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Made for Macro Mondays: Humility (the snails are just handy models in this setup)
The story behind this tricky task: The Olympic Winter Games took place in Nagano in 1998. One of the event, 15 kilometer cross-country skiing, was won by the norwegian Bjørn Daehlie (by the way the greatest cross-country skier in the world ever). After the race he waited for the contender that finished in last place, Philip Boit, and congrated him with the race. Not very unusual except that Boit came from Kenya (Africa) and not exactly very used to snow. Bjærn acknowledged Boit´s achievement. The flower ceremony for the winners had to wait that day.
Boit later named his newborn son Dæhlie Boit. In this year the World Championship where held in Oslo, Norway. Bjærn Dæhlie attended Boit´s final championship in the stands together with the Boit´s family.
www.fisheaters.com/15prayersofstbridget.html
The LORD of PARDON Devotion
RECEPTION PRAYER TO THE LORD OF PARDON [i]
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi [ii]
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Welcome Prayer [iii]
O LORD, OUR GOD, our All, we welcome You into our humble dwelling. We thank You, we honor You and we praise You for Your Infinite humility; because You have deigned to bless our earthly dwelling with Your Divine and Majestic Presence, though we are full of unworthiness and our humble dwelling is inadequate for Your glory.
BLESS OUR family and our home, O Lord, that we may be worthy of Your Love and Your Divine Presence. May our home be a true nest of Your Divine Love not only for the next seven days of Your visit but for the rest of our pilgrimage on this earth. Grant that we may make Your stay in our home very pleasurable.
LORD, WE are Yours and we humbly pray that You will take care of us as Your true possession, now and forever. Amen.
3. Prayer for All of Humanity (From the Beginning to the End of the World) [iv]
O THOU MOST BELOVED, Most Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, into Thy Holy Almighty Hands we commend ourselves for all eternity, as well as in the Heart of the Most High God of the Eternal Trinity! We take refuge in the deep Wounds of Thy Most Holy Body. May Thy Most Holy Body nourish us, Thy Most Precious shed Blood, Fear and Suffering purify us of all our sins and vices! Oh, Our Dear Lord God, we humbly offer Thy Great Fear and Need to Thy Heavenly Father in expiation for all our sins and debts! May the terrible blows Thou didst endure plead for us! May Thy most painful scourging cover our great guilt! We offer All Thine injustices, deep wounds, great pains and sighs to Thy Heavenly Father for all our neglects. May Thy Great Love, Oh Dearest Jesus, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice and with Thee! Oh, Most Merciful Jesus, may Thy Faultless Judgment be for us the forgiveness of all our sins, known and unknown; may Thy Holy Footsteps in so much Misery lead and guide us in the way of Thy Divine Justice; may Thy Shameful Denuding make us pure in body and sanctify our souls! May Thy Bitter Agony, Thy Holy Wounds shield us from our visible and invisible enemies! May Thy Pierced Hands and Feet lead us to All Good. Oh Dearest Lord, place us and hide us in Thy Five Most Holy Wounds! Forget not our poor souls for which Thou didst so agonizingly trembled on the stem of the Holy Cross! For the sake of all the Martyrdom Thou didst suffer, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice! May Thy Most Holy and Bitter Death protect us, and lead us to Eternal Salvation! May Thy Most Blessed Power and Divine Omnipotence drive away and keep away from us every evil of body and soul! May Thy Most Holy Wounds, Dearest Jesus, bless and protect us in our death agony from all power of the infernal enemy! At the hour of our death, may Thy Most Precious Blood erase all our sins before our Beloved Heavenly Father, and let die in us all inclination to sin! May Thy Most Precious Blood lead us to all Angels and Saints! We commend and place all our suffering friends and enemies and all deceased persons to and into Thy most Loyal Redeemer’s Heart! Oh, Dearest Jesus, give to us all Thine Infinite Merits, the Power and the Blessing of Thy Most Bitter Passion and Death! Oh, Eternal Divinity, Oh, True Humanity of Jesus, Oh, Most Blessed Trinity, protect us now, according to Thy Divine desire and forever! Oh, Almighty and Immortal God, have mercy on us all! Amen. (It is highly recommended that this prayer be kept in one’s home and said daily.)
4. The ‘Constant’ Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena [v]
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon us!
Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering: Procure Us Every Grace!
Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of Sinners: Atone for Us!
Precious Blood, Delight of Holy Souls: Draw Us! Amen.
5. An Offering of The Holy Wounds and The Precious Blood [vi]
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer You the Holy Wounds of Your Son, and His Precious Blood, for the conversion of sinners and for the relief of the souls in Purgatory.
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, and in supplication for the souls in Purgatory and for the needs of the Holy Church. – The Raccolta
6. Invocations
O God the Father, Omnipotent and Merciful Creator, Who has so much love and mercy for such miserable creatures like us; Have mercy on us, save us from hell, and protect us from all evil. (3X)
O Jesus Christ, The Lord of Pardon, Have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. (3X)
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Save and protect us from all that is evil. (3X)
O Holy Ghost, Paraclete and Comforter of All Mankind, Have Mercy on Us (3X)
Immaculate Hear of Mary, Pray for us, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for Us
O Mother of the Sorrowful Heart, Pray for Us.
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us
O Mary, Conceived without sin, Pray for Us who have recourse to Thee.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for Us
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for Us
Today/Tonight, we protect ourselves with the shield of the Imma-culate Conception!
THE SEVEN-DAY DEVOTION TO THE LORD OF PARDON
OPENING PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father +, and of The Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Come, Holy Ghost
COME HOLY GHOST, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
And kindle in them the fire of Thy Divine Love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let Us Pray
O GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Grant this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(The following hymn may be sung in place of the above prayer.)
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest O, Comforter, to Thee we cry
And in our hearts take up Thy Rest Thou heavenly gift of God, Most High
Come with Thy grace, and heavenly aid O Fount of Life and Fire of Love
To fill our hearts which Thou has made And Sweet Anointing from above
To fill our hearts which Thou has made. And Sweet Anointing from above.
3. Divine Will Prayer [1]
THROUGH THE Immaculate Heart of Mary, I enter today/tonight into the Holy Will of God and pray – Come Divine will to pray in my prayer, in my name (and the name of those whom we pray for daily) and the name of all souls, for the love, honor and (greater) glory of God, Our Father, in reparation for all sins and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
4. To Obtain Love of Prayer [2]
O, LORD JESUS CHRIST, for the sake of Thy sufferings, grant to us, (and to all those whom we pray for daily,) such faith, hope, charity, sorrow for sins and love of prayer, that will help sanctify and save our souls.
5. To Learn the Science of Salvation [3]
JESUS, EXTEND to us in the light, in Thine infinite knowledge, the power through the light, to understand the task that lies ahead for all of us, who wish to be saved. Amen.
6. Act of Contrition
O MY GOD, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I confess all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most all, because I love Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
7. Daily Prayer [4]
O GOD, Who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born among men, rejected by the Jews, betrayed with a kiss by the traitor Judas, bound with cords, to be led as an innocent lamb to the slaughter, to be treated with indignity, accused by false witnesses, afflicted with scourges and reproaches, to be spit upon, crowned with thorns, beaten with blows, struck with a reed, to have Your face veiled, to be stripped of Your garments, to be nailed to the cross and raised high thereon, to be ranked among thieves, to be offered gall and vinegar to drink, and to be pierced with a lance.
O LORD, by these Your most holy pains, which I, though unworthy, now call to mind, and by Your Holy cross
and death, deliver us from the pains of hell and take us where You took the good thief who was crucified with You, Who with The Father and The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
8. Hymns
O SACRED HEART
O Sacred Heart! O Love Divine! Ref: Heart of Jesus, Hear!
Do keep us near to Thee. O Heart of Love Divine!
And make our hearts so like to Thine Listen to Our Prayer!
That we may holy be Make us always Thine.
HAIL MARY
Hail! Mary, Full of Grace! Holy Mary, Mother of God,
The Lord is with Thee! Pray for us, sinners,
Blessed art Thou amongst women! Now, and at the hour --
And blessed is the Fruit Of Thy Womb, Jesus! Of our death. Amen.
9. Prayers before The Rosary
THE LAST VISION OF FATIMA PRAYER [5]
O Queen of the most holy rosary, Thou hast deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the rosary. Inspire our hearts with a sincere love for this devotion, that by meditating upon the mysteries of our redemption which are recalled in it, we may be enriched. With its fruits, obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, (the remission of the temporal punishment of the poor souls in Purgatory, the triumph of Your Son’s church over the gates of hell) and the favor which we ask of you in this rosary. (MAKE YOUR REQUEST.) We ask it for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of souls, including our own. Amen.
ST. LOUIS DE MONFORT’S PRAYER [6]
WE UNITE ourselves with all the Saints in heaven, and with all the just on earth; we unite ourselves with Thee, Our Jesus, in order to praise Your holy Mother worthily and to praise You in her and by her. We renounce all the distractions that may have during this rosary which we wish to say with modesty, attention and devotion just as if it were to be the last one of our lives. Amen.
WE OFFER to Thee, O Most Holy Trinity this creed – in honor of the mysteries of our faith; this Our Father and these three Hail Marys – in honor of the Unity of Thy Essence and the Trinity of Thy Persons.
WE ASK of Thee a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity. Amen.
10. The Proper of The Most Holy Rosary
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
I BELIEVE in God, the Father the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His Only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in The Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
THE PATER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE AVE
HAIL MARY! Full of grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art Thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE GLORIA
GLORY BE to The Father, and to The Son and to The Holy Ghost! As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
THE ANGEL of FATIMA PRAYER *
MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee, and I beg pardon for all those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.
O MY JESUS, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls into heaven, especially those who most need of Thy mercy.
PEACE PRAYER
O MOST SWEET Heart of Jesus, lead us unto salvation. Grant peace to the entire world, specially the United States/Philippines/(Name Your Country). Bring back to You all sinners and grant that they may find the path that leads to you.
IMMACULATE HEART INVOCATION *
O BLESSED VIRGIN Mother protect us with your most Immaculate Heart. Amen.
PRAYER of POPE LEO XIII *
St. MICHAEL, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
THE MYSTERIES of THE HOLY ROSARY
The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Thursday)
1. THE ANNUNCIATION (by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary of her selection by
The Blessed Trinity as the Mother of the forthcoming Messiah)
2. THE VISITATION (of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth)
3. THE BIRTH of Our Lord Jesus (in the small town of Bethlehem)
4. THE PRESENTATION of Our Lord Jesus (in the temple)
5. THE FINDING of the Child Jesus (in the Temple, three days after He was found missing)
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
1. THE AGONY of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2. THE SCOURGING of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Pillar
3. THE CROWNING of Our Lord Jesus Christ with the Crown of Thorns
4. THE CARRYING of the Cross by Our Lord Jesus Christ to Calvary
5. THE CRUCIFIXION and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross
The Glorious mysteries (Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday)
1. THE RESURRECTION of Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (on the third day after His
burial)
2. THE ASCENSION of Our Lord Jesus Christ (into Heaven, forty days after His resurrection)
3. THE DESCENT of The Holy Ghost (upon Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles on the 50th day
after The Ascension of Jesus)
4. THE ASSUMPTION of Our Blessed Mother (into Heaven, body and soul)
5. THE CORONATION of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Queen of Heaven and all of Creation)
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN!
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN! Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sigh, mourning, and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then O Most Gracious Advocate, Thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile, show unto us, the Blessed Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet, Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray O GOD, Whose Only Begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
V. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, +
R. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
11. Prayers After The Rosary
LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
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, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, Only Begotten Son of The Eternal Father, Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, first shed in the Presentation at the temple,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the Earth in Agony in the garden of Olives,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging at the pillar,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, the price of our Salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and Refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace of the sorrowful,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, the pledge of Eternal Life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us
V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, by Your Precious Blood,
R. And made us, for Our God, a kingdom.
Let Us Pray
OMNIPOTENT and Eternal God, You have chosen Your Only Begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world and You have been appeased by the shedding of His Most Precious Blood. Grant, we humbly pray, that we may always cherish the value of our redemption and forget not the grief You and our Blessed Virgin Mother have to bear in the suffering and death of Your Dearly Beloved Son. Through His Precious Blood and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we be delivered from all evil in this world that we may enjoy the fruits of our redemption in Your kingdom for all eternity. Amen.
FIRST DAY
“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (Luke 23:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 10 to 16 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Turn to page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SECOND DAY
“AMEN, I SAY TO YOU, THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.” (Luke 23:43)
1. Meditation (Read pages 18 to 24 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
THIRD DAY
“WOMAN, BEHOLD THY SON.”
(After that, He said to the disciple:) “BEHOLD THY MOTHER.” (John 19:26-27)
1. Meditation (Read pages 26 to 31 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FOURTH DAY
“MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME.”
(Matt. 27:46 and Mk. 15:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 34 to 40 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FIFTH DAY
“I THIRST.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 42 to 47 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SIXTH DAY
“IT IS CONSUMMATED.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 50 to 55 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SEVENTH DAY
“FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT.” (Luke 23:46)
1. Meditation (Read pages 58 to 64 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
HEART of JESUS
Heart of Jesus! Meek and Mild!
Hear, O hear, Thy feeble child!
And when the tempest most severe
Heart of Jesus, hear!
(Refrain)
Sweetly we’ll rest on The Sacred Heart
Never from Thee, Oh let us part
Hear then Thy loving children’s prayer
O Heart of Jesus, Heart of Jesus, hear!
FAREWELL
(This Section to Be Used on the SEVENTH & LAST Day)
O Most Loving Father, the time has come for You to leave us and our dwelling which have been Your home for the past seven days. Words are not enough to render You praise and thanksgiving for the love that You have shown us. Our Father, You have always loved us. You have deigned to be with us even for a short time, and this Thou has done through this novena devotion to Your Son, The Lord of Pardon. We give Thee our heartfelt thanks through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Farewell, Lord Jesus and we thank Thee for the great gifts of knowledge and understanding You have given us through Your Holy Spirit: of why You died for us and what we have to do in order that Your Passion and Death will be bear the fruits that You expect.
Farewell, O Holy Spirit and thank You for all Your gifts. Grant us also your fruits that we may live our lives in conformance and for the pleasure of Our Almighty God.
Farewell, O Queen and Delight of Heaven. We thank Thee, for all the blessings and graces you brought in to our dwelling by your constant intercession and for Your Motherly Love.
We look forward to Your next visit, O Blessed Trinity and Our Mother. We pray that we will again enjoy Your company soon, if not in this life, then, by Your compassion and forgiveness which You shower upon us with the Precious Blood of Your Dearly Beloved Son, may it be in Your kingdom. Amen.
TO JESUS’ HEART
To Jesus’ Heart all burning
With fervent love for men
My heart with fondest yearning
Shall raise its joyful strain.
Refrain
While ages course along
Blest be with loudest song
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
By every heart and tongue
Too true I have forsaken
Thy love by willful sin
Yet now let me be taken
Back by Thy grace again. (Ref)
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame. Has wondrous attraction for me,
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best For, The Dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
For a world of lost sinners was slain To bear it to dark Calvary (Ref)
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Till my trophies at last I lay down. A wondrous beauty I see.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
And exchange some day for a crown. To pardon and sanctify me. (Ref)
The Fifteen Prayers
of St. Bridget of Sweden
These prayers are prayed daily, each beginning with a Pater and an Ave. Then follows a concluding prayer. There are alleged promises from Our Lord attached to these prayers, but they are problematic, inconsistent with Catholic teaching, and their publication was once forbidden. It may be that the vision wasn't properly written down, properly translated, consistently handed-down, or otherwise kept intact, but in any case, beware of any "Magnificent Promises" you may hear of in association with the following perfectly pious prayers.
First Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst fortell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: "My Soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou wast crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.
In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission all my sins. Amen.
Second Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True liberty of angels, paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
Third Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulling Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy limbs.
I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
Fourth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
Fifth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless, lost, and unfortunate sinners.
Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
Sixth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou wast fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!", and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!".
I beg of Thee O my Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my afflictions and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
Seventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst," suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, O my Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts, and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
Eighth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the gall and vinegar which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
Ninth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou wast abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
Tenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Who art the beginning and the end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou wast plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
Eleventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me; hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
Twelfth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of truth, symbol of unity, link of charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou wast covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O great and universal pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal flesh for love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done?
May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy love increase in my heart each day until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.
Thirteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Strong lion, immortal and invincible King, remember the pain Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted; Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated."
Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
Fourteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, splendor and figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire.
By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, to comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world, I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
Fifteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.
From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very substance of Thy Body withered, and the marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion, and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
ETERNAL REST (PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED)
01
JAN
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray:
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
water colour on paper
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The LORD of PARDON Devotion
RECEPTION PRAYER TO THE LORD OF PARDON [i]
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi [ii]
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Welcome Prayer [iii]
O LORD, OUR GOD, our All, we welcome You into our humble dwelling. We thank You, we honor You and we praise You for Your Infinite humility; because You have deigned to bless our earthly dwelling with Your Divine and Majestic Presence, though we are full of unworthiness and our humble dwelling is inadequate for Your glory.
BLESS OUR family and our home, O Lord, that we may be worthy of Your Love and Your Divine Presence. May our home be a true nest of Your Divine Love not only for the next seven days of Your visit but for the rest of our pilgrimage on this earth. Grant that we may make Your stay in our home very pleasurable.
LORD, WE are Yours and we humbly pray that You will take care of us as Your true possession, now and forever. Amen.
3. Prayer for All of Humanity (From the Beginning to the End of the World) [iv]
O THOU MOST BELOVED, Most Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, into Thy Holy Almighty Hands we commend ourselves for all eternity, as well as in the Heart of the Most High God of the Eternal Trinity! We take refuge in the deep Wounds of Thy Most Holy Body. May Thy Most Holy Body nourish us, Thy Most Precious shed Blood, Fear and Suffering purify us of all our sins and vices! Oh, Our Dear Lord God, we humbly offer Thy Great Fear and Need to Thy Heavenly Father in expiation for all our sins and debts! May the terrible blows Thou didst endure plead for us! May Thy most painful scourging cover our great guilt! We offer All Thine injustices, deep wounds, great pains and sighs to Thy Heavenly Father for all our neglects. May Thy Great Love, Oh Dearest Jesus, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice and with Thee! Oh, Most Merciful Jesus, may Thy Faultless Judgment be for us the forgiveness of all our sins, known and unknown; may Thy Holy Footsteps in so much Misery lead and guide us in the way of Thy Divine Justice; may Thy Shameful Denuding make us pure in body and sanctify our souls! May Thy Bitter Agony, Thy Holy Wounds shield us from our visible and invisible enemies! May Thy Pierced Hands and Feet lead us to All Good. Oh Dearest Lord, place us and hide us in Thy Five Most Holy Wounds! Forget not our poor souls for which Thou didst so agonizingly trembled on the stem of the Holy Cross! For the sake of all the Martyrdom Thou didst suffer, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice! May Thy Most Holy and Bitter Death protect us, and lead us to Eternal Salvation! May Thy Most Blessed Power and Divine Omnipotence drive away and keep away from us every evil of body and soul! May Thy Most Holy Wounds, Dearest Jesus, bless and protect us in our death agony from all power of the infernal enemy! At the hour of our death, may Thy Most Precious Blood erase all our sins before our Beloved Heavenly Father, and let die in us all inclination to sin! May Thy Most Precious Blood lead us to all Angels and Saints! We commend and place all our suffering friends and enemies and all deceased persons to and into Thy most Loyal Redeemer’s Heart! Oh, Dearest Jesus, give to us all Thine Infinite Merits, the Power and the Blessing of Thy Most Bitter Passion and Death! Oh, Eternal Divinity, Oh, True Humanity of Jesus, Oh, Most Blessed Trinity, protect us now, according to Thy Divine desire and forever! Oh, Almighty and Immortal God, have mercy on us all! Amen. (It is highly recommended that this prayer be kept in one’s home and said daily.)
4. The ‘Constant’ Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena [v]
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon us!
Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering: Procure Us Every Grace!
Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of Sinners: Atone for Us!
Precious Blood, Delight of Holy Souls: Draw Us! Amen.
5. An Offering of The Holy Wounds and The Precious Blood [vi]
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer You the Holy Wounds of Your Son, and His Precious Blood, for the conversion of sinners and for the relief of the souls in Purgatory.
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, and in supplication for the souls in Purgatory and for the needs of the Holy Church. – The Raccolta
6. Invocations
O God the Father, Omnipotent and Merciful Creator, Who has so much love and mercy for such miserable creatures like us; Have mercy on us, save us from hell, and protect us from all evil. (3X)
O Jesus Christ, The Lord of Pardon, Have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. (3X)
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Save and protect us from all that is evil. (3X)
O Holy Ghost, Paraclete and Comforter of All Mankind, Have Mercy on Us (3X)
Immaculate Hear of Mary, Pray for us, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for Us
O Mother of the Sorrowful Heart, Pray for Us.
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us
O Mary, Conceived without sin, Pray for Us who have recourse to Thee.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for Us
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for Us
Today/Tonight, we protect ourselves with the shield of the Imma-culate Conception!
THE SEVEN-DAY DEVOTION TO THE LORD OF PARDON
OPENING PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father +, and of The Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Come, Holy Ghost
COME HOLY GHOST, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
And kindle in them the fire of Thy Divine Love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let Us Pray
O GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Grant this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(The following hymn may be sung in place of the above prayer.)
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest O, Comforter, to Thee we cry
And in our hearts take up Thy Rest Thou heavenly gift of God, Most High
Come with Thy grace, and heavenly aid O Fount of Life and Fire of Love
To fill our hearts which Thou has made And Sweet Anointing from above
To fill our hearts which Thou has made. And Sweet Anointing from above.
3. Divine Will Prayer [1]
THROUGH THE Immaculate Heart of Mary, I enter today/tonight into the Holy Will of God and pray – Come Divine will to pray in my prayer, in my name (and the name of those whom we pray for daily) and the name of all souls, for the love, honor and (greater) glory of God, Our Father, in reparation for all sins and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
4. To Obtain Love of Prayer [2]
O, LORD JESUS CHRIST, for the sake of Thy sufferings, grant to us, (and to all those whom we pray for daily,) such faith, hope, charity, sorrow for sins and love of prayer, that will help sanctify and save our souls.
5. To Learn the Science of Salvation [3]
JESUS, EXTEND to us in the light, in Thine infinite knowledge, the power through the light, to understand the task that lies ahead for all of us, who wish to be saved. Amen.
6. Act of Contrition
O MY GOD, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I confess all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most all, because I love Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
7. Daily Prayer [4]
O GOD, Who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born among men, rejected by the Jews, betrayed with a kiss by the traitor Judas, bound with cords, to be led as an innocent lamb to the slaughter, to be treated with indignity, accused by false witnesses, afflicted with scourges and reproaches, to be spit upon, crowned with thorns, beaten with blows, struck with a reed, to have Your face veiled, to be stripped of Your garments, to be nailed to the cross and raised high thereon, to be ranked among thieves, to be offered gall and vinegar to drink, and to be pierced with a lance.
O LORD, by these Your most holy pains, which I, though unworthy, now call to mind, and by Your Holy cross
and death, deliver us from the pains of hell and take us where You took the good thief who was crucified with You, Who with The Father and The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
8. Hymns
O SACRED HEART
O Sacred Heart! O Love Divine! Ref: Heart of Jesus, Hear!
Do keep us near to Thee. O Heart of Love Divine!
And make our hearts so like to Thine Listen to Our Prayer!
That we may holy be Make us always Thine.
HAIL MARY
Hail! Mary, Full of Grace! Holy Mary, Mother of God,
The Lord is with Thee! Pray for us, sinners,
Blessed art Thou amongst women! Now, and at the hour --
And blessed is the Fruit Of Thy Womb, Jesus! Of our death. Amen.
9. Prayers before The Rosary
THE LAST VISION OF FATIMA PRAYER [5]
O Queen of the most holy rosary, Thou hast deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the rosary. Inspire our hearts with a sincere love for this devotion, that by meditating upon the mysteries of our redemption which are recalled in it, we may be enriched. With its fruits, obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, (the remission of the temporal punishment of the poor souls in Purgatory, the triumph of Your Son’s church over the gates of hell) and the favor which we ask of you in this rosary. (MAKE YOUR REQUEST.) We ask it for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of souls, including our own. Amen.
ST. LOUIS DE MONFORT’S PRAYER [6]
WE UNITE ourselves with all the Saints in heaven, and with all the just on earth; we unite ourselves with Thee, Our Jesus, in order to praise Your holy Mother worthily and to praise You in her and by her. We renounce all the distractions that may have during this rosary which we wish to say with modesty, attention and devotion just as if it were to be the last one of our lives. Amen.
WE OFFER to Thee, O Most Holy Trinity this creed – in honor of the mysteries of our faith; this Our Father and these three Hail Marys – in honor of the Unity of Thy Essence and the Trinity of Thy Persons.
WE ASK of Thee a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity. Amen.
10. The Proper of The Most Holy Rosary
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
I BELIEVE in God, the Father the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His Only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in The Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
THE PATER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE AVE
HAIL MARY! Full of grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art Thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE GLORIA
GLORY BE to The Father, and to The Son and to The Holy Ghost! As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
THE ANGEL of FATIMA PRAYER *
MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee, and I beg pardon for all those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.
O MY JESUS, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls into heaven, especially those who most need of Thy mercy.
PEACE PRAYER
O MOST SWEET Heart of Jesus, lead us unto salvation. Grant peace to the entire world, specially the United States/Philippines/(Name Your Country). Bring back to You all sinners and grant that they may find the path that leads to you.
IMMACULATE HEART INVOCATION *
O BLESSED VIRGIN Mother protect us with your most Immaculate Heart. Amen.
PRAYER of POPE LEO XIII *
St. MICHAEL, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
THE MYSTERIES of THE HOLY ROSARY
The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Thursday)
1. THE ANNUNCIATION (by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary of her selection by
The Blessed Trinity as the Mother of the forthcoming Messiah)
2. THE VISITATION (of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth)
3. THE BIRTH of Our Lord Jesus (in the small town of Bethlehem)
4. THE PRESENTATION of Our Lord Jesus (in the temple)
5. THE FINDING of the Child Jesus (in the Temple, three days after He was found missing)
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
1. THE AGONY of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2. THE SCOURGING of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Pillar
3. THE CROWNING of Our Lord Jesus Christ with the Crown of Thorns
4. THE CARRYING of the Cross by Our Lord Jesus Christ to Calvary
5. THE CRUCIFIXION and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross
The Glorious mysteries (Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday)
1. THE RESURRECTION of Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (on the third day after His
burial)
2. THE ASCENSION of Our Lord Jesus Christ (into Heaven, forty days after His resurrection)
3. THE DESCENT of The Holy Ghost (upon Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles on the 50th day
after The Ascension of Jesus)
4. THE ASSUMPTION of Our Blessed Mother (into Heaven, body and soul)
5. THE CORONATION of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Queen of Heaven and all of Creation)
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN!
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN! Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sigh, mourning, and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then O Most Gracious Advocate, Thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile, show unto us, the Blessed Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet, Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray O GOD, Whose Only Begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
V. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, +
R. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
11. Prayers After The Rosary
LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
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, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, Only Begotten Son of The Eternal Father, Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, first shed in the Presentation at the temple,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the Earth in Agony in the garden of Olives,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging at the pillar,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, the price of our Salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and Refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace of the sorrowful,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, the pledge of Eternal Life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us
V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, by Your Precious Blood,
R. And made us, for Our God, a kingdom.
Let Us Pray
OMNIPOTENT and Eternal God, You have chosen Your Only Begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world and You have been appeased by the shedding of His Most Precious Blood. Grant, we humbly pray, that we may always cherish the value of our redemption and forget not the grief You and our Blessed Virgin Mother have to bear in the suffering and death of Your Dearly Beloved Son. Through His Precious Blood and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we be delivered from all evil in this world that we may enjoy the fruits of our redemption in Your kingdom for all eternity. Amen.
FIRST DAY
“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (Luke 23:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 10 to 16 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Turn to page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SECOND DAY
“AMEN, I SAY TO YOU, THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.” (Luke 23:43)
1. Meditation (Read pages 18 to 24 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
THIRD DAY
“WOMAN, BEHOLD THY SON.”
(After that, He said to the disciple:) “BEHOLD THY MOTHER.” (John 19:26-27)
1. Meditation (Read pages 26 to 31 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FOURTH DAY
“MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME.”
(Matt. 27:46 and Mk. 15:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 34 to 40 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FIFTH DAY
“I THIRST.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 42 to 47 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SIXTH DAY
“IT IS CONSUMMATED.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 50 to 55 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SEVENTH DAY
“FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT.” (Luke 23:46)
1. Meditation (Read pages 58 to 64 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
HEART of JESUS
Heart of Jesus! Meek and Mild!
Hear, O hear, Thy feeble child!
And when the tempest most severe
Heart of Jesus, hear!
(Refrain)
Sweetly we’ll rest on The Sacred Heart
Never from Thee, Oh let us part
Hear then Thy loving children’s prayer
O Heart of Jesus, Heart of Jesus, hear!
FAREWELL
(This Section to Be Used on the SEVENTH & LAST Day)
O Most Loving Father, the time has come for You to leave us and our dwelling which have been Your home for the past seven days. Words are not enough to render You praise and thanksgiving for the love that You have shown us. Our Father, You have always loved us. You have deigned to be with us even for a short time, and this Thou has done through this novena devotion to Your Son, The Lord of Pardon. We give Thee our heartfelt thanks through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Farewell, Lord Jesus and we thank Thee for the great gifts of knowledge and understanding You have given us through Your Holy Spirit: of why You died for us and what we have to do in order that Your Passion and Death will be bear the fruits that You expect.
Farewell, O Holy Spirit and thank You for all Your gifts. Grant us also your fruits that we may live our lives in conformance and for the pleasure of Our Almighty God.
Farewell, O Queen and Delight of Heaven. We thank Thee, for all the blessings and graces you brought in to our dwelling by your constant intercession and for Your Motherly Love.
We look forward to Your next visit, O Blessed Trinity and Our Mother. We pray that we will again enjoy Your company soon, if not in this life, then, by Your compassion and forgiveness which You shower upon us with the Precious Blood of Your Dearly Beloved Son, may it be in Your kingdom. Amen.
TO JESUS’ HEART
To Jesus’ Heart all burning
With fervent love for men
My heart with fondest yearning
Shall raise its joyful strain.
Refrain
While ages course along
Blest be with loudest song
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
By every heart and tongue
Too true I have forsaken
Thy love by willful sin
Yet now let me be taken
Back by Thy grace again. (Ref)
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame. Has wondrous attraction for me,
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best For, The Dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
For a world of lost sinners was slain To bear it to dark Calvary (Ref)
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Till my trophies at last I lay down. A wondrous beauty I see.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
And exchange some day for a crown. To pardon and sanctify me. (Ref)
The Fifteen Prayers
of St. Bridget of Sweden
These prayers are prayed daily, each beginning with a Pater and an Ave. Then follows a concluding prayer. There are alleged promises from Our Lord attached to these prayers, but they are problematic, inconsistent with Catholic teaching, and their publication was once forbidden. It may be that the vision wasn't properly written down, properly translated, consistently handed-down, or otherwise kept intact, but in any case, beware of any "Magnificent Promises" you may hear of in association with the following perfectly pious prayers.
First Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst fortell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: "My Soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou wast crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.
In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission all my sins. Amen.
Second Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True liberty of angels, paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
Third Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulling Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy limbs.
I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
Fourth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
Fifth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless, lost, and unfortunate sinners.
Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
Sixth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou wast fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!", and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!".
I beg of Thee O my Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my afflictions and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
Seventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst," suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, O my Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts, and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
Eighth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the gall and vinegar which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
Ninth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou wast abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
Tenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Who art the beginning and the end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou wast plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
Eleventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me; hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
Twelfth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of truth, symbol of unity, link of charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou wast covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O great and universal pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal flesh for love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done?
May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy love increase in my heart each day until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.
Thirteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Strong lion, immortal and invincible King, remember the pain Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted; Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated."
Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
Fourteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, splendor and figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire.
By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, to comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world, I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
Fifteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.
From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very substance of Thy Body withered, and the marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion, and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
ETERNAL REST (PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED)
01
JAN
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray:
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
It was fun to see all out there on humility. I found this quote on pinterest and thought it really fits since I have spent my life watching people toss cactus in the trash rather than enjoy the beauty that is natural in our little paradise.
I really liked this quote too: "People with the smallest minds often have the biggest mouths" Habeeb Akande ; ) how perfect but didn't fit my most recent shots!
