Merry Christmas from Saint Rita of Cascia

I wish everyone a Merry, Meaningful Christmas and Happy New Year this 2009. Hopefully, I will spend more time with my Saint Rita of Cascia blog, writing more articles and sharing more of my Christian experiences here in Tel Aviv. Speaking of the Yuletide Season, we all know Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ and Israel is where one can find most of the Biblical sites. My stay in the Holy Land (I have 20 months more to go) has been an enriching experience for me so far, one that I will definitely remember fondly when I go back home.

Saint Rose of Lima: Her Life of Prayers and Sacrifices

Saint Rose of Lima was so called because when she was a baby, her face was observed to have transformed into a rose. Growing up, she has great and passionate love for all things that concerned the Lord God.

Saint Rose of Lima offered up her life to be used for prayer, fasting and mortification. Her devotion was to the Infant Jesus as well as the Blessed Virgin Mary. She had Saint Catherine as her model saint.



Later on, she intensified her sacrifices, and begun regular fasting, and living and looking simply, devoid of all the worldly materials and riches. But she did all this amidst the objections of her close family, ridicule and taunting of her friends. The many hours of a typical day to Saint Rose of Lima as spent on the Blessed Sacrament.

Saint Rose of Lima retired and lived in a small grotto that she built together with her brother. In the garden within the grotto was where she used up her nights in prayer and peace. Despite the objections of her parents, St Rose of Lima live alone, practically became a recluse in a cell, except those times when she needed to visit the Blessed Sacrament.

Many amazing miracles occurred following her death. Her beatification has led by Clement IX in the year 1667, and canonization was on 1671, this time by Clement X. she was the first American to be honored as saint. Saint Rose of Lima’s feast in on August 30, and is known as the Patroness of America.

Saint Adele: Her Life Devoted to God

Saint Adele is German King Dagobert II’s daughter. She decided to become and work as a nun when she became a widow, but not before making the appropriate provisions for her beloved son, who was to become the father of the famous Saint Gregory of Utrecht.

St. Adele headed the founding of a Palatiolum convent just near the area Trier. She became the first Abbess. Saint Adele ruled the convent with love, holiness and compassion.

Saint Adele is said to have been among the group of Saint Boniface (the famous Apostle of Germany) and his disciples. St. Adele lived a holy life that is filled with sacrifices and good works – a life devoted to the Lord God.

St Emma of Gurk Austria

Saint Emma was known in her younger years as Hemma; she was a relative of Emperor Saint Henry the Second. She was raised by Saint Cunegund and grew up at Henry's court. In her adult life, she became wife to Landgrave William of Friesach.

During an uprising in one of the mines of William, their children were unfortunately killed. William, because of his grief, went on a pilgrimage to Rome Italy but was not able to come back alive.

St. Emma devoted herself to serving the poor by founding some foundations and religious inns in Gurk Austria. It was said that in a monastery in Gurk, she became a nun and offered her life to the service of the Lord.

Roman Catholic Saint Emma’s feast day is on the 27th of June. She is known as the Patron Saint of Gurk and the state of Carinthia. Likewise we can pray fervently for her intercession to the Lord God as Patron Saint of those with eye diseases.

St Justin Martyr: Patron Saint of the Apologists

Saint Justin Martyr (100–165) was a Christian apologist and one of the more revered Roman Catholic Saints. His numerous works actually depicted the earliest Christian apologies that still exist to this date.

He was born at Flavia Neapolis or the presently known Nablus. According the the Church records, Justin became a martyr at Rome under the authority of Marcus Aurelius the Emperor.

Justin considered himself a Samaritan, but probably has Roman or Greek blood because of his father and as well as his grandfather. However he was brought up in the early days as a pagan.

St Justin then got seriously involved in philosophy, after which he converted to the Christian religion, and became a devotee to preaching true philosophy. He traveled far and wide to propagate and teach the Christian religion and finally decided to stay in Rome as a Christian teacher.

St Justin Martyr is honored today as one of the revered Roman Catholic Saints. His feast day is on April 14. He is the Patron Saint of apologists and lecturers.

