Michael Lofton of Reason & Theology graciously asked me to come on to discuss the Great Reset to his audience. My hope is more will dig deeper in this to warn the faithful and get our priests & bishops (especially the bishops) to lead us in this fight.
I did find it humorous that he used an old photo of me, smiling, while the apocalypse is going on behind me. Part 1 is above & Part 2 below
The Life of St Mary the Harlot, the niece of Abraham the Hermit
[Celebrated in the Roman Martyrology on 29 October]
by St Ephraem the Archdeacon
translated into Latin from the Greek by an anonymous author.
This is the rest of Life of Abraham, begun in Life No 7 in Book 1a
Chapter I
Beloved brethren, I would like to respond to your unanimous request that I should tell you about another admirable matter which this blessed man dealt with in his old age. For wise and spiritual men it provides an instructive example of humility and compunction. This is what it was all about:
Chapter II
The blessed man Abraham had a brother who died leaving a daughter seven years old. Her father’s friends decided that as this girl had now lost both her parents, she should be immediately handed over to her uncle. The old man accepted this, and put her in the outer room of the cell. There was a little window in the wall between the rooms, through which he was able to teach her the psalter and the scriptures. She joined with him in praising God in the vigil services, and she strove to emulate her uncle in his practice of abstinence. She readily accepted this regime and made great advances in all the virtues. The holy man unceasingly prayed with tears to the Lord that her mind should be freed from attachment to the affairs of this world, for her father had left her a large sum of money. But with her father now dead, and her uncle in charge, the servant of Christ ordered that the money be distributed to the needy and orphans. The girl daily asked her uncle to pray that she be kept safe from the divers snares and traps of the devil, and kept faithfully to the rule he had given her.
Her uncle gave thanks that he could see her unhesitatingly moving forwards in the practice of all the virtues, that is in tears, humility, modesty and silence, and what was even more wonderful, in a profound love of God. She had lived with him in abstinence for twenty years, as pure as a lamb and as unspotted as a dove, when the devil began to rage against her, and tempted her with his usual tactics. He sought to ensnare her in his nets, hoping to turn her mind away from God and give the blessed man great cause to worry about her.
Chapter III
There was a certain monk (a monk in name only) who was in the habit of coming to visit the holy man under the pretext of seeking for instruction. He could see that blessed woman through the window, and began to be stirred with desire for her. He sought pretexts for speaking with her, and the urgings of lust began to set his heart on fire. Over the space of a year he insinuated himself into her affections by degrees, until her thoughts were quite overwhelmed by the sweetness of his words, and at last she opened the window of her cell and went out to him. He immediately contaminated and polluted her in the wickedness of his sinful lust.
Afterwards, she was horrified at how wicked was the deed she had done. She tore the tunic she was wearing and lacerated her face with her nails. In her excessive grief, she wished she were dead. Her anxiety oppressed her like a dead weight, in her mental storm she could not see the prospects of any harbour, her fevered thoughts flew backwards and forwards and she bewailed her fate unceasingly.
“This feels like a wound unto death,” she cried. “The labour of my days and my abstinence have gone for nothing, the work of my prayers, tears and vigils has been rendered completely worthless. I have grievously offended my God and have destroyed myself. What a miserable wretch I am, drowning myself in tears! I have inflicted the most bitter sorrow upon my holy uncle, my soul is burdened with guilt, and I have simply become a bit of sport for the devil. What point is there in prolonging my miserable existence any further? Alas, what have I done? Alas, what shall I do now? Alas, what evils have I brought upon myself? Alas, how could I have ever sunk so low? How did my mind come to be so darkened? I could not see that I was doing wrong, I did not realise I was being despoiled, I cannot understand how my heart came to be hidden in a cloud of darkness. How is it that I did not realise what I was doing?
“Where can I hide myself? Where can I go? Where is there some ravine I can throw myself into? Where now are all the teachings of my most holy uncle? Where are the warnings of his colleague, Ephraem? They taught me to preserve my virginity so that I might offer an immaculate soul to my immortal bridegroom. ‘Your bridegroom,’ they said, ‘is holy and ardent’. Alas, what can I do? I don’t dare so much as lift up my eyes to heaven, for I know that in the eyes of both God and man I am as good as dead. I don’t dare to go anywhere near his window. I am a sinner full of sordid uncleanness – how shall I even try to speak with my holy uncle? If I even dared to attempt it, wouldn’t a blast of fire burst from him to burn me to ashes? Seeing that I am already dead and have no hope of gaining salvation, I had better leave here and go to some foreign land where nobody knows me.”
Hastily, she left, went to a foreign land, changed her clothes and found employment in a brothel.[stabulum, a word which can mean simply ‘fixed abode’. In Chapter VI, below, it seems to mean ‘inn, hostelry’, but is also, obviously, a brothel]
Chapter IV
This disaster which happened to her was revealed to the holy man by a vision in his sleep. What he saw was a terrifying, enormous dragon, hissing loudly and stinking most horribly, which burst out from somewhere towards his own cell, where it found a little dove, which it devoured and then returned to its own pit. He woke up in great distress, weeping bitter tears, interpreting the vision as an attack of the devil against the Church of God, turning many away from the faith and creating some schism in holy Church. He fell on his knees and prayed to God.
“O God, lover of men, nothing is hid from your sight. You know the meaning of this vision.”
Two days later he saw the same dragon coming back to the cell in the same manner as before. With its belly torn open it lowered its head down at his feet, and he could see the dove which it had devoured was still alive in its stomach. He put his hand in and pulled it out alive. When he woke up he called out for his blessed niece several times, thinking that she was still in her cell.
“What has been the matter with you, Mary” – for that was her name – “that you have not opened your voice to praise God these last two days?”
He got no reply, and since he had not heard her singing the psalms as usual for the last two days it began to dawn on him that the vision most certainly was about her. Then he groaned and wept bitterly, pouring out floods of tears.
“Woe is me! A wolf has carried off my little lamb and taken my daughter captive! O Christ, Saviour of the world, give me back my little lamb Mary. Bring her back to the fold, lest in my old age I depart this world in grief. Do not turn your ears away from my prayer, O Lord, but speedily send down your grace that she may be snatched unharmed from the mouth of the dragon.”
The two days of the vision turned out to signify two years, during which his niece lived out her shameful life as if in the disgusting belly of the dragon. But the holy man never ceased at all times day and night from praying for her to God.
Chapter V
After two years, he found out where she was and what she was doing, and he asked someone he knew very well to go there and find out everything about her that he could. After having gone there and actually seen her, he came back and gave Abraham a full and truthful report. At Abraham’s request he then lent him a soldier’s uniform and a horse to ride. Disguised as a soldier, and wearing voluminous headgear to conceal his face, he opened his door, came out, mounted his horse, and hurried off, taking with him just one solidus. Anyone who ventures into any foreign country or city always assumes the dress of that country so that he won’t be noticed; just so did Abraham wear aggressive clothing, to frighten off any possible attacker. Take a lesson, my beloved brothers, from this second Abraham. Just as the first Abraham went forth to do battle with kings and struck them down in order to rescue his nephew Lot (Genesis 13.12-16), so did this second Abraham sally forth to do battle with the devil, to conquer him and bring back his niece in triumph.