Great blog post on humility
www.crossway.org/blog/2011/02/pride-vs-humility-in-marriage/
AND EVEN BETTER VIDEO ON LOVE
“Who has seen the wind? Neither you nor I but when the trees bow down their heads, the wind is passing by.”—Christina Rossetti
“By bringing nature into our lives, we invite humility.”—Richard Louv
Richard Louv
"Thank you" is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding. -Alice Walker
“Humility, that low, sweet root, from which all heavenly virtues shoot.”—Thomas Moore
www.fisheaters.com/15prayersofstbridget.html
The LORD of PARDON Devotion
RECEPTION PRAYER TO THE LORD OF PARDON [i]
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi [ii]
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Welcome Prayer [iii]
O LORD, OUR GOD, our All, we welcome You into our humble dwelling. We thank You, we honor You and we praise You for Your Infinite humility; because You have deigned to bless our earthly dwelling with Your Divine and Majestic Presence, though we are full of unworthiness and our humble dwelling is inadequate for Your glory.
BLESS OUR family and our home, O Lord, that we may be worthy of Your Love and Your Divine Presence. May our home be a true nest of Your Divine Love not only for the next seven days of Your visit but for the rest of our pilgrimage on this earth. Grant that we may make Your stay in our home very pleasurable.
LORD, WE are Yours and we humbly pray that You will take care of us as Your true possession, now and forever. Amen.
3. Prayer for All of Humanity (From the Beginning to the End of the World) [iv]
O THOU MOST BELOVED, Most Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, into Thy Holy Almighty Hands we commend ourselves for all eternity, as well as in the Heart of the Most High God of the Eternal Trinity! We take refuge in the deep Wounds of Thy Most Holy Body. May Thy Most Holy Body nourish us, Thy Most Precious shed Blood, Fear and Suffering purify us of all our sins and vices! Oh, Our Dear Lord God, we humbly offer Thy Great Fear and Need to Thy Heavenly Father in expiation for all our sins and debts! May the terrible blows Thou didst endure plead for us! May Thy most painful scourging cover our great guilt! We offer All Thine injustices, deep wounds, great pains and sighs to Thy Heavenly Father for all our neglects. May Thy Great Love, Oh Dearest Jesus, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice and with Thee! Oh, Most Merciful Jesus, may Thy Faultless Judgment be for us the forgiveness of all our sins, known and unknown; may Thy Holy Footsteps in so much Misery lead and guide us in the way of Thy Divine Justice; may Thy Shameful Denuding make us pure in body and sanctify our souls! May Thy Bitter Agony, Thy Holy Wounds shield us from our visible and invisible enemies! May Thy Pierced Hands and Feet lead us to All Good. Oh Dearest Lord, place us and hide us in Thy Five Most Holy Wounds! Forget not our poor souls for which Thou didst so agonizingly trembled on the stem of the Holy Cross! For the sake of all the Martyrdom Thou didst suffer, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice! May Thy Most Holy and Bitter Death protect us, and lead us to Eternal Salvation! May Thy Most Blessed Power and Divine Omnipotence drive away and keep away from us every evil of body and soul! May Thy Most Holy Wounds, Dearest Jesus, bless and protect us in our death agony from all power of the infernal enemy! At the hour of our death, may Thy Most Precious Blood erase all our sins before our Beloved Heavenly Father, and let die in us all inclination to sin! May Thy Most Precious Blood lead us to all Angels and Saints! We commend and place all our suffering friends and enemies and all deceased persons to and into Thy most Loyal Redeemer’s Heart! Oh, Dearest Jesus, give to us all Thine Infinite Merits, the Power and the Blessing of Thy Most Bitter Passion and Death! Oh, Eternal Divinity, Oh, True Humanity of Jesus, Oh, Most Blessed Trinity, protect us now, according to Thy Divine desire and forever! Oh, Almighty and Immortal God, have mercy on us all! Amen. (It is highly recommended that this prayer be kept in one’s home and said daily.)
4. The ‘Constant’ Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena [v]
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon us!
Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering: Procure Us Every Grace!
Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of Sinners: Atone for Us!
Precious Blood, Delight of Holy Souls: Draw Us! Amen.
5. An Offering of The Holy Wounds and The Precious Blood [vi]
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer You the Holy Wounds of Your Son, and His Precious Blood, for the conversion of sinners and for the relief of the souls in Purgatory.
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, and in supplication for the souls in Purgatory and for the needs of the Holy Church. – The Raccolta
6. Invocations
O God the Father, Omnipotent and Merciful Creator, Who has so much love and mercy for such miserable creatures like us; Have mercy on us, save us from hell, and protect us from all evil. (3X)
O Jesus Christ, The Lord of Pardon, Have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. (3X)
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Save and protect us from all that is evil. (3X)
O Holy Ghost, Paraclete and Comforter of All Mankind, Have Mercy on Us (3X)
Immaculate Hear of Mary, Pray for us, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for Us
O Mother of the Sorrowful Heart, Pray for Us.
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us
O Mary, Conceived without sin, Pray for Us who have recourse to Thee.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for Us
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for Us
Today/Tonight, we protect ourselves with the shield of the Imma-culate Conception!
THE SEVEN-DAY DEVOTION TO THE LORD OF PARDON
OPENING PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father +, and of The Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Come, Holy Ghost
COME HOLY GHOST, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
And kindle in them the fire of Thy Divine Love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let Us Pray
O GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Grant this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(The following hymn may be sung in place of the above prayer.)
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest O, Comforter, to Thee we cry
And in our hearts take up Thy Rest Thou heavenly gift of God, Most High
Come with Thy grace, and heavenly aid O Fount of Life and Fire of Love
To fill our hearts which Thou has made And Sweet Anointing from above
To fill our hearts which Thou has made. And Sweet Anointing from above.
3. Divine Will Prayer [1]
THROUGH THE Immaculate Heart of Mary, I enter today/tonight into the Holy Will of God and pray – Come Divine will to pray in my prayer, in my name (and the name of those whom we pray for daily) and the name of all souls, for the love, honor and (greater) glory of God, Our Father, in reparation for all sins and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
4. To Obtain Love of Prayer [2]
O, LORD JESUS CHRIST, for the sake of Thy sufferings, grant to us, (and to all those whom we pray for daily,) such faith, hope, charity, sorrow for sins and love of prayer, that will help sanctify and save our souls.
5. To Learn the Science of Salvation [3]
JESUS, EXTEND to us in the light, in Thine infinite knowledge, the power through the light, to understand the task that lies ahead for all of us, who wish to be saved. Amen.
6. Act of Contrition
O MY GOD, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I confess all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most all, because I love Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
7. Daily Prayer [4]
O GOD, Who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born among men, rejected by the Jews, betrayed with a kiss by the traitor Judas, bound with cords, to be led as an innocent lamb to the slaughter, to be treated with indignity, accused by false witnesses, afflicted with scourges and reproaches, to be spit upon, crowned with thorns, beaten with blows, struck with a reed, to have Your face veiled, to be stripped of Your garments, to be nailed to the cross and raised high thereon, to be ranked among thieves, to be offered gall and vinegar to drink, and to be pierced with a lance.
O LORD, by these Your most holy pains, which I, though unworthy, now call to mind, and by Your Holy cross
and death, deliver us from the pains of hell and take us where You took the good thief who was crucified with You, Who with The Father and The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
8. Hymns
O SACRED HEART
O Sacred Heart! O Love Divine! Ref: Heart of Jesus, Hear!
Do keep us near to Thee. O Heart of Love Divine!
And make our hearts so like to Thine Listen to Our Prayer!
That we may holy be Make us always Thine.
HAIL MARY
Hail! Mary, Full of Grace! Holy Mary, Mother of God,
The Lord is with Thee! Pray for us, sinners,
Blessed art Thou amongst women! Now, and at the hour --
And blessed is the Fruit Of Thy Womb, Jesus! Of our death. Amen.
9. Prayers before The Rosary
THE LAST VISION OF FATIMA PRAYER [5]
O Queen of the most holy rosary, Thou hast deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the rosary. Inspire our hearts with a sincere love for this devotion, that by meditating upon the mysteries of our redemption which are recalled in it, we may be enriched. With its fruits, obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, (the remission of the temporal punishment of the poor souls in Purgatory, the triumph of Your Son’s church over the gates of hell) and the favor which we ask of you in this rosary. (MAKE YOUR REQUEST.) We ask it for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of souls, including our own. Amen.
ST. LOUIS DE MONFORT’S PRAYER [6]
WE UNITE ourselves with all the Saints in heaven, and with all the just on earth; we unite ourselves with Thee, Our Jesus, in order to praise Your holy Mother worthily and to praise You in her and by her. We renounce all the distractions that may have during this rosary which we wish to say with modesty, attention and devotion just as if it were to be the last one of our lives. Amen.
WE OFFER to Thee, O Most Holy Trinity this creed – in honor of the mysteries of our faith; this Our Father and these three Hail Marys – in honor of the Unity of Thy Essence and the Trinity of Thy Persons.
WE ASK of Thee a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity. Amen.
10. The Proper of The Most Holy Rosary
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
I BELIEVE in God, the Father the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His Only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in The Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
THE PATER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE AVE
HAIL MARY! Full of grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art Thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE GLORIA
GLORY BE to The Father, and to The Son and to The Holy Ghost! As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
THE ANGEL of FATIMA PRAYER *
MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee, and I beg pardon for all those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.
O MY JESUS, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls into heaven, especially those who most need of Thy mercy.
PEACE PRAYER
O MOST SWEET Heart of Jesus, lead us unto salvation. Grant peace to the entire world, specially the United States/Philippines/(Name Your Country). Bring back to You all sinners and grant that they may find the path that leads to you.
IMMACULATE HEART INVOCATION *
O BLESSED VIRGIN Mother protect us with your most Immaculate Heart. Amen.
PRAYER of POPE LEO XIII *
St. MICHAEL, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
THE MYSTERIES of THE HOLY ROSARY
The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Thursday)
1. THE ANNUNCIATION (by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary of her selection by
The Blessed Trinity as the Mother of the forthcoming Messiah)
2. THE VISITATION (of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth)
3. THE BIRTH of Our Lord Jesus (in the small town of Bethlehem)
4. THE PRESENTATION of Our Lord Jesus (in the temple)
5. THE FINDING of the Child Jesus (in the Temple, three days after He was found missing)
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
1. THE AGONY of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2. THE SCOURGING of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Pillar
3. THE CROWNING of Our Lord Jesus Christ with the Crown of Thorns
4. THE CARRYING of the Cross by Our Lord Jesus Christ to Calvary
5. THE CRUCIFIXION and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross
The Glorious mysteries (Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday)
1. THE RESURRECTION of Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (on the third day after His
burial)
2. THE ASCENSION of Our Lord Jesus Christ (into Heaven, forty days after His resurrection)
3. THE DESCENT of The Holy Ghost (upon Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles on the 50th day
after The Ascension of Jesus)
4. THE ASSUMPTION of Our Blessed Mother (into Heaven, body and soul)
5. THE CORONATION of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Queen of Heaven and all of Creation)
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN!
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN! Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sigh, mourning, and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then O Most Gracious Advocate, Thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile, show unto us, the Blessed Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet, Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray O GOD, Whose Only Begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
V. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, +
R. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
11. Prayers After The Rosary
LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
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, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, Only Begotten Son of The Eternal Father, Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, first shed in the Presentation at the temple,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the Earth in Agony in the garden of Olives,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging at the pillar,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, the price of our Salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and Refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace of the sorrowful,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, the pledge of Eternal Life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us
V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, by Your Precious Blood,
R. And made us, for Our God, a kingdom.
Let Us Pray
OMNIPOTENT and Eternal God, You have chosen Your Only Begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world and You have been appeased by the shedding of His Most Precious Blood. Grant, we humbly pray, that we may always cherish the value of our redemption and forget not the grief You and our Blessed Virgin Mother have to bear in the suffering and death of Your Dearly Beloved Son. Through His Precious Blood and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we be delivered from all evil in this world that we may enjoy the fruits of our redemption in Your kingdom for all eternity. Amen.
FIRST DAY
“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (Luke 23:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 10 to 16 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Turn to page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SECOND DAY
“AMEN, I SAY TO YOU, THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.” (Luke 23:43)
1. Meditation (Read pages 18 to 24 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
THIRD DAY
“WOMAN, BEHOLD THY SON.”
(After that, He said to the disciple:) “BEHOLD THY MOTHER.” (John 19:26-27)
1. Meditation (Read pages 26 to 31 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FOURTH DAY
“MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME.”
(Matt. 27:46 and Mk. 15:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 34 to 40 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FIFTH DAY
“I THIRST.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 42 to 47 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SIXTH DAY
“IT IS CONSUMMATED.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 50 to 55 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SEVENTH DAY
“FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT.” (Luke 23:46)
1. Meditation (Read pages 58 to 64 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
HEART of JESUS
Heart of Jesus! Meek and Mild!
Hear, O hear, Thy feeble child!
And when the tempest most severe
Heart of Jesus, hear!
(Refrain)
Sweetly we’ll rest on The Sacred Heart
Never from Thee, Oh let us part
Hear then Thy loving children’s prayer
O Heart of Jesus, Heart of Jesus, hear!
FAREWELL
(This Section to Be Used on the SEVENTH & LAST Day)
O Most Loving Father, the time has come for You to leave us and our dwelling which have been Your home for the past seven days. Words are not enough to render You praise and thanksgiving for the love that You have shown us. Our Father, You have always loved us. You have deigned to be with us even for a short time, and this Thou has done through this novena devotion to Your Son, The Lord of Pardon. We give Thee our heartfelt thanks through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Farewell, Lord Jesus and we thank Thee for the great gifts of knowledge and understanding You have given us through Your Holy Spirit: of why You died for us and what we have to do in order that Your Passion and Death will be bear the fruits that You expect.
Farewell, O Holy Spirit and thank You for all Your gifts. Grant us also your fruits that we may live our lives in conformance and for the pleasure of Our Almighty God.
Farewell, O Queen and Delight of Heaven. We thank Thee, for all the blessings and graces you brought in to our dwelling by your constant intercession and for Your Motherly Love.
We look forward to Your next visit, O Blessed Trinity and Our Mother. We pray that we will again enjoy Your company soon, if not in this life, then, by Your compassion and forgiveness which You shower upon us with the Precious Blood of Your Dearly Beloved Son, may it be in Your kingdom. Amen.
TO JESUS’ HEART
To Jesus’ Heart all burning
With fervent love for men
My heart with fondest yearning
Shall raise its joyful strain.
Refrain
While ages course along
Blest be with loudest song
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
By every heart and tongue
Too true I have forsaken
Thy love by willful sin
Yet now let me be taken
Back by Thy grace again. (Ref)
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame. Has wondrous attraction for me,
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best For, The Dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
For a world of lost sinners was slain To bear it to dark Calvary (Ref)
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Till my trophies at last I lay down. A wondrous beauty I see.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
And exchange some day for a crown. To pardon and sanctify me. (Ref)
The Fifteen Prayers
of St. Bridget of Sweden
These prayers are prayed daily, each beginning with a Pater and an Ave. Then follows a concluding prayer. There are alleged promises from Our Lord attached to these prayers, but they are problematic, inconsistent with Catholic teaching, and their publication was once forbidden. It may be that the vision wasn't properly written down, properly translated, consistently handed-down, or otherwise kept intact, but in any case, beware of any "Magnificent Promises" you may hear of in association with the following perfectly pious prayers.
First Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst fortell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: "My Soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou wast crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.
In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission all my sins. Amen.
Second Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True liberty of angels, paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
Third Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulling Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy limbs.
I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
Fourth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
Fifth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless, lost, and unfortunate sinners.
Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
Sixth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou wast fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!", and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!".
I beg of Thee O my Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my afflictions and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
Seventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst," suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, O my Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts, and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
Eighth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the gall and vinegar which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
Ninth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou wast abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
Tenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Who art the beginning and the end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou wast plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
Eleventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me; hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
Twelfth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of truth, symbol of unity, link of charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou wast covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O great and universal pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal flesh for love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done?
May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy love increase in my heart each day until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.
Thirteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Strong lion, immortal and invincible King, remember the pain Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted; Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated."
Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
Fourteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, splendor and figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire.
By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, to comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world, I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
Fifteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.
