The Topsy-Turvy Homeschooler

Been Gone Awhile, But Now I'm Back

2007-03-07T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all, life can get pretty hectic...St. Joseph's day is coming up and I wanted to remind everyone to check out the virtual St. Joseph's Altar. The link is at the bottom of the page.

Have a good day!!!

4th of July 2006

2006-07-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to everyone!

There's no better place to live then the U.S.A.!!!!!!!

God Bless America!

Weekend of Celebrations

2006-06-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, our youngest daughter graduated from eighth grade and was confirmed, our entire family along with friends from church, were taken out to celebrate afterwards by some very kind and generous new friends. We went to Osaka Habachi Grill, it was a tremendous amount of fun and made MaryCatherine's day very special. We are so grateful to the good Lord for all that He provides. She also celebrated the next night by inviting two of her friends, Rachel and Claire, to go out to eat with us and see a movie. Cars was the movie of choice...it was cute, the animation awesome and all had a great time.

On Sunday our priest, Fr. Trinchard, celebrated his fortieth Anniversary of Priestly Ordination. He was given a lovely party at Benedicts Plantation in Mandeville, LA. A grand time was had by all.

We have absolutely sworn off our books, replacing them with work, camp, service hours and some time away. Fall will be here soon enough and school will start in earnest. Until then, we are enjoying our summer. Hope you are too!

God bless,
Penny

The Holy Ghost Novena

2006-05-30T05:21:00.000-07:00

Sunday after the Ascension
St. Augustine of Canterbury - Archbishop, Confessor

J.M.J.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY GHOST

The following pages will, we hope, dear Reader, prove to be the most
interesting and useful you have ever read. They will tell you all about the
Holy Ghost, about whom you possibly know very little.

The doctrine of the Holy Ghost is without doubt the most important of
all the Church's teachings because, if we do not know and love the Holy
Ghost, we cannot possibly understand the other great truths of our Holy
Religion.

Without the Holy Ghost we are blind.

Not only is this doctrine the most important, it is the most wonderful,
the most consoling, the most sublime of all doctrines, for with the Holy
Ghost we can do all things easily and well. He is the Spirit of Love, of
Peace, of Joy, the Spirit of Divine Consolation. He is the Light of Our
Souls and the Strength of Our Wills.

Yet, strange to say, this doctrine is little understood by great numbers
of Christians. Some have a vague knowledge of the Holy Ghost, but very few
indeed have a real grasp of all the Holy Ghost has done for them and is most
ready to do if only they allow Him.

We love an honor the Eternal Father whenever we say the Our Father, and
this not once, but many times a day. Whenever, too, we speak of the Great
Creator of Heaven and Earth, the God of the Universe, we think of the
Eternal Father.

We pray to the Son, not only when invoking the Blessed Trinity, but when
praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ. We honor His Incarnation, His life, His
Passion and death. We honor His Sacred Heart, His Holy Name, and above all
we honor Him in the Holy Eucharist.

But many rarely or ever think of the Holy Ghost! They know very little
about all the wonderful things He is ready to give them - the peace, the
immense joy, the consolations, the love He is offering them.

"How Extraordinary," Cardinal Manning exclaims, "it is that Christians
know so little about the Holy Ghost though He is the Author of our
Sanctification, the Giver of all Joys and Consolations!"

His Eminence was in his youth a sincere Protestant, He became, with the
help of the Holy Ghost, a fervent Catholic.

Under the same divine guidance, he became a priest, a bishop and finally
a cardinal.

He ever cherished a great devotion to the Holy Ghost and solved all his
doubts and difficulties by praying to this Holy Spirit.

When called on to make any important decision, he first of all bent his
head in silent prayer. If the problem were graver, he devoted more time and
fervor in asking for guidance. Thanks to the graces he thus received, he was
able not only to attain high personal sanctity but to render great services
to the Catholic Church in England. He wrote two beautiful books on the Holy
Ghost.

Cardinal Newman gives us a touching example of love for the Holy Ghost.

He, too, was brought up by his parents in the Protestant religion.
Unfortunately, he had the strongest prejudices against the Catholic Church.

At an early age he began to see that his own religion could not be the
true one, so full was it of contradictions and errors.

He spent years trying to find the Church of Christ. He read history, he
argued with eminent divines and consulted many learned friends, but all in
vain. He failed to recognize in the midst of so many claims the religion
given us by Jesus Christ.

Finally, one day he received from God, who was pleased with his good
intentions, an inspiration.

"What have I been doing!" he exclaimed. "I have labored much, I have
studied, I have read many books, I have consulted good friends, but I have
not prayed enough, I have not sufficiently asked God's light and guidance."

Then falling on his knees he prayed fervently. The clouds of doubt began
to disappear, and he at last saw the truth of the Catholic Church. . .

He became a Catholic, and following his example, more than a thousand
Protestant ministers were converted and a very host of laymen. . .

A priest who is devoted to the Holy Ghost does more than a thousand
others. The writer met one such priest recently. He was extremely modest and
unpretentious, yet he got through a prodigious amount of work.

He not only worked successfully himself, but he had the gift of
attracting and inspiring others to work with him.

In the course of conversation he mentioned that he had a great devotion
to the Holy Ghost, to whom he attributed all his success.

When Catholic universities commence the year's work, when law courts
begin their annual sessions, at the opening of parliaments and other
important corporations, the Mass of the Holy Ghost is solemnly said and His
Divine guidance invoked, and as we shall see afterwards, individual members
of these corporations beg light and help from the Holy Ghost in all grave
emergencies.

We, too, should make it our practice to seek in all things the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.
---------------------------------------------

The above is taken from THE HOLY GHOST - OUR GREATEST FRIEND by Father Paul
O'Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.), published by TAN Books.
OLRL offers this excellent 72 page
booklet (http://olrl.org/books/holyghost.shtml - 65 cents ea.) which has many insights, and Catholic
instructions regarding the Holy Ghost. Included are various prayers and devotions to the Holy Ghost.

