Imitation of Christ, by Thomas á Kempis: Book 3, Chapters 7,40
That man has no good of himself, and that he cannot glory in anything Lord, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him; or the son of man, that Thou visit him? What has man deserved that Thou should give him grace? Lord, what cause have I to complain, if Thou forsakest me, or what can I justly allege, if what I petition Thou shalt not grant? This most assuredly, I may truly think and say: Lord I am nothing, I can do nothing of myself, that is good, but I am in all things defective and ever tend to nothing. And unless I am assisted and interiorly instructed by Thee, I become wholly tepid and relaxed, but Thou, O Lord, art always the same, and endurest unto eternity, ever good, just and holy, doing all things well, justly and holily and disposing them in wisdom.
But I who am more inclined to go back, than to go forward, continue not always in one state, for I am changed, seven different times. But it quickly becomes better when it pleases Thee, and Thou stretchest out Thy helping hand: for Thou alone, without man’s aid can assist me and so strengthen me, that my countenance shall be more diversely changed: but my heart be converted and find its rest in Thee alone.
He who would be too secure in time of peace will often be found too much dejected in time of war. If you could always continue to be humble and little in your own eyes, and keep your spirit in due order and subjection, you would not fall so easily into danger and offense. It is good counsel that, when you have conceived the spirit of fervor, you should meditate how it will be when that light shall be withdrawn.
Go to <<Prayers for the 12-Day Preparatory Period>>.
Matthew 7:1-14
Judge not, that you may not be judged, For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. Any why seest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye; and seest not the beam that is in thy own eye? Or how sayest thou to thy brother: Let me cast the mote out of thy eye; and behold a beam is in thy own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam in thy own eye, and then shalt thou see to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye. Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turning upon you, they tear you. Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and you shall find: knock, and it shall be opened to you. For every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Or what man is there among you, of whom if his son shall ask bread, will he reach him a stone? Or if he shall ask him a fish, will he reach him a serpent? If you then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children: how much more will your Father who is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him? All things therefore whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them. For this is the law and the prophets. Enter ye in at the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat. How narrow is the gate, and strait is the way that leadeth to life: and few there are that find it!
Go to <<Prayers for the 12-Day Preparatory Period>>.
Matthew 5:48, 6:1-15
Be you therefore perfect, as also your heavenly Father is perfect…. Take heed that you do not your justice before men, to be seen by them: otherwise you shall not have a reward of your Father who is in heaven. Therefore when thou dost an almsdeed, sound not a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be honoured by men. Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But when thou dost alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth. That thy alms may be in secret, and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when ye pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, that love to stand and pray in the synagogues and corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men: Amen I say to you, they have received their reward. But thou when thou shalt pray, enter into thy chamber, and having shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret: and thy Father who seeth in secret will repay thee. And when you are praying, speak not much, as the heathens. For they think that in their much speaking they may be heard. Be not you therefore like to them, for your Father knoweth what is needful for you, before you ask him. Thus therefore shall you pray: 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 supersubstantial bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation. But deliver us from evil. Amen. For if you will forgive men their offences, your heavenly Father will forgive you also your offences. But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences.
Go to <<Prayers for the 12-Day Preparatory Period>>.
Matthew 5:1-19
And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him. And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake: Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you. You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men. You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but upon a candlestick, that it may shine to all that are in the house. So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For amen I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one tittle shall not pass of the law, till all be fulfilled. He therefore that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall so teach men, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But he that shall do and teach, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Examine your conscience, pray, practice renouncement of your own will; mortification, purity of heart. This purity is the indispensable condition for contemplating God in heaven, to see Him on earth and to know Him by the light of faith. The first part of the preparation should be employed in casting off the spirit of the world which is contrary to that of Jesus Christ. The spirit of the world consists essentially in the denial of the supreme dominion of God; a denial which is manifested in practice by sin and disobedience; thus it is principally opposed to the spirit of Christ, which is also that of Mary.
It manifests itself by the concupiscence of the flesh, by the concupiscence of the eyes and by the pride of life. By disobedience to God’s laws and the abuse of created things. Its works are: sin in all forms, then all else by which the devil leads to sin; works which bring error and darkness to the mind, and seduction and corruption to the will. Its pomps are the splendor and the charms employed by the devil to render sin alluring in persons, places and things.
Go to <<Prayers for the 12-Day Preparatory Period>>.
During the third week, we seek to better understand Christ through meditation and the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Hail Star of the Ocean, and the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus, St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus, and the prayer O Jesus Living in Mary.
