Free Prayer Cards

I sent away for these prayer cards of Pope John Paul ll and Pope Benedict XVI and only had to include a self-addressed stamped envelope. I printed the form out and just filled it in and mailed it away. I recently got the prayer cards and liked them very much, so I thought others here may also want to send away for them.


And if you are looking for beautiful holy cards, please remember to check out "Holy Cards for Your Inspiration."

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St. Teresa of Avila

"Let nothing trouble you, let nothing make you afraid. All things pass away. God never changes. Patience obtains everything. God alone is enough." -- St. Teresa of Avila

Memorial (1969 Calendar): October 15
Double (1955 Calendar): October 15

Today the Church remembers and celebrates the life of St. Teresa of Avila (also called St. Teresa of Jesus). St. Teresa was born on March 28, 1515, in Spain, and she loved Our Lord since her youth. St. Teresa would even play "hermit" in her garden. At the age of 12, St. Teresa's mother died, and she prayed for Our Blessed Mother Mary to be her new mother. St. Teresa was very weakened by a serious illness in her youth, and she was healed through the intercession of St. Joseph. At 17 she left home and entered a religious order but her father would not accept it initially. Finally, after seeing the conviction in his daughter, he consented to her entering the consecrated life.

St. Teresa was soon ill again, and she never fully recovered. During this time of spiritual growth, St. Teresa received many visions approved as authentic following examinations by Dominicans and Jesuits, including Saint Francis Borgia.

She founded a reformed convent after thinking her current one was too lax in the rule. She suffered much along with St. John of the Cross for this long work of restoring the primitive Rule. 

St. Teresa was a mystic and a great writer, who wrote the Interior Castle.

On October 4, 1582, St. Teresa of Avila died in the arms of her secretary and close friend Blessed Anne of Saint Bartholomew. Her body is incorruptible. She was canonized in 1622 by Pope Gregory XV. While a great saint, we should not consider her a Doctor of the Church.

Traditional Reading at Matins:

The virgin Teresa was born at Avila in Spain, of parents illustrious for nobility and virtue. She was brought up by them in the fear of God; and while still very young, she gave admirable promise of her future sanctity. While reading the acts of the holy martyrs, she was so enkindled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, that she ran away from home, resolved to cross over to Africa, and there to lay down her life for the glory of Jesus Christ and the salvation of souls. She was brought back by her uncle; but her heart still burned with the desire of martyrdom, which she endeavored to satisfy by alms-deeds and other works of piety, weeping continually to see herself deprived of that happy lot. On the death of her mother, she begged the Blessed Virgin to be a mother to her; and she gained her request, for, ever afterward the Mother of God cherished her as a daughter. In the twentieth year of her age, she joined the nuns of St. Mary of Mount Carmel; and spent eighteen years in that monastery, enduring severe illnesses and many trials. While she was thus courageously battling in the ranks of Christian penance, she was deprived of the support of heavenly consolations, in which the saints usually abound even on this earth.

She was adorned with angelic virtues, and her charity made her solicitous not for her own salvation alone, but for that of all mankind. Inspired by God, and with the approbation of Pius IV, she restored the Carmelite rule to its primitive severity, and caused it to be thus observed first by the women and then by the men. The all-powerful blessing of our merciful God was evident in this work; for, though destitute of all human aid, and moreover opposed by many of the great ones of the world, the virgin was able, in her poverty, to build thirty-two monasteries. She wept continually over the blindness of infidels and heretics and offered to God the voluntary maceration of her body to appease the divine anger, on their behalf. Her heart burned like a furnace of divine love; so that once she saw an angel piercing it with a fiery dart, and heard Christ say to her, taking her hand in his: Henceforward, as my true bride, thou shalt be zealous for mine honor. By our Lord’s advice, she made the exceedingly difficult vow, always to do what she conceived to be most perfect. She wrote many works, full of divine wisdom, which arouse in the minds of the faithful the desire of their heavenly country.

Whereas Teresa was a pattern of every virtue, her desire of bodily mortification was most ardent; and in spite of the various maladies which afflicted her, she chastised her body with hairshirts and iron chains, scourged herself with sharp disciplines or with bundles of nettles, and sometimes rolled among thorns. She would often speak thus to God: O Lord, let me either suffer or die; for she considered that as long as she was absent from the fountain of life, she was dying daily and most miserably. She was remarkable for her gift of prophecy and was enriched to such a degree by our Lord with his divine favors, that she would often beg him to set bounds to his gifts, and not to blot out the memory of her sins so speedily. Consumed by the irresistible fire of divine love rather than by disease, after receiving the last Sacraments, and exhorting her children to peace, charity, and religious observance, she expired at Alba, on the day she had foretold; and her most pure soul was seen ascending to God in the form of a dove. She died at the age of sixty-seven, in the year 1582, on the Ides of October according to the corrected Roman calendar. Jesus Christ was seen present at her death-bed, surrounded by angels; and a withered tree near her cell suddenly burst into blossom. Her body has remained incorrupt to the present day, distilling a fragrant liquor; and is honored with pious veneration. She was made illustrious by miracles both before and after her death; and Gregory XV enrolled her among the saints.

