The PIETA Prayer Booklet

A PRAYER FOR PRIESTS

Keep them, I pray Thee, dearest Lord,

Keep them, for they are Thine - 

Thy priests whose lives burn out before

Thy consecrated shrine.

Keep them, for they are in the world,

Though from the world apart;

When earthly pleasures tempt, allure, -

Shelter them in Thy heart.

Keep them, and comfort them in hours

Of loneliness and pain,

When all their life of sacrifice

For souls seems but in vain.

Keep them, and remember, O Lord,

They have no one but Thee,

Yet they have only human hearts,

With human frailty.

Keep them spotless as the Host,

That daily they caress;

Their every thought and word and deed,

Deign, dearest Lord, to bless.

Imprimatur: = D. Cardinal Dougherty, Arch. of Philadelphia

Our Father, Hail mary, Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray 

                                        for them.

Augustine Day by Day

December 26

God Became Man

Awake, mankind!  For your sake God

has become man.  Awake, you who 

sleep, and rise from the dead, and Christ 

will enlighten you,

I tell you again, for your sake Christ has 

become man.  If He had not been born in time,

you would have been dead for all eternity.

                                                                       Sermon 185, 1

PRAYER.   Rise up, Lord, help us, and redeem us

because of Your Name. 

                                                                 Commentary on Psalm 43, 26

Biblical Readings for Advent Season (Christian Prayer)

Reading 6:  The reign of perfect justice

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,

   who depend upon horses;

Who put their trust in chariots because of their number,

   and in horseman because of their combined power,

But look no to the Holy One of Israel

   nor seek the Lord!

Yet he too is wise and will bring disaster;

   he will not turn from what he has threatened to do.

He will rise up against the house of the wicked

and against those who help evildoers.

The Egyptians are men, not God,

   their horses are flesh, not spirit; wjo

When the Lord stretches forth his hand, 

   the helper shall stumble, the one helped shall fall,

   and both of them shall perish together.

See, a king will reign justly

  and princes shall rule rightly. 

Each of them will be a shelter from the wind,

   a retreat from the rain.

They will be like streams of water in a dry country,

   like the shade of a great rock in a parched land.

The eyes of those who see will not be closed;

   the ears of those who hear will be attentive.

The flighty will become wise and capable,

   and the stutterers will speak fluently and clearly.

No more will the fool be called noble,,

   not the trickster be considered honorable.

For the fool speaks foolishly,

   planning evil in his heart:

How to do wickedness,

   to speak perversely against the Lord,

To let the hungry go empty

   and the thirsty be without drink.

And the trickster uses wicked trickery,

   planning crimes:

How to ruin the poor with lies,

   and the needy when they plead their case.

But the noble man plans nobel things,

   and by noble things he stands.

(from)  Isaiah 31:1-3; 32:1-8

Do Something Concrete...

Dear Children, tonight your Mother calls you to prayer

during these two days before Christmas.  Open your

hearts through your prayer and let us keep vigil

together for the day of great joy.  Dear children,

I wish you to decide to do something concrete during

these two days (BVM 12-22-89).

But a Samaritan, while traveling came near him;

and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.

He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having

poured oil and wine on them.  Then he put him on

his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took

care of him (Luke 10:33-34).

(from) MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY by Richard J. Beyer

Where are the Saints

Where are the Saints in the Church and the sheperds who should strike down the building evil?  How weak many have become in the Church that they do not stand against evil.  Church leaders fear the stature that they take comfort in.  They speak little about the evil acts that are occurring.  This only allows them to flourish and grow stronger and stronger with less resistance to conquer over every soul.  Even when the clergy speaks out many times they are confronted by members of their own parish, and because evil is persistent and relentless to it's own self-interest, the clergy bow their head to the evil that confronts them and speaketh not.


