A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

Spiritual Combat

MARY: The life of man is warfare on the earth. He, like a soldier, does not have a fixed home, but a provisional one and must go where the will of God calls him. Your first combat must be that undertaken for the defense of the faith. You will often find yourself among people who do not believe or who are so weak in the faith that they give way at the smallest obstacle, often even at the ridicule of fools. You must counter, manifesting your unlimited submission to the wisdom of God, who is the supreme and only Truth, esteeming and appreciating it above all human theories.

If you allow yourself to be carried away or vacillate when some puny scientist of the earth contradicts the eternal Truth, you are not a soldier of Jesus Christ; you are guilty of desertion. The faith is the greatest science; it is not blind or traditional assent to things incomprehensible, but it is the superior revelation of the highest truths which you admit because God has revealed them to you, God who deserves more faith than any scientist of the earth. Therefore you must affirm your faith against all of the snares and contrary affirmations of pathetic earthly wisdom, apostatized from God. Affirming your faith, you must of necessity show yourself a child of the Catholic Church which possesses the sacred deposit of revealed truths; you must, therefore, fight boldly against every current that would pull you out of the Church and affirm your submission to its authority, to the Pope, to the bishops, to the priests.

You must fight against distrust and show that you trust in God and adore his dispositions, conforming yourself to his divine will. One is not worthy of God who is excessively preoccupied with earthly things, who despairs, who puts his faith back in men, forgetting God. You must fight against the delusions of the world and show yourself a Christian in life; you will never follow what is opposed to the will of God; you will not follow the customs and fashions of the world, even at the cost of being mocked, even at the cost of suffering and martyrdom.

A Christian fights energetically when he lives as a Christian, when he shows himself to be living according to the law of God and of the Church, when he is zealous for the salvation of his own brothers. Life itself is the most beautiful battle and therefore your life is a warfare here on earth. And the weapon of your spiritual combat is prayer. Pray because you must fight not only to destroy evil, but also to spread the good; pray because in order to fight you must first conquer yourself and live totally united to God.

As a Christian you must nourish your soul with the sacraments, you must enlighten it with knowledge of and meditation on the eternal truths, you must enliven it with constant union with God, fleeing from sin as from death itself, and humbling yourself in his presence.

ASPIRATION: O Jesus, give me the grace to bear witness before men so that you will then receive me on the day of judgment.

LITTLE WORK: Repeat the act of faith at least three times during the day.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

Soldier of Jesus Christ

THE SOUL: I was signed with holy Chrism, O Jesus, I girded myself with a mystical sword and solemnly said: I will do combat for your glory!

It was a solemn day for me: the Bishop, vested with the holy stole, invoked the Holy Spirit upon me; he extended his hands over my head to proclaim the dominion of God over me, he anointed me with oil to consecrate me to him and to fortify me and then he made me repeat the profession of faith in order to  initiate me into the spiritual combat. I arose happy and found next to me a dear person who was committed to help me in this battle …

You smiled on me, O Jesus, because I felt my soul full of peace and you awaited from me an authentic and strong testimony before the lying and faithless world.

The sword which you gave me was beautiful. You signed me with the sign of the cross to tell me that you must be my strength, that you must be my confidence, that you must be my glory.

That cross, signed on my forehead with oil, disappeared, but it was to remain in my works, in my life, in my soul; I myself was to be like a triumphant cross, a glorious trophy of your redemption!

Thus you set me apart for yourself, I was much more yours and I confirmed at your feet the solemn promise of my Baptism, while you confirmed me in your mercy!

O how great are your sacraments, O Jesus!

How many battles I’ve had since I’ve been confirmed; I should have fought and in the meantime I’ve been defeated because I’ve rendered your so many mercies and helps vain! O Jesus, I am covered with disgrace, and here I am wounded at your feet! Please forgive me! Let the grace of the Sacrament of Confirmation be revived in me; make me strong; make me faithful to your love.

Love is the most beautiful characteristic of your soldier and for this the eternal love of God descended on me … O Jesus, detach me from all; inflame me with your love so that, loving you, I will defend you and will not be unfaithful to you.

ASPIRATION: God the Holy Spirit, inflame me with love.

