PDFs

Litany of the Ascension / Novena to the Holy Ghost

A post from 2 years ago, with a pdf printable of the litany

pray it with your family ~ Ascension Blessings to all!

(You can support us by sharing ~ Thank you:)

Oh no, I forgot this!

But you can still do it…we’re still in the cycle of christmas…

epiphany blessing of the home

It is suggested that you use holy water for the above activity. Funny, I just learned that at the Epiphany Mass, it is a custom for people to bring bottles of water for the priest to bless en masse. My own parish on Long Island did this-I assume it is a traditional custom. From a Catholic prepper point of view, GOTTA HAVE HOLY WATER!

Some of the Advent Content on this Blog...

1) Click on the Advent category above

2) Have a look at the fascinating topic of Fr. Alfred Delp, martyred by the Nazi regime (this link is flaky, try it several times if it doesn’t work)

3)  “5 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas”…print it out, consider distributing!

 PRINTABLE VERSION: PDF COLOR

PRINTABLE VERSION: PDF BLACK

Employment Trouble Too?

I mentioned in a recent post that the Covid “vaccination” requirements sweeping across the US were beginning to get personal. My husband is struggling with this right now. We were discussing it last night and the thought that entered my mind was, “We have to pray to Saint Joseph!” I remembered seeing prayer cards in church of the “Thirty Days Prayer to Saint Joseph” many times, but I never actually performed it. I looked it up online and realized I would need to print it out. I could not find a good PDF, so I made one! We started the devotion last night and my husband is suddenly feeling much less stressed and so am I. We have peace that we have rested this in Saint Joseph’s most capable hands and whatever happens, it will be God’s will and He will get us through it. When I went into the hospital to have our child twenty-something years ago, my husband had no job. When he arrived home after the baby was born, a message was on the answering machine that he had been hired! Since God has provided for us always, why should the future be any different?

I thought as long as I went through the trouble to make this PDF and I’m sure we are not the only people dealing with this horror…HERE IT IS! I’m not sure of the origin of this prayer, but I think it may have come from the Josephites. There is another more lengthy 30-day devotion called “The Holy Cloak of Saint Joseph.” Let us pray for all who are suffering with unjust mandates and discrimination, due to various Covid measures….all under the guise of “health & safety.” This is classic Orwellian doublespeak. The stress and chaos all of this is causing is anything but healthy.

“By their fruits you shall know them. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit, and the evil tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit, shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.”

Matthew 7:16

Thirty Days prayer to saint joseph

PDF Printable

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THIRTY DAYS PRAYER TO SAINT JOSEPH
IN HONOR OF THE 30 YEARS SPENT WITH JESUS AND MARY

Ever blessed and glorious Joseph, kind and loving father, and helpful friend of all in sorrow! You are the good father and protector of orphans, the defender of the defenseless, the patron of those in need and sorrow. Look kindly on my request. My sins have drawn down on me the just displeasure of my God, and so I am surrounded with unhappiness. To you, loving guardian of the Family of Nazareth, do I go for help and protection. Listen, then, I beg you, with fatherly concern, to my earnest prayers, and obtain for me the favors I ask.

I ask it by the infinite mercy of the eternal Son of God, which moved Him to take our nature and to be born into this world of sorrow. I ask it by the weariness and suffering you endured when you found no shelter at the inn of Bethlehem for the Holy Virgin, nor a house where the Son of God could be born. Then, being everywhere refused, you were forced to allow the Queen of Heaven to give birth to the world’s Redeemer in a cave.

I ask it by the loveliness and power of that sacred Name, Jesus, which you conferred on the adorable Infant. I ask it by the painful torture you felt at the prophecy of holy Simeon, which declared the Child Jesus and His holy Mother future victims of our sins and of their great love for us.

I ask it through your sorrow and pain of soul when the angel declared to you that the life of the Child Jesus was sought by His enemies. From their evil plan, you had to flee with Him and His Blessed Mother to Egypt. I ask it by all the suffering, weariness, and labors of that long and dangerous journey.

I ask it by all your care to protect the Sacred Child and His Immaculate Mother during your second journey, when you were ordered to return to your own country. I ask it by your peaceful life in Nazareth where you met with so many joys and sorrows. I ask it by your great distress when the adorable Child was lost to you and His mother for three days.

I ask it by your joy at finding Him in the temple, and by the comfort you found at Nazareth, while living in the company of the Child Jesus. I ask it by the wonderful submission He showed in His obedience to you.

