September 8th, coinciding with the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is the Feast of Our Lady of Covadonga (Spanish: Nuestra Señora de Covadonga), Patroness of Asturias and Mother of Spain’s Reconquista. According to tradition, in the early 8th century, the Virgin Mary interceded on behalf of Don Pelayo (Pelagius), the first King of Asturias, and his army during the Battle of Covadonga on May 28th, 722. This clash in the mountains of Asturias marked the first major Christian victory over the Moors after the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula, and is often regarded as the symbolic beginning of the Reconquista.
Nuestra Señora de Covadonga,
ora pro nobis
At Covadonga, in a cave high in the Picos de Europa mountains, Pelayo and his men are said to have taken refuge. Legend holds that a small image of the Virgin Mary, kept there by the faithful, miraculously protected the defenders. The Muslims’ arrows and stones were said to turn back against them, ensuring Christian victory. In gratitude, Pelayo dedicated the site to the Virgin. Over the centuries, the cave became a destination of pilgrimage.
Today, the Sanctuary of Covadonga includes both the Holy Cave (Santa Cueva)—where the diminutive statue of Our Lady resides—and a grand basilica built in the 19th century (dedicated on September 7th, 1901).
Our Lady of Covadonga is venerated as the Patroness of Asturias. Locally, she is affectionately called La Santina (“the little holy one”), a title that conveys both intimacy and reverence. More than a local devotion, she has become a symbol of resilience, faith, and the rebirth of Christian Spain. For many, she embodies the maternal figure who watches over the Spanish people in their struggles and triumphs. Thus, the story of Covadonga intertwines Marian devotion with the very identity of Spain’s Christian monarchy and cultural heritage.
In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:
Prayer to Our Lady of Covadonga
Gracious Mother, Our Lady of Covadonga, I come before you with a humble heart, seeking your intercession and guidance. You, who miraculously aided King Pelayo in his battle against the enemies of the faith, I ask for your powerful protection against the temptations that beset me in my daily life. Help me, dearest Mother, to recognize the snares of the evil one and to resist them with courage and perseverance. May I remain steadfast in my faith, drawing strength from your love and devotion to our Lord, Jesus Christ. In my moments of doubt and despair, remind me of the sanctuary in the beautiful valley of Covadonga, where countless faithful have sought solace and hope in your loving embrace. I place my trust in you, Our Lady of Covadonga, and I pray that you will be my refuge and my strength. Amen.
September 8, 2025
Feast of Our Lady of Covadonga
Remembering Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily
 |
| 13 August, 1752 — 8 September, 1814 |
In memory of Maria Carolina of Austria, Queen of Naples and Sicily, we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!
Eternal rest grant unto Her Majesty, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
August 27, 2025
A Prayer for Minneapolis, Minnesota
 |
| Our Lady of the Annunciation, ora pro nobis |
May St. Paul, patron of the city, St. John Vianney, secondary co-patron, and Our Lady of the Annunciation, patroness of the parish, intercede for all who grieve and watch over the community with care and protection.
Prayer for the victims
Loving God, welcome into your arms the victims of violence and terrorism. Comfort their families and all who grieve for them. Help us in our fear and uncertainty, and bless us with the knowledge that we are secure in your love. Strengthen all those who work for peace, and may the peace that the world cannot give reign in our hearts. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
August 25, 2025
Feast of St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament
 |
| St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament, ora pro nobis |
Her decisive spiritual turning point came in 1844, when she encountered young women suffering from exploitation and abandonment. Moved by their plight, she dedicated herself to their rehabilitation, opening a house to shelter and educate them. To continue this mission, she founded the Congregation of the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament and of Charity in 1856, with a spirituality rooted in Eucharistic adoration and active charity.
Known for her mystical depth and courageous charity, she personally tended to the sick during a cholera epidemic. She contracted the illness herself and died in Valencia on August 24, 1865, offering her life in service to others.
María Micaela was beatified in 1925 and canonized in 1934 by Pope Pius XI. She is remembered as a model of Eucharistic devotion, compassion, and sacrificial love.
