, in which Jesus invites us also to receive that joy, to the extent that we too make ourselves transparent to the work of God in us. Let us today reflect in particular on the Beatitude of the pure in heart, following the most ancient monastic tradition. For did not monks of earlier centuries regard purity of heart as the ultimate goal towards which their asceticism was directed? And were not the words of Jesus in fact a transposition of the angel's greeting? The only perfect purity of heart is the fullness of grace of the Mother of God; to say to Mary that the Lord is with her signifies that she sees God. Hence, the Virgin Mary alone completely fulfils the Beatitude of the pure in heart, which is why only she can truly teach us about it. So let us today, in the light of her Immaculate Conception, try to meditate as best we can on this inexhaustible theme. None of us has a pure heart spontaneously; if we attain it one day, it will be at the cost of great effort. Thus, it is primarily a question for us aspiring to purify our hearts. Our first concern is therefore to show the way of this purification: through what stages will we have to pass that our hearts may become as clear waters which will reflect the image of God? Jesus has a terrible observation to make about our impure hearts: `Whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and it is this that makes someone unclean. For from the heart come evil intentions: murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander. These are the things that make a person unclean' (Matthew 15:18—20 NJB). Our hearts are the source of the pollution which spreads through both our inner and outer selves. In the very centre of our life of prayer there is an inexhaustible reservoir of disturbance, noise, agitation and of fog clouding our eyes as we seek the divine light. That is the heart we have to purify. It would be foolish to want to deal at a stroke with this source of impurity without first disposing of all those external actions which make us blind. The first stage on the journey to purity of heart is interior silence. To ensure that our actions regain a genuine integrity, and above all to bring order into our thoughts and imaginations: this is the first, indispensable purification if we want to rediscover our hearts, hidden and buried as they are by the rush and bustle within us. And so, one day we finally succeed in establishing silence within ourselves. But it is too early to proclaim victory, for we still find ourselves in the presence of that inexhaustible source that I spoke of earlier. We have to experience the painful reality of our impure hearts: even if our ímagination has fallen silent and our thoughts become stilled, we shall find in the depths of ourselves a kind of fundamental instability, an inexhaustible fount of anxiety, a seedbed of judgements, condemnations and fear. If we are truly to have a strong desire to purify this heart, we must first experience its impurity and feel the radical need to transform it, if we are one day to see God. This, then, is the next stage in our journey: to seek to purify the waters of our interior source. That means, first of all, custody of the heart, as that beautiful classical formula puts it: not allowing it to be agitated by all those circumstances which we know will give rise to unhealthy emotions, anxiety and distraction. We must establish a prudent control of our feelings; we must renounce superficiality so as to remain attentive to the deep movements within our heart, since we now know that it is from there that all our trouble proceeds. And so, little by little, the waters of that source will purify themselves. Yet we shall often be tempted to lose heart when our efforts appear inadequate to the task we have set ourselves. By the time we have reached this stage in the purification of our heart, it is clear that we shall never transform it sufficiently by our own efforts to make it worthy of receiving the light from on high. It is then that we make our own, as though addressed to us personally, the word that God spoke to Israel through Ezekiel: `I shall pour clean water over you and you will be cleansed; I shall cleanse you of all your filth and of all your foul idols. I shall give you a new heart, and put a new spirit in you; I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead. I shall put my spirit in you, and make you keep my laws, and respect and practise my judgements.' (Ezekiel 36: 25—27 NJB) If the Lord himself gets involved, how can we doubt that our hearts will in the end be totally transformed? This is the light that shines in the darkness and puts it to flight; this is the silence of God that is louder than all the sounds of creation. But it must be emphasized that such a transformation will never be acquired cheaply. It is, in fact, the transposition, on the level of hearts, of what Jesús experienced when he bore the sin of the world before the Father, that is, its defilement, its utter absence of silence. In order to enter the repose of God, we must first pass through the trial which will transform us from within. But the words of Ezekiel go much further. It is not just a matter of cleansing our hearts; it is in the end a matter of recognizing that the ultimate defilement which taunts us is precisely that we do not have a heart at all. It is a stone complacently wallowing in the world of its own emotions that we have instead. Turned in on itself, how could it ever open itself to God and attain the transparency necessary for the light to penetrate it through and through? For as long as I have a stone for a heart, how can I not remain closed off from my brother and thus cut off from the One whose image he is? Give us, then, Lord, a heart of flesh: a fragile, vulnerable heart, attentive to all you say to it. Instead of this unfeeling and lifeless stone, give us a heart which knows how to respond, to suffer if necessary, and above all, to give itself to you. 'I shall remove the heart of stone from your bodies and give you a heart of flesh instead,' says the prophet. In other words, it is in my sensing and material self that God wishes to dwell. The Incarnate Word has come to meet me in the depths of my human nature, however unresponsive that nature might appear. In fact, in the eyes of God, that nature is not impure at all: it is precisely because I had denied its fragility that it became hard as stone. So if I want to possess the heart that God means me to have, I must allow myself to be exposed to all the assaults from the outside and to resonate with the sufferings of my brothers, sensitive to everything that affects them, so as to be equally responsive to all that affects God and to all that comes from him. My heart must become the place in which resounds the vibrant echo of all that is most intimate in the heart of my brother. In the light of all this, we will surely be tempted to say, as did the Virgin: `But how can this come about?' (Luke 1:34). Are we not talking about a distant and inaccessible ideal? No. God stepped right across the distance which separates us from him when he sent us his Son. It is now up to us to encounter this Divine Word made flesh. When that happens, his heart and mine come together. Through the human relationships which he wanted to create between each of us and himself, through this extraordinary intimacy that we possess with him who is a human being like us, the encounter to which we aspire takes place; it is his heart which will transform mine and make it capable of contemplating God. 'The one who sees me sees the Father,' he says. This is the secret which he has entrusted to us: if our eyes of flesh know how to see the Son, our heart will be transformed and will look upon God. This is also the promise made to us by Ezekiel, when he announced the coming of a new Spirit, the Spirit which Jesus gave us definitively after he had been glorified. If he does not yet hold sway in us, it is because we do not thirst for him enough. 'Let anyone who is thirsty come to me! Let anyone who believes in me come and drink!' As Scripture says, ` "From his heart shall flow streams of living water," ' (John 7:37-38). This is what must become of the defiled source which flows in us now. It must become a pure source; for, as the Gospel goes on to say: 'Jesus was speaking of the Spirit which those who believed in him were to receive' (John 7:39). This is the ultimate transformation to which our hearts are called: to be the well from which the Spirit springs forth. We feel overwhelmed by these reflections: they seem so far above us! And yet, are they not directly concerned with promises that Jesus has made to each and every one of us? So why view them as strange? Let us simply ask the Virgin Mary, in conclusion, to give us an attitude of true humility, whereby we will have a genuine thirst for Jesus. Not only did she possess a heart of flesh, but she bore in her flesh the very Son of God himself. May she lead us out of shadow towards the Light which is the blessed fruit of her womb. *