(from) For the Love of the Sinner by John Bernardone 

Preaching by Your Life

6.  In order to make yourself all things to all men,
 you must consider their qualities or defects, their
virtues or vices, their actions, good or bad; you
must see in them the price of the Sacred Blood
of Jesus and of my immense sorrow.  Love
them with the same love with which their Re-
deemer and their Mother love them, and you
will win them over to love, and through love,
to God.

(from) My Ideal Jesus Son of Mary, Fr. Emil Neubert, S.M.

Contemplation and Activity

  None of us should be so given to contemplation

that in this condition we give no thought

to our neighbor's needs; not so given to activity

that we allow no time for the contemplation of God.

  Therefore, the love of truth seeks out holy leisure,

while the compelling force of love takes on

necessary activity.  Nonetheless, the delight for

learning should never be entirely abandoned.

(from) St. Augustine, City of God 19, 9

  

Now, therefore, ye children, hear me:

blessed are they who keep my ways.

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

Blessed is the man that heareth me,

and that watcheth daily at my gates,

and waiteth at the posts of my doors. 

He that shall find me shall find life,

and shall have salvation from the Lord.

(from) Epistle: Wisdom (Proverbs) 8



THE FAITHFUL SOUL:

O Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, my Cre-

ator and my Brother, what return shall I make

for all You have done for me? You know very well

that I have nothing of my own but my weakness

and my sins. With Your grace, however, I can give

You what You expect from me: I want to be to

Mary what You were; I want to allow You to con-

tinue loving her through me.

And You, O Mary, Mother of God and my

Mother! You have chosen me as Your child of

predilection. With Your help I shall be another

Jesus toward You.

At present you want to instruct and direct me.

Speak, Mother, Your child is listening. Command

me to do whatever You wish, and give me the

grace to carry out Your commands.

(from) My Ideal Jesus, Son of Mary, by Fr. Emil Neubert, S.M.

CONVERSION or RETURN to FAITH

O God, All hearts are in Thy Hands.

Thou canst bend, as it pleases Thee,

the most stubborn, and soften

the most obdurate. I beseech Thee

by the Holy Name, the Precious Blood,

the Merits, Wounds and Divine Heart

of Jesus, thy Beloved Son,

to grant the conversion we ask.

Amen.

The FOUR LAST THINGS

Life is short and death is sure

The hour of death remains obscure.

A soul you have, and only one,

if that be lost, all hope is gone.

Waste not time, while time shall last;

for after death 'tis ever past.

All-seeing God, your Judge will be,

and Heaven or Hell your destiny.

All earthly things will speed away,

Eternity, alone, will stay.

(from) The New Revised Jesus, Mary, Joseph Novena Manual

by Father Stedman

another beginning

O, Jesus Living in Mary

O Jesus living in Mary

Come and live in Thy servants,

In the spirit of Thy holiness,

In the fullness of Thy might,

In the truth of Thy virtues,

In the perfection of Thy ways,

In the communion on Thy mysteries,

Subdue every hostile power

In Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen.

(from) Preparation for Total Consecration according to ST. Louis Marie de Montfort

Dear children, today I call you to open yourselves

more to God so that He can work through you. The

more you open yourselves, the more abundantly

you will receive of His fruits. I also wish to call you

again to prayer. (BVM, 3-8-86)

Application: A prayer for today:

Gracious Lord, rouse me to accept your invitation. Remove my laziness, dissolve my excuses, calm my fear. With a new openness to you and Our Lady, I shall take my place at your table.

Amen.

(from) MEDJUGORJE DAY BY DAY Richard J. Beyer

ST. Joseph

AN ANCIENT PRAYER

TO ST. JOSEPH

O ST. Joseph, whose protection is so great, so strong, so prompt before the throne of God, I place in thee all my interests and desires.

O ST. Joseph, assist me by thy powerful intercession and obtain for me all spiritual blessings through thy foster Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord, so that, having engaged here below thy heavenly power, I may offer thee my thanksgiving and homage.

