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

May 30, 2016

Memorial Day...We remember our fallen heroes

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.  John 14:18

On this Memorial Day, we honor all those who have given their lives for our freedom. May they rest in eternal peace. As we look at this image, we remember, with great gratitude, all our military who gave their lives and we remember their families, especially the children of these brave men and women.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.  In green pastures He makes me lie down; to still waters He leads me;  He restores my soul.  He guides me along right paths for the sake of His Name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff comfort me. You set a table before me in front of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for endless days.  Psalm 23




May 27, 2016

Reflection: All that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours...

In the Gospel of Mark 11, Jesus left Bethany and was walking with His disciples early in the morning. He was hungry and He saw a fig tree in a distance. When He reached the tree, there were no figs on it, only leaves. The disciples heard Jesus say, ""May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" They continued on their journey to Jerusalem. The next morning, they saw the fig tree, withered to its roots. Peter remembered that Jesus had cursed the fig tree.

When I was in Medjugorje, I had the blessing of eating a fig that I picked from a fig tree. I had never tasted anything so wonderful. Have you ever tasted fruit that wasn't good? It is not a pleasant experience and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Jesus calls us to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. He wants us to use the gifts He has given to us. The gifts He gives us are the good fruit.

Jesus said to the disciples, "Have faith in God. Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, "Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what He says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours."

Have you ever doubted that God will answer your prayers? Have you prayed for something or someone but seem to see no answers. Never give up praying. God hears and answers every prayer according to His Will.  He knows what is best for us and sometimes we have to wait and pray and wait and pray. It all comes down to trusting in Jesus.

Ask and it will be given to you...Matthew 7:7 

May 21, 2016

Reflection: Let the children come to Me...

Saint Faustina wrote in her diary in November 1937 about her love for the Most Blessed Sacrament, which is the Lord Himself. How important it is to be with our Lord, even at a young age, listening and talking to Him. What graces we will receive. You, too, will find peace and mercy if you spend time adoring our Lord in the sanctity and quiet of His Most Holy Presence. Parents and grandparents, take your children and grandchildren to visit Jesus. Go to Eucharistic Adoration!

"Let the children come to Me; do not prevent them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Amen I say to you, whoever does not accept the Kingdom of God like a child will not enter it." Then He embraced the children and blessed them, placing His hands on them. Mark 10:14-16

"Hidden Jesus, in You lies all my strength. From my most tender years, the Lord Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament has attracted me to Himself. Once, when I was seven years old, at a Vesper Service, conducted before the Lord Jesus in the monstrance, the love of God was imparted to me for the first time and filled my little heart; and the Lord gave me understanding of divine things. From that day until this, my love for the hidden God has been growing constantly to the point of closest intimacy. All the strength of my soul flows from the Blessed Sacrament. I spend all my free moments in conversation with Him. He is my Master."  Diary of Saint Faustina 1404

God's forgiveness and peace are available to us always. He calls us to trust completely. There is no limit to the Heavenly Father's goodness, kindness and mercy. Come alone or with a child and sit in the Presence of His Beloved Son in Eucharistic Adoration.

Come away and rest awhile...Come with little children...Come yourself...Jesus is waiting for you...Come...  

May 18, 2016

Reflection: The Miraculous Medal...

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

The proper name of the Miraculous Medal is the Medal of the Immaculate Conception.  It was called this name from the beginning until people were so pleased with the wonders it worked, they called it the Miraculous Medal. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is portrays Mary crushing the head of the serpent, a reference to Genesis 3:15,   "I will put enmities between thee and the woman, and thy seed and her seed; she shall crush thy head, and thou shalt lie in wait for her heel." 

THE MEANING OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Front Side of the Miraculous Medal.The Front Side - On the front of the Miraculous Medal, Mary stands on a globe, representing the earth, with a crushed snake under her feet. This image represents Mary's role as "Queen of Heaven and Earth". The snake represents Satan, who was defeated by Mary's obedience to God. The rays coming from her hands symbolize the graces Mary gives to those who ask her. The year 1830 commemorates the year that the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Catherine Laboure.

