Why pray the Rosary every day for a year?


Each time the Blessed Virgin has appeared-- whether it be to Saint Bernadette Soubirous at Lourdes; to Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco at Fatima; or to Mariette Beco at Banneux-- she has asserted the importance, saving grace, and power of praying the Holy Rosary on a daily basis. Based upon her words, the Rosary is penance and conversion for sinners, a pathway to peace, an end to war, and a powerful act of faith in Jesus Christ. Pope Paul VI presented the Rosary as a powerful means to reach Christ "not merely with Mary but indeed, insofar as this is possible to us, in the same way as Mary, who is certainly the one who thought about Him more than anyone else has ever done."

To show us how this is done, perhaps no one has been more eloquent than the great Cardinal Newman, who wrote: "The great power of the Rosary consists in the fact that it translates the Creed into Prayer. Of course, the Creed is already in a certain sense a prayer and a great act of homage towards God, but the Rosary brings us to meditate again on the great truth of His life and death, and brings this truth close to our hearts. Even Christians, although they know God, usually fear rather than love Him. The strength of the Rosary lies in the particular manner in which it considers these mysteries, since all our thinking about Christ is intertwined with the thought of His Mother, in the relations between Mother and Son; the Holy Family is presented to us, the home in which God lived His infinite love."

As Mary said at Fatima, "Jesus wants to use you to make Me known and loved. He wishes to establish the devotion to My Immaculate Heart throughout the world. I promise salvation to whoever embraces it; these souls will be dear to God, like flowers put by Me to adorn his throne."



June 1: Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto, Model of Charity

Posted by Jacob


Today, June 1, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Fortunatus of Spoleto (also known as Saint Fortunatus of Territet, fourth century).  As described in the Roman Martyrology, “At Montefalco in Umbria, Saint Fortunatus, a priest renowned for his virtues and his miracles.”

The Acts of Saint Fortunatus were recorded in the seventh century, by a priest named Audelaus, based upon the verbal account of a venerable priest named Firmino.  According to this record, Fortunatus was a priest of the church of Turrita, near the Umbrian town of Montefalco, Italy.  He was a caretaker for the many valuables of the Church—specifially, the poor, and he brought them the deepest and most profound mysteries of the Church alongside the charity that he was keen to offer them in Jesus' name.

Although he was a priest, this offered him barely enough money to live upon, and so as well as tending to his priestly flock, Saint Fortunatus is remembered for also working as a farmer, living off the land he tilled, and sharing all he could tend and raise with those in need.  He is frequently described as driving cattle with a small stick, stopping to distribute all he owned the poor.

One particular legend recounts how while tilling the earth one day, Saint Fortunatus discovered two dull coins, seemingly worth very little.  Thanking God, and slipping the coins in his pocket, he continued his work until sunset, certain and confident that the Lord would inspire him as to how to use the newly discovered currency.  As the sun set, Saint Fortunatus began driving his cattle home.  Upon the road, the saintly man met a poor beggar, and reaching into his pocket discovered that the dull coins had been transformed into radiant gold.  Rather than keep the coins, he quickly gave them away to the beggar, overcoming his own avarice.  In this manner, Saint Fortunatus demonstrates how to overcome greed, converting wealth and desire into love for those in need.

Upon his death, it is said that he was buried in a field called the “Agellus,” which he had frequently tended.  The rod that he had used to dive his oxen miraculously flowered and grew into a majestic tree, when stuck into the ground following his death.  He is often depicted holding a rod which appears to be flowering at its tip.

It is said that 20 years following the death of Saint Fortunatus, Saint Severus stopped at his grave en route to Ravenna where he was to stand trial.  Praying for the intercession of the saint, he was acquitted and returned to build a church on the spot of Fortunatus’ burial.  The church was consecrated on August 8, 422, by Bishop Spes of Spoleto, and the relics of the saint were translated to its altar.

While we know little about the life of Saint Fortunatus, we recognize in him the calling to the path of service that the Lord provided, and the refinement of his own sins through the grace of God and practice of charity.  We look to Saint Fortuantus as a reminder and inspiration that we, too, are called to share what we have with those in need, that regardless of our current struggles, there are those in worse situations, and that through our charitable works, we radiate the love of God on earth for all to see.

We pray, today, for the inspiration of Saint Fortuatus, that we may live lives of charity and love for all we encounter.