In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:
Prayer to St. María Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament
Lord, renew in our congregation the spirit of adoration and charity that inspired Saint Maria Micaela, our Mother, so that, filled and revitalized by Him, we may strive to love what she loved and to put into practice what she taught us. Through Jesus our Lord, Amen
Saint Maria Micaela, pray for us and obtain for us from the Lord your spirit of adoration and charity.
Trilingual Prayer for the Feast of Santa Patrizia
(Oratio Trilinguis in Festo Sanctæ Patriciæ)
Santa Patrizia, ora pro nobis
Santa Patrizia, a noble virgin of Constantinople and patroness of Naples, is honored on August 25th. Venerated for her purity, humility, and miraculous intercession, she is invoked especially as a protectress of sailors and the city of Naples. This trilingual prayer — in Latin, English, and Italian — may be recited on her feast and at any time by the faithful who seek her aid. Evviva Santa Patrizia!
Oratio ad Sanctam Patriciam
O prodigiosa Virgo, Sancta Patricia, advocata et protectrix mea, quae in ultimis vitae tuae momentis a Iesu obtinuisti consilium et divinam protectionem omnibus ad te confugientibus auxilium petentibus: impetra mihi a Deo salutem animae ac corporis, victoriam de Diabolo et de passionibus. Repelle adversitates quae me circumstant; in praesenti tribulatione me consoláre. Impetra mihi remissionem peccatorum et ingressum in regnum caelorum. Esto portus salutis navigantibus et tutela civitati nostrae. Diffunde speciale tuum patrocinium super me et super omnes tuos devotos, ut sanctissimum Nomen Dei sit a cunctis benedictum, glorificatum, exaltatum atque laudatum in saecula saeculorum. Amen.
Prayer to Saint Patrizia
O wondrous Virgin, Saint Patricia, mine advocate and protectress, who in the last moments of thy life didst obtain from Jesus counsel and divine protection for all who seek refuge in thee: obtain for me from Almighty God health of soul and body, victory over the Devil and over the passions. Drive away the adversities that surround me on all sides; in this present tribulation, console me. Obtain for me the pardon of sins and entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Be thou a haven of safety unto sailors and a safeguard unto our city. Spread forth thy special patronage over me and over all thy devoted children, that the most holy Name of God may be ever blessed, glorified, exalted, and praised by all unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Preghiera a Santa Patrizia
O prodigiosa Vergine Santa Patrizia, mia avvocata e protettrice, che negli ultimi momenti della vostra vita otteneste da Gesù consiglio e divina protezione a tutti coloro che a voi si rivolgessero per aiuto, ottenetemi da Dio la salute dell’anima e del corpo, la vittoria sul Demonio e sulle passioni; allontanate le avversità che mi circondano, consolatemi nelle presenti tribolazioni. Ottenetemi il perdono dei peccati e l’ingresso nel regno del Cielo. Siate porto di salvezza ai naviganti e tutela alla nostra città. Diffondete speciale patrocinio sopra di me e su tutti i vostri devoti, affinché il nome santo di Dio sia benedetto, glorificato, esaltato e lodato da tutti nei secoli dei secoli. Così sia.
August 23, 2025
Remembering S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies and Countess of Bardi
 |
| 21 January 1855 – 23 August 1874 |
In memory of S.A.R. Maria Immacolata Luisa di Borbone, Princess of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Countess of Bardi, daughter of King Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
August 22, 2025
Feast of St. Émilien of Nantes
 |
| St. Émilien of Nantes, ora pro nobis |
In 725, during the Muslim invasion into southern France following their conquest of most of Spain, Émilien learned that Autun—rich in abbeys and monasteries—was under severe threat. Refusing to let the Church and his homeland fall into destruction, he summoned the faithful to arms, urging them to fight not just as soldiers but as defenders of Christendom.
After celebrating Mass and giving Holy Communion to the men who would join him, Émilien led them into battle, achieving several victories before falling near Autun on August 22, 725. According to tradition, he struck down the enemy commander before being surrounded and slain. His relics were venerated by the faithful, and his cult was later confirmed by Pope Pius IX.