----------------------------------------------

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Foreword
The novena to the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first
made at the direction of Our Lord when He sent His apostles back to
Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the First Pentecost. It
is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to
the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the
light, strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. To encourage
devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has enriched this novena with the
following indulgences:
The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy
Ghost immediately preceding the feast of Pentecost may gain:
1. An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the novena
2. A Plenary indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the
exercises; and moreover go to confession, and receive Holy Communion and
pray for the Holy Father's intentions.

Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Ghost, either before
Pentecost or at any other time in the year may gain:
1. An indulgence of 7 years on any day of this novena
2. A Plenary indulgence under the usual conditions; but if a public novena
is held, this indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully
hindered from being part in the same.

First Day
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost
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 Ghost 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 has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and
the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send
forth from heaven upon us Thy 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Act of Consecration to the Holy Ghost
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body, to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the
might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul. In Thee I
live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to
grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against
Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch
for Thy light, and listen to Thy voice, and follow Thy gracious
inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy
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 Thee, Adorable
Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never
sin against Thee. Give me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant
heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in
my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy 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 Thy divine truth; the Spirit of 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 Thee 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; 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 Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy
Spirit. Amen.

Second Day
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou 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 the 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 Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all
things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure
eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the
unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Third Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day
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 undertake 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 troubles 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Sixth Day
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, 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 of Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision
of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day
Heal our wounds-our strength renew;
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 be 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 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. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Eighth Day
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 come 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 Savior: "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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Ninth Day
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die;
Give the life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost 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 Ghost, our
service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and
consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. 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 on 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

***********************************************************************************
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray - Oh God, Who hast instructed the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the same Spirit we may be always
truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen. (From the Roman Missal).

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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Sunday after the Ascension
St. Augustine of Canterbury - Archbishop, Confessor
J.M.J.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY GHOST

The following pages will, we hope, dear Reader, prove to be the most
interesting and useful you have ever read. They will tell you all about the
Holy Ghost, about whom you possibly know very little.

The doctrine of the Holy Ghost is without doubt the most important of
all the Church's teachings because, if we do not know and love the Holy
Ghost, we cannot possibly understand the other great truths of our Holy
Religion.

Without the Holy Ghost we are blind.

Not only is this doctrine the most important, it is the most wonderful,
the most consoling, the most sublime of all doctrines, for with the Holy
Ghost we can do all things easily and well. He is the Spirit of Love, of
Peace, of Joy, the Spirit of Divine Consolation. He is the Light of Our
Souls and the Strength of Our Wills.

Yet, strange to say, this doctrine is little understood by great numbers
of Christians. Some have a vague knowledge of the Holy Ghost, but very few
indeed have a real grasp of all the Holy Ghost has done for them and is most
ready to do if only they allow Him.

We love an honor the Eternal Father whenever we say the Our Father, and
this not once, but many times a day. Whenever, too, we speak of the Great
Creator of Heaven and Earth, the God of the Universe, we think of the
Eternal Father.

We pray to the Son, not only when invoking the Blessed Trinity, but when
praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ. We honor His Incarnation, His life, His
Passion and death. We honor His Sacred Heart, His Holy Name, and above all
we honor Him in the Holy Eucharist.

But many rarely or ever think of the Holy Ghost! They know very little
about all the wonderful things He is ready to give them - the peace, the
immense joy, the consolations, the love He is offering them.

"How Extraordinary," Cardinal Manning exclaims, "it is that Christians
know so little about the Holy Ghost though He is the Author of our
Sanctification, the Giver of all Joys and Consolations!"

His Eminence was in his youth a sincere Protestant, He became, with the
help of the Holy Ghost, a fervent Catholic.

Under the same divine guidance, he became a priest, a bishop and finally
a cardinal.

He ever cherished a great devotion to the Holy Ghost and solved all his
doubts and difficulties by praying to this Holy Spirit.

When called on to make any important decision, he first of all bent his
head in silent prayer. If the problem were graver, he devoted more time and
fervor in asking for guidance. Thanks to the graces he thus received, he was
able not only to attain high personal sanctity but to render great services
to the Catholic Church in England. He wrote two beautiful books on the Holy
Ghost.

Cardinal Newman gives us a touching example of love for the Holy Ghost.

He, too, was brought up by his parents in the Protestant religion.
Unfortunately, he had the strongest prejudices against the Catholic Church.

At an early age he began to see that his own religion could not be the
true one, so full was it of contradictions and errors.

He spent years trying to find the Church of Christ. He read history, he
argued with eminent divines and consulted many learned friends, but all in
vain. He failed to recognize in the midst of so many claims the religion
given us by Jesus Christ.

Finally, one day he received from God, who was pleased with his good
intentions, an inspiration.

"What have I been doing!" he exclaimed. "I have labored much, I have
studied, I have read many books, I have consulted good friends, but I have
not prayed enough, I have not sufficiently asked God's light and guidance."

Then falling on his knees he prayed fervently. The clouds of doubt began
to disappear, and he at last saw the truth of the Catholic Church. . .

He became a Catholic, and following his example, more than a thousand
Protestant ministers were converted and a very host of laymen. . .

A priest who is devoted to the Holy Ghost does more than a thousand
others. The writer met one such priest recently. He was extremely modest and
unpretentious, yet he got through a prodigious amount of work.

He not only worked successfully himself, but he had the gift of
attracting and inspiring others to work with him.

In the course of conversation he mentioned that he had a great devotion
to the Holy Ghost, to whom he attributed all his success.

When Catholic universities commence the year's work, when law courts
begin their annual sessions, at the opening of parliaments and other
important corporations, the Mass of the Holy Ghost is solemnly said and His
Divine guidance invoked, and as we shall see afterwards, individual members
of these corporations beg light and help from the Holy Ghost in all grave
emergencies.

We, too, should make it our practice to seek in all things the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.
---------------------------------------------

The above is taken from THE HOLY GHOST - OUR GREATEST FRIEND by Father Paul
O'Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.), published by TAN Books.
OLRL offers this excellent 72 page
booklet (http://olrl.org/books/holyghost.shtml - 65 cents ea.) which has many insights, and Catholic
instructions regarding the Holy Ghost. Included are various prayers and devotions to the Holy Ghost.

