The Immaculate Conception - Novenas

This WILL be the year that I will get all of my advent post done! Ok, so it probably won't be.  As usual, I will get one or two done, and the rest will slip through the cracks.  But hey!  On the bright side, those posts are adding up!  

Again, I'm running late, so hopefully I will get another post done soon on this topic, but for now here are a few novenas for this year.  First, you can refer back to last year's post on the Immaculate Conception.  It has one novena option that is very beautiful.  

During the whole pre-election prayer season, I somehow connected to a website that sends the novena prayers to your email every day, praymorenovenas.com.  Brilliant!  No more forgetting! It's also nice for those novenas where every day's prayers are a little different. I only wish you could personalize the novenas a bit.  Here is the text for today: 

Day 1 - Immaculate Conception Novena Prayers 

 

O most pure Virgin Mary conceived without sin, from the very first instant, you were entirely immaculate. O glorious Mary full of grace, you are the mother of my God - the Queen of Angels and of men. I humbly venerate you as the chosen mother of my Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

The Prince of Peace and the Lord of Lords chose you for the singular grace and honor of being his beloved mother. By the power of his Cross, he preserved you from all sin. Therefore, by His power and love, I have hope and bold confidence in your prayers for my holiness and salvation.

 

I pray first of all that you would make me worthy to call you my mother and your Son, Jesus, my Lord.

 

I pray that your prayers will bring me to imitate your holiness and submission to Jesus and the Divine Will.

 

Hail Mary...

 

Now, Queen of Heaven, I beg you to beg my Savior to grant me these requests...

 

(Mention your intentions)

 

My holy Mother, I know that you were obedient to the will of God. In making this petition, I know that God's will is more perfect than mine. So, grant that I may receive God's grace with humility like you.

 

As my final request, I ask that you pray for me to increase in faith in our risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in hope in our risen Lord; I ask that you pray for me to increase in love for the risen Jesus!

 

Hail Mary...

 

Amen.

One more novena, this one sent from a friend for the intention of a friend.  I don't want to post too many details until I have their okay, but I do think the more people praying for this little girl can't hurt anything.  Of course this novena you can also change for your own intentions.

Novena to Our Lady of Lourdes

Prayer
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) *THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF MONICA'S BODY AS MUCH AS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER DEEMS IS GOOD FOR HER SOUL*

 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.

Now don't forget to start the St. Andrew Novena tomorrow!God Bless!

Prayer for the Election

Dear Jesus, King of Kings, we call upon all of our relatives in heaven, along with their Guardian Angels, and indeed, upon every American in heaven and their angels, going all the way back in history to all of their relatives beginning with your Apostles, to intercede with You to Our Heavenly Father to ensure a resounding victory for the presidential candidate and all candidates most aligned with your will for the cause of protection of life from the moment of conception, for the dignity and liberty--especially the complete religious freedom--of all persons in the United States and all people in the world effected by the election today.
With serene confidence in Immaculate Mary, who our bishops chose as Patroness of the United States, we call upon her today. We beg you, Jesus, send forth her spouse, the Holy Spirit, to crush any and all forces of evil prowling about our count

ry seeking the ruin of souls. We call upon all Angels You have assigned to every governmental body, jurisdiction, and civic institution across the Land of the Free, to vouchsafe the first freedom, the right to life.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, pray for us.
Saint Katharine Drexel and Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, pray for us.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha and Saint Marianne Cope, pray for us.
Saint John Neumann and all American Jesuit Martyrs, pray for us.
Little Flower Therese, who so many Americans love dearly, help us.
Saints Joseph, Anthony, and Jude, pray for us.
Immaculate Mary, Patroness of the United States, crush the serpent's head!
Jesus Christ, King of Kings, have mercy on us and on the whole world!
Father in Heaven, Release Saint Michael Now!
Father in Heaven, Release Saint Michael Now! Amen.

It's Time!

Time to cast our votes!  Time to rid ourselves of terrible political ads!  I hope and pray that everyone gets out to vote today.  Yes, the current ballot is a little discouraging…but can you honestly think of one President that this country has had that you would wholeheartedly endorse?  Actually, I'd like an answer to that one :).