St. Matthias: Patron Saint of Carpenters

Saint Matthias was a devout follower of Our Lord Jesus during his public time on Earth. As the story goes, Saint Peter asked the people present in deep prayer to select an apostle who will be a replacement to Judas. The position was a very important one as the chosen man will act as a bishop, like the other apostles. He also said that the chosen one should have been with the Lord from His Holy Baptism until Ressurection.

Two names were proposed according to the Acts of the Apostles’ Chapter One. One was Joseph, also known as Barsabbas and the other, Matthias. Both of them – Joseph and Matthias – were serious contenders to the place of Judas and were much thought of by the followers of Jesus. Finally, they had to cast lots and in the end, the name of Mattias was selected.

St. Matthias was a good disciple. He preached and announced the Good News in many places such as Judea and Cappadocia (which is today’s Turkey). He earned many followers and believers of his messages. However, the enemies of the Lord saw the threat coming from Catholic Saint Matthias and decided that it has to end. In their hands, Matthias died a martyr.

Patron Saint: Carpenters, Against Alcoholism
Feast Day: May 14

Patroness Saint Catherine of Sweden

Saint Catherine of Sweden is the daughter of a more known saint; St Bridget. Catherine born on 1330, promised to take the vow of continence with her husband. In 1348, she traveled to Rome to follow her mother who went there after the death of her husband.

Catherine's husband, on the other hand, died a short time after she went to Rome. Thereafter, St Catherine and her mother considered Rome as a major base for pilgrimage to other religious places such as Jerusalem.

Aside from engaging in pilgrimages, the mother and daughter spent their spare time saying the prayers and meditating. The also work to uplift the spirit of the poor, leading them to the Lord.

After one pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Bridget passed away. Catherine brought her mother back to her country of birth; Bridget was buried it Vadstena, specifically in the Order of the Holy Savior Convent. Catherine, who was also its founder, headed the order. She passed away 24 March 1381.

St. Catherine is known as the Patron Saint of Protection against abortion and miscarriages. She is also recognized as the Patroness of Sweden. Her feast day is on March 22.

Our Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Feast day: August 14
Patron Saint of the Family, Drug Addition, Amateur Radio, Political Prisoners

St Maximilian Kolbe is a Polish Franciscan priest who volunteered himself to die by taking the place of a complete stranger during the Nazi times in a Auschwitz, Poland concentration camp.

He was declared by Pope John Paul the Second as the Patron Saint of the World’s Difficult Century.

Prayer to Saint Maximilian
(To be prayed for 9 consecutive days)

Catholic Saint Maximilian Kolbe, follower of Saint Francis de Assisi, and was inflamed by God’s love, you gave your whole life to works of charity. Please look upon us who confide these petitions through your powerful intercession (you can now mention your intention here).

Consecrated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, you became founder to the Militia of the Immaculata Movement, helping countless souls toward holiness thru the help of Virgin Mary by lead them to goodness and to the Lord God. Help us, through her, to receive the grace of leading numerous souls to Jesus Christ.

In your conformity to Our Lord Jesus, the Divine Savior, you possess a high sense of charity as you offered your very own life for the salvation of a fellow prisoner. Implore the Lord God that we may, through our good deeds, witness the Love of Jesus Christ's Love for the whole world, and ultimately be able to join you in enjoying the holy vision of God.

Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth

Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Elizabeth
Feast Day: 31 May

After Annunciation, Virgin Mary hurried to a town in Judea to visit Elizabeth, her cousin who was pregnant at the time. As Mary greeted Elizabeth, John the Baptist, the baby in her womb, leapt in excitement and joy. This incident is found in Luke 1:39-42. The basilica has a Visitation mural with the depiction of Mary and her cousin outside Elizabeth and Zachary’s house.

Elizabeth asked Mary, "Why would the mother of the Lord come visit me?" She knelt upon Blessed Virgin Mary; this is a sign that she is humbled by the presence of the Lord God and His Mother.

The women are positioned between Joseph, with his donkey and holding his walking stick, and Zachary, who was depicted as an old man (Elizabeth was also depicted as an aged lady). Mary's answer to the question of Elizabeth is actually the lyrics of Magnificat, the well-known canticle sung everyday during Evening Prayer (found in Luke 1:46-55).

