Saint Andrew, Apostle and Martyr

Today is the feast day of Saint Andrew the Apostle. As Our Blessed Mother Mary always leads us to Jesus, Saint Andrew brought others to Jesus.
Andrew told his brother Simon: We have found the Messiah, the Christ; and he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41-42

When Jesus called Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, he said to them, Come follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 They immediately dropped their fishing nets and followed him. Let us say Yes to Jesus the way Andrew, Simon and Our Blessed Mother Mary did. Let us call on their intercession in our need.

A novena is normally a nine day prayer, the term is sometimes used for any prayer that is repeated over a series of days. This prayer is often called the "Christmas Novena" or the "Christmas Anticipation Prayer," because it is prayed 15 times every day from the Feast of Saint Andrew the Apostle until Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saint Andrew.

The novena is not actually addressed to Saint Andrew but to God Himself, asking Him to grant our request in the honor of the birth of His Son at Christmas. You can say the prayer all 15 times, all at once; or divide up the recitation as necessary, perhaps five times at each meal. Prayed as a family, the Saint Andrew Christmas Novena is a very good way to help focus the attention of your children on the Advent season.

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena
Hail and blessed be the hour and moment in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God! to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

Saint Andrew, you gave your life for Jesus. Help us offer our lives to Him in all we do and in all we say.

Thanks be to Jesus and Mary

On this Thanksgiving Day, we offer Mass for YOU, prayer partners
of this ministry. We give thanks for all your prayers for the
babies and little ones. We never know how our prayers are used.
The Lord takes our prayers and little offerings and places them
where they are needed.

O give thanks to the Lord for He is good;
His love endures forever. Psalm 136:1



Our Blessed Virgin Mary offered her life and gave her Fiat through
her obedience and humble service. This is true worship of God,
surrendering to His Will. In heaven, she leads a song of eternal
praise, like incense raising up to God.

Listen, my faithful children: open up your petals,
like roses planted near running waters;
send up the sweet odor of incense,
break forth in blossoms like the lily.
Send up the sweet odor of your hymn of praise;
bless the Lord for all He has done!
Sirach 39:13-14

Saint Gertrude

Today is the feast day of Saint Gertrude. She has given us "Our Lady of the Sacred Heart" and devotion to Our Lady under this beautiful title. We honor Our Lady when thank her by the Heart of Jesus; we ask her for graces and we ask God to pardon our sins through those titles dearest to her heart; by invoking her as Sovereign of the Heart of Jesus, we invoke her as the Queen of love and of mercy, who cannot resist being generous to us. What greater praise or bountiful thanks could we offer to Mary than those of the Heart of Jesus!

On one of Our Lady's feasts, Saint Gertrude chanted the office of our heavenly Queen, uniting herself to the Heart of Jesus. And while she did this, she saw Him draw to that Divine Heart, the praises expressed in the Psalms, and they flowed, unto the Blessed Virgin, His Mother.

At the antiphon, "Thou art all fair," Gertrude strove to "sing these sweet words by the very Heart of Jesus, in memory of the loving, childlike praises He must have bestowed upon her in similar terms, during His mortal life. At this, stars of great brilliancy, symbolizing these praises, issued from the Heart of Jesus, and shed their luster on Our Lady. Some fell here and there upon the ground, and were collected by the citizens of Heaven, who presented them to Jesus with signs of inexpressible joy and admiration, Gertrude understood from this that the praises given to Our Lady by the Heart of Jesus are a source of unutterable glory and happiness to the Saints."

Prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great
This prayer was dictated by Our Lord, to release 1000 souls from purgatory each time it is said.
Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son Jesus Christ, in union with the most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, 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.

The Memorare

The author of the Memorare is unknown. It has been traditionally attributed to the abbott Saint Bernard of Clairvaux from the 12th century. It was also championed by another Bernard, the French priest Claude Bernard, who used it extensively in his ministry to the poor and to prisoners, including some hardened criminals in the 17th century. Claude Bernard credited reciting the Memorare with curing him of a serious illness. He had 200,000 copies of the prayer printed up and distributed in leaflets in various languages during his lifetime. This was no small feat in the 17th century.

Church teaching holds that Mary is the Mother of the Church and our mother as well “in the order of grace.” Catechism of the Catholic Church(CCC 969) Upon her death and assumption into heaven, “God chose her to be the treasurer, the administrator and the dispenser of all his graces, so that all his graces and gifts pass through her hands,” according to Saint Louis De Montfort, the 18th century French priest who wrote, The Secret of the Rosary" and "True Devotion to Mary."