Chapter VI
When he arrived at the place where she was, he turned aside into the inn (stabulum) and looked about him carefully in all directions, hoping to catch sight of her. Having lingered there for the best part of an hour without having caught the slightest glimpse of her, he approached the landlord with a grin on his face.
“I have heard, my friend,” he said, “that you have a most beautiful girl here. I would gladly have a look at her, if you will allow me.”
The landlord looked at Abraham’s grey hairs, and thought to himself that this person could hardly have any thoughts of lust in his mind, considering his obviously advanced age.
“You have been told correctly,” he replied. “She really is outstandingly beautiful.”
And indeed it is true that Mary was of an almost preternatural beauty.
“What is her name?” he asked.
“Mary.”
“I should be delighted if you would bring her in to me,” he said, filled with joy at hearing her name. “Perhaps she might dine with me today, for I have heard great stories about this girl.”
He called her in, and when her uncle saw her, dressed like a prostitute, a shudder of grief shook his whole frame, but he hid the bitterness of his soul with a smile of pleasure. He restrained himself from breaking out into tears, lest she recognise him and take refuge in flight.
Chapter VII
They sat down and had a drink, and this wonderful man then began to lead her on. She got up from her seat, put her arms around his neck and gave him a few gentle kisses. But as did so, the familiar scent of an abstinent body assailed her sense of smell, and the remembrance of the days when she lived in abstinence herself suddenly burst upon her mind. She cried out, as if pierced by a javelin, and tears rolled down her cheeks.
“Woe, woe is me!” she cried, unable to restrain the pain in her heart.
The landlord was shocked.
“What is the matter Mary?” he cried. “Why these cries of pain? You have been here two years and I have never heard you moan like this before. I don’t understand what’s bothering you.”
“It would have been better for me if I had died three years ago!” she said.
Her blessed uncle, hoping not as yet to be recognised, said to her quite calmly:
“We were enjoying each other’s company a moment ago. Could it be that the memory of your sins has just come into your mind?”
O Almighty God! How wonderful is the way you shed your mercy upon us! Wouldn’t you think that by now the girl was at least thinking to herself, ‘What a close resemblance there is between this man and my uncle!’ But you alone are the lover of mankind, O God, from whom all goodness and wisdom flows; you so decreed that she did not recognise him and so run away in confusion. The only possible reason for this servant of yours, her uncle, being able to hold back his tears, must surely be that you intervened to make the impossible possible.
The holy man gave the landlord the solidus he had brought with him.
“Prepare the best meal for us that you possibly can,” he said, “so that the girl and I can dine together. I have come a long journey for the love of her.”
O loving wisdom of our God! O truly spiritual fount of knowledge! The wisdom of your saving ways is a perpetual cause for celebration. For fifty years of abstinence Abraham had tasted nothing but bread, and here he was now eating meat without hesitation, simply in order to save a lost soul. The choirs of Holy Angels looked on and applauded with exultation at the discretion this blessed man was displaying, for he was eating and drinking enthusiastically with no qualms at all simply in order to rescue a lost soul from the lowest deeps O wisdom of the wise, O knowledge of the knowledgeable, O discretion of the discreet! You cannot but admire the simplicity of this man. Come, stand in awe of how this man, so perfect and wise and prudent and discreet, has made himself into something quite different, into someone ignorant and completely lacking in discretion, simply in order that he might snatch a soul from the mouth of the lion, and free an imprisoned and conquered soul from the chains and oppression of darkness.
Chapter VIII
After they had eaten, the girl became quite provocative and suggested they go to the bedroom.
“Yes, let’s go,” he said.
As he went in he saw the bed in the corner and sat down on it without hesitation. However shall I describe you, you most perfect athlete of Christ? I really do not know how to put the right name to you. Do I call you continent, or incontinent? Wise, or idiotic? Discreet or indiscreet? For fifty years of your life you have slept on a hard bed, and here you are now boldly getting into a bed of this sort! But of course you have done all these things for the praise and glory of Christ. You have undertaken a long and tedious journey, you have eaten meat and drunk wine, entered a house of ill repute, and all for the sake of saving one lost soul. Yet we tend to draw back in diffidence when we should at least be saying some sort of constructive word to our neighbour.
Chapter IX
“Come, sir, let me take your shoes off for you,” she said, as he sat on the bed.
“Shut the door first,” he said, “and then you can take them off.”
She wanted to take them off first, but he would not let her, so she went and shut the door and came back to him.
“Come closer, Mary,” he said.
He took her by the hand, and she thought he was about to embrace her, but instead he took off the concealing headgear he was wearing and at last allowed the tears to flow.
“Mary, my daughter,” he said, “don’t you recognise me? You are my own flesh and blood. Wasn’t it I who brought you up? O my daughter, what has become of you? Who has destroyed you? Where is the clothing of angels that you used to wear? Where is your continence, your tears, your vigils, your sleeping on the ground? How did you come to fall into this pit after dwelling in the heights of heaven, my daughter? If you had sinned, why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you immediately let me help? My beloved brother Ephraem and I would gladly have done penance for you. Why have you behaved the way you have? Why desert me and plunge me into such grief. After all, is there anyone who hasn’t sinned, except God?”
As he was saying all this, and much more besides, she remained in his grip as still as a stone, transfixed as much by fear as confusion. But the blessed man kept on talking to her through his tears.
“O Mary, my daughter, haven’t you got anything to say to me? Flesh of my flesh, can you not speak? Haven’t I come all this way especially for your sake? Let your sin rest upon my shoulders, my daughter, that in the day of judgment I may stand in your place before God and make satisfaction to God for your sin.”
He went on till midnight pricking her conscience with such words and overwhelming her with his life-giving tears. Little by little she began to regain a little confidence, and answered him through her tears.
“I am so covered in confusion,” she said, “that I can hardly bear you to look at me. But how could I possibly have poured out my prayers towards God, when I had been wallowing in such filth?”
“Let me bear the burden of your sin,” said this most holy man. “Let God require your sin at my hands, if only you will listen to me. And come, and let us go to our own place. Look, there is that most loving Ephraem who has been most deeply upset because of you. He prays without ceasing for you to the Lord. Don’t have any doubts, my daughter, about the mercy of the Lord. Though your sins be as big as mountains, yet his mercy is greater than all creation. Don’t we read about how the unclean woman came to him who was spotless without in the least contaminating him? By him she was cleansed, she washed his feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair (Luke 7.38). There is more hope of a spark setting the sea on fire than there is of your sins contaminating him.
“There is nothing new in falling down in the contest; the wicked thing is to keep on lying there. Be brave, retrace your steps. For as long as you go on lying down the enemy is laughing at you, but he knows that you will be all the stronger when you get up. Have pity on my old age. Give me some recompense for the labours I have undertaken in spite of my grey hair, I beg you. Leave here and come back with me to your cell. Don’t be afraid, it is human nature to be in danger of falling. But even though a fall can happen quite quickly, by the help of God to rise again can be quicker still. For God does not will the death of a sinner but rather that he may be healed and live” (Ezekiel 18.23).
