Feast of Santa Restituta

Santa Restituta, ora pro nobis

May 17th is the Feast of Santa Restituta, Virgin, Martyr, and patroness of Lacco Ameno in northwestern Ischia. According to tradition, in 284 AD, during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, Santa Restituta was tortured and sentenced to death for her faith and piety. Brought out to sea, she was placed in a small boat, lashed to a pyre and set aflame. However, a strong wind blew the burning pitch onto her executioners' ship, consuming their vessel in flames instead. She died from her wounds while adrift. 

[An alternate version of her martyrdom states that she was cast overboard with a millstone tied around her neck. Miraculously recovered, the stone is said to be embedded into the wall of the Chiesa di Santa Restituta in Lacco Ameno.]

An angel safely guided the raft from the coast of Abitina (near Carthage) across the Mediterranean Sea to the shores of San Montano just outside Lacco Ameno. Her incorrupt body, resting on a bed of sea daffodils (pancratium maritime), was discovered by a Christian matron named Lucina, who was foretold of the martyr's arrival in a dream. Collecting her remains, the locals buried Santa Restituta at the foot of Monte Vico, where a small sanctuary was dedicated to her. 

In 812 the sanctuary was sacked during a Saracen incursion, but miraculously they were unable to carry off her gilded statue. In a rage an infidel struck the statue with his scimitar, leaving a gash still visible today. It's believed the corsair was paralyzed by the saint for his offense. Deserted by his comrades, the pirate was unable to escape with his spoils. His fate is unknown.

Several years later, her relics were translated to the Basilica in Naples to prevent them from being further desecrated by Muslim slavers. Incorporated into the Gothic Duomo di San Gennaro in the 13th century, the Basilica (now Cappella) di Santa Restituta was the oldest church in Naples. Dating from the 4th century, the Basilica was built on the orders of Emperor Constantine. Popular allegations that the church was erected over a temple to Apollo may be unfounded.(1)

In celebration, I'm posting a prayer to Santa Restituta. The accompanying photo was taken at Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary and Saint Stephen's Church in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Evviva Santa Restituta!

Prayer to Santa Restituta

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Santa Restituta may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate her festival, we may also imitate her actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Santa Restituta protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Notes: 

(1) Apolline Project Vol. 1: Studies on Vesuvius' North Slope and the Bay of Naples edited by Girolamo F. De Simone and Roger Macfarlane, Università Degli Studî Suor Orsola Benincasa Brigham Young University 2009, p. 250. See Google Books

Feast of San Pasquale Baylon

San Pasquale Baylon, ora pro nobis

May 17th is the Feast of San Pasquale Baylon (St. Paschal Baylon), Mystic and Contemplative. Known as the "Seraph of the Eucharist," San Pasquale is the patron saint of shepherds, cooks and kitchens, as well as the protector of Airola, a commune in the Province of Benevento. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Paschal. The accompanying photo was taken at the Reale Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro inside the Duomo di Napoli. Evviva San Pasquale Baylon!

Prayer to St. Paschal

St. Paschal, you were filled by the Holy Spirit with a wondrous love for the sacred mysteries of Christ’s Body and Blood. Intercede for us now that we may obtain the grace of a profound faith and tender devotion for Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. May we draw from the Eucharist the same spiritual riches you received with great joy, and may our lives reveal the enduring fruit of love, generosity and goodness to the glory of God our Father. St. Paschal Baylon, lover of the Eucharist, pray for us. Amen.

Feast of St. Simon Stock

St. Simon Stock, ora pro nobis

May 16th is the Feast of St. Simon Stock, Mystic and Carmelite friar. An early Prior General of the Carmelite Order, in 1251 Our Lady appeared to him in Cambridge, England and gave him the Carmelite habit, the brown scapular, as a token of her protection and a promise of salvation to those who died wearing it. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Simon Stock. The accompanying photo is a detail of The Madonna in Glory with Saints and Angels by Onofrio Avellino (1674-1741) taken during my 2010 pilgrimage to the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine in Sorrento, Campania. Evviva St. Simon Stock!

Prayer to St. Simon Stock

O Holy St. Simon, thou were blessed with the apparition of Our Lady and received the Scapular as a special sign of her favor. Following thy example, I pledge to wear the Scapular faithfully and devoutly so that I may always have Our Lady's wonderful protection in life and her special help at the hour of death. Amen.

Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague for the Nine Days Preceding the 25th of Each Month (16th–24th)

1. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and for the salvation of the whole world, the mystery of the birth of our Divine Redeemer. Glory be to the Father, etc.

2. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of the most holy Virgin and St. Joseph on that long and weary journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. I offer Thee the sorrows of their hearts at not finding a place wherein to shelter themselves when the Saviour of the world was about to be born. Glory be to the Father, etc.

3. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the sufferings of Jesus in the manger where He was born, the cold He suffered, the swaddling clothes which bound Him, the tears He shed, and His tender infant cries. Glory be to the Father, etc.

4. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the pain which the Holy Child Jesus felt in His tender body when He submitted to the rite of circumcision. I offer Thee that Precious Blood which then for the first time He shed for the salvation of all mankind. Glory be to the Father, etc.

5. Eternal Father, I offer to Your honor and glory, for my eternal salvation and that of the whole world, the humility, mortification, patience, charity and all the virtues of the Child Jesus; and I thank Thee, and I love Thee, and I bless Thee without end for this ineffable mystery of the Incarnation of the Word of God. Glory be to the Father, etc.

V. The Word was made flesh.
R. And dwelt among us.

Let us Pray

O God, whose only-begotten Son was made manifest to us in the substance of our flesh, grant, we beseech Thee, that through Him, whom we acknowledge to have been outwardly like us, we may deserve to be renewed in our inward selves. Who lives and reigns with Thee forever and ever. Amen.

Source: Devotion to the Infant Jesus of Prague, TAN Books, 1990

I Reggimento Re alla Casina Vanvitelliana

In Bacoli (NA)

Feast of San Liberatore

San Liberatore, ora pro nobis

May 15th is the Feast of San Liberatore, Bishop and Martyr. Widely venerated across Southern Italy, he is the principal patron of Ariano Irpino (AV), Civitacampomarano (CB) and Torrecuso (BN), among others. 

In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to San Liberatore. The accompanying photo was taken at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Belleville, New Jersey. Evviva San Liberatore!

Prayer to San Liberatore

God our Father, enable us who honor the memory of San Liberatore, martyr and protector of Ariano Irpino, to share with him in the joy of eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

New Music — Scarlatti: Prima d’esservi infedele / Cantatas for Solo Voice with Violins

New music that may be of interest to our readers.

• Scarlatti: Prima d’esservi infedele - Cantatas for Solo Voice with Violins performed by Valeria la Grotta and Quartetto Vanvitelli

Label: Arcana Records
Release Date: April 19, 2024
Audio CD: $20.99
Number of Discs: 1

Available at Amazon.com

Read description

Pentecost Sunday at Our Lady of Peace Church in Brooklyn, New York

Pentecost Sunday at St. Michael's Church in Staten Island, New York

John Rao's Latest Lecture is now Available For Free on Soundcloud

The most recent lectures are available for free via Soundcloud.

Feast of the Beato Simeon Maria Cardon

Beato Simeon Maria Cardon, ora pro nobis

May 14th is the Feast of Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon, Cistercian priest and Martyr. Between May 13th and 16th in 1799, Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon and five companions were massacred in the Gothic Abbey of Casamari by a band of French Revolutionary soldiers returning northward after the Napoleonic invasion of the Kingdom of Naples. In search of plunder, the drunken ruffians looted the friary and desecrated the chapel. As the horrified friars desperately attempted to recover the Consecrated Hosts strewn across the sanctuary floor they were murdered in cold blood.

The Blessed Martyrs are Father Simeon Cardon of Cambrai, died on May 14th; Father Domenico Maria Zawrel, killed on May 13th; Brother Maturino Maria Pitri, killed on May 13th; Brother Albertino Maria Maisonade, killed on May 13th; Brother Modesto Maria Burgen, killed on May 13th; and Lay Brother Zosimo Maria Brambat, died from his wounds on May 16th. 

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon. Evviva Beato Simeon Maria Cardon!

Prayer to Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon

All powerful, ever living God, You gave Blessed Simeon Maria Cardon the courage to witness to the Gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving his life for it. By his prayers help us to endure all suffering for love of You and to seek You with all our hearts, for You alone are the source of life. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
 

May the Lord bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. 

