THE SORROWFUL MYSTERY AS WE PRAY THE ROSARY

The First Mystery: The Agony of our Lord in the garden.

God’s word:  In his anguish he prayed even more earnestly, and his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. (Lk 22:44)

(OR) The Agony of our Blessed Mother.

God’s Word:  Simeon bless them and said to Mary His mother.  “Ye see this child: He is destined for the fall and for the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected – and a sword will pierce your soul too – so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare. (Lk: 2:34-35).

Our Father . . .

Hail Mary . . .

1.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when my friends fail, remind me that in Jesus I have a faithful friend.

2.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I am abandoned by every one remind me that even if may own mother were to forget me, God will not forget me.

3.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when all my actions are cynically looked upon, remind me that God sees everything.

4.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I am misunderstood and criticized, remind me that I have an understanding brother in your Son.

5.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when I meet with failures and frustration, remind me that what counts is good will and effort.

6.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when no one appreciates my hard work, remind me that your Son is a just judge.

7.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when self-acceptance becomes very difficult, remind me that you and your Son accept me as I am.

8.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when tested by natural calamities, remind me that God can bring good out of everything.

9.         Holy Mary Mother dear, when everything looks gloomy and I find myself all alone, remind me that God loves me.

10.      Holy Mary Mother dear, when all hope is gone, remind me that in you I have a reason to hope.

The Second Mystery:  Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth.

God’s Word:  “My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. (Jn 18 : 36)

Or  The flight of the Holy Family into Egypt.

God’s word:  “The angel of the Lord said to Joseph in a dream, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother with you, and escape into Egypt”. (Lk 3 : 13)

1.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me so that I may be able to form correct principles that will guide me through life.

2.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me when faced with difficulties to choose always what is right.

3.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when I have to disagree with others, help me to disagree in an agreeable manner.

4.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when parents and elders don’t understand me, help me to understand why they don’t understand.

5.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, guide me along the right path when pleasure-seeking overwhelms me.

6.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, when alcoholism and drugs lure me, guide me to find enjoyment in wholesome entertainments.

7.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, prevent me from using abusive and vulgar language, even though they seem to make me appealing to others.

8.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me to earn my living by hard work and not by cheating.

9.          Holy Mary Help of Christians, give me hope when I am in despair.

10.       Holy Mary Help of Christians, help me to devote time for intellectual and spiritual development even when they appear boring.

The Third Mystery : Jesus the Way

God’s Word:  I am the way, the truth and the life, no one goes to the father except by me.  (Jn 14 : 6)

Or  Mary Leads us to Jesus – the Way.

God’s Word:  “I am the hand handmaid of the Lord”, said Mary.  “Let it be done to me according to your word”. (Lk 1 : 38)

1.            Holy Mary mother of youth, hold my hand in the tug-of-war between childhood–self and adolescent–self.

2.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, give me the right insight as I look at life as a teenager with eyes full of searching curiosity and heart full of expectation.

3.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, lead me along the right path at this age when I am so enthusiastic and full of vigour.

4.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, show me the right values at this age when I feel like breaking away from social customs and traditions.

5.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, help me to form the correct attitude to religious ceremonies at this time when religious practices look very old-fashioned.

6.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, make me long for God at this time when   I am temped to believe that I can do without God.

7.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, show me the truth when conflicting ideologies come my way.

8.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, protect me when worldly pleasures draw me.

9.            Holy Mary Mother of youth, hold my hand firm when alluring promises tempt me.

10.         Holy Mary Mother of youth, guide me when I am confused.

The Fourth Mystery:  Jesus overcomes difficulties through prayer and fasting.

God’s Word: Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.  (Mt. 26 : 41)

Or   Mary receives strength by pondering over the word of God.

God’s Word:  “. . . and his mother kept all these things in her heart”.

(Lk 2:51).

1.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may be able to distinguish between truth and error and follow the former.

2.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not fall into temptation because of the obscene things I am forced to see and hear.

3.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may safeguard myself from sexy movies and magazines.

4.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, help me that I may always choose good literature.

5.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not look for immediate gratification which always leads later to bitterness and sadness.

6.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not join bad company.

7.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, pray that I may not place myself in unhealthy circumstances, which may lead me to sin.

8.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, give me the patience to follow my elders’ advice even when they are annoying.

