Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. We will publish one a day:  “Regularly every day, as soon as you have finished your prayers, make half, or at least a quarter of an hour’s meditation, for which you may prepare your mind by the preparatory acts given on page 28*; then read slowly and attentively the Meditation on the Passion of Jesus Christ, as marked for that day in this little book.  If you are desirous of leading a devout life, you will never omit this meditation.  Be not of the number of those who say they have not time to meditate when they can find plenty of time to dissipate it in useless amusements.  Once seriously desire your salvation, and you will not be at a loss for time to meditate.”

*The preparatory acts mentioned are An Act of Faith, An Act of Adoration, An Act of Humility, An Act of Contrition, and an Act of Petition.

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. We will publish one a day:  “Then dedicate yourself to the most blessed Virgin Mary, to be her servant and child, and thus place yourself under her especial protection.  Be very exact in daily offering this little tribute of respect to Mary, your loving Patroness and Mother, and you will not fail to experience the blessed effects of her powerful patronage.  Devoutly recite three Hail Marys before her image or picture, together with the following:

Prayer by which a Devout Christian May Dedicate Himself to The Blessed Virgin

“O MOST holy Virgin Mary, Mother of God, although most unworthy of being thy servant yet inspired with confidence in thy extreme goodness, and filled with an earnest desire of serving thee, I, N_______N_______, this day choose thee, in the presence of thy Son, of my Angel Guardian, and of the whole Court of Heaven, for my especial Advocate, Mother, and Queen and I firmly purpose, with the assistance of thy prayers, to serve thee constantly, and to do all that lies in my power to cause thee to be served by all men.  I therefore humbly beseech thee, O most compassionate Mother, through the Precious Blood of thy Son, to receive me as thy devout client and thy servant forever, assist me in all my actions, and obtain grace for me, that I may so regulate all my thoughts, words, and deeds, as never to offend thy Son Jesus.  Forget me not, and never forsake me, either now or at the hour of my death.  Amen.

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. We will publish one a day:  “As soon as you are dressed, kneel down and say your prayers with the greatest possible devotion.  You will be wanting in religious duty if you omit this practice, and such negligence is the fatal source of many misfortunes, and the cause of the loss of innumerable souls.  If you defer the payment of this tribute to God, other occupations will intervene, and you will not be able to find time for fulfilling so important a duty.”

Prayer containing the Principle Acts Which a Christian Ought to Make

I BELIEVE, O Lord; but do Thou increase my faith.  All my hopes are in Thee; do Thou secure them.  I love Thee with my whole heart; teach me to love Thee daily more and more.  I am sorry for having offended Thee; do Thou increase my sorrow.

O my God, grant that my will may be ever conformable to Thine, so that I may will whatever Thou willest, because it is Thy Will, and in the manner Thou willest.  Grant that I may in everything seek to please Thee, and to promote Thy greater glory.

Grant that I may strenuously labor to serve Thee faithfully, to observe the greatest modesty in my deportment, preserve my purity unsullied, overcome every temptation, avoid all occasions of sin, and persevere in Thy grace.

To Thee, O my God, do I offer all my thoughts, that they may ever be wholly Thine; my words, that they may always be conformable to Thy Will; my actions, that they may all be in accordance with Thy law; and my sufferings, that they may be made acceptable in Thy sight.

I offer every breath I draw, every step I take, and all my labors, cares, anxieties, sorrows, weaknesses and feelings of repugnance to suffering, in union with the infinite merits of Jesus Christ, and the Dolors of the most Blessed Virgin Mary.  I offer them all to Thee in honor of the Passion and Death of my Redeemer, in satisfaction for my sins, to obtain the eternal salvation of poor sinners, and by way of suffrage for the holy souls in Purgatory.  (Often renew these intentions, and you will thus sanctify all the actions of the day.)

O my God, bestow upon me the gift of Thy love, a sincere hatred for every kind of sin, love for my neighbor, and a contempt of the world.  Make me prudent in my undertakings, constant in good works, patient in affliction, humble in prosperity, and resigned to Thy holy Will in whatever may befall me.

Enlighten my understanding, in order that I may know Thee, O my God, to love Thee, the vanities of the world to abhor them, the deceits of the devil to avoid them, and the malice of sin to detest it.  Impart strength and fervor to my will, so that it may never yield to any of the fatal insinuations of the devil, but may courageously resist all temptations.  Purify my body, and sanctify my soul.

Grant that I may spend this day in preparing for a good death, that I may fear Thy judgments, endeavor to escape Hell, never fall into sin, and gain Heaven through Thy great mercy.  Amen.

Editor’s Note:  In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. We will publish one a day:  “Nothing can be more thoroughly in opposition to a well-regulated Christian life than late rising: for which reason never allow sloth to get the better of you, but rise early, and dress yourself diligently and modestly, remembering the presence of God.  While dressing, devoutly reflect upon the sufferings which Jesus Christ endured in His most sacred Body to save you from the torments of Hell.  Offer your heart to Jesus Crucified, and promise to spend the day granted you by His goodness in loving and serving Him, and in reflecting, as often as possible, upon His bitter Passion.  Remember that the day you are now entering upon may be your last, and let your mind be deeply impressed with this truth.  Thus, death will never find you unprepared, and you will pass each day in a manner worthy of a Christian.”

In his book, The School of Jesus Crucified, Father Ignatius of the Side of Jesus, Passionist, outlines 25 points as a “Practical Rule of Christian Life for Daily Observance”. We will publish one a day:  “Nothing can be begun well unless begun in God, the sole Fountain of all real good; begin, therefore, each day by raising your mind and heart to God.  On awaking in the morning, let your first thoughts be devoted to this great truth:  God is here present; and make an act of lively faith in His Divine Presence.  Let your first action be the Sign of the Cross, according to the custom of the early Christians; your first words the holy Names of Jesus and Mary; and the first impulse of your heart an offering of yourself to God, by saying with the deepest feelings of respect:  I adore Thee, O my God; I love Thee with my whole heart; I thank Thee for all the blessings Thou hast bestowed upon me, and especially for dying for me on the Cross, shedding all Thy blood for the salvation of my soul, and preserving me in life up to the present moment; to Thee I consecrate my heart and my whole self.”