----------------------------------------------

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Foreword
The novena to the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first
made at the direction of Our Lord when He sent His apostles back to
Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the First Pentecost. It
is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to
the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the
light, strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. To encourage
devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has enriched this novena with the
following indulgences:
The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy
Ghost immediately preceding the feast of Pentecost may gain:
1. An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the novena
2. A Plenary indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the
exercises; and moreover go to confession, and receive Holy Communion and
pray for the Holy Father's intentions.

Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Ghost, either before
Pentecost or at any other time in the year may gain:
1. An indulgence of 7 years on any day of this novena
2. A Plenary indulgence under the usual conditions; but if a public novena
is held, this indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully
hindered from being part in the same.

First Day
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost
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 Ghost 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 has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and
the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send
forth from heaven upon us Thy 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Act of Consecration to the Holy Ghost
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body, to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the
might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul. In Thee I
live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to
grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against
Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch
for Thy light, and listen to Thy voice, and follow Thy gracious
inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy
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 Thee, Adorable
Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never
sin against Thee. Give me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant
heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in
my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy 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 Thy divine truth; the Spirit of 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 Thee 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; 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 Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy
Spirit. Amen.

Second Day
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou 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 the 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 Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all
things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure
eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the
unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Third Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day
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 undertake 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 troubles 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Sixth Day
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, 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 of Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision
of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day
Heal our wounds-our strength renew;
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 be 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 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. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Eighth Day
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 come 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 Savior: "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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Ninth Day
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die;
Give the life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost 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 Ghost, our
service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and
consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. 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 on 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

***********************************************************************************
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray - Oh God, Who hast instructed the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the same Spirit we may be always
truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen. (From the Roman Missal).

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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Sunday after the Ascension
St. Augustine of Canterbury - Archbishop, Confessor
J.M.J.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY GHOST

The following pages will, we hope, dear Reader, prove to be the most
interesting and useful you have ever read. They will tell you all about the
Holy Ghost, about whom you possibly know very little.

The doctrine of the Holy Ghost is without doubt the most important of
all the Church's teachings because, if we do not know and love the Holy
Ghost, we cannot possibly understand the other great truths of our Holy
Religion.

Without the Holy Ghost we are blind.

Not only is this doctrine the most important, it is the most wonderful,
the most consoling, the most sublime of all doctrines, for with the Holy
Ghost we can do all things easily and well. He is the Spirit of Love, of
Peace, of Joy, the Spirit of Divine Consolation. He is the Light of Our
Souls and the Strength of Our Wills.

Yet, strange to say, this doctrine is little understood by great numbers
of Christians. Some have a vague knowledge of the Holy Ghost, but very few
indeed have a real grasp of all the Holy Ghost has done for them and is most
ready to do if only they allow Him.

We love an honor the Eternal Father whenever we say the Our Father, and
this not once, but many times a day. Whenever, too, we speak of the Great
Creator of Heaven and Earth, the God of the Universe, we think of the
Eternal Father.

We pray to the Son, not only when invoking the Blessed Trinity, but when
praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ. We honor His Incarnation, His life, His
Passion and death. We honor His Sacred Heart, His Holy Name, and above all
we honor Him in the Holy Eucharist.

But many rarely or ever think of the Holy Ghost! They know very little
about all the wonderful things He is ready to give them - the peace, the
immense joy, the consolations, the love He is offering them.

"How Extraordinary," Cardinal Manning exclaims, "it is that Christians
know so little about the Holy Ghost though He is the Author of our
Sanctification, the Giver of all Joys and Consolations!"

His Eminence was in his youth a sincere Protestant, He became, with the
help of the Holy Ghost, a fervent Catholic.

Under the same divine guidance, he became a priest, a bishop and finally
a cardinal.

He ever cherished a great devotion to the Holy Ghost and solved all his
doubts and difficulties by praying to this Holy Spirit.

When called on to make any important decision, he first of all bent his
head in silent prayer. If the problem were graver, he devoted more time and
fervor in asking for guidance. Thanks to the graces he thus received, he was
able not only to attain high personal sanctity but to render great services
to the Catholic Church in England. He wrote two beautiful books on the Holy
Ghost.

Cardinal Newman gives us a touching example of love for the Holy Ghost.

He, too, was brought up by his parents in the Protestant religion.
Unfortunately, he had the strongest prejudices against the Catholic Church.

At an early age he began to see that his own religion could not be the
true one, so full was it of contradictions and errors.

He spent years trying to find the Church of Christ. He read history, he
argued with eminent divines and consulted many learned friends, but all in
vain. He failed to recognize in the midst of so many claims the religion
given us by Jesus Christ.

Finally, one day he received from God, who was pleased with his good
intentions, an inspiration.

"What have I been doing!" he exclaimed. "I have labored much, I have
studied, I have read many books, I have consulted good friends, but I have
not prayed enough, I have not sufficiently asked God's light and guidance."

Then falling on his knees he prayed fervently. The clouds of doubt began
to disappear, and he at last saw the truth of the Catholic Church. . .

He became a Catholic, and following his example, more than a thousand
Protestant ministers were converted and a very host of laymen. . .

A priest who is devoted to the Holy Ghost does more than a thousand
others. The writer met one such priest recently. He was extremely modest and
unpretentious, yet he got through a prodigious amount of work.

He not only worked successfully himself, but he had the gift of
attracting and inspiring others to work with him.

In the course of conversation he mentioned that he had a great devotion
to the Holy Ghost, to whom he attributed all his success.

When Catholic universities commence the year's work, when law courts
begin their annual sessions, at the opening of parliaments and other
important corporations, the Mass of the Holy Ghost is solemnly said and His
Divine guidance invoked, and as we shall see afterwards, individual members
of these corporations beg light and help from the Holy Ghost in all grave
emergencies.

We, too, should make it our practice to seek in all things the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.
---------------------------------------------

The above is taken from THE HOLY GHOST - OUR GREATEST FRIEND by Father Paul
O'Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.), published by TAN Books.
OLRL offers this excellent 72 page
booklet (http://olrl.org/books/holyghost.shtml - 65 cents ea.) which has many insights, and Catholic
instructions regarding the Holy Ghost. Included are various prayers and devotions to the Holy Ghost.

