Our Lady holding Jesus as He accepts flowers from the shepherd child

Our Lady holding Jesus as He accepts flowers from the shepherd child

Welcome to our intercessory prayer ministry for families, babies, little ones and those who love them.

In our prayers for families, we pray for the sanctity of all life and for vocations to marriage, the priesthood and consecrated life, which are born and nurtured in families.

The
Prayer of Entrustment to Mary was prayed for this ministry at the icon of the Madonna Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the Roman People, Our Lady of Good Health) in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica of Mary Major) in Rome, Italy, in Nossa Senhora do Rosario da Fatima (Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary) in Fatima, Portugal, in Eglise du Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart Parish Church), the site of St. Bernadette's baptismal font, in Lourdes, France and at The National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts at the Shrine of the Holy Innocents before Our Lady of Guadalupe and at Basilica Papale de San Pietro in Vaticano (St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City) at the Tomb of St. John Paul II in Rome, Italy and at the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Basilica of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe) in Mexico City, Mexico.

This ministry is consecrated to Jesus Christ, Wisdom Incarnate, through the hands of Mary and dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. In our prayers to Mary, we honor and worship her Son Jesus. When He was on the Cross, He gave His Mother to John and she became our Mother as well. "Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
For the greater glory of God

September 29, 2017

Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Today is the Feast Day of the Archangels: Saints Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

What is an Angel?
Sacred Scripture and Church's tradition tells us that the Angel is a creature who stands before God, oriented to God with his whole being. All three names of the Archangels end with the letters "EL", which means "God." God is inscribed in their names, in their nature. They exist in Him and for Him. Angels connect God to man. They are God's messengers. Angels are "pure spirits" and do not possess anything that is material.

"The angels have five duties. The first is to continually sing hymns and praises to their Creator. The second duty is to present the prayers of mortals to God and commend them with their petitions. The third duty consists in their being sent as messengers to declare what God wants to declare. The fourth duty is protecting men whether as individuals or groups. The last duty is to serve as soldiers and armed leaders. Let good men love their fellow citizens, the angels." Saint Robert Bellarmine

The archangel Michael, whose name in Hebrew means "Who is like God?", is revered as the leader of the angelic army who will conquer Satan and his armies of demons, and is considered the defender of the Church. Michael is often shown wearing armor, slaying the Dragon (Satan) in Revelation 12.

The archangel Gabriel, whose name in Hebrew means "Strength of God", announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zachariah, and soon after, announced to Mary that she was to become the mother of Our Lord. His address to her, "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee" (the "angelic salutation") is familiar to all who pray the Rosary.

The archangel Raphael, whose name means medic or ointment of God, is mentioned by name in the Old Testament book of Tobit (Tobias), whom the angel aided by healing him of blindness and guiding him on his travels.

The angels that appear in Scripture are never described as having wings although they are so often pictured that way. In fact, in several passages, the people who are visited by angels do not realize these messengers from On High and are not ordinary men until it is revealed later. Wings, as well as swords, are sometimes used in art to reflect the role and action of angels in the world as messengers and protectors.

Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they were defeated and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent who is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. He was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him. Revelation 12:7-9

Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Exodus 23:20

Bless the Lord, all you his angels, mighty in power. You obey His Word and heed the sound of His Voice. Psalm 102:20

Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, we ask your powerful protection on all the prayer partners of this ministry and all those for whom we pray.

September 23, 2017

Reflection: The Heart of Saint Padre Pio

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Padre Pio. Francesco was a devout child and felt drawn to the priesthood at an early age. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study. He became known as Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church. He experienced other mystical phenomenon. The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and he had the gift of bilocation.

Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of people who came to him for confession. Saint John Paul II called him the Patron of the Confessional. He heard confessions for ten to twelve hours a day. He would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to him about his possible canonization. His life was devoted to the Eucharist, the Madonna, the rosary and prayer.

Venerating the heart of Saint Padre Pio...

One year ago yesterday, my husband and I had an encounter with the Living God. We venerated the heart of Saint Padre Pio. A few days before this blessed moment, I asked my guardian angel to go to Padre Pio's guardian angel to bring my intentions to him. Padre Pio had a great devotion to his guardian angel and so do I. Words cannot describe the emotions I felt, being so close to the heart of this powerful saint. Our pastor, Fr. Wayne, had the great honor of holding the reliquary that contains the heart. I kissed it and touched my rosaries and prayer cards to the relic. In my heart, I brought all the intentions of the John 10:10 Prayer Ministry and the Kiss of Mercy Apostolate. From my heart to Saint Padre Pio's heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary...

Words of Padre Pio:

The storms that are raging around you will turn out to be for God's glory, your own merit and the good of many souls.

