a year of prayer: 365 Rosaries

Today, November 25, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876), member of the Daughters of Charity, striker of the Miraculous Medal, and visionary. Saint Catherine lived her life simply, in service to those who lived with, never revealing until late in life that she was the recipient of heavenly visions and missions from Our Blessed Mother. Saint Catherine’s faith and humility led to the universal devotion to the Miraculous Medal, and continues to inspire us today.


Zoé Labouré was born in Fain-les Moutiers, a small village of France. The daughter of a wealthy and pious farmer, Zoé was raised devoutly in the faith. Her father, who had at one time in his life desired to become a priest, married a devout woman— Zoé’s mother—who raised her daughter strong in the faith during her early life. However, Zoé lost her mother when she was just nine years old. Her father, unable to support his eleven children (Zoé was the ninth), was forced to send his daughter and her younger sister to live with an aunt. For two years, Zoé abandoned her education, and lived with her devout aunt, until she was recalled to take charge of her father’s household upon the departure of her elder siblings.

Zoé’s older sister had entered the convent of the Daughters of Charity, the community of Saint Vincent de Paul. Zoé yearned to follow her, but had never selected a community to enter. From a young age, she had made a vow of virginity, and desired nothing more than to imitate Our Blessed Mother, whom she had devoted herself to upon the death of her mother. Ardent longing to see the Blessed Virgin filled her, and prayed simply for the grace of that meeting. When her work and household duties allowed her, she spent all her free time in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin in a nearby village.

Still torn and undecided regarding which religious community to enter the novitiate in, Zoé had a dream one night in which she saw a venerable priest in a dream, saying Mass in her little village church. In her dream, the priest—who she later learned to be Saint Vincent de Paul-- turned to her and gestured for her to come to speak with him. However, she retreated, and he said to her: “Now you flee me, but later you will be happy to come to me; God has plans for you.” Eventually, Zoé saw a picture of Saint Vincent, and realized the dream was calling her to enter the Daughters of Charity. When her younger sister was old enough to take over the household duties, she received permission from her father, and entered the novitiate at the Daughters of Charity convent, as her sister had done, taking the name Catherine. As a postulant, Catherine assisted in the translation of Saint Vincent de Paul’s relics to a church in Paris.

As a member of the religious community, Saint Catherine was graced by the Lord with frequent visions of Christ. She frequently saw Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, oftentimes appointed as Christ the King. Soon thereafter, in July of 1830 when Catherine was just 24 years old, Our Blessed Mother appeared to her as she had always wished. For the next 46 years, Saint Catherine would be blessed to commune with the Blessed Virgin, receiving messages and the mission of the Miraculous Medal. The Feast of the Miraculous Medal occurs on November 27—in just two days—and I will write more about this devotion then.

Saint Catherine, at the request of Mary, prayed incessantly for peace for 46 years. She also took a vow of silence, sharing only the instructions of the Blessed Mother with her confessor. He at first did not believe her, and she spent her days suffering that she could not complete her tasks. Eventually, her confessor (and then the bishop of Paris) were convinced, the medals struck, and miracles began occurring through their power. However, no one else was told who the recipient of the visions was. Even the Mother Superior at Saint Catherine’s convent did not know that the miraculous visions were occurring within her own convent walls.

Saint Catherine’s days were spent in prayer, contemplation, and devotion to Our Blessed Mother through prayer of the Rosary. As no one knew of her special relationship with Mary, she received no special treatment. Catherine worked obediently in the most menial kitchen and farming jobs, and cared for the elderly at a hospice near the convent. She further wrote about her visions of Our Blessed Mother, in one entry saying:

"Oh, how beautiful it will be to hear it said: Mary is Queen of the universe. That will be a time of peace, joy and happiness which will be long... She will be borne like a banner and will make a tour of the world.” The Virgin foretold that this time would come only after “the entire world will be in sadness... Afterwards, peace.”

Catherine suffered much during this time, and eventually died at the age of 70. Many miracles have been reported at her tomb. When her body was exhumed over fifty years later, in 1933, it was found completely fresh and supple, her blue eyes bright and clear. Saint Catherine’s incorrupt body is now encased in glass beneath the side altar at 140 Rue du Bac, Paris, beneath one of the spots where our Lady appeared to her.