From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very substance of Thy Body withered, and the marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion, and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
ETERNAL REST (PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED)
01
JAN
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray:
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
www.fisheaters.com/15prayersofstbridget.html
The LORD of PARDON Devotion
RECEPTION PRAYER TO THE LORD OF PARDON [i]
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father, and of The Son and of The Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi [ii]
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Welcome Prayer [iii]
O LORD, OUR GOD, our All, we welcome You into our humble dwelling. We thank You, we honor You and we praise You for Your Infinite humility; because You have deigned to bless our earthly dwelling with Your Divine and Majestic Presence, though we are full of unworthiness and our humble dwelling is inadequate for Your glory.
BLESS OUR family and our home, O Lord, that we may be worthy of Your Love and Your Divine Presence. May our home be a true nest of Your Divine Love not only for the next seven days of Your visit but for the rest of our pilgrimage on this earth. Grant that we may make Your stay in our home very pleasurable.
LORD, WE are Yours and we humbly pray that You will take care of us as Your true possession, now and forever. Amen.
3. Prayer for All of Humanity (From the Beginning to the End of the World) [iv]
O THOU MOST BELOVED, Most Merciful Lord Jesus Christ, into Thy Holy Almighty Hands we commend ourselves for all eternity, as well as in the Heart of the Most High God of the Eternal Trinity! We take refuge in the deep Wounds of Thy Most Holy Body. May Thy Most Holy Body nourish us, Thy Most Precious shed Blood, Fear and Suffering purify us of all our sins and vices! Oh, Our Dear Lord God, we humbly offer Thy Great Fear and Need to Thy Heavenly Father in expiation for all our sins and debts! May the terrible blows Thou didst endure plead for us! May Thy most painful scourging cover our great guilt! We offer All Thine injustices, deep wounds, great pains and sighs to Thy Heavenly Father for all our neglects. May Thy Great Love, Oh Dearest Jesus, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice and with Thee! Oh, Most Merciful Jesus, may Thy Faultless Judgment be for us the forgiveness of all our sins, known and unknown; may Thy Holy Footsteps in so much Misery lead and guide us in the way of Thy Divine Justice; may Thy Shameful Denuding make us pure in body and sanctify our souls! May Thy Bitter Agony, Thy Holy Wounds shield us from our visible and invisible enemies! May Thy Pierced Hands and Feet lead us to All Good. Oh Dearest Lord, place us and hide us in Thy Five Most Holy Wounds! Forget not our poor souls for which Thou didst so agonizingly trembled on the stem of the Holy Cross! For the sake of all the Martyrdom Thou didst suffer, reconcile us with Thy Divine Justice! May Thy Most Holy and Bitter Death protect us, and lead us to Eternal Salvation! May Thy Most Blessed Power and Divine Omnipotence drive away and keep away from us every evil of body and soul! May Thy Most Holy Wounds, Dearest Jesus, bless and protect us in our death agony from all power of the infernal enemy! At the hour of our death, may Thy Most Precious Blood erase all our sins before our Beloved Heavenly Father, and let die in us all inclination to sin! May Thy Most Precious Blood lead us to all Angels and Saints! We commend and place all our suffering friends and enemies and all deceased persons to and into Thy most Loyal Redeemer’s Heart! Oh, Dearest Jesus, give to us all Thine Infinite Merits, the Power and the Blessing of Thy Most Bitter Passion and Death! Oh, Eternal Divinity, Oh, True Humanity of Jesus, Oh, Most Blessed Trinity, protect us now, according to Thy Divine desire and forever! Oh, Almighty and Immortal God, have mercy on us all! Amen. (It is highly recommended that this prayer be kept in one’s home and said daily.)
4. The ‘Constant’ Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena [v]
Precious Blood, Ocean of Divine Mercy: Flow upon us!
Precious Blood, Most Pure Offering: Procure Us Every Grace!
Precious Blood, Hope and Refuge of Sinners: Atone for Us!
Precious Blood, Delight of Holy Souls: Draw Us! Amen.
5. An Offering of The Holy Wounds and The Precious Blood [vi]
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer You the Holy Wounds of Your Son, and His Precious Blood, for the conversion of sinners and for the relief of the souls in Purgatory.
ETERNAL FATHER, we offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for our sins, and in supplication for the souls in Purgatory and for the needs of the Holy Church. – The Raccolta
6. Invocations
O God the Father, Omnipotent and Merciful Creator, Who has so much love and mercy for such miserable creatures like us; Have mercy on us, save us from hell, and protect us from all evil. (3X)
O Jesus Christ, The Lord of Pardon, Have mercy on us and forgive us our sins. (3X)
O Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Save and protect us from all that is evil. (3X)
O Holy Ghost, Paraclete and Comforter of All Mankind, Have Mercy on Us (3X)
Immaculate Hear of Mary, Pray for us, now and at the hour of our
death. Amen.
O Mary, Mother of Sorrows, Pray for Us
O Mother of the Sorrowful Heart, Pray for Us.
Sorrowful and Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pray for Us
O Mary, Conceived without sin, Pray for Us who have recourse to Thee.
Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, Pray for Us
Our Lady of Fatima, Pray for Us
Today/Tonight, we protect ourselves with the shield of the Imma-culate Conception!
THE SEVEN-DAY DEVOTION TO THE LORD OF PARDON
OPENING PRAYERS FOR EACH DAY
The Sign of The Cross: In the name of The Father +, and of The Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
1. Purification Prayer of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi
ALMIGHTY FATHER, we place the Precious Blood of Jesus before our lips, before we pray that all our prayers may be purified before they ascend to Thy divine altar.
2. Come, Holy Ghost
COME HOLY GHOST, fill the hearts of Thy faithful
And kindle in them the fire of Thy Divine Love.
V. Send forth Thy Spirit and they shall be created,
R. And Thou shalt renew the face of the earth.
Let Us Pray
O GOD, Who has taught the hearts of the faithful by the light of the Holy Ghost, grant that by the gift of the same Spirit, we may always be truly wise and ever rejoice in His consolation. Grant this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
(The following hymn may be sung in place of the above prayer.)
VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS
Come Holy Ghost, Creator blest O, Comforter, to Thee we cry
And in our hearts take up Thy Rest Thou heavenly gift of God, Most High
Come with Thy grace, and heavenly aid O Fount of Life and Fire of Love
To fill our hearts which Thou has made And Sweet Anointing from above
To fill our hearts which Thou has made. And Sweet Anointing from above.
3. Divine Will Prayer [1]
THROUGH THE Immaculate Heart of Mary, I enter today/tonight into the Holy Will of God and pray – Come Divine will to pray in my prayer, in my name (and the name of those whom we pray for daily) and the name of all souls, for the love, honor and (greater) glory of God, Our Father, in reparation for all sins and for the salvation of souls. Amen.
4. To Obtain Love of Prayer [2]
O, LORD JESUS CHRIST, for the sake of Thy sufferings, grant to us, (and to all those whom we pray for daily,) such faith, hope, charity, sorrow for sins and love of prayer, that will help sanctify and save our souls.
5. To Learn the Science of Salvation [3]
JESUS, EXTEND to us in the light, in Thine infinite knowledge, the power through the light, to understand the task that lies ahead for all of us, who wish to be saved. Amen.
6. Act of Contrition
O MY GOD, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee. And I confess all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell. But most all, because I love Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen.
7. Daily Prayer [4]
O GOD, Who for the redemption of the world didst vouchsafe to be born among men, rejected by the Jews, betrayed with a kiss by the traitor Judas, bound with cords, to be led as an innocent lamb to the slaughter, to be treated with indignity, accused by false witnesses, afflicted with scourges and reproaches, to be spit upon, crowned with thorns, beaten with blows, struck with a reed, to have Your face veiled, to be stripped of Your garments, to be nailed to the cross and raised high thereon, to be ranked among thieves, to be offered gall and vinegar to drink, and to be pierced with a lance.
O LORD, by these Your most holy pains, which I, though unworthy, now call to mind, and by Your Holy cross
and death, deliver us from the pains of hell and take us where You took the good thief who was crucified with You, Who with The Father and The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
8. Hymns
O SACRED HEART
O Sacred Heart! O Love Divine! Ref: Heart of Jesus, Hear!
Do keep us near to Thee. O Heart of Love Divine!
And make our hearts so like to Thine Listen to Our Prayer!
That we may holy be Make us always Thine.
HAIL MARY
Hail! Mary, Full of Grace! Holy Mary, Mother of God,
The Lord is with Thee! Pray for us, sinners,
Blessed art Thou amongst women! Now, and at the hour --
And blessed is the Fruit Of Thy Womb, Jesus! Of our death. Amen.
9. Prayers before The Rosary
THE LAST VISION OF FATIMA PRAYER [5]
O Queen of the most holy rosary, Thou hast deigned to come to Fatima to reveal to the three shepherd children the treasures of grace hidden in the rosary. Inspire our hearts with a sincere love for this devotion, that by meditating upon the mysteries of our redemption which are recalled in it, we may be enriched. With its fruits, obtain peace for the world, the conversion of sinners and of Russia, (the remission of the temporal punishment of the poor souls in Purgatory, the triumph of Your Son’s church over the gates of hell) and the favor which we ask of you in this rosary. (MAKE YOUR REQUEST.) We ask it for the greater glory of God, for your own honor, and for the good of souls, including our own. Amen.
ST. LOUIS DE MONFORT’S PRAYER [6]
WE UNITE ourselves with all the Saints in heaven, and with all the just on earth; we unite ourselves with Thee, Our Jesus, in order to praise Your holy Mother worthily and to praise You in her and by her. We renounce all the distractions that may have during this rosary which we wish to say with modesty, attention and devotion just as if it were to be the last one of our lives. Amen.
WE OFFER to Thee, O Most Holy Trinity this creed – in honor of the mysteries of our faith; this Our Father and these three Hail Marys – in honor of the Unity of Thy Essence and the Trinity of Thy Persons.
WE ASK of Thee a lively faith, a firm hope and an ardent charity. Amen.
10. The Proper of The Most Holy Rosary
THE APOSTLE’S CREED
I BELIEVE in God, the Father the Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ His Only Son, Our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Blessed Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell, the third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God, The Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in The Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Amen.
THE PATER
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
THE AVE
HAIL MARY! Full of grace! The Lord is with Thee! Blessed art Thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.
THE GLORIA
GLORY BE to The Father, and to The Son and to The Holy Ghost! As it was in the beginning, now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
THE ANGEL of FATIMA PRAYER *
MY GOD, I believe, I adore, I trust and I love Thee, and I beg pardon for all those who do not believe, do not adore, do not trust and do not love Thee.
O MY JESUS, forgive us our sins. Save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls into heaven, especially those who most need of Thy mercy.
PEACE PRAYER
O MOST SWEET Heart of Jesus, lead us unto salvation. Grant peace to the entire world, specially the United States/Philippines/(Name Your Country). Bring back to You all sinners and grant that they may find the path that leads to you.
IMMACULATE HEART INVOCATION *
O BLESSED VIRGIN Mother protect us with your most Immaculate Heart. Amen.
PRAYER of POPE LEO XIII *
St. MICHAEL, the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray. And do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who wander throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
THE MYSTERIES of THE HOLY ROSARY
The Joyful Mysteries (Monday and Thursday)
1. THE ANNUNCIATION (by the Archangel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary of her selection by
The Blessed Trinity as the Mother of the forthcoming Messiah)
2. THE VISITATION (of the Blessed Virgin Mary to her cousin, Elizabeth)
3. THE BIRTH of Our Lord Jesus (in the small town of Bethlehem)
4. THE PRESENTATION of Our Lord Jesus (in the temple)
5. THE FINDING of the Child Jesus (in the Temple, three days after He was found missing)
The Sorrowful Mysteries (Tuesday and Friday)
1. THE AGONY of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane
2. THE SCOURGING of Our Lord Jesus Christ at the Pillar
3. THE CROWNING of Our Lord Jesus Christ with the Crown of Thorns
4. THE CARRYING of the Cross by Our Lord Jesus Christ to Calvary
5. THE CRUCIFIXION and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross
The Glorious mysteries (Sunday, Wednesday and Saturday)
1. THE RESURRECTION of Our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead (on the third day after His
burial)
2. THE ASCENSION of Our Lord Jesus Christ (into Heaven, forty days after His resurrection)
3. THE DESCENT of The Holy Ghost (upon Our Blessed Mother and the Apostles on the 50th day
after The Ascension of Jesus)
4. THE ASSUMPTION of Our Blessed Mother (into Heaven, body and soul)
5. THE CORONATION of the Blessed Virgin Mary (as the Queen of Heaven and all of Creation)
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN!
HAIL! HOLY QUEEN! Mother of mercy, hail our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To Thee do we send up our sigh, mourning, and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then O Most Gracious Advocate, Thine eyes of mercy towards us and after this our exile, show unto us, the Blessed Fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. O Clement, O Loving, O Sweet, Virgin Mary.
V. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let Us Pray O GOD, Whose Only Begotten Son, by His Life, Death and Resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life. Grant, we beseech Thee, that by meditating upon these mysteries of the most holy rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise. Through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen.
V. May the Divine Assistance remain always with us, +
R. And may the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
11. Prayers After The Rosary
LITANY OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD
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, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, Have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Blood of Christ, Only Begotten Son of The Eternal Father, Save us.
Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word of God,
Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament,
Blood of Christ, first shed in the Presentation at the temple,
Blood of Christ, falling upon the Earth in Agony in the garden of Olives,
Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging at the pillar,
Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with thorns,
Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross,
Blood of Christ, the price of our Salvation,
Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness,
Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and Refreshment of souls,
Blood of Christ, stream of mercy,
Blood of Christ, victor over demons,
Blood of Christ, courage of martyrs,
Blood of Christ, strength of confessors,
Blood of Christ, bringing forth virgins,
Blood of Christ, help of those in peril,
Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened,
Blood of Christ, solace of the sorrowful,
Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent,
Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying,
Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts,
Blood of Christ, the pledge of Eternal Life,
Blood of Christ, freeing souls from Purgatory,
Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor,
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us
V. You have redeemed us, O Lord, by Your Precious Blood,
R. And made us, for Our God, a kingdom.
Let Us Pray
OMNIPOTENT and Eternal God, You have chosen Your Only Begotten Son to be the Redeemer of the world and You have been appeased by the shedding of His Most Precious Blood. Grant, we humbly pray, that we may always cherish the value of our redemption and forget not the grief You and our Blessed Virgin Mother have to bear in the suffering and death of Your Dearly Beloved Son. Through His Precious Blood and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we be delivered from all evil in this world that we may enjoy the fruits of our redemption in Your kingdom for all eternity. Amen.
FIRST DAY
“FATHER, FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO.” (Luke 23:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 10 to 16 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Turn to page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SECOND DAY
“AMEN, I SAY TO YOU, THIS DAY THOU SHALT BE WITH ME IN PARADISE.” (Luke 23:43)
1. Meditation (Read pages 18 to 24 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
THIRD DAY
“WOMAN, BEHOLD THY SON.”
(After that, He said to the disciple:) “BEHOLD THY MOTHER.” (John 19:26-27)
1. Meditation (Read pages 26 to 31 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. The Old Rugged Cross/Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FOURTH DAY
“MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAST THOU FORSAKEN ME.”
(Matt. 27:46 and Mk. 15:34)
1. Meditation (Read pages 34 to 40 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
FIFTH DAY
“I THIRST.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 42 to 47 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SIXTH DAY
“IT IS CONSUMMATED.” (John 19:28)
1. Meditation (Read pages 50 to 55 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
SEVENTH DAY
“FATHER, INTO THY HANDS I COMMEND MY SPIRIT.” (Luke 23:46)
1. Meditation (Read pages 58 to 64 of ‘The Seven Last Words’ by Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, D.D.)
2. Prayer for All of Humanity (Page 1)
3. Heart of Jesus (Turn to page 8)
HEART of JESUS
Heart of Jesus! Meek and Mild!
Hear, O hear, Thy feeble child!
And when the tempest most severe
Heart of Jesus, hear!
(Refrain)
Sweetly we’ll rest on The Sacred Heart
Never from Thee, Oh let us part
Hear then Thy loving children’s prayer
O Heart of Jesus, Heart of Jesus, hear!
FAREWELL
(This Section to Be Used on the SEVENTH & LAST Day)
O Most Loving Father, the time has come for You to leave us and our dwelling which have been Your home for the past seven days. Words are not enough to render You praise and thanksgiving for the love that You have shown us. Our Father, You have always loved us. You have deigned to be with us even for a short time, and this Thou has done through this novena devotion to Your Son, The Lord of Pardon. We give Thee our heartfelt thanks through Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Farewell, Lord Jesus and we thank Thee for the great gifts of knowledge and understanding You have given us through Your Holy Spirit: of why You died for us and what we have to do in order that Your Passion and Death will be bear the fruits that You expect.