In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:
Prayer to St. Émilien of Nantes
All-powerful, ever-living God, You gave St. Émilien of Nantes 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, forever and ever.
August 20, 2025
Feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont
August 20th is the feast of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont (c. 1200 – 1263), a Cistercian monk and nobleman from the region of Lorraine in northeastern France. Born into the noble House of Aspremont, Gobert was a knight in his early life and, in the service of the King of France, took part in the Crusade against the Albigensians. He later accompanied Emperor Frederick II in his expedition to the Holy Land. Despite his military background, Gobert was deeply drawn to a life of piety and contemplation.
Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, ora pro nobis
Around 1230, moved by a profound spiritual awakening, he entered the Cistercian Abbey of Villers-la-Ville in present-day Belgium, a renowned center of ascetic life and reform. There, he embraced a life of humility, prayer, and penance, renouncing the honors and privileges of his noble birth.
Gobert is remembered for his austere lifestyle, deep devotion to the Eucharist, and charitable works. He was especially known for his humility and obedience, embodying the Cistercian ideals of simplicity and devotion. His sanctity was widely recognized during his lifetime, and miracles were reported at his tomb following his death on August 20, 1263.
Though never formally canonized, Blessed Gobert of Aspremont has been venerated as beatus (blessed) within the Cistercian Order and in parts of the region of Lorraine and Wallonia.
Pictured is a 1659 engraving of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont, depicted as he was regarded by his fellow monks: a saintly man of prayer and devotion. In his honor, we offer the following prayer:
Prayer to Blessed Gobert of Aspremont
Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the examples of Blessed Gobert of Aspremont may effectually move us to reform our lives; that while we celebrate his feast, we may also imitate his actions. Look upon our weakness, almighty God, and since the burden of our own deeds weighs heavily upon us, may the glorious intercession of Blessed Gobert protect us. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
August 18, 2025
In Loving Memory of Rita, Devoted Daughter of San Rocco
Rita’s kindness and generosity were well known to all who had the blessing of knowing her. She opened her heart and her home, often inviting me for dinner or sending me off with her home-cooked meals, a gesture of love that reflected her warm spirit.
As we reflect on this year’s Feast, we hold her in our prayers and entrust her to the care of San Rocco, to whom she was ever so devoted. Rita’s memory will remain a light among us, reminding us of the charity and devotion she so gracefully embodied.
Eternal rest grant unto her, O LORD, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
August 15, 2025
Saint Michael’s Lent
Saint Michael’s Lent is a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance that spans from the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th to Michaelmas on September 29th. This devotion comes to us from St. Bonaventure’s thirteenth-century biography of St. Francis of Assisi, The Little Flowers of St. Francis (1260). It was during the Lenten fast that St. Francis, visited by a crucified six-winged seraph, received the Five Wounds of Our Lord (stigmata) on Mount La Verna on September 14th, 1224, the feast of the Holy Cross.
San Michele Arcangelo, ora pro nobis
In celebration, we’re posting the Litany of St. Michael. Pictured is my makeshift shrine with a statuette and a reliquary containing stones from the Apparition Grotto at the Santuario di San Michele in Gargano, Puglia. Evviva San Michele!
Litany of St. Michael
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us. (repeat after each line)
God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, pray for us. (repeat after each line)
Saint Michael,
Saint Michael, abundant font of divine wisdom,
Saint Michael, most perfect adorer of the Divine Word,
Saint Michael, whom God crowned with honor and glory,
Saint Michael, most powerful Prince of the heavenly host,
Saint Michael, standard-bearer of the Most Holy Trinity,
Saint Michael, guardian of Paradise,
Saint Michael, guide and consoler of the People of God,
Saint Michael, splendor and fortitude of the Church Militant,
Saint Michael, honor and joy of the Church Triumphant,
Saint Michael, light of the Angels,
Saint Michael, protection of orthodox people,
Saint Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the Cross,
Saint Michael, light and hope of souls near death,
Saint Michael, our most sure aid,
Saint Michael, help in our adversities,
Saint Michael, herald of the everlasting judgment,
Saint Michael, consoler of souls languishing in purgatory,
Saint Michael, receiver of the souls of the elect after death,
Saint Michael, our prince,
Saint Michael, our defender,
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Spare us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Graciously hear us O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world,
Have mercy on us.
