The Magnificat – also known as the Song of Mary or the Canticle of Mary – is one of the eight most ancient Christian hymns and possibly the earliest Marian hymn. The canticle’s text is taken directly from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:46-55) where the Virgin Mary goes to visit her cousin Elizabeth who is pregnant with the future John the Baptist. After Mary greets Elizabeth, the child moves within Elizabeth’s womb. Elizabeth praises Mary for her faith, and Mary in turn responds with what is now known as the Magnificat. (This scenario is also known as the Visitation, one of the five Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary.)
Here is the Magnificat, in both English and Latin. I have also included the hymn in this post below.
The Magnificat
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant.
From this … [Read More...]
Originally posted on April 2, 2011
Saint Raphael belongs to the Choir of the Archangels and is one of three Archangels whose names are revealed in Sacred Scriptures; the other two are Michael and Gabriel. Raphael’s name means “God heals” and he is the patron saint of happy meetings and travelers, as well as physicians, nurses, the blind and many others which you can read about here.
Ever since my house became a target for some sort of spiritual entity, I’ve developed a renewed interest in the angels and their roles in our lives. But it occurs to me that I haven’t really written enough about the angels (except for Saint Michael the Archangel), and that this powerful prayer to Saint Raphael should most certainly be posted in this blog. I like to say the prayer before family gatherings and before meetings with loved ones whom I’ve had tense relations with in the past. I also like to ask … [Read More...]
Originally posted on March 30, 2011
Finding peace in troubled times may seem difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. However, before we find that peace, first we have to search for it. And in order to search for it we first have to be in a peaceful place within our own hearts. Offering a sign of peace, in whatever form that may be, is a perfect gesture of kindness and love when it is genuine and coming from the heart. But if we are to offer peace, we first have to possess it ourselves. After all, you can’t give away what you don’t already have.
If we are to search for, find and promote peace in troubled times we first have to recognize that without humility, there is no peace. I’ve read that Saint Francis de Sales said that peace is born of humility. He said that the only things that really trouble us are pride and the esteem we … [Read More...]
Tomorrow, March 26th, is the feast of the Annunciation of the Lord. (The Annunciation is typically celebrated on March 25th, unless that day falls on a Sunday during Lent.) On this day of the Annunciation, we celebrate the angel Gabriel’s appearance to the Virgin Mary when he announced that the Blessed Virgin was chosen by God to be the Mother of the Lord. We also celebrate Mary’s fiat, which was her willingness to accept God’s holy plan.
The Angelus (latin for “angel”) is a prayer that may be recited in memory of the Incarnation. It was traditionally recited in Roman Catholic churches, convents and monasteries three times a day at 6:00 am, 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm. Some Anglican and Lutheran churches also use this devotion.
The Angelus
V. The angel spoke God’s message to Mary,
R. and she conceived of the Holy Spirit.
Hail, Mary. . . .
V. ”I am the lowly servant of the … [Read More...]
Originally posted on March 12, 2011
This is the time of year when we should be remembering what Our Lord told Saint Maria Faustina regarding The Divine Mercy. He said that the Chaplet can be prayed anytime, but He specifically asked that it be recited as a novena, especially on the nine days before the Feast of Mercy. He promised, “By this Novena (of Chaplets) I will grant every possible grace to souls” (Diary,796).
As you can see, I’m doing a lot of linking back to two previous posts I wrote on this topic a while back. Please refer to those posts for a thorough explanation of The Divine Mercy and/or additional information about its purpose, the Chaplet, etc. I’m going to dedicate this post to the Novena to The Divine Mercy and include the first three of the nine days of prayers. The bold font are the words of Our Lord as He instructed Saint Faustina where … [Read More...]
Originally posted on March 2, 2011
The other day one of the readers suggested that I write about the Scapular. I have to admit, I probably should’ve covered this topic by now, and in fact had already received this suggestion from that same reader a few months ago. The Scapular is such an important element of our Catholic faith but unfortunately, it isn’t as popular as it once used to be.
What Is the Scapular?
Most Catholics have at least heard of the Scapular, even if they don’t choose to wear it. However, I’m guessing there are probably several others (maybe in the younger age groups) who have either never heard of it or who only have a vague idea of what it is and why it plays such a significant role in our salvation.
This is The Catholic Encyclopedia’s description, word for word, of what the Scapular is in terms of the actual physical definition:
It consists essentially of … [Read More...]
Lately there have been several requests for prayers to be said for various people dealing with various afflictions. Some of the requests are showing up in the form of comments, and others as emails. I thought that maybe this would be a good time to post a Saint Anthony prayer called St. Anthony – Saint of Miracles, which you will find below. Please refer to this Wikipedia link to read about Saint Anthony of Padua’s life and patronage, etc.
On another note, Selin, one of our readers, has written a piece called What are you looking for? that I think you will enjoy reading, and I will be posting it by the end of this week. Also, I’m working on an update to my latest post, Spiritual Warfare – (2), which should be ready by some time next week. There will be some other posts in the coming weeks on the Virgin Mary and spiritual warfare. Also, I’m … [Read More...]
On February 11th, 1858, a young lady appeared to Bernadette Soubirous. This apparition was the first of a series that followed. On March 25th of that year, there was an apparition in which the lady identified herself with the words: “I am the Immaculate Conception.” You can read more about Our Lady of Lourdes here.
Today we remember Our Lady of Lourdes, and invoke her aid for all of the people we know who are suffering from bodily ills. We should also remember that St. Bernadette of Lourdes is the patron saint of bodily ills, and we can always turn to her when we need prayers for a sick loved one or for anyone suffering from any type of bodily ailment, including sickness in general. She is also the patron saint of poor people and people ridiculed for their piety.
Prayer to Our Lady of Lourdes
O ever Immaculate Virgin, Mother of mercy, health of the sick, refuge … [Read More...]
This is the twelfth in a series of posts titled True Devotion to Mary which I started in a hopeful effort to promote the prophetic message of Saint Louis De Montfort in his book titled True Devotion to Mary. Please refer back to this post which will link you back to the previous ones. Everything written in burgundy font is quoted directly from Saint Louis De Montfort’s book.
What I’ve done in all the past True Devotion posts is add my own personal remarks and insights below De Montfort’s words. However, I thought it might be interesting this time to see what other people have to say. Please feel free to leave your comments below or, if you prefer, send me something via a private email and I’ll read it and then add it to this post either giving you credit, or keeping your name anonymous, whichever you prefer.
-THIRD TRUTH-
We Need Mary in Order to Die to … [Read More...]
I was watching Women of Grace the other night which airs on the EWTN network and is hosted by Johnnette Benkovic. She and her guests were discussing some morally adverse issues facing young girls and parents of young girls in today’s world. Much of the discussion was wrapped around the topic of sexualization and pornification of women, starting with little girls as young as three years old and even younger.
The show reminded me of a post I’d written a year ago about the breakdown of the family and the alarming state of decline society is sinking into as it allows and even promotes the pedophilia chic concept to take root in our culture, like a weed in an unattended garden. Why isn’t there more being done about this blatant danger? We scream and rage for more child protection laws and services, and yet the sexualization of children – girls and boys – that can be witnessed around the globe … [Read More...]
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Hello, my name is Margo. When I was 23 years old and working as a part-time nanny in New York City I had the pleasure of caring for a little 5-year-old boy named Alexander. One day I had been overcome with sadness and in a weak moment, I found myself confiding to this little boy about a friend I couldn't find because he was lost. Alexander, quickly responded without missing a beat, “Follow a trail!” [