Our Catholic Act of Charity

O my God, I love you above all things with my whole heart and soul because you are all good  and worthy of all my love.

I love my neighbor as myself for the love of you.

I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen. 


Prayer for Selflessness

O Dearly beloved Word of God, teach me to be generous, to serve Thee as Thou dost deserve, to give without counting the cost, to fight without fretting at my wounds, to labor without seeking rest, to spend myself without looking for any reward other than that of knowing that I do Thy holy will. Amen.


Prayer for Charitable Heart

O my Jesus, Thou who art very Love,
enkindle in my heart that Divine Fire
which consumes the Saints and transforms them into Thee.

O Lord our God,
we offer Thee our hearts
united in the strongest and most sincere love of brotherhood;
we pray that Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament
may be the daily food of our souls and bodies;
that Jesus may be established as the center of our affections,
even as He was for Mary and Joseph.
Finally, O Lord, may sin never disturb our union on earth;
and may we be eternally united in heaven with Thee
and Mary and Joseph and with all Thy Saints.

Amen.

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Blessed Antonia Mesina, Patron Saint of Rape Victims

Posted by Jacob


Today, May 17, we celebrate the feast of Blessed Antonia Mesina (1919-1935), a model of virtue, martyr of purity, and patron saint of rape victims.  Despite being only sixteen years old when she died, Antonia’s faith and conviction continue to inspire us today.  She was ever faithful to the Lord, and her virtue continues to infuse strength and grace into the Church, and each one of us, today.

Antonia Mesina was born on the island of Sardinia, of the west coast of Italy.  She was born the second-born of ten children born to an extremely poor family during the years between the first and second world wars.  Times were difficult, but she was offered an opportunity for education, which was eagerly accepted.  After only four years of elementary school, however, Antonia was forced to leave, remaining home and taking care of the household duties and her siblings following her mother becoming bedridden. 

Antonia’s mother, Grazia, had developed a painful heart condition, and despite Antonia’s wishes to remain in school and enjoy the fun of childhood, her mother reported that Antonia "never once went against me.” She was given the household duties, which she accepted both humbly and joyfully.  Obedient and hard working, Antonia willingly and diligently performed her duties and took on responsibilities as if she were already an adult.  She took care of the households cooking, cleaning, laundering of clothes, caring for her siblings, gathering wood, carrying water—all without complaint.  Antonia’s mother, Grazia, referred to her daughter as "the flower of my life."

At the age of 10, Antonia joined a local youth group called “Catholic Action,” Italy’s national apostolic movement for lay people.  Even as a child, she was a model member, reporting that the experience was “beautiful” for her, and that it “helps one to be good.”  Antonia energetically fulfilled her commitments, recruiting other young people to join the group… even on the day of her death.  Honoring Christ, and walking in friendship with Him, became her first priority.

On the day of her martyrdom, at age 16, Antonia was in the forest gathering wood with a friend.  She was attacked by a teenage boy, who pushed her to the ground in attempts to rape her.  While her friend ran for help, Antonia valiantly struggled to maintain her purity, which she had pledged to Christ.  She managed to escape twice, but was caught and beaten repeatedly on the head with a rock.  Despite her mortal wounds, she continued to fight her attacker until help arrived.  Sadly, it was too late to save her mortal body, but autopsy confirmed that Antonia’s efforts had maintained her purity.

Pope John Paul II beatified Antonia Mesina on Sunday, October 4, 1987, proclaiming her a martyr of virtue and purity.   Today we pray for all those who have been victims of violence or crime, that we may be renewed by the Lord, through the gracious intercession of Our Blessed Mother, Mary.


Look down on us, O Mary!
We are united before you in prayer, as you wished us to be:
daughters of Charity, the queen of virtues.
Look down on us with the benevolence of a mother.
We ask your help and protection, peace and pardon,
apostolic zeal and fidelity to the Church,
for ourselves and all who work in society
with an upright heart and good will.

Many are the afflictions of the world,
the miseries of the poor,
the violence performed by those who do not know how to love,
and are carried away by brutal passions.
And we do not know how to see the warnings from heaven
in the calamities that are increasing
and the sacrifice of defenseless and innocent victims.
But you, Mary, are the Mother of Mercy and Forgiveness.
Ask grace for us! Ask God for us and for all,
an increase of faith, the comfort of Christian hope
and the communion of evangelical charity.