Farewell, O Holy Spirit and thank You for all Your gifts. Grant us also your fruits that we may live our lives in conformance and for the pleasure of Our Almighty God.
Farewell, O Queen and Delight of Heaven. We thank Thee, for all the blessings and graces you brought in to our dwelling by your constant intercession and for Your Motherly Love.
We look forward to Your next visit, O Blessed Trinity and Our Mother. We pray that we will again enjoy Your company soon, if not in this life, then, by Your compassion and forgiveness which You shower upon us with the Precious Blood of Your Dearly Beloved Son, may it be in Your kingdom. Amen.
TO JESUS’ HEART
To Jesus’ Heart all burning
With fervent love for men
My heart with fondest yearning
Shall raise its joyful strain.
Refrain
While ages course along
Blest be with loudest song
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
By every heart and tongue
Too true I have forsaken
Thy love by willful sin
Yet now let me be taken
Back by Thy grace again. (Ref)
THE OLD RUGGED CROSS
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame. Has wondrous attraction for me,
And I love that old cross, where the dearest and best For, The Dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
For a world of lost sinners was slain To bear it to dark Calvary (Ref)
Refrain
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross, In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine
Till my trophies at last I lay down. A wondrous beauty I see.
I will cling to the old rugged cross, For ‘twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
And exchange some day for a crown. To pardon and sanctify me. (Ref)
The Fifteen Prayers
of St. Bridget of Sweden
These prayers are prayed daily, each beginning with a Pater and an Ave. Then follows a concluding prayer. There are alleged promises from Our Lord attached to these prayers, but they are problematic, inconsistent with Catholic teaching, and their publication was once forbidden. It may be that the vision wasn't properly written down, properly translated, consistently handed-down, or otherwise kept intact, but in any case, beware of any "Magnificent Promises" you may hear of in association with the following perfectly pious prayers.
First Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus Christ! Eternal Sweetness to those who love Thee, joy surpassing all joy and all desire, Salvation and Hope of all sinners, Who hast proved that Thou hast no greater desire than to be among men, even assuming human nature at the fullness of time for the love of men, recall all the sufferings Thou hast endured from the instant of Thy conception, and especially during Thy Passion, as it was decreed and ordained from eternity in the Divine plan.
Remember, O Lord, that during the Last Supper with Thy disciples having washed their feet, Thou gavest them Thy Most Precious Body and Blood, and while at the same time Thou didst sweetly console them, Thou didst fortell them Thy coming Passion.
Remember the sadness and bitterness which Thou didst experience in Thy Soul as Thou Thyself bore witness saying: "My Soul is sorrowful even unto death."
Remember all the fear, anguish and pain that Thou didst suffer in Thy delicate Body before the torment of the Crucifixion, when, after having prayed three times, bathed in a sweat of blood, Thou wast betrayed by Judas, Thy disciple, arrested by the people of a nation Thou hadst chosen and elevated, accused by false witnesses, unjustly judged by three judges during the flower of Thy youth and during the solemn Paschal season.
Remember that Thou wast despoiled of Thy garments and clothed in those of derision; that Thy Face and Eyes were veiled, that Thou wast buffeted, crowned with thorns, a reed placed in Thy Hands, that Thou wast crushed with blows and overwhelmed with affronts and outrages.
In memory of all these pains and sufferings which Thou didst endure before Thy Passion on the Cross, grant me before my death true contrition, a sincere and entire confession, worthy satisfaction and the remission all my sins. Amen.
Second Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True liberty of angels, paradise of delights, remember the horror and sadness which Thou didst endure when Thy enemies, like furious lions, surrounded Thee, and by thousands of insults, spits, blows, lacerations and other unheard-of cruelties, tormented Thee at will. In consideration of these torments and insulting words, I beseech Thee, O my Savior, to deliver me from all my enemies, visible and invisible, and to bring me, under Thy protection, to the perfection of eternal salvation. Amen.
Third Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Creator of Heaven and earth Whom nothing can encompass or limit, Thou Who dost enfold and hold all under Thy loving power, remember the very bitter pain Thou didst suffer when the Jews nailed Thy Sacred Hands and Feet to the Cross by blow after blow with big blunt nails, and not finding Thee in a pitiable enough state to satisfy their rage, they enlarged thy Wounds, and added pain to pain, and with indescribable cruelty stretched Thy Body on the Cross, pulling Thee from all sides, thus dislocating Thy limbs.
I beg of Thee, O Jesus, by the memory of this most Loving suffering of the Cross, to grant me the grace to fear Thee and to Love Thee. Amen.
Fourth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Heavenly Physician, raised aloft on the Cross to heal our wounds with Thine, remember the bruises which Thou didst suffer and the weakness of all Thy Members which were distended to such a degree that never was there pain like unto Thine. From the crown of Thy Head to the Soles of Thy Feet there was not one spot on Thy Body that was not in torment, and yet, forgetting all Thy sufferings, Thou didst not cease to pray to Thy Heavenly Father for Thy enemies, saying: "Father forgive them for they know not what they do."
Through this great Mercy, and in memory of this suffering, grant that the remembrance of Thy Most Bitter Passion may effect in us a perfect contrition and the remission of all our sins. Amen.
Fifth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of eternal splendor, remember the sadness which Thou experienced, when contemplating in the light of Thy Divinity the predestination of those who would be saved by the merits of Thy Sacred Passion, Thou didst see at the same time, the great multitude of reprobates who would be damned for their sins, and Thou didst complain bitterly of those hopeless, lost, and unfortunate sinners.
Through this abyss of compassion and pity, and especially through the goodness which Thou displayed to the good thief when Thou saidst to him: "This day, thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, that at the hour of my death, Thou wilt show me mercy. Amen.
Sixth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Beloved and most desirable King, remember the grief Thou didst suffer, when naked and like a common criminal, Thou wast fastened and raised on the Cross, when all Thy relatives and friends abandoned Thee, except Thy Beloved Mother, who remained close to Thee during Thy agony and whom Thou didst entrust to Thy faithful disciple when Thou saidst to Mary: "Woman, behold thy son!", and to St. John: "Son, behold thy Mother!".
I beg of Thee O my Savior, by the sword of sorrow which pierced the soul of Thy holy Mother, to have compassion on me in all my afflictions and tribulations, both corporal and spiritual, and to assist me in all my trials, and especially at the hour of my death. Amen.
Seventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Inexhaustible Fountain of compassion, Who by a profound gesture of Love, said from the Cross: "I thirst," suffered from the thirst for the salvation of the human race. I beg of Thee, O my Savior, to inflame in our hearts the desire to tend toward perfection in all our acts, and to extinguish in us the concupiscence of the flesh and the ardor of worldly desires. Amen.
Eighth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Sweetness of hearts, delight of the spirit, by the bitterness of the gall and vinegar which Thou didst taste on the Cross for Love of us, grant us the grace to receive worthily Thy Precious Body and Blood during our life and at the hour of our death, that they may serve as a remedy and consolation for our souls. Amen.
Ninth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Royal virtue, joy of the mind, recall the pain Thou didst endure when plunged in an ocean of bitterness at the approach of death, insulted, outraged by the Jews, Thou didst cry out in a loud voice that Thou wast abandoned by Thy Father, saying: "My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
Through this anguish, I beg of Thee, O my Savior, not to abandon me in the terrors and pains of my death. Amen.
Tenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Who art the beginning and the end of all things, life and virtue, remember that for our sakes Thou wast plunged in an abyss of suffering from the soles of Thy Feet to the crown of Thy Head. In consideration of the enormity of Thy Wounds, teach me to keep, through pure love, Thy Commandments, whose way is wide and easy for those who love Thee. Amen.
Eleventh Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Deep abyss of mercy, I beg of Thee, in memory of Thy Wounds which penetrated to the very marrow of Thy Bones and to the depth of Thy being, to draw me, a miserable sinner, overwhelmed by my offenses, away from sin and to hide me from Thy Face justly irritated against me; hide me in Thy Wounds, until Thy anger and just indignation shall have passed away. Amen.
Twelfth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Mirror of truth, symbol of unity, link of charity, remember the multitude of wounds with which Thou wast covered from head to foot, torn and reddened by the spilling of Thy adorable Blood. O great and universal pain which Thou didst suffer in Thy virginal flesh for love of us! Sweetest Jesus! What is there that Thou couldst have done for us which Thou hast not done?
May the fruit of Thy sufferings be renewed in my soul by the faithful remembrance of Thy Passion, and may Thy love increase in my heart each day until I see Thee in eternity, Thou Who art the treasury of every real good and every joy, which I beg Thee to grant me, O sweetest Jesus, in Heaven. Amen.
Thirteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Strong lion, immortal and invincible King, remember the pain Thou didst endure when all Thy strength, both moral and physical, was entirely exhausted; Thou didst bow Thy Head, saying: "It is consummated."
Through this anguish and grief, I beg of Thee Lord Jesus, to have mercy on me at the hour of my death when my mind will be greatly troubled and my soul will be in anguish. Amen.
Fourteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! Only Son of the Father, splendor and figure of His Substance, remember the simple and humble recommendation Thou didst make of Thy Soul to Thy Eternal Father, saying: "Father, into Thy Hands I commend My Spirit!" And with Thy Body all torn, and Thy Heart broken, and the bowels of Thy Mercy open to redeem us, Thou didst expire.
By this Precious Death, I beg of Thee O King of Saints, to comfort me and help me to resist the devil, the flesh and the world, so that being dead to the world, I may live for Thee alone. I beg of Thee at the hour of my death to receive me, a pilgrim and an exile returning to Thee. Amen.
Fifteenth Prayer
Say one Our Father and one Hail Mary
O Jesus! True and fruitful Vine! Remember the abundant outpouring of blood which Thou didst so generously shed from Thy Sacred Body as juice from grapes in a wine press.
From Thy Side, pierced with a lance by a soldier, blood and water issued forth until there was not left in Thy Body a single drop, and finally, like a bundle of myrrh lifted to the top of the Cross, Thy delicate Flesh was destroyed, the very substance of Thy Body withered, and the marrow of Thy Bones dried up.
Through this bitter Passion, and through the outpouring of Thy Precious Blood, I beg of Thee, O Sweet Jesus, to receive my soul when I am in my death agony. Amen.
Concluding Prayer
O Sweet Jesus! Pierce my heart so that my tears of penitence and love will be my bread day and night; may I be converted entirely to Thee, may my heart be Thy perpetual habitation, may my conversation be pleasing to Thee, and may the end of my life be so praiseworthy that I may merit Heaven and there with Thy saints, praise Thee forever. Amen.
ETERNAL REST (PRAYER FOR THE DEPARTED)
01
JAN
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace.
Amen.
V. O Lord, hear my prayer.
R. And let my cry come to you.
Let us pray:
O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, grant to the souls of Your servants departed the remission of all their sins, that through our pious supplication they may obtain that pardon which they have always desired; who live and reign for ever and ever.
R. Amen.
Although technically ranking second to Rene Fonck among the French aces of World War I, Georges Guynemer was first in the hearts of his countrymen during the war due to his humility, skill and devotion to his country. Born in Paris in 1894, he was a frail, sickly child and was home schooled until age 14. Though lacking in physical skills, Georges showed an aptitude for both target shooting and mechanics - two skills which would serve him well as a military aviator. Although he was originally rejected from military service due to his poor physical condition, he finally passed the medical examination on the fourth attempt after his father intervened on his behalf. He succeeded as an aviator through his enormous drive and self-confidence.
Guynemer joined Escadrille MS.3 in June of 1915 and served in the same unit for his entire service. Over the course of his service the unit transitioned from Moraine Saulniers to Nieuports to SPAD VIIs and XIIIs, thus changing designations from MS.3 to N.3 and the SPA.3. The aircraft of SPA.3 were famous for the red storks which emblazoned their fuselages. The stork was known to nest annually in the chimneys of Alsace-Lorraine, and the squadron’s logo symbolized France’s determination to return and retake that region. Guymener’s personal aircraft often bore the marking “Vieux Charles” (Old Charles), and this particular SPAD VII, S'254, now hangs on display at the Musée de l'air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget Airport in Paris.
In February 1917 Guynemer became the first Allied pilot to shoot down a German heavy bomber, and in March, 1917, he became the first Frenchman to shoot down three enemy planes in one day. In May, 1917,he downed seven German aircraft. Perhaps the greatest story from his career was one told by German Ace Ernst Udet (A Lesson From the Master). His success earned him enough influence to affect French fighter aircraft development. In December 1916, he wrote a letter to the chief designer at SPAD criticizing the SPAD VII as inferior to the German Halberstadt. As a result, SPAD developed two new but very similar models, the SPAD XII and SPAD XIII. On Sept. 11, 1917 he failed to return from a combat mission. He was confirmed missing in action by his squadron commander Major Brocard. His death was finally confirmed by the Germans who stated that a sergeant in the 413th Regiment found and identified the pilot's body, and news of his death was officially announced in Paris two weeks later.
Era imposible irme de Venecia sin capturar una foto de sus características y famosas mascaras.
It was impossible to leave Venice without capturing a photo of their characteristics and famous masks.
Postales de Venecia, Italia / Postcard from Venice, Italy
Mejor en 500px
All my pictures are under full copyright. If you wish to use any of my images for any reason/purpose please contact me via gizet.gonzalez@gmail.com or send me a flickr mail
Detail from The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins: Painted by Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow ( 1789-1862) Städel Museum: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Colossians 3:13-14The Message (MSG)
12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.
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Francis Chan - Fighting For Authenticity
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CteRJCbD1I0
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Joz..photo bombing on the left hand..i decided to not crop him off :-)
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
All Saints, Bingley, West Yorkshire.
East Window, 1890 - detail.
Charity - Purity - Love - Truth - Humility.
Designed by Henry Holiday (1839-1927).
Made by James Powell & Sons.
Henry George Alexander Holiday entered the Royal Academy Schools at the age of 15 and was soon drawn to the ideas, and the artists, of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. He succeeded Edward Burne-Jones as the chief designer for the stained glass firm James Powell & Sons in 1863 and his style had a long-lasting effect on their production into the 1920s. Some of his windows were made by Lavers & Barraud and Heaton, Butler & Bayne, and after eventually ending his association with Powells, he established his own workshop in 1890. From about 1900 he even made his own glass at the workshop. His later work was made at the Glass House, Fulham.
Henry Holiday also worked as a painter, illustrator and sculptor, and his broad range of interests led to involvement in the campaign for Irish Home Rule, women's suffrage and dress reform.
Showing Humility And Attachment From Wordly Goods .
In the early hours of every morning even before break of dawn , monks can be seen walking along on their alms round in Bangkok .
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Today is Lent.
For those who wonder what Lent is (it's not the stuff belly buttons accumulate - that would be "lint") it's a liturgical season (liturgical meaning of, or pertaining to liturgy, or public worship, especially Christian worship, and most frequently Catholic, Anglican, Greek Orthodox). More specifically, it's the season leading up to the passion of the Christ. "Passion," in this context, is chiefly a term in Christian theology, and derives from the from Latin pati, meaning "suffer."
It is the time in which Christ was betrayed, tortured, then sentenced to death by crucifixion by Roman authority, specifically, Pontius Pilate, who was a Roman procurator of Judaea c.26– c.36.
What you're seeing here is what is referred to as the "imposition of ashes," and is a practice that predates Christ, and is mentioned several times in Scripture, including Isaiah, Esther, Daniel, Jonah, and Jeremiah, among others, wherein people are called to repent and to don humble clothing known as "sackcloth" (a coarse, black cloth made from goat’s hair) that was worn together with the burnt ashes of wood as a sign of mourning for personal and national disaster, as a sign of repentance and at times of prayer for deliverance.
To wear "sackcloth and ashes" is representative of humility, of a desire to not merely to apologize to the Almighty, but more importantly, to get right with your fellow human being, and thereby in that process, to "get right with God," and ultimately, an acknowledgement of one's mortality.
When ashes are smeared upon the penitent's forehead, it is typically made in a form of a crucifix (†), and with the application, the individual applying them says "you were made from dust, and to dust you will return," which is a passage directly taken from the Genesis account, in which the Almighty informs Adam that he will die.