Reverse Side of the Miraculous Medal.The Reverse Side - On the reverse side of the Miraculous Medal is a cross and the letter "M". The cross represents Christ's sacrifice for our salvation, while the bar under the cross stands for the Earth. The "M" stands for "Mary" and her true devotion both to Jesus and to her children on Earth. The two hearts are the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The entire image is surrounded by twelve stars. The stars can represent both the twelve Apostles and the verse from the Book of Revelation, "a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars." Revelation 12:1 

THE PROMISES OF THE MEDAL

During Our Lady's visit to Catherine on November 27, 1830, rays of light flowed from rings on her fingers that were made of precious stones.  However, some of the stones on the ring did not shine. Mary explained:

"These rays symbolize the graces I shed upon those who ask for them. The gems from which rays do not fall are the graces for which souls forget to ask."

Mary then spoke of the medal with these words:

"All who wear it will receive great graces; they should wear it around the neck. Graces will abound for persons who wear it with confidence."

The medal is simply a visible sign of the inner devotion the wearer has for Mary and  her Son, Jesus.

The miraculous medal apparition was for all mankind.  Our Lady is concerned with each individual and the medal is a personal link between Our Lady and all who wear the medal.  When she appeared to Saint Catherine of Laboure, she did not call for pilgrimages nor the building of a shrine, simply to wear the medal.

As I reflect on the miraculous medal, I think about the prayers answered and the miracles we have witnessed through the prayers of this ministry. I recall one baby who was seriously hurt in an accident. One of our prayer partners suggested the parents get a miraculous medal and pin it on the baby. This precious child made a complete recovery. Grow in your devotion to Our Lady and ponder her words." All who wear it will receive great graces." Wear a miraculous medal and ask Our Lady to shower her graces upon you. Wear the medal, with confident trust, knowing that you are linked to Our Lady and she is always with you..

O Mary, the Immaculate Conception, pray for us who have recourse to thee.  

May 15, 2016

Reflection: Pentecost...Veni Sancte Spiritus...

After the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, the Apostles and Mary went to Jerusalem and stayed in the Upper Room as they awaited the promise of Jesus, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate.  

Meditation: 

Let us enter the Upper Room with Mary. The disciples are filled with fear and Mary is standing in their midst, comforting them. Let Mary comfort you. Invite her to come into your heart now. 

Come Holy Spirit. Come through Mary.

Suddenly, a noise came from the sky like a strong driving wind and tongues of fire appeared and came to rest on everyone. We were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues. The fear that permeated the room was gone and it was replaced with the gift of fortitude, the courage to proclaim all that God has done.  

On this beautiful day of Pentecost, ask the Holy Spirit to live in your heart with Mary and pour out His gifts that you may proclaim the love of Jesus!

They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke of the great things God had done, alleluia. Acts 2:4, 11

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." John 20:19-22

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, send now Your Spirit over all the names we have received through this ministry.  Let the Holy Spirit live in their hearts.  May Our Blessed Virgin Mary be our Advocate.  God of Spirit and Truth, today we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Like the Apostles and Mary in the Upper Room, we are, at times, afraid and need to be assured that You are with us. As Your Spirit enlightened them, may Your Spirit give us the gifts we so desire.  Like the Apostles and Mary, may we go out into the world to proclaim Your words.

In the musical treasure of Gregorian chant, there are some compositions that stand out for their exceptional beauty. The Sequence for Pentecost Sunday, Veni Sancte Spiritus, a prayer to the Holy Spirit, is a melody of unusual beauty. The words and melody blend together so well that it is a fine example of Saint Augustine's observation that one prays twice through song. The melody reflects supplication to the Holy Spirit, revealing a desire for His Love to fill us. Alleluias are not always joyous acclamations, but are often humble interior prayers as is this one. It has become the customary prayer to the Holy Spirit.

Come Holy Spirit. Come through Mary.



May 13, 2016

Our Lady of Fatima: I am the Lady of the Rosary...