LITTLE WORK: Perform some act of zeal to repair for all of the cowardice which you’ve been guilty of in the divine service.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

My Miseries

THE SOUL: At your feet, O Mary, I want to consider once again the miseries of my nothingness in order to appreciate better the solemn renunciation which I made in holy Baptism. My renunciation was not a concession, a gift which I made to God, rather it was a great grace which he conceded to me so that my renunciation of self is really equivalent to my liberation from all that lowers and dishonours me. With this renunciation I abandoned the mire for infinite richness and I raised myself to Jesus in order to become a living member of his body, I who was a poor cursed atom! …

O Mary, how good Jesus has been to me and how little I have recognized and appreciated him! The sacrifices which even now he asks of me are really only the great benefits of his love!

What am I? I am a mass of miseries! God only asks me to rid myself of these miseries and to me it seems an act of generosity not to give myself to him.

What am I? While I lift myself up to God I feel a force in me that presses me down into the most vile desires. God asks of me nothing other than to renounce this baseness.

I lose myself in so many castles in the air and in the whirlwind of my dreams. God only asks me to renounce these vain and tormenting dreams in order to breathe in reality.

The satisfactions of the flesh are so thorny … every gratification is in reality an abyss into which I fall, in the bottom of which I then become agitated and take pleasure. God only asks me to emerge from the abyss to live in the fragrant heights of the perennial spring of life. Yet, I’m so ungrateful to the Lord that every fleeting image throws me off balance and I flee further away from him, attracted by the gauche mirages of this world!

O Mary, break these chains which still bind me to myself and to the world, and, since God looks upon the renunciation of so many miseries as an act of generosity worthy of the eternal reward — and because these attract me, make me generous with God, so that I may be less unworthy of your so many mercies.

Lord, my God, receive me as a holocaust, even though I am so miserable; I have nothing to give up to you but my misery, and I burn it on the altar of your divine will. You alone be my hope and my life.

ASPIRATION: O Mary, free me from ingratitude and from my miseries.

LITTLE WORK: Make an act of offering of yourselves to God and resolve to renew it every day.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

The Passions and the Flesh

MARY: The demon penetrates into you by means of the passions and, if you do not deny yourself, your battle against the demon is vain and fruitless.

A passion is a disordered movement of your physical being or of your soul which makes you forget the high supernatural end to which you tend and reduces you within yourself.

It is the keen desire for relief, for comfort that you look for in the mire because mire is all you see around you when you lose sight of your ultimate end. It is a reaction to the law of God when you don’t see its beauty and harmony; it is a rebellion against God when you seek pleasure, peace and happiness outside of him. Sometimes deluding poetry dazzles you and you dream of reaching high peaks of glory and pleasure when in reality you are falling into the abyss.

Sometimes you see nothing but this present life and fail to recognize that all is passing … then you concentrate on everything on this earth, on your material well-being and go about seeking the deceptive love of creatures, riches, comfort, applause, pleasures, amusements. The demon is waiting for you at the pass in these dark narrow straits along your way; he presents objects which attract you; he upsets you with images which get you stirred up and thus he catches you in your own snares in order to drag you into his abyss. Don’t deceive yourself; combat your passions as soon as they manifest themselves and fly the occasions which make them take on giant proportions!

If you live in the world and flit around like an inexperienced butterfly around flames, you will get burnt. Close your eyes to the distorted visions of your lower nature, your ears to the vain words of men, your heart to the vain affections of the senses. Nourish your soul on truth, nourish it on Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

It is in the eternal Truth and eternal Love that the passions drown and die.

The more you know God, the more you live by faith, the more you lift your gaze above, the more you immerse your heart in Jesus, the less you feel the weight of your flesh and the delusions of the false mirages of the passions. Converse with God because in him you will experience the beauty of your final end and the miserable attractions which you feel in yourself will vanish into nothingness.

ASPIRATION: O Mary, give me the grace to seek God and to delve deeply into the beauty of eternal truth.

LITTLE WORK: Deprive yourself for the love of God of some amusement which seems harmless to you. Often an amusement is like the spark that ignites the fire of the passions in the heart.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

Renouncing the Demon

THE SOUL: I know that in holy Baptism I renounced the demon and I’m happy with that renunciation. The demon is so repulsive that I really would not want to make friends with him! …

Yet so many times I’ve been overcome by his suggestions and by sinning I’ve preferred him to God himself. How awful is my ingratitude and how revolting is my foolishness!