Pray for us Saint Michael the Archangel
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, may your continual blessing sanctify us, and grant us through the intercession of Saint Michael the wisdom that teaches us to lay up our treasure in Heaven and choose eternal goods over those of this world. Thou, who lives and reigns forever. Amen
August 14, 2025
Viva 'o Rre! Happy Birthday King Francesco I of the Two Sicilies
In memory of King Francesco I of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of his soul. Viva ‘o Rre!b. Napoli, 14 August 1777 – d. Napoli, 8 November 1830
Eternal rest grant unto His Majesty, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen
August 8, 2025
Remembering Maria Teresa of Austria, Queen of the Two Sicilies
In memory of Maria Teresa of Austria, Queen of the Two Sicilies, we pray for the happy repose of her soul. Viva ‘a Reggina!31 July, 1816 — 8 August, 1867
Eternal rest grant unto Her Majesty, O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
July 31, 2025
Feast of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
 |
| Sant'Ignazio di Loyola, ora pro nobis |
July 31 is the Feast of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, priest, knight, mystic, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), and great protagonist of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. One of the 52 co-patrons of Naples, he is also the patron saint of soldiers and spiritual retreats.
In celebration we’re posting a prayer to St. Ignatius Loyola. Pictured is Sant’Ignazio di Loyola in Gloria by Mattia Preti. Evviva Sant’Ignazio di Loyola!
Prayer to St. Ignatius Loyola
O Glorious Patriarch, St. Ignatius, we humbly beseech you to obtain for us from God above all things, freedom from sin, the greatest of evils. May your example inflame our hearts with an efficacious glory to God and the good of our neighbor; and obtain from the loving Heart of Jesus, our Lord, the crown of all other graces, the gift of final perseverance, and eternal beatitude. Amen.
July 30, 2025
Novena to San Ciriaco di Roma
San Ciriaco di Roma, ora pro nobis
Pray novena to San Ciriaco di Roma for nine consecutive days, July 30th – August 7th, in preparation for the Feast celebrated on August 8th.
O glorious St. Cyriacus, mighty exorcist and intercessor, powerful in the struggle against rebel spirits, servant of God, deliver us from all evil and danger, who turn to you with confidence and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Cyriacus, Martyr of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Almighty and Everlasting God, Who, by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has glorified the most glorious Martyr and deacon St. Cyriacus, make us worthy, we ask You, to be delivered from all our enemies, that none of them may harass us at the hour of death, but that we may be conducted by him and your angels into Your Presence. This we ask through the merits of Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.
* The accompanying photo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish in Boston, Massachusetts. Evviva San Ciriaco di Roma!
Novena to the Fourteen Holy Helpers
 |
| Fourteen Holy Helpers, orate pro nobis |
Preparatory Prayer by St. Alphonsus Liguori
Great princes of heaven, Holy Helpers, who sacrificed to God all your earthly possessions, wealth, preferment, and even life, and who now are crowned in heaven in the secure enjoyment of eternal bliss and glory; have compassion on me, a poor sinner in this vale of tears, and obtain for me from God, for whom you gave up all things and who loves you as His servants, the strength to bear patiently all the trials of this life, to overcome all temptations, and to persevere in God's service to the end, that one day I too may be received into your company, to praise and glorify Him, the supreme Lord, whose beatific vision you enjoy, and whom you praise and glorify for ever. Amen.
Litany of the Fourteen Holy Helpers
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, queen of martyrs, pray for us.
St. Joseph, helper in all needs, pray for us.
Fourteen Holy Helpers, pray for us.
St. George, valiant martyr of Christ, pray for us.