We have close to us an angelic spirit who never leaves us for an instant from the cradle to the grave, who guides and protects us like a friend or a brother.

By means of the angels, Jesus calls the poor and simple shepherds, in order to manifest Himself to them. He calls the learned men by means of their science. And all of them, moved by His inner grace, hasten to adore Him.

Come out of anxiety because it is one of the greatest deceivers of true virtue and sound devotion.

May the Mother of Jesus and our Mother, always smile on your spirit, obtaining for it, from her Most Holy Son, every heavenly blessing.

Saint Padre Pio, pray for us and for all the names we receive through this prayer ministry.

September 18, 2017

Reflection: Children around the World in Prayer

Whoever receives this child in My Name, receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the One who sent Me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest. Luke 9:48

The prayers of little children are powerful with God. Why? It is their innocence. God loves the prayer of an innocent and pure heart. This is why He calls us to be like little children, humble and trusting. When Jesus lived on earth, He embraced the little children, laid His hands on them and blessed them. Jesus rebuked those who tried to prevent the children from coming to Him. When children come to Jesus, He blesses them and He always hears their prayers.

The Chaplet of The Divine Mercy Novena 
The Sixth Day of the Novena:

Today bring to Me THE MEEK AND HUMBLE SOULS AND THE SOULS OF LITTLE CHILDREN, and immerse them in My mercy. These souls most closely resemble My Heart. They strengthened Me during My bitter agony. I saw them as earthly Angels, who will keep vigil at My altars. I pour out upon them whole torrents of grace. Only the humble soul is capable of receiving My grace. I favor humble souls with My confidence.

Most Merciful Jesus, You yourself have said, "Learn from Me for I am meek and humble of heart." Receive into the abode of Your Most Compassionate Heart all meek and humble souls and the souls of little children. These souls send all heaven into ecstasy and they are the heavenly Father's favorites. They are a sweet-smelling bouquet before the throne of God; God Himself takes delight in their fragrance. These souls have a permanent abode in Your Most Compassionate Heart, O Jesus, and they unceasingly sing out a hymn of love and mercy.

Eternal Father, turn Your merciful gaze upon meek souls, upon humble souls, and upon little children who are enfolded in the abode which is the Most Compassionate Heart of Jesus. These souls bear the closest resemblance to Your Son. Their fragrance rises from the earth and reaches Your very throne. Father of mercy and of all goodness, I beg You by the love You bear these souls and by the delight You take in them: Bless the whole world, that all souls together may sing out the praises of Your mercy for endless ages. Amen.

September 15, 2017

Reflection: Our Lady of Sorrows

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of Sorrows, an octave after the birthday of Our Lady on September 8th. As Mary stood at the foot of the Cross on which Jesus hung, the sword of sorrow Simeon had foretold at the Presentation pierced her soul.

The Seven Dolors or Sorrows, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Immaculate Heart of Mary which was filled with love and entwined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary
1. The prophecy of Simeon
2. The flight into Egypt
3. Loss of the Child Jesus for three days
4. Mary meets Jesus on His way to Calvary
5. Crucifixion and Death of Jesus
6. The Body of Jesus being taken from the Cross
7. The burial of Jesus

Meditation:

Let us enter into the scene of the first Sorrow of Mary when Joseph and Mary obediently brought Jesus to be presented at the temple. 


Imagine the joy they felt when Simeon recognized their Beloved Son as the Child of God. Then imagine the deep pain Mary experienced when Simeon said her soul would be pierced.

Place yourself in the scene of the Presentation as Simeon makes his prophecy. Turn to Mary and pour out your heart to her. She is your Mother and she loves you dearly. Talk to her about your joys and your sorrows. Allow Mary to listen attentively and console you. Mary draws you close to her pure and Immaculate Heart. Ask her to help you carry your crosses the way she did and how to ponder all these things in your heart. Ask her to accompany you and help you to know and accept the Will of the Father for your life.

Stabat Mater At the Cross her station keeping stood the mournful Mother weeping, close to Jesus to the last. Through her heart His sorrow sharing, all His bitter anguish bearing, now at length the sword has passed.

Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us and walk with us as we carry our crosses. Draw us to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and your Immaculate Heart.

September 12, 2017

Reflection: The Most Holy Name of Mary

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim were inspired to call their daughter Mary. Today is the Feast Day of the Most Holy Name of Mary. On this special day, let us pray to her:

The Prayer of Saint Bernard:
Look to the star of the sea, call upon Mary. In danger, in distress, in doubt, think of Mary, call upon Mary. May her name never be far from your lips, or far from your heart. If you follow her, you will not stray; if you pray to her, you will not despair; if you turn your thoughts to her, you will not err. If she holds you, you will not fall; if she protects you, you need not fear; if she is your guide, you will not tire; if she is gracious to you, you will surely reach your destination.