“If you are sure that I can do penance, and that God will accept my reparation,” she said, “then, see, I am going to do what you say. You lead, and I will follow your holiness, and kiss your footprints, because you have grieved so much about me and drawn me out this unclean morass.”
And she laid her head down at his feet and wept for the rest of the night, crying: “What shall I give to the Lord, as retribution for all my sins?”
Chapter X
“Come, daughter,” said Abraham as soon as it was light, “let’s go back to our cell.”
“I have a little money here,” she replied, “and some clothes. What do you want me to do with them?”
“Leave them behind,” said the blessed Abraham. “They are the wages of sin.”
So they arose and departed. He put her on his horse and walked in front of her. Just as a shepherd who has found his lost sheep puts it on his shoulders rejoicing (Luke 15.5), so did the blessed Abraham begin this journey with his niece rejoicing. When they got home he put her in the inner room which he had previously occupied, and he remained in the outer room. Wearing the monastic habit once more, she passed her days in humility of mind and body, her eyes bathed in tears, disciplining herself with the strictest abstinence, declaring unceasingly with untroubled confidence before the Lord that her tears were offered in sure hope of the forgiveness of her sins. She cried out for mercy so powerfully that he would be hard hearted indeed who would not have been overcome with compassion at the sound of her weeping. Who is there so devoid of mercy that would not have wept in sympathy with her in her lamentation? And who in true compunction of heart would not have given thanks to God?
Her penitence was beyond measure, compared to ours. So zealously did she pray to the Lord to pardon what she had done, that she was bold enough to ask God for a sign that her sins were indeed forgiven. And the most merciful Lord who wills no one to perish but rather come to repentance (1 Timothy 2.4), so graciously accepted her penances, that after three years salvation began to come to many other people through her prayers. For crowds of people began to flow eagerly towards her, begging that she might pray to the Lord for their salvation.
Chapter XI
The blessed Abraham lasted for a further ten years in this life, to witness the depth of her penitence and glorify God, until in his seventieth year he rested in peace. For fifty years he had been faithful to his profession with great devotion, humility of heart and charity unfeigned.
Chapter XII
He had shown favouritism to no one, as many are inclined to do, loving this person and despising that. He never relaxed his rule of abstinence, he never slumped into indolence, he was never careless, but lived each day as it if were his last. The way of life of this most blessed Abraham, and the battles he endured, were such that he ever stood resolute in the face of the enemy and never retreated. In his struggles in the village, [In his earlier life he had been responsible for converting a pagan village, at the behest of his bishop. See chapter iv and following, in Life No 7 in Book 1a.] and in all his battles against the phantasies of the demons, he never relaxed his mind or quailed before anyone. A great and memorable battle he had in the matter of the most blessed Mary. With spiritual wisdom, prudence and innocence he rescued her from the carelessness and incontinence of a morass of iniquity. What a miracle! He ventured even into the lair of the dragon and trod him underfoot, snatching his prey from out of his very mouth. What agonies and sweat this blessed man endured.
2AXAG8R Les Vies des Peres des deserts d’Orient : leur doctrine spirituelle et leur discipline monastique . ersonnes qui y etaientC-icore engagees dans les erreurs du paganisme : aussi ne pouvait-ol ;Ieux confier qua lui un champ si herisse, pour ainsi dire,de ronces et depines. Saint Euloge fut place sur la chaire dEdessepar saint Eusebe, eveque de Samosate. Ce fut avant le conciledAntioche, auquel il assista en 379, ainsi qua celui de Gons-jople en 381. Le Martyrologe romain fait memoire de saintBarses le 30 janvier, de saint Euloge le 5 de mai, de saint Pro-togene le 6 du meme mois. SAINT ABRAHAM,
Chapter XIII
We have written all these things for the comfort and devotion of all those who desire to govern their lives devoutly and zealously, and to the praise and glory of God whose grace has surrounded us abundantly at all times. I have described the rest of his virtues in another book. When he was lying in peace, having passed to the Lord, almost the whole city gathered. Each person approached his most pure body with the greatest devotion, tearing off bits of his clothing to obtain a blessing for themselves. And if they were ever ill, they only needed to touch the scrap they had torn off to be fully restored to health.
Chapter XIV
Mary lived for another five years, pursuing an extraordinarily strict mode of existence. Day and night she continually prayed to the Lord with great lamentation bathed in tears, so that the many people who came by night to hear the voice of her weeping were so affected by her plaints that they joined her weeping with their own weeping. And on the day of her falling asleep, when she was taken up out of this life, all who saw her gave glory to the Lord because of the shining splendour of her countenance.
Chapter XV
O what a wretch am I, my beloved brothers, compared with those who have already fallen asleep and passed to the Lord with such great faithfulness! Their minds were never preoccupied with mundane business, but centred solely in the love of God. But I, indeed, remain buried in self-will, stumbling and unresponsive. My soul is wintry, an unending tempest leaves me bare, and despoiled of the hope of bringing any good work to perfection.
Chapter XVI
I am astonished at myself, my beloved brothers, because of the way in which I daily fail. I build for hours, then for hours I destroy what I have built. At night I say, ‘Tomorrow I will repent’, but in the morning when I get up I put it off for another day. Again towards evening I say, ‘Tonight I will keep vigil and besiege the Lord with tears that he may look mercifully on my sins’, but when nighttime comes I fall asleep. There are those who like me have been given a talent and have laboured day and night to trade successfully and gain the prize of being given power over ten cities (Luke 19.17), but I in my laziness have hidden my talent in the ground, and my Lord is hastening near and will strike fear into my heart, and I mourn for the days of my negligence, for I have not any excuse to offer.
Chapter XVII
O my God, have mercy upon me and save me, for you alone are without sin, you alone are merciful and kind, and apart from you I know no other, nor is there any other in whom I believe, Father most blessed, and only begotten Son incarnate for our sakes, and holy Spirit who gives life to all things. It is in your nature, O lover of mankind, both to keep me in mind, and to lead me out of the prison house of my sins. It is at your behest that I both came into this world and shall depart from it. Be merciful to me in my helplessness, and bring salvation to me, a sinner. Your grace is my helper in this world, my refuge and my hope of glory. Let it hide me under the shadow of its wings in that terrible and horrendous day. For you know the secrets of our hearts and minds, you know how many depravities and scandalous by ways I have scorned, you know how many shameless vanities and inclinations to heresy I have rejected. And all that not in my own strength but by your grace which has enlightened my mind. Wherefore I pray you, holy Lord, to save me into your kingdom and be graciously pleased to bless me along with all who are pleasing to you, for yours alone is the glory, the adoration and the magnificence, Father Son and holy Spirit. Amen.on,
The MOST important online event you will see in 2020. Please sign up and get your priests to watch as well. If you get the premium feature you will have a month to watch or listen via mp3 to the conferences. Plus you can support Sensus Fidelium with the purchase.