The demon is a degraded being, … he is a monster, without order, without happiness, without life! In his fall he didn’t lose his natural qualities, but what are they worth? They are also the greatest torment for him.

An angel is a spirit who lives by truth and admirable activities; now the demon lives by lies because he is forever far from the eternal and essential Truth; he lives without real activity, but in toilsome agitation.

No, I will not go near his promptings, never more, and I beg your solid support, O Mary, to overcome him. You are the conqueror of the demon; you crush his head. You have been lifted up as the morning star of the world and your Immaculate Conception represented the most splendid triumph over the demon. Widen your mantle, O Mary, receive me, defend me from the snares of the demon! You are the all-pure, the all-beautiful, the all-gentle, … you are my mother!

Unfortunately so many times, I have made myself the slave of the demon and for this reason I now fear my weakness.

Queen of the angels, protect me, remove far from me the specter of evil, the delusions of my senses, the attractions of pride, the impulses of my corrupt nature.

Go far away from me, Satan, pasture of death, go far away from me. I enjoin this on you in the name of Mary Immaculate, who triumphantly crushed your momentary and disastrous power! Go far away from me because I already belong to my God and I have been purified by his mercy. Go far away from me; I command this of you in the name of Jesus who conquered you with his Blood! In this divine Blood I have found life again and you will no longer have dominion over me!

ASPIRATION: You are all-beautiful, O Mary, and there is no stain in you; you are my Mother.

LITTLE WORK: When you are tempted, make the sign of the Cross and call on the names of Jesus and Mary.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

The Spirit of Jesus Christ

MARY: Opposed to the spirit of the world, which is a mass of duplicity, resentment, struggles, presumption and degradation, is the spirit of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth and the life. Hear his word: “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart … Blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who weep for they shall be consoled, blessed are those who suffer persecution for justice’ sake …”

These are words which seem audacious and yet in them is hidden the great secret of happiness and of peace.

What good is it to have many riches, if they leave you always unhappy, even more, if they cause you the disquiet of always wanting more? Far more excellent it is to renounce all that is unused and superfluous and to rest in the desire of possessing God.

What good is it to dominate others with the impetuosity of your character? In reality you do not dominate, but you become the object and the target of a thousand battles which embitter the soul. Far more excellent is the humility and the meekness which give you the possession of the hearts of men.

What good is it to laugh and amuse oneself on earth if the laughter is changed into bitter tears? Calm and resigned suffering, on the other hand gives you freedom for the impulses of the spirit, and thus, even while weeping you are consoled. You remain truly consoled because you feel like a pilgrim on the earth; you detach yourself from what oppresses you and you experience God all the more!

What good are the pleasures of the senses? Every pleasure is changed into a thorn and you feel cast into the distressing gloom of remorse … Far more excellent is the purity which brings you peace and allows you to gaze with clear vision into the immensity of God!

Believe in your Blessed Mother, who more than all other creatures lived in the spirit of Jesus Christ; there is nothing more beautiful, more elevated, more agreeable than to live in him. Therefore renounce your whims, your resentments, your disordered desires. Look upon all things in God and live glorifying him, aspiring to your only goal which is the heavenly fatherland.

ASPIRATION: O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make my heart like unto thine.

LITTLE WORK: When you realize that you are lacking in meekness, perform a little service for the person whom you have displeased.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

The Spirit of the World

MARY: You live in the world and you cannot withdraw yourself from it materially, but you must be there without living in its spirit. What a turbulent whirlwind is the world! It lives on egotism because it lives with a fixation on pleasure. No ideal lifts it up beyond that of the material and even when it seems to have an ideal, it seeks only itself in vainglory and applause, in other words in the sensory satisfaction of a passion. From whence is born duplicity, fraud, lies, injustice, showing off, pride, impurity … Hence the world is like a sea during a storm, which knows no peace; he who falls into this sea feels all of the cold of its waves and is knocked around by its swirling motion until it gets smashed against the reefs of sin!