There were many meanings given by the early Christian writers for Mary's name: "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord." From the time of Saint Jerome (347-420) until the 16th century, the names given to Mary in the West were "Lady," "The Light Giver," and especially "Star of the Sea." Stella Maris was by far the favored interpretation. The Hebrew name of Mary, Miryãm, (in Latin Domina) means lady or sovereign. We call Mary our Lady and we call Jesus our Lord. When we say her name, we affirm her power to intercede to Jesus, we implore her aid and we place ourselves under her loving protection.

Mary was the first and perfect disciple of Jesus. She was a tabernacle for Jesus. She heard the Word of God, she kept and pondered it in her heart and she did what God asked her to do.

Mary heard, kept and did and she teaches us to do the same.

I am so grateful my parents named me Mary. I have felt a closeness to her since my early childhood. I felt honored to share her name. I always knew she was my Mother and that I could talk to her. Through praying the rosary and meditating on the mysteries of the lives of Jesus and Mary, my closeness to Mary continues to deepen and deepen.

Mary wants a close relationship with you. She loves you so much and she will always lead you to Jesus. Go to Mass and receive the Eucharist daily or as often as you can. After you receive the Eucharist, as you kneel in prayer, ask Mary to wrap her mantle around you, showering her graces upon you and keeping you under her mantle throughout the day. After you receive the Eucharist, you are a tabernacle holding Jesus. Thank Jesus for coming to you in the Eucharist and thank Him for Mary, your Mother. Pray the rosary with your family daily for peace in the world, peace in our country, peace in your family and peace in your heart.

When you are in distress or trouble, turn to Mary. Pray the Hail Mary. She is the Mother of God and she is your Mother. When you call her, she comes to you surrounded by her angels. Mary will always lead you to Jesus. Trust in her intercession and turn to her.

O sweet Mother Mary, we call upon your Most Holy Name and entrust our prayers to you, our Most Loving Mother.

September 11, 2017

We remember 9/11 today and always...


"Pray the Rosary every day in order to obtain peace for the world and the end of the war."  Our Lady of Fatima to the shepherd children May 13, 1917

The message of Fatima is a call to conversion, prayer and penance, to make reparation for the sins against the Immaculate Heart of Mary, to make the First Saturday Devotion, to live lives of holiness and to consecrate ourselves and our families to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

We pray for the repose of the souls who died on this day sixteen years ago. We remember and pray for all the victims, babies, children and families who lost loved ones. We pray for all the courageous heroes who lost their lives saving others. We entrust them to the loving care of Our Blessed Mother Mary.

O Mother Mary, you held your Beloved Son at the foot of the Cross and He gave you to us as our Mother. "Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

O Mary Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, cover our nation with your protective mantle and lead us to Your Beloved Son. We ask, through your intercession, that peace be planted in our hearts and the hearts of all people of all faiths and all nations.

Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy every day for the living and the dead.

"Encourage souls to say the Chaplet which I have given you (1541).  I desire to grant unimaginable graces to those who trust in My Mercy (687).  Words of Jesus in the Diary of Saint Faustina 

"For the sake of His Sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world." From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy

Jesus, by Your Cross and Resurrection, You have set us free, You redeemed the world and You turned the Cross from an instrument of terror into the Tree of Life.

We remember how You loved us to Your death and still we celebrate for You are with us here. And we believe that we will see You when You come in Your Glory, Lord.  We remember, we celebrate, we believe. Here, a million wounded souls are yearning just to touch You and be healed; gather all Your people and hold them to Your heart...Song written by Marty Haugen



September 08, 2017

Reflection: The Birth of Mary

Today is the Nativity of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother. September 8th is nine months after the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th. It is through Mary, conceived without sin, that Jesus came into the world. Saint Ann and Saint Joachim were infertile which was a great burden. They prayed for a child and trusted in God. After many years, they received the gift of a precious baby who they named Mary. She would be the salvation of the world. They consecrated Mary to the Lord.

Saint Augustine wrote that Mary's birth is connected with the saving work of Jesus saying that she
 is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley.

This prayer ministry is entrusted and consecrated to Mary. The need for prayer is so great but, we know that Mary is with us. She brings our prayers to Jesus and she guides us along the way. Jesus is God's love and Mary is the foreshadowing of that love. Jesus is our salvation, Mary is the dawn of our salvation.

Birthday celebrations bring happiness to family and friends. Next to the birth of Jesus, Mary's birth offers the greatest source of joy. As we celebrate her birth, let us draw closer to her every day. Let us pray for an increase of peace in our hearts, in our families and in the world.
 

The Memorare Prayer
Remember, O most gracious Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.  Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto 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.