[May be said in public or private.
i. 300 Days, each day.
Plenary on the Feast or during the Octave. I, II, IV
See Instructions, p. 1, 1910 Raccolta ]
I. Litany of Loreto
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, eleison.
Kyrie, eleison.
Christe, audi nos.
Christe, exaudi nos.
Pater de cælis Deus, miserere nobis.
Fili Redemptor mundi Deus,
Spiritus Sancte Deus,
Sancta Trinitas, unus Deus,
Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.
Sancta Dei Genetrix,
Mater Virgo virginum,
Mater Christi,
Mater Ecclesiæ,
Mater Divinæ gratiæ,
Mater purissima,
Mater castissima,
Mater inviolata,
Mater intemerata,
Mater amabilis,
Mater admirabilis,
Mater boni Consilii,
Mater Creatoris,
Mater Salvatoris,
Virgo prudentissima,
Virgo veneranda,
Virgo prædicanda,
Virgo potens,
Virgo clemens,
Virgo fidelis,
Speculum iustitiæ,
Sedes sapientiæ,
Causa nostræ lætitiæ,
Vas spirituale,
Vas honorabile,
Vas insigne devotionis,
Rosa mystica,
Turris Davidica,
Turris eburnea,
Domus aurea,
Fœderis arca,
Ianua cæli,
Stella matutina,
Salus infirmorum,
Refugium peccatorum,
Consolatrix afflictorum,
Auxilium Christianorum,
Regina Angelorum,
Regina Patriarcharum,
Regina Prophetarum,
Regina Apostolorum,
Regina Martyrum,
Regina Confessorum,
Regina Virginum,
Regina Sanctorum omnium,
Regina sine labe originali concepta,
Regina in cæli assumpta,
Regina Sacratissimi Rosarii,
Regina familiæ,
Regina Pacis.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, the Redeemer of the world,
God, the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of Angels,
Queen of Patriarchs,
Queen of Prophets,
Queen of Apostles,
Queen of Martyrs,
Queen of Confessors,
Queen of Virgins,
Queen of all Saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy Rosary,
Queen of the family,
Queen of Peace.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, parce nobis, Domine.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, exaudi nos, Domine.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccata mundi, miserere nobis.
Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
℣. Ora pro nobis, Sancta Dei Genitrix,
℣. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
℟. Ut digni efficiamur promissionibus Christi.
℟. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Oremus.—Concede nos famulos tuos, quæsumus, Domine Deus, perpetua mentis et corporis sanitate gaudere: et gloriosæ beatæ Mariæ semper Virginis intercessione a præsenti liberari tristitia, et æterna perfrui lætitia. Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Let us pray.—Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we thy servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body, and by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, may we be freed from present sorrow, and rejoice in eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
℣. Divinum auxilium maneat semper nobiscum.
℣. May the divine assistance remain always with us.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
℣. Et fidelium animæ per misericordiam Dei requiescant in pace.
℣. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
℟. Amen.
℟. Amen.
II. Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, and sought thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To thee I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful, O Mother of the Word Incarnate! Despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
III. Act of Consecration
O Mary, ever-blessed Virgin, Mother of God, Queen of the angels and of the saints, I salute thee with the most profound veneration and filial devotion. I renew the consecration of myself and all I have to thee. I thank thee for thy maternal protection and for the many blessings that I have received through thy wondrous mercy and most powerful intercession. In all my necessities I have recourse to thee, with unbounded confidence. O Help of Christians, O Mother of mercy, I beseech thee now to hear my prayer, and to obtain for me of thy divine Son the favor that I request in this novena.
Obtain for me, also, dearest Mother, the grace that I may imitate thee and become more like to thee in the practice of the virtues of humility, obedience, purity, poverty, submission to the will of God, and charity. Be my protectress in life, guard and guide me in dangers, direct me in perplexities, lead me in the way of perfection, and assist me in the hour of my death, that I may come to Jesus, and with thee enjoy Him, bless Him, and love Him eternally in heaven. Amen.
IV.
Follow with three Paters, Aves, and Gloria Patris in thanksgiving to the Blessed Trinity for the prerogatives and graces bestowed upon the Blessed Virgin Mary. Conclude with the following ejaculation:
℣. O Domina mea! O mater mea! Memento me esse tuum. Serva me, defende me, ut rem et possessionem tuam.
My Queen! my Mother! Remember I am thine own. Keep me, guard me, as thy property and possession.
(Indulgence of 40 days, each time.—Pius IX, Aug. 5, 1851.)
Novena composed by Father Leopoldo Jerónimo de Puig, royal chaplain and administrator of the Royal Hospital of San Luis de los Franceses in Madrid, and with a license granted by the vicar of the town of Madrid in 1744. Los Gozos, of Valencian origin, They are without a known date or author.
NOVENA IN HONOR OF SAN LOUIS KING DE FRANCE
By the sign ✠ of the Holy Cross, from our ✠ enemies, deliver us Lord ✠ our God. In the name of the Father, and of the Son ✠, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
ACT OF CONTRITION
My Lord Jesus Christ, God and true Man, my Creator and Redeemer, because you are who you are and because I love you above all things, I am sorry for having offended you: I propose, with your grace, never to sin again, and I hope in your mercy, that you have to forgive and save me. Amen.
PRAYER FOR EVERY DAY
Omnipotent God and our Lord, Supreme King of Heaven and earth, who with your word have brought all creatures out of the deep abyss of nothingness, and formed man in your image and likeness, complementing him with your wonders: for yours Most Holy Son taught us to call you Father, giving us confidence to invoke you, make us worthy your children, sanctifying in us your exalted Name: give us zeal for your honor and for the salvation of souls redeemed with the precious Blood of your Son Jesus Christ, so that our The only glory is that you are recognized and adored, and that we all belong to the Kingdom of your Justice by grace and charity. Pay attention, Lord, to the weakness and misery of our being, and grant us that, fortified our soul by the participation of the Sacraments, I only sigh for You, the only object of his love, and that illustrated through your words understand the Highest Mysteries that Jesus Christ himself deigned to reveal to us. Give us a heart docile to your inspirations, pious towards our neighbors, patient in tribulations, humble in prosperity, and mortified so as not to allow ourselves to be overcome by earthly hobbies. Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
and that enlightened by your words understand the highest Mysteries that Jesus Christ himself deigned to reveal to us. Give us a heart docile to your inspirations, pious towards our neighbors, patient in tribulations, humble in prosperity, and mortified so as not to allow ourselves to be overcome by earthly hobbies. Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
and that enlightened by your words understand the highest Mysteries that Jesus Christ himself deigned to reveal to us. Give us a heart docile to your inspirations, pious towards our neighbors, patient in tribulations, humble in prosperity, and mortified so as not to allow ourselves to be overcome by earthly hobbies. Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Give us a heart docile to your inspirations, pious towards our neighbors, patient in tribulations, humble in prosperity, and mortified so as not to allow ourselves to be overcome by earthly hobbies. Kindly receive the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Give us a heart docile to your inspirations, pious towards our neighbors, patient in tribulations, humble in prosperity, and mortified so as not to allow ourselves to be overcome by earthly hobbies. Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Receive benignly the sacrifice of our prayers, and purify our conscience, giving us the strength and encouragement that our weakness needs for the perfect practice of your Holy Law; and grant us the favor that we now ask of you, and perseverance in your grace. Through the same Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
DAY FIRST – AUGUST 16
OF THE GREAT LOVE THAT SAINT LOUIS HAD TO GOD.