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Father All Powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Eternal Son of The Father, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Father and The Son, boundless Life of both, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, Save us, Sanctify us, Hear Us! have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from The Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who art equal to the Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of Heavenly Light, have mercy on us.
Author of all Good, have mercy on us.
Source of Heavenly Water, have mercy on us.
Consuming Fire, have mercy on us.
Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.
Spiritual Unction, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Love and Truth, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Grace and Prayer, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Peace and Meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Modesty and Innocence, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who Governest the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit who fillest the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire us with horror of sin, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit come and renew the face of the earth, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit shed thy light in our souls, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit engrave Thy Law in our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inflame us with the flame of Thy Love, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit open to us the treasures of thy Graces, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit teach us to pray well, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit enlighten us with Thy Heavenly Inspirations, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit lead us in the way of salvation, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the only necessary knowledge, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire in us the practice of good, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the merits of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit make us persevere in justice, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit be Thou our everlasting reward, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of Wisdom and piety.
Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy Faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of thy Love.
Let Us Pray.
Grant O Merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame, and purify us that He may penetrate us with His Heavenly Dew and make us fruitful in good works; through Our lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son Who with Thee; in the unity of the Same Spirit… Liveth and Reigneth God, world without end. Amen.
Hail Star of the Ocean
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God’s own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus
Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy.
Lord, have mercy, Jesus, hear us, Jesus, 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 Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Splendor of the Father, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Brightness of eternal Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of Glory, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Sun of Justice, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most amiable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most admirable, have mercy on us.
Jesus, the mighty God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the world to come, have mercy on us.
Jesus, angel of great counsel, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most patient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, most obedient, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Lover of Chastity, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Lover, have mercy on us.
Jesus, God of Peace, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Author of Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Model of Virtues, have mercy on us.
Jesus, zealous for souls, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our God, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Refuge, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Father of the Poor, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Treasure of the Faithful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, good Shepherd, have mercy on us.
Jesus, true Light, have mercy on us.
Jesus, eternal Wisdom, have mercy on us.
Jesus, infinite Goodness, have mercy on us.
Jesus, our Way and our Life, have mercy on us.
Jesus, joy of the Angels, have mercy on us.
Jesus, King of the Patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Master of the Apostles, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Teacher of the Evangelists, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs,Jesus, Light of Confessors, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Crown of all Saints, have mercy on us.
Be merciful unto us, spare us, O Jesus!
Be merciful unto us, graciously hear us, O Jesus!
From all evil, deliver us, O Jesus!
From all sin, deliver us, O Jesus!
From Thy wrath, deliver us, O Jesus!
From the snares of the devil, deliver us, O Jesus!
From the spirit of fornication, deliver us, O Jesus!
From everlasting death, deliver us, O Jesus!
From the neglect of Thine inspirations, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through the mystery of Thy holy Incarnation, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Nativity, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thine Infancy, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy most divine Life, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Labors, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Agony and Passion, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Cross and Dereliction, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Sufferings, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Death and Burial, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Resurrection, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thine Ascension, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thine Institution of the Most Holy Eucharist, deliver us, O Jesus!
Through Thy Joys,Through Thy Glory, deliver us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Jesus!
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Jesus!
Jesus, hear us, Jesus, graciously hear us.
Let us pray.
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who has said: Ask and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: grant, we beseech Thee, to us who ask the grace of Thy most divine love, that we may love Thee with all our hearts, words and works, and never cease to praise Thee. Make us, O Lord, to have a continual fear and love of Thy holy Name; for Thou never ceasest to rule and govern those whom Thou doest solidly establish in Thy love. Who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.
St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s Prayer to Jesus
O most loving Jesus, deign to let me pour forth my gratitude before Thee, for the grace Thou hast bestowed upon me in giving me to Thy holy Mother through the devotion of Holy Bondage, that she may be my advocate in the presence of Thy majesty and my support in my extreme misery. Alas, O Lord! I am so wretched that without this dear Mother I should be certainly lost. Yes, Mary is necessary for me at Thy side and everywhere that she may appease Thy just wrath, because I have so often offended Thee; that she may save me from the eternal punishment of Thy justice, which I deserve; that she may contemplate Thee, speak to Thee, pray to Thee, approach Thee and please Thee; that she may help me to save my soul and the souls of others; in short, Mary is necessary for me that I may always do Thy holy will and seek Thy greater glory in all things. Ah, would that I could proclaim throughout the whole world the mercy that Thou hast shown to me ! Would that everyone might know I should be already damned, were it not for Mary! Would that I might offer worthy thanksgiving for so great a blessing! Mary is in me. Oh, what a treasure! Oh, what a consolation! And shall I not be entirely hers? Oh, what ingratitude! My dear Saviour, send me death rather than such a calamity, for I would rather die than live without belonging entirely to Mary. With St. John the Evangelist at the foot of the Cross, I have taken her a thousand times for my own and as many times have given myself to her; but if I have not yet done it as Thou, dear Jesus, dost wish, I now renew this offering as Thou dost desire me to renew it. And if Thou seest in my soul or my body anything that does not belong to this august princess, I pray Thee to take it and cast it far from me, for whatever in me does not belong to Mary is unworthy of Thee.