Stations of the Cross - 2

As early as the 4th c., Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land would walk the route that Our Lord walked as He made His way to Golgotha for our salvation. When Muslims captured Jerusalem and it became too dangerous to make this pilgrimage, Christians replicated the sites back home in Europe, and there developed the "Stations of the Cross" devotion (also known as "Way of the Cross," "Via Dolorosa," or "Via Crucis"). The devotion consists of meditating on 14 events -- that number being fixed in 1731 by Pope Clement XII -- which took place during Christ's Passion, from His being condemned to His burial. Franciscans popularized the devotion, which was originally made outside, often along roads to shrines or churches. The Way of the Cross can still be made outside, of course -- a perfect idea for a Mary Garden -- but is usually made inside nowadays, especially during the Season of Lent and most especially on Good Friday. If you enter a Catholic Church and look along the walls of the nave (where the parishioners sit), you should see 14 representations on the walls which depict 14 events of Christ's Passion that have been singled out for contemplation. It is at these blessed artistic representations, these "stations" -- which can be painted, carved, engraved, of wood, metal, paint on canvas, etc., topped with a wooden Cross -- that the Way of the Cross is made during public liturgy. The Way of the Cross can also be made privately, even at home, with or without "visual aids." When the Way of the Cross is made in groups, each person first makes the Sign of the Cross, makes an Act of Contrition (i.e., expresses penitence through prayer) and mentally intends to gain indulgences, for himself or another. Then, typically, at each station: • the leader will announce the name of the station • the leader will lead with a statement of praise, such as "We adore Thee O Christ and we bless Thee" • the people will respond, with, for example, using the above acclamation, "Because by Thy Holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world." • the leader will read a meditative reading, upon which all should meditate in penitence, thanking God for His sacrifice and uniting himself with that sacrifice (often by identifying with Mary) • all pray an Our Father • all pray a Hail Mary • all pray a Glory Be • traditionally, between the stations, successive stanzas of the hymn called Stabat Mater are sung -- a hymn known since at least 1388 A.D. and possibly written by Pope Innocent III who died in 1216 A.D. The meditations and prayers may vary, but the general outline above is pretty standard. The most popular way of making the Stations of the Cross is to use the meditations written by St. Alphonsus Liguori (A.D. 1696-1787); that method (including meditations, prayers and the Stabat Mater stanzas) appear below, with Scriptural references added. You can download these (without the graphics below) in Microsoft Word's .doc format (16 pages). Click here to hear a traditional melody of the Stabat Mater stanzas (many, many composers have written works for the text of the Stabat Mater over the centuries, so you may hear numerous variations). Making the Way of the Cross carries with it a partial indulgence under the usual conditions. To gain a plenary indulgence, the following norms must be followed, in addition to the usual conditions: • The pious exercise must be made before stations of the Way of the Cross legitimately erected. • For the erection of the Way of the Cross fourteen crosses are required, to which it is customary to add fourteen pictures or images, which represent the stations of Jerusalem. • According to the more common practice, the pious exercise consists of fourteen pious readings, to which some vocal prayers are added. However, nothing more is required than a pious meditation on the Passion and Death of the Lord, which need not be a particular consideration of the individual mysteries of the stations. • A movement from one station to the next is required. But if the pious exercise is made publicly and if it is not possible for all taking part to go in an orderly way from station to station, it suffices if at least the one conducting the exercise goes from station to station, the others remaining in their place. Those who are "impeded" can gain the same indulgence if they spend at least one half an hour in pious reading and meditation on the Passion and Death of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Stations The 14 stations are 1: Jesus is Condemned to Die Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross Jesus Falls the First Time Jesus Meets His Mother Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross Veronica Wipes Jesus' Face Jesus Falls the Second Time Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem Jesus Falls the Third Time Jesus is Stripped Jesus is Nailed to the Cross Jesus Dies on the Cross Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross Jesus is Laid in the Tomb ________________________________________ The Way of the Cross by Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787), with Scriptural references and the stanzas of the Stabat Mater (in Latin and English) added: ________________________________________ SIGN OF THE CROSS AND FORMATION OF INTENTIONS (Make the Sign of the Cross and say:) In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. (Now