O ST. Joseph, I never weary contemplating thee and Jesus asleep in thine arms. I dare not approach while He reposes near thy heart. Press Him in my name and kiss His fine head for me, and ask Him to return the kiss when I draw my dying breath.

ST. Joseph, Patron of departing souls, pray for me.

(from) Favorite Prayers to St. Joseph (Tan Books)

The Imitation Of Christ

Chapter 3

The words of God Are to Be Heard with Humility;

Many Fail to Reflect on Them

Christ: My child, hear My words and follow them; for they are most sweet and far exceed the learning and wisdom of the philosophers and all the wise of the world. My words are spirit and life, and not within the scope of human understanding.

They are not to be adapted or applied to the vain complacency of the hearer, but are to be heard in silence, with humility and reverence, with deep affection and in great tranquility of body and soul.

2. Disciple: Blessed is the person You admonish, O Lord, the person You teach by means of Your law, giving respite in times of misfortune (Ps 94: 12-13), so that such a person may not be left desolate upon the earth.

3. Christ: Then our Lord answered: I have taught Prophets from the beginning and I continue to speak to all persons; but many have hardened their hearts and are deaf to my voice. Many prefer to listen to the world than to God, and to follow the desires of the flesh than the will of God.

The world promises things of short duration and little value; yet with what great eagerness is it served. I promise everlasting things of great value, but human hearts are indifferent and unmoved.

(from) Book 3, Interior Conversation, by Thomas A Kempis

From The Sacred Heart

12 Promises to St. Margaret Mary

1. Heart of Jesus, give us all the graces necessary for our state in life. Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

2. Heart of Jesus, grant peace to our families.

Thou Hast promised it, O Jesus!

3. Heart of Jesus console us in all our sorrows.

Thou hast promised it O Jesus!

4. Heart of Jesus, be our safe Refuge during life, and above all at the hour of our death.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

5. Heart of Jesus, pour abundant blessings on all our labors.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus.

6. Heart of Jesus, be for sinners the Source and Infinite Ocean of Mercy.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

7. Heart of Jesus, make indifferent souls fervent.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

8. Heart of Jesus, make fervent souls advance rapidly to perfection.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

9. Heart of Jesus, bless the houses where Thine Image is exposed and honored.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

10. Heart of Jesus, give to priests the power of touching the most hardened hearts.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

11. Heart of Jesus, engrave on Thy Heart forever the names of those who propagate this devotion.

Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

12. Heart of Jesus, give those who RECEIVE HOLY COMMUNION NINE CONSECUTIVE FIRST FRIDAYS, the grace of final repentance, that they may not die under Thy displeasure, but, strengthened by the reception of the Sacraments, may Thy heart be their secure refuge at their last hour. Thou hast promised it, O Jesus!

(from) My Sunday Missal, Rev. Joseph F. Stedman

Lovers Of The Cross

Chapter 11

On the Small Number of the Lovers of the Cross

1. Jesus has many lovers of His heavenly kingdom, but few cross-bearers. Many desire His consolation, but few His tribulation. Many will sit down with Him at table, but few will share His fast. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few will suffer for Him.

Many will follow Him in the breaking of the bread, but few will drink the bitter cup of His Passion. Many revere His miracles, but few follow the shame of His cross. Many love Jesus when all goes well with them, and praise Him when He does them a favor; but if Jesus conceals Himself and leaves them for a little while, they fall to complaining or become depressed.

2. They who love Jesus purely for Himself and not for their own sake bless Him in all trouble and anguish as well as in time of consolation. Even if He never sent them consolation, they would still praise Him and give thanks.

3. Oh how powerful is the pure love of Jesus, when not mixed with self-interest or self-love! Are not they to be called hirelings who always look for comforts? And they who think only of their own advantage, do they not show themselves to be lovers of self rather than of Christ? Where will a person be found ready to serve God without looking for a reward?

