Mary's Little Office

Sunday, October 29, 2017

The Great Commandment

by Bishop Robert Barron  October 29, 2017

Today's magnificent Gospel should set the tone for your entire life. Trying to trap him, the Pharisees ask Jesus which of the commandments of the law is the greatest. His clear and simple answer is that we should direct all our love toward God, and therefore, love what he loves.

Mass Readings
Reading 1 - Exodus 22:20-26
Psalm - Psalm 18:2-51
Reading 2 - 1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
Gospel - Matthew 22:34-40

The Annunciation - 1850

The Angel Gabriel offers Mary a lily - a flower which denotes purity - as he asks Mary if she will bear the Christ child.



T H E   A N N U N C I A T I O N
Dante Gabriel Rosetti (1850)

O Mother! I could weep for mirth,
Joy fills my heart so fast;
My soul to-day is heaven on earth,
Oh! could the transport last!
I think of thee, and who thou art,
Thy majesty, thy state;
And I keep signing in my heart―
Immaculate, immaculate!




Saturday, October 28, 2017

The Annunciation


THE ANNUNCIATION
NICOLAS POUSSIN  (1594-1665)

Ave Maria! for to thee,
Whom God has pleased to choose
The Mother of his Son to be,
No prayer can he refuse.

O Mary, in pity look down upon me;
The the voice of that child that is calling on thee.


THE VERSE: Manual of Instructions and Devotions for Children of Mary.
Paternoster Row, London - 1920

Friday, October 27, 2017

The Blue Veil

THE VIRGIN IN THE BLUE VIEL
Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520)

O MARY, MY MOTHER.
O Mary, my Mother, most lovely, most mild, Look down upon me, your weak lowly child; From the land of my exile I call upon thee; Then, Mary my Mother, look kindly on me.
O Mary, in pity look down upon me; 
This the voice of thy child that is calling on thee.


THE VERSE: Manual of Instructions and Devotions for Children of Mary.
Paternoster Row, London - 1920

The Inner Court


Mrs. Pasquale Train praying for her soldier son, Toni during WWII. St. Mathew's Catholic Church, New York, 1943

A Commendation of Oneself 
To Our Lady

O  Holy Mary, my sovereign Lady, into thy blessed trust and special custody and into the bosom of thy mercy do I this day and every day, and at the hour of my death, commit my soul and my body; to thee I commit all my hope and happiness, all my anxieties and miseries, my life and the end of my life, that through thy most holy intercession and through thy merits all my actions may be guided and governed according to thine and thy Son's will.  Amen.


The Inner Court, 1924 - London


Photo: Danbury, Conn., 1950 



Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Greet Mary by Ringing the Bells


Cum ter reboo, pie Christiferam ter afeto.

When I ring thrice, thrice devoutly I greet the Mother of Christ! (inscription on the 15th century bell at Erfert)



Today's Posting - With Gratitude to:
Today, as I settled down in our village chapel to pray a Holy Hour, the midday Angelus bell struck. It was hauntingly beautiful. As the bell rang out and I recited the Angelus, I felt transported.

The sound of the church bell has an eternal quality, as though it pulls us out of the ordinary, out of space and time. It guides us to the very world it calls us to remember – the eternal, the heavenly.
Just as the Angel Gabriel declared unto Mary, at the Annunciation, the Angelus bell announces the reality of the self-same mystery – that of the Lord’s Incarnation.
And so doing, it calls us to participate in that mystery, not only through the praying of the Angelus, but through faith in the words we recite.
When we pray with faith, we enter the mystery. For the mystery is a truth, a reality that is forever present. We can therefore bring ourselves more fully to it, through our faith in it.
Many years ago now, when I was still a New Ager, before I converted to the Catholic faith, I was taken on a holiday to France.
It was a wonderful time, with delicious food, beautiful architecture, gorgeous scenery and good company.
Yet, what made the deepest impression on me was the thrice daily ringing of the church bells, in the towns and villages. They rang from all directions across the towns and countryside, creating a timeless quality, an atmosphere beyond this world.
I experienced a special feeling in my heart. And when I recall that feeling now, I can only describe it as thus. A meeting is taking place between the ordinary and the extraordinary. It is as though the ordinary is embraced and lifted up, as the extraordinary streams down.
At the time, I had no idea as to the religious significance of these bells – that they are a call to prayer. And for centuries catholics have been called morning, noon and evening to pray the Angelus in honour of the Incarnation. But perhaps my soul was being prepared for my conversion, for they touched me deeply.
What I did see, was how the communities were held together by the ringing of the bells. As midday struck, there was a flurry of activity. People scurried about, from all directions, buying bread, shutting up shop, returning to their cars and home for the midday meal. The same also occurred at six o’clock in the evening, when the bell struck again.
Only years later did I understand their significance.