Feast of San Bonosio

San Bonosio Vescovo, ora pro nobis

May 14th is the traditional Feast of San Bonosio, first Bishop of Salerno. After the reform of 1975, it was moved to May 15th, the patronal feast of Salerno's Holy Bishops. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to St. Bonosius. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Andrew Giordano, was taken at the Basilica Cattedrale SS. Matteo e Gregorio in Salerno. Evviva San Bonosio!

Prayer to St. Bonosius

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of St. Bonosius, first Bishop of Salerno, may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his festival, we may also imitate his actions. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Look upon our Weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of St. Bonosius protect us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Briganti la Mostra

In Napoli

I Cannoni di Stabia

In Castellammare di Stabia (NA)

Feast of the Madonna di Fátima

Madonna di Fátima, ora pro nobis

May 13th is the Feast of Madonna di Fátima. The celebration recalls the first of six Marian apparitions that appeared to three shepherd children (Lúcia dos Santos, and Francisco and Jacinta Marto) at Cova da Iria in Fátima, Portugal in 1917. Famously during these visits, Our Lady confided a three-part secret to the seers, which were to be completely revealed by 1960. The first was a terrifying vision of Hell and tormented souls. The second prophesied impending war (WWII), the spread of Communism, and the persecution of the Church. Sadly, in disobedience to the Blessed Mother, the contents of the third part (an apocalyptic vision of the Pope, priests and lay people being killed) was only partially revealed by the Vatican in 2000 and thus not sufficiently heeded. According to Our Lady, these evils can be avoided with the devotion to her Immaculate Heart and the consecration of Russia. We as Catholics must pray the Rosary daily in reparation for sin, as well as for the conversion of poor sinners. 

In celebration, I’m posting the Litany to Our Lady of Fátima. The accompanying photo was taken at the Shrine Church of St. Bernadette in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn. Ave Maria!

Litany to Our Lady of Fátima

Our Lady of Fátima, pray for our dear country.
Our Lady of Fátima, sanctify our clergy.
Our Lady of Fátima, make our Catholics more fervent.
Our Lady of Fátima, guide and inspire those who govern us.
Our Lady of Fátima, cure the sick who confide in thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, console the sorrowful who trust in thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, help those who invoke your aid.
Our Lady of Fátima, deliver us from all dangers.
Our Lady of Fátima, help us to resist temptation.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain for us all that we lovingly ask of thee.
Our Lady of Fátima, help those who are dear to us.
Our Lady of Fátima, bring back to the right road our erring brothers.
Our Lady of Fátima, give us back our ancient fervor.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses.
Our Lady of Fátima, bring all men to the feet of thy Divine Child.
Our Lady of Fátima, obtain peace for the world.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let Us Pray:
O God of infinite goodness and mercy, fill our hearts with a great confidence in Thy dear Mother, whom we invoke under the title of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fátima, and grant us by her powerful intercession all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Photo of the Week: Terracotta Red-Figure Amphora, Archaelogical Museum of Paestum

Photo by New York Scugnizzo

Certamen Historicum Francesco II di Borbone

In Napoli

A Poem For Mother's Day

Photo courtesy of The Art Institute of Chicago

In loving memory of my mother I'm posting November 2, a moving poem by the great Neapolitan poet Salvatore Di Giacomo.* The accompanying photo of Charity by Francesco de Mura (1696-1782) was part of a series of Allegories of the Virtues commissioned by Charles Emmanuel III of Savoy. Charity, representing maternal love, is depicted as a nursing mother caring for three children. In the foreground is a pelican feeding her young with her own blood, a symbol of sacrifice.

November 2

When my mother died, I was too stunned
to grieve; at the foot of the bed,
I stared, unseeing, at the drab clad body;
blinding, blunting all living memories.

No, I did not cry, no wail, not a tear,
I imagined her asleep, a halo
of a mother about that worn grey face;
waiting for me to come home, she dozed.

A year now that she is deep in her grave,
in my dreams she appears, her love unslaked,
vanishing, she strands me in a desert.

Suddenly my heart overflows, cascades
with tears, laving these dear remembered walls,
I choke up, tears, tears, are drowning my poem. 

