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

November 30, 2018

Saint Andrew Christmas Novena

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Andrew the Apostle. As Mary, our Blessed Mother, 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. 

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 the piercing cold. In that hour, vouchsafe, O my God, to hear my prayer and grant my desires, through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ, and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.


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

November 27, 2018

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us!

Today is the Feast Day of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal and Saint Catherine Labouré. In 1830, on the Saturday before the first Sunday of Advent, Sister Catherine and her community were gathered in the chapel for afternoon prayers. Suddenly, Our Lady appeared to Catherine and entrusted her with the mission of making and distributing the Medal of the Immaculate Conception, now known as the Miraculous Medal.

At first Mary appeared standing on a globe and dressed in white having with a long white veil which fell to her feet. The Virgin held in her hands, at the height of her shoulders, a golden ball which she seemed to be offering to God as she raised her eyes to heaven. Her fingers were covered with rings whose precious jewels sparkled brilliantly and showered down innumerable rays of light on the globe beneath her feet, almost obscuring the view of her feet. Mary lowered her eyes and looked directly at Catherine. Mary said nothing, but Catherine heard this message, 


"The ball which you see represents the world, especially France, and each person in particular. These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The jewels which give no rays symbolize the graces that are not given because they are not asked for." 

Then the apparition changed. Our Lady appeared with a white dress, a blue mantle, and a white veil which draped back over her shoulders. She was still standing on the globe, and had one foot on the head of a serpent which lay at her feet. The 1830 was marked on the globe. The Virgin had her arms and hands pointed downwards, and a cascade of rays was falling down from both hands onto the globe. An oval frame formed around the Blessed Virgin, and written around within it, in letters of gold, was the beautiful prayer, 

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

Then the vision revolved to show the reverse side of the medal. Catherine saw a Cross with a bar at its feet with which was intertwined an "M" and beneath the "M" were the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, both surmounted by flames of love, one having a crown of thorns, and the other pierced with a sword. Encircling all of this were twelve stars around the oval frame. 

Sister Catherine died on December 31, 1876. In 1895, the cause for sainthood was introduced in Rome and she was beatified on May 28, 1933. When her body was exhumed, after fifty-seven years of burial, it was found to be completely incorrupt and supple. She was canonized a Saint on July 27, 1947.

Saint Catherine Labouré, pray for us!  

Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, pray for us and all the intentions we receive through this ministry! 

November 25, 2018

Solemnity of Christ the King

Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. It is the last day of the liturgical year. The new Church Year begins next Sunday on the first Sunday of Advent, a time of waiting in hope and expectation, a time of longing for the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Pope Pius XI began this feast day to honor the authority of Jesus Christ, the King of the world, to overcome the rise of evil and so that we will place Jesus in the center of our hearts and lives.

“King” was one of the earliest titles given to the Son of God. The title does not refer to a status of an earthly king, which many of the Jews had been expecting; someone to overthrow the Roman rule and be an earthly king of the Israel. Rather He came to be the spiritual king; His kingdom is in heaven, not confined to the earth alone. It is an eternal Kingdom of light and truth, of holiness and grace, of justice, love and peace.  The King is love.

We receive Christ the King into our hearts through the Blessed Virgin Mary. She walked with Jesus and always brings us to Him. It is through her love that we have the knowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“In that first ‘fusion’ with Jesus in Holy Communion, it was my Heavenly Mother again who accompanied me to the altar for it was she herself who placed her Jesus into my soul.” Saint Therese of Lisieux, Doctor of the Church

"The Virgin Mary, being obedient to His Word, received from an angel the glad tidings that she would bear God."  Saint Irenaeus, Father of the Church

"I am not only the Queen of Heaven, but also the Mother of Mercy."  Our Lady to Saint Faustina

And this will be made manifest at the proper time by the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords.  1 Timothy 6:15

The good thief, hanging next to Jesus on the cross said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into Your Kingdom." Jesus replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:42-43

Jesus Christ, King of Divine Majesty, have mercy on us. Remember us when You come into Your Kingdom. Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth, pray for us.