I ask it by the perfect love and conformity you showed in accepting the Divine order to depart from this life, and from the company of Jesus and Mary. I ask it by the joy which filled your soul, when the Redeemer of the world, triumphant over death and Hell, entered into the possession of His kingdom and led you into it with special honors.

I ask it through Mary’s glorious Assumption, and through that endless happiness you have with her in the presence of God. O good father! I beg you, by all your sufferings, sorrows, and joys, to hear me and obtain for me what I ask. (Here name your petitions.) Obtain for all those who have asked my prayers everything that is useful to them in the plan of God. Finally, my dear patron and father, be with me and all who are dear to me in our last moments, that we may eternally sing the praises of: JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH.

“A blameless life, St. Joseph, may we lead, by your kind patronage from danger freed.”

Epiphany Blessing of the Home

Today is the Feast of Our Lord’s Epiphany in the old calendar and also a non-standard feast of the 3 Magi. Following is a home blessing, which originated in eastern Europe and has spread throughout the world, even to Protestant churches. Just as the Wise Men visited the home of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, we invite them to visit our own homes to ask for their intercession. This is important as we are living in an increasingly hostile world. It is also a wonderful way to show our children trust in Christ and the riches of the Holy Catholic Faith!

It’s okay if you can’t get to this tonight! The traditional “Cycle of Christmas” ends roughly with the Feast of the Presentation (Purification, “Candelmas”), February 2nd. Any time till then would be appropriate.

Here is a video of 2 priests at a Canadian parish, performing the blessing…

A House Blessing For the Epiphany

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Epiphany Yearly Blessing of the Home

You will need white chalk (chalk is often blessed by a priest at the Epiphany Mass) and holy water. The following prayers and format are based on traditional sources of information. The family gathers around a statue or holy image. All bless themselves with holy water. Generally, the father of the home leads in the following prayers…

Leader: Peace be to this house.

All: And to all that dwell herein.

Leader: From the east the Magi came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord, and opening their treasures, they offered costly gifts: gold to the great King, incense to the true God and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia!

All: My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden, for behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He Who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.

All: From the east the Magi came to Bethlehem to adore the Lord, and opening their treasures, they offered costly gifts: gold to the great King, incense to the true God and myrrh in symbol of His burial. Alleluia!

Leader: Our Father Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation…

All: But deliver us from evil. Amen.

Leader: Many shall come from Saba.

All: Bearing gold and incense.

Leader: O Lord, hear my prayer.

All: And let my cry come unto thee.

Leader: Let us pray. O God, Who by the guidance of a star didst this day reveal Thy Sole-Begotten Son to the Gentiles, grant that we who now know Thee by faith, may be brought to the contemplation of Thy Heavenly Majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ Thy Son our Lord. Be enlightened, be enlightened O Jerusalem! For thy Light is come and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee, Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary.

All: And the Gentiles shall walk in thy Light and kings in the splendor of thy rising and the glory of the Lord has risen upon thee.

Leader: Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, Almighty God, this home that it be the shelter of health, chastity, self-conquest, humility, goodness, mildness, obedience to the Commandments, and thanksgiving to God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. May this blessing remain for all time upon this dwelling and upon all who live herein. Through Christ our Lord.

All: Amen.

The family proceeds to the main entrance of the home. The leader writes the following above the door with the chalk (this can be done on the outside or inside of the home). The digits represent the number of the new year. The crosses represent the 4 seasons. The initials represent the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat,” (Christ Bless this Home). They also represent the names of the 3 Magi. Above the inscription, a cross is made with holy water.

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20 + C + M + B + __

Leader: Christus Mansionem Benedicat! Saints Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, pray for us!

All: Amen!

The family may finish the devotion with a hymn, such as “We Three Kings of Orient Are.”

Printable Version PDF

5 Ways to Keep Christ in Christmas

[Edited since posting.]

I tried to make the “Advent” button to the right>>> as noticeable as possible. Did I succeed? Have you clicked on it? This takes you to the “Advent” category of the blog (if button is not there, please click “Advent” just above^^^). I would like to turn your attention to the posts on Fr. Alfred Delp, martyred in Germany under the Nazis. Advent was an important theme for him and his writings are particularly relevant at this time in history. He talks about the need for “calling voices,” which could not be more appropriate for the time we are living in right now. Please have a look!