2 de Nuvembre

I’ nun saccio pecché, quanno murette
màmmema bella e, comm’ a nu stunato,
sulo, a tenerla mente io rummanette,
appede de lu lietto addenucchiato;

tanno, io nun saccio pecché, nun chiagnette,
guardannola accussì, zitto, ncantato,
comm’ a na vota ch’ essa s’ addurmette,
mentr’ io vicino lle steva assettato…

Mo ca fa n’ anno ca ii’ aggio perduta,
mo, mo ca nzuonno me sta cumparenno,
mo la necessità nn’ aggio sentuta…

E mo mme vene a chiàgnere, e chiagnenno
sceto sti mmura ca ll’ hanno saputa,
nfonno sti ccarte addó stongo screvenno…

(*) Reprinted from The Naples of Salvatore Di Giacomo: Poems and a Play, translated by Frank J. Palescandolo, Forum Italicum, Inc., 2000, page 65

Feast of San Liberato Martire

San Liberato, ora pro nobis

The second Sunday in May is the Feast of San Liberato, Doctor and Martyr. He is the patron Saint of Calvisi, a small village in Gioia Sannitica, a commune in the Province of Caserta. 

According to tradition, San Liberato was a fifth century doctor in Carthage. During the cruel reign of the tyrant Huneric, son of Genseric and King of the Arian Vandals, he was arrested with his wife and children, and martyred for their faith. San Liberato is also venerated on the second Sunday of October.

In celebration, the occasion I’m posting a prayer to San Liberato. The accompanying photo was taken at Saint Michael’s Church in New Haven, Connecticut. Evviva San Liberato!

Prayer to San Liberato

God our Father, enable us who honor the memory of San Liberato, holy martyr and protector of Calvisi, to share with him in the joy of eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen

Feast of San Filippo d’Agira

San Filippo d'Agira, ora pro nobis

May 12th is the feast of San Filippo d’Agira, Priest, Exorcist and “Apostle of the Sicilians.” Widely venerated in Sicily, he is the principal patron of Agira (EN), Piazza Armerina (EN), Aci San Filippo (CT), Calatabiano (CT), Limina (ME), Mongiuffi Melia (ME), Rodi Milici (ME), Santo Stefano Medio (ME), Monforte San Giorgio (ME), San Filippo Del Mela (ME), and Chiaramonte Gulfi (RG). He is also the patron saint of Laurito in Salerno, San Filippo di Pellaro in Reggio Calabria, Favelloni Piemonte in Vibo Valentia, and the United States Army Special Forces. In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to San Filippo d’Agira in Italian. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at St. Rocco’s Church in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Filippo d’Agira!

Prayer to San Filippo d’Agira

O S. Filippo d’Agira, gemma dei sacerdoti, tu che fosti decorato da Dio con la gloria dei miracoli, tu salute degli energumeni, molto potente contro i demoni, grande terrore dell’inferno, tu, che discendendo nel sepolcro da te preparato ancor vivente, dicesti: È quivi il mio riposo per tutti i secoli, dal Cielo dove adesso abiti, guardaci benigno, tu ci difendi, ci proteggi da tutti i nostri nemici spirituali e temporali, affinché contro tanti nemici ci sia dato combattere e vincere sempre sino alla morte. Amen.

Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, NJ

The Founding of Constantinople

The Founding of Constantinople by Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)

Reprinted from Western Exile @westernexile

We commemorate a day holy in the annals of history indeed. For it was on the 11th May AD 330, the Feast of Saint Mocius, that the Emperor Constantine the Great consecrated the imperial city of Constantinople, Byzantium of old and bastion of Christendom new, as the Second Rome.

Almost six centuries after the banner of the Romans was furled over the Golden Horn, her spirit remains unbroken.

I Sette Re di Napoli

Domenica 12 maggio 2024: S. Messa cantata nel Santuario di San Gaetano

12 maggio 2024
ore 11.30 S. Rosario e S. Messa
Santuario di San Gaetano
Piazza San Gaetano, 78 – Napoli

Feast of San Francesco de Geronimo

San Francesco de Geronimo, ora pro nobis

May 11th is the feast of St. Francis Jerome (Grottaglie, December 17, 1642 — Napoli, May 11, 1716), Jesuit priest, preacher throughout Southern Italy, and Apostle of Naples. When St. Francis Jerome requested to leave on a mission to the Americas or the East Indies, he was told by his superiors: “Your Indies will be Naples.” He spent nearly 40 years helping the sick and poor in the city, performing many miracles. After his beatification by Pope Pius VII on May 2, 1806, he was chosen by King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon as one of the 52 co-patrons of Naples. He was canonized by Pope Gregory XVI on May 26, 1839.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Francis de Geronimo. The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva San Francesco de Geronimo!