November 22, 2018

A Mass in Thanksgiving for you...

In thanksgiving, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is offered monthly for the John 10:10 prayer partners and prayer intentions. 

On this Thanksgiving Day, we give thanks for you and all your prayers. The Lord receives all our prayers and little offerings and places them where they are needed. Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy.

There is so much to be thankful for: God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, our Blessed Mother Mary, the Gift of Life, God's Loving Providence, Family, Special Friends, the Beauty of God's Creation, our Crosses (which draw us close to Jesus and Mary), the Sacraments and our Beloved Priests.

Catechism of the Catholic Church #1330  The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all His benefits, for all He has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means, first of all, "thanksgiving."

The Lord is good to all, compassionate toward all Your works. All Your works give You thanks, Lord and Your faithful bless You. Psalm 145:9-10

Our Blessed Virgin Mary is Mother of the Eucharist. She offered her life and gave her Fiat through 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

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

Let us give thanks to the Lord and ponder all He has done for us, especially in giving Himself to us in the Eucharist and giving His Mother Mary as our Mother.

The Fifth Luminous Mystery: The Institution of the Eucharist

November 21, 2018

The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

In accordance with Jewish custom Mary's parents, Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, named her eight days after her birth, and were inspired to call her Mary.

When Mary was three years old, her parents brought her to the temple and presented her to the Lord. After suffering with infertility for years, they made a promise to dedicate and consecrate Mary her to the Lord.

Let us pray the words of Saint Bernard who invites us to become a trusting child before Mary, even as the Son of God did:

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.

The meanings ascribed to Mary's name by the early Christian writers and perpetuated by the Greek Fathers. "Bitter Sea," "Myrrh of the Sea," "The Light Giver," "The Enlightened One," "Lady," "Seal of the Lord," and "Mother of the Lord" are the principal interpretations. From the time of Saint Jerome until the 16th century, preferred interpretations of Mary's name in the West were "Lady," "Bitter Sea," "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; this Mary is in virtue of her Son's sovereign authority as Lord of the World.

We call Mary our Lady as we call Jesus our Lord, and when we pronounce her name we affirm her power, implore her aid and place ourselves under her protection.

Saint Ephrem said, "that the name of Mary is the key of the gates of heaven," in the hands of those who devoutly invoke it.

The Magnificat
The Canticle of Mary
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and Holy is his Name." Luke 1:46-49

O Mary, on this Memorial of your Presentation in the Temple, we call upon you and entrust our prayers to you, our most loving Mother.

November 20, 2018

Reflection: Behold, I stand at the door and knock.

Prayer to Saint John the Evangelist for an Ardent Love for Jesus and Mary  
O glorious Saint John, you were so loved by Jesus that you merited to rest your head on His breast and to be left in His place as a son to Mary. Obtain for me an ardent love for Jesus and Mary. Let me be united with them now on earth and forever after in heaven. Amen.

John was the disciple who leaned on Jesus at the Last Supper and the disciple who stood at the foot of the Cross with Mary. From the Cross, Jesus gave His Mother to John and to us.

"Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

Jesus came to John in a deeply personal way. Jesus desires to come to you in that way too!

Jesus is knocking on the door of your heart!  Will you let Him in?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, then I will enter his house and dine with him and he with Me."  Revelation 3:20

How can you open the door of your heart to let Jesus in?

Be still. A quiet heart is open and receptive to the Holy Spirit's promptings. Make time each day to sit in silence in the Presence of Jesus. It is in the silence that Jesus will come and enter your heart. He will speak to you in a whisper. Jesus delights in you and He wants to enter your heart and pour out His love upon you. He will heal the wounds of your heart and give you His everlasting peace.