From his childhood, San Luis put his main care in fixing his heart to the Divine Law. His mother, Doña Blanca de Castilla, had raised him in the fear of God, repeating many times that she would rather see him dead than in mortal sin. He preserved all his life the grace of Baptism, and amid the cares of the government and the distractions and examples of the Court he kept his spirit pure of all earthly affection, always directing his actions to the greater glory of God. This desire to please him made him resolve to the heroic and glorious action of conquering the Holy Land: and without the many labors that he suffered there tempered his fervent zeal, his desire to reestablish the Faith of Jesus Christ in Africa was further enlivened; on whose shore, consumed more by the fire of Divine Love than by the plague,
REFLECTION
God always rich in mercy, who created us out of nothing, and keeps us liberal and pious, did not satisfy the excessive charity and love that he has for us, but by sending us his Only Begotten Son for our Redemption, adopting us as his children and preparing us an eternal happiness. In return, he only wants us to use our hearts to love him only, observing his Holy Law. Let us consecrate all our actions to him, and recognized to the honor and usefulness that we achieve in being loved by his Goodness, we aspire at all times to fulfill his precepts, carrying no other purpose than to please him and glorify his Holy Name.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
God and our Lord, who in token of the love you have for us, sent your Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ into the world to offer himself a pure and immaculate Host on the Ara of the Cross for the remission of our sins: admit these humble prayers, united with the merits of Jesus Christ himself, and through them, and the intercession of your Servant Saint Louis, grant us a pure and fervent heart, with which, despising all things earthly, we love and appreciate you only. We confess that our unworthiness does not deserve the excellent prerogative of being loved by You, the origin of all good, and that you order us to be used in your love: but You, Lord, who can make the unclean and sinful just and holy, will purify our spirit , making him feel the sweetness of your soft presence, so that loving you only, We only wish to please you and fulfill your Holy will. This is what we hope for through Jesus Christ the Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Our Father and Hail Mary will be prayed three times, with Gloria Patri; and it will conclude with the following Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer.
JOYS
Exemplary clarified
Of kings, of France honor:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
As a child you were raised
in holy fear of God;
Of virtues were you
From a very adorned child;
In holy love fired,
With age the ardor grew:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Admirable in abstinence,
In fervent prayer,
Of the honor of jealous God,
Of haircuts the frequency
has made You enlightened,
Saint of greater mark:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
The poor and helpless
Were your courtiers,
You washed their hands and feet,
A more than well aided,
Give them relief fulfilled Your
love sought:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Of the great Seraphim wounded
Son, in his Third Order, You
illustrated the whole world,
Having despised him;
And although he was mocked,
You despise such a mocker:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
With Catholic courage, You
tried to conquer
the land in which he wanted to work
Health the Redeemer;
With a lucid army
You were from the Turkish terror:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Your army infected
The plague, cruel plague;
And although you were the unfaithful
Prisoner, he did not achieve the
pact, which, puffed up,
proposed to you his fury
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Second time you charge
To the Turk, who infests so much;
But wounded by the plague
Your end you do not achieve:
On Tunisia, wounded by her
You return your soul to the Redeemer:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Lamparones, which is a fierce evil, You
heal with ease,
And to any disease
you completely give Remedy;
Attentive is your ear to those
who ask you favor:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
See us always auspicious
In any tribulation,
And with your intercession
Free us from all vice;
With your favor conquered
Let sin and error be:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Well, what exemplary you have been
Of kings, of France honor:
Be our intercessor,
Saint Louis of dear God .
Antiphon: This great King sustained the House of the Lord in his life, and strengthened the Temple in his days: he looked for the happiness of his People, and freed him from his enemies.
℣. The righteous will flourish like the palm tree,
℞. And it will multiply like the cedar of Lebanon.
SENTENCE
God, who from the Kingdom of earth transferred the Blessed Confessor Saint Louis to the Glory of the Celestial Homeland: grant us through his intercession and merits, that we achieve the same fate in the company of the King of Kings, Jesus Christ your Son. Attend propitiously to the wishes of our Catholic King, granting him a happy and peaceful government, and victory against the enemies of your Holy Name, for your glory and the benefit of his people. Through the same Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son ✠, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY TWO – AUGUST 17
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE FERVEROUS PRAYER OF SAN LOUIS.
Recognizing Saint Louis that all grace comes from God, who promises to grant his gifts to whoever humbly and trustingly asks for them: the Holy King used many times every day to attend the Sacrifice of Mass or Sermons, and pray the High Office, that of Our Lady and that of the Dead. He was, whenever he could, at all hours of the Divine Office which was celebrated in his chapel; and while her health allowed her, she would get up at midnight at Matins, then retiring to her room to pray alone, offering to God the sacrifice of her tears for the health of her people. She introduced, among other pious customs that the Church observes today, that of bowing deeply when singing the choir: “Et homo factus est”, and that of praying for a short time,. when at the conclusion of the Passions in Holy Week mention is made of the Death of Jesus Christ. In those days, and others consecrated to the memory of the Mysteries of our Redemption, he gave himself up to the humblest and most tender meditation of the heavenly benefits, drawing everyone with his example to such a necessary exercise.
REFLECTION
Let us learn from this Holy King to discard the laziness and annoyance that we have in Prayer, and let us know the need in which we are to use this powerful means to reach and not lose grace, which is the life of the Soul. Prayer enlightens our understanding, consoles us in afflictions, relieves us in work, banishes laziness, overcomes temptations, maintains devotion, encourages confidence, and forces God to grant us the gift we ask for. Let us not leave the weapons of Prayer in hand, to overcome with them the vices that oppress us, and obtain from God the remedy for our needs.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
Our God and Lord, Father of mercies and giver of all consolation, who delight in communicating with men: Our troubled heart turns to You, exposing the many anguishes and needs that surround us, sure of obtaining your protection more quickly, when we are destitute of human help. And since you only inspire what we must ask of you for the achievement of our eternal health, be worthy to enlighten our hearts so that we succeed in pleading with you with humility and trust what is appropriate to the remedy of our afflictions. Give us perfect knowledge of your Holy Law, strength and wisdom to fully comply with it, and a docile spirit resigned to your dispositions. And through the intercession of your Servant Saint Louis, communicate to us the consolations that you made him like in prayer, so that the storms that earthly passions and hobbies raise in our souls may calm and serene, the mists of our ignorance dissipate, and illuminated with the lights of your inspirations, let us only occupy ourselves in loving you and praising your mercies. This is what we ask through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
THIRD DAY – AUGUST 18
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE MORTIFICATION OF SAN LOUIS.