Prayer of Saint Catherine Labouré

Whenever I go to the chapel,
I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him
"Lord, I am here.
Tell me what you would have me do."
If he gives me some task,
I am content and I thank him.
If he gives me nothing,
I still thank him
since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that.
And then, I tell God
everything that is in my heart.
I tell him about my pains and my joys,
and then I listen.
If you listen, God will also speak to you,
for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.
God always speaks to you
when you approach him plainly and simply.




Year 2: Day 328 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Faith. Humility. The grace of Our Blessed Mother.
Requested Intentions: Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L); Successful employment for husband (G); Successful employment, personal fulfillment (C); Health and recovery of ill sister (A);  Resolution of legal issues; Grace and protection (E); Successful and meaningful employment (S); Restoration of a marriage (A); Peace and tolerance in a family, support for those with Parkinson’s Disease (M); For the restoration of a daughter’s marriage, end to debt (S); Employment and continued strength (K); Successful examinations for a son (J); Employment and blessings of a child (S); Employment and financial security (F); Successful work placement, continued health (A); Grace and healing for a family (P); Healing of a father (M); Academic success for son, employment for husband and brother (B); Freedom from anxiety and panic attacks (R); Health and healing in preparation for surgery (C); 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).

“Have a medal struck upon this model. Those who wear it will receive great graces, especially if they wear it around the neck. Graces will be abundant for those who pray with confidence.”

- Words of Our Lady to Saint Catherine Laboure, November 27, 1830

Today, November 27, we celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. On July 18, we commemorated the first apparition of Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, to Saint Catherine Labouré at the convent at Rue du Bac in Paris. Over the course of three apparitions, the second of which we commemorate today, Our Blessed Mother detailed to Saint Catherine the evils of the world, encouraged her to pray for salvation, and provided a means in which for the holy to consecrate themselves to her Sacred Heart, providing protection and grace.

In July 1830, Saint Catherine had been in the convent chapel, praying to Saint Vincent de Paul, voicing her desire to see the Blessed Virgin. Retiring to her room, she attempted to sleep, when a mysterious child appeared at the foot of her bed. The child, in a pure, sweet voice, encouraged her, saying, “Sister Catherine, Sister Catherine, get up quickly. Come to the chapel. Our Lady is waiting for you.” Upon arrival at the chapel, Saint Catherine was graced by a visit from Our Blessed Mother. She wrote, “I then bounded to the steps of the altar, knelt, and let my hands rest on the knees of the Blessed Virgin. There I spent the most pleasant time of my life. It would be impossible for me to describe what I experienced. The Blessed Virgin told me how I should conduct myself with regard to my confessor and many other things.”

On that first meeting, Our Lady warned Catherine of the trials and dangers to come, the persecution of the Church, and the difficulties that lie ahead for the world. She then said to Saint Catherine, setting the stage for the later events of her life, “My child, the good God wishes to give you a mission. Later I shall let you know what it is. You will have much to suffer.” Noting Catherine’s worry, Our Gentle Mother said: “Do not be afraid of difficulties. Pray to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. But do not be afraid.”

Saint Catherine did not see the Holy Virgin again until November 27. In the early morning Catherine was praying in the chapel when she heard the familiar “swish” of silk that she remembered from Mary’s first visit. Again, Our Blessed Mother appeared, dressed in a white, long sleeved gown. Her head was covered by a white veil trailing to her feet. Saint Catherine described her as:
“Her height was medium and her countenance, indescribably beautiful. She was dressed in a robe the color of the dawn, high-necked, with plain sleeves. Her head was covered with a white veil, which floated over Her shoulders down to her feet. Her feet rested upon a globe, or rather one half of a globe, for that was all that could be seen. Her hands which were on a level with her waist, held in an easy manner another globe, a figure of the world. Her eyes were raised to Heaven, and her countenance beamed with light as She offered the globe to Our Lord.” When she tried to describe her face, Catherine was only able to say: “it was the Virgin Mary in her maximum beauty.“

Our Blessed Mother, in this appearance, was standing atop of a white globe, crushing a green serpent with yellow dots beneath her feet. Her hands where elevated to her heart, and she was holding another small globe of gold, crowned with a cross, which she offered in supplication to the Lord. Her eyes were raised to heaven, although would return to gaze upon Saint Catherine and the earth held in her precious hands. During the apparition, rings of precious stones appeared upon her hands, shining so brightly that she became impossible to gaze upon. Some rings, adorned with pearls, failed to shine.