For me, the most important issue on the ballot is not the Presidential election.  Yes, I dread the thought of Obama being re-elected, but you have to admit the last four years have at least started to give the bishops a backbone again.  If our votes can't stop the persecution, than maybe our suffering will strengthen the Church.  That is usually how it works, anyhow.  I can only pray we will have the grace to persevere in our faith.

No, for me the really important vote is the vote for the Minnesota Marriage Amendment.  I hope my state has the clear-sightedness to realize that this vote is not against people.  It is not about limiting the "rights" of a (very small) group of people.  It is about promoting the true definition and purpose of marriage.  That purpose is creating a stable environment for the upbringing of children.  We've already seen that environment damaged by the ease with which marriage can be destroyed through divorce, and by the effects of contraception and abortion, both which serve to separate children from marriage.  And we have seen the devastating effects of the deterioration of the home and family being reflected in society.  For as the family goes, so does society.

Allowing for gay "marriage" will not strengthen marriage, because one of the primary ends - and the only end that truly benefits the state - is missing.  It takes a male and a female to produce offspring.  That is biology 101.  Unless you are a worm, but we are not worms, and our bodies don't work that way.  People scream "discrimination" when we suggest that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.  Yes, I am discriminating.  But I'm not afraid of gays, nor do I hate them.  I do consider homosexual actions sinful, and against both natural law and God's laws, but that is not why I believe so strongly in maintaining that marriage is between one man and one woman.  I believe that marriage is only to be between one man and one woman because it is the only way that the purpose of marriage can be fulfilled.  And I very, very strongly believe that the only reason that the state should be involved in any relationship is because it is necessary for the good of society.  Otherwise, they can keep their pretty little nose out of it.  So the only reason the state should be involved in marriage is because of kids.  End of story.

So today I will vote "Yes" for marriage.  And I leave the rest in the hands of my King….

Minnesota, Vote Yes!

Vote Yes

To Protect Marriage

None of us would want to be told we don’t

 have the right to a mother and a father.

The state doesn’t issue a license for friendships or dating.  The state doesn’t require us to file with a justice of the peace to share an apartment.... Why regulate marriage?  

Because the state has an interest in protecting the future generations of citizens.  

Children do best when raised in a family with both a Mom and a Dad. Men and women think differently, and love differently; and these differences provide something unique and necessary for the development of the whole child.  We recognize marriage as a civil institution between a man and woman, not because of the love, commitment, and responsibility of the adult spouses, but because of the love, commitment, and responsibility our children need.  Marriage is a child-centered institution.  

 Marriage isn’t a freedom; it’s a constraint, to protect the rights of children to be raised with a mother and a father, the ideal environment. 

Vote Yes on the Marriage Amendment.  A non-vote is a No vote.

Memento Mori

I do believe this is my favorite time of the year.  Next to Christmas.  And Lent.  And Easter. Probably somewhere between Christmas and Lent, even though it is technically between Easter and Christmas.

I've always loved fall.  I love the sights and the sounds and the smells.  I love waiting for the first frost, and especially for the first snowfall.  I love piles of leaves (not that we ever have any around here, since the wind just blows them all away, but I love them all the same.)  I love the sweaters and sweatshirts and hats and gloves.  I like watching my brothers getting excited for deer season, and I love planning for Thanksgiving.

And I love the liturgical side to November.  "Memento Mori" is the motto - Remember Death.  This focus starts today, October 31st, with the vigils of All Saints and All Souls.  It's a stacked vigil, because of the stacked feasts.  My family hasn't done the whole "Hallow'een" thing in about 21 years (to the day.)  I remember the last time I went Trick-or-Treating, though I was only 5 at the time.  It was the year of the great Halloween Blizzard, and somehow my mother got my (clown?) costume over my snowsuit.  I remember waiting to cross the street with my dad, standing in snow up to my waist.  I wasn't very big at the age of five.
But after we moved to a new neighborhood and we started homeschooling, Hallow'een was out, and All Saints Day parties were in.  I never minded it.  There were plenty of saints to choose from.  The two who stand out are St. Therese of Lisieux, who I got to be great friends with through my dressing up and later choose as my confirmation saint, and St. Brandon, who was always fun because we got to use Daddy or Grandpa's old Navy uniforms.  Not exactly a genuine period costume, but it worked.  Most of our Saints Day parties included at least two or three other big families, a pot of chili, some doughnuts, and the rosary.  Wonderful times.  One family hosted the best party - they had games.  I wish I could remember the details.  They did the dart game, and cherry tree, and a few others, all aptly named and decorated to portray a saint - or their death.  I seem to remember stoning St. Stephen….