----------------------------------------------

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Foreword
The novena to the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first
made at the direction of Our Lord when He sent His apostles back to
Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the First Pentecost. It
is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to
the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the
light, strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. To encourage
devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has enriched this novena with the
following indulgences:
The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy
Ghost immediately preceding the feast of Pentecost may gain:
1. An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the novena
2. A Plenary indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the
exercises; and moreover go to confession, and receive Holy Communion and
pray for the Holy Father's intentions.

Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Ghost, either before
Pentecost or at any other time in the year may gain:
1. An indulgence of 7 years on any day of this novena
2. A Plenary indulgence under the usual conditions; but if a public novena
is held, this indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully
hindered from being part in the same.

First Day
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost
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 Ghost 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 has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and
the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send
forth from heaven upon us Thy 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Act of Consecration to the Holy Ghost
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body, to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the
might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul. In Thee I
live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to
grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against
Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch
for Thy light, and listen to Thy voice, and follow Thy gracious
inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy
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 Thee, Adorable
Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never
sin against Thee. Give me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant
heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in
my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy 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 Thy divine truth; the Spirit of 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 Thee 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; 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 Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy
Spirit. Amen.

Second Day
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou 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 the 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 Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all
things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure
eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the
unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Third Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day
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 undertake 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 troubles 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Sixth Day
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, 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 of Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision
of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day
Heal our wounds-our strength renew;
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 be 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 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. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Eighth Day
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 come 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 Savior: "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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Ninth Day
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die;
Give the life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost 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 Ghost, our
service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and
consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. 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 on 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

***********************************************************************************
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray - Oh God, Who hast instructed the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the same Spirit we may be always
truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen. (From the Roman Missal).

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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Sunday after the Ascension
St. Augustine of Canterbury - Archbishop, Confessor
J.M.J.

THE IMPORTANCE OF DEVOTION TO THE HOLY GHOST

The following pages will, we hope, dear Reader, prove to be the most
interesting and useful you have ever read. They will tell you all about the
Holy Ghost, about whom you possibly know very little.

The doctrine of the Holy Ghost is without doubt the most important of
all the Church's teachings because, if we do not know and love the Holy
Ghost, we cannot possibly understand the other great truths of our Holy
Religion.

Without the Holy Ghost we are blind.

Not only is this doctrine the most important, it is the most wonderful,
the most consoling, the most sublime of all doctrines, for with the Holy
Ghost we can do all things easily and well. He is the Spirit of Love, of
Peace, of Joy, the Spirit of Divine Consolation. He is the Light of Our
Souls and the Strength of Our Wills.

Yet, strange to say, this doctrine is little understood by great numbers
of Christians. Some have a vague knowledge of the Holy Ghost, but very few
indeed have a real grasp of all the Holy Ghost has done for them and is most
ready to do if only they allow Him.

We love an honor the Eternal Father whenever we say the Our Father, and
this not once, but many times a day. Whenever, too, we speak of the Great
Creator of Heaven and Earth, the God of the Universe, we think of the
Eternal Father.

We pray to the Son, not only when invoking the Blessed Trinity, but when
praying to Our Lord Jesus Christ. We honor His Incarnation, His life, His
Passion and death. We honor His Sacred Heart, His Holy Name, and above all
we honor Him in the Holy Eucharist.

But many rarely or ever think of the Holy Ghost! They know very little
about all the wonderful things He is ready to give them - the peace, the
immense joy, the consolations, the love He is offering them.

"How Extraordinary," Cardinal Manning exclaims, "it is that Christians
know so little about the Holy Ghost though He is the Author of our
Sanctification, the Giver of all Joys and Consolations!"

His Eminence was in his youth a sincere Protestant, He became, with the
help of the Holy Ghost, a fervent Catholic.

Under the same divine guidance, he became a priest, a bishop and finally
a cardinal.

He ever cherished a great devotion to the Holy Ghost and solved all his
doubts and difficulties by praying to this Holy Spirit.

When called on to make any important decision, he first of all bent his
head in silent prayer. If the problem were graver, he devoted more time and
fervor in asking for guidance. Thanks to the graces he thus received, he was
able not only to attain high personal sanctity but to render great services
to the Catholic Church in England. He wrote two beautiful books on the Holy
Ghost.

Cardinal Newman gives us a touching example of love for the Holy Ghost.

He, too, was brought up by his parents in the Protestant religion.
Unfortunately, he had the strongest prejudices against the Catholic Church.

At an early age he began to see that his own religion could not be the
true one, so full was it of contradictions and errors.

He spent years trying to find the Church of Christ. He read history, he
argued with eminent divines and consulted many learned friends, but all in
vain. He failed to recognize in the midst of so many claims the religion
given us by Jesus Christ.

Finally, one day he received from God, who was pleased with his good
intentions, an inspiration.

"What have I been doing!" he exclaimed. "I have labored much, I have
studied, I have read many books, I have consulted good friends, but I have
not prayed enough, I have not sufficiently asked God's light and guidance."

Then falling on his knees he prayed fervently. The clouds of doubt began
to disappear, and he at last saw the truth of the Catholic Church. . .

He became a Catholic, and following his example, more than a thousand
Protestant ministers were converted and a very host of laymen. . .

A priest who is devoted to the Holy Ghost does more than a thousand
others. The writer met one such priest recently. He was extremely modest and
unpretentious, yet he got through a prodigious amount of work.

He not only worked successfully himself, but he had the gift of
attracting and inspiring others to work with him.

In the course of conversation he mentioned that he had a great devotion
to the Holy Ghost, to whom he attributed all his success.

When Catholic universities commence the year's work, when law courts
begin their annual sessions, at the opening of parliaments and other
important corporations, the Mass of the Holy Ghost is solemnly said and His
Divine guidance invoked, and as we shall see afterwards, individual members
of these corporations beg light and help from the Holy Ghost in all grave
emergencies.

We, too, should make it our practice to seek in all things the guidance
of the Holy Spirit.
---------------------------------------------

The above is taken from THE HOLY GHOST - OUR GREATEST FRIEND by Father Paul
O'Sullivan, O.P. (E.D.M.), published by TAN Books.
OLRL offers this excellent 72 page
booklet (http://olrl.org/books/holyghost.shtml - 65 cents ea.) which has many insights, and Catholic
instructions regarding the Holy Ghost. Included are various prayers and devotions to the Holy Ghost.