Prayer to St. Francis Jerome

O Saint Francis Jerome, who dedicated all your energies to the poor, the disinherited and the sick, intercede so that I too, together with you, can glorify and serve God our Lord. Turn your gaze towards us, Church of Christ, and obtain for us those necessary graces so that, animated in heart and mind by faith and hope, we can continue your mission of Mercy with word and deed. Lastly, I beg you to obtain for me the special grace I ask of you... (Mention your request here). Amen.

Pentecost Vigil at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Shrine in East Harlem, New York

Feast of San Cataldo

San Cataldo, ora pro nobis

May 10th is the Feast of San Cataldo, Monk, Bishop of Taranto, and Miracle Worker. The memorial commemorates the discovery of his relics. According to tradition, the body of the saint was interred in the chapel of St. John of Galilee in the Duomo di Santa Maria Maddalena (now the Cattedrale di San Cataldo) in Taranto, Puglia. Sacked and destroyed by Saracens, the memory of the tomb was lost in time. On May 10, 1071, the body of San Cataldo was discovered by the Archbishop during the restoration of the Cathedral. The Saint’s gold cross with the inscription, "Cataldus Rachau," was found in the marble urn and is now preserved in the Chapel’s treasury. Reinterred in a silver casket on May 10, 1151, by Archbishop Geraldo, his relics are reposed beneath the church’s high altar.

Widely venerated across Southern Italy, San Cataldo is the principal patron of Taranto (TA), Corato (BA), Cagnano Varano (FG), Brienza (PZ), Massa Lubrense (NA), Roccaromana (CE), Cirò Marina (KR), San Cataldo (CL), Gangi (PA), Gagliano Castelferrato (EN), and Giuliano Teatino (CH), among others.

Invoked against epilepsy, paralysis and visual impairments, he is also called upon for protection against plagues, droughts and terrible storms. The memorial of his death is commemorated on March 8th and his patronal feast day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September in Taranto.

In celebration, I'm posting a Traditional Prayer to San Cataldo in Italian. The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Red Bank, New Jersey. The statue was originally at St. Rocco’s Church in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva San Cataldo!

Preghiera Tradizionale

Glorioso San Cataldo, nostro Patrono e Protettore, noi ammiriamo in te la forza della fede e l'ardore missionario di propagarla e testimoniarla, non risparmiando sacrifici e fatiche. Ti preghiamo di ottenere anche a noi una fede gioiosa e generosa così che Dio diventi sempre più l'unico amore della nostra vita. Glorioso San Cataldo, nostro Patrono e Protettore, i nostri padri ti hanno invocato come scudo efficacissimo nelle grandi calamità e avversità, soprattutto la guerra e il terremoto, la siccità e la carestia e sempre hanno sperimentato la tua intercessione. Ti preghiamo di estendere anche ai nostri giorni tale protezione. Glorioso San Cataldo nostro Patrono e Protettore, continua a benedire la nostra comunità parrocchiale. Concedi ai cristiani e agli uomini di buona volontà di cooperare concordemente al bene comune così che la nostra parrocchia progredisca nella giustizia libera da ogni violenza ed egoismo, pronto a servire la vita e a promuovere ogni iniziativa di bene.

Feast of the Three Saints: Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino

Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino, orate pro nobis

May 10th is the Feast of the Three Saints—Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino—protectors of Trecastagni, a small town in the Province of Catania, Sicily. According to tradition, the three brothers were martyred for their faith on May 10th in the year 253 AD. Born to a noble family in Vaste, a town in the Province of Lecce, Puglia, the boys were secretly raised Christian by their parents, Vitale and Benedicta.

In 250 AD an edict was issued by Emperor Decius demanding that all Christians renounce their faith and pay homage to the gods, upon penalty of death. Benedicta refused and was martyred. Vitale escaped, leaving his sons in the care of a faithful servant.

Rounded up, the brothers were brought before the Emperor in Rome, who hoped to retrieve the young nobles. However, unable to convince the boys to denounce their faith, they were shipped off to Sicily to be coerced by Tertullo, governor of Sicily.