(from) The Imitation of Christ. Book 2: Considerations for the Interior Life

Monday Morning Prayer

Reading
Remember me, Lord, visit me,
and avenge me on my persecutors.
Because of your long-suffering banish me not;
know that for you I have borne insult.
When I found your words, I devoured them;
they became my joy and the happiness of my heart,
because I bore your name,
O Lord, God of hosts
Jeremiah 15: 15-16

Morning Prayer

Hymn

To Peter, son of blessed Father,
let praises sound forevermore,
who lived in poverty severe,
and every hardship bravely bore.

Unto the world a wondrous pattern
aglow with love of Christ he showed,
and by his life of rigid penance
drew sinners back to virtue's road.

Enduring thirst and pangs of hunger,
in rough and shabby clothes arrayed,
he through his daily cruel scouring's
for sin complete atonement made.

His lean, emaciated body
in iron bonds was firmly held,
until from each tormented member
a constant bloody streamlet welled.

On bended knee in adoration
upon the cross he fixed his sight;
then, lo, the cross began to glisten
and filled his soul with heavenly light.

Accept, you glory of our Order,
the joyful praises we bestow;
O blessed Father, look with mercy
upon your children here below.

To Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
be endless glory, honor, praise.
Conduct us to the joys of heaven
along blest Peter's humble ways.

October 22 Peter of Alcantara, Priest
(from) Proper Offices of Franciscan Saints and Blesseds
in the Liturgy of the Hours

Wednesday, Morning Prayer

Psalm 36:1-3

Sin speaks to the sinner
in the depths of his heart.
There is no fear of God
before his eyes.

He so flatters himself in his mind
that he knows not his guilt.
In his mouth are mischief and deceit.
All wisdom is gone.


Psalm-prayer
Lord, you are the source of unfailing light. Give us
true knowledge of your mercy so that we may renounce
our pride and be filled with the riches of your house.

Without losing another minute, Mother Mariana went to the room of the recluse. Entering it, she found the defiant sister lying on the bed, moaning in pain from a colic. The holy Superior approached and embraced her, saying, "My dear sister, you need no longer stay here. Today I have obtained permission from the Bishop to release you from this seclusion. Since you are ill, I am going to prepare a bed for you immediately in the infirmary so that you be better attended."

"Then I allow you to do so," replied the religious coldly.

Leaving the key with the sick sister, Mother Mariana went quickly to the infirmary and called for Mother Francisca of the Angels. She told her, "My daughter, our poor sister in seclusion is sick with colic. Let us prepare a bed and all that is necessary to restore her to health. I have just received permission from the bishop to release her from seclusion. Let us remember that since it is she who is forming our souls for Heaven, we should love her dearly. For if the beautiful statues had the use of reason, they would cherish the instruments that carved and polished them. We, then, who have the use of reason, should do what the statues cannot do."

(from) The Admirable Life of Mother Mariana - Volume 1 Chapter 23

by Fr. Manuel Sousa Pereira (Translated by Marian T. Horvat, Ph.D.)

Te Deum

You are God: we praise you;

You are the Lord: we acclaim you;

You are the eternal Father:

All creation worships you.

To you all angels, all the powers of heaven,

Cherubim and Seraphim, sing in endless praise:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

The glorious company of apostles praise you.

The noble fellowship of prophets praise you.

The white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

Throughout the world the holy church

acclaims you:

Father, of majesty unbounded,

your true and only Son, worthy of all worship,

and the Holy Spirit, advocate and guide.

You, O Christ, are the king of glory,

the eternal Son of the Father.

When you became man to set us free

you did not spurn the Virgin's womb.

You overcame the sting of death,

and opened the kingdom of heaven to

all believers.

You are seated at God's right hand in glory.

We believe that you will come, and be our judge.

Come then, Lord, and help your people,

bought with the price of your own blood,

and bring us with your saints

to everlasting glory.

Amen.