Mary’s wonderful role in assisting in our salvation has been praised by many Saints and Church fathers over the centuries. Saint Lawrence Justinian referred to the Blessed Mother as “the ladder of paradise, the gate of heaven, the most true mediatrix between God and man.” Saint Louis De Montfort wrote that by asking Mary to approach Him for us “we are practicing humility, something which always gladdens the heart of God!” Saint Francis de Sales wrote that “God so loves humility that He instantly hastens to the soul in which he sees it.”

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word. Luke 1:28-38. Giving her consent to God's Word, Mary became the Mother of Jesus. She gave herself entirely to the person and to the work of her Son to serve the mystery of redemption. Saint Irenaeus, Early Church Father and Doctor of the Church, wrote of Mary as the new Eve in his writings, Against Heresies, "Being obedient she became the cause of salvation for herself and for the whole human race...The knot of Eve's disobedience was untied by Mary's obedience: what the virgin Eve bound through her disbelief, Mary loosened by her faith." Comparing her with Eve, Mary is the Mother of the living. Death through Eve, Life through Mary.

When we pray to Mary, we pray through her to her Divine Son, Jesus. She is happy to pray for us and to intercede with Him on our behalf. In the Hail Mary, we ask for her to “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.” When Our Lord said to Saint John when He was on the cross “Behold Thy Mother” John 19:27, His mother became our Mother. Let us ask our Blessed Mother for her assistance for these babies and little ones by praying the Memorare each day and by meditating on the lives of Jesus and Mary by praying the Most Holy Rosary.



Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

Chosen Lady

2 John 4-6

Chosen Lady: Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son in truth and love. I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth just as we were commanded by the Father. But now, Lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing a new commandment but the one we have had from the beginning: let us love one another. For this is love, that we walk according to his commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in which you should walk.

In Honor of Our Veterans

Blessed Mother Mary, protect our veterans and their families, especially their children. Bring comfort and peace to those who have lost loved ones defending our country. We are honored to have Mary as the patron saint of America because she is the most powerful intercessor. By a decree from the First Council of Baltimore, Mary in her Immaculate Conception, was elected as our principal Patron. A patron is one who has been assigned, or in this case, chosen by election, as a special intercessor before God.

St Louis de Montfort, in his renowned manuscript True Devotion to Mary, boldly suggests that Christ is weak in front of his Mother. It’s as if he can’t say “No” to her! The Catechism of the Catholic Church (969) states that the Blessed Virgin is invoked under the title Mediatrix of all grace. While no creature measures up to the one and only Redeemer, we profess that Mary cooperates in a unique way in her Son’s redemptive mission. She knows what is best for her children and so intercedes for us before the very source of all grace, Jesus Christ.

America, our country is truly blessed; God, through the powerful intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, has shed His grace on America. May He continue to do so from sea to shining sea!

Let us reflect and remember all those who have served our country, past and present.

Prayer by Susan Helene Kramer

"You gave for peace with courage
That families may be free
So children could grow strong
And safe they'd ever be.

In giving for the sake of peace
You may have suffered loss
Your body may still show its wounds
From taking up the cause.

May remembrance of your time away
Your sacrifice for peace
Spur us on to strive more strongly
For freedom, that there'll be release.

From causes that sent some away
To fight that we may freely live
With gratefulness we thank you,
Veterans, for all you gave and give!"

In tribute to a special Vietnam veteran,
Popi, grandfather of Norah and Lily Grace.

54 Day Rosary Novena

On March 3, 1884, Our Lady of Pompeii appeared before the gravely ill daughter of an Italian military officer. Through her, Our Lady gave the world the miraculous devotion of the 54 day Rosary Novena. For over a year, Fortuna Agrelli had been in great distress and near death. So serious was her illness that it was considered hopeless by the most celebrated physicians. In desperation, on February 16th, the afflicted girl and her family began a novena of Rosaries.

One evening two weeks later, the Queen of the Holy Rosary appeared to Fortuna. Sitting upon a high throne, surrounded by luminous figures, Our Lady was holding the Divine Child on her lap and a Rosary in her hand. Both were arrayed in golden garments and were accompanied by Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena.

Our Lady said, "Child, your faith has pleased me. Whoever desires to obtain favours from me should make three Novenas of the prayers of the Rosary, and three Novenas in thanksgiving."

Obedient to Our Lady's invitation, Fortuna and her family completed the Novenas, 3 nine day novenas, 27 days each. The young girl was restored to perfect health and her family showered with many blessings.

The Devotion of the Miraculous Rosary Novena
To complete one Novena, pray the rosary for 27 days of Petition to obtain the favor and 27 days in Thanksgiving. This makes a total of 54 days. Whether the prayer intention has been received or not after the first 27 days, pray the rosary for 27 days in Thanksgiving.