one forms the intention of gaining indulgences, either for one's self or for others) ACT OF CONTRITION My Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast made this journey to die for me with love unutterable, and I have so many times unworthily abandoned Thee; but now I love Thee with my whole heart, and because I love Thee I repent sincerely for having ever offended Thee. Pardon me, my God, and permit me to accompany Thee on this journey. Thou goest to die for love of me; I wish also, my beloved Redeemer, to die for love of Thee. My Jesus, I will live and die always united to Thee. ________________________________________ FIRST STATION Jesus is Condemned to Death (John 3:16, Isaiah 53:7, John 18:33-John 19:1-16) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider, that Jesus, after having been scourged and crowned with thorns, was unjustly condemned by Pilate to die on the cross. My adorable Jesus, it was not Pilate, no, it was my sins, that condemned Thee to die. I beseech Thee, by the merits of this sorrowful journey, to assist my soul in its journey toward eternity. I love Thee, my beloved Jesus; I love Thee more than myself; I repent with my whole heart of having offended Thee. Never permit me to separate myself from Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Stabat Mater dolorosa (At the cross her station keeping) Juxta crucem lacrymosa (Stood the mournful Mother weeping) Dum pendebat Filius (Close to Jesus to the last) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ SECOND STATION Jesus is Made to Bear His Cross (Isaiah 53:4-6, Matthew 27:31, Luke 9:23) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider, that Jesus, in making this journey with the cross on His shoulders, thought of us, and offered for us, to His Father, the death that He was about to undergo. My most beloved Jesus, I embrace all the tribulations that Thou hast destined for me until death. I beseech Thee, by the merits of the pain Thou didst suffer in carrying Thy cross, to give me the necessary help to carry mine with perfect patience and resignation. I love Thee, Jesus, my love, I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to separate myself from Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Cujus animan gementem (Through her heart, His sorrow sharing) Contristatam, et dolentem (All His bitter anguish bearing) Pertransivit gladius (Now at length the sword had passed) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ THIRD STATION Jesus Falls for the First Time (Isaiah 53:6) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider, this first fall of Jesus under His cross. His flesh was torn by the scourges, His head crowned with thorns, and He had lost a great quantity of blood. He was so weakened that He could scarcely walk, and yet He had to carry this great load upon His shoulders. The soldiers struck Him rudely, and thus He fell several times in His journey. My beloved Jesus, it is not the weight of the cross, but of my sins, which has made Thee suffer so much pain. Ah, by the merits of this first fall, deliver me from the misfortune of falling into mortal sin. I love Thee, O my Jesus, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: O quam tristis et afflicta (Oh, how sad and sore distressed) Fuit illa benedicta (Was that Mother highly blessed) Mater Unigeniti (Of the sole-begotten One!) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ FOURTH STATION Jesus Meets His Mother (John 19:25-27, John 16:22) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider, the meeting of the Son and the Mother, which took place on this journey. Jesus and Mary looked at each other, and their looks became as so many arrows to wound those hearts which loved each other so tenderly. My most loving Jesus, by the sorrow Thou didst experience in this meeting, grant me the grace of a truly devoted love for Thy most holy Mother. And thou, my Queen, who wast overwhelmed with sorrow, obtain for me by thy intercession a continual and tender remembrance of the Passion of thy Son. I love Thee, Jesus, my love; I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Quae moerebat, et dolebat (Christ above in torment hangs) Pia Mater, dum videbat (She beneath beholds the pangs) Nati poenas inclyti (Of her dying, glorious Son) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ FIFTH STATION Simon Helps Jesus Carry His Cross (Matthew 27:30-32, Matthew 25:40, Galatians 6:2) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that the Jews seeing that at each step Jesus, from weakness, was on the point of expiring, and fearing that He would die on the way when they wished Him to die the ignominious death of the cross, constrained Simon the Cyrenian to carry the cross behind Our Lord. My most sweet Jesus, I will not refuse the cross as the Cyrenian did; I accept it, I embrace it. I accept in particular the death that Thou hast destined for me with all the pains which may accompany it; I unite it to Thy death, I offer it to Thee. Thou has died for love of me, I will die for love of Thee, and to please Thee. Help me by Thy grace. I love Thee, Jesus, my love; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Quis est homo qui non flerent (Is there one who would not weep) Matrem Christi si videret (Whelmed in miseries so deep) In tanto supplicio? (Christ's dear Mother to behold?) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ SIXTH STATION Veronica Wipes the Face of Jesus (Isaiah 52:14, John 14:9) . We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that the holy woman named Veronica, seeing Jesus so afflicted, and His face bathed in sweat and blood, presented Him with a towel with which He wiped His adorable face, leaving on it the impression of His holy countenance. My most beloved Jesus, Thy face was beautiful before, but in this journey it has lost all its beauty, and wounds and blood have disfigured it. Alas! my soul also was once beautiful, when it received Thy grace in Baptism; but I have disfigured it since by my sins. Thou alone, my Redeemer, canst restore it to its former beauty. Do this by Thy Passion, O Jesus. I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always, and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Quis non posset contristari (Can the human heart refrain) Christi Matrem contemplari (From partaking in her pain) Dolentem cum Filio? (In that Mother's pain untold?) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ SEVENTH STATION Jesus Falls a Second Time (Hebrews 4:15) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider the second fall of Jesus under the cross—a fall which renews the pain of all the wounds of the head and members of our afflicted Lord. My most gentle Jesus, how many times Thou hast pardoned me, and how many times have I fallen again, and begun again to offend Thee! Oh, by the merits of this new fall, give me the necessary helps to persevere in Thy grace until death. Grant that in all temptations which assail me I may always commend myself to Thee. I love Thee, Jesus, my love, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Pro peccatis Suae gentis (Bruised, derided, cursed, defiled) Vidit Jesum in tormentis (She beheld her tender Child) Et flagellis subditum (All with bloody scourges rent) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ EIGHTH STATION Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31, John 15:6) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that those women wept with compassion at seeing Jesus in so pitiable a state, streaming with blood, as He walked along. But Jesus said to them, "Weep not for Me but for your children." My Jesus, laden with sorrows, I weep for the offenses that I have committed against Thee, because of the pains which they have deserved, and still more because of the displeasure which they have caused Thee, Who hast loved me so much. It is Thy love, more than the fear of hell, which causes me to weep for my sins. My Jesus, I love Thee more than myself; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Vidit suum dulcem Natum (For the sins of His own nation) Moriendo desolatum (Saw Him hang in desolation) Dum emisit spiritum (Till His spirit forth He sent) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ NINTH STATION Jesus Falls the Third Time (Philippians 2:5-7, Luke 14:11) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider the third fall of Jesus Christ. His weakness was extreme, and the cruelty of His executioners excessive, who tried to hasten His steps when He had scarcely strength to move. Ah, my outraged Jesus, by the merits of the weakness Thou didst suffer in going to Calvary, give me strength sufficient to conquer all human respect and all my wicked passions, which have led me to despise Thy friendship. I love Thee, Jesus, my love, with my whole heart; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Eia Mater, fons amoris (Ah Mother, fountain of love) Me sentire vim doloris (make me feel the force of the sorrow) Fac, ut tecum lugeam (so that I may mourn with you) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ TENTH STATION Jesus is Stripped of His Garments (John 19:23-25, Luke 14:33) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider the violence with which the executioners stripped Jesus. His inner garments adhered to His torn flesh and they dragged them off so roughly that the skin came with them. Compassionate your Saviour thus cruelly treated, and say to Him: My innocent Jesus, by the merits of the torment which Thou hast felt, help me to strip myself of all affection to things of earth, in order that I may place all my love in Thee, Who art so worthy of my love. I love Thee, O Jesus, with my whole heart: I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Fac ut ardeat cor meum (Make me feel as thou hast felt) In amando Christum Deum (Make my soul to glow and melt) Ut sibi complaceam (With the love of Christ, my Lord) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ ELEVENTH STATION Jesus is Nailed to the Cross (Psalm 22:17-18, Zechariah 12:10, Luke 23:33) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that Jesus, after being thrown on the cross, extended His hands, and offered to His eternal Father the sacrifice of His life for our salvation. These barbarians fastened Him with nails; and then, raising the cross, left Him to die with anguish on this infamous gibbet. My Jesus, loaded with contempt, nail my heart to Thy feet, that it may ever remain there to love Thee, and never quit Thee again. I love Thee more than myself; I repent of having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ TWELFTH STATION Jesus Dies on the Cross (Luke 23:46, John 19:30, Philippians 2:8-9) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider how thy Jesus, after three hours of agony on the cross, consumed at length with anguish, abandons Himself to the weight of His body, bows His head, and dies. O my dying Jesus, I kiss devoutly the cross on which Thou didst die for love of me. I have merited by my sins to die a miserable death, but Thy death is my hope. Ah, by the merits of Thy death, give me grace to die, embracing Thy feet and burning with love of Thee. I commit my soul into Thy hands. I love Thee with my whole heart; I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Tui Nati vulnerati (Let me share with thee His pain) Tam dignati pro me pati (Who for all our sins was slain) Poenas mecum divide (Who for me in torments died) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ THIRTEENTH STATION Jesus is Taken Down from the Cross (Luke 23:50-53, John 19:31-37, Luke 24:26) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that, our Lord having expired, two of His disciples, Joseph and Nicodemus, took Him down from the cross, and placed Him in the arms of His afflicted Mother, who received Him with unutterable tenderness, and pressed Him to her bosom. O Mother of Sorrow, for the love of this Son, accept me for thy servant and pray to Him for me. And Thou, my Redeemer, since Thou hast died for me, permit me to love Thee; for I wish but Thee, my Jesus, and I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee always; and then do with me what Thou wilt All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Fac me tecum pie flere (Let me mingle tears with thee) Crucifixo condolere (Mourning Him Who mourned for me) Donec ego vixero (All the days that I may live) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ FOURTEENTH STATION Jesus is Laid in His Tomb (Luke 23:50-56, John 19:38-42, John 12:24-25, Romans 6:10-11) V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world. Consider that the disciples carried the body of Jesus to bury it, accompanied by His holy Mother, who arranged it in the sepulchre with her own hands. They then closed the tomb and all withdrew. Oh, my buried Jesus, I kiss the stone that encloses Thee. But Thou didst rise again the third day. I beseech Thee, by Thy resurrection, make me rise glorious with Thee at the last day, to be always united with Thee in heaven, to praise Thee and love Thee forever. I love Thee, and I repent of ever having offended Thee. Never permit me to offend Thee again. Grant that I may love Thee; and then do with me what Thou wilt. All: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Stabat Mater Stanza: Juxta Crucem tecum stare (By the cross with thee to stay) Et me tibi sociare (There with thee to weep and pray) In plactu desidero (Is all I ask of thee to give) Response: Sancta Mater, istud agas ( Holy Mother! pierce me through) Crucifixi fige plagas (In my heart each wound renew) Cordi meo valide (Of my Saviour crucified) ________________________________________ PRAYERS IN HONOR OF THE PASSION O my Lord Jesus, in honor of Thy Passion and death, I offer the following prayers: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. ________________________________________ PRAYERS FOR THE INTENTIONS OF THE HOLY FATHER O, my Lord Jesus, I offer the following prayers as my petition for this month's intentions of our Holy Father, the Pope: Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven. And give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. ________________________________________ CLOSING PRAYER TO JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED Behold, O kind and most sweet Jesus, I cast myself on my knees in Thy sight, and with the most fervent desire of my soul, I pray and beg Thee to impress upon my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity, with true repentance for my sins, and a firm desire of amendment, while with deep affection and grief of soul I contemplate Thy five most precious Wounds, having before my eyes that which David spoke in prophecy: "They pierced My hands and My feet; they have numbered all My bones." God has loved us from all eternity. So He says: "Remember I first loved you. You had not come to be, nor did the world yet exist, but I loved you already. From all eternity I have loved you." ________________________________________ Footnote: 1 A novel variation you might see (and should ignore) in the enumeration of the Stations adds a 15th station -- Christ's Resurrection. The reason this should be ignored is because a) it changes the very purpose of the Lenten "Way of the Cross" devotion, which is to focus on His Passion, b) it is not traditional, and c) it is an appeasement to Protestants and to those who support the "Paschal Mystery Theology" that has destroyed the liturgy. Yet another variation you might see (and should ignore), another designed to appease Protestants because it lacks the stations not explicitly enumerated in Scripture, lists the following 14 stations: Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani Jesus Betrayed by Judas Jesus Condemned by the Sanhedrin Jesus denied by Peter Jesus Condemned by the People Jesus Crowned with Thorns and Clothed in Purple Jesus Carries the Cross Jesus Assisted by Simon of Cyrene Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem Jesus is Crucified Jesus Speaks to the Thief Jesus Speaks to his Mother Jesus Dies on the Cross Jesus is Laid in the Tomb