Landing in Messina the prisoners were marched to Lentini, stopping in Trecastagni and Catania along the way. In charge of getting the brothers to renounce their faith, Tertullo subjected his victims to many cruel and sadistic tortures.

After months of persecution, the frustrated governor ordered their deaths. Lashed to a post, Alfio, the oldest brother, had his tongue torn out. Next, Filadelfo was burned to death on a gridiron. Finally, Cirino, the youngest, was thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil.

Many miracles have been attributed to the brothers, both during their captivity and after their deaths. 

In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to the Three Saints. The accompanying photo was taken at Holy Rosary Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, during the 89th Annual Feast of the Three Saints in 2012. Evviva Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino!  

Prayer to the Three Saints

Glorious Martyrs of our Faith, we exult with holy joy calling to mind the immortal triumphs which you brought about in fiercest torments. And we exult the more at the thought of you being our defenders in life and our protectors at death. Deign, from heaven where you sit midst the splendor of infinite light, to cast your merciful glances upon us and make us worthy of your protection. Heal us from all sicknesses, but above all, heal us from the leprosy of sin and enkindle in our souls a burning charity which will have as its reward eternal life. Amen

Prayer for the Beatification of Madame Élisabeth of France

Servant of God Princess Élisabeth of France,

sister of King Louis XVI by Élisabeth Louise

Vigée le Brun (circa 1782)

God our Father In your great mercy You called Élisabeth of France to the offering of her life for her loved ones in the heart of the tumults of the Revolution. Driven by an unwavering faith in eternal life she supported her family in their ordeals and brought hope to those who were going to die with her.

Unmarried, she helped the poor and the sick, supported by fervent prayer.

Through her intercession grant us, according to Your will, the graces that we implore.

In Your great kindness, make the Church recognize soon in her an authentic witness to the Gospel, a model of celibacy, diligent in prayer and attentive to the most fragile.

We ask You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prière pour la béatification d'Elisabeth de France

Dieu notre Père Dans Ta grande miséricorde Tu as appelé Elisabeth de France à l'offrande de sa vie pour les siens au coeur des tumultes de la Révolution. Animée d'une foi inébranlable en la vie éternelle elle a soutenu les siens dans l'épreuve et apporté l'espérance à ceux qui allaient mourir avec elle.

Célibataire, elle a secouru les pauvres et les malades, portée par une prière fervente.

Par son intercession accorde nous selon Ta volonté les grâces que nous implorons.

En Ta grande bonté, fais que l'Eglise reconnaisse bientôt en elle un authentique témoin de l'Evangile, modèle de célibataire, assidue la prière et attentive aux plus fragiles.

Nous Te le demandons par Jésus le Christ notre Seigneur. Amen

* Prayer courtesy of hozana.org

Novena to the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit rose window flanked by the attributes of the four Evangelists
(St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke and St. John) on the facade of St. Anselm
Roman Catholic Church (356 82nd St.) in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn

In preparation for the Feast of Pentecost, pray the Novena to the Holy Spirit. It begins on the Friday after the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension)

Holy Spirit! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give! 

The Holy Spirit 

Only one thing is important -- eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us." 

Prayer 

Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the Holy Spirit, and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT 

 

On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your love. You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, and follow Your gracious inspirations. I cling to You and give myself to You and ask You, by Your compassion to watch over me in my weakness. Holding the pierced Feet of Jesus and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, "Speak Lord for Your servant heareth." Amen. 

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 

 

O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.  

SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter) 

Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live! 

The Gift of Fear 

The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. "They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls." 

Prayer 

Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above) 

THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter)

Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow. 

The Gift of Piety

The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to love and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is love, there is no labor. 

Prayer 

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a love for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)  

FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter) 

Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe. 

The Gift of Fortitude 

By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. "He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved." 

Prayer 

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of trouble and adversity, sustain my efforts after holiness, strengthen my weakness, give me courage against all the assaults of my enemies, that I may never be overcome and separated from Thee, my God and greatest Good. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)   

FIFTH DAY (Tuesday, 7th Week of Easter) 

Light immortal! Light Divine! Visit Thou these hearts of Thine, And our inmost being fill! 