9.         Holy Mary Mother most prudent, help me to be open to those who guide and direct me.

10.      Holy Mary Mother most prudent, at this age when all that matters to me is love, teach me to love truly.

The Fifth Mystery : Jesus the Lord of Love.

God’s Word: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another”. (Jn 13 : 34)

Or    Mary shows unconditional concern for others.

God’s word:  “When the wine failed, the Mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine”.  (Jn 2 : 3)

1.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that the only way to heaven is a life of love.

2.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that unconditional love is indeed costly.

3.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that true love demands that I learn how to focus my attention on the needs of those I love.

4.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in giving that I receive.

5.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in understanding others I am understood.

6.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that it is in obeying, that I learn to command.

7.         Holy Mary Mother of love, help me to understand that it is only when I love others that I will be loved.

8.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that real love involves dying to self which is very painful.

9.         Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may Understand that love is a decision and a commitment rather than a feeling.

10.      Holy Mary Mother of love, pray that I may understand that without fidelity there cannot be any authentic relationship.

ROSARY WITH EACH BEAD

 

(The Rosary is said as usual except for the “Holy Mary”.  Instead of the usual “Holy Mary”, after each “Hail Mary” use the prayers given below)

I.

1.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that our Holy Father by his words, deeds and actions may be able to lead the youth of today to your Son.

2.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that priests and religious may have courage and strength to meet the challenge of the youth of today.

3.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that priests and religious may understand the youth of today.

4.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that priests and religious may accept the youth of today as they are.

5.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that priests and religious may proclaim the Good News as the time demands.

6.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that the youth of today may be faithful to the teachings of the Church.

7.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we, the youth of today may accept the limitations and shortcomings of the leaders of the Church.

8.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we, the youth of today may co-operate with the priests and religious in order to come closer to you.

9.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we with the help and guidance of priests and religious may work for the uplift of the poor.

10.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we, the youth of today may strive through prayer and deeds towards the unity of the Church.

II.

1.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that our rules may lead the country to peace and prosperity.

2.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may be faithful to our motherland.

3.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we the Indian youth of today may remain faithful to our good cultural and religious traditions.

4.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may accept and respect those in authority.

5.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may respect and obey our parents and teachers.

6.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that the leaders of our country may involve the youth of today in working for the development of the country.

7.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may work for the good of the community in which we live.

8.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may do all our duties well.

9.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that the rich nations may be more considerate towards the poor.

10.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that the youth movements all over the world, may brighten the lives of youth.

III.

1.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us who often fall into sin.

2.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may not fall into sins of omission often.

3.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may keep ourselves free from evil thoughts, words and deeds.

4.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may keep ourselves pure all the day of our life.

5.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may fight against all evil inclinations and the devil.

6.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we, the youth of today may not be trapped in the clutches of atheism.

7.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for the young who die as atheists.

8.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for young people in the communist countries.

9.        Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that the youth of today may abandon evil ways.

10.     Holy Mary Mother of God, send more men like St. John Bosco to redeem the youth of today from sin and despair.

IV.

1.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we the youth of today may do justice to our studies.

2.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may think well of our parents, relatives, brothers, sisters and our friends.

3.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may understand our parents and help them in all possible ways.

4.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may become aware of the needs of others and try our best to help them.

5.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may sacrifice ourselves for the good of our brothers.

6.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may not refuse others help due to caste or creed differences.

7.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may accept others as we want them to accept us.

8.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may be able to get rid of all our selfishness and pride.

9.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may love even those who harm us.

10.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may always stand by our convictions.

V.

1.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we the youth of today may deepen our trust in God.

2.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may increase our love for God more and more.

3.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may be enlightened by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

4.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may bring more people closer to your Son by our example.

5.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may be frank in all our words and actions.

6.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may find peace and meaning in our lives.

7.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that we may come to the realization and fullness of life.

8.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that many more may answer the call of God, to serve Him as priests or religious.

9.              Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for those in purgatory that they may attain the beatific vision soon.