As this practice relates to the Lenten season, it is specifically in the Judaic calendar a time known as "Purim," which is among of the most joyous and fun holidays on the Jewish calendar, and commemorates a time when the Jewish people living in Persia were saved from extermination, which is also recorded in the book of Esther. It is also coincidental with Pesach (Passover), which is one of the best known Jewish holidays, as much for its connection to Jewish redemption and the figure of Moses as for its ties with Christian history (the Last Supper was apparently a Passover seder).
Passover was the time in which Jesus the Christ was crucified, which - as Scripture records - is called the agnus Dei (Latin for "Lamb of God") who, as the prophet John (the cousin of Jesus) said, "takes away the sin of the world."
For the Christian, the liturgical season of Lent culminates with Easter, in which the resurrection of Christ is celebrated.
All of Christendom is based upon the resurrection of Christ.
This video was made at:
St. Stephen Catholic Church
7111 Lee Highway
Chattanooga, TN 37421
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-A bit more about Passover, from Jewish Virtual Library-
"Passover begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Nissan. It is the first of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Shavu’ot and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it represents the beginning of the harvest season in Israel. The primary observances of Passover are related to the Exodus from Egypt after 400 years of slavery as told in the biblical Book of Exodus from chapters 1 to 15.
"Passover lasts for seven days (eight days outside of Israel). The first and last days of the holiday (first two and last two outside of Israel) are days on which no work is permitted. Work is permitted on the intermediate days, referred to as Chol Ha-Mo’ed.
"The name “Passover” is derived from the Hebrew word Pesach which is based on the root “pass over” and refers to the fact that G-d “passed over” the houses of the Jews when he was slaying the firstborn of Egypt during the last of the ten plagues. Passover is also widely referred to as Chag he-Aviv (the "Spring Festival"), Chag ha-Matzoth (the "Festival of Matzahs"), and Zeman Herutenu (the "Time of Our Freedom").
"Many of the Passover observances still held were instituted in chapters 12 to 15 of the Exodus story in the Torah. Probably the most significant observance involves the removal of chametz (leavened bread) from homes and property. Chametz includes anything made from the five major grains (wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt) that has not been completely cooked within 18 minutes after coming into contact with water (Ashkenazic Jews also consider rice, corn, peanuts, and legumes as chametz). The removal of chametz commemorates the fact that the Jews left Egypt in a hurry and did not have time to let their bread rise. It is also a symbolic way of removing the “puffiness” (arrogance, pride) from our souls.
"In fact, Jews are not only prohibited from eating chametz during Passover, but they may not own or derive any sort of benefit from it either, including using it to feed pets. This important stipulation requires Jews to sell all remaining leavened products before Passover begins, including utensils used to cook chametz.
"The grain product we eat during Passover in place of chametz is called matzah. Matzah is unleavened bread made simply from flour and water and cooked very quickly. This is traditionally viewed as the bread that the Jews made for their flight from Egypt. Matzah is also referred to as Lechem Oni ("Bread of Affliction")."
---
-A bit more about Purim, from Jewish Virtual Library-
"The story of Purim is told in the Biblical book of Esther. The heroes of the story are Esther, a beautiful young Jewish woman living in Persia, and her cousin Mordecai, who raised her as if she were his daughter. Esther was taken to the house of Ahasuerus, King of Persia, to become part of his harem, and he loved her more than his other women and made her queen. But the king did not know that Esther was a Jew, because Mordecai told her not to reveal her nationality.
"The villain of the story is Haman, an arrogant, egotistical advisor to the king. Haman hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman, so Haman plotted to destroy the Jewish people. In a speech that is all too familiar to Jews, Haman told the king, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither keep they the king's laws; therefore it does not profit the king to suffer them.” Esther 3:8. The king gave the fate of the Jewish people to Haman, to do as he pleased to them. Haman planned to exterminate all of the Jews.
"Mordecai persuaded Esther to speak to the king on behalf of the Jewish people. This was a dangerous thing for Esther to do, because anyone who came into the king's presence without being summoned could be put to death, and she had not been summoned. Esther fasted for three days to prepare herself, then went into the king. He welcomed her. Later, she told him of Haman's plot against her people. The Jewish people were saved, and Haman was hanged on the gallows that had been prepared for Mordecai.
"The book of Esther is unusual in that it is the only book of the bible that does not contain the name of G-d. In fact, it includes virtually no reference to G-d. Mordecai makes a vague reference to the fact that the Jews will be saved by someone else, if not by Esther, but that it the closest the book comes to mentioning G-d. Thus, one important message that can be gained from the story is that G-d often works in ways that are not apparent, in ways that appear to be chance, coincidence or ordinary good luck.
"Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of Adar, which is usually in March. The 14th of Adar is the day that Haman chose for the extermination of the Jews. In leap years, when there are two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated in the second month of Adar, so it is always one month before Passover. In cities that were walled in the time of Joshua, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of the month, because the book of Esther says that in Shushan (a walled city), deliverance from the massacre was not complete until the next day.
"The word “Purim” means “lots” and refers to the lottery that Haman used to choose the date for the massacre."
Hildegard von Bingen
Liber divinorum operum -
Lucca, Biblioteca Statale
Codex Latinus 1942 fol-132r
Vision: The Fountain of God’s Work; Theophany of Divine Love, with Humility and Peace
this isn't meant to be s&m, its supposed to be a girl being tied down, left open, vulnerable, humiliated
Ramadan (Arabic : رمضان Ramaḍān, Arabic pronunciation: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn] ) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar , which lasts 29 to 30 days. It is the Islamic month of fasting , in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking [1] and is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. Muslims fast for the sake of God (Arabic : الله, trans: Allah ) and to offer more prayer than usual. Compared to the solar calendar , the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards by about eleven days each year depending on the moon ; thus, a person will have fasted every day of the calendar year in 34 years' time. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet , Muhammad .
Contents
[hide ]
· 1 Origins of Ramadan
· 2 The Beginning of Ramadan
· 3 Practices during Ramadan
o 3.1 Fasting
o 3.2 Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
o 3.3 Iftar
o 3.4 Charity
o 3.5 Laylat al-Qadr
· 4 Eid ul-Fitr
· 5 Cultural aspects
o 5.1 Decorations
· 6 Economic aspects
· 7 See also
· 8 References
· 9 External links
[edit ] Origins of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from an Arabic root rmḍ, as in words like "ramiḍa" or "ar-ramaḍ" denoting intense heat,[2] scorched ground and shortness of rations. Ramadan, as a name for the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq and the month fell in the warm season.[3] The word was thus chosen as it well represented the original climate of the month and the physiological conditions precipitated from fasting. In the Qur'an, God proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to a hadith , it might refer to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur .[4] [5]
[edit ] The Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent ) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.[6]
There are many disagreements each year however, on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.[7] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion.
For the year of 1432 Hijri , the first day of Ramadan was determined to be August 1, 2011.
[edit ] Practices during Ramadan
[edit ] Fasting
Main article: Sawm
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara ), translation by Tarif Khalidi see:[2] [8]
Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouse is allowed after one has ended the fast. During fasting intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, one is also encouraged to resist all temptations while you are fasting. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat ).[10]
Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty , so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood , many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.[10]
[edit ] Prayer and reading of the Qur'an
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih , which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz' , which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.
Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar .
[edit ] Iftar
Main article: Iftar
Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul ,Turkey
Muslims all around the world will abstain from food and drink, through fasting, from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar . The meal starts with the eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad used to do. Then it's time for the Maghrib prayer, which is the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served. [13]
Over time, Iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time.[14]
Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Muslim countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.
[edit ] Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadhan. According to tradition, Ramadhan is a particularly blessed time to give in charity, as the reward is 700 times greater than any other time of the year. For that reason, Muslims will spend more in charity (sadaqa), and many will pay their zakat during Ramadhan, to receive the blessings (reward). In many Muslim countries, it is not uncommon to see people giving food to the poor and the homeless, and to even see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
[edit ] Laylat al-Qadr
Main article: Laylat al-Qadr
Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year.[15] Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad . Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. Shiites also commemorate the attack on Imam `Ali ibn Abi Talib and his subsequent martyrdom every year on the 19th, 21st and 23rd of Ramadan.
[edit ] Eid ul-Fitr
Main article: Eid ul-Fitr
The holiday of Eid ul-Fitr (Arabic : عيد الفطر) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another new moon has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the back to the fitrah ; usually a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (Zakat al-fitr ); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two Raka'ah only, and it is sunnah muakkad [16] as opposed to the compulsory (Fard) five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God.
[edit ] Cultural aspects
[edit ] Decorations
Ramadan is met with various decorations throughout the streets. In Egypt , lanterns are known to be a symbol of Ramadan. They are hung across the cities of Egypt, part of an 800 year old tradition, the origin of which is said to lie in the Fatimid era where the Caliph Al-Muizz Lideenillah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the city.
In other Muslim countries, lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. In the West, many Muslim households have taken to decorating the inside of their homes to make Ramadhan a more special time for their children.
[edit ] Economic aspects
In Egypt, national statistics have pointed to substantial increase in consumption of food, electricity, and medications related to digestive disorders during the month of Ramadan as compared with the monthly average in the rest of the year.[17]
Life is a long lesson in humility.
— James M. Barrie
Typeface: Futura
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Typeface: Futura
Above: Flash and Ming in a tense stand-off in the final chapter.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ2HUfD0QSw&feature=share&...
Universal, 15 Chapters, 1938. Starring Larry “Buster” Crabbe, Jean Rogers, Charles Middleton, Frank Shannon, Beatrice Roberts, Richard Alexander, Donald Kerr, C. Montague Shaw, Wheeler Oakman.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars picks up almost exactly where Flash Gordon left off, with our courageous trio of interplanetary adventurers–Flash Gordon (Larry “Buster” Crabbe), Dale Arden (Jean Rogers), and Dr. Zarkov (Frank Shannon)–returning to Earth from the planet Mongo. They are greeted to a royal welcome, since their voyage has saved the Earth from being destroyed by the late Emperor Ming of Mongo. Zarkov, however, attempts to curb the Earthlings’ ebullience by cautioning them that the defeat and death of Ming does not mean that their planet is free from other threats of extraterrestrial invasion. As usual, Zarkov is correct; shortly after his warning speech, the Martian Queen Azura (Beatrice Roberts) begins an operation designed to siphon off the “nitron” (aka nitrogen) in the Earth’s atmosphere. Azura’s primary goal is to create nitron-powered weapons with which to wage a war against her mortal foes, the Clay People of Mars. She’s indifferent to the devastating effect that it will have on the Earth, while her chief adviser and military consultant regards the destruction of Earth as the main attraction of the plan. That adviser is none other than Ming (Charles Middleton), still very much alive and longing for revenge on Flash and Zarkov for toppling him from his throne and driving him into exile on Mars.
As the Earth begins to experience catastrophic floods and storms, due to the effects of Azura’s “Nitron Lamp,” Zarkov, Flash, and Dale launch another interplanetary trip to discover the cause of the catastrophes, which Zarkov has determined are due to a beam that emanates from outer space. They discover an unexpected stowaway aboard after takeoff–reporter “Happy” Hapgood (Donald Kerr), who had set out to track down Zarkov and get his opinion of the world-wide disasters. Not long after arriving on Mars, our quartet of Earth adventurers find themselves embroiled in the war between Azura and the Clay People. The latter are one-time rivals of the Queen, who have been transformed into living clay by Azura’s magical powers and banished to underground caverns from whence they carry on a guerilla war against Azura’s forces. The Clay People’s king enlists the aid of Flash and his party, as both of them want to stop Azura’s nitron-collecting plans, and, with additional aid from Prince Barin (Richard Alexander)–who arrives on Mars to try to convince the Martians to expel Ming–Flash and his party pit themselves against Azura’s magic, Ming’s machinations, Ming’s savage allies the Forest People, and many other hazards, in their quest to save the Earth.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars is fully as good as the first Flash Gordon serial, although its strengths are in slightly different areas. While Trip to Mars doesn’t measure up to Flash Gordon when it comes to colorful characters and fantastic monsters, its focused plotline surpasses the episodic story of the earlier serial. In Flash Gordon, the protagonists merely responded to the perpetual perils that were hurled at them by Ming, King Vultan, and King Kala, while Ming’s own plans for destroying the Earth were largely abandoned after the first chapter in favor of his attempts to marry Dale and destroy Flash. In Trip to Mars, Flash, Dale, and Zarkov initiate events instead of just coping with them, and Ming’s new grand design drives the plot far more strongly than his earlier one, giving the good guys a clear-cut objective (the destruction of the Nitron Lamp) beyond simple escape from Mongo.
While Trip to Mars has no characters to rival Flash Gordon’s King Vultan and no bizarre beasts like the Orangopoid or the Fire Dragon, it still has excellent other-worldly atmosphere. The sets are not as varied and intricate as in the first serial, but still surpass the backdrops of almost any other chapterplay. Especially striking are Ming’s “powerhouse,” with its laboratory equipment and its disintegration room, Azura’s massive palace with its unique architectural design (particularly the futuristic pocket doors), the Clay People’s eerie caves, and the wonderfully-designed realm of the Forest People, with its twisted trees, climbing vines, hidden tunnels amid tree roots, and treehouse-like observation platforms.
In addition to the big sets, there are dozens of other major and minor props and special effects that make Trips to Mars memorably atmospheric; there’s the the Martians’ flying capes, the Martian televiewer screens (which are cleverly incorporated into the recap sequences at the beginning of each chapter), the Clay People’s vapor-healing chamber, and the bridge of light that connects Azura’s rocket tower to the rest of her palace and is powered by a simple switch like any Earthling lamp (the scene where Flash and Zarkov are first forced to cross the unsafe-looking thing is quite funny), to name but a few. I also appreciate the fact that Azura’s spaceship squadrons–her “stratosleds”–are designed differently than any of the ships in the first Flash Gordon serial; one would expect the aerial fleets of differing planets to differ in appearance. Another neat touch of internal consistency is the use of three completely different forms of salute by the three principal Martian races–Queen Azura’s subjects, the Clay People, and the Forest People.
The serial’s screenplay maintains good continuity with the previous Flash outing, despite being the work of a completely different team of writers–Ray Trampe, Norman S. Hall, Wyndham Gittens, and Herbert Dalmas. The new writing team avoids any of the clunky lines that occasionally crept into Flash Gordon’s dialogue exchanges; they also, despite having to resort to a few flashbacks to the first serial for padding purposes, manage to make their plot fit its fifteen-chapter length quite nicely. The major plot thread of the heroes’ attempts to destroy Ming and Azura’s Nitron Lamp is skillfully interwoven with several subplots–the Clay People’s efforts to regain their natural shape, the attempts by both Flash and Ming to get hold of the Black Sapphire of Kalu (a talisman that can neutralize Azura’s magic), and Ming’s plot to undermine Azura and seize the Martian throne.
Trip to Mars’ script wisely spreads its plot developments over the course of the serial, instead of introducing all its ideas in the first chapter and letting them tread water until the final one: the Clay People aren’t introduced till the second chapter or the Forest People until the sixth, while Prince Barin first arrives in Chapter Seven. The Nitron Lamp is destroyed in Chapter Nine and rebuilt over the course of the following chapters until it must be destroyed again at the climax, and one of the principal villains is killed off in Chapter Thirteen.
The cliffhangers aren’t quite as varied as in the first Flash serial, due to the lack of the various monsters that frequently attacked Flash for chapter-ending purposes in the earlier outing. However, writers still manage to avoid excessive repetition; for instance, while there are three chapter endings involving stratosled crashes, each one is set up differently–the first has Flash crashing a stratosled into another stratosled to stop it from bombing Dale and Happy, the second has a stratosled crashing on top of Flash and Zarkov, and the third has Flash and the pilots of a ’sled grapping for the controls as it soars towards yet another crash. There’s also an excellent cliffhanger in which Flash, Dale, Happy, and Zarkov are surrounded by an ever-narrowing ring of fire in the Forest People’s kingdom, and a memorably unusual one that has a hypnotized Dale stabbing an unsuspecting Flash in the back.
Though Trip to Mars has no swordfights or wrestling matches corresponding to those in Flash Gordon, it still features a nice variety of action scenes–including stratosled dogfights, fights among the vines and treetops of the Forest Kingdom, and chases through Azura’s big palace; the palace sequence in Chapter Five, which has the nimble Flash vaulting through windows to avoid the guards, is a particular standout. Directors Ford Beebe (a Universal serial veteran) and Robert Hill (a talented director who rarely escaped from low-budget independent serials and B-films) do a fine job of orchestrating these action scenes, assisted by stuntmen Eddie Parker (doubling Buster Crabbe), George DeNormand, Tom Steele, Bud Wolfe, and Jerry Frank. All of the aforementioned stuntmen, except Parker, also pop up in minor acting roles.