The Gift of Knowledge 

The gift of Knowledge enables the soul to evaluate created things at their true worth--in their relation to God. Knowledge unmasks the pretense of creatures, reveals their emptiness, and points out their only true purpose as instruments in the service of God. It shows us the loving care of God even in adversity, and directs us to glorify Him in every circumstance of life. Guided by its light, we put first things first, and prize the friendship of God beyond all else. "Knowledge is a fountain of life to him that possesseth it." 

Prayer 

Come, O Blessed Spirit of Knowledge, and grant that I may perceive the will of the Father; show me the nothingness of earthly things, that I may realize their vanity and use them only for Thy glory and my own salvation, looking ever beyond them to Thee, and Thy eternal rewards. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)    

SIXTH DAY (Wednesday, 7th Week of Easter) 

If Thou take Thy grace away, nothing pure in man will stay, All his good is turn'd to ill. 

The Gift of Understanding 

Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Spirit, helps us to grasp the meaning of the truths of our holy religion BY faith we know them, but by Understanding we learn to appreciate and relish them. It enables us to penetrate the inner meaning of revealed truths and through them to be quickened to newness of life. Our faith ceases to be sterile and inactive, but inspires a mode of life that bears eloquent testimony to the faith that is in us; we begin to "walk worthy of God in all things pleasing, and increasing in the knowledge of God." 

Prayer 

Come, O Spirit of Understanding, and enlighten our minds, that we may know and believe all the mysteries of salvation; and may merit at last to see the eternal light in Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)   

SEVENTH DAY (Thursday, 7th Week of Easter)
Heal our wounds--our strength renews; On our dryness pour Thy dew, Wash the stains of guilt away. 

The Gift of Counsel 

The gift of Counsel endows the soul with supernatural prudence, enabling it to judge promptly and rightly what must done, especially in difficult circumstances. Counsel applies the principles furnished by Knowledge and Understanding to the innumerable concrete cases that confront us in the course of our daily duty as parents, teachers, public servants, and Christian citizens. Counsel is supernatural common sense, a priceless treasure in the quest of salvation. "Above all these things, pray to the Most High, that He may direct thy way in truth." 

Prayer 

Come, O Spirit of Counsel, help and guide me in all my ways, that I may always do Thy holy will. Incline my heart to that which is good; turn it away from all that is evil, and direct me by the straight path of Thy commandments to that goal of eternal life for which I long. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)   

EIGHTH DAY (Friday, 7th Week of Easter) 

Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen warm the chill. Guide the steps that go astray! 

The Gift of Wisdom 

Embodying all the other gifts, as charity embraces all the other virtues, Wisdom is the most perfect of the gifts. Of wisdom it is written "all good things came to me with her, and innumerable riches through her hands." It is the gift of Wisdom that strengthens our faith, fortifies hope, perfects charity, and promotes the practice of virtue in the highest degree. Wisdom enlightens the mind to discern and relish things divine, in the appreciation of which earthly joys lose their savor, whilst the Cross of Christ yields a divine sweetness according to the words of the Saviour: "Take up thy cross and follow me, for my yoke is sweet and my burden light. 

Prayer 

Come, O Spirit of Wisdom, and reveal to my soul the mysteries of heavenly things, their exceeding greatness, power and beauty. Teach me to love them above and beyond all the passing joys and satisfactions of earth. Help me to attain them and possess them for ever. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)   

NINTH DAY (Saturday, Vigil of Pentecost) 

Thou, on those who evermore Thee confess and Thee Adore, in Thy sevenfold gift, Descend; Give Them Comfort when they die; Give them Life with Thee on high; Give them joys which never end. Amen 

The Fruits of the Holy Spirit 

The gifts of the Holy Spirit perfect the supernatural virtues by enabling us to practice them with greater docility to divine inspiration. As we grow in the knowledge and love of God under the direction of the Holy Spirit, our service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Spirit. These Fruits in turn render the practice of virtue more attractive and become a powerful incentive for still greater efforts in the service of God, to serve Whom is to reign. 

Prayer 

Come, O Divine Spirit, fill my heart with Thy heavenly fruits, Thy charity, joy, peace, patience, benignity, goodness, faith, mildness, and temperance, that I may never weary in the service of God, but by continued faithful submission to Thy inspiration may merit to be united eternally with Thee in the love of the Father and the Son. Amen. 

Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES. 

ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (See above)