Everything in the world is vile and full of anguish; everything degrades man and makes him a slave, drying up in him the most beautiful life which is the life of the soul: fashions, make-up, vanity, infatuations, entertainments are thorns that prick and miseries that degrade! Here is the one whom you renounced in Baptism. Does it not seem to you a great grace to trample on all the rottenness of the world and to be propelled into the simplicity and peace that lead to God?

It is not a sacrifice for you to renounce the world, but a joy!

To renounce the world you don’t have to enclose yourself in a hermitage, you must only be truly Christian and live as the branch united to the vine, in the intimacy of union with Jesus Christ, into whom you have been incorporated by holy Baptism.

Look at the glorious army of the saints, that is to say those who have renounced the world. You will find them in every condition: there are faithful spouses, upright mothers, innocent virgins, young people who lived in the fresh innocence of their age; there are the little, the humble and also kings and the great. Look at the glory with which they are clothed …

At the same time, look from on high at the world with its lies, its delusions, its forms of slavery, its complications, its struggles and consider how it is for you a great good and a noble thing to renounce the world and to cleave to the truth and to God! … This renunciation is not a sacrifice for you; it is a grace.

ASPIRATION: O Jesus, grant that I may live in you and fly the delusions of the world.

LITTLE WORK: If you encounter some attachment in your life to the trifles of the world, to its fashions, to its vanities, break it immediately and energetically as unworthy of you who are Christians.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

Holy Baptism

MARY: The grace of God has enriched you from your birth. You came into the light crying. You were very tiny, but your soul had need of God. A humanly insurmountable barrier was interposed between you and God. You were a slave of the original fault. You were born with the curse that the first man passed on to you as a sad inheritance. This original fault deprived you of a great good: friendship and familiarity with God.

The Lord gave you back a new life, incorporating you into Jesus Christ, you, a creature of Adam, became a creature of the Redeemer, a child of the new Adam from whom you inherited the blessing.

The saving water of Baptism descended on your forehead … the heavens opened, the kiss of God’s mercy renewed you; you were thus purified and emerged holy and innocent because you found yourself united to Jesus the Redeemer, who with his Blood had washed away all sin. How many angels came around your crib to contemplate the sublime beauty of your soul made innocent and a little child of God!

Always remember with gratitude that grace which God conferred on you. You will be able to gauge it only in eternity.

With Baptism Jesus incorporated you into himself, but preserved intact your freedom and your state of being an exile and a pilgrim. For that reason you made promises to the Lord that were like the consecration of your freedom to God.

With Baptism you were elevated to a superior state and thus you renounced all that is low and vile that the world gathers together or offers as pasturage to your lower nature, and the demon. You renounced the world, the flesh and the devil and offered yourself to God, to the Redeemer and to the Holy Spirit whose living temple you became.

When you feel pulled toward the earth and hear the suggestions of the world, of the flesh and of the devil, remember your promises and do not further desecrate the grace of Baptism. Remember that you are a Christian and you must not dishonour this Baptismal character with a material and disordered life.

Because you are incorporated into Jesus Christ, you must glorify him in your life and being as his fragrance.

THE SOUL: O my Mother, how many bitter tears should I shed at the remembrance of my Baptism! I was beautiful and innocent; I was dear to God and yet I have degraded myself with so many sins! Lift up the weakness that so many wounds have caused and grant that I may wash away my sins with the tears of the most lively sorrow! How many times have I been ashamed even of being Christian and have lived completely immersed in the spirit of the world! How many times have I soiled the garment of my innocence! O Immaculate Heart of Mary, receive me into yourself and have pity on this poor little flower, so often broken, so many times stripped of its leaves by the hurricane of evil.

ASPIRATION: O Mary, make me truly Christian, make me faithful to the promises made in Holy Baptism.

LITTLE WORK: Reflect that the world is a deceiver and only knows how to give bitterness even when it promises pleasures and triumphs.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

The Channels of Grace

MARY: In his mercy God did not want to make the flow of his grace to you difficult and he gave you a channel through which you can enrich yourself with it in the holy sacraments.

A sacrament is a sensible sign, instituted by Jesus Christ, through which grace is conferred. These sensible signs are like titles that give you a true right to the grace of God since he instituted them for this specific purpose. What treasure there is in the holy sacraments! How shortened the way of perfection remains because of them and how easily one attains to God!