That was, shortly after I had been confirmed into the Catholic Church at Easter 2000.
Roger, my husband and I found ourselves staying for several months, care of a group of religious sisters, in a stunning lakeside village, near Luzern in Switzerland.Our house overlooked the lake and stood adjacent to the village chapel. Being an early riser, the sisters asked me if I would open up the chapel each morning and ring the 6:30am Angelus bell.
As a mere Catholic fledgling with poor catechesis, I did not yet know the Angelus prayer. So I promptly searched out the prayer and learnt it.
It was a profound experience pulling the bell whilst reciting the Angelus each morning. The timeless quality of the sound of the ringing and the words of the Angelus prayer opened me up the eternal world, inviting me to enter.
Each time I hear the bell ring now I am transported in a similar way. I am transported into the mystery of the Incarnation that lies at the very foundation of our faith. And through which, the temporal is lifted up into the eternal realm, through our Lord’s descent into it.


It is to this eternal reality we are brought, through the ringing of the bells morning, noon and night, as they call us to pray the Angelus, wherever we are, whatever we are doing. They bring this eternal message to us mere creatures, opening the doors of heaven, as did the Angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

A Daily Dedication to Mary

Hans Hemling (1430-1494)
The Annunciation 

DAILY DEDICATION TO MARY


O my Queen! O my Mother! I give myself entirely to thee: and to show my devotion to thee, I consecrate to thee this day my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being. Since then I am thine, O good Mother, keep me, guard me, as thy property and possession.



Religion Doctrine and Practice
for use in Catholic High Schools,
Loyola University Press, Chicago
1926





Pray Your Rosary Every Day


A Note from Gordon, Nebraska - 1951







Monday, October 23, 2017

Mr. Lambert


St. Peter Catholic Church, Jefferson, South Dakota
Years ago while visiting my mother-in-law at Holy Spirit nursing home in Sioux City, Iowa,  I struck up a friendship with Mr. Lambert who was also a resident there.  He was losing his memory but as bad as it became over the years that I knew him, he always greeted me in the language of his altar boy days. 

You too, can learn this beautiful greeting which my friendship with Mr. Lambert began.
Remember that some words in English are implied in Latin so there is not a word for word translation.

Greeting:
DĂłminus,      vobiscum
The Lord       be with you.


Response:
Et        cum      spĂ­ritu   tuo.
And     with      your spirit.




 Where Mr. Lambert spent his altar boy days.


Mr. Lambert is buried in the cemetery shown on the left.

 Mr. Lambert, pray for us. 




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Sunday, October 22, 2017

Grab Your Pencil





Grab Your Pencil & Write These Down

BEFORE HOLY COMMUNION


Prayer for Help
O my God help me to make a good Communion. Mary, my dearest Mother, pray to Jesus for me. My dear Angel Guardian, lead me to the Altar of God.

Act of Faith
O God, because Thou hast said it, I believe that I shall receive the Sacred Body of Jesus to eat, and His precious Blood to drink. My God, I believe that with all my heart.

Act of Humility
My God, I confess that I am a poor sinner; I am not worthy to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus on account of my sins. Lord, I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof; say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.