Saint Mark, the Evangelist

Saint Mark the Evangelist, also called by the name of John Mark is said to be the writer of Gospel of Mark. He is also popularly known as constant company of Saint Peter. He is known to have authored the gospel of Mark during his travel with St Peter to Rome. The gospel as a widely popular one containing details about Peter’s activities and works during the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

St Mark also accompanied Barnabas and Paul of Tarsus on the first missionary work of Paul. During this trip, there was a major disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, with the latter separating from Paul and bringing along Mark with him.
Later Paul called on Mark to be his companion. Since then Mark was also known as the fellow worker of Paul.

Saint Mark the Evangelist is also known to have given the message that gives importance to the Holy Word of the Lord God to the lives of everyone. He preaches that the Holy Scriptures speak to all of us and reach the depth of our hearts.

The feast day of St Mark the Evangelist is April 25, also the date of the saint’s martyrdom. He is also known as the Patron Saint of Barristers and of Venice.

St Bernadette Soubirous: Patron Saint of the Sick

Saint Bernadette, also known as Marie Bernarde Soubirous in her younger days was born and stayed at Lourdes, a Southern France town. Her true Occitan name is Ma. Bernada Sobirós. In the year 1858, Saint Bernadeta (translated as Little Bernadette) reported apparitions of "a beautiful Lady."

This was initial met with major skepticism by the Roman Catholic Church. However, Saint Bernadette’s claims were eventually pronounced worthy of trust and belief after a dedicated and comprehensive canonical investigation.

And one of the true miracles, the body of Bernadette stayed incorruptible after her death, and Lourdes’ Shrine became a very popular site for Catholic and Christian pilgrimage. Millions of pilgrims visit the Saint Bernadette Shrine at Lourdes every year.

Few more facts about St Bernadette

Canonization as Saint: 8th December 1933
Feast Day: April 16
Patron Saint: Sick people, poverty, family

St Athanasius: Patron Saint of Orthodoxy and Traditional Roman Catholicism

Saint Athanasius the Great (and the Apostolic), also known as Pope Athanasius I of Alexandria was a Church Elder, Bishop of Alexandria, a theologian and a major religious leader in Egypt during the 4th century.

Conflict with Bishop Arius

He is widely known for his role in the popular conflict with Arius, also a Egyptian Bishop. During a council of Nicaea (325), Catholic Saint Athanasius debated against Arius regarding his doctrine which tells about Jesus Christ being a distinct substance from the Lord God.

Reverence for various Churches

St Athanasius is not only considered a Catholic Saint; he is also honored a saint by the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox Churches as well as the Eastern Catholic Churches. He is considered a revered Church leader by the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran, and Protestants.

Chronologically, St Athanasius is the very first Church Doctor with the Roman Catholic Church’s designation - he belongs to the Great Doctors and Leaders of Eastern Church.

Feast day of St Athanasius

Christianity: May 2
Eastern Orthodox: January 18
Coptic Orthodox: May 15

Saint Athanasius is well-known for the title “Champion of Orthodoxy.” He is the Patron Saint of traditional Roman Catholics.

Saint Joseph's Feast Day: May 1

Today is May 1, the feast day of Saint Joseph, which is not just the Patron Saint of Carpenters and Real Estate Sellers, but also of Workers in general. Perhaps this is the reason why the Labor Day of most countries is celebrated on this date.

Short Prayer to Saint Joseph

Dear Catholic Saint Joseph, guardian of the Blessed Family, please protect the people of Christ, always lead us away from sin and corruption and the powers of darkness. You, who rescued Jesus as a Child from the hands of Herod, so do protect the Universal Church of Christ from harm. Keep us the Children of God one under your loving protection, and by your example, we also will lead a blessed life, and in death be able to experience eternal life and the Divine Presence of God in the kingdom of heaven, Amen.

Related Saint Joseph Article

St Catherine: Patron Saint of Fire Prevention

Saint Catherine of Sienna is widely recognized as one of the Christian and Catholic worlds’ most intelligent theological and philosophical minds, albeit she never experienced receiving any kind of formal education.

In the year 1377, Catholic Saint Catherine unyieldingly persuaded the Holy Pope to return to the City of Rome, and up to her last breath she as a staunch promoter of the healing of the Western Schism.

Our Lord God gave her Stigmata in 1375, which became visible to people only after St Catherine’s death. The letters and treatise of Saint Catherine of Sienna were seriously considered as among the Catholic Church’s most intelligent theological writings.