In Sinu Jesu: When Heart Speaks to Heart -- The Journal of a Priest at Prayer by a Benedictine monk  "It is enough for Me that you should seek Me out and remain quiet in My Presence and content to be with Me. I have no need for your thoughts, no need of your words. It is enough for Me that you should offer Me an adoring heart full of love and grateful for My abiding Presence in the Most Holy Sacrament...For you, there is nothing more beneficial. You need to spend time close to My Eucharistic Heart. In My Presence, I communicate to your soul all that I want you to have, and all that I want you to know. You may not be aware of this as it is happening, but later you will experience the fruit and the efficacy of this time spent in My Presence...This is what I want of you: time 'wasted' spent in My Presence. Time given to Me for My sake."

November 19, 2018

Reflection: "What do you want Me to do for you?"

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by. He inquired what was happening. They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." He shouted, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." Luke 18:35-38

Then the crowd rebuked the blind man and tried to silence him, but he persisted in calling out to Jesus. When Jesus heard him cry out, He stopped and asked that the man be brought to Him.

And when he came near, Jesus asked him, "What do you want me to do for you?" He replied, "Lord, please let me see." Jesus told him, "Have sight; your faith has saved you." He immediately received his sight and followed Him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God." Luke 18:40-43

Meditation:

Imagine you are in the crowd and you witness this scene. A blind man hears that Jesus is coming and he calls out to Him, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me."  

You see and hear the crowd trying to get him to stop speaking. Has anyone tried to silence you when you are speaking?  Talk to Jesus and tell Him what that was like for you.

As the blind man persisted, Jesus stops and says, "What do you want Me to do for you?" 

Imagine the blind man's surprise! Jesus recognized him!

As you ponder this scene, Jesus turns and speaks to YOU the same words, "What do you want Me to do for you?"  

Call out and speak to Jesus now, "Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me." 

Jesus is waiting for you. Tell Him what you want Him to do for you.

When you have a personal encounter with Jesus, you are changed forever. Sometimes, people will try to silence you or stop you from turning to Jesus. Do not listen to their rebukes. Cry out to Jesus. Turn to Him and tell Him what you want Him to do for you.

Jesus is calling YOU to an intimate encounter. Can you hear His call? Are you afraid? Do the things of the world make you blind to Him or are you open to see and hear Him call you?

Go to Eucharistic Adoration. Jesus is waiting for you there. He will open your eyes and He will enter your heart. Come away and be still...

Jesus performs many miracles in order to increase faith. Jesus wants each one of us to have a personal encounter with Him. Everything changes when we have an encounter with Jesus. He wants to touch your heart in an intimate way, to meet you personally. When He comes to you, He will increase your faith and He will heal you in ways you could never imagine. Thank and praise Him for what He has done for you.

Listen, as Jesus speaks to YOU"What do you want Me to do for you?"

November 18, 2018

Reflection: Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the battle...

Do not fear, I am with you; do not be anxious: I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not be afraid of the trials and tribulations that come your way. The Lord is with you and He will never abandon you.

Be steadfast in faith and persevere in prayer. Witness to the Truth in love. Cling to Jesus and Mary at all times, especially in times of distress, persecution or turmoil. Remain in God's everlasting Love through the Mass and frequent reception of the Sacraments. Do not be afraid.

In those days, I Daniel, heard the Word of the Lord: "At that time, there shall arise Michael, the great prince, guardian of your people; it shall be a time unsurpassed in distress since nations began until that time. At that time, your people shall escape, everyone who is found written in the book. Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake; some shall live forever, others shall be an everlasting horror and disgrace. But the wise shall shine brightly like the splendor of the firmament, and those who lead the many to justice shall be like stars forever." Daniel 12:1-3

Call upon Saint Michael, the Archangel, to come to your assistance.

Saint Michael, the Archangel, defend us in the battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray that do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who prowl throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

Beloved, do not be surprised that a trial by fire is occurring among you, as if somethings strange were happening to you. But rejoice to the extent that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so that when His glory is revealed, you may also rejoice exultantly. 1 Peter 4:12-13

Do not be afraid. Pick up your cross and follow Jesus.