The 5 points below were written for printing and distribution in churches or elsewhere. I have been printing this for years and it has gone through many drafts-this one I completed just today. You will see I had to be sensitive about the “Santa” issue, only because we all know there’s some “Karen” somewhere who will complain that we traumatized her child. My answer would be, “Any child who can read should not still believe a fat guy can fit down a chimney or a reindeer can fly!” One of these days, talking against Santa will be considered hate speech.

Please consider printing the PDF below and see if you can distribute it this coming Sunday or during the week before Christmas (I realize it’s a bit late getting it out, but better late than never and you can think of it as an Advent Spiritual Work of Mercy!). Of course, there are a number of other ways to share, so be creative! Here goes… 

1)  GIFT-GIVING:  Since we want to remember that Christmas is about the birth of Our Lord, and not about luxuries, it is a good idea to keep presents to a minimum and not allow them to be extravagant.  For parents, a nice idea is to give the children three presents, representing the three gifts given to the Christ Child by the magi: gold, frankincense and myrrh.  Relatives may also be asked to buy only one gift per child.  This way, the children will not be too overwhelmed.  There will also be less clutter in the home! 

2)  DECORATING:  To keep the emphasis on Christ, it is important to keep decorations to a religious, not a secular, nature.  Since Christmas is a profound holyday, when we celebrate the Incarnation of God Himself, everything we do should be in keeping with this deep and awesome truth.  This extends to the cards we send and even the wrapping paper we use. 

3)  THE CHRISTMAS TREE:  The holy and reverent atmosphere we wish to create will also extend to the Christmas tree.  Choosing ornaments relating to the religious celebration of Christmas can be easily done.  Balls and ornaments featuring the nativity scene or the Madonna and Child can be found quite readily.  Musical themes, candles and of course, angels, would all be good choices.  This is not to suggest that pictures of loved ones, sentimental items or that ornament your child made at school, should be excluded.  It’s the spirit of the tree that matters. 

4)  THE TRUTH ABOUT A CERTAIN CHARACTER:  A character based on a holy man, Saint Nicholas, has become a challenger to Christ on this most holy of days.  Children's minds are consumed by this idea and the materialism associated with it, instead of the real and far more incredible gift of God's Son.  Telling our children the truth includes the following benefits: 

  • the emphasis will be on the real Person of Christ rather than a fictional character 

  • children will know that their presents come from their loving parents 

  • the intellectual development of children will not be impeded by being encouraged to believe a story that goes against reason 

  • the trust that children have in their parents will not be undermined when they come to realize the truth-the disappointment and hurt that is often felt at that time will not be experienced 

5)  SEASON OF ADVENT:  Advent is a time of preparation, similar to Lent.  We can encourage penance, as we do in Lent, or we could also focus on works of charity, which can be a wonderful activity for the whole family.  This is also a great time to learn Christmas hymns (that you don't know all the words to) and to read and meditate upon the Incarnation.  Also, down-scaling Christmas preparations can be a good idea if they've been too stressful in the past.  It is wise to be mindful of the simplicity of the first Christmas.  If the stable in Bethlehem is our starting point and our mindset, we cannot go wrong! 

 PRINTABLE VERSION: COLOR

PRINTABLE VERSION: BLACK

Litany of the Ascension / Novena to the Holy Ghost

Some dioceses still celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord on Ascension Thursday and some celebrate it today, the following Sunday. Traditionally (and probably in the new as well), the Ascension is invoked in the Mass from Ascension Thursday until the Vigil of Pentecost. So it is appropriate to keep this final event of Our Lord on earth, in our thoughts and prayers through the coming week.

We should also keep in mind, novenas to the Holy Ghost are often said during the 9 days between Ascension Thursday and Pentecost. Catholic Online states: “This is the prototype of all novenas. It commemorates the nine days between the Ascension of Our Lord and the Descent of the Holy Ghost on the first Pentecost Sunday. During this time Our Lady and the twelve Apostles prayed in the Cenacle for the coming of the Paraclete. Our Lord Himself instituted this novena, and it is celebrated every year by the whole Church.” The Novena to the Holy Ghost for the Seven Gifts is well-known, quite beautiful, and there are indulgences attached. Certainly, it can be said anytime, and if you’re a few days late, don’t let that discourage you!

I wrote the following litany on Ascension Thursday and published it here on May 5, 2016. I haven’t published it since, so here it is again. According to canon law, there is no problem with posting a private prayer on the internet (I have consulted a canon lawyer about this). For a meditation on the Ascension, please see “Rosary Meditations” button to the right >>>

Litany of the Ascension of Our Lord

Lord, have mercy on us.  Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.  Lord, hear us.  Lord, 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.