Composed by St. Nicetas, A.D. 370

Prayer

Lord,
I am poor and needy. I am better
only when with heartfelt sorrow I
renounce myself and seek your mercy
so that my deficiencies are
overcome and transformed.

(from) ST. Augustine, Confessions 10, 38

Anima Christi

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds, hide me.

Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.

From the malignant enemy, defend me.

In the hour of my death, call me.

And bid me come to Thee,

That, with Thy saints, I may praise Thee

For ever and ever. Amen

(from) My Catholic Faith, appendix, The Most Important Prayers

Morning Prayer, Canticle

We wait for peace, to no avail;
for a time of healing, but terror comes instead.
We recognize, O Lord, our wickedness,
the guilt of our fathers;
that we have sinned against you.

For your names's sake spurn us not,
disgrace not the throne of your glory;
remember your covenant with us, and break it not.

Jeremiah 14: 19-21

Evening Prayers: Penance

Eternal Father, I offer thee the

Sacred Heart of Jesus, with all Its

Love, all Its sufferings and all Its merits:

TO EXPIATE all the sins I have committed

this day, and during all my life. Glory be

to the Father, and to the Son, and to

the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning,

is now and ever shall be, world without end, Amen.

TO PURIFY the good I have done in my

poor way this day, and during all my life.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the

beginning, is now and ever shall be, world

without end, Amen.

TO MAKE UP for the good I ought to have

done and that I have neglected this day,

and during all my life. Glory be to the Father,

and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning, is now and ever

shall be, world without end, Amen.

(from) My Sunday Missal, by Rev. Joseph F. Stedman

Psalm-Prayer

Lord Jesus, you have revealed your justice to all
nations. We stood condemned, and you came to be
judged in our place. Send your saving power on us
and, when you come in glory, bring your mercy to
those for whom you were condemned.

Solemnity

Responsory

My heart and my flesh
-cry out for the living God.

My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord
-cry out for the living god.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit
-My heart and my flesh cry out to the living God.

Morning Prayer, Oct. 4, Holy Father, Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Founder of the Three Orders

Act of Reparation

O Good Jesus,

in gratitude for Thy many Graces,

I wish at this moment, both for myself,

ever ungrateful,

and for the world,

ever criminal,

to make an Act of Solemn Reparation.

Listen then, O merciful Savior of our souls,

listen to these Acts of Faith,

to these expressions of sorrow:

For the irreverence we have committed in the House of God -

I wish to make reparation.

For our careless and distracted attendance at Sunday Mass -

I wish to make reparation.

For our lack of preparation before, and our poor thanksgiving after Holy Communion -

I wish to make reparation.

For our failure to co-operate with Thy daily Graces -

I wish to make reparation.

For our sins of pride, sensuality and of our entire life -

I wish to make reparation.

For our bad example and the sins we have caused in others -

I wish to make reparations.

For our tragic indifference to Thy words of Holy Scripture and to the words of our Holy Father the Pope -

I wish to make reparations.

For the deplorable untruths of heresy, for all deserters, and apostates -

I wish to make reparations.

For the pleasure-seeking and money-mad profaners of the Lord's Day -

I wish to make reparations.

For the sacrilegious treatment of Thy Churches and Altars -

I wish to make reparations.

For the diabolical agents of Hell, ever seeking whom they may devour -

I wish to make reparations.

For the heartbreaking outrages committed by those who should be Thy greatest consolation -

I wish to make reparation.

"O Love neglected! O Goodness but too little known."

(from) The New Revised Jesus, Mary, Joseph Novena Manual by Father Stedman

Amendment of Our Whole Life

8. Consider the strict life others lead who are bound by the rules of the cloister. They seldom go out, live in retirement, eat sparingly, are poorly clothed, work hard, speak little, keep long vigils, rise early, pray much, read often and discipline themselves.
Look how the Carthusians, Cistercians and many other religious men and women rise in the night to sing the Divine Office. Aren't you ashamed, then, of being so lazy and lukewarm?