St. Catherine died at the young age of 33, and the Catholic Saint’s body was discovered to be preserved in the year 1430.

Patron Saint: Fire Prevention, Doctor of Church
Feast day of Saint Catherine: April 29

Saint Aphrodisius - Cephalophore

What is a cephalophore? It is actually a Greek word which means “head-carrier.” Cephalophore is a saint who is depicted as holding his head with his own hands; this means that the saint was martyred by way of beheading. Some artists, when wanting to depict a cephalophore, either places the saint’s halo on where his head is used to be found. Other artists and sculptors have their Catholic Saints holding their halo together with the head.

One of the more popular cephalophore saints is Saint Aphrodisius. As he was preaching the Christian faith, he encountered some pagans among the crowd who became reacted violently and went on the behead Saint Aphrodius on the same spot. Aphrodisius then was able to pick up and bring his head to the church that he consecrated at the place. The site still exists – Beziers’ Place Saint-Aphrodise.

The feast day of Saint Aphrodisius is today – April 28.

San Lorenzo Ruiz: First Filipino Saint

Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, also known as Saint Laurence Ruiz is the first ever Filipino Roman Catholic Saint venerated and honored in the Catholic Church. St. Lorenzo was a martyr during the Tokugawa Shogunate - 17th century persecution of the Christians in Japan.

St Lorenzo Ruiz is considered the Patron Saint of the Filipino and Chinese Filipino youth. He is also known as the Patron Saint of the Filipino Expatriates and people lacking in basic necessities. The Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz is every September 28.

Prayer to Saint Lorenzo Ruiz

Lord, you have given Lorenzo Ruiz
Great strength to resist the
Forces of death
Because of his great faith in your love.

Through Lorenzo’s prayers
Please make us follow his steps
Help us overcome all adversities and trials
And increase tremendously
Our hope, faith and full love for You.


Dear Saint Lorenzo Ruiz,
You gave much honor to the Philippines,
You are a humble witness of Jesus Christ in your simple life
Up to your own death.

We sent all our prayers and petitions
To the Lord God with your assistance
In order that with all our actions and prayers,
We are able to know and understand more
Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We pray for your intercession
Our dear Saint Lorenzo Ruiz,
For the honor and glory of the Lord God
And also for your honor
As a humble martyr and follower of Jesus Christ
And staunch defender of the Christian faith.

Amen.

Few More Facts about the Saints

Do you know that as of today, there are more than ten thousand Roman Catholic saints, including beatified persons? However with the Oriental and Eastern Orthodox religions, this number of saints might even be higher. We also have the Calendar of Saints listed according the day on which they are honored and venerated. There is also a list of Catholic saints, according the date of their death.

What really are Patron Saints?

For Christians and Catholics that have the belief that there exist the intercessions of Catholic Saints, this is called the patron saint, wherein the saint has a special fondness or affinity to a specific group. For example, for the carpenters who believe in their intercession, they can always pray to Saint Joseph. And for those who consider themselves burdened with impossible cases and problems, they can also go to St Jude or Saint Rita of Cascia for their intercession.

Negative Views about Patron Saints

Some religions view the belief of Christians and Catholics on the intercession of the Patron Saints as polytheism and even idolatry. They associate the patron saint with the gods or goddesses of pagans during the olden times. And because of these, the non-believers think of the act of saint veneration as one that is condemnable by the Holy Bible.

It must be clear that the praying to the saints does not mean adoring and worshipping them. Catholics and even Christians do not pray to the saints with the thinking that the saints will help them directly.

Catholics are clearly aware that the Roman Catholic Saints are only a medium. They act as effective intercessors, so that your prayers are more effectively listened to by the Lord, with the hope that our intentions will be granted faster.

Pope Benedict's Urbi et Orbi Blessing at Saint Peter's Basilica

I chanced upon a short clip (blurred copy) of the Pope Benedict’s Easter Greetings to the Catholic and Christian World. Once every year, pilgrims from all over the world gather at the Vatican, specifically at the Saint Peter’s Basilica to hear the Easter message of Pope Benedict – the yearly Urbi et Orbi blessing. Urbi et Orbi literally means to the city of Rome and to the whole world. Therefore, the Pope’s message and Apostolic blessings is sent out to Rome and the world. The other time that pilgrims gather at the Basilica of Saint Peter to hear the Urbi and Orbi message of the Pope is during Christmas celebration. A special part of the blessing is the forgiveness of the sins of the faithful, not just those who were physically present at the blessing but likewise those who are watching the blessing on TV and listening to it on the radio.

