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, 2016

Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael

Today is the Feast Day of the three Archangels, 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.

"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.

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

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.

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 28, 2016

Mary Undoer of Knots

Today is the Feast Day of Mary Undoer of Knots. This devotion began with a miracle, the healing of a marriage,

In 1612, in the town of Augsburg Germany, a nobleman made a journey to visit a Jesuit priest four times in 28 days. He was seeking the counsel and prayers of the holy priest to save his marriage. Together the two men would pray and venerate the Blessed Mother. On his final visit to the priest, he brought his wedding ribbon with him. It was a Bavarian tradition for the mi of honor to bind together the arms of the bride and groom symbolizing the newly formed bond of matrimony. The priest took the ribbon, held it up before the image of Our Lady, and one by one, untied the knots in the ribbon. When he finished, the knots in the ribbon were completely undone and a miracle occurred. The marriage was healed!

In the year 1700, the grandson of the nobleman had become a priest of the Church of Saint Peter am Perlach. He dedicated a family altar to Our Lady of Good Counsel and he commissioned a painting to commemorate how Mary powerfully intervened to save his grandparent's marriage. The painting was done in oil on poplar wood. At the bottom of the image, a nobleman is accompanied by the Archangel Raphael on his journey to visit the priest and save his marriage.

Mary Undoer of Knots can undo the most difficult of problems with great grace. This image was inspired by a meditation of early Father of the Church, Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyon who was martyred in 202. In his book, Against Heresies, he wrote, "And thus also it was that the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the Virgin Mary set free though faith." The meditation of Saint Irenaeus was based on a parallel made by Saint Paul between Adam and Christ. He extended the parallel to a comparison between Eve and Mary.

“Eve, by her disobedience, tied the knot of disgrace for the human race; whereas Mary, by her obedience, undid it”.

But what are these knots?
They are the problems and struggles we face for which we do not see any solution. knots of discord in your family, lack of understanding between parents and children, disrespect, violence, the knots of deep hurts between husband and wife, the absence of peace and joy at home. There are also the knots of anguish and despair of separated couples, the dissolution of the family, the knots of a drug addict son or daughter, sick or separated from home or God, knots of alcoholism, the practice of abortion, depression, unemployment, fear, solitude. The knots of our life suffocate the soul, beat us down, remove joy and separate us from God.

Let us remember that devotion to Mary Undoer of Knots began because a miracle a occurred and a marriage was healed.

Our Lady, Undoer of knots, pray for us and all the intentions we receive through this ministry.

September 23, 2016

Reflection: The heart of Saint Padre Pio...

Today is the Feast of Saint Padre Pio. From his childhood, it was evident that he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a child. At an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in 1902. He 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. The doctor who examined him could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal.

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 the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring sinners and devout souls closer to God. 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 and prayer.

Venerating the heart of Saint Padre Pio...

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:

"Pray, Hope and don't worry."

"Hold on tightly to the Rosary. Be very grateful to the Madonna because it was she who gave us Jesus. Love Our Lady and make her loved; always recite the Rosary and recite it as often as possible."

"May the Mother of Jesus, and our Mother, obtain for us from her Son the grace to live a life according to the heart of God, a life that is entirely interior and hidden in Him. Give yourself up into the arms of your Heavenly Mother. She will take good care of your soul."

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

September 21, 2016

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 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.

"Where there are dreams, where there is joy, Jesus is always present. Always."  Pope Francis speaking to the schoolchildren in Harlem, New York September 25, 2015


September 17, 2016

Reflection: Remembering Bella...

Taking a child, He placed it in their midst, and putting His arms around it, He said to them, "whoever receives one child such as this, in My Name, receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but the One who sent Me." Mark 9:36-37

This reflection was posted one year ago. It is being re-posted today in memory of beautiful little Bella...

A tragic story unfolded this week. Months ago, the body of a little child was found in a trash bag washed ashore on Deer Island in Boston. The child was named Baby Doe. This week, her identity was discovered. Her name is Bella, which means beautiful in Italian. She was just shy of three years old. The circumstances of her death are tragic. It is likely that she suffered much in her short life. She is surely resting now in the arms of Jesus.

A great sadness comes in knowing about the loss of this beautiful child. How is it possible? Didn't people miss her? Why didn't they come forward? The answers may never be known.

What lessons can be carried forward in our own lives from this tragic story? Let us ask the Lord to reveal to us if there are times that we have been silent when we should have spoken. As we pray about this, He will help us listen to His promptings so that we will know when He wants us to do something. He will give us courage to speak the truth, in love.

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Following God's Will first means listening to Him in prayer. When we make time every day to listen in silence to the Lord, He will speak.

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. Romans 8:16

On this day, as we ponder beautiful little Bella, know that you are a beautiful child of God. Ask Jesus what He wants to say to you: Jesus, what do You want to say to me?