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Lord, Ascended to the right Hand of the Father, have mercy on us.

Lord, Ascended forty days after Thy Resurrection, etc.

Lord, Ascended in the company of angels,

Lord, Ascended in the company of Thy Holy Mother,

Lord, Ascended in the company of Thine Apostles,

Lord, Ascended before us, where we are to follow,

Lord, Ascended with a shout and the sound of a trumpet,

Lord, Ascended with great song,

Lord, Who shall so come as we have seen Thee going up,

Lord, Who calls us to mindfulness of heavenly things,

Lord, Who sent Thine Apostles to the uttermost parts of the earth,

Lord, Who was raised up into a cloud,

Lord, Who led captivity captive,

Lord, Who saves the believer and the baptized,

Lord, Who condemns the unbeliever,

Lord, Who glorifies Thy children,

Lord, Who protects Thy children,

Lord, Who mercifully grants Everlasting Life,

Lord, Who mounts above the Heaven of Heavens to the east,

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Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.

Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

Lord, hear us.  Lord, graciously hear us.

LET US PRAY

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who said:  "Go ye into the whole world and preach the Gospel to every creature," grant we beseech Thee, to wage a fearless war for souls, ever defending the truth of the Good News, that we may one day follow Thee to the place of Thine Ascension, beyond the clouds.  May we keep this vision before us always, making all our burdens light, all the darkness of this present life bearable.

Make us, O Lord, to reverence and keep pure, our sacred bodies, a reflection of which ascended in glorified form to the Father, Who lives and reigns, world without end.  Amen.

Printable Version

From the “Catholic Prepper” perspective, it is advisable to gather as much printed material as possible. This is due to the possibility of electrical grid failure or the disruption of the availability of what we now take for granted. Keep books and papers in a cool dry place away from the threat of flooding. Consider keeping print-outs organized in files or binders.

Lesson 4, Part 2A-Prepper Rosary Program

“Lesson 4” of our Prepper Rosary Program deals with the topic, “Improve Your Spiritual Life ~ The Presentation of Our Lord.” We presented the verse from Holy Scripture below, focusing on the admonition to “Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God.” We dealt briefly with the rest of the quote. Being that this particular verse is sometimes used against the idea of “preparedness,” it is important to focus more deeply on it (which we will do now and also in our next lesson, Part 2B)...

“Be not solicitous therefore, saying, What shall we eat: or what shall we drink, or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the heathens seek. For your Father knoweth that you have need of all these things.

Seek ye therefore first the kingdom of God, and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Be not therefore solicitous for tomorrow; for the morrow will be solicitous for itself. Sufficient for the day is the evil thereof.”

Matthew 6:31

Looking at the above, from the standpoint of a “Catholic Prepper,” there are 3 basic points that need to be made. I will simply ask you to meditate on these until our next lesson, which will expound upon each point-you may wish to make your own notes.

1) Always use common sense combined with prayer.

2) Do what you can within reason. Beyond this, trust in God.

3) Avoid extremes.

In addition, below is a link to our Scriptural quotes dealing with preparedness. Please review this-it exists nowhere else on the internet. I compiled it myself, through painstaking research-there is also a PDF, which is less comprehensive, since it needed to fit on one page…

and don’t forget Noah, “The Original Prepper!”

BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR PREPAREDNESS

BIBLICAL SUPPORT FOR PREPAREDNESS PDF PRINTABLE

Lesson 1-Prepper Rosary Program

Annunciation2.jpg

Expect Wonderful Things ~ The Annunciation

Let’s begin with a basic “prepper” tenet: “Expect the best, prepare for the worst.” When the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to the Son of God, she did not understand, but she still trusted. She knew she was not socially in a proper situation to be pregnant, but she understood that something glorious was happening and kept her focus on that. Even though the world is now falling apart around us, we must remain as positive as possible, while still focusing on the tasks at hand. The popular notion of the “Doomsday Prepper” leads many to think it is all about doom and gloom…and guns. Unfortunately, for some preppers, this is true. But for the Children of God, gloom is not in our vocabulary, neither is violence. There is a peaceful, gentle, “close to the earth” preparedness, which is what we promote here.