BIRTHDAY PRAYER SERVICE

Expose the Blessed Sacrament. Hymn: Introduction : Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique. There has never been anyone like him/her in the world; for if there had been anyone like him/her there would have been no need for him/her to be in the world. Every person in the world is called upon to fulfill his/her particularity in this world. Therefore we are special. And the Lord has specially called each one of us to continue His mission in this world. Today as our dear Sr. ___________ is celebrating her birthday, let us thank God for her uniqueness and for the uniqueness of each one of us with all its minute details. (Pause) Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for creating us in your own image and likeness, the most complex part of your creation is the man’s brain. Thank you Lord for our brain which are like precious computers that enables us to remember, to think and to reflect. Thank you for the senses you have given us which are wonderful instruments to acquire knowledge and to communicate with the world outside us. Thank you for the tiniest cell in the human body which contains untold secrets. Everything in man speaks of your wisdom and love. Every fibre of our beings is your gift to us. Thank you Lord for the health of mind and body; Thank you for the strong limbs, the memory, the bodily and spiritual power. Thank you Divine designer for making us what we are, the wonderful, challenging mystery you love to hide in. Thank you for all the marvels that you surround us with. Thank you for the wonder of your creation. The grandeur of your handiwork. Hymn : Tape Now each of us will say a short prayer for Sr. _________, place the flower in the vase which will be passed down. And Sr. ___________ will place the vase before the Altar and make a self-offering. - By reciting the Prayer – You Hold my life Tenderly. Concluding Hymn. ***************** Heavenly Father, we praise and thank you for creating us in your own image and likeness, the most complex part of your creation is the man’s brain. Thank you Lord for our brain which are like precious computers that enables us to remember, to think and to reflect. Thank you for the senses you have given us which are wonderful instruments to acquire knowledge and to communicate with the world outside us. Thank you for the tiniest cell in the human body which contains untold secrets. Everything in man speaks of your wisdom and love. Every fibre of our beings is your gift to us. Thank you Lord for the health of mind and body; Thank you for the strong limbs, the memory, the bodily and spiritual power. Thank you Divine designer for making us what we are, the wonderful, challenging mystery you love to hide in. Thank you for all the marvels that you surround us with. Thank you for the wonder of your creation. The grandeur of your handiwork.

Offertory Prayers

Bible: Is a book of life, which nourishes comforts & gives hopes to every Person. The word became flesh and dwells among us every day. He invites the church leaders and all the religious, to become channels of God’s grace, by speaking with Jesus mouth, to see with his eyes and to love with His heart. Thus they may spread God’s message of love, like St.Paul in bringing equality, Justice and peace to all. Grown (Ralic), (Mother Clara’s): It symbolizes victory and glory, yes dear Mother, as we honour your day of Assumption we recall all that you are, you endured all the suffering joyfully and entered into glory. We keep you as our model, to live a life of faith, holiness, and love. Flag (Congregational): Lord, we offer this flag as the symbol of our Country. On this day we remember our great freedom fighters, whose sacrifice, dedication, love and hope, brought us freedom. Our present political leaders may give up their selfishness and sacrifice themselves for the social and economic liberations of our country. Thus, they may become responsible future citizens. Plant: It symbolize the youth of today. Because of mass media, the younger generation suffers much and ever sometimes end their lives in frastration. Loving Father mould and ment their lives, according to your will and plan. As they hold the Future of our country, may they draw strength from you and make the world a beeten place to live in. Bread wine: The words of Jesus into action. The body and blood of Jesus Poured out for you and for me. The only possession what Jesus had was Himself, for the love of us, He gave us the only possession of his body and blood. As we are Partaking in this Eucharist meal, let us experience, His tender – compassionate love and share it with others.