----------------------------------------------

NOVENA TO THE HOLY GHOST

Foreword
The novena to the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first
made at the direction of Our Lord when He sent His apostles back to
Jerusalem to await the coming of the Holy Ghost on the First Pentecost. It
is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to
the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the
light, strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. To encourage
devotion to the Holy Ghost, the Church has enriched this novena with the
following indulgences:
The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy
Ghost immediately preceding the feast of Pentecost may gain:
1. An indulgence of 10 years on any day of the novena
2. A Plenary indulgence, if they take part in at least five of the
exercises; and moreover go to confession, and receive Holy Communion and
pray for the Holy Father's intentions.

Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Ghost, either before
Pentecost or at any other time in the year may gain:
1. An indulgence of 7 years on any day of this novena
2. A Plenary indulgence under the usual conditions; but if a public novena
is held, this indulgence is available only to those who are lawfully
hindered from being part in the same.

First Day
Holy Spirit! Lord of Light!
From Thy clear celestial height.
Thy pure beaming radiance give!

The Holy Ghost
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 Ghost 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 has vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and
the Holy Ghost, and hast given us forgiveness of all sins, vouchsafe to send
forth from heaven upon us Thy 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Act of Consecration to the Holy Ghost
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I offer
myself, soul and body, to Thee, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the
brightness of Thy purity, the unerring keenness of Thy justice, and the
might of Thy love. Thou art the Strength and Light of my soul. In Thee I
live and move and am. I desire never to grieve Thee by unfaithfulness to
grace, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against
Thee. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch
for Thy light, and listen to Thy voice, and follow Thy gracious
inspirations. I cling to Thee and give myself to Thee and ask Thee, by Thy
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 Thee, Adorable
Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, so to keep me in Thy grace that I may never
sin against Thee. Give me grace, O Holy Ghost, Spirit of the Father and the
Son, to say to Thee always and everywhere, "Speak Lord, for Thy servant
heareth." Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
O Lord Jesus Christ Who, before ascending into heaven, didst promise to send
the Holy Ghost to finish Thy work in the souls of Thy Apostles and
Disciples, deign to grant the same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in
my soul the work of Thy grace and Thy 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 Thy divine truth; the Spirit of 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 Thee 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; 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 Thy true disciples and animate me in all things with Thy
Spirit. Amen.

Second Day
Come, Thou Father of the poor!
Come, with treasures which endure!
Come, Thou 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 the 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 Thee, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all
things that can offend Thee, and make me worthy to appear before the pure
eyes of Thy Divine Majesty in heaven, where Thou livest and reignest in the
unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God, world without end. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Third Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fourth Day
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 undertake 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 troubles 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Fifth Day
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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Sixth Day
If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

The Gift of Understanding
Understanding, as a gift of the Holy Ghost, 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 of Thy Light; and in the light of glory to have a clear vision
of Thee and the Father and the Son. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Seventh Day
Heal our wounds-our strength renew;
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 be 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 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. Amen.

Our Father
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Eighth Day
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 come 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 Savior: "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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

Ninth Day
Thou, on those who evermore
Thee confess and Thee adore
In Thy sevenfold gifts, descend:
Give them comfort when they die;
Give the life with Thee on high;
Give them joys which never end. Amen.

The Fruits of the Holy Ghost
The gifts of the Holy Ghost 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 Ghost, our
service becomes more sincere and generous, the practice of virtue becomes
more perfect. Such acts of virtue leave the heart filled with joy and
consolation and are known as Fruits of the Holy Ghost. 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 on 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
Hail Mary
Glory be to the Father (seven times)
Act of Consecration
Prayer for the Seven Gifts

***********************************************************************************
PRAYER TO THE HOLY GHOST

Come, O Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the
fire of Thy love.

V. Send forth Thy Spirit, and they shall be created;
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray - Oh God, Who hast instructed the hearts of the faithful by the
light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the same Spirit we may be always
truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolations. Through Christ Our Lord.
Amen. (From the Roman Missal).

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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Our Lady of Fatima

2006-05-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Fifth Sunday after Easter
J.M.J.

more about . . .
Fatima

During the month of May, on the 13th, we celebrate the feast of Our
Lady of Fatima. On this day in 1917, Our Lady made her first appearance to
the three shepherd children, Jacinta, Francisco and Lucia at Fatima in
Portugal. She appeared to them every month from May through October. The
lives of the three children of Fatima were entirely transformed by the
heavenly apparitions. While fulfilling the duties of their state with the
greatest fidelity, those children seemed now to live only on Rosaries and
sacrifices, which they offered in a spirit of reparation to obtain peace and
the conversion of sinners. They deprived themselves of water during the
periods of great heat; they gave their lunch to poor children; they bore
about their loins a thick cord that even drew blood; they abstained from
little innocent pleasures and urged one another to the practice of prayer
and penance with an ardour comparable to that of the great saints.

Francis was struck down by the well-known Spanish influenza in December,
1918. The little patient suffered for several months always devout, and very
faithful to his Rosary which he recited eight or nine times a day. When he
no longer had the strength to pronounce the words he said them mentally. On
Thursday, April 3rd, 1919, he made his First Communion on his death-bed, all
radiant with happiness. On the following day, Friday, April 4th, at 10 o'clock
in the evening, he died the death of the elect, with a smile on his lips. He
was ten years and nine months old.

Jacinta was attacked also by the Spanish influenza almost at the same
time as here brother Francis . She too spoke of nothing else than of
reciting the Rosary and offering sacrifices for sinners. One day she
confided to Lucy: "The Blessed Virgin has told me that I shall go to a
hospital in Lisbon, that I shall not see my parents again, that after
suffering much I shall die all alone, but that I must not be afraid, for she
will come and take me to heaven."