Act of Sorrow
My God, I detest all the sins of my life. I am sorry for them, because they have offended Thee, my God who art so good. I resolve never to commit sin any more. My good God, pity me, have mercy on me, forgive me. Amen.

Act of Adoration
O Jesus great God, present on the Altar, I bow down before Thee, I adore Thee.


Act of Love and Desire
Sweet Jesus, I love Thee. I desire with all my heart to receive Thee. Most sweet Jesus, come into my poor soul, and give me Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink. Give me Thy whole self, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, that I may live forever with Thee.

O most sweet Virgin Mary, Mother of God and my Mother, lend me, I beseech thee, thy Immaculate Heart to receive my Jesus: that so I may receive Him by thee, by  whom the world received Him.

O Jesus, I offer Thee Thy sinless Mother's Heart, with its perfect dispositions at the moment of Thy Incarnation and all her communions. Come to me now by her, as I came to Thee by her. With her heart let me receive Thee.







AFTER HOLY COMMUNION



O my Queen, thou hast given me Jesus in thy heart, therefore, now, with the same true heart, entertain Him for me. Adore Him, thank Him, and implore Him for the graces thou knows me to need-in particular . . . . .

ACT OF FAITH
O Jesus, I believe that I have received Thy Flesh to eat and Thy Blood to drink, because Thou hast said it, and Thy word is true.

ACT OF ADORATION
O Jesus, my God, my Creator, I adore Thee, because from Thy Hands I came and with Thee I am to be happy forever.

ACT OF HUMILITY
O Jesus, I am but dust and ashes, and yet Thou hast come to me, and my poor heart may speak to Thee.

ACT OF LOVE
Sweet Jesus, I love Thee; I love Thee with all my heart. Thou knows that I love Thee, and wish to love Thee daily more and more.

ACT OF THANKSGIVING
My good Jesus, I thank Thee with all my heart. How good, how kind Thou art to me, sweet Jesus. Blessed be Jesus in the most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

ACT OF OFFERING
O Jesus, receive my poor offering. Jesus Thou hast given Thyself to me, and let me give myself to Thee:


I give Thee my body, that it may be chaste and pure.


I give Thee my soul, that it may be free from sin.


I give Thee my heart, that it may always love Thee.


I give Thee every breath that I shall breathe. and especially my last; I give Thee myself in life and in death, that I may be Thine for ever and ever.


O Jesus, wash away my sins with Thy precious Blood.


O Jesus, the struggle against temptation is not yet finished. My Jesus, when temptation comes near me, make me strong against it. In the moment of temptation may I always say, "Jesus, mercy! Mary, help!"


O Jesus, may I lead a good life; may I die a happy death. May I receive Thee before I die. May I say when I am dying, "Jesus, Mary, Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul."

Listen now for a moment to Jesus Christ; perhaps He has something to say to you. There may be some promise you have made and broken, which He wishes you to make again and keep. Answer Jesus in your heart, and tell Him all your troubles. Then pray for others.

O Jesus, have mercy on Thy Holy Church; take care of it.


O Jesus, have pity on poor sinners, and save them from hell.


O Jesus, bless my father, my mother, my brothers and sisters, and all I ought to pray for, as Thy Heart knows how to bless them.


O Jesus, have pity on the poor souls in Purgatory, and give them eternal rest.


Sweet Jesus, I am going away for a time, but trust not without Thee. Thou are with me by Thy grace. I will never leave Thee by mortal sin. I do not fear to do so, though I am so weak, because I have such hope in Thee. Give me grace to persevere. Amen.


    

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Caesar and God

by Bishop Robert Barron October 22, 2017


Jesus places everything in its proper relationship to God. But he also chastises those who are involved in power games. God is ultimately in charge and rules over even Caesar.

Mass Readings
Reading 1 - Isaiah 45:1, 4-6
Psalm - Psalm 96:1, 3-5, 7-10
Reading 2 - 1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Gospel - Matthew 22:15-21




Friday, October 20, 2017

Do you Remember Perry Como?