Happy Easter to Everyone!

Christ has risen! As we, our families and friends gather around this Easter, let as remember Jesus’ sacrifice and his blessing and gift to us, the Catholic faithful, of the freedom from the burden of our sins. Let us celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ this Blessed Sunday.

A very Happy Easter to all, from Saint Rita of Cascia blog!

This Holy Week: Commemorating the Lenten Season

I have already written many articles about the novenas that we say for our Patron Saints, and how we unfailingly pray to them for just about anything, but mostly for their powerful intercession to the Lord. Roman Catholic Saints serve as our effective mediator; they greatly help us in our intentions and requests, so that the Lord may immediately hear and grant them. Patron Saints are the amazing facilitators of our wishes and prayers, and all our humble pleadings that we fervently cry out in order to earn God’s attention and blessings.

On this Holy Week, why don’t we dedicate our time to the Son of God Jesus Christ, who has died for us, for our sins, that we may be granted forgiveness by God? And like how we our fervent devotees to our Patron Saints, may we assign this Holy Week as a time for full devotion to Jesus Christ. Let us commemorate the Lenten Season by intently ponder upon His last hours and finally His Crucifixion and death on Mount Calvary. Without His sacrifice, the ultimate one, we would not have received the forgiveness of the Lord God for our sins.

St Lucy of Syracuse

Saint Lucy of Syracuse, who is also called St Lucia was venerated both as a Roman Catholic Saint and as an Orthodox Christian Saint. She is considered the Patron Saint of the Blind. Saint Lucia belongs to the group of seven blessed women (does not include the Virgin Mary) who are commemorated by their names in Roman Canon.

The feast day of Saint Lucy used to be on the 16th of September together with Saint Geminianus. Now Roman Catholic Saint Calendar commemorates her on 13th of December.

Here is a short prayer to Roman Catholic Saint Lucy (for those who are blind):

St Lucy of Syracuse
Patron Saint of the Blind and with Eye Problems

We rely on your greatness, Dear Lord God, we are here on our knees, humbly pleading for your help, through the aid and intercession of Roman Catholic Saint Lucy, Martyr and Lady Virgin, to provide and restore full vision, perfect sight, that our eyes may continuously serve on your glory and honor.

Dear St Lucy, hear our requests and help us receive our intentions, Amen.

St. Patrick: Patron Saint of the Irish People

For the Irish people, there is the festive celebration commemorating the Day of Saint Patrick, on March 17. Saint Patrick’s Day is indeed a big celebration, a major holiday for citizens of Ireland as he is considered here their Patron Saint.

He was a priest who came back to Ireland with the mission of converting the Irish people who were then considered as pagans.

Christian legend tells us about St. Patrick as one who worked all his own just to spread the Christian religion in his country.

Today, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world, and even in the United States.

Prayer to Roman Catholic Saint – St. Patrick

Our Dear Father,
You graciously sent our Patron Saint Patrick to spread glory to the Irish people,
With his prayers,
All Catholics and Christians may proclaim their love to everyone
We ask this through Christ our Lord,
Amen

Saint Anne - One of the Most Revered Roman Catholic Saints

Saint Anne, also known as Anna and the Patron Saint of Brittany, is the sweet mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the story according to Gospel of James, it was said that Roman Catholic Saint Anne and husband Joachim, were surprised by a visit of God’s angel who give them the message that they would be gifted with a child.

Mary was dedicated to the service of the Lord God, as promised by Saint Anne. It was also said that the blessed couple gave Mary to the Second Temple’s service at the tender age of three.

Anne is considered the Patron Saint of women who work in mines and other difficult work.

Prayer to Saint Anne

Oh Blessed St. Ann, one of the most glorious Roman Catholic Saints, you with so much compassion in your heart, especially for us who invoke your intercession and aid, you with so much love for those who hear sufferings.

With heavy onus and troubles, we place ourselves at your humble feet and pray that you listen to our woes and consider in helping us receiving our intentions.