Indeed, towards the end of January, 1920, she was taken to Lisbon to be
operated upon for a purulent pleurisy. There she immediately impressed all
by her candour, her modesty, her great patience, her perfect submission, her
continued prayer and ardent love for Holy Communion which she received every
day except when prevented by illness. The Blessed Virgin continued to
encourage this heroic virtue by her apparitions. One day, when the
Superioress came to see her, Jacinta asked her quite naturally: "Could you
come back a little later? I am expecting the Blessed Virgin any minute!"
And, all transfigured the child looked fixedly at a definite spot. On
another occasion she was heard to say "That place must be left free, for
that is where the Blessed Virgin stood."

The effects of these visits from heaven manifested themselves not only
in the supernatural wisdom of the child's words, but also in her
predictions. One of the doctors who attended her in Lisbon asked her to
recommend him to the Blessed Virgin when she went to heaven. Jacinta
promised to do so; and then looking at the doctor she said to him: "You will
follow me soon!" To another doctor, who recommended himself and his daughter
to her prayers, she promised to pray for them and added: "You will follow me
soon; first your daughter and then yourself!" These predictions, as well as
several others, were fulfilled to the letter.

What ardour did not this child of ten preach amendment of life, not only
to sinners, but also to faithful souls! How she insisted on flight from sin,
the practice of the Christian virtues and penance!

"Oh!" she said to the Superioress of the Orphanage in Lisbon, "if men
only knew what eternity is, how they would make all possible efforts to
amend their lives! Dear Godmother (this she addressed the Superioress),
mortification and sacrifice give great pleasure to Our Divine Lord! Oh! Fly
luxury! Fly riches! Love holy poverty! Be very charitable even towards the
wicked! Never speak evil of anyone and avoid those who do. Be very patient
because patience leads to heaven.

"Pray much for sinners! Pray much for priests, for Religious, for
Governments! Priests should occupy themselves only with the affairs of the
Church! They must be pure, very pure. The disobedience of priests and of
religious to their Superiors and to the Holy Father offends Our Lord very
much! If Governments left the Church in peace and gave liberty to our holy
religion, they would be blessed by God.

"The sins of the world are too great! The sins which lead most souls to
hell are sins of the flesh! . . . Oh! Men must do penance! If they amend
their lives Our Lord will still pardon the world; but if they do not, the
chastisement will come! . . ."

On Friday, February 20th, 1920, Jacinta asked for the last Sacraments
saying that she was going to die. The Pastor came and heard her confession
at 8 o'clock in the evening. She insisted on receiving the holy Viaticum,
assuring them that she was going to die. They answered that she would
receive it on the following morning because there was no hurry. The child
submitted, but at about 10 o'clock in the morning expired peacefully,
attended only by her nurse. She was hardly ten years old.

At the news of her death people came from everywhere to see "the little
angel." Their enthusiasm naturally increased when it was perceived that the
body of "the little angel" exhaled a delicious perfume of flowers. The body
had to be left exposed for three days to satisfy the devotion of the people!

In all of Our Lady's apparitions at Fatima, she insisted on praying the
Rosary. "Pray the Rosary every day to obtain peace for the world". Lucy is
heard to repeat as if to retain well what Our Lady had first recommended to
her: "Yes, she wishes people to recite the Rosary, people must recite the
Rosary," She asked them to add after each decade the short prayer: "Oh my
Jesus forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls to
heaven especially those most in need of thy mercy." In the final apparition
on October 13, 1917, Our Lady silently held out the scapular (the brown
scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel). Lucia had said the Blessed Mother wants
everyone to wear it. "The Scapular and the Rosary are inseparable."

From the book "more about Fatima" by Rev. J. DaCruz C.S.Sp.

------------------------------------------

OLRL offers a brochure on Our Lady of Fatima
(http://www.olrl.org/prophecy/fatima.shtml). Order several for widespread
distribution to promote the message of Fatima.

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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May, Month of the Blessed Virgin

2006-05-08T12:42:00.000-07:00

Third Sunday after Easter
St. Stanislaus - Bishop, Martyr
J.M.J.

MAY, THE MONTH OF THE QUEENSHIP OF MARY

"As we crown thee with our hands, may we, through thee, be found worthy to
be crowned by Jesus, thy Son, with honor and glory in heaven." Pope Pius
XII

The Church has for centuries believed in the queenship of Mary, as is
evidenced by various prayers and expressions, especially in the recitation
of the Rosary and in the Litany of Loreto. In the Rosary we praise her for
the glory she received when God crowned her Queen of Heaven. In the Litany
we call upon her as Queen of angels, of patriarchs, and prophets, of
apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and all saints; as Queen conceived
without sin, Queen taken into heaven, and Queen of peace. The Church
believes firmly that Mary has a kingdom and royal powers; the faithful have
great confidence in her queenly intercession.

For more than a thousand years the Church has been greeting Mary in the
Divine Office and in private devotion with the words: "Hail Holy Queen, our
life, our sweetness, and our hope."

HOLY QUEEN, WE COME BEFORE THEE
by George Herbert

Holy Queen, we come before thee,
Queen of purity divine,
Make us love thee, we implore thee,
Make us truly to be thine.
Thou by faith the gates unfolding
Of the kingdom in the skies
Hast to us by faith beholding
Shown the land of Paradise.

Teach thy children, Holy Mother,
How to conquer every sin
How to love and help each other
How eternal life to win
Thou to whom a Child was given
Greater than the sons of men
Coming down from highest heaven
To create the world again.

Oh, by that Almighty Maker
Whom thyself a virgin bore,
Oh, by that supreme Creator
Whom you praise forevermore,
By the hope thy name inspires,
By our doom reversed through thee.
Help us, Queen of angel choirs
To a blest eternity.

From "The Angelus" - May 1986
(http://www.sspx.ca/Angelus/1986_May/May_Queenship_Mary.htm).

--
Sincerely in Christ,
Our Lady of the Rosary Library
"Pray and work for souls."
http://olrl.org

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Home School Cottage in Slidell, Louisiana

2006-05-04T10:51:00.000-07:00

Come by the Home School Cottage and...

Pick up a homeschool application
Take home free curriculum catalogs
Receive guidance on curriculum choices
Purchase new and used curriculum and resource materials
Bring in your used curriculum to consign
Sign up for Acorns to Oaks Tutoring classes
Obtain information on local homeschool organizations
Find out about upcoming workshops and special homeschooling events
Relax with a snowcone or cold drink on our snack shop deck

If you would like to set up a private consultation with our homeschool counselor, call during store hours - Tue 10am to 4pm, Wed thru Fri 10am to 6pm - or schedule an appointment.