Our Lady appeared in Fatima between May 13th and October 13th, 1917 to three shepherd children, Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco. Mary, the Mother of God, told the children that God had sent her with a message for every man, woman and child. At the time, there was war and violence in many parts of the world, much as it is today. Mary told the children to pray the rosary daily. The Blessed Mother appealed to all to pray hard so that the war would cease. On many occasions, the children were asked to tell the people to pray the rosary daily for personal conversion and world peace. Mary warned that people would suffer the consequences of war, hunger and persecution of the Church if they disobeyed God's Will.

Pope Pius XII, on July 7, 1952, consecrated Russia to the Blessed Virgin. Saint Pope John Paul II consecrated the entire world to the Virgin Mary in 1984, a year after the assassination attempt was made on his life. Saint John Paul II believed that his life was saved and he was protected by Our Lady of Fatima. After consecrating the world to her Immaculate Heart, the Pope placed the bullet that hit him on the crown of Our Lady.

Let us pray to Our Lady of Fatima and ask her intercession to unite our families in love and to heal our relationships. Let us entrust our nation and the whole world to Our Blessed Mother's care and guidance. Her message at Fatima is that of world peace and reconciliation to God. May all men and women heed the call of love and peace of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our Lady wants us to consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart, a consecration in which we make a complete surrender of self to our Mother, promising her that we will: Pray the Rosary every day. Offer the little daily sacrifices for the conversion of sinners. Make the five Communions of Reparation on the first Saturdays of five consecutive months. In the last apparition at Fatima, Our Lady appeared as Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, holding the Scapular in her outstretched hand. The Scapular is the sign of our consecration to Mary's Immaculate Heart. It can be worn as a reminder of the promise we have made to Mary.

"I am the Lady of the Rosary."
In this manner, the Mother of God identified herself to the shepherd children of Fatima. Repeatedly during Our Lady's series of apparitions to the children, she emphasized praying the Rosary daily and "to pray the Rosary well," with meditation on the mysteries. The Queen of Heaven held out the Rosary to mankind as a means of obtaining the salvation of souls, the conversion of sinners, true world peace, and the conversion of Russia. Let us use this spiritual treasure and pray the Rosary every day.

Our Lady of Fatima, Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, we entrust all the names we receive through this ministry to your loving care.

May 12, 2016

Reflection: Jesus prays to The Father...

Lifting up His eyes to heaven, Jesus prayed, saying, "I pray not only for these, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, so that they may all be one, as You Father are in Me and I in You, that they my be also in us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17:20-21

Place yourself in the scene of this Gospel as Jesus is praying to the Father. The disciples are nearby, listening to Jesus. As you listen, draw close to Jesus that you know how intimate His relationship is with the Father. Jesus is speaking to the Father about you and how much He loves you. Sit with Him and allow His love to flow over you like a river.

The Father and I are One.  John 10:30

The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own. The Father who dwells in Me is doing His works. Amen, amen, I say to You whoever believes in Me will do that works that I do, and will do greater ones than these because I am going to the Father.  John 14:10-11

Then Jesus tells you that He and the Father are One. As you listen, you hear Jesus say He is going to the Father. He is teaching you how to pray to the Father as He prays to Him. Jesus is interceding to the Father for you. He is calling you to follow Him. To be His disciple, Jesus wants you to be with Him in union with the Father.

Lift up your eyes to heaven and speak to the Father, open your heart and know that the Father hears your prayers. You are not alone. He is with you and you are His beloved child.

See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God. 1 John 3:1

May 08, 2016

Reflection: The love of a mother...

Today we celebrate Mother's Day, a day to honor and remember all mothers and in a very special way, our Blessed Mother Mary. On the Cross, Jesus gave Mary to us when He said, "Behold, your Mother." John 19:27

Meditation: A dear friend gave me a beautiful image of Mary called Madonna Magnificat. Mary's face is captivating and her hands are folded in prayer and clasped together under her chin. She looks like she is pondering. I gaze at this image often and I get lost in prayer as I look at her face. 

Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. Luke 2:19  

Mary teaches me how to ponder. Mary wants to teach you too. Take a moment and be still. Gaze at an image of the face of Mary or an image of Mary gazing at the Baby Jesus. Ponder this image and call upon the Holy Spirit to be with you during this intimate time of prayer. Speak to Mary and ask her to teach you how to ponder as she did. There were many things Mary did not understand but she pondered them in her heart. Ask her for the grace to ponder the things you do not understand. Ask her to be with you as you ponder. Mary was with the Apostles at Pentecost and she is with you always. Mary will teach you how to ponder as she ponders and she will draw you to her Beloved Son Jesus.

A young mother describes her experience as the mother of Christian, a baby born with severe disabilities, including no eyes. Christian's Mom deflected cruel taunts with love. This video shows the love she has for her child, her miracle. Christian and his Mom and Dad are love.

In this is love... 1 John 4:10

Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of the Angels, we entrust to you all these special Moms and their precious little ones.  Bless all mothers and wrap them under your protective mantle of love.



May 06, 2016

Holy Mary, Mother of God...

O Blessed Mother Mary, heart of love, heart of mercy, always listening, caring, consoling, hear our prayer. As your children, we implore your intercession with Jesus, your Beloved Son. Receive with understanding and compassion the petitions we place before you:

The John 10:10 Prayer Ministry 

We consecrate and entrust all the names we have received and all the names we will receive and into your gentle, motherly care.  We are comforted in knowing your heart is always open to those who ask you for prayer. We ask for your intercession for all these intentions.  Help all of us, Holy Mary, Mother of God, to bear our burdens in this life until we may share eternal life and peace with God forever. Amen.

O Mary, Our Queen, Our Lady and Our Mother, in the Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, we implore you to take our cause into your hands and grant it good success. Amen  Fr. Dermot Roache, SMA Fathers

May 01, 2016

John 10:10 Prayer Ministry...6th Anniversary


I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Today we celebrate the 6th Anniversary of this prayer ministry. We honor Our Blessed Mother Mary, Our Lady of the Rosary, on this first day of May, Mary's month.

A Prayer of Entrustment to Mary was prayed for this prayer ministry at the Basilica of Mary Major in Rome, Italy and at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.  The ministry is consecrated to Jesus Christ, Wisdom Incarnate, through the hands of Mary.

"Prayer is, for me, an outburst from the heart; it is a simple glance darted upwards to Heaven; it is a cry of gratitude and of love in the midst of trial as in the midst of joy!" Saint Therese of Lisieux, the Little Flower, Patroness of this prayer ministry

This ministry began on May 1, 2010 but the prayers actually began in May 2006, praying for an unborn baby, Lily Grace. There were medical problems with the baby and we began praying the novena to Saint Anne that "Lily Grace would have abundant life." Through the intercession of Saint Anne, mother of Our Blessed Mother and grandmother of Jesus, Lily Grace was born in November 2006. We give thanks for all the prayers for this precious little baby. She is now a healthy and happy nine year old who loves her little sister, six year old Norah!

Over these past years, as we pray each day, we have received so many other names to include in our prayers through this ministry. We pray for families, for unborn babies and for children who are healthy, sick or disabled. We pray for priests and seminarians whose vocations are nurtured in their families. We pray for pregnant women, couples who are trying to become pregnant, couples who want to adopt, mothers who have had miscarriages. We pray for parents who have suffered the death of a baby or a child. We pray for grandparents and their grandchildren. We pray for mothers and fathers who have had an abortion or considered having one. We pray for parents who are struggling to accept their disabled child, as well as parents who embrace their disabled child and see, in that child, the beauty that was created by God.

Prayer changes things. Jesus performs miracles, seen and unseen, through all your prayers. We give thanks for the John 10:10 prayer partners who pray the Memorare every day for all the names we have received and all the names we will receive. Every month, a Mass of thanksgiving is offered for all the prayer partners and for all the intentions we receive.

SWEET VIDEO
(This video was posted on the first blog posting on May 1, 2010)