While Sister Catherine was gazing in love and contemplation, an interior voice filled her head and heart. Mary said to her: “This globe you see [at her feet] represents the whole world, specially France and each soul in particular. The rays symbolizes the graces that I give to those who ask for them. The pearls that don’t have rays are the graces of the souls who don’t ask.”

As Saint Catherine gazed upon her, the globe of gold (symbolizing the richness of graces) disappeared, and Our Blessed Mother extended her arms outward so that the rays of light emanating from her ringed hands fell upon the globe at her feet. An oval appeared in the air around her, and inside of the oval, an inscription formed a semi-circle from her right hand, above her head, to her left hand: “Mary conceived without sin, pray for us, who recourse to thee.”

Saint Catherine, in the quiet of her heart, then received her mission from Mary: “Have a medal made according to this model. All those who wear it will receive great graces. The graces will more abundant for those who wear it confidence.“ Catherine was then graced with a view of the reverse side of the medal.



Explanation of the Miraculous Medal:

On the one side, Mary is standing upon a globe, crushing the head of a serpent beneath her foot. She stands upon the globe, as the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her feet crush the serpent to proclaim Satan and all his followers are helpless before her. The year of 1830 on the Miraculous Medal is the year the Blessed Mother gave the design to Saint Catherine. The reference to “Mary conceived without sin” supports the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary.


On the reverse side of the medal there are twelve stars that encircle a large “M” from which arises a cross. Below are two hearts with flames rising from them. One heart is encircled in thorns and the other is pierced by a sword. The twelve stars refer to the Apostles, who represent the entire Church as it surrounds Mary. They also recall the vision of Saint John, as recorded in Revelation (12:1), in which “a great sign appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of 12 stars.” The cross symbolizes Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and our redemption, with the bar under the cross a sign of the earth. The “M” signifies Mary, and the interleaving of her initial and the cross shows Mary’s close involvement with Jesus and our world. In this we see Mary’s part in our salvation and her role as mother of the Church. The two hearts represent the love of Jesus and Mary for us.



Following her description of Saint Catherine’s mission, Our Blessed Mother again disappeared. Saint Catherine informed her spiritual advisor, who did not initially believe her. Over the following year, Catherine was graced with return apparitions, each time receiving the same instructions. She eventually convinced her spiritual advisor, who promptly informed the bishop of Paris. The bishop allowed the striking of the medals, even requesting some himself for distribution. Soon thereafter, miracles began being reported at the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, due to the medals. While initially called medals of the Immaculate Conception, due to the number of miracles reported, the faithful soon began referring to it as “the Miraculous Medal.”

Saint Catherine maintained a vow of silence until shortly before her death, only then revealing to her Mother Superior that it was she, in fact, who had received the instructions regarding the miraculous medal. Her days were spent in prayer, placed confidently in the hands of Our Blessed Mother.




Daily Miraculous Medal Prayer of Saint Maximilian Kolbe:

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you, and for all who do not have recourse to you, especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to you. Amen.


Consecration to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we unite ourselves to you under your title of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.
May this medal be for each one of us
a sure sign of your motherly affection for us and a
constant reminder of our filial duties towards you.
While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection
and preserved in the grace of your Son.
Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior,
keep us close to you every moment of our lives
so that like you we may live and act
according to the teaching and example of your Son.
Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death
so that in union with you we may enjoy
the happiness of heaven forever.
Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.