There is More!


Lourdes, 2016

Click on Mary's Crown  to Open the Links Below


2. My Mother Mary  
2. My Mother's Rosary  
3. My Daily Prayers  
4. Mary's Little Office  
5. Her Eyes - A Study  
6. My Mother's Radio  
7. Mary's Map  
8. Divine Mercy Chaplet  
9. My Mother's Movies  
10. My Mother's Angelus  
11. Little Visits to Jesus & Mary  
12. My Daily Meditations  
13. My Mother's Way Home  
14. The Lightning Storm  
15. The Thirty Day's Prayer  
16. My Mother's Litany  
17. My Mother's Feast Days  
18. My Mother's First Fridays  
19. My Mother's Photo Album  
20. Where Roses Fall  
21. Our Journey to Lourdes  
22. Sacred Heart Novena  
23. Our Lady of Wengen  
24. My Mother's Bookshelf  
25. The Pilgrim on His Way to Eternity  
26. Being Catholic  
27. Write This Down  
28. Our Lady of Lourdes - H. Lasserre  
29. Dust Boy  



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1. Browse for the URL address.
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http://marysdustboy.blogspot.com

O My Lady, you have done so much for me.  Little indeed will it be if I can wear myself out and use up my life for you and your dear Son Jesus.


Your ever loving Dust Boy

Thursday, October 19, 2017

My Girl My Prayer



MY GIRL KATHY
 


O My Lord Jesus, I will use time. It will be too late to pray when life is over. There is no prayer in the grave - there is no meriting in Purgatory. Low as I am in Thy all Holy sight, I am strong in Thee, strong through Thy Immaculate Mother, through Thy Saints; and thus I can do much for the Church for the world, for all I love. O let not the blood of souls be on my head. O let me not walk my own way without thinking of Thee. Let me bring everything before Thee, asking Thy leave for everything I do. . . As the dial speaks of the sun, so will I be ruled by thee alone, if Thou will take me and rule me. Be it so, my Lord Jesus, I give myself wholly to Thee. Amen. 



I opened my window to the gentle rain
and said my prayers there.



Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Two Prayers



Jesus and Mary with St. Bernard


Follow along with Christian Peschken Here.
  


Prayer of St. Alphonsus LiguoriPatronage Prayer

Most holy and immaculate VirginMy Mother Maryto thee, the Mother of my God, the Queen of the world, the advocate, the hope, and the refuge of sinnersI have recourse to-day, I, who am the most miserable of all. 

I render thee my humble homage, O great Queen, and I thank thee for all the graces which thou hast bestowed upon me until now, particularly for having delivered me from hell, which I have so often deserved.   


I love thee, O most amiable Sovereign, and for the love I bear thee, I promise to serve thee always, and to do all in my power to make others love thee also. I place in thee, after God, all my hopes. I confide my salvation to thy care. 


Accept me for thy servant, and take me under thy protection, O Mother of Mercy. And since thou art so powerful with God, deliver me from all temptations, or rather obtain for me the strength to triumph over them until death. 


Obtain for me, I beseech thee, a perfect love for Jesus Christ. To thee I look for grace to die a good death. O my Mother, by the love which thou bearest to God, I beseech thee to help me at all times, and particularly at the decisive moment of death. Do not leave me until thou seest me safe in heaven, occupied in blessing thee, and singing thy mercies throughout eternity. Amen.




Prayer of St. BernardThe Memorare 

Remember, O most pious Virgin Mary! that no one ever had recourse to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thy mediation without obtaining relief. Confiding, then, in thy goodness and mercy, I cast myself at thy sacred feet, and do most humbly supplicate thee, O Mother of the eternal Word! to adopt me as thy child, and take upon thyself the care of my salvation. O let it not be said, my dearest Mother, that I have perished where no one ever found but grace and salvation. Amen.

Pray by Yourself Here.

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I opened the window to the gentle rain
and said my prayers there.