Original Location

606 Brownswitch Road
Slidell LA 70458
(985) 643-0104

Home School Cottage 2

This Baton Rouge area location is currently restructuring. Due to Hurricane Katrina, storefront property is sparse.

For information on the temporary pick-up/drop-off point for the Baton Rouge area, contact the Home School Cottage at (985) 643-0104.

CBD Homeschool Sale

2006-04-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Christianbook.com is a very good link for your homeschooling needs.

Check them out! :)

Easter 2006

2006-04-16T04:00:00.000-07:00

Christ is Risen!

Let us rejoice and be glad!

Happy Easter to one and all, may your day be filled with joy and hope.

Fun In April

2006-04-11T08:02:00.000-07:00

April started off with a great birthday party, an 18th birthday! Our son Christopher has hit that milestone. To celebrate, he invited his brother, sisters and friends to go "Cosmic Bowling". Let's see, there were Ted, Ben, Randy, Jeff, Stefan, Alex, Mark, Ryan, Bridget, Elizabeth and MaryCatherine. They all had a fun time.
I served them all a dinner of Christopher's choosing, stuffed shells and a very nice salad. He also chose an almond flavored cake with ice cream. Ah, those family traditions.

Happy St. Joseph's Day 2006

2006-03-20T11:17:00.000-08:00

Our Altar, this year was as beautiful and well attended as always. The food was awesome and the day filled with joy. All of you that asked to be remembered, were. After Fr. T blessed the Altar, everyone sat down to eat. Thank you St. Joseph for bringing us all together on your Feast Day.

Viva San Guiseppe,
Penny

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2006-03-17T07:43:00.000-08:00

Christ shield me this day: Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every person who thinks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me Saint Patrick, from his breastplate

Visit the Virtual St. Joseph's Altar

2006-03-09T05:53:00.000-08:00

Want to see something really interesting??? Then visit
http://politickles.com/thankevann/stjoseph/

This is a virtual St. Joseph's Altar where you can make a virtual offering and a prayer petition. Very good site and what a tribute to such a wonderful Saint. Please visit.

St. Joseph's Day is March 19th, and I will be having my 13th annual St. Joseph's Altar here at our home. If you would like me to place a petition on the altar for you just email me at sixofus1@bellsouth.net

Viva San Guiseppe,
Penny

The Season Of Lent

2006-03-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

Here we are, having partied our way through Mardi Gras with Family and Friends, now reflecting on our prayer life and penances. It is Lent. Time to give up your favorite candy and/or pray more. Do a bit more spiritual reading. Learn more about our Catholic faith, a treasure trove of hope and standards for life. The Our Quest for Happiness theology series is an excellent resource for gaining complete knowledge of our faith.

I pray that all of us have a Lent that is reflective, patient, practicing some form of self-denial and gaining in our prayer time.

God bless,
Penny

The Krewe of Shoebox Floats, Third Annual Parade

2006-02-26T12:22:00.000-08:00

Catechism Lesson V

2006-02-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary:
And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord:
Be it done unto me according to Thy
word.

Hail Mary . . .
And the Word was made Flesh:
And dwelt among us.

Hail Mary . . .

Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God,
that we may be made worthy of the
promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord,
Thy grace into our hearts that we,
to whom theincarnation of Christ,
Your Son, was made known by the
message of an angel, may by His
Passion and Cross be brought to the
glory of His Resurrection, through
the same Christ Our Lord.

Amen.

Feast of St. Valentine

2006-02-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to all of you out there!

And a very Happy Birthday to my own Sweetheart!!!

All the best,
Penny

Catechism Lesson IV

2006-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Common Latin Terms

 1. Missa: Mass
2. Pater Noster: Our Father
3. Ave Maria: Hail Mary
4. Credo: I believe
5. Salve Regina: Hail Holy Queen
6. Te Deum: Thee God
7. Memorare: to Remember
8. De Profoundis: Out of the Depths
9. Sub Tuum: We Fly to You(r)
10. Regina Coeli: Queen of Heaven
11. Novena: nine
12. Venite Adoremus:  Come Let us Adore Him
13. Confiteor: I confess
14. Kyrie eleison: (Greek) Lord have mercy
15. Gloria in Excelsis: Glory be to God on High
16. Angelus:  the Angel
17. Evangelium: Gospel or 'Good tidings'
18. Agnus Dei: Lamb of God
19. Sanctus: holy
20. Ave Maris Stella: Hail Star of the Sea
21. Laudare, Benedicere:  to praise, to bless
22. O Salutaris Hostia: O Saving Victim
23. Tantum Ergo:  Down in Adoration Falling
24. Adoro Te Devote:  I Devoutly Adore Thee
25. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti.

The Feast of St. Blaise

2006-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite memories, growing up Catholic, is that of the Feast of Saint Blaise. The Blessing of the Throats was done after Holy Mass every year on his feast. It was one of the yearly feasts I always looked forward to.

The Feast of Saint Blaise

St. Blaise (also spelled Blase and Blasius) -- one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers -- was a 3rd century physician who became Bishop of Sebaste, Armenia. This was the time of persecution under Licinius, so St. Blaise hid out in a cave on Mt. Argeus. From the Golden Legend:

Catechism Lesson III

2006-02-01T18:17:00.000-08:00

The Nature of Christ 1.  Who is Jesus Christ?
   Jesus Christ is God the Son, made man for us.
2.  Is Jesus Christ truly God?
   Yes, He is God and has the same nature as the Father, born of the Father  from all eternity.
3.  Is Jesus Christ truly man?
   Yes, because he has the nature of man: a body and a soul.
4.  Was Jesus Christ always man?
   No, only from the time if His Incarnation.
5.   What is meant by the ‘Incarnation?’
   It means that God the Son took to himself the nature of man: 'the Word was made  Flesh'.
6.  How many natures are there in Jesus Christ?
   Two: the nature of  God and the nature of man.
7.  How many persons are in Christ the Son?
   Only one: the Person of God the Son.
8. Why was God the Son made man?
   In order to  redeem us from sin and hell, and to teach us the way to heaven.
9. What does the holy name Jesus Christ mean?
   JESUS means Saviour; CHRIST means Anointed.
10. Where is Jesus Christ?
   As God, He is everywhere. As God made man, He is in heaven  and in the           Blessed Sacrament on earth.