Please do recommend our intentions to the Virgin Mary, your blessed daughter and position them before Jesus Christ, so He may bless them and realize them for us.

Please intercede for us unceasingly, until the Lord God will finally grant our prayers.

But most of all, obtain the grace that one day, we will be able to meet our Lord God Almighty face to face. Amen

Say one Our Father.

Say one The Hail Mary.

Saint Valentine: Patron Saint of Lovers

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day last February 14, I feel it is just fitting that I write about one of the most loved patron saints, and he is Saint Valentine. You might think that he is just the Patron Saint for lover and couples. But no, Saint Valentine is also the Roman Catholic Saint of bee keepers, travelers and those with epilepsy.

Saint Valentine was said to be a Roman who was martyred because of his Christian beliefs and faith. Other Catholic historians believed that St. Valentine was a priest who was persecuted during the time of Claudius.

It was said that Saint Valentine was able to restore the sight of the daughter of his jailer, while waiting for his death execution. He even left a message for the daughter saying “Your Valentine.”

It was Pope Gelasius who marked the date February 14 as the day of celebration and honor for St. Valentine.

Here is a short prayer to Roman Catholic Saint Valentine

Dear Patron Saint and blessed martyr, Helps us to love with all our hearts. Teach us to find joy and happiness in giving. We pray to you that all true lovers will be able to bring out the very best in themselves. All this in the name of the Lord God.

Saint Augustine: Patron Saint of the Theologians

Aurelius Augustinus or Catholic Saint Augustine was first a foremost a theologian and was once the bishop of Hippo of North Africa. He is popularly called the Patron Saint of Theologians. If one is to talk about how Christianity of the West developed, Saint Augustine should be a major figure on this religious development. In fact, this Catholic saint is the one who conceptualized the original sin as well as the just war. He is likewise known as the Patron Saint of Brewers.

Short Prayer to Saint Augustine

Beloved Catholic Saint of our generation, you are once human-centered and worked towards false teachings. In God’s Grace, you are converted to Christianity. You finally became a theologian, loving, preaching and centering your attention to the Lord God.

Provide your great assistance to your fellow theologians in their way to the truth and its study. Help them to follow always the Catholic Church as they try to really strive in communicating the traditional way of teaching via a modern form, a new way to help appeal to the modern, contemporary Christian man.

Amen.

Prayer to Saint Cecilia

I love to sing, and so it is really nice to know that there are Roman Catholic Saints for singers and musician to turn to for prayers, requests and intercession such as Saint Cecilia. The glorious St. Cecilia is known all over the Catholic world as the Patron saint of Catholic music. This famous Catholic Saint’s feast day is on November 22.

Here is a short prayer to Saint Cecilia:

O glorious and blessed saint, who preferred to die rather than deny the King, we request from you your intercession on our behalf. We all lift up our very hearts in songs to give Him the honor He deserves. As we sing, we know that to do this is like doubly praying to the Lord.

Our beloved Saint Cecilia, there is one thing that we are aware of you, and this is the fact that you have become a martyr as you remained true to God.

You ask that you inspire Christian and Catholic songwriters and musicians to make happy the hearts of everyone; this is done by hearing the Lord’s gift and blessing of music played in the air. This will remind people that there is a Supreme Musician all us, everything, including our music. Amen.
Lord, please hear our prayers. Through Saint Cecilia’s intercession, we pray that you will grant all our requests and prayers. Amen.

Say Your Intentions to St. Jude Thaddeus

Prayer to Saint Jude Thaddeus for Special Intentions

O dear Saint Jude, apostle and faithful friend and servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, name of the disciple who dared betray Jesus, has caused your dear self to be forgotten, but the Divine Church of God invokes you as the Patron Saint of Hopeless Cases.

Please pray for me, o St. Jude, Humble Worker of Miracle, my powerful intercessor to the Lord God. I am very miserable. Pray that I will be able to receive the blessings, assistance and aid from Heaven in all my needs, sufferings and tribulations. I particularly pray for this intention, o Saint Jude Thaddeus. (Here you may say your personal intention or request), and that I may be able to bless the Lord God forever and through all eternity.