Day 330 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Confidence in the graces and blessings of Our Mother.
Requested Intentions: Healing of a family and son (S); Successful marriage (G); End to husband’s addictions; Son’s employment (M); Freedom from financial burdens (M); Healing after a miscarriage (E); For healing of friend; successful resolution of legal matter (A); For unity between estranged friends (E); For a son, falsely arrested (C); Successful employment (J); Successful employment (L); For a healthy child (L); Recovery from stomach illness of a friend (A); Employment and financial security (E); Conversion of sons (L); Freedom from financial stress, employment (C); Spiritual growth and family peace (A); Freedom to immigrate (D); End to debt (N); Restoration of a marriage (J); Complete recovery of son (P); Recovery of parish priest, health of mother, conversion of son (J); Successful employment, end to depression (J); Successful immigration and employment (S); Conversion of an unloving daughter (M); Recovery of husband, health of mother, economic freedom (R); Freedom from depression, restoration of family relationships (N); Restoration of a relationship (J); Healing of friends from cancer (J); Complete healing of a friend with pancreatic cancer (J); Healing of a father following stroke (S).

Today, November 25, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876), member of the Daughters of Charity, striker of the Miraculous Medal, and visionary. Saint Catherine lived her life simply, in service to those who lived with, never revealing until late in life that she was the recipient of heavenly visions and missions from Our Blessed Mother. Saint Catherine’s faith and humility led to the universal devotion to the Miraculous Medal, and continues to inspire us today.


Zoé Labouré was born in Fain-les Moutiers, a small village of France. The daughter of a wealthy and pious farmer, Zoé was raised devoutly in the faith. Her father, who had at one time in his life desired to become a priest, married a devout woman— Zoé’s mother—who raised her daughter strong in the faith during her early life. However, Zoé lost her mother when she was just nine years old. Her father, unable to support his eleven children (Zoé was the ninth), was forced to send his daughter and her younger sister to live with an aunt. For two years, Zoé abandoned her education, and lived with her devout aunt, until she was recalled to take charge of her father’s household upon the departure of her elder siblings.

Zoé’s older sister had entered the convent of the Daughters of Charity, the community of Saint Vincent de Paul. Zoé yearned to follow her, but had never selected a community to enter. From a young age, she had made a vow of virginity, and desired nothing more than to imitate Our Blessed Mother, whom she had devoted herself to upon the death of her mother. Ardent longing to see the Blessed Virgin filled her, and prayed simply for the grace of that meeting. When her work and household duties allowed her, she spent all her free time in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin in a nearby village.

Still torn and undecided regarding which religious community to enter the novitiate in, Zoé had a dream one night in which she saw a venerable priest in a dream, saying Mass in her little village church. In her dream, the priest—who she later learned to be Saint Vincent de Paul-- turned to her and gestured for her to come to speak with him. However, she retreated, and he said to her: “Now you flee me, but later you will be happy to come to me; God has plans for you.” Eventually, Zoé saw a picture of Saint Vincent, and realized the dream was calling her to enter the Daughters of Charity. When her younger sister was old enough to take over the household duties, she received permission from her father, and entered the novitiate at the Daughters of Charity convent, as her sister had done, taking the name Catherine. As a postulant, Catherine assisted in the translation of Saint Vincent de Paul’s relics to a church in Paris.

As a member of the religious community, Saint Catherine was graced by the Lord with frequent visions of Christ. She frequently saw Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, oftentimes appointed as Christ the King. Soon thereafter, in July of 1830 when Catherine was just 24 years old, Our Blessed Mother appeared to her as she had always wished. For the next 46 years, Saint Catherine would be blessed to commune with the Blessed Virgin, receiving messages and the mission of the Miraculous Medal. The Feast of the Miraculous Medal occurs on November 27—in just two days—and I will write more about this devotion then.

Saint Catherine, at the request of Mary, prayed incessantly for peace for 46 years. She also took a vow of silence, sharing only the instructions of the Blessed Mother with her confessor. He at first did not believe her, and she spent her days suffering that she could not complete her tasks. Eventually, her confessor (and then the bishop of Paris) were convinced, the medals struck, and miracles began occurring through their power. However, no one else was told who the recipient of the visions was. Even the Mother Superior at Saint Catherine’s convent did not know that the miraculous visions were occurring within her own convent walls.