Among the works of piety, always give the first place to the sacraments because the other works can yield the fruit of grace and mercy, while the sacraments certainly do so, being grounded on the merits of Jesus Christ.

You always complain about your spiritual weakness and yet you have in hand the most secure means to be purified and strengthened.

Without the sacraments the soul is abandoned to itself and cannot live the higher life which, you realize, flows from the Heart of Jesus.

THE SOUL: How many times, O Mary, have I not been lost in delusions of a false and superficial piety? I’ve been careless in receiving the holy sacraments because I haven’t appreciated their value. Confession and Holy Communion have become for me a rather bothersome routine while I have given myself to the caprice of so many sterile and empty practices of piety in which I sought my tastes and my satisfaction. I repent bitterly for having lost so much time and for having reduced myself to being like a barren fig tree, full of leaves, but without fruit.

You, who are the Mother of mercy and channel of every grace, obtain for me from Jesus forgiveness for so much ingratitude and the grace to appreciate the holy sacraments. Make me docile to grace when I receive them so that, like a humble little plant sprouting at the foot of the Cross, I may receive the vital fluid which flows from the Heart of Jesus.

ASPIRATION: O Jesus, give me the grace to receive the sacraments well in life and at the hour of my death.

LITTLE WORK: If you experience repugnance at performing some service at home, master yourself for the love of God without complaining and without showing others your discomfort.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→

A Profound Reform of Heart in the School of Mary

Mary’s Grace

THE SOUL: Hail, O Mary, full of grace! … From the wretched earth where I am, I raise up my glance to you to admire you and I see you resplendent, beautiful, clothed in glory … Hail, O Full of grace! How the little things of this world seem vile next to you who by grace have reached the highest summits of perfection … Hail, Mother of God, my Mother! You are the most beautiful work of the Lord’s hands, you are a monument of divine mercy, you are the glory of his love … Hail, O Spouse of God!

You are the creature who loved God so much, who overcame the poverty of human nature, and flew directly to the Infinite without ever deviating. The grace of God lent you these wings of love and you were pure, immaculate, all beautiful, all-holy … Hail, O Mary!

I admire you, O Mother; the Angels pay homage to you and exalt you; the human generations call you “blessed” and raise up monuments of thanks and love to you … you are the all-holy … Hail, O Mary!

Oh! Who could have imagined that a flower so beautiful could be born of the pitiable stock of Adam? … You entered into this world full of grace: Hail, O Mary! I am small, but I am happy because I am your child. You look after me, you guide me, you lift me up. In you I have found support and life because you are the inexhaustible channel of divine mercies: Hail, O Mary!

Hail, O Mary; your sweet glance lifts me up and makes me live because your glance is full of mercy! Take into your heart my soul as a little flower, and, if instead of finding fragrance, you find parasites, cleanse it with your hand full of goodness.

Hail, O Mary! You are my life, my sweetness, my hope, O full of grace, O Immaculate Virgin. Amen.

ASPIRATION: O Mary, my hope, to you I entrust my soul.

LITTLE WORK: Abstain during the day from innocent acts of curiosity.

A Month with Mary

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 9

The 24th of December: Day 9 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 8

The 23rd of December: Day 8 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 6

The 21st of December: Day 6 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 7

The 22nd of December: Day 7 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 5

The 20th of December: Day 5 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 4

The 19th of December: Day 4 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 3

The 18th of December: Day 3 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 2

The 17th of December: Day 2 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

ADVENT NOVENA TO THE CHILD JESUS – Day 1

The 16th of December: Day 1 OPENING PRAYER Most gracious GOD of infinite charity, You gave your only begotten Son as an unparalleled sign of your love for man. By this love He was made Flesh within a Virgin Mother’s Womb and was born in a manger for our salvation. Let our prayer come before...Continue reading→

“You, at least, strive to console me.” – Time is Running Out to Respond to Our Lady’s Call

Nearly 100 years ago, on December 10, 1925, a quiet miracle unfolded in the small Spanish city of Pontevedra. Sister Lucia, the last surviving seer of Fatima, was staying with the Dorothean Sisters when she received an extraordinary vision. Before her appeared the Blessed Virgin Mary, radiant and sorrowful, with the Child Jesus at her...Continue reading→