St. Blase, zealous bishop and benefactor of the poor, pray for us.
St. Erasmus, mighty protector of the oppressed, pray for us.
St. Pantaleon, miraculous exemplar of charity, pray for us.
St. Vitus, special protector of chastity, pray for us.
St. Christophorus, mighty intercessor in dangers, pray for us.
St. Dionysius, shining mirror of faith and confidence, pray for us.
St. Cyriacus, terror of hell, pray for us.
St. Achatius, helpful advocate in death, pray for us.
St. Eustachius, exemplar of patience in adversity, pray for us.
St. Giles, despiser of the world, pray for us.
St. Margaret, valiant champion of the Faith, pray for us.
St. Catherine, victorious defender of the Faith and of purity, pray for us.
St. Barbara, mighty patroness of the dying, pray for us.
All ye Holy Helpers, pray for us.
All ye saints of God, pray for us.
In temptations against faith, pray for us.
In adversity and trials, pray for us.
In anxiety and want, pray for us.
In every combat, pray for us.
In every temptation, pray for us.
In sickness, pray for us.
In all needs, pray for us.
In fear and terror, pray for us.
In dangers of salvation, pray for us.
In dangers of honor, pray for us.
In dangers of reputation, pray for us.
In dangers of property, pray for us.
In dangers by fire and water, pray for us.
Be merciful, spare us, O Lord!
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord!
From all sin, deliver us, O Lord.
From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Lord.
From the scourge of earthquake, deliver us, O Lord.
From plague, famine, and war, deliver us, O Lord.
From lightning and storms, deliver us, O Lord.
From a sudden and unprovided death, deliver us, O Lord.
From eternal damnation, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the mystery of Thy holy incarnation, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy birth and Thy life, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy cross and passion, deliver us, O Lord.
Through Thy death and burial, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the merits of Thy blessed Mother Mary, deliver us, O Lord.
Through the merits of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, deliver us, O Lord.
On the Day of Judgment, deliver us, O Lord!
We sinners, beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou spare us, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou pardon us, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou convert us to true penance, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou give and preserve the fruits of the earth, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou protect and propagate Thy holy Church, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou preserve peace and concord among the nations, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou give eternal rest to the souls of the departed, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That Thou come to our aid through the intercession of the Holy Helpers, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. George Thou preserve us in the Faith, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Blase Thou confirm us in hope, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Erasmus Thou enkindle in us Thy holy love, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Pantaleon Thou give us charity for our neighbor, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Vitus Thou teach us the value of our soul, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Christophorus Thou preserve us from sin, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Dionysius Thou give us tranquillity of conscience, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Cyriacus Thou grant us resignation to Thy holy will, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Eustachius Thou give us patience in adversity, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Achatius Thou grant us a happy death, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Giles Thou grant us a merciful judgment, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Margaret Thou preserve us from hell, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Catherine Thou shorten our purgatory, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of St. Barbara Thou receive us in heaven, we beseech Thee, hear us.
That through the intercession of all the Holy Helpers Thou wilt grant our prayers, we beseech Thee, hear us.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.
V. Pray for us, ye Fourteen Holy Helpers.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promise of Christ.
Let us Pray
Almighty and eternal God, who hast bestowed extraordinary graces and gifts on Thy saints George, Blase, Erasmus, Pantaleon, Vitus, Christophorus, Dionysius, Cyriacus, Eustachius, Achatius, Giles, Margaret, Catherine, and Barbara, and hast illustrated them by miracles; we beseech Thee to graciously hear the petitions of all who invoke their intercession. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, who didst miraculously fortify the Fourteen Holy Helpers in the confession of the Faith; grant us, we beseech Thee, to imitate their fortitude in overcoming all temptations against it, and protect us through their intercession in all dangers of soul and body, so that we may serve Thee in purity of heart and chastity of body. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invocation of the Holy Helpers
Fourteen Holy Helpers, who served God in humility and confidence on earth and are now in the enjoyment of His beatific vision in heaven; because you persevered till death you gained the crown of eternal life. Remember the dangers that surround us in this vale of tears, and intercede for us in all our needs and adversities. Amen.