Saint Catherine’s days were spent in prayer, contemplation, and devotion to Our Blessed Mother through prayer of the Rosary. As no one knew of her special relationship with Mary, she received no special treatment. Catherine worked obediently in the most menial kitchen and farming jobs, and cared for the elderly at a hospice near the convent. She further wrote about her visions of Our Blessed Mother, in one entry saying:

"Oh, how beautiful it will be to hear it said: Mary is Queen of the universe. That will be a time of peace, joy and happiness which will be long... She will be borne like a banner and will make a tour of the world.” The Virgin foretold that this time would come only after “the entire world will be in sadness... Afterwards, peace.”

Catherine suffered much during this time, and eventually died at the age of 70. Many miracles have been reported at her tomb. When her body was exhumed over fifty years later, in 1933, it was found completely fresh and supple, her blue eyes bright and clear. Saint Catherine’s incorrupt body is now encased in glass beneath the side altar at 140 Rue du Bac, Paris, beneath one of the spots where our Lady appeared to her.


Prayer of Saint Catherine Labouré

Whenever I go to the chapel,
I put myself in the presence of our good Lord, and I say to him
"Lord, I am here.
Tell me what you would have me do."
If he gives me some task,
I am content and I thank him.
If he gives me nothing,
I still thank him
since I do not deserve to receive anything more than that.
And then, I tell God
everything that is in my heart.
I tell him about my pains and my joys,
and then I listen.
If you listen, God will also speak to you,
for with the good Lord, you have to both speak and listen.
God always speaks to you
when you approach him plainly and simply.




Day 328 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Faith. Humility. The grace of Our Blessed Mother.
Requested Intentions: Healing of a family and son (S); Successful marriage (G); End to husband’s addictions; Son’s employment (M); Freedom from financial burdens (M); Healing after a miscarriage (E); For healing of friend; successful resolution of legal matter (A); For unity between estranged friends (E); For a son, falsely arrested (C); Successful employment (J); Successful employment (L); For a healthy child (L); Recovery from stomach illness of a friend (A); Employment and financial security (E); Conversion of sons (L); Freedom from financial stress, employment (C); Spiritual growth and family peace (A); Freedom to immigrate (D); End to debt (N); Restoration of a marriage (J); Complete recovery of son (P); Recovery of parish priest, health of mother, conversion of son (J); Successful employment, end to depression (J); Successful immigration and employment (S); Conversion of an unloving daughter (M); Recovery of husband, health of mother, economic freedom (R); Freedom from depression, restoration of family relationships (N); Restoration of a relationship (J); Healing of friends from cancer (J); Complete healing of a friend with pancreatic cancer (J); Healing of a father following stroke (S).

Today, July 18, we commemorate the first apparition of Our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, to Saint Catherine Labouré at the convent at Rue du Bac in Paris. During a series of three apparitions, Our Blessed Mother detailed to Saint Catherine the evils of the world, encouraged her to pray for salvation, and provided a means in which for the holy to consecrate themselves to her Sacred Heart, providing protection and grace.


Catherine Labouré was born the seventh of nine children to a poor farming family in the small French village of Fain-les-Moutiers. From an early age she wished to join religious life, her heart set upon the Daughters of Charity, an order which her older sister had joined. Her father, however, was opposed to another daughter joining the religious life, instead wishing for Catherine to be married. Twice she refused offers of marriage, instead praying for the grace to serve the Lord. As a young woman, she dreamt a holy dream in which she was visited by Saint Vincent de Paul (see here, Saint Louise de Marillac, for further information), founder of the Daughters of Charity. In Catherine’s words: “I was praying in the church. An old priest came to say Mass. He looked at me and I felt like running away. Then he said ‘Someday, you will meet me again. God has plans for you.’” Catherine did not recognize the founder of The Daughters of Charity until her father eventually allowed her to enter the order. It was there, upon her first day at the convent that she observed a picture of the holy saint, and realized her prophetic calling.