Prayer:

Graciously hear us, O God our Savior, and grant that as we rejoice in the festival of blessed Teresa, Thy Virgin, so we may be nourished by her heavenly teaching, and grow in loving devotion towards Thee. Through our Lord.

Prayer Source: 1962 Roman Catholic Daily Missal

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Looking for a Miracle?

Then today could be your day. Today is October 13 and the anniversary of the Miracle of the Sun at Fatima in 1917, which was witnessed by thousands. It is truly an amazing miracle.

Read on the Miracle and visit the photo source

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The Miraculous Medal

The Miraculous Medal is a devotion to the Virgin Mary called the "Miraculous" Medal for the many miracles associated with those that wear it. It is one of my favorite medals to wear.

The Miraculous Medal came to the world through an Apparition of the Virgin Mary to Catherine Labouré in Paris, France in 1830. In Mary's second apparition, she asked that "a medal should be struck in this image. The people wearing it will receive my indulgence and those who piously say this short prayer will enjoy my very special protection".

One of the most famous conversions due to the miraculous medal was that of Alphonse Ratisbonne, an anti-Catholic Jewish banker. He received a vision of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. After his conversion, he became a priest and worked for the conversion of the Jewish people.

Click here to read Fr. John Hardon's testimony of a miracle brought about in front of him because of the Miraculous Medal. 

English Translation of the Traditional Prayer Said by the Priest to Bless the Miraculous Medal:

The priest who is to bless the sacred medal of the Immaculate Conception, vested in surplice and white stole, says:

P: Our help is in the name of the Lord.
All: Who made heaven and earth.
P: The Lord be with you.
All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

Almighty and merciful God, who by the many appearances on earth of the Immaculate Virgin Mary were pleased to work miracles again and again for the salvation of souls; kindly pour out your blessing + on this medal, so that all who devoutly wear it and reverence it may experience the patronage of Mary Immaculate and obtain mercy from you; through Christ our Lord.
All: Amen.

The priest sprinkles the medal with holy water, and presents it to the person, saying:
Take this holy medal; wear it with faith, and handle it with due devotion, so that the holy and immaculate Queen of heaven may protect and defend you. And as she is ever ready to renew her wondrous acts of kindness, may she obtain for you in her mercy whatever you humbly ask of God, so that both in life and in death you may rest happily in her motherly embrace.

All: Amen.

The priest continues:

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Our Father (the rest inaudibly)

P: And lead us not into temptation.

All: But deliver us from evil.

P: Queen conceived without original sin.

All: Pray for us.

P: Lord, heed my prayer.

All: And let my cry be heard by you.

P: The Lord be with you.

All: May He also be with you.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus Christ, who willed that your Mother, the blessed Virgin Mary conceived without sin, should become illustrious through countless miracles; grant that we who ever seek her patronage may finally possess everlasting joys. We ask this of you who live and reign forever and ever.
All: Amen.

AN ACT OF CONSECRATION TO OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL

Virgin Mother of God, Mary Inmmaculate, we dedicate and consecrate our selves to thee under the title of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. May this Medal be for each one of us a sure sign of thy affection for us and a constant reminder of our duties toward thee. Ever while wearing it, may we be blessed by thy loving protection and preserved in the grace of thy Son. O most powerful Virgin, Mother of our Savior, keep us close to thee every moment of our lives. Obtain for us, thy children, the grace of a happy death; so that, in union with thee, we may enjoy the bliss of heaven forever. Amen.

V. O Mary, conceived without sin,
R. Pray for us who have recourse to thee. ( 3 times.)

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Do You Want to Save Someone's Life?

Well, Priests for Life has a new brochure called You can save someone's life today (PDF file). Please pass along the information inside especially pregnany numbers. If you can't read that here is a HTML version.

Abortion is not a choice; it is murder. If you are pregnant don't think you don't have other options. God created us all to live in happiness, and only He has the right to take life being the Creator of Life. What if Mary hadn't had Jesus? Think about how much of a saint any unborn child can become. Trust in God and know that abortion is death. God is calling all to life. Trust in Him since He believed in you to the death.