Many of us fall into negative thinking patterns at times, often without being aware of it. If we do not practice “mindfulness,” an awareness of our thoughts and emotions throughout the day, this negativity may become corrosive to ourselves and those around us. It is true, the events in the world right now are causing a tremendous amount of grief and stress. We must allow ourselves to process those emotions, pray, and get through to the other side. We cannot get stuck there or give in to fear. Prepping is not about worry-quite the opposite! Being prepared frees you from worry and gives you the peace of mind that you are doing the best for yourself and your family. That doesn’t mean perfection. It doesn’t mean bad things can’t still happen. That’s where trust in God comes in. We also cannot get completely caught up in the cares of this world, because we know, it really is all about our journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. So it is a balance between the temporal and the spiritual.

We all need a positive vision to give us hope and motivation. Yes, Heaven is the ultimate positive vision, but we still have to get up every day and live in this world. We need to visualize a goal for the future, to give us enthusiasm and purpose. Instead of getting myopically bogged down in the present moment, let us create our own vision of a beautiful future. The next step is to make a concrete plan to incorporate changes into your life that will get you there.

We must stay hopeful and place our complete trust in God. Be grateful for all your blessings and have joy in your heart no matter what. We are one with Christ and it is an insult to Him to ever be anything but joyful. Just as Mary could not have imagined the incredible glory of the plan she was a part of, we too, are being called to build a wonderful new world!

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Pray 1 decade of the Rosary, meditating on the Mystery of The Annunciation, for the intention of enlightenment on the issues discussed today…

Our Father + 10 Hail Marys + Glory Be

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Please fill out #1

“15 Points Preparedness Worksheet”

We do not ask for donations at this time, but we do ask for prayers ~ thank you for participating ~ spread the word!

Image courtesy jesuscaritasest.blogspot.com

October Fatima Family Holy Hour for the Church

fatimastat.jpg

Thank you for joining our final Fatima Family Holy Hour for the Church, on this 103rd anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun! Following is the Holy Hour Format to print and perform at home.  If you cannot do this on October 13th, please choose another day during the month. God bless you and may Our Lady shower graces upon you and your family during this difficult hour in the Church and in the world. Please contact us above and let us know how this Holy Hour has blessed your family.

PRINTABLE VERSION OF OCTOBER FATIMA FAMILY HOLY HOUR

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Candle-Lighting for Reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

(please light a candle next to a picture or statue of Our Lady)

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O Jesus, we thank Thee for this anniversary of the sixth and final Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima to the three holy children in Portugal and all the miracles and wonders which took place there.  We thank Thee for our togetherness today honoring this anniversary, though it is at a difficult time for Thy Holy Church and the whole world.  We light this candle for the intention of reparation to Thy Mother's Immaculate Heart, which so grieves over the sins of the world at this time.  We especially wish to console her for the terrible injustice to unborn children, during this Respect Life month, for she is Mother to all.  May these little lights of ours ascend to her Queenly throne in Heaven, as she once ascended on the day of her glorious Assumption, and show her that indeed, there is still love for her on earth.  Love for Thy Mother always directs us to Thee, O Jesus, our Savior, Whom she holds up to the world in her loving arms.  Forgive us our sins and let us enter into this Holy Hour in a spirit of contrition and spiritual communion with Thee.  We beg Thee for a return of the normal functioning of the Catholic Church. Forgive us for the disrespect given to the Holy Eucharist for so many years. We offer as well, all the intentions of those participating. Amen.

Saint Joseph, Pray for Us!

All Ye Holy Angels & Saints, Pray for Us!

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"Immaculate Mary"

Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing
You reign now in Heaven with Jesus our King
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria!  Ave, Ave, Maria!

In Heaven the blessed your glory proclaim
On earth we your children invoke your sweet name
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria!  Ave, Ave, Maria!

We pray for the Church our true mother on earth
And bless Holy Mary, the land of our birth
Ave, Ave, Ave, Maria!  Ave, Ave, Maria!

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Fatima Reading & Prayer

The Sixth Apparition & Great Miracle ~ October 13th, 1917

The prediction of a public miracle caused intense speculation throughout Portugal, and the journalist, Avelino de Almeida, published a satirical article on the whole business in the anti-religious newspaper O Seculo. People from other parts of the country descended by the tens of thousands on the Cova despite the terrible storm that lashed the mountain country around Fatima on the eve of the 13th. Many pilgrims walked barefoot, reciting the rosary as they went, all crowding into the area around the Cova. By mid-morning, heavy rain began to fall.