May the Father grant the Church unity and testimony of life;
to society, a fraternal spirit,
understanding of every need, sorrow and aspiration;
to Religious families newness of life in your light, O Mary,
in the Spirit of the love of your Son Jesus, our Savior.
Amen.

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October 2: Saint Leger of Autun

Posted by Jacob

Today, October 2, we celebrate the feast of Saint Leger (also known as Saint Leodegar, 615-679), bishop of Autun (France), advisor to Regent Saint Bathildis, and martyr of the Church.  Saint Leger is remembered for his conviction in the faith, his commitment to reform, and his unwavering proclamation of the Good News of Christ-- activites that eventually earned him the crown of Martyrdom.


Leger was born of Franco-German nobility, son of Sigrada (who later became a nun). Due to his rank and station, he was raised at the court of King Clotaire II, and when old enough, moved from Paris to Poitiers to be instructed in the ways of the faith by his uncle, Bishop Desiderius of Poitiers. Following completion of his studies, and his ordination, Saint Leger was elevated to archdeacon by his uncle, and in 651, assumed the abbotship of Saint Maxentius Abbey in Poitou. There he enacted great reform, and introduced the Rule of Saint Benedict.

At this time in history, there was great conflict in what is modern-day Austria, and Saint Leger was summoned to the aid of Queen Regent Saint Bathildis. He assisted her and helped her govern following the death of King Clovis II in 656, and was eventually named Bishop of Autun in 663. As bishop, he continued his steady and unwavering commitment to reform, reconciling factions that had taken political sides and drifted from the unified See. He further instructed clergy, reforming their unvirtuous ways, and demonstrated great charity for the poor, establishing numerous social aid agencies throughout the region. He further instructed the clergy in the importance of the sacraments, especially baptism, which had grown lax among the faithful.

In 675, Saint Leger was arrested at Autun for speaking out against the immoral marriage of the king to his first cousin, holding the Church position on marriage and denouncing the wicked ways of the royal court. He was eventually banished to Luxeuil, and following several changes in government, was tortured and killed. Saint Leger was first blinded, his lips cut off, and his tongue pulled out. Imprisoned and disfigured, after two years, Saint Leger was summoned to court, deposed, and executed by beheading at Sarcing.

In 782, his relics were translated from the site of his death Sarcing (Artois) to the site of the Abbey of Saint Maxentius, where he had first served as Abbot. Later they were removed to Rennes and then to Ebreuil, which took the name of Saint-Léger in his honor. Some relics are still kept in the cathedral of Autun and the Grand Séminaire of Soissons, where they are venerated today. A plaque at the church reads:
St. Leodegar 616-678,
Bishop of Autun.
Burgundian statesman and peacemaker
Just judge and friend of the poor.
A victim of intrigue
blinded and murdered for his faith.

While we know very little about the life of Saint Leger, what we do know is that he was a man of faith and conviction, working steadily toward reform, and using his position and influence to bring those in his jurisdiction to Christ. Saint Leger did his best to avoid the political controversies of the times, remaining relatively neutral, and supporting the Church, the Holy See, and enacting great reforms. A victim of the political motivations of others, this holy man was executed for upholding and proclaiming the Word of God. We pray today for his courage and steadfastness, in light of the many distractions we encounter, and criticisms we endure for our faith. Saint Leger, pray for us!

Lord, I know that doubt and uncertainty impose fear while faith and assurance develops a calm, trusting spirit.  I do not look to the world for strength or encouragement but I look to Your Word where I am convinced that You will protect and guard that which You have entrusted to me until the day when Christ will come to judge all people and take us to live in heaven.  By the empowerment of Your indwelling Holy Spirit help me to boldly stand when the world and even those close to me assaults my faith. It is in Your strength and through Your power that I remain faithful though tested by fire.  May the purifying of my faith, worth more than gold, bring praise, glory and honor to Jesus my Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Year 2: Day 275 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Courage, Steadfastness, Endurance, Conviction.
Requested Intentions: Healing of a chronic illness (P); Safety of a family during storms (A); Successful home ownership (P); Healing of a marriage (M); Employment for a husband, blessings for a marriage (E); Successful examinations for a daughter, healing of a relationships (V); Blessing for a family (V); Healing of baby girl M and all children suffering (M); Special intentions (R); Business success, peace, health (E); Conversion and deliverance of those who suffer, increase in vocations (M); Financial security and safe housing (M); For a daughter (K); Conversion of a family, deliverance of the souls in Purgatory (S); Successful marriage (A); Health, safety, grace, success of a building project (A); Successful treatment and recovery from cancer (D); Clear speech for a child (C); Conversion of a family (A); Successful employment (S); For the healing of impaired vision (F); For a couple experiencing difficulties (L); Successful employment after finishing college (M); Mother’s health (A); Financial security, freedom from anxiety (S); For a son and cousins (L); Peace and civility (B); Successful examination results (D); Safety of family, strength, courage, wisdom (C); For the souls of a departed father and brother, finding of a suitable marriage partner (R); Successful pilgrimage, deepening of prayer life (R); Restoration of health (J); Restoration of health (S); Freedom from pride (A); For children and marriage (M); For the birth of a healthy baby (Y); For personal family intentions, for the sick, poor, hungry, and homeless (G).