September 15, 2016

Reflection: Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us...

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

Our Lady of Sorrows suffered intense pain during the Passion and Death of Jesus. The Seven Dolors or Sorrows, referred to the seven swords that pierced the Heart of Mary. Her Immaculate Heart was so filled with love and entwined with the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His suffering was her suffering. His anguish and abandonment was her anguish and abandonment.

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 fourth Sorrow of Mary when Jesus and Mary met on the Way to Calvary. Mary followed Jesus as He carried the Cross. His Face and Body were beaten and bruised. Most of His friends abandoned Him. When He fell under the weight of the Cross, in anguish, their eyes met. Her gaze of love consoled Him.

Walk beside Mary along the Via Dolorosa. She follows Him silently and ponders everything in her heart, even though the sword of suffering pierced her Immaculate Heart. She stays with Jesus through it all. She never abandons Him. She accepts the Will of the Father and the sufferings in her life.

Turn to Mary and ask her to help you to be like her. Pour out your heart to her and let her hold you tenderly. She is your most loving Mother. As she holds you, tell her about your fears, pain, suffering and the wounds in your heart. As Mary listens attentively, she consoles you. As your tears flow, Mary draws you close to her Immaculate Heart and she wipes your tears away. Ask Mary to help you carry your crosses the way she did and how to ponder all these things in your heart. Mary never abandoned her Beloved Son Jesus and she will never abandon you. Ask Mary to 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 11, 2016

We remember 9/11 today and always...


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 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 fifteen years ago today. We remember and pray for all the victims, the babies, children and families who lost loved ones and the courageous heroes who lost their lives saving others and we entrust them to the 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

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, 2016

Reflection: The Nativity of Mary

Today the Church celebrates the birth of Mary. 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 and prayed for a child. They received the gift of a baby who they named Mary. She would be the salvation of the world. They consecrated Mary to the Lord.

Saint Augustine connects Mary's birth with Jesus' saving work. He tells the earth to rejoice and shine forth in the light of her birth. He said 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. As we pray for so many needs, we know that Mary is with us and she brings our prayers to Jesus. Every human birth is a sign of new hope in the world, the love of two human beings joining with God in his creative work. Loving parents are hope in a world filled with troubles. A new child has the potential to be a channel of God's love and peace to the world. Mary shows us 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. Today, as we celebrate her birth, may we always turn to her with our needs. 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:
Turn to Mary and let her embrace you. Imagine you are a little child seated on her lap. She holds you close and consoles you. Feel the comfort of her loving embrace. Speak to Mary. Pour out your heart to her. Share with her your joys and sufferings. She will listen and she will take your needs and place them in a basket at the feet of Jesus. 

Happy Birthday Blessed Mother Mary! You were created by God, full of grace. By your yes, your fiat to God and your cooperation with the Holy Spirit, God became one in you, and you gave Jesus to us. Dear Mary, Mother of Jesus, thank you for trusting God and showing us how to respond to Him and cooperate with Him in our lives. Happy Birthday, Mary, our Mother!

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

September 04, 2016

Reflection: Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us...

Today is the Canonization of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. She 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 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."

She passed out prayer holy cards at the United Nations and got ambassadors praying in the UN general assembly room. She exemplified uncompromising loyalty to Jesus. She worked tirelessly on behalf of the poor. Her love knew no bounds. Nor did her energy, as she crisscrossed the globe pleading for support and inviting others to see the Face of Jesus in the poor.

On September 5, 1997, God called her home. This tiny woman, recognized throughout the world for her work among the poor, was beatified October 19, 2003.  Blessed Mother Teresa's beatification, just over six years after her death, was part of an expedited process for declaring a person a saint, which was put into effect by Pope John Paul II. Like so many others around the world, he found her love for the Eucharist, for prayer and for the poor a model for all to emulate.

Speaking in a strained, weary voice at the beatification Mass, Pope John Paul II declared her blessed, prompting waves of applause before the 300,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. In his homily, read by an aide for the aging pope, 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 my former pastor was a seminarian at the North American Pontifical College in Rome, he met Mother Teresa privately. She spoke these words to him and she inscribed them in his prayer book:

Be only all for Jesus through Mary.

I am sure this meeting had a profound effect on this young seminarian. When he came to my parish as pastor, in his first homily, he stated his mission for our parish: Be only all for Jesus through Mary. Throughout his six years as pastor, he fulfilled that mission. First, on August 15, 2010, he consecrated our parish to our patron Saint Mary of the Assumption and he renewed that consecration every year on August 15th. A family in our parish donated a life-size statue of Mother Teresa and our pastor made a beautiful little shrine to her outside our chapel. Finally, on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2016, he consecrated our parish to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His mission for our parish was complete: Be only all for Jesus through Mary.

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 the 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.