At age 24, in April of 1830, Catherine’s life was to change dramatically. Over the months prior, she had witnessed apparitions of Saint Vincent de Paul while at prayer in the chapel. On three successive days, he appeared to Catherine, showing her his heart. Each day, his holy heart appeared as a different color: white for peace, red for fire, and then black—an indication of the misfortunes that would come upon France. Saint Catherine also experienced mystical ecstasies in which she say Christ physically present in the Sacred Eucharist, and on the feast of the Holy Trinity, a vision of the crucified Christ as King.


“Look,” said the child. “Here is the Blessed Virgin.”

Sister Labouré knelt at the foot of the chair and talked with the Queen of Heaven. In her own words, she wrote, “I then bounded to the steps of the altar, knelt, and let my hands rest on the knees of the Blessed Virgin. There I spent the most pleasant time of my life. It would be impossible for me to describe what I experienced. The Blessed Virgin told me how I should conduct myself with regard to my confessor and many other things.”

At first the conversation was personal, and then Our Lady delivered a message for the world. With Catherine kneeling before her, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal declared:

"Great troubles are about to happen in France. The danger will be great. But do not be afraid. The good God and Saint Vincent will take care of the Sisters of Charity and the Priests of the Mission...”

She continued, forewarning of the continuing revolution and unrest in France. During this portion of the conversation, Our Blessed Mother’s face was etched with sadness:

"My child, the Cross of Jesus will be hated, many priests will be put to death. The Archbishop will die. The streets will run with blood. My child, the whole world will be filled with trouble and sorrow. The days are evil. Terrible things are going to happen in France. The King's throne will be overturned. The whole world will be filled with trouble of every kind. But come to the foot of this Altar often. Here many graces will be given to everyone who asks for them. They will be given to the rich and to the poor, the great and the lowly.”
Lastly, Our Blessed Mother spoke to Saint Catherine about her mission: “My child, the good God wishes to give you a mission. Later I shall let you know what it is. You will have much to suffer.” She added: "Do not be afraid of difficulties. Pray to Jesus present in the Blessed Sacrament. But do not be afraid.”

With that, the Holy Virgin disappeared. Saint Catherine returned to her room, surprised that nearly two hours had passed. Saint Catherine would not see Our Blessed Mother again until November 27. During that time, much of what she had predicted had come to pass. In her subsequent visitations, Holy Mary provided Saint Catherine with a remedy to the evils of the world, a method of devotion and consecration, and the encouragement to pray for sinners and engage in acts of penance. It was during the apparition of November 27 that Our Blessed Mother provided Saint Catherine the instructions to create the Miraculous Medal—a devotion which continues today.


Virgin Mother of God, Mary Immaculate,
we unite ourselves to you under your title of
Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal.

May this medal be for each one of us
a sure sign of your motherly affection for us and a
constant reminder of our filial duties towards you.


While wearing it, may we be blessed by your loving protection
and preserved in the grace of your Son.


Most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior,
keep us close to you every moment of our lives
so that like you we may live and act
according to the teaching and example of your Son.


Obtain for us, your children, the grace of a happy death
so that in union with you we may enjoy
the happiness of heaven forever.
Amen.

O Mary, conceived without sin,
pray for us who have recourse to you.



Inspired by the origins and spiritual history of the Holy Rosary, we continue our meditation on the psalms, one each day, in order, for 150 days.
Today’s Psalm: Psalm 84: Desire for the Sanctuary

1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints,
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh cry out
for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
they are ever praising you.
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
7 They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty;
listen to me, O God of Jacob.
9 Look upon our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you.




Day 199 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Consecration to Our Lady; Grace and Peace; Protection from sin.
Requested Intentions: Employment for husband and wife (K); Wisdom; Closer walk with Jesus (R); For successful conception (I); Thanksgiving for blessings received (K); Healing and financial assistance (F); Employment; Discernment of God’s will (A); Healing of illness (P); Small business assistance, blessings on jobs, financial aid for college student (M); Financial assistance (F); For a recovery and sanctification (X); For a daughter struggling with disease and illness (T); For all lost children (I); Prosperity, health, healing, and conversion for a family (M); Health and healing of a mother (A); Healing of heart and mind (T); Health for an ailing nephew (A); Those suffering from depression (J); Successful adoption (S); Healing of a father battling cancer (S).
Psalm: Psalm 84: Desire for the Sanctuary