Amen

Saint Jude, indeed, is a very powerful intercessor. This is why he is popularly called the Help of the Hopeless. Bring out your prayers and intentions to him, and say this prayer in the most sincere way, and he will make sure that the Lord hear all your prayers.

Prayer to Infant Jesus of Prague

Mother Mary and Infant Jesus

Here is a prayer that you can say every morning, sweet words that you can offer up to the Dear Holy Child – the Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague.

O my Dear little Miraculous Infant Jesus, I sincerely offer up to You all my humble will, so that You will be able to greatly strengthen me, and also my feeble mind so that You can inspire all my thoughts. Bless my intentions, wishes and needs, I pray that you may be able to grant them.

All my intentions, I pray that you will guide them. All my daily routine and activities, bless them that they may be sacred in the eyes of the Lord.

Everything that I am and what I am made of is all Yours, my sweet little Infant Jesus. Hear my prayers and lead my life to the right path; help me not to leave you and your presence.

Amen.

O Miraculous Infant Jesus of Prague, I believe that I will be cleansed of all my sins through the precious hands of Blessed Mother Mary.

To all Masses being said all over the world today, I fully commend myself and offer them up to the souls suffering in purgatory.

Saint Paul of the Cross

Below is a short prayer dedicated to Saint Paul –

O my holy St Paul of the Cross,
You have announced the wonders of the Lord
Through the Passion of His only beloved Son
By words and by actions,
You Saint Paul have become for us a spiritual guide
and teacher of the Holy Gospel
to the world that has become indifferent
to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Help and guide us to witness the love of God
in the loving cross of the Lord Jesus,
and teach us to believe and trust
in all of the blessings and graces God gives to us.
And let the Passion and love of Jesus Christ
be in our hearts,
and bring forth life to everyone.
Amen.

Here say your prayers and intentions to St Paul

Related Article: Saint Paul Beloved Apostle

Say Your Intention to St. Rita

I will publish again a short prayer to the Patroness of Impossible and Hopeless Cases, Saint Rita of Cascia. The have altered the wordings according to my own personal style of praying.

Prayer to St Rita of Cascia

Oh Holy Lady Patron of those you are in dire need, Saint Rita of Cascia, you are so pure, so persevering and yet exuding great humility. Your words to the Lord are so irresistible that it is impossible not to be heard. Please help us in our intentions and prayers, obtain in our behalf our intentions from the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is my request (say your intention now). Guide us always, be with us as we tread through our humble lifes for the glory and honor of God. We promise to give you the honor that you deserve and sing and shout all your praises.

Amen.

The feast day of Saint Rita of Cascia is on the 22nd of May.

Novena: Praying Through Our Patron Saints

A lot of Catholics have their own personal Patron Saints, and most of them pray to the Lord through these Catholic Saints. I have to say “pray though saints” because this is actually what we should be doing. Saints are just messengers of our prayers to the Lord. They are like facilitators of our prayers, wishes and requests to God.

In praying through the Saints, one formal way of doing it is by saying the novena. It is a prayer that is usually said one day in a week for nine consecutive weeks. Another way of praying a novena is by saying it for 9 straight days.

Novenas are usually prayed whenever someone has a petition or intention. You will see on the middle part or at the end of the prayer an enclosed message: (Here silently say your intention.) Then aside from the novena prayer, you are also requested to say a number of “Our Father,” “Hail Mary” and “Glory Be.”

Some novenas ask the devotees to publish the prayers once the intention or petition is granted or make a testimonial about any gained positive experience.

There are many devotees who pray the novena of their Catholic Saints without any personal intention but actually do it to continuously honor their saints.

Most saint novenas are available at parish churches, shrines and chapels, and even at bookstores, albeit there are many churches and religious institutions that give them away for free.

To Another Wonderful Christmas this Year

Christmas once again is over. Did you remember giving everyone some religious token such as saint medals or personalized guardian angel pins? We have to wait again for a year to celebrate this most joyous of all Catholic and Christian holiday. And it is such a long and anxious wait. For the mean time, let us try to keep in our hearts the joy and love that Christmas of this year has imparted on us. Let us save them and not let them erode from us. Keep the fire of warmth and Christian brotherhood burning within us as we look forward to another joyous and blessed Christmas this year. And by the way: Happy Three Kings! from Saint Rita of Cascia.