Fourteen Holy Helpers, select friends of God, I honor you as mighty intercessors, and come with filial confidence to you in my needs, for the relief of which I have undertaken to make this novena. Help me by your intercession to placate God's wrath, which I have provoked by my sins, and aid me in amending my life and doing penance. Obtain for me the grace to serve God with a willing heart, to be resigned to His holy will, to be patient in adversity and to persevere unto the end, so that, having finished my earthly course, I may join you in heaven, there to praise for ever God, who is wonderful in His saints. Amen.
* For more on the Fourteen Holy Helpers, Project Gutenberg offers a free ebook, Mary, Help of Christians and the Fourteen Saints Invoked as Holy Helpers, compiled by Rev. Bonaventure, O.F.M. It has instructions, legends, novenas and prayers, with thoughts of the saints for every day of the year.
July 29, 2025
Feast of San Lupo di Troyes
 |
| San Lupo di Troyes, ora pro nobis |
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to San Lupo. The accompanying photo of the bust of San Lupo, courtesy of Anthony Scillia, was taken at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in the Marion section of Jersey City, New Jersey. Evviva San Lupo di Troyes!
Prayer to St. Lupus of Troyes
O Glorious St. Lupus of Troyes, Bishop and Confessor, you served God in humility and confidence on earth, now you enjoy His beatific vision in Heaven. Help me to strengthen my faith and protect me in conflict. Obtain for me the grace to live a holy life, so that one day I may join you in the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen
July 28, 2025
Feast of Santi Martiri Nazario and Celso
 |
| Santi Nazario e Celso, orate pro nobis |
According to tradition, San Nazario was born in Rome to a well-to-do family; his father was a pagan (or Jewish) legionnaire and his mother was none other than St. Perpetua. Baptized by the future Pope St. Linus, he was a devout disciple of St. Peter.
Determined to spread the faith and save souls, San Nazario left the Eternal City and visited northern Italy and Gaul. Along his travels, young Celso was entrusted to Nazario and faithfully served as his assistant during his evangelizing mission.
Repeatedly running afoul with the pagan authorities, the companions were subjected to several tortures. Most famously, the two were to be drowned and cast overboard along the Ligurian coast. Instead of sinking, they miraculously stood up and walked on water. Suddenly a great storm whipped-up and the sailors begged Nazario and Celso to save them. Showing mercy to the would-be executioners, they safely sailed back to Genoa and continued their missionary work.
Nazario and Celso eventually went to their reward in Heaven during the reign of Emperor Nero. Around the year 56 they were beheaded for preaching in Milan. Centuries later, their uncorrupted bodies, including a vial of San Nazario’s blood, were discovered in a garden by St. Ambrose. Interred in the Basilica Apostolorum (eventually renamed San Nazaro in Brolo), St. Ambrose would later send relics of the saints to St. Paulinus in Nola, who greatly revered them.
In celebration, I’m posting a prayer to San Nazario and San Celso in Italian. The accompanying photo of St. Nazarius was taken at Saint Lucy’s Church in Newark, New Jersey. Evviva Santi Nazario e Celso!
Preghiera
A Santi Nazario e Celso
Gloriosissimi Martiri ed Apostoli di Gesù. Santi Nazario e Celso, che con animo invitto e singolare carità ci avete illuminato a conoscere il vero Dio e ci avete ammaestrato nella fede e nella religione di N. S. Gesù Cristo, fonte di vera civiltà e salvezza, venite in nostro aiuto e degnatevi di intercedere per noi. Ottenete ai pusillanimi vigoria di cristiana virtù e vivezza di fede, ai peccatori una vera contrizione delle loro colpe, ai giusti la finale perseveranza. Ascoltate le preghiere di chi ricorre al vostro valevole patrocinio e siate voi gli Angeli tutelari delle nostre famiglie. Deh fate, o invitti Martiri del Signore, che non venga meno nei nostri cuori la fede e l'amore a Gesù Cristo; che fermi ci manteniamo nel divino servizio e possiamo un giorno essere coronati con Voi nel S. Paradiso. Così sia.