Book 1: ADMONITIONS FOR A SPIRITUAL LIFE (The Imitation of Christ, Thomas Kempis)

Protection During the Night

Visit, we beseech Thee, O Lord, this house,

and drive from it all snares of the enemy.

May Thy holy Angels dwell herein to keep us in peace,

and may Thy blessing be on us always. Amen

Morning Prayer, Feast of the Archangels

Jacob had a dream: a stairway rested on the ground, with its top reaching to the heavens; and God's messengers were going up and down on it. And there was the Lord standing beside him and saying: "I, the Lord, am the God of your forefather Abraham and the God of Isaac."

Genesis 28: 12-13a

An Act of Resignation

My Lord God,

even now I accept at thy hands,

cheerfully and willingly,

with all its anxieties, pains and sufferings,

whatever kind of death

it shall please Thee to be mine.

Amen

Evening Prayers

Reading, Week 1 Friday, Morning Prayer

Never let evil pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ.
Ephesians 4: 29-32

[M] St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Reading: Song of Songs 8: 7

Deep waters cannot quench love,
nor floods sweep it away.
Were one to offer all he owns to purchase love,
he would be roundly mocked.

Week 1, Wed. Morning Reading

Do to no one what you yourself dislike. Give to the hungry some of your bread, and to the naked some of your clothing. Seek counsel from every wise man. At all times bless the Lord God, and ask him to make all your paths straight and to grant success to all your endeavors and plans. Tobit 4:15a. 16a. 18a. 19

Prayer: Andrew Kim Taegon and Companions, Martyrs

O God,
you have created all nations
and you are their salvation.
In the land of Korea
your call to Catholic faith
formed a people of adoption,
whose growth you nurtured
by the blood of Andrew, Paul, and their companions.
Through their martyrdom and their intercession
grant us strength
that we too remain faithful to your commandments
even until death.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.

Chapter 23 - Meditation on Death

9. Live on earth as a pilgrim and a stranger, unconcerned with the world's business. Let your heart remain free and lifted up to God, for you have not here a lasting city. Persevere in prayer, sending your aspirations daily up to God, so that at the hour of death your soul may depart from this world and go to its Lord.
The Imitation of Christ (Thomas A Kempis)

Our Lady of Sorrows

Where are the prayers which you addressed to me? My clothes were sparkling. Behold them soaked with tears. Oh, if you would know how the world today is plunged into sin. It seems to you that the world sins no longer, because here you live in a peaceful world where there is no confusion or perversity.
If you knew how lukewarm they are in their faith, how many do not listen to Jesus. Oh, if you knew how much I suffer, you would sin no more. Oh, how I need your prayers. Pray!

B.V.M. 11/6/83

Ant. 1

What a great work of charity! Death itself died when life was slain on the tree.

James 3

The harvest of justice is sown in peace

for those who cultivate peace.

1 Timothy

Indeed, the grace of our Lord has been abundant, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into this world to save sinners. Of these I am the foremost. But for that reason I was mercifully treated, so that in me, as the foremost, Christ Jesus might display all his patience as an example for those who would come to believe in him for everlasting life. To the king of ages, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

The Imitation of Christ

In silence and stillness the devout soul advances and learns the hidden truths of Scripture. There it finds the salutary tears that wash away the guilt of sin, so that it grows more intimate with God as it severs itself from the clamor of the world. The more you keep away from friends and acquaintances, the more our Lord and His Angels will draw near to you.

It is better to lead a solitary life and to look to the welfare of your soul, than to work miracles and neglect yourself. It is praiseworthy for a devout person seldom to go out, to avoid being seen and to have no desire for the company of others.

Thomas A Kempis

Reading, Friday Morning Prayer, Week III

Therefore I am content with weakness, with mistreatment, with distress, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ; for when I am powerless, it is then that I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12, 10