The children reached the Oak tree around noon and then saw the flash of light as Mary appeared before them. For the last time, Lucia asked what she wanted: “I want to tell you that a chapel is to be built here in my honor. I am the Lady of the Rosary. Continue always to pray the Rosary every day. The war is going to end, and the soldiers will soon return to their homes.” Again Lucia made requests for cures, conversions and other intentions. Our Lady’s response was: “Some yes, but not others. They must amend their lives and ask forgiveness for their sins.” Sister Lucia tells us that at this point Mary grew very sad and said: “Do not offend the Lord our God anymore, because He is already so much offended.” Then, opening her hands, she caused them to reflect on the sun and, as she ascended, the reflection of her own light continued to be projected upon the sun itself. After she disappeared, as the people witnessed the great miracle which had been predicted, the children saw the visions foretold during the September apparition.

The greatest miracle to occur since the Resurrection is also the only miracle ever precisely predicted as to date, time of day and location.

Although it is popularly known as “The Miracle of the Sun” and October 13, 1917 has come to be known as “The Day the Sun Danced,” a great deal more took place. The solar phenomena included the dancing of the sun, its fluctuations in color, its swirling and its descending toward the earth. There was also the stillness in the leaves of the trees in spite of howling winds, the complete drying of the rain-soaked ground, and the restoration of clothes all wet and covered with mud, so that, as eye-witness Dominic Reis put it, “They looked as though they had just come from the cleaners!” Physical cures of the blind and the lame were reported. The countless unreserved public confessions of sin and commitments to conversion of life attest to the authenticity of what was seen. The miracle is reported to have been seen from as far as 25 miles away, thus ruling out the possibility of any type of collective hallucination or mass hypnotism. Doubters and skeptics had become believers. Even O Seculo’s chief editor, Avelino de Almeida, now reported affirmatively, and stood by his story in spite of harsh criticism.

Text courtesy World Apostolate of Fatima, USA, edited.

The apparitions of Our Lady to the children were not their first encounter with Heaven.  An angel appeared to them previously, three times, and gave them two prayers, as follows:

"My God, I believe, I adore, I hope and I love Thee!  I beg pardon of Thee for those who do not believe, do not adore, do not hope and do not love Thee!"

"Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I adore Thee profoundly.  I offer Thee the most precious Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges and indifference with which He is offended.  By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of poor sinners."

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Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary

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Litany of Our Lady of Fatima

Our Lady of Fatima, pray for our dear country.
Our Lady of Fatima, sanctify our clergy.
Our Lady of Fatima, make our Catholics more fervent.
Our Lady of Fatima, guide and inspire those who govern us.
Our Lady of Fatima, cure the sick who confide in you.
Our Lady of Fatima, console the sorrowful who trust in you.
Our Lady of Fatima, help those who invoke your aid.
Our Lady of Fatima, deliver us from all dangers.
Our Lady of Fatima, help us to resist temptation.
Our Lady of Fatima, obtain for us all that we lovingly ask of you.
Our Lady of Fatima, help those who are dear to us.
Our Lady of Fatima, bring back to the right road our erring brothers.
Our Lady of Fatima, give us back our ancient fervor.
Our Lady of Fatima, obtain for us pardon of our manifold sins and offenses.
Our Lady of Fatima, bring all men to the feet of your Divine Child.
Our Lady of Fatima, 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 and Our Lady of Fatima, and grant us by her powerful intercession, all the graces, spiritual and temporal, which we need.  Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

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Final Prayer

O Most Holy Trinity, look upon the work of Thy Hands with mercy and give us the peace we so desperately need.  Shower Thy graces upon us like the rain, like a great flood engulfing us and end these many sorrows.  We live in unprecedented times, uncertain times.  Deliver us from all evil, visible and invisible and from all fear.  Help us to prepare for the days to come and to extricate ourselves from this inauthentic culture.  We pray for the triumphalism of Holy Mother Church and the salvation of all souls.  Give us peace in our hearts and courage to face the future and win our Heavenly reward.  Our Lady of Fatima, we love you!  Pray for us!  In the Holy Name of Christ, Nomen Christi.  Amen.

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"Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above"

Hail, holy Queen enthroned above, O Maria
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria
Triumph, all ye Cherubim
Sing with us, ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina

The cause of joy to all below, O Maria
The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria
Angels, all your praises bring
Earth and heaven, with us sing
All creation echoing
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina

O gentle, loving, holy one, O Maria
The God of light became your Son, O Maria
Triumph, all ye Cherubim
Sing with us, ye Seraphim
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn
Salve, Salve, Salve, Regina

Image Fatima statue, St. Patrick Church, Glen Cove, NY, October, 2020