Rejoice because your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20

November 17, 2018

Reflection: The wildfires in California

We are witnessing a tragedy of epic proportion in California. Wildfires beyond anything that has ever been seen. Many people have perished and so many people are are missing. So much suffering...

Come to Me all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Amid the great suffering, heroes rise up in the firefighters, emergency workers and first responders who run into danger to help others. There are so many stories of people helping people. In the wake of catastrophic destruction, the goodness of people abounds.

Prayer brings down a flood of grace.
You can make a difference for all the people who are suffering, people who have lost everything, and to bring strength and comfort to all those who have been tirelessly working. In the midst of catastrophe, people come forward in heroic ways.

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.

Beloved, you are faithful in all you do for the brothers and sisters, especially for strangers; they have testified to your love before the Church. Please help them in a way worthy of God to continue their journey. 3 John 5-6

How can you help those who are suffering?
Pray, pray, pray. Prayer is a spiritual work of mercy. Call upon the saints to intercede. They are our friends in heaven.

"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 show 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

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.

November 12, 2018

Reflection: I am the Light of the World

As child, I remember we had this image of the Christ Child, the Light of the World, in my home.

In reflecting on the Gospel of John, we see Jesus passing by and He saw a man who was blind since birth.

"While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world. He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva and smeared the clay on his eyes, and said to him, 'Go wash in the Pool of Siloam' which means Sent. So he went and washed and came back able to see." John 9:5-7

Jesus saw the blind man and He took action and healed him.

There is so much darkness in our world today. Jesus came to scatter the darkness with His marvelous light. Do not be afraid of the darkness or difficulties that come your way. When we are faced with a challenge, God always sends someone to help us. God will never leave us alone.

"I am the Light of the world, says the Lord; whoever follows Me will have the light of life. John 8:12

As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, God sent people to help Him. God sent Mary, His Mother, to console Him. God sent Simon of Cyrene to help Him carry the Cross and He sent Veronica to wipe His face with a cloth. They came out of the crowd to comfort and strengthen Jesus. God took action.

In the midst of a challenge, God comes forward by sending someone to take the necessary action. God the Father ACTS. He comes to us every time we face a challenge.

In the words of Saint Paul, we hear

"Brothers and sisters, you were once in darkness but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light, for light produces every kind of goodness and righteousness and truth." Ephesians 5:8-9

If you are in darkness, ask God to send someone to help you. When you are suffering, reach out to Jesus through the sacraments.

Today ponder how you can be light to others. Ask God to send you, out of the crowd, to be a light to help someone in need. Ask Jesus to open your eyes, as He did for the blind man, that you may see who is in need. Ask Jesus to help you act when He places a person in need before you.

"Shine like lights in the world, as you hold onto the Word of Life." Philippians 2:15-16

November 11, 2018

In honor of our veterans...

Today we remember all military, men and women, who have served our country, past and present. Almighty Father, through the powerful intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception, we give You thanks for all the veterans who have served and all who have given their lives for our country. O Mary, Queen of Peace, bless and protect them and their families.

No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

Heavenly Father, we pray for military men and women who have sacrificed their time and strength and even their lives for us and our freedom.  O Lord, we honor them for all they have done and we ask You to bless and protect them and their families.

Prayer for safety of soldiers
Almighty and Eternal God, those who take refuge in You will be glad and forever will shout for joy. Protect soldiers as they discharge their duties. Protect them with the shield of Your strength and keep them safe from all evil and harm. May the power of Your love enable them to return home safely that they may ever praise You for Your loving care. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

What can you do for our military?
Pray for the physical protection of our military and for their families. Have Masses offered for them and their families, including for the souls of those who died. Pray a daily rosary for wisdom and strength for them and their families. Offer up your sacrifices and sufferings for those who protect our freedoms. Thank them for their service.

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 you as the Patroness of America because you are the most powerful intercessor..

November 06, 2018

Mary, the Immaculate Conception, pray for us!

