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:  “Never let a day pass without hearing Mass; and that you may more easily do so with devotion and benefit to yourself, go in spirit to Calvary, and remain there by the side of Jesus, who for your sake offers the sacrifice of His life to His Eternal Father, and for your sake renews it on the Altar.  If you cannot assist at the holy Sacrifice in person, be there at least in desire, and offer this pious desire to Our Lord; unite yourself in spirit with all the faithful who this day hear Mass, and, above all, with the priests who are celebrating and in union with them offer Jesus Christ, and His Passion, His Blood, and His Death, to the Eternal Father in satisfaction for your sins, for the conversion of poor sinners, and for the salvation of your soul; and beseech Him, through the merits of His adorable, Crucified Son, to give you grace never to fall into mortal sin.

“Daily attendance at Mass is a source of many graces, both spiritual and temporal; endeavor, therefore, never to deprive yourself of them.”

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.

Point 7

Reflect that you are traveling through a hostile country, where at every step you are liable to meet with dangerous snares; therefore, in order that you may always have some place of security in which to take refuge, select one of the most holy Wounds of Jesus for your abode that day; often retire there to pour forth the feelings of your heart in acts of love and compassion for Jesus who endured those wounds for your salvation, and ask Him to bestow upon you the gift of some virtue, which you may endeavor to practice in a particular manner during the day.

For Sunday

    The loving Heart of Jesus–Ask Him to bestow upon you the gift of His holy love and of a spirit of detachment from all earthly affections.

For Monday

    The Wound of the Left Foot–Ask for Holy Perseverance.

For Tuesday

     The Wound of the Right Foot–Ask for true contrition for your sins.

For Wednesday

    The Wound of the Left Hand–Ask for humility.

For Thursday

    The Wound of the Right Hand–Ask for resignation in all things to the Will of God.

For Friday

    The Sacred Wound of the Side–Ask for grace to maintain a continual remembrance of the Passion and Death of Jesus.

For Saturday

    The suffering heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary–Ask for sincere devotion and tender love towards her.

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:  “Your meditation being finished, you should then resolve that in all your actions you will seek to imitate Jesus suffering and dying for your sake.  Resolve that during the whole course of the day, you will most lovingly remain in spirit by the side of your Divine suffering Redeemer, calling to mind as often as possible that portion of His Passion on which you have been meditating in the morning.  Nothing can be more efficacious in affording us consolation under the trials of this life than the remembrance of the sufferings of Jesus.”

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.