On September 14, in 335, took place the dedication of Constantine’s basilica, which enclosed both Calvary and the Holy Sepulchre. “At this date,” says Etheria, “the cross was discovered. And the anniversary is celebrated with as much solemnity as Easter or the Epiphany.” Such was the origin of the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. “When I shall be raised on high, I shall draw everything unto Me” (Gospel), Jesus has said. It is because of the Saviour humbled Himself, being obedient even to the death of the cross, that God exalted Him and gave Him a name above[…]

O Virgin, full of every grace, wholly radiant and serene! You are the sacred and blessed resting place for the Son of God, resplendent in gold and dazzling in loveliness and glory! In the first place in your magnificent crown I shall place a topaz, excelling the sparkle of all other stones. This I do hoping to reflect the praise and glory of your singular excellence. This topaz is well suited to be an ornament of your crown, O most sweet Mistress; for just as you excel all women in the beauty of your flesh, so also you surpass all[…]

The Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady, the Mother of God (Theotokos) and Ever-Virgin Mary is celebrated on September 8 each year. The Feast commemorates the birth of the Mother of Jesus Christ, our Lord. The birth and early life of the Virgin Mary is not recorded in the Gospels or other books of the New Testament, however this information can be found in a work dating from the second century, known as the Protevangelium of St. James (dated to ca. A.D. 125),  apocryphal Gospel of the Nativity of Mary (translated from the Hebrew by St. Jerome, A.D.[…]

First Day of Novena – Start on August 6th GLORY OF MARY IN DEATH She was well prepared to die LET us meditate how glorious Mary was at the moment of her death, because in life she was so well prepared to die: first, by reason of her ardent longing to see her God and to be again united to her Son; and next, by the unapproachable merit of her consummate perfection. Then, reflecting how different we are from Mary in our own practice of preparation for our death, let us say : 1. Most holy Virgin, who, in order to[…]

The name of Mary brings grace, hope, and sweetness to the hearts of men. First fostered in Spain, then invoked against the Turks at Vienna in 1683, this devotion to Mary inspired King John Sobieski of Poland to put the misbelievers to flight, and thus to save Christendom from devastation. Pope Innocent XI extended observance of the feast to the whole Church. By St. Alphonsus Maria de Liguori, (1696 – 1787), an Italian Catholic bishop, spiritual writer, composer, scholastic philosopher, and theologian. Richard of St. Laurence states “there is not such powerful help in any name, nor is there any other[…]

Prayer of Blessing Against Storms (where you see the cross, make the Sign of the Cross) Jesus Christ a King of Glory has come in Peace. ✞ God became man, ✞ and the Word was made flesh. ✞ Christ was born of a virgin. ✞ Christ suffered. ✞ Christ was crucified. ✞ Christ died. ✞ Christ rose from the dead. ✞ Christ ascended into Heaven. ✞ Christ conquers. ✞ Christ reigns. ✞ Christ orders. ✞ May Christ protect us from all storms and lightning. ✞ Christ went through their midst in Peace, ✞ and the Word was made Flesh. ✞[…]

The Franciscans celebrate this feast August 27 and the Conventuals on August 26. Pope St. Pius X authorized them to celebrate this feast in 1906. The original day was the Sunday after the octave of the Assumption, but in 1914 it was transferred to the octave day itself; and in 1942, when the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary was assigned to that day, that of the Seven Joys was moved to August 26 or 27. The Franciscans wear the Rosary of the Seven Joys on their cord. On the Franciscan Crown The Blessed Virgin herself pointed out that[…]

Prayer : Our Lady of the Snows, Immaculate Queen of the Universe, from this privileged sanctuary, Thou has bestowed so many countless graces and pledges of love upon the hearts and souls of millions. O Mother, from this cradle of Christianity, this Mother Church of all churches, deign to shower forth the graces of thine Immaculate Heart upon the remnant Faithful throughout the world, wherever they may be, and grant them the graces of a childlike love and unwavering fidelity to the holy truths of our Faith. Grant, good Mother, to the faithful Bishops of the Church the grace to[…]

O glorious Apostle of the Gentiles, Saint Paul, who with such zeal didst busy thyself in destroying at Ephesus those books which thou knewest well would have perverted the minds of the faithful: turn upon us thy gracious eyes also at this present day. Thou seest how an unbelieving and licentious press is attempting to rob our hearts of the precious treasure of faith and spotless morals. Enlighten, we beseech Thee, O holy Apostle, the minds of so many perverted writers, that they may cease once for all to do harm to souls with their evil doctrines and lying insinuations;[…]

Our Lady of Olives is to be situated within the larger context of the biblical symbolism of the Olive tree. In the Bible, but also in patristic and medieval writings, the olive tree–together with the vine and wheat ears–was considered a symbol of heavenly blessings, prosperity and fecundity in times of peace. The olive tree is also a symbol of spiritual excellence and distinction such as reconciliation with God, rectitude and innocence as well as fruitfulness of good works. This symbolism applied to Mary is a sign of faithful and loving dedication to the Lord but also a symbol of[…]