Although Saint Louis did not lose the innocence of Baptism, fearful of risking such a precious treasure, he imitated the example of Saint Paul and the other Saints, who with the continuous mortification of their bodies held down their passions, so as not to find themselves overcome by the incentives of the meat. The whole life of this Holy King was a continuous penance, practicing rigorous fasts on Fridays, Advent, Lent, Vigils of Our Lady, and many Mondays and Wednesdays during the year. He wore a rough sackcloth, went to confession every Friday, later received discipline, and his confessor had to moderate many austerities that significantly damaged his health. Among the many tribulations that he endured, his patience was crowned with seeing the undertaking of conquering the Holy Land failed; and adoring the secrets of Divine providence, he suffered threats,
REFLECTION
We must take great care to control our passions, to mortify the appetites, despise the delights, restrain the sensuality, and tolerate the work and tribulations, so that mitigated all the earthly hobbies, we can raise our desires to God with a pure and resigned heart. The example of this Holy King should encourage us to suffer the calamities that God will send us, and worship his hidden judgments; and recognizing how much more sorrow our sins deserve, comfort us with the shortness of the time of our afflictions, and the abundant reward that is prepared for our patience.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
Our God and Lord, who through mortification and penance receive to your grace those who have separated their corrupted will from it: break with your help the hardness of our hearts, so that, condemned, we may feel the malice of our sins and erase the stains that have imprinted on our soul, with the tears of sincere penance. Grant us the mortified spirit, which you gave to your Servant Saint Louis, so that in his imitation we restrain our passions, and we recognize the special care that, as a loving Father, you have to warn us through adversity, so that we correct our malice. Serve us this pious reminder that you make us, that confused and ashamed with the multitude of our sins, we convert to You, so that as you were the Author of our life, be it also of the renewal of our spirit through grace. We hope so through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
DAY FOUR – AUGUST 19
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE PURITY OF SAN LOUIS.
The careful and holy education that Queen Doña Blanca of Castile gave to her Holy son, produced in him great love for purity and chastity, of which he gave admirable examples, not allowing indecent speeches in his palace, and publishing severe laws against scandals. and solutions. Determined to marry for the good of his Kingdom, he observed exact continence, and with the consent of the Queen his wife, he abstained from conjugal commerce in Advent, Lent, and other Vigils, Solemn Feasts, and some days before and after the day in that he received communion, according to the practice then observed by the Church: a virtue that God rewarded, granting him the fruitful succession of six sons and five daughters, which today lasts and remains full of blessings to support Christianity. To preserve the precious treasure of purity,
REFLECTION
The Saints, to preserve their purity, reduced their bodies to hard servitude, denying themselves pleasures and delights, fleeing idleness, mortifying their senses with harsh penances and useful occupations, crying out to God with fervent prayer, and always meditating on the Passion of His Most Holy Son. This is the only true way of not letting yourself be overcome by earthly hobbies, and keeping your heart pure. God speaks to us through the reading of good books: he instructs, comforts, corrects, and excites our desires to long for perfection, being the most useful means to resist the distraction that temptations cause us.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
Our God and Lord, who with such abundant liberality grant your grace to the humble one who asks for it: recognizing our weakness, we turn to You, pleading with you to burn our hearts with the fire of your Divine Spirit, so that we may preserve chastity and continence in imitation of your Servant Saint Louis, and let us try to please you, restraining the senses, and removing from our spirit all impure and sensual affection. Grant us resolution to mortify our disordered passions, and that the just fear of our fragility subject the flesh to the spirit, by means of penance. Give us the pleasure of You, so that, satisfied with the softness of your delights, we despise the gifts of the body, and we love you with a pure and chaste heart. And since you only give this precious virtue, send us the dew of your grace, so that our spirit may flourish again with the vigor of purity, and clean from all stains, and free from sensual temptations, let us obtain the eternal Gifts. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for all ages and ages. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
FIFTH DAY – AUGUST 20
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE DEEP HUMILITY OF SAN LOUIS.
The extended and powerful Kingdom that he possessed, and the gift of his vassals, did not exalt the heart of Saint Louis; Before, penetrated with the most vivid recognition of Divine Mercy, which had elevated him to this dignity, he used power only for the benefit of the peoples, and humbled his soul under the powerful hand of the Lord, receiving all events with the same countenance. Far from admitting the vain applause of the flatterers, he had forewarned those who attended him to warn him of the defects he was committing, to correct them. He used great moderation in his dress, food and furniture: he appreciated being called Louis de Poissy more, because in this place he had received Holy Baptism, than all the honors of King of France. When he entered Damietta victorious, he did not want to make himself a trophy of the vanquished and hold the glory of the victor, admitting the brilliant appearances of the triumph, and made his entrance as a penitent, bare feet, poorly dressed, carrying in his hand a Crucifix, to whom he wanted only the honors of victory attributed. He resignedly tolerated the blush of being defeated and a prisoner of the Infidels, and the threats and insults with which they proved his perseverance. He suffered with equal spirit the injuries that were done to him, and never wanted to avenge the offense committed against his particular person.
REFLECTION
He who recognizes that all the goods he has are Gifts of God, humbles his heart, flees vanity, boastfulness and pride: loves silence, despises temporal things, preserves peace, readily admits warnings and advice, and becomes kind to God and to men. The example and doctrine of Jesus Christ and his Saints, convince us of the need we have to acquire this precious virtue of humility, the first and main foundation of the Christian life.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
God and our Lord, who for the example and remedy of men you sent into the world your Most Holy Son Jesus Christ, similar to us in everything except sin: give us, Lord, a perfect knowledge of our miseries and defects, so that recognizing that how much There is good in us, it is the Gift of your powerful hand. Let us humble our hearts and flee from vain complacency and self-esteem, and from the ambition of earthly things. And since you left us such admirable examples of this virtue in your Servant Saint Louis, we beg you through his intercession to grant us a contrite and humbled spirit, which does not become puffed up with praise or allow itself to be overcome by presumption, but rather imitating the humility of Your Most Holy Son, let us live soberly, justly and piously, and deserve to be consoled by You, achieving the rest and stillness of our spirit, the ease in fulfilling your Holy precepts, and the prize that you have prepared for the truly humble. This is how we beg you through Jesus Christ himself, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
DAY SIX – AUGUST 21
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE CHARITY OF SAN LOUIS WITH HIS NEIGHBORS.
Mercy and compassion accompanied Saint Louis since his tender years, and his heart only rested when he was employed to remedy the needs of his subjects. In addition to the tenderness, accuracy and care with which he attended to the poor and helpless, defending them from the insults and grievances of the powerful, his delights were to comfort the troubled, serve food to the poor, wash their feet, heal them. He distributed copious alms, and to those who represented him that the Treasury was being impoverished, he replied that he was never more sure of having what he needed in abundance than when he distributed his income to the poor of Jesus Christ. To have more to distribute to these, and provide the Hospitals and Houses that he had erected for their benefit, she avoided all possible expenses, especially on her person and clothes. After the battles he attended the healing of the wounded soldiers, and the burial of the dead, sometimes doing these pious offices himself. He ordered in his will that many alms be distributed; and he commissioned his son and successor to always have a compassionate heart and to be ready to help the poor.