NURSE’S PRAYER

O My God, I am about to begin this day’s work, teach me to receive the sick in thy name, give to my effort success, Sweet Jesus for the glory of thy Holy Name. It is thy work without thee I cannot succeed. Grant, that the sick, thou has placed in my care may be abundantly blessed and not one of them may be lost because of anything that is lacking in me. Help me to overcome every temporary weakness and strengthen in me whatever may be enable to bring the sunshine of joy to the lives that are gathered around me. Day by day make me beautiful for the sake of thy sick ones and those lives, which are influenced by them. Amen.

HYMNS FOR EUCHARISTIC CELEBRATION - 2

As we gather As we gather in this place today Holy Spirit come and have your way Have your way As we lay aside our own desire Sweep across our hearts with Holy fire Have your way This is your house, your home We welcome you Lord we welcome you (2) Lord we welcome you today As we offer up our hearts and life Let there be a living sacrifice Have your way Be glorified in everything we do Be glorified in everything we say Have your way ******** You are the Power You are the Power that shapes my life You are the peace in times of strife The hand that leads me day by day The light that shines, to guide my way CH: To you O Lord, I lift up my soul All it possesses and all it holds I thank you Lord with all my being Your praises Lord, your praises I sing Fashioned am I for greatness For all that you have given, are the best You created me to be your own To belong to you and you alone You know me Lord, Yes, through and through My thoughts, my words and all I do My past, my present, future too Lord I surrender all to you. ******** Let me start Again Let me start again Pick the pieces of my brokenness, Fill the spaces in my emptiness Let me start again. Lat me start with you Lord Everything begins with you. All my winnings and my losing All begins in you. Come let me rise to greet the morning Let me catch the dew a falling Let the tidings of a new day Keep my courage strong Let the darkness of my night cease Yes the passion and anxieties With you there to hold me Jesus I’ll sing a bold new song. Come take my living into your life Let my breath re – echo you sighs Of my thoughts and words and deeds Lord Take complete control. May my life’s surrender see me Trusting more your power to heal me. From my fragmentation Jesus, You can make me whole.

HYMNS FOR EUCHARIST CELEBRATION - 1

Entrance It’s a time of joy, a time of peace A time when heart are then set free A time to heal the wounds of division It’s time of grace a time of hope A time of sharing the gifts, we have A time to build the world that is one Ch: It’s the time to give thanks To the Father Son and Spirit And with Mary our Mother we sing this song Open your hearts to the Lord And begin to see the mystery That we are all together as one family No more walls no more chains No more selfishness and closed doors For we are in the fullness of God’s time It’s the time of the great Jubilee It’s a time of Prayer it’s a time of praise A time to lift our hands to God A time to recall all our graces It is a time to touch a time to reach Those hearts that often wander A time to bring them back to God’s embrace It’s the time of the great Jubilee (2) Lord have Mercy Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me Cast me not away from thy presence And take not thy spirit from me Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation and Renew a right spirit within me – 2 Gloria Praise, honour and glory are yours (2) Glorious God, king of creation We praise you, we bless you We worship you in song Glorious God, in adoration At you r feet we belong. Ch:- Lord of life, Father almighty Lord of hearts Christ the King Lord of love, Holy Spirit To whom we homage bring Glorious God, magnificent, Holy We love you , adore you And come to you in prayer Glorious God, mighty eternal We sing your praise everywhere (Ch.) Response Shepherd of my soul, I give you full control Wherever you may lead, I will follow I have made the choice, to listen to your voice Wherever you may lead, I will go Be it in a quiet pasture Or by a gentle stream The shepherd of my soul Is by my side Should I face a mighty mountain Or a valley dark and deep The shepherd of my soul Will be my guide Acclamation Regina Caeli, Laetare,! Alleluia (3) Ah..ah..ah..ah..ah..ah.. Alleluia (2) Alleluia (3) Offertory Are you tired of chasing pretty rainbows Are you tired of spinning round and round Pack up all those lovely dreams of your life And at the feet of Jesus lay them down. Ch:- Give them all (2) Give them all to Jesus Shattered dreams wounded hearts Broken toys Give them all (2) Give them all to Jesus and He will turn your sorrow into joy. He never said you’ll only see sunshine He never said there will be no rain He only promised us a heart full of singing About the very things that once brought pain (Ch.) Holy Holy Holy Holy holy holy is the Lord Holy is the Lord God of host Hosanna in the highest – 2 Blessed is he who comes in the name Holy is the Lord God of host Heaven and earth are full of your glory Hosanna in the highest – 2 He comes in the name, In the name of the Lord – 3 Hosanna in the Highest Holy holy holy is the Lord Holy is the Lord God of host Hosanna in the Highest – 4 Eucharistic Acc. You came from heaven to earth To show the Way From the earth to the cross My debt to pay From the cross to the grave From the grave to the sky Lord I lift your name on high Our Father Brothers with confidence we pray The words that Jesus used to/say With faith so let us pray Father in heaven your name be praised Your kingdom come on earth, your will be done On the universe by men of good will Just as the angels do it in heaven Give us our daily bread Forgive us all our sins as we Forgive those who sin against us And do not bring us, us to the test But free us all from every evil. Communion For the bread and wine we share here For the friends whom we embrace For the peace we find in healing For all who gather in this place For the faith of those around us For the joy of all those here For the hope we find in memories For the love that draws us near Ch:- we give you thanks (2) For the grace we receive, in you we believe We give you thanks (2) With faith and hope and love We give you thanks For the moments deep within us For the stories that we bring For the signs of God’s compassion For the journey that we see For the word that holds our promise For the gifts that we can place For the wonders that surround us For the songs that sings our name. Post Communion : As I stand, on the ground where you stood And I walk in your footsteps I imagine the way that you felt And the thoughts you were thinking Could you see my face in the crowd And that I loved you. Ch:- Totus tuus, totally yours (2) The rock and the lamb The Lord and the man Totus tuus, totally yours You’ve told us, that people must be free Every heart must be open You say, that justice is the key But it makes our love to turn it. You say, you believe in me You said you love me And we will follow you, yes We will follow you Where ever you lead For we believe your Message is true – 2 (Ch.) Recessional Tell me how did you feel When the angel came to the garden, How did you feel (2) When he said, “If you’re afraid, I beg your pardon! But you’re the one to bear God Son Tell me how did you feel (3) How did you feel (2) Ch: Oh Mamma, Mamma Mary we wish you joy (2) Oh Mamma, mamma Mary Your little Boy (2) Soon to be our Saviour Tell me how did you feel on the final day How did you feel (2) When you arrived in Bethlehem, To hear them saying “No room no table, stay in a stable” Tell me how did you feel How did you feel (2) Tell me how did you feel When wise men came to see Him, How did you feel (2) When shepherds and Kings With precious things adored Him, It had begun he was the one, Tell me how did you feel, How did you feel (2)