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July 18: Saint Frederick of Ultrecht

Posted by Jacob

Today, July 18, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Frederick (died 838), bishop of Utrecht and Martyr of the faith. What we know of Saint Frederick was recorded by his contemporaries, who praised his wisdom, prudence, piety, and virtues. Poems and hymns were written in his honor. Saint Frederick composed a prayer to the Holy Trinity, which was used in the Netherlands for centuries.


While little is known of Saint Frederick’s early life, his Acts record that he was trained among the clergy of the Church of Utrecht, where he excelled in piety and sacred learning. Having been ordained, he was charged by Bishop Ricfried with the care and instruction of the newly converted to the faith, and in 825, was selected to assume the bishopric. With great zeal, Frederick worked for reform and order throughout the diocese, and expanded the faith by sending Saint Odulf and other acclaimed preachers into the northern parts of Holland to work against the paganism that had taken root there.

Given his reach and reputation, Saint Frederick was soon embroiled in the political matters of the times. Saint Frederick found himself in the position to admonish the Empress Judith, after her sons raised charges against her, citing immorality. While Frederick spoke to her with patience, prudence, and charity, she became irate, and worked to undermine him. Similarly, he raised the ire of many of those throughout the land who did not ascribe to the Christian faith, enforcing marriages, and spreading the Gospel. Through his labors, he found himself greatly disliked by many dangerous and powerful individuals. Saint Frederick refused to be intimidated, however, certain in the power of the Lord.

On July 18, 838, following celebration of the Mass, Saint Frederick was stabbed by two assassins. He died only minutes later, reciting Psalm 144, “I will praise the Lord in the land of the living.” It is unclear as to who had ordered the assassination, but historians agree it was due to his preaching and enforcing of the tenets of the faith. As such, the Church considers Saint Frederick a holy Martyr, having given his life to the faith, and suffered death as a consequence.

Grant, we beseech You, Almighty God, that poor in spirit after the example of Your abbot Saint Frederick, we may imitate Him who handed Himself over for the salvation of the world: Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.



Year 2: Day 199 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Strength of our convictions, even when confronted with opposition.
Requested Intentions: Healing of a heart and relationship (V); Employment for daughter (J); For a marriage that glorifies the Lord (K); Resolution of family situation, parents’ health (A); Positive results (C); For a son’s employment, faith, and relationships (S); Restored family relationships (A); Healthy conception and delivery of children (J); For a girlfriend’s recovery from a debilitating mental illness (J); For a daughter’s successful examination results (A); Occupational success, health and safety of family (S); Reduction in anxiety for husband, financial freedom (S); Healing for a sister-in-law (J); For a family experiencing a difficult child custody case (M); Reunification of a family struggling with separation (M): For a son struggling with mental illness (M); Successful examination results (B); To be freed from the chains of sin (J); Admission to a good university (M); For successful surgery (T); For a mother’s mental health and for kindness and forgiveness, for housing problems, for dental health (T); For the soul of a departed friend (X); Restoration of health (D); Successful employment for couple (N); For employment for children (K); For health of friend, for successful relationships for children, for safe pregnancy for daughter (C); For the health of a mother (J); Virtue for daughter (V); Successful acceptance to college for nephew (M); For the health of a cousin (T); Freedom from legal difficulties for husband (S); Husband’s freedom from illness (L).





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October 2: Saint Leger of Autun

Posted by Jacob

Today, October 2, we celebrate the feast of Saint Leger (also known as Saint Leodegar, 615-679), bishop of Autun (France), advisor to Regent Saint Bathildis, and martyr of the Church.  Saint Leger is remembered for his conviction in the faith, his commitment to reform, and his unwavering proclamation of the Good News of Christ-- activites that eventually earned him the crown of Martyrdom.