REFLECTION
The proof that we love God is to use ourselves to help our neighbors. Let us sacrifice some part of our comfort and rest to the relief of those in need, imitating Jesus Christ, who exercised all his life for the benefit of men. Let us not be bothered by the company of the sick, let us go to the consolation of the afflicted, and let us sell the goods that God has given us, dividing them with his children and our brothers the poor, encouraged by the abundant reward that his Majesty has prepared for us.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
God and our Lord, who with such liberality you communicate to all creatures, giving them being and acting, and without our crimes suspending the course of your mercies, shower abundant graces and benefits on the just and sinners: be worthy to grant us the spirit of charity that you gave to your Servant Saint Louis, so that in his imitation we consecrate ourselves to the usefulness of our neighbors, assisting them with temporary relief, advice and a good example. Give us a soft, liberal and compassionate heart, with which, easily moved to exercise the mercy and zeal of his eternal health with those in need, your Holy Name may be glorified. And since your Son Jesus Christ left us such an admirable example of charity by dying on the Cross to satisfy our iniquities: encourage our spirit with the necessary strength, so that we may forgive the injuries with which our neighbors wronged us, and give us all a heart united in perfect charity, so that we may be worthy your children, and obtain the forgiveness of our sins, through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who with You and the Holy Spirit live and reign, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
SEVENTH DAY – AUGUST 22
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE VIGILANCE AND JUSTICE OF SAN LOUIS.
Convinced San Luis that the quality of King forced him to attend only to the benefit of his peoples, he sacrificed his rest to the care of the government and the administration of justice. In order to facilitate the brevity of the office for all kinds of people, and especially the poor, he used to go out to the Vincennes wood, accompanied by some gentlemen, and under a tree, without being prevented by the guards, he would give an audience to all who presented themselves: he heard and examined their claims for himself, and with the advice of those gentlemen, he expedited the business, taking care that no one was vexed. He charged the Governors and Bailiwicks that he sent to the provinces of his Kingdom, and other Religious people, to inquire if any harm was done to the vassals, and to examine whether their predecessors had defrauded any, to reward and satisfy all damages. He ordered most holy laws against blasphemies and scandals, and for the better government of his Kingdom. He lived with great moderation, avoiding all superfluous expenses so as not to tax his peoples with tributes. In the care of his House and Family he was extreme, raising his children in the fear of God, and exhorting them to flee the vanities of the world: the admirable instruction that in his last illness he dictated for his son and successor Philip, manifests purity of the life of this Holy King, and the vigilance with which he governed his family, for the benefit of his Kingdom.
REFLECTION
We are all equally required to care for the advancement and spiritual usefulness of the people God has placed in our charge, and for the exact fulfillment of the obligations that are included in the state or employment in which Divine Providence has placed us. The example of this Holy King should excite our desire to carefully satisfy everything; and to use the talents that His Majesty has given us, to the benefit of our neighbors, certain that God will not leave our vigilance without abundant reward.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
Our God and Lord, who with such admirable wisdom govern all things, arranging them for the glory of your Power and the utility of creatures: recognizing our insufficiency and ignorance we cry out to You, the origin of all good, pleading with You to enlighten us, so that we may know what which is more agreeable to your will and conducive to the fulfillment of the charges entrusted to us by your Providence. Lead us through the intercession of your Servant Saint Louis, to whom you gave grace to succeed in ruling his Kingdom, banish abuses, repress vices, and advance the glory of your Holy Name with his examples and exhortations. Give us, Lord, the same Divine Spirit who directed your actions, so that we may correct ours, we know how to please you, and living honestly, we recommend your Holy Law, encouraging our neighbors to its most exact observance, so that employed in your service, your Name may be sanctified. So we ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
DAY EIGHTH – AUGUST 23
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE MODERATION AND MAGNANIMITY OF SAN LOUIS.
God endowed Saint Louis with a heart full of modesty and moderation, with which, free to enter into the ambition of expanding his States, making use of the misfortunes of his neighbors, he showed a magnanimous spirit, refusing the repeated offers that were made to him of the Crown of the Empire, of Naples, and of other Kingdoms that wanted to be placed under his just and soft government. Inclined to peace, he never undertook any war, unless the need to defend himself was required: and God having given him victory from the Count of Tolosa, the Count of the March, and others who, supported by the King of England, had led a civil and dangerous war He used so much restraint with the defeated that he granted them freedom and very advantageous peace. Many Princes, by the reputation of his prudence, made him Referee of their differences, which he managed to compose, extinguishing the hatreds and dissensions that divided them. She did many diligences to reconcile Emperor Frederick II with the Popes, for the good of the Church: she kept her Kingdoms in peace and justice, and had her Ministers in charge, in case of doubt, to judge in favor of her vassals the claims which he also entrusted to his son and successor in the instruction that he left him at the time of death.
REFLECTION
Meekness and moderation make the Christian Religion recommendable; and shows signs of a true son of his, the one who easily to forgive his enemies strives to win their hearts through all kinds of good offices, imitating Jesus Christ who with his actions and warnings encourages us to discard ambition, the root of all evils, and to embrace the modesty and sobriety with which we will acquire inner peace, and the trust and love of our neighbors.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
God and our Lord, who with the example of your Son Jesus Christ and of the Saints, teach us to discard the honorable grounds, and only yearn for the possession of the Celestial Homeland: admit our humble prayers, accompanied by the interposition of your servant Saint Luis, and grant us a heart detached from the attractions of the earth, so that by not allowing ourselves to be overcome by the anxious request to possess the honors, riches and abundances with which the world invites its followers, we moderate our desires, and we use the goods sparingly. present, without offense or harm from our neighbors. And then, Lord, you know how much temporal needs aggravate our hearts, attend us with pious providence, freeing us from the anguish they cause us, to use us more freely in your praises, and sigh for eternal happiness; So we beg you through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
DAY NINE – AUGUST 24
By the sign …
Act of contrition and Prayer for every day.
OF THE ZEAL THAT SAINT LOUIS HAD TO EXPAND THE FAITH.
The fiery one. The love that Saint Louis had for God, and the zeal to expand the Faith of Jesus Christ, and make him adore the Nations that occupied the precious land in which the Mysteries of our Redemption were worked, impelled the Holy King to undertake the dangerous journey of the Syria, encouraging with his example and exhortations many lords and princes who accompanied him and witnessed the ardor with which he exposed himself to all dangers and fatigue to achieve such a pious design. Although the effects did not correspond to his wishes, God allowing the Holy King and much of his army to remain prisoners of the Barbarians, his zeal did not wane, and all the time he was in Syria was used to spread the Religion, making it recommendable. his very pure life and admirable examples, with which he converted many infidels. Returned to his kingdom,
REFLECTION
If we were zealous for the glory of God, and for the spiritual good of our neighbors, we would feel great pain at seeing such vast regions where the knowledge of Jesus Christ is lacking, and we would sacrifice our rest because so many souls take advantage of the precious fruit of his Blood. But since we do not have the courage to offer ourselves to death, like this Holy King, for the conversion of the Infidels, let us try with good examples and exhortations to attract our neighbors to sanctify the Name of God with the observance of his Divine Law without neglecting our own advantage, fighting against our passions, sure that this long martyrdom will acquire for us the consolations and rewards that God has in store for us in his Celestial Kingdom.