Novena in Honor of the Transfiguration of Our Lord
 |
| Santissimo Salvatore, have mercy on us |
Pray the novena in honor of the Transfiguration of Our Lord for nine consecutive days, July 28th to August 5th, in preparation for the Feast on August 6th.
First Day (July 28)
In the Transfiguration, heaven and earth meet, humanity and divinity, time and eternity. Give me the grace to see how powerful you are. You are master of the universe. If my prayer is not answered, it is not because you cannot do what I want but that you have a different and better plan for me. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Second Day (July 29)
The prophet Malachi promised that Elijah would return as a sign the Messiah had arrived. Elijah and Moses appeared with Christ in his Transfiguration. Open our eyes to see how you speak to us in history and throughout our lives. You always keep your promises. Help us learn to read the signs of the times. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Third Day (July 30)
Peter blurted out the first thing that came into his head, as we often do. Help me to keep a guard on my mouth: not to gossip or criticise, not to be hurtful or rude. Help me also to be careful if I tell other people how they should be living their lives. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Fourth Day (July 31)
Finally, Peter said, “Lord, it is good to be here”. Give me the grace to be with you and to be glad to be with you, trusting you with my life; to know I am not alone in life; that you love me and have a wonderful plan for me if I trust you. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Fifth Day (August 1)
At the Transfiguration, Jesus tried to prepare his disciples for the crucifixion. You tell us that if we want to follow you we should take up our cross; but we always hope that the cross will go away. Give me the courage to believe that you carry my cross with me and that it will not crush me. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Sixth Day (August 2)
In the Transfiguration there is a glimpse of your glory, a glimpse of your divine nature. Give me this grace: to see your power in my life and have a desire for holiness. Help me to believe I will not lose myself if I follow your teachings. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Seventh Day (August 3)
The disciples who saw your Transfiguration were terrified, but you told them to stand up and not to be afraid. Help me remember this. When life knocks me down and when I am afraid, help me to stand up and walk onward with you. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Eighth Day (August 4)
Moses and Elijah are living in the presence of Christ in the Transfiguration. All who face death with faith in you will live in your presence for ever. Help us not to fear death. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
Ninth Day (August 5)
As in eternal life I will see your glory, so at the resurrection of the dead I, too, will be glorified. This life is only a small part of my life in you. Help me to look forward in hope to heaven and to the resurrection of the dead. I ask you especially for [here name your intention]. Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be
* The accompanying photo of Santissimo Salvatore della Transfigurazione (Most Holy Savior of the Transfiguration), courtesy of Stephen La Rocca, was taken at St. Mary Magdalene dei Pazzi Church (712 Montrose St.) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
July 27, 2025
Feast of San Leucio d’Alessandria
 |
| San Leucio d'Alessandria, ora pro nobis |
In 1773 the utopian colony of San Leucio in Caserta was founded and named after the great Saint by King Ferdinando IV of Bourbon.
In celebration, we’re posting a prayer to St. Leucius courtesy of the San Leucio Society of Paterson, New Jersey. Pictured is the Saint’s statue in San Salvatore Telesino. Evviva San Leucio d’Alessandria!
Prayer to St. Leucius
Eternal Father, I wish to honor St. Leucius, and I give You thanks for all the graces You have bestowed upon him. I ask You to please increase grace in my soul through the merits of this saint, and I commit the end of my life to him by this special prayer, so that by virtue of Your goodness and promise, St. Leucius might be my advocate and provide whatever is needed at that hour. Amen.
Feast of San Pantaleone
 |
San Pantaleone, ora pro nobis |
Prayer to San Pantaleone
O San Pantaleone di Ravello, protector and advocate, pray to our God that frees us from sins, hunger, plague, wars and great chastisements in this world; save us out of pity! Our fate be blessed to have you as a protector. Let us have a good death our always defender. Amen.