Mary is our Mother and our intercessor; she is gentle and powerful. I speak to Mary often during the day. I especially feel close to her when I pray the rosary and meditate on the mysteries of her life and the life of Jesus. Mary has helped me during times of suffering and trial. I have seen her intercede in my life in so many ways. She will help you too. 

Meditation:
Imagine you are a little child and you are with the child Mary. She is seated on the lap of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim is with them. Saint Anne beckons to you and she lifts you up in her lap with Mary. She holds you close and consoles you. Feel the comfort of her loving embrace. Speak to the child Mary. Pour out your heart to her and rest with her in the arms of Saint Anne.

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother Mary! You are full of grace.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

September 04, 2017

Reflection: Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

Saint Teresa of Calcutta founded the Missionaries of Charity, caring for the poorest of the poor, for the dying and the destitute, for orphans, abandoned children, alcoholics, the aging and street people. She was faithful to her everyday duties even though she suffered for many years a darkness in her soul. She carried her cross and persevered in prayer.

Mother and her sisters would spend one hour every day praying in the Presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This hour of Eucharistic Adoration was their daily family Holy Hour through which their community blossomed.

What was the secret of this powerful little woman? She recognized she could do small things with great love. She was a woman of heroic virtue. It was her purity, the purity of heart and of purpose that enabled her to focus every ounce of her energy on her simple and unswerving purpose in life

To do, to make, to be something beautiful for God.

Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979. She looked pro-choice politicians in the eye and told them that abortion was murder. She said,

"But I feel that the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion, because it is a war against the child, a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself."

Let us ask for her intercession as we pray:

Kiss of Mercy Prayer (To be recited after kissing an image of Jesus)

Jesus, I trust in You. May my kiss and Your grace, convert, heal and reconcile to the Father one soul wounded by abortion. Amen  Recite one Hail Mary

Nihil Obstat: +Arthur L. Kennedy. S.T.D., Ph.D., Auxiliary Bishop of Boston
Permission: +Sean P. O'Malley, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Boston
Imprimatur on the Kiss of Mercy Prayer: Date January 25, 2017

On September 5, 1997, God called her home. This tiny woman was recognized throughout the world for her work among the poor. Speaking in a strained, weary voice at her beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II, the Holy Father called Mother Teresa “one of the most relevant personalities of our age” and “an icon of the Good Samaritan.” Her life, he said, was “a bold proclamation of the Gospel.”

When Mother Teresa died, she owned nothing but her rosary beads and her distinctive white-and-blue sari. She was enveloped in an immense odor of sanctity. She did so much to serve so many others and had such a great influence on the world. She took a vow of poverty and became wealthy in the ways that really matter. She abandoned her life to God in service of the world. The meek inherit the earth.

I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world. Mother Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us and all those for whom we pray through this ministry.

Kiss of Mercy Apostolate for Healing from Abortion

September 01, 2017

Reflection: My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically.

We are witnessing a tragedy of epic proportion in Texas. Flooding beyond anything ever seen. Amid the suffering, heroes rise up. There are so many stories of people helping people. In the wake of catastrophic destruction, the goodness of people abounds.

What are some of the qualities of a hero?
Courage, Faith, Hope, Love, Fortitude, Compassion, Wisdom, Perseverance, Honor, Service, Patience in Suffering

We can look to the saints as living lives of heroic virtue. God gives us their lives as examples to follow. Heroic virtue is the performance of extraordinary virtuous actions with readiness and over a period of time. The moral virtues are exercised with ease, while faith, hope and charity are practiced to an eminent degree. The presence of such virtues is required by the Church as the first step toward canonization.

Prayer brings down a flood of grace.
You can make a difference for all the people who are suffering, people who have lost everything, all the first responders who have been tirelessly working for days. In the midst of catastrophe, people come forward in heroic ways.

How can you help?
Pray, fast, offer sacrifices, send financial donations, volunteer to help.

"You Yourself command me to exercise the three degrees of mercy. The first: the act of mercy, of whatever kind. The second: the word of mercy - if I cannot carry out a work of mercy, I will assist by my words. The third: prayer - if I cannot how mercy by deeds or words, I can always do so by prayer. My prayer reaches out even there where I cannot reach out physically. O my Jesus, transform me into Yourself, for You can do all things."  Diary of Saint Faustina 163

Now the Word of the Lord came to me saying: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I consecrated you; a prophet to the nations I appointed you. Jeremiah 1:5

God has given each one of us a mission. Ask Him what He has appointed you to do and listen and, as in the words of Mary, "Do whatever He tells you." John 2:5

Heavenly Father, we ask You to bless all the families for whom we pray. We thank You for the gifts of Your Son Jesus, for the Holy Spirit and for Our Blessed Mother Mary.