Mary, the Immaculate Conception, protect our country. We are honored to have you as the Patroness of America and our most powerful intercessor. We place our country and election into your hands.
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! May we elect leaders today who will uphold the sanctity of life, religious freedom and marriage..

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.

Saint Louis de Montfort, in his renowned manuscript True Devotion to Mary, boldly suggested 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.

CCC 969  "This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the Cross, until the eternal fulfillment of all the elect.  Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation...Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix."

Prayer to Mary Immaculate Patroness of our Country

November 02, 2018

Reflection: All Souls Day

Today we celebrate All Souls Day. The Holy Souls in purgatory are those who die in God's grace but are still imperfectly purified. In purgatory, they undergo purification so they may attain the holiness they need to enter heaven, to see the Face of God. 

Our Blessed Mother Mary consoles the souls in purgatory who long to see God. The grace for souls to be cleansed in purgatory comes from God. Purgatory is the place where small sins and attachments are cut. As Pope Francis speaks of the Church as a hospital for the wounded, purgatory is a place where the infection of sin and attachments is removed.

What can you do to help the souls in purgatory?  
Praying for the Holy Souls in purgatory is a spiritual work of mercy. They need our help. Our prayers can release them into Heaven. May all the Holy Souls through the Mercy of God rest in peace. They may be our mothers and fathers, our relatives and friends. When they are finally released, they become our friends in heaven and they never cease to pray for those who helped them. Their prayers shield and protect us from evil. Pray for the souls in purgatory daily. 

What can you do to prepare your soul for eternal life?  
One of the most important ways we can prepare ourselves for eternal life is to go often to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. In confession, Jesus purifies, forgives, heals and pours out His grace so that we will have the strength to sin no more. Isn't it better to be purified on earth than have to spend time being purified in purgatory! Think of the confessional as the hospital and the priest as the Divine Physician, our Savior Jesus. Run to confession. Go often and you will receive Divine Mercy which will help you remain in the state of grace. 

Jesus dictated the Message of Divine Mercy to Saint Faustina. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Divine Mercy Novena, meditate on the Passion of Jesus and pray the Prayer of Saint Gertrude for souls to be released from purgatory.

Diary of Saint Faustina 1738 The Lord said to me, Enter into Purgatory often, because they need you there. O my Jesus, I understand the meaning of these words which You are speaking to me, but first let me enter the treasury of Your Mercy. 

From the Chaplet of Divine Mercy:
Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and the sins of the whole world.


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.

O Mary, Mother of God, we offer you our prayers, works, sorrows and sufferings to release the Holy Souls in Purgatory though the intercession of Saint Gertrude and Saint Faustina.  May you carry these prayers to Jesus, your Beloved Son.

November 01, 2018

Reflection: All Saints Day

Today we honor all the saints. A saint is a model and example for us to follow. A saint reflects the holiness of God by living the virtues in a heroic way and showing boundless love and total faith in God.

The Communion of Saints continually intercede for us to the Father. In order to honor the memory of all the unnamed saints, we recall their example on a special Feast Day Mass, All Saints Day, to celebrate the lives and witness of those who have died and gone before us into the Presence of the Lord.

The saints are our friends. If you are named after a saint, that saint is your patron, who you can call upon in your need, just as a special friend. If you do not have the name of a saint, choose a saint whose life inspires you and ask that saint to be your patron. Read the lives of the saints. Many had great sufferings but they endured them with faith, hope and love. They kept their eyes fixed on Jesus. They teach us how to do the same. Saints help us carry our crosses. They walk with us on our life's journey and they are ready to intercede for us when we ask.

You may feel close to a number of saints, "a great a cloud of witnesses." Call upon your friends in heaven. Ask them to help you pray and grow in virtue. Desire to become a saint by staying close to Jesus and the Sacraments, especially through the Mass, the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation and through devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. She always leads us to Jesus.

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, all the Angels and the Communion of Saints, we call upon you as a great cloud of witnesses to help us each day and to pray for us and all those we pray for.