The performances in Trip to Mars are all first-rate; the returning actors from the first serial are all just as good as they were in Flash Gordon, while the new major players fit in smoothly. Buster Crabbe’s Flash is just as tough, chipper, athletic, and likable as in the first serial–and a good deal more wise and resourceful than before, improvising strategy and coming up with plans in tough situations instead of just trying to batter his way out. Frank Shannon’s Zarkov, as consequence of Flash’s new-found intelligence, has a reduced part, not guiding the good guys’ actions as he did in the first serial; he still functions as the scientific brains of the group, though, and is still as intense, serious, and sincere as before.
Jean Rogers, with her long blonde hair bobbed and dyed brown to better match the comic-strip version of Dale Arden (she’s also dressed in less arresting fashion), isn’t as stunning as in Flash Gordon, but is still a warm, welcome, and lovely presence. Her part here is smaller than in the first serial, though, since Ming is not romantically interested in her this time out (Ming, though no gentleman, evidently prefers blondes). Richard Alexander’s Prince Barin is a lot more self-assured when it comes to delivering dialogue this time around (helped, no doubt, by the absence of any overly high-flown lines), while his convincingly royal bearing and his commanding size are as effective as before.
Charles Middleton’s Ming is even more entertainingly sinister here than he was in Flash Gordon, getting a good deal more screen time and given a more devilish appearance by a notably forked beard. Though still given opportunities to break into tyrannical and bloodthirsty rages (particularly in his insane rant in the final chapter), Middleton spends much of the serial displaying duplicity and sly subtlety instead, since his Ming must pretend to friendship with Azura even while plotting against her. Middleton carries off this slightly more multi-faceted version of Ming masterfully, winning a few laughs with his crafty cynicism while remaining thoroughly sinister and hateful.
Beatrice Roberts does a fine job as Queen Azura, eschewing the sneering, aggressive demeanor of other serial villainesses for a regal, dignified manner (with a wryly humorous undercurrent) that contrasts interestingly with her often cruel behavior. Her Azura comes off as selfish and ruthless, but not an abusive tyrant like Ming. Donald Kerr as reporter Happy Hapgood, the other principal new character, is as controversial among fans as most other serial comedy-relief characters are. Speaking for myself, though, I found him quite likable and entertaining; he provides an amusingly commonplace point-of-view towards the fantastic world of Mars and is never obtrusive, gratingly stupid, or obnoxious. Additionally, his character is allowed to be quite heroic and helpful when the chips are down, a far cry from one-dimensional cowardly “comic” pests like Sonny Ray in Perils of Pauline or Lee Ford in SOS Coast Guard.
Wheeler Oakman is very good as Tarnak, Ming’s wily lab assistant and co-conspirator against Azura. C. Montague Shaw, concealed under heavy makeup for most of the serial, conveys an impressive air of ruined dignity as the King of the Clay People and manages to seem both sinister and sympathetic at different times. Usual hero Kane Richmond brings appropriate depth of characterization to his key role as a Martian pilot, who proves instrumental in helping Flash overthrow Ming in the later chapters. Anthony Warde has a small part as Toran, king of the Forest People, but extracts as much snarling nastiness as possible from the role. Future director Thomas Carr is his second-in-command, Kenne Duncan is the officer in charge of Azura’s airdrome, Lane Chandler and Jack Mulhall both appear as pilots of her Death Squadron, and Warner Richmond has a small role as one of Ming’s palace cohorts.
Hooper Atchley and James Blaine pop up as self-important Earth scientists, propounding ingenious and inaccurate theories as to the causes of the damage brought about by the Nitron Lamp, while Edwin Stanley is the general presiding over a council comprised of these two and additional savants. Louis Merrill (a radio actor who played character roles in several feature films) has a brief but memorable turn as the blunt and slightly uncouth Dr. Metz, who alone among the scientists has the humility to admit that Zarkov is the only one capable of unravelling the riddle of the disasters. Merrill’s characterization is so vivid that one wishes the actor had taken a larger part in this chapterplay or in other serials.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars is a nearly ideal sequel, in that it manages to preserve the basic strengths of its predecessor while deviating from it in some areas and improving on it in others. It’s also a nearly ideal serial, independent of its relation to the earlier Flash Gordon; it balances good acting, atmosphere, action, and plotting in such fine style that it would still be a notable achievement if it were the sole entry in the Flash Gordon series.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars picks up almost exactly where Flash Gordon left off, with our courageous trio of interplanetary adventurers–Flash Gordon (Larry “Buster” Crabbe), Dale Arden (Jean Rogers), and Dr. Zarkov (Frank Shannon)–returning to Earth from the planet Mongo. They are greeted to a royal welcome, since their voyage has saved the Earth from being destroyed by the late Emperor Ming of Mongo. Zarkov, however, attempts to curb the Earthlings’ ebullience by cautioning them that the defeat and death of Ming does not mean that their planet is free from other threats of extraterrestrial invasion. As usual, Zarkov is correct; shortly after his warning speech, the Martian Queen Azura (Beatrice Roberts) begins an operation designed to siphon off the “nitron” (aka nitrogen) in the Earth’s atmosphere. Azura’s primary goal is to create nitron-powered weapons with which to wage a war against her mortal foes, the Clay People of Mars. She’s indifferent to the devastating effect that it will have on the Earth, while her chief adviser and military consultant regards the destruction of Earth as the main attraction of the plan. That adviser is none other than Ming (Charles Middleton), still very much alive and longing for revenge on Flash and Zarkov for toppling him from his throne and driving him into exile on Mars.
As the Earth begins to experience catastrophic floods and storms, due to the effects of Azura’s “Nitron Lamp,” Zarkov, Flash, and Dale launch another interplanetary trip to discover the cause of the catastrophes, which Zarkov has determined are due to a beam that emanates from outer space. They discover an unexpected stowaway aboard after takeoff–reporter “Happy” Hapgood (Donald Kerr), who had set out to track down Zarkov and get his opinion of the world-wide disasters. Not long after arriving on Mars, our quartet of Earth adventurers find themselves embroiled in the war between Azura and the Clay People. The latter are one-time rivals of the Queen, who have been transformed into living clay by Azura’s magical powers and banished to underground caverns from whence they carry on a guerilla war against Azura’s forces. The Clay People’s king enlists the aid of Flash and his party, as both of them want to stop Azura’s nitron-collecting plans, and, with additional aid from Prince Barin (Richard Alexander)–who arrives on Mars to try to convince the Martians to expel Ming–Flash and his party pit themselves against Azura’s magic, Ming’s machinations, Ming’s savage allies the Forest People, and many other hazards, in their quest to save the Earth.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars is fully as good as the first Flash Gordon serial, although its strengths are in slightly different areas. While Trip to Mars doesn’t measure up to Flash Gordon when it comes to colorful characters and fantastic monsters, its focused plotline surpasses the episodic story of the earlier serial. In Flash Gordon, the protagonists merely responded to the perpetual perils that were hurled at them by Ming, King Vultan, and King Kala, while Ming’s own plans for destroying the Earth were largely abandoned after the first chapter in favor of his attempts to marry Dale and destroy Flash. In Trip to Mars, Flash, Dale, and Zarkov initiate events instead of just coping with them, and Ming’s new grand design drives the plot far more strongly than his earlier one, giving the good guys a clear-cut objective (the destruction of the Nitron Lamp) beyond simple escape from Mongo.
While Trip to Mars has no characters to rival Flash Gordon’s King Vultan and no bizarre beasts like the Orangopoid or the Fire Dragon, it still has excellent other-worldly atmosphere. The sets are not as varied and intricate as in the first serial, but still surpass the backdrops of almost any other chapterplay. Especially striking are Ming’s “powerhouse,” with its laboratory equipment and its disintegration room, Azura’s massive palace with its unique architectural design (particularly the futuristic pocket doors), the Clay People’s eerie caves, and the wonderfully-designed realm of the Forest People, with its twisted trees, climbing vines, hidden tunnels amid tree roots, and treehouse-like observation platforms.
In addition to the big sets, there are dozens of other major and minor props and special effects that make Trips to Mars memorably atmospheric; there’s the the Martians’ flying capes, the Martian televiewer screens (which are cleverly incorporated into the recap sequences at the beginning of each chapter), the Clay People’s vapor-healing chamber, and the bridge of light that connects Azura’s rocket tower to the rest of her palace and is powered by a simple switch like any Earthling lamp (the scene where Flash and Zarkov are first forced to cross the unsafe-looking thing is quite funny), to name but a few. I also appreciate the fact that Azura’s spaceship squadrons–her “stratosleds”–are designed differently than any of the ships in the first Flash Gordon serial; one would expect the aerial fleets of differing planets to differ in appearance. Another neat touch of internal consistency is the use of three completely different forms of salute by the three principal Martian races–Queen Azura’s subjects, the Clay People, and the Forest People.
The serial’s screenplay maintains good continuity with the previous Flash outing, despite being the work of a completely different team of writers–Ray Trampe, Norman S. Hall, Wyndham Gittens, and Herbert Dalmas. The new writing team avoids any of the clunky lines that occasionally crept into Flash Gordon’s dialogue exchanges; they also, despite having to resort to a few flashbacks to the first serial for padding purposes, manage to make their plot fit its fifteen-chapter length quite nicely. The major plot thread of the heroes’ attempts to destroy Ming and Azura’s Nitron Lamp is skillfully interwoven with several subplots–the Clay People’s efforts to regain their natural shape, the attempts by both Flash and Ming to get hold of the Black Sapphire of Kalu (a talisman that can neutralize Azura’s magic), and Ming’s plot to undermine Azura and seize the Martian throne.
Trip to Mars’ script wisely spreads its plot developments over the course of the serial, instead of introducing all its ideas in the first chapter and letting them tread water until the final one: the Clay People aren’t introduced till the second chapter or the Forest People until the sixth, while Prince Barin first arrives in Chapter Seven. The Nitron Lamp is destroyed in Chapter Nine and rebuilt over the course of the following chapters until it must be destroyed again at the climax, and one of the principal villains is killed off in Chapter Thirteen.
The cliffhangers aren’t quite as varied as in the first Flash serial, due to the lack of the various monsters that frequently attacked Flash for chapter-ending purposes in the earlier outing. However, writers still manage to avoid excessive repetition; for instance, while there are three chapter endings involving stratosled crashes, each one is set up differently–the first has Flash crashing a stratosled into another stratosled to stop it from bombing Dale and Happy, the second has a stratosled crashing on top of Flash and Zarkov, and the third has Flash and the pilots of a ’sled grapping for the controls as it soars towards yet another crash. There’s also an excellent cliffhanger in which Flash, Dale, Happy, and Zarkov are surrounded by an ever-narrowing ring of fire in the Forest People’s kingdom, and a memorably unusual one that has a hypnotized Dale stabbing an unsuspecting Flash in the back.
Though Trip to Mars has no swordfights or wrestling matches corresponding to those in Flash Gordon, it still features a nice variety of action scenes–including stratosled dogfights, fights among the vines and treetops of the Forest Kingdom, and chases through Azura’s big palace; the palace sequence in Chapter Five, which has the nimble Flash vaulting through windows to avoid the guards, is a particular standout. Directors Ford Beebe (a Universal serial veteran) and Robert Hill (a talented director who rarely escaped from low-budget independent serials and B-films) do a fine job of orchestrating these action scenes, assisted by stuntmen Eddie Parker (doubling Buster Crabbe), George DeNormand, Tom Steele, Bud Wolfe, and Jerry Frank. All of the aforementioned stuntmen, except Parker, also pop up in minor acting roles.
The performances in Trip to Mars are all first-rate; the returning actors from the first serial are all just as good as they were in Flash Gordon, while the new major players fit in smoothly. Buster Crabbe’s Flash is just as tough, chipper, athletic, and likable as in the first serial–and a good deal more wise and resourceful than before, improvising strategy and coming up with plans in tough situations instead of just trying to batter his way out. Frank Shannon’s Zarkov, as consequence of Flash’s new-found intelligence, has a reduced part, not guiding the good guys’ actions as he did in the first serial; he still functions as the scientific brains of the group, though, and is still as intense, serious, and sincere as before.
Jean Rogers, with her long blonde hair bobbed and dyed brown to better match the comic-strip version of Dale Arden (she’s also dressed in less arresting fashion), isn’t as stunning as in Flash Gordon, but is still a warm, welcome, and lovely presence. Her part here is smaller than in the first serial, though, since Ming is not romantically interested in her this time out (Ming, though no gentleman, evidently prefers blondes). Richard Alexander’s Prince Barin is a lot more self-assured when it comes to delivering dialogue this time around (helped, no doubt, by the absence of any overly high-flown lines), while his convincingly royal bearing and his commanding size are as effective as before.
Charles Middleton’s Ming is even more entertainingly sinister here than he was in Flash Gordon, getting a good deal more screen time and given a more devilish appearance by a notably forked beard. Though still given opportunities to break into tyrannical and bloodthirsty rages (particularly in his insane rant in the final chapter), Middleton spends much of the serial displaying duplicity and sly subtlety instead, since his Ming must pretend to friendship with Azura even while plotting against her. Middleton carries off this slightly more multi-faceted version of Ming masterfully, winning a few laughs with his crafty cynicism while remaining thoroughly sinister and hateful.
Beatrice Roberts does a fine job as Queen Azura, eschewing the sneering, aggressive demeanor of other serial villainesses for a regal, dignified manner (with a wryly humorous undercurrent) that contrasts interestingly with her often cruel behavior. Her Azura comes off as selfish and ruthless, but not an abusive tyrant like Ming. Donald Kerr as reporter Happy Hapgood, the other principal new character, is as controversial among fans as most other serial comedy-relief characters are. Speaking for myself, though, I found him quite likable and entertaining; he provides an amusingly commonplace point-of-view towards the fantastic world of Mars and is never obtrusive, gratingly stupid, or obnoxious. Additionally, his character is allowed to be quite heroic and helpful when the chips are down, a far cry from one-dimensional cowardly “comic” pests like Sonny Ray in Perils of Pauline or Lee Ford in SOS Coast Guard.
Wheeler Oakman is very good as Tarnak, Ming’s wily lab assistant and co-conspirator against Azura. C. Montague Shaw, concealed under heavy makeup for most of the serial, conveys an impressive air of ruined dignity as the King of the Clay People and manages to seem both sinister and sympathetic at different times. Usual hero Kane Richmond brings appropriate depth of characterization to his key role as a Martian pilot, who proves instrumental in helping Flash overthrow Ming in the later chapters. Anthony Warde has a small part as Toran, king of the Forest People, but extracts as much snarling nastiness as possible from the role. Future director Thomas Carr is his second-in-command, Kenne Duncan is the officer in charge of Azura’s airdrome, Lane Chandler and Jack Mulhall both appear as pilots of her Death Squadron, and Warner Richmond has a small role as one of Ming’s palace cohorts.
Hooper Atchley and James Blaine pop up as self-important Earth scientists, propounding ingenious and inaccurate theories as to the causes of the damage brought about by the Nitron Lamp, while Edwin Stanley is the general presiding over a council comprised of these two and additional savants. Louis Merrill (a radio actor who played character roles in several feature films) has a brief but memorable turn as the blunt and slightly uncouth Dr. Metz, who alone among the scientists has the humility to admit that Zarkov is the only one capable of unravelling the riddle of the disasters. Merrill’s characterization is so vivid that one wishes the actor had taken a larger part in this chapterplay or in other serials.
Flash Gordon’s Trip to Mars is a nearly ideal sequel, in that it manages to preserve the basic strengths of its predecessor while deviating from it in some areas and improving on it in others. It’s also a nearly ideal serial, independent of its relation to the earlier Flash Gordon; it balances good acting, atmosphere, action, and plotting in such fine style that it would still be a notable achievement if it were the sole entry in the Flash Gordon series.
You reassure me over and over again that you will never change. Obviously I have difficulties in changing too, because I still wait for you calling me
Robert Campin - The Mérode Altarpiece, left panel
New York The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Trying to unravel the mystery of the altarpiece has intrigued scholars for years. It continues to intrigue them. The stranger standing against the brick wall was also painted in at a later date. He is part of the mystery. His clothes are more lavish, his appearance more striking than that of the donor and the lady. Scholars have speculated about his identity.