Leger was born of Franco-German nobility, son of Sigrada (who later became a nun). Due to his rank and station, he was raised at the court of King Clotaire II, and when old enough, moved from Paris to Poitiers to be instructed in the ways of the faith by his uncle, Bishop Desiderius of Poitiers. Following completion of his studies, and his ordination, Saint Leger was elevated to archdeacon by his uncle, and in 651, assumed the abbotship of Saint Maxentius Abbey in Poitou. There he enacted great reform, and introduced the Rule of Saint Benedict.

At this time in history, there was great conflict in what is modern-day Austria, and Saint Leger was summoned to the aid of Queen Regent Saint Bathildis. He assisted her and helped her govern following the death of King Clovis II in 656, and was eventually named Bishop of Autun in 663. As bishop, he continued his steady and unwavering commitment to reform, reconciling factions that had taken political sides and drifted from the unified See. He further instructed clergy, reforming their unvirtuous ways, and demonstrated great charity for the poor, establishing numerous social aid agencies throughout the region. He further instructed the clergy in the importance of the sacraments, especially baptism, which had grown lax among the faithful.

In 675, Saint Leger was arrested at Autun for speaking out against the immoral marriage of the king to his first cousin, holding the Church position on marriage and denouncing the wicked ways of the royal court. He was eventually banished to Luxeuil, and following several changes in government, was tortured and killed. Saint Leger was first blinded, his lips cut off, and his tongue pulled out. Imprisoned and disfigured, after two years, Saint Leger was summoned to court, deposed, and executed by beheading at Sarcing.

In 782, his relics were translated from the site of his death Sarcing (Artois) to the site of the Abbey of Saint Maxentius, where he had first served as Abbot. Later they were removed to Rennes and then to Ebreuil, which took the name of Saint-Léger in his honor. Some relics are still kept in the cathedral of Autun and the Grand Séminaire of Soissons, where they are venerated today. A plaque at the church reads:
St. Leodegar 616-678,
Bishop of Autun.
Burgundian statesman and peacemaker
Just judge and friend of the poor.
A victim of intrigue
blinded and murdered for his faith.

While we know very little about the life of Saint Leger, what we do know is that he was a man of faith and conviction, working steadily toward reform, and using his position and influence to bring those in his jurisdiction to Christ. Saint Leger did his best to avoid the political controversies of the times, remaining relatively neutral, and supporting the Church, the Holy See, and enacting great reforms. A victim of the political motivations of others, this holy man was executed for upholding and proclaiming the Word of God. We pray today for his courage and steadfastness, in light of the many distractions we encounter, and criticisms we endure for our faith. Saint Leger, pray for us!

Lord, I know that doubt and uncertainty impose fear while faith and assurance develops a calm, trusting spirit.  I do not look to the world for strength or encouragement but I look to Your Word where I am convinced that You will protect and guard that which You have entrusted to me until the day when Christ will come to judge all people and take us to live in heaven.  By the empowerment of Your indwelling Holy Spirit help me to boldly stand when the world and even those close to me assaults my faith. It is in Your strength and through Your power that I remain faithful though tested by fire.  May the purifying of my faith, worth more than gold, bring praise, glory and honor to Jesus my Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

 Day 275 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Courage, Steadfastness, Endurance, Conviction.
Requested Intentions: Successful outcome of court case and employment (L); For guidance and righteous love (K); Restoration of a relationship (H); For successful employment (I); For a daughter’s successful relationship (M); For a relationship sanctified by God (M); For health of father; For canonization of Pope John Paul II (A); For the conversion of a family (L); For the ill (A); For the health of a family (I); For a father’s successful surgery and recovery (G); For those who are ill, and their caretakers (D); For the safety of a sister who is traveling (A); Recovery of mother with cancer (R); Successful acquisition of a visa (T); Restoration of a marriage (A); For employment and health of mother (G); Successful employment (M); Restoration of a family, End to brother's addiction, Successful marriage (R); Employment (I); Successful recovery of a mother; for all stroke victims (D); Successful return to the faith (A); Emotional, physical, and financial healing (D); Diagnosis and recovery (A); For a successful relationship (J); Those suffering from depression (J); Successful adoption (S); Healing of a father battling cancer (S).

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