Family Fitness

2006-01-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

We started a family fitness program one week ago today. We get up at 5:30 a.m. three times a week, to walk with my husband before he leaves for work. On the other days, the kids and I do some circuit training along with some crunches and push-ups. We are watching our diets, not eating bread of any kind, right now and sticking mostly to high protein foods. Water is a big part of the plan, we drink half of our body weight in ounces, everyday.
When we weighed in this morning, the five of us had lost 29 pounds, collectively. Everyone had a very good start!
Our son, at college is doing his program at school and will keep us posted.
Our plan is to be lean and in shape for the fall...so we can take a family photograph for Christmas.

Wish us luck!!! :) And I'll keep you posted of our progress.
I have a ticker at the bottem of the page for each of us, which tracks our weight loss.

Have a great day,
Penny

Catholic Catechism Lesson II

2006-01-28T07:11:00.000-08:00

The Nature of God
1.  Nature and characteristics of God:
S-P-A-C-E-O-A (space-o-a)
S upreme  - has no equals
Perfect  - without fault
Almighty - can do all things
Creator:  of all  by his word
Eternal: no beginning, no end
Omnipresent: everywhere always
A ll-knowing: nothing is hidden

2.  Does God the Father have a body?
No, He is a spirit.

3.  How many Gods are there?
There is only one God.

4.  How many persons are there in God?
Three:  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit:  the   Trinity.

5. What is a mystery?
A truth which is above reason, but revealed by God and accepted by faith.

6.  How is our soul like the Trinity?
In the soul's three powers: memory, understanding, and will.

7. What does supernatural mean?
That which is above our natural power to acquire to merit.

Catholic Catechism Lesson I

2006-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00




Nature of the Church
1.  What are the four marks (identifying traits) of the true Church?
One  - Holy - Catholic - Apostolic

2.  How is the Church One?
All members have the same Faith, Sacrifice, Sacraments, and Head (Jesus Christ).

3.  How is the Church Holy?
Jesus Christ, Her holy Founder, teaches holy doctrine and the means of holiness.

4.  How is the Church Catholic (universal)?
Because it is a timeless source of teaching and Truth for all nations.

5.  How is the Church Apostolic?
It was founded by Christ on the apostles and, according to His Divine Will,
has always been governed by their lawful  successors.

6.  How do we know that the Church cannot err in what she  teaches?
Because Christ promised...
~ The gates of hell shall  never prevail against his Church
~ The Holy Spirit  shall teach her all things
~  He Himself will be with her all days
Matt. 16:18, John 14:16-26, Matt. 28:20

The Homeschool Cottage

2006-01-11T06:46:00.000-08:00

Let us help you get started in homeschooling!

Come by the Home School Cottage and ...

Pick up a homeschool application
Take home free curriculum catalogs
Receive guidance on curriculum choices
Purchase used curriculum and resource materials
Bring in your used curriculum to consign
Sign up for tutoring classes
Obtain information on local homeschool organizations
Find out about upcoming workshops and special homeschooling events
Relax with a snowcone or cold drink on our snack shop deck

If you would like to set up a private consultation with our homeschool counselor, call during store hours Tue-Fri 10-4 or Sat 10-2 and schedule an appointment.

Original location
606 Brownswitch Road
Slidell LA 70458
(985) 643-0104

Feast of the Epiphany

2006-01-06T06:07:00.000-08:00

FAITH MAGAZINE: The Feast of the Epiphany --
Traditions that celebrate the twelfth day
By THOMAS BROWN, T&D Staff Writer
Friday, January 06, 2006

The popular carol, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,”celebrates the season with a variety of birds,musicians and members of the gentry dancing and leaping. Merchants start their count twelve days before Christmas, encouraging gift givers to shop early.

But long before there were malls and before the carol was written, the twelve days of
Christmas were observed beginning with Christmas Day or the Day of the Nativity,
and ending with Epiphany or Three Kings Day on Jan. 6, the day that the Magi arrived at the
site of Jesus’ birth.

According to a legend based on a Bible story, the three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, saw a bright star in the sky on the night that Christ was born, followed it to Bethlehem, found
the Christ child and bestowed gifts upon him of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The observance had its origins in the Eastern Christian church, according to the Catholic Encyclopedia. In the Western church, the feast of Christmas was established before that of Epiphany. Over time, the West began to celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, while Eastern churches continued to treat Jan. 6 as the day marking Jesus’ birth.

Today in Eastern Orthodox churches, the emphasis at this feast is on the shining forth and revelation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and second person of the Holy Trinity at the time of his baptism.

According to Robert Blair in “Christian Traditions and Customs,” the Irish call this day Little Christmas. In Rome, “Epiphania” was transformed into Befana, the fair held during this season.

In Spain and many of the countries of Central and South America, Epiphany is called El Dia de los Reyes — the Day of the Kings.

In Spanish tradition, on Jan. 6, the three Kings, representing Europe, Arabia and Africa,
arrived on horse, camel and elephant bringing their gifts.

In Mexico, children leave their shoes out on Jan. 6, sometimes filling them with hay for the camels so that the wise men will be generous with their gifts. In Puerto Rico, children fill a box with hay and place it under their beds, for the same reasons.

A French custom which is still practiced in New Orleans is the preparation of the king cake or Twelfth Night Cake, which can have a small doll, representing the baby Jesus, or an ornament baked in it. The person who finds the doll or ornament in their slice of the cake is named king of the day.

The blessing of the home is also a popular Epiphany custom. Using specially blessed chalk, many households mark their doorways with the inscription C - M - B, the initials of the wise men.

The inscription also stands for Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means “Christ bless this home.”

All traditions and customs associated with Epiphany brings attention back to the Christ child. And at the foundation of them all, there is the meaning of the word Epiphany — appearance, miraculous phenomenon. They all celebrate the revelation of God to mankind in human form, in the person of JesusChrist.