Carenet/Heartbeat 1-800-395-HELP
Crisis Pregnancy Helpline 1-888-4-OPTIONS
Birthright 1-800-550-4900
National Life Center 1-800-848-LOVE
Bethany Christians Services 1-800-238-4269

Image Source: Believed to be in the public domain, source unknown

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Catholic Composition Project - Please Participate

I don't know about everyone else, but I really enjoy forums and reading and posting at them. Usually all of them are Catholic forums and my favorite questions asked are those of people trying to understand the Catholic faith. It is indeed a great gift to aid another in their journey to Christ, and God calls each of us to serve Him. I choose to serve Him by spreading the Gospel.

So, I'm commonly asked questions about the faith and try to answer them although if I could create one post on each topic here including links for more information and references from the CCC and Bible along with the Church's position and teachings this could be extremely valuable to spreading the Church to others. John Paul ll said, "How can they believe if they have not heard?" I'm hoping others will join me in working together this way to spread the Christ to others.

Would anyone care to do this? Do you think it's a good idea?

(I'm unsure on the first topic to cover although I'd like to do it on devotion to Mary or the saints and why we pray to them)

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A Daily Gospel Reading

I'd like to make this blog more open to conversation like a forum, so would anyone care to participate in a reading of the Gospel? I will post the Gospel (if not daily at least a few times a week) and I'll post a commentary on the text. This will help us correct error in interpretation draw upon the Word of God, who is the person of Jesus Christ, during the day.

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain, Priest chanting the Last Gospel at a Tridentine Mass

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Rediscover the Angelus Prayer

The word "Angelus" comes from the Latin "Angelus Domini" meaning "Angel of the Lord". This is a prayer of the Church said three times a day at 6 AM, Noon, and 6 PM. The present-day form of the Angelus traces back to 1560 and is a prayer composed of a short sentence followed by a response and then followed by a Hail Mary. It is an excellent prayer reminding all of Christ's Incarnation the gift of Himself - born to come, to die, and to save. The Church also blesses this devotion with indulgences.

The Angelus is prayed three times daily and is said year long except during Easter Time (From Easter Sunday until the end of the Octave of Pentecost) when the Regina Coeli is prayed. Traditionally, the Angelus is prayed while kneeling except on Sundays and Holy Days when it is prayed standing with a genuflecting (bowing on one knee) during the statement: "And dwelt among us".

If you are praying in a Group the leader saying the "V" parts and you say the "R" part, but if you are praying alone you will pray all parts.

The Prayer:

V. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R. And she conceived by the Holy Spirit. Hail Mary…

V. Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R. Be it done unto me according to thy word. Hail Mary…

V. And the Word was made flesh,
R. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary…

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

V. Let us pray.

R. Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Thy Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and cross, be brought to the glory of His Resurrection; through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Let Us Unite Ourselves With Christ

In the agony of the Garden of Gethsemane, Christ knew that He was to be mocked, tortured, beaten, deprived of friendship, and killed; yet His love remained. And in His agony, knowing His coming brutal death, He cried out in prayer. Read the 17th Chapter of the Gospel of John.

Let us pray with this prayer I found in a Catholic prayer book:

God our Father, it is your purpose to bring the whole of creation into unity with you. Give us the grace to further this aim and to live out your truth on earth. Bring all your people closer to one another and unite us in the sharing of your good news. Come, Holy Spirit, and help us to join into one community of believers. Amen

Image Source: Believed to be in the Public Domain

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Cardinal Clemens August von Galen

The process of sainthood is such: Servant of God - Venerable - Blessed - Saint (Read Roman Catholic sections) If you are unfamiliar with devotion to saints then please read further on the subject.

I just finished watching an EWTN special for the Beatification Mass of Cardinal Clemens August von Galen this evening. First, if you are unaware for the process of being declared a saint, someone in Heaven, then please read the Wikipedia article on sainthood.

Today I watched the Beatification Mass celebrated by Cardinal Saraiva Martins celebrated at Saint Peter's Basilica for the Beatification of Cardinal Clemens August Graf von Galen (1878 - 1946). And although Pope Benedict XVI did not celebrate the Mass since a beatification is more of a regional celebration than a declaration of sainthood, the Holy Father did arrive near the end to bless the crowd and speak. Although not spoken by Our Holy Father, I found these words spoken on the Eucharist very refreshing and brilliant. It was said that in receiving the Eucharist one's "...Heart becomes the throne of the Son of God." Is your heart worthy? After this life we will be seeing our God with our own eyes, touching Him with our own hands, but our you worthy? If not then seek His mercy in the Sacrament of Confession, the delight of souls where every single soul, by the power of God, is washed clean from sin. Thanks be to God for His immeasurable gift - His only Son, eternally begotten of the Father!

Cardinal Clemens August Graf von Galen was a huge critic of the Nazi regime. He lived the Truth in the midst of the darkness of World War II.

If you have information relevant to the canonization of Blessed Clemens, please contact:

Domkapitular Martin Hülskamp
Horsteberg 18, 48143
Münster, Germany

Image Source: Photo believed to be in the Public Domain

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