But I'm getting a bit off track.  Back to Memento Mori.  That simple phrase does appeal to my dark side.  Remember death.  And we are reminded of our own mortality these next few weeks leading up to the last Sunday before Advent starts.  It's so fitting here in the midwest, the way nature is dying away, preparing for the long sleep of winter.  In times past I imagine these signs of the season were even more poignant, as we were so much closer to the land.  In the liturgy, we are reminded of the four last things: Death, Judgement, Heaven, and Hell.  We are also reminded that Christ conquered death.  We see the connection of the Church Militant (us,) the Church Suffering (the souls in purgatory,) and the Church Triumphant (the souls in Heaven.) Especially the first two days of the month, All Saints Day and All Souls Day, we are reminded to pray for those who have gone before us, and to ask their intercession.  Did you know that you can ask the intercession of the souls in purgatory?  Their prayers in their suffering are very powerful, and they are destined for Heaven.

One of my favorite practices in November is to stop at the cemeteries and say a prayer for the souls.  There are indulgences, both plenary and partial, attached to this act. It is an especially enjoyable thing to do after dark, while the people passing by wonder what mischief you are getting into.  I don't know why, but there is just something about having strangers suspect the worst about you when you are really doing something quite good.  Within reason, of course. Usually when we stop we pray:
 5 Apostles Creed
1 Hail Holy Queen
1 Our Father
1 Hail Mary
1 Glory Be 
1 Requiem (Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in Peace. Amen.)

Or we pray the prayer of St. Gertrude:

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen.

For more information on the indulgences granted for the souls in purgatory this month, check out this article: 
http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/activities/view.cfm?id=1178

I have two bits of recommended reading.  The first, for study, is "Read Me or Rue It," by Fr. Paul O'Sullivan.  It is a short booklet, and is available for reading online here.
The second is just for fun.  It is the Father Baptist series by William Biersach, starting with "The Endless Knot."  If you throughly enjoy all the creepiness of this time of year, you will enjoy his books.  And you might just learn something about the Catholic faith while you are at it.  The series on Amazon or on Tumblar House Publishing's website, http://www.tumblarhouse.com/.

Memento Mori!
Rae

Mr. Bean star calls for repeal of British hate speech law | LifeSiteNews.com

Here is a really good article/video.  He really speaks well on the importance of free speech.
Mr. Bean star calls for repeal of British hate speech law | LifeSiteNews.com

Pray for voters!

Hi everyone!  I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that the election is next week!  We need to step up our prayers and fasting for all voters, especially those who are still uninformed or undecided about the issues.  I would especially like to ask for prayers for my home state, Minnesota.  We will be voting on an ammendment to our Constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman.  So far, in every state that has had a vote on the definition of marriage has upheld this position.  Those states that are allowing Gay marriage now are doing so without the vote of the people - it has been the work of a few people in government, not of the majority of citizens.  The amendment to the Minnesota constitution will take laws already in place and ensure that only a vote by the people will be able to change them.  I don’t think I have to mention that this is a very important issue right now.  Marriage in this country is already very much misunderstood and disregarded.  We need to be working to strengthen traditional marriage, which is what is best for children and society, not continue to weaken it and disregard it.  

There are many novenas out there.  If you have a favorite, I encourage you to start it today.  Even better would be to find one others are praying with you.  We have been doing the 54 day rosary novena - it is not too late to start join that one! http://home.earthlink.net/~electionnovena/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/NovenaTextOld.pdf 

A friend sent me this one to St. Jude: http://www.praymorenovenas.com/novenas/st-jude-election-novena 

The Sacred Heart Novena can be found here: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/sh_novena.htm 

And here is one to St. Joseph: http://www.stjosephsite.com/SJS_Ninedays.htm 

Also remember sacrifice and fasting! 

I think the petition in the rosary novena is really well worded: For “an outcome of the November election which is pleasing to Almighty God, and which provides most effectively for the implementation of His Holy Will in the lives of all.”