PRAYER FOR THIS DAY
Our God and Lord, abundant in mercies, who adorn your Saints with the ardent zeal to spread the news of your Name among the Nations that do not know you for your greater glory and the utility of Souls: communicate to us through the intercession of your servant Saint Luis, fervent desire for the conversion of the Infidels, and apply to them the infinite price of torments and Passion of your Most Holy Son, so that converted to You, they may be able to participate in the esteemed treasure of the Sacraments, and united with us by Faith and Charity, also enjoy the eternal happiness that you have promised us. Teach us to venerate your just judgments, and surrender to your dispositions; and because you love us with so much excess, teach us to fulfill your precepts, and direct our works, words and thoughts to your greater glory, for our eternal health. So we beg you through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Pray our Father and Hail Mary three times, with Gloria Patri. The Joys, Antiphon, Verses and Prayer will be prayed every day.
EPISTOLA SOLITI NOS
DEL PAPA BENEDETTO XV
AL R. P. LUIGI MARIA MARELLI,
VESCOVO DI BERGAMO
SULLA NECESSITÀ DI DIFFIDARE
DELLA PROPAGANDA DEI SOCIALISTI
Venerable Brother,
health and Apostolic Blessing .
Since we are used to considering with particular satisfaction our Bergamaschi, who distinguish themselves in an exemplary way for their Christian life, with real displeasure we have learned some negative voices relating to certain popular motions that would have happened there. In truth, it is no wonder that the ” enemy», Having long envied the fertility of this field of the Lord, and carefully spying on the opportune moment to devastate it, took advantage of the crisis of these unfortunate times to sow the weeds on such fruitful soil. But since the bad seed, once it has taken root, can choke the good wheat over time, we value our strict duty – since the Lord has entrusted to us the care of the whole mystical field – to work with all our strength because it does not have to develop. We therefore address you, Venerable Brother, with this letter, not because we doubt your zeal, of which you have already given valid testimony in this regard, but because we consider it appropriate to exhort the beloved children, your medium, to remain faithful to your duty;
First of all we want everyone to know that We warmly approve what you have done, Venerable Brother, when, after the war, when everyone returned to the usual jobs, meeting new needs, with the collaboration of the Diocesan Council, you have set up a special Labor Office to cater to the needs of the various categories of workers. Really excellent and very useful institution if its functioning is regulated according to the dictates of religion; otherwise we know unfortunately which and how many disorders it can cause to society. It is therefore necessary that the managers of this Office, which has such close connection with the common good, always have before their eyes and scrupulously observe the principles of social science inculcated by the Holy See in the memorable Encyclical “Rerum Novarum or Of the new things» And in other documents. Remember especially these fundamental points: in this short mortal life, subject to all evils, no one is given to be truly happy, since true, perfect, eternal happiness awaits us only in heaven, as a reward to those who have lived well ; up there, therefore, whatever we do, it must strive for all our actions; therefore, rather than being jealous of our rights, we must be considerate of fulfilling our duties; on the other hand, we are allowed to improve our condition in this mortal life and obtain greater well-being, but for the common good, nothing is more beneficial than harmony and harmony among all social classes: it is the maximum advocate of this Christian charity. So see how the workers’ interests would hurt those who, having plans to improve the conditions, they only lent themselves to help him in the purchase of these fallen goods, and not only neglected to temper his aspirations with the reference to Christian duties, but they endeavored to incite him more and more against the rich with that ceremony of language that is usually used by our opponents to excite the crowds to the social revolution. To remedy such a serious danger, it will be your care, Venerable Brother, to make present, as you already do, to those who dedicate themselves to patronizing the cause of the workers they do, being careful not to use the intemperance of language proper to the “socialists” , they must explain an action and propaganda all pervaded by a Christian spirit; without this they will be very harmful, certainly not beneficial. However, we hope that everyone will want to be obsequious; and if someone refuses to obey, you will certainly remove him from the assignment.
Moreover, it is natural that this Christian elevation of the humble should be more widely shared by those who have been provided with greater means by Providence. So those who are higher in social position or culture, do not refuse to help the worker with the council, with authority and with the word, especially promoting those works that have been providentially instituted to his advantage. Those who are then supplied with makeshift goods do not want to regulate their interests with the proletariat according to strict law, but rather according to fairness. Indeed we warmly urge them to use even greater indulgence in this, by making the widest and most liberal concessions they can. Here what the Apostle says to Timothy:To the rich of this world … he recommends being ready to give, to be generous “[ 1 ]. In this way they will gain the soul of the poor, who had antagonized them by considering them too attached to money.
Therefore the less well-off and those in a lower position are well penetrated by this truth, that the distinction of the social classes comes from nature, and therefore itself from the will of God, since ” He himself made the little and the great ” [ 2 ]; and this is wonderfully beneficial to the good of individuals and society. They are therefore persuaded that however much they can improve their condition with their own activity and with the help of the good, it will still remain to them, as to all the others, not a little to suffer. Therefore, if they wish to operate as wise men, they will not endeavor to pursue unworkable utopias, and will bear the inevitable evils of this life in peace and fortitude, awaiting immortal goods.
Therefore we pray and beg the Bergamaschi, for their singular piety and devotion to this Apostolic See, not to be fooled by the flattery of those who with fallacious promises strive to wrest their faith from their hearts to encourage them to brutal violence and upheavals . The cause of justice and truth is not defended with violence or disorder, since these are weapons that first of all hurt those who use them.
It is therefore the duty of priests and especially of parish priests to vigorously oppose these extremely dangerous enemies of the Catholic faith and of society, fighting them together and compact under your guidance, Venerable Brother. Nobody must believe that this is extraneous to the sacred ministry, being an economic question, while it is precisely for this reason that the risk for the eternal salvation of souls is looming. They consider it one of their duties to devote themselves as much as possible to science and social action with study and hard work, and to help those who worthily work in our organizations together by any means. At the same time, they should try to teach their faithful attentively the norms of Christian life, warning them against the pitfalls of the ” socialists “.», Also promoting economic improvement, always remembering what the Church recommends:« Let us go through temporal goods, so as not to lose the eternal ones ».
In the meantime, we will not cease to invoke upon you all the gifts of divine goodness in favor of which and as a testimony of Our benevolence, we impart with great affection the Apostolic Blessing to you, Venerable Brother, to the clergy and to your people.
Given in Rome, at St. Peter’s, on 11 March 1920, in the sixth year of our pontificate.
on,