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the account of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, at least three times the Evangelist Luke emphasizes that Mary and Joseph acted in accordance with “the Law of the Lord” [cf.Lk 2:22,23,39], moreover they always appear to be listening attentively to the Word of God. This attitude is an eloquent example for you, men and women religious; and for you, members of Secular Institutes and of other forms of Consecrated Life. The next Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be dedicated to The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church: dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to make your Contribution to this ecclesial commitment, witnessing to the importance, especially for those who like you, the Lord calls to a more intimate “sequela”, of placing the Word of God at the center of all things. In fact, the Consecrated Life is rooted in the Gospel. Down the centuries, the Gospel – as it were, its supreme rule – has continued to inspire it and the Consecrated Life is called to refer constantly to the Gospel, to remain alive and fertile, bearing fruit for the salvation of souls. This rich tradition attests that Consecrated Life is “deeply rooted in the example and teaching of Christ the Lord” [Vita Consecrata, n. 1] and can be compared to “a plant with many branches which sinks its roots into the Gospel and brings forth abundant fruit in every season of the Church’s life” [ibid., n.5]. Its mission is to recall that all Christians are brought together by the Word, to live of the Word and to remain under its lordship. It is therefore the special duty of men and women religious “ to remind the babtized of the fundamental values of the Gospel” [Vita Consecrata, n.33]. By so doing their witness imbues the Church with “a much – needed incentive towards ever greater fidelity to the Gospel” [ibid., n.3] and indeed, we might say, is an “eloquent, albeit often silent, proclamation of the Gospel” [ibid., n.25]. This is why, in my two Encyclicals as on other occasions, I have not failed to cite the example said by Saints and Blesseds belonging Institutes of Consecrated Life

MEMO FROM GOD

To: YOU Date: TODAY From: THE BOSS Subject: LIFE I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, Do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It ill be addressed in My time, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it. If you find yourself stuck in traffic; Don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege. Should you have a bad day at work; Think of the man who has been out of work for years. Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; Think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return. Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; Think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children. Should your car break down leaving you miles away from assistance; Think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk. Should you notice a new grey hair in the mirror; Think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine. Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity. If you have a "problem" to handle in the community or school, Remember that I am handling all of them every day. If you have a "hard nut to crack" (I know you have many....) remember that I put up with them all the time, loving them, and you too are one of them. Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; Remember, things could be worse. You could be them!!!! ***************************************