. Sept. 5. ST. LAURENCE JUSTINIAN, from Character Calendar by Sr. Mary Fidelis and Sr. Mary Charitas
Statue of St. Laurence Justinian, Milan Cathedral
Refusing the offer of a brilliant marriage, he fled secretly from his home at Venice and entered a religious Order. He induced a friend, who had come to persuade him to return home, to remain and enter the monastery.
Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God. There was not found the like to him, who kept the law of the Most High. — Gradual: Ecclesiasticus 44.
The greatest saints shunned the company of men when they could, and chose rather to live unto God in secret. — Imitation: Book I.
Ideal: A rich nobleman, St. Laurence was wise enough to recognize the greater riches of God’s love. He put by his paltry chests of gold and silver to plunge into the very treasure house of wealth by becoming a religious and making all the glory of heaven more surely his.
Today: For five consecutive minutes sometime today, think this over: Nothing goes with me to the Judgment Seat of God, to insure heaven, but a good life.
Slogan: What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world, but suffer the loss of his soul?
The Easter candle is extinguished on Ascension Thursday, signifying that Jesus’ time on Earth has ended, and we must now prepare for the coming of the Holy Ghost.
The novena in honor of the Holy Ghost is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself 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 and strength and love so sorely needed by every Christian. To encourage devotion to the Holy Spirit, the Church has enriched this novena with the following indulgences:
“The faithful who devoutly assist at the public novena in honor of the Holy Spirit immediately preceding the Solemn Feast of Pentecost may gain a partial indulgence for themselves or as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.
Those who make a private novena in honor of the Holy Spirit, either before the Solemn Feast of Pentecost or at any other time in the year, may also gain a partial indulgence for themselves or as an offering for the intentions of the faithful departed.” ~ Catholic Harbor of Faith and Morals
Thou, Prince of all ages, Thou, O Christ, the King of the nations, we acknowledge Thee the one Judge of all hearts and minds.
O Christ, peace-bringing Prince, subjugate the rebellious minds: And in Thy love, bring together in one flock those going astray.
For this, with arms outstretched, Thou hung, bleeding, on the Cross, and the cruel spear that pierced Thee, showed man a Heart burning with love.
For this, Thou art hidden on our altars under the form of bread and wine, and pour out on Thy children from Thy pierced side the grace of salvation.
May the rulers of the world publicly honor and extol Thee; May teachers and judges reverence Thee; May the laws express Thine order and the arts reflect Thy beauty.
May kings find renown in their submission and dedication to Thee. Bring under Thy gentle rule our country and our homes.
Glory be to Thee, O Jesus, supreme over all secular authorities; And glory be to the Father and the loving Spirit through endless ages.
Since Father will be saying Mass for us early on Tuesday for the Immaculate Conception, we will have Sunday Mass, Dec. 6, at 6 pm.
Monday, Dec. 7, is a day of complete fast and abstinence for the Vigil of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be at 7 am on Tuesday, Dec. 8.
A most blessed feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to you. Here are some simple ways to increase your devotion and make reparation to the Sacred Heart:
In song:
In aspirations:
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be loved everywhere.
Sweet Heart of my Jesus, grant that I may always love You more.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, I give myself to You through Mary.
Sweetest Jesus, hide me in Your Sacred Heart. Do not permit me to be separated from You. Defend me from the evil foe.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, let me love You and make you loved.
Heart of Jesus, burning with love for us, set our hearts on fire with love of You.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like Yours.
Divine Heart of Jesus, convert sinners, save the dying, deliver the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
Glory, love and thanksgiving be to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sweet Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and on our erring brethren.
All for You, most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Sacred Heart of Jesus, may you be known, loved, and imitated!
Sacred Heart of Jesus, protect our families.
In a Short Litany of Aspirations:
May I prove to You my love, O heart of Jesus, by a spirit of self-sacrifice for your interests.
May I cheerfully make every sacrifice You demand of me, O heart of my Jesus.
May the sacrifices You ask of me glorify You, O heart of my Jesus.
May each sacrifice made for Your love draw me nearer to You, O heart of my Jesus.
By increasing in the spirit of self-sacrifice, may I become more like You, O heart…
May the sacrifices I make be agreeable to You, …
May each sacrifice win one soul to You,…
May each sacrifice prevent one mortal sin,…
May each sacrifice earn a special grace for some soul,…
May each sacrifice merit a holy death for some soul,…
May each sacrifice relieve a soul in purgatory,…
May each sacrifice ascend as a prayer to You,…
May each sacrifice be as a hymn of praise to You,…
May Your Holy Spirit instruct me more and more in the spirit of self-sacrifice,…
May the spirit of self-sacrifice increase in our family,…
May the same spirit be propagated throughout the whole Church,…
And may it hasten the Church’s triumph….
O Lamb of God, sacrificed for us, give us a spirit of self-sacrifice.
O Lamb of God, daily immolating Yourself upon the altar for us, give us grace to immolate our wills for Your sake.
O Lamb of God, dying for us, give us grace to die to all that wounds your Sacred Heart.
Prayer
O Lord Jesus Christ, whose whole life was one continual sacrifice for the glory of Your Father and the salvation of our souls, grant us the grace to find our joy in making sacrifices for You and for the interests of Your Sacred Heart. Amen.
(St. Bonaventure has said, “There is no devotion without sacrifice.” Making little sacrifices, when offered for an intention as above, proves your love for Him is real, not just words.)
The Easter candle is extinguished on Ascension Thursday, signifying that Jesus’ time on Earth has ended, and we must now prepare for the coming of the Holy Ghost
Our Lady of Fatima Mission Chapel 