One scholar suggested this might be a self-portrait of the Master of Flemalle. Another, studying the shield he wears over his heart, thought he could be a messenger of the Merode family. It was also suggested the stranger could be the marriage broker who arranged the marriage between the donor and his wife. Marriage brokers were members of guilds who wore similar shields.
Another scholar referred to the stranger as "the man beside the gate." According to him, the shield worn was the type used by professional messengers in northern Europe before there was a regular postal service. Since so much in the altarpiece can be symbolic, it was suggested the man at the gate, a carrier of worldly messages, might be considered the earthly counterpart of the heavenly messenger, Gabriel. The horse and rider have been placed outside the gate.
During the Middle Ages the horse was considered a symbol of lust. Perhaps the artist has placed them there as a suggestion that the war within the spirit takes place in the outside world. For the gate represents the entrance to peace within the spirit. The gate is symbolic of Mary and the re-entrance into Heaven. The gate of Paradise closed by the sin of Eve is reopened through Mary. The walled garden refers to the chastity of Mary. The symbol is based on a phrase from the Song of Solomon: "My sister," my spouse is a garden enclosed, a fountain sealed up." Mary, conceived without sin, is the garden enclosed. The forget-me-nots, the violets, and the daisies represent the humility of Mary. They are also spring flowers, reminders of the time of year the Annunciation took place. The red rose signifies martyrdom. It is again symbolic of Mary. According to Saint Ambrose, a 4th century bishop, the rose had no thorns when it grew in Paradise; only after the fall of man did the rose grow its thorns. Mary, born without sin, is called the "rose without thorns."
www.homeschoolonline.co.uk/art/great-works-of-art/the-mer...
MacroMonday Theme: Humility
Patience, confidence, precision, discipline, safety, risk, caution, learning, asking for help, accepting my limitation. Yep, I get all that from a few pieces of pipe. Most of it works good right now. One joint needs remedial tutoring. Patience, it's just a leak. We need to cook clean and wash for now.
Impossible to Be Humble and Trust in Our Righteousness
Habakkuk 2:4; Matthew 23:25–28; Mark 12:38–39; Luke 18:9–14; 20:45–46; Romans 7:24
What means do we have of humbling ourselves, except by submitting, all poor and destitute, to the divine mercy? For I do not call it humility if we suppose that we have anything left. And until now they have taught a pernicious hypocrisy, who have connected these two maxims: that we should entertain humble thoughts of ourselves before God, and that we should attach some dignity to our own righteousness.
JOHN CALVIN
Elliot Ritzema, 300 Quotations for Preachers from the Reformation (Pastorum Series; Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2013).
Coachwork by Vanden Plas
Chassis n° LM1342
Registration n° F8689
Les Grandes Marques du Monde au Grand Palais
Bonhams
Estimated : € 650.000 - 850.000
Sold for € 701.500
Parijs - Paris
Frankrijk - France
February 2018
- One of 513 Speed Models built
- Rare original aluminium body
- Full matching numbers
- Exceptionally original
- Well documented history
- Restored by Graham Moss
- Pebble Beach 2015 Class Award
With characteristic humility 'W O' was constantly amazed by the enthusiasm of later generations for the products of Bentley Motors Limited, and it is testimony to the soundness of his engineering design skills that so many of his products have survived. From the humblest of beginnings in a mews garage off Baker Street, London in 1919 the Bentley rapidly achieved fame as an exciting fast touring car, well able to compete with the best of European and American sports cars in the tough world of motor sport in the 1920s. Bentley's domination at Le Mans in 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929 and 1930 is legendary, and one can only admire the Herculean efforts of such giants as Woolf Barnato, Jack Dunfee, Tim Birkin and Sammy Davis, consistently wrestling the British Racing Green sports cars to victory.
W O Bentley proudly unveiled the new 3-litre car bearing his name on Stand 126 at the 1919 Olympia Motor Exhibition, the prototype engine having fired up for the first time just a few weeks earlier. Bentley's four-cylinder 'fixed head' engine incorporated a single overhead camshaft, four-valves per cylinder and a bore/stroke of 80x149mm. Twin ML magnetos provided the ignition and power was transmitted via a four-speed gearbox with right-hand change. The pressed-steel chassis started off with a wheelbase of 9' 9½" (the 'short standard') then adopted dimensions of 10' 10" ('standard long') in 1923, the shorter frame being reserved for the TT Replica and subsequent Speed Model. Rear wheel brakes only were employed up to 1924 when four-wheel Perrot-type brakes were introduced.
In only mildly developed form, this was the model that was to become a legend in motor racing history and which, with its leather-strapped bonnet, classical radiator design and British Racing Green livery, has become the archetypal Vintage sports car.
Early success in the 1922 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, when Bentleys finished second, fourth, and fifth to take the Team Prize, led to the introduction of the TT Replica (later known as the Speed Model) on the existing 9' 9½" wheelbase, short standard chassis. Identified by the Red Label on its radiator, the Speed Model differed by having twin SU 'sloper' carburettors, a higher compression ratio, different camshaft and the close-ratio A-type gearbox, the latter being standard equipment prior to 1927 when the C-type 'box was adopted. These engine changes increased maximum power from the standard 70 to 80bhp and raised top speed to an impressive 90mph. Other enhancements included the larger (11-gallon) fuel tank and (usually) André Hartford shock absorbers. Bentley made 1,613 3-Litre models, the majority of which was bodied by Vanden Plas with either open tourer or saloon coachwork, 513 of which were to Speed Model specification.
Vanden Plas had been founded in Belgium in the 19th Century, gaining a British offshoot when Warwick Wright obtained the UK rights to the name in 1913. After an uncertain start and numerous changes of ownership, the British firm went on to forge its not inconsiderable reputation by a most fortuitous alliance with Bentley, bodying some 700-or-so of the latter's chassis during the 1920s, including the Le Mans team cars.
A 1927-specification Speed Model on the 9' 9½" wheelbase chassis, 'LM1342' is a late example and thus represents the best and most sought-after 3-Litre variant, having the 'big sump' engine with its stronger crankshaft, two-bolt direct-metal con-rods, and Duralumin rockers in separate boxes. Numbered 'LM1348SS', the engine is original to the chassis and would have been built with the Speed Model's high-compression pistons, BM1800 camshaft, and drilled valve caps. When new, these 'SS' engines were said to produce around 86bhp.
'LM1342' was bodied by Vanden Plas with its standard open four-seater sports coachwork (body number '1306', still fitted). This particular body is unusual in being panelled in aluminium (most were fabric-covered), and has an unusually low windscreen (around 1" shorter than normal) giving it more pleasing proportions. The car was ordered new by Gilbert & Sons Ltd of Pelham Street, Lincoln, and given a Lincolnshire registration, 'FE 8689', which it carries to this day. Subsequent owners listed in the Service Record are A C Scott (1928), A Staveley Hill (1929), Major G E L Pardington (1930), and J Shakespeare (1936). The Service Record is continuous through to December 1936, with only minor works carried out (no replacement of major components or accident repairs).
Correspondence on file indicates that by 1945 the Bentley was owned by a Captain M E Webbe, while an old-style continuation logbook lists two subsequent owners: Thomas Walker (from June 1946) and Frank Wood, who purchased the Bentley in January 1967 from a local farmer who wanted to buy a new Ford. There is a charming photograph in the file depicting Mr Wood's two daughters sitting in the car. After Frank Wood's passing, the family offered the Bentley for sale at a UK auction in March 2012 where it was purchased by the present owner.
The Bentley was then despatched to renowned marque specialist Graham Moss for total restoration with no expense spared. Examination revealed the 3-Litre to be exceptionally original - unlike so many of its ilk - retaining the original Supersports engine, A-type gearbox, front axle, steering box, differential casing, the correct number, 'LM1342', being found stamped on all of these components. Graham went to extraordinary lengths to maintain authenticity, even going so far as to reproduce the lead seals for the steering box, magneto turret, and crankcase; these were routinely fitted by Bentley Motors and removing them would void the guarantee.
As the car had been re-upholstered, the owner researched the original colour scheme and leatherwork, enabling the original manufacturer – Connolly – to reproduce the correct material. Many more such instances of this admirably fastidious approach are detailed in the vendor's wonderful illustrated book documenting the history and restoration of 'LM1342'. The car also comes with a copy of Bentley authority Dr Clare Hay's typically thorough - and very favourable - illustrated report on its specification, originality, and 'as purchased' condition, concluding: 'Overall this is a very original chassis with few minor changes from new, with all its original numbered parts and with its original Vanden Plas sports four-seater body'. Perusal of both is highly recommended.
In addition, the car comes with an original owner's instruction manual, a selection of accessory manuals, and a full set of genuine 3-Litre tools. There is also a letter from the first owner, and even a (replica) list of 'Don'ts', which would be hung on the starter switch to help new Bentley owners care for their cars correctly!
The extensive restoration works, carried out over a period of three years, are detailed by Graham's bills totalling some £475,000, while a further £25,000 was spent on obtaining correct parts such as the lights, correct magnetos, etc. Since completion, 'FE 8689' has covered around 2,000 miles and is fully sorted, having recently been serviced by Graham Moss.
Nobody seeing this magnificent Bentley today would question that the cost of its restoration was money well spent. Indeed, if proof were needed, in 2015 'LM1342' received a richly deserved 2nd-in-class award at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance. There can be no better way to enjoy the many celebrations planned for Bentley's 100th anniversary in 2019.
Repossessing Virtue: Humility Is the Basis of My New Faith (December 14, 2008)
(this essay originally appeared on SOF Observed as part of the Speaking of Faith series, "Repossessing Virtue" at speakingofaith.org/first-person/repossessing-virtue/)
Editor's note: We asked our listeners and readers to tell us their stories about the moral and spiritual aspects of the economic downturn. In the coming months, we'll be featuring some of these on SOF Observed an as part of our First Person project, "Repossessing Virtue."
Jessica Sundheim reminds us that personal transformation and understanding happens at any age. She kicks off this first person exploration, and continues our series of interviews with wise voices, including Martin Marty, Prabhu Guptara, Esther Sternberg, Rachel Naomi Remen, and others to come.
Since I was very young, like just about everyone I know, I had a strong mechanism deep within that could smell injustice, layer upon layer of it. I knew at age three that going to daycare sucked, and I knew that my peers were favored because we were cared for by their mother. However, the complexity of greater social injustices didn't really begin to sink in until I turned 25. Before then I think of myself as a protestor/whiner. I saw the injustice at face value and whined about it. Growing up on poverty and years of watching PBS documentaries of war demonstrations, the liberation of concentration camps, civil rights marches, The Wonder Years, and listening to my parents old LP's of The Beatles and Janice Joplin had left their mark.
The tragedy of 9/11 took place just weeks after my 23rd birthday. It was shaking, like someone had struck a chord that had resonated for years and then on 9/11 someone struck a new chord, a chord no one knew. I quit my job to stay home with my kids. I flew home to Tennessee with my toddler and eight-month-old baby to visit family. We bought a new car. We waited. I was ready to act, but no direction came. I also began to seek out spiritual renewal and joined a very fundamentalist Bible study. Soon, my car was tuned to a different station, one that focused on my family and my role in it instead of news and the world. My head was filled with directives to isolate, seclude my young, and become as perfect as possible. My goal was to be Jesus Christ and to get everyone else to be just like me.
The mechanism that smelled injustice began to be tweaked. "Could it really be injustice if the person isn't a Christian? God works for the good of those who believe in him." Personal behavior and faith status became the stick with which I measured out those who suffered for no cause of their own and those who deserved it. No longer a sheep in the flock, I wasn't even the shepherd; I was the butcher, me and about 5 million others. So when the war that I had been fated to protest for years came, I was blinded by a belief system that mandated an eye for an eye.
My belief system had little sympathy or compassion for people who could not control their sinful nature. I didn't even believe in funding public schools, or that women should work outside the home. Our society was falling apart because of working women, sex, Godless public education, taxes, and fast food. I really, really believed in this.
Shortly after 9/11 my husband became the director of an environmental learning center. Two years later, when the funding was cut and the center folded my life changed. I started a cleaning business at seven months pregnant because no business would hire me, and I got a job as a coordinator for an after school program (in a public school). I also became vehemently opposed to any business that would have the audacity to discriminate against a pregnant woman.
My husband worked endlessly. He had three jobs. He went to tutor at the school at 3:00 p.m., from there he went to his overnight factory job at 6 p.m. He got home after working an 11-hour shift at 5 a.m. At 9 a.m., after four hours of sleep, he went on call as an EMT with the local ambulance service. He could still catch some sleep if he didn't get a call. Without the paycheck that we had become accustomed to, public school began to look like a good deal, my dream of home schooling was fading. Something I had railed against for years (welfare) began to look like a social safety net. I'll never forget the time I was at a Christian women's meeting and the director of the food shelf leaned over and said, "You can go to the food shelf so many times per year. You should go." She squeezed the life out of my hand, as if to say if you don't go I'll hurt you. I went.
I'll never forget that experience. I, a hard working, educated, sober, business woman was going to a food shelf! The people were so nice. The form was one page, about five questions. I thought we'd get enough food for one meal, but I had to pull my car around so that I could unload box after box into my car. We were given so much, I couldn't fit it all in my cupboards. We ate every last can of tuna, box of instant potatoes, and even SPAM with relish.
Humility is the basis of my new faith.
I do not look at the state of our country's economy as a crisis in the same way as most. The state of affairs is an opportunity, in many ways. I still have a sense of justice, and so I think that someone should pay for the frivolous, machismo, arrogant politics and policies of the last 15 years. But, I know that for the most part the powerless, not the propagator, will suffer most in this mess.
However, poverty for me is no longer a judgment handed down to the lazy, uneducated, drunken, egocentric sloth. I no longer define poverty by neighborhood, class, education, or even bank account. Poverty is to lack the ability to help others as one would want to help oneself. Poverty is the inability to forgive — the blind, misinformed faith that isolates and secludes a person from joy, self-forgiveness, compassion, and love for one's neighbor.
Our family has gone through a financial crisis much like what the country is facing now. We have learned a lot and I feel that we are better off. The leadership I am looking for at this time is a leadership that believes in everyday people. Leadership that doesn't look at the person's bank account or position of status to find value, but instead a leadership that understands the inherent value of every citizen of this country. A leadership that doesn't seclude or isolate, but reaches out to all of us and in turn gives some useful direction, a map.
What am I doing differently? I am no longer a secluded housewife. My kids go to school. We moved to a new community. I am grateful for welfare, food stamps, and Medicare even though we no longer use them. The food shelf still rocks. Involved in my local political party, I fought hard for a candidate with real vision as a delegate to the DFL state convention. (I am the former chairperson for the Big Stone County Republican Party). For the last year I worked two jobs, helped plan a fundraiser, door knocked for Barack, had a house party, marched in a lawn chair brigade in many parades for my local candidate for Minnesota House Seat 10A. As the volunteer coordinator for A Center for the Arts, I naturally voted "yes" on the constitutional amendment.
I find wisdom at a unique church. The church is actually two churches, United Church of Christ and a Presbyterian church, which came together to worship in the same house when a tornado blew through town almost a hundred years ago. The six of us live in a two-bedroom house on the tracks in the "ghetto" of Fergus Falls, and I let the kids play with the neighbors. I could not be more different, or any further from my old idea of "perfection."
I find leadership in my elders, veterans, the people who grew up during the Great Depression, and my grandmother. I also look for ways to be of use. I find spiritual renewal in many forms of art, but my favorite is dance. I enjoy other's points of view and I don't always know mine. I like collaborating.
I once called into an MPR pledge drive during SOF to protest the show and withdraw my membership. I am sorry. Now, I want to tell you thank you. This [essay] is humongous, but it's been a journey and I wouldn't be the person I am now without having listened to the different ideas and perspectives (especially an interview with an Evangelical fundamentalist a few years back). Your show makes a difference, so I look forward to tuning in.
Jessica Sundheim was born during the Carter administration and lives in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
I've long since become an anti-religion type of person, it's responsible for so much bullshit it's not funny. Yet seeing how the Japanese behave and partake at the shrines and temples in their respective faiths, I saw something new and unique. I saw no angst or motives, just a welcoming of a way to see and be calm in light of the events of the day, like a part of life as opposed a indoctrination. Rose tinted tourist glasses maybe, but those temples and shrines touched me in ways I didn't think anything would again...
Deep humility in being there.
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