10.           Holy Mary Mother of God, pray that God in His goodness may grant us all our intentions.

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FEASTS IN OCTOBER

October, 2014

1
Theresa of the Child Jesus, V
Memorial 2
Guardian Angels
Memorial 3
Friday of the Twenty-Sixth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 4
Francis of Assisi, Rel
Memorial 5
Twenty-Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday 6
Bruno, P; Bl. Marie Rose Durocher, V
Opt. Mem. 7
Our Lady of the Rosary
Memorial 8
Wednesday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 9
Denis, B & M, and companions, Mm; John Leonardi, P
Opt. Mem. 10
Friday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 11
Saturday of the Twenty-Seventh Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 12
Twenty-Eighth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday 13
Monday of the Twenty-Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 14
Callistus I, Po & M
Opt. Mem. 15
Teresa of Avila, V & D
Memorial 16
Hedwig, Rel; Margaret Mary Alacoque, V
Opt. Mem. 17
Ignatius of Antioch, B & M
Memorial 18
Luke, Evangelist
Feast 19
Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday 20
Paul of the Cross, P
Opt. Mem. 21
Tuesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 22
Wednesday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 23
John of Capistrano, P
Opt. Mem. 24
Anthony Claret, B
Opt. Mem. 25
Saturday of the Twenty-Ninth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 26
Thirtieth Sunday of Ordinary Time
Sunday 27
Monday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 28
Simon and Jude, Ap
Feast 29
Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 30
Thursday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday 31
Friday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time
Weekday

Act of Reparation 1

On the feast of the Sacred Heart, the Litany given below is publicly recited, after which this Act of Reparation follows.

 Dearest Jesus, thou pourest forth thy love upon mankind, and they repay thee all ungratefully with neglect, indifference, contempt. Behold us kneeling humbly before thy altar (or: in thy presence), striving to repair, by a special act of homage, this heartless ingratitude of men, and the insults that are everywhere being inflicted on thy all-loving Heart.

 We do not forget that we ourselves have had our part in this unworthy treatment of thee; and the remembrance fills us with deepest grief. First, then, we entreat thee to have mercy on us. We are ready to atone, by this voluntary act of expiation, for the crimes we ourselves have committed, and also for the sins of those who, striving far from the way of salvation, either refuse, in the obstinacy of their unbelief, to follow thee, their shepherd and guide, or trample upon their baptismal vows and have shaken off the sweet yoke of thy law.

 We are anxious to atone for all these deplorable crimes, but more especially to make reparation for those following immodesty and shameful excesses in life and dress; the many snares laid to corrupt innocent souls; that disregard of holydays; the vile blasphemies hurled against thee and thy saints; the reproach cast on thy Vicar and on the whole priestly order; the neglect of the very Sacrament of thy divine love, and its profanation by horrifying sacrilege; and lastly the public sins of the nations in rebellion against the just rights and the teaching authority of the Church founded by thee.

 Would that we could wash away these outrages with our own blood! As it is, in order to atone for the violations of the honour due to God, we offer thee the selfsame satisfaction which of old thou didst offer to thy Father upon the cross, and which thou failest not to renew daily upon the altars of thy Church. To this we add the expiatory merits of thy Virgin Mother, of all the saints, and of the pious faithful on earth. With all our hearts we promise, first, to atone, so far as in us lies, with the assistance of thy grace, for our past sins and those of others, and for our coldness towards thy great love, by steadfast faith, spotless purity of life, and perfect fulfilment of the law of the Gospel, especially the law of charity. We also pledge ourselves to prevent, so far as we are able, such injuries from being done to thee, and to bring as many as we can to follow thee.

Accept, we pray thee, most gracious Jesus, at the plea of our Lady of Reparation, this free-will offering of atonement, and be pleased to keep us, by the great gift of final perseverance, dutiful and loyal in thy service to the death. So may we all come al last to that fatherland where thou livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit for ever and ever. Amen

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I consecrate myself to Your Most Sacred Heart. Take possession of my whole being; transform me into Yourself. Make my hands Your hands, my feet Your feet, my heart Your heart. Let me see with Your eyes, listen with Your ears, speak with Your lips, love with Your heart, understand with Your mind, serve with Your will, and be dedicated with my whole being. Make me Your other self. Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, send me Your Holy Spirit to teach me to love You and to live through You, with You, in You and for You.

Come, Holy Spirit, make my body Your temple. Come, and abide with me forever. Give me the deepest love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus in order to serve Him with my whole heart, soul, mind and strength. Take possession of all my faculties of body and soul. Regulate all my passions: feelings and emotions. Take possession of my intellect, understanding and will; my memory and imagination. O Holy Spirit of Love, give me an abundance of Your efficacious graces. Give me the fullness of all the virtues; enrich my faith, strengthen my hope, increase my trust, and inflame my love. Give me the fullness of Your sevenfold gifts, fruits and beatitudes. Most Holy Trinity, make my soul Your sanctuary.