On September 17th, I began a 54 day Rosary Novena for a number of special intentions. When I began, I did not count out the days. To my surprise and delight, Day 27 was October 13th, the day of the last apparition to the children in Fatima, where the Blessed Mother said to the children,

"I am the Lady of the Rosary."

When I counted out the second 27 days, my 54 day Rosary Novena ended today. November 9th is a very special day, the birthday of Lily Grace. She is the precious baby who is the reason this baby prayer ministry began. So many prayers were offered for her! Today she is a beautiful, little 4 year old! I think the significance of the dates of my Rosary Novena were a little sign from Our Lady of the Rosary, to whom this baby prayer ministry is dedicated.

Saint Joseph Protector of the Family

God chose Saint Joseph to be the Head of the Holy Family. He watched over and protected Jesus and Mary while they were on earth. Joseph was a man of faith, obedient to whatever God asked of him without knowing the outcome. When the angel came to Joseph in a dream and told him the truth about the child Mary was carrying, Joseph immediately and without question or concern, took Mary as his wife. When the angel came again to tell him that his family was in danger, he immediately left everything and fled to a strange country with his young wife and baby. He waited in Egypt without question until the angel told him it was safe to go back.

Saint Joseph is a model for all fathers and protector of families.

Prayer To Saint Joseph

O St. Joseph whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the Throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires. O St. Joseph do assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me from thy Divine Son all spiritual blessings through Jesus Christ, Our Lord; so that having engaged here below thy Heavenly power I may offer my Thanksgiving and Homage to the Loving of Fathers. O St. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thy arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press him to my name and kiss His fine Head for me, and ask Him to return the Kiss when I draw my dying breath. St. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for us. Amen

Say for nine consecutive mornings for anything you may desire. It has seldom been known to fail.

Glorious Saint Joseph, spouse of the Immaculate Virgin, obtain for us pure, humble,and loving minds and hearts. May we always seek God's Divine Will. Be our guide, our father, and our model through life that we may merit to die as you did in the arms of Jesus and Mary.

To Jesus through Mary

Blessed Mother Mary, hear our prayers and petitions for these babies and little ones. We entrust them to you and ask that you intercede and bring their needs to Jesus. We offer our rosaries and Memorares in His Holy Name.

All Souls Day

Today we celebrate All Souls Day. Our Lord dictated the following prayer to Saint Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.

Prayer of Saint Gertrude the Great
"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."

Saint Gertrude's life was the mystic life of the Cloister, a Benedictine nun. She meditated on the Passion of Christ, which many times brought a flood of tears to her eyes. She did many penances and Our Lord appeared to her many times. She had a tender love for the Blessed Virgin and was very devoted to the suffering souls in Purgatory. She died in 1334. Her feast day is November 16th.

The Holy Souls Will Repay Us A Thousand Times Over
Now who can be in more urgent need of our charity than the souls in Purgatory? What hunger, or thirst, or dire sufferings on Earth can compare to their dreadful torments? Neither the poor, nor the sick, nor the suffering, we see around us, have such an urgent need of our help, yet we find many good-hearted people who interest themselves in every other type of suffering, but few who works for the Holy Souls. Who can have more claim on us? Among them, there may be our mothers and fathers, our friends and near of kin. When they are finally released from their pains and enjoy the beatitude of Heaven, far from forgetting their friends on earth, their gratitude knows no bounds. Prostrate before the Throne of God, they never cease to pray for those who helped them. By their prayers they shield their friends from many dangers and protect them from the evils that threaten them.

The Holy Souls are those who die in God's grace but are still imperfectly purified. By undergoing purification after death in purgatory, they achieve the holiness necessary to enter heaven. May all the Holy Souls through the mercy of God rest in peace.

All Saints Day

Today we honor all the saints. They continually intercede with The Father for us. A saint is a person who reflects the holiness of God by living the virtues in a heroic way and showing boundless charity and total faith in God. The early history of the Church is filled with stories of the heroic faith of these of witnesses to Christ's truth. The stories of these saints, of all ages and all states in life, whose fidelity and courage led to their sanctity or holiness, have provided models for us throughout history.

Many of those especially holy people whose names and stories were known, the Church later canonized or formally recognized that the life of that person was holy, or sanctified. A saint is an example for us. The Church's calendar contains many saint's days, which Catholics observe at Mass, some with special festivities, but there were thousands and thousands of early Christian martyrs, the majority of whose names are known only to God. Throughout the history of the Church, there have been countless others who are saints, who are with God in heaven, even if their names are not on the list of canonized saints.

In order to honor the memory of these unnamed saints and to recall their example, the Church dedicated a special feast day Mass so that we can celebrate the lives and witness of those who have died and gone before us into the presence of the Lord.

Holy Mary, all the angels and all the saints, pray for us.