O Holy Spirit, grant me all these graces. Plant in my soul the Tree of true Life, which is Mary; cultivate it and tend it so that it may grow and blossom and bring forth the fruit of life in abundance. O Holy Spirit, give me great devotion to Mary, Thy faithful spouse; give me great confidence in her maternal heart and an abiding refuge in her mercy, so that by her Thou mayest truly form in me Jesus Christ, great and mighty, unto the fullness of His perfect age. Amen.
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 of Thy mysteries.
Subdue every hostile power
In Thy spirit, for the glory of the Father. Amen.
During the second week, we ask the Holy Ghost to help us better understand the Blessed Virgin; we pray the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Hail Star of the Ocean, the St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary, and 5 decades of the Holy Rosary each day for assistance.
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Father All Powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Eternal Son of The Father, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Father and The Son, boundless Life of both, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, Save us, Sanctify us, Hear Us! have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from The Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who art equal to the Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of Heavenly Light, have mercy on us.
Author of all Good, have mercy on us.
Source of Heavenly Water, have mercy on us.
Consuming Fire, have mercy on us.
Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.
Spiritual Unction, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Love and Truth, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Grace and Prayer, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Peace and Meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Modesty and Innocence, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who Governest the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit who fillest the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire us with horror of sin, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit come and renew the face of the earth, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit shed thy light in our souls, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit engrave Thy Law in our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inflame us with the flame of Thy Love, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit open to us the treasures of thy Graces, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit teach us to pray well, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit enlighten us with Thy Heavenly Inspirations, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit lead us in the way of salvation, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the only necessary knowledge, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire in us the practice of good, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the merits of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit make us persevere in justice, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit be Thou our everlasting reward, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of Wisdom and piety.
Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy Faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of thy Love.
Let Us Pray.
Grant O Merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame, and purify us that He may penetrate us with His Heavenly Dew and make us fruitful in good works; through Our lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son Who with Thee; in the unity of the Same Spirit… Liveth and Reigneth God, world without end. Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)
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.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Savior, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renouned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honor, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of the family, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
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.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Chrsit our Lord. Amen.
Hail Star of the Ocean
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God’s own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
St. Louis Marie de Montfort’s Prayer to Mary
Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father. Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son. Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, my Mother, my loving Mistress, my powerful sovereign. Hail, my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul. Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently thine. I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others. If thou seest anything in me which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and make thyself the absolute Mistress of all that is mine.
Destroy in me all that may displease God; root it up and bring it to nought. Place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee. May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind. May thy profound humility take the place of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination. May the continuous sight of God fill my memory with His Presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine. May thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me. Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine to know Jesus, and His Divine Will; that I may have no other soul but thinke to praise and glorify God; that I may have no other heart but thine to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine.
I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotions, or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privilege to see God clearly, it is thy privilege to enjoy heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over angels, men, and demons.
It is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou willest. Such, O heavenly Mary, the ‘best part’, which the Lord has given thee, and which shall never be taken away from thee–and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine, to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures, to suffer joyfully without human consolation, to die continually to myself without respite, and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death, as the humblest of thy servants. The only grace I beg thee, for me, is that every moment of the day, and every moment of my life, I may say, “Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in heaven. Amen, so be it, to all thou didst do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all thou art doing in my soul,” so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity. Amen.
The first week focuses on offering up our prayers and devotions for the purpose of coming to understand ourselves and our sins; humility is the key, and the prayers the Litany of the Holy Ghost, the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Hail Star of the Ocean help us.
Litany of the Holy Ghost
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Father All Powerful, have mercy on us.
Jesus, Eternal Son of The Father, Redeemer of the World, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Father and The Son, boundless Life of both, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, Save us, Sanctify us, Hear Us! have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit, Who proceedest from The Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who art equal to the Father and The Son enter our hearts, have mercy on us.
Promise of God the Father, have mercy on us.
Ray of Heavenly Light, have mercy on us.
Author of all Good, have mercy on us.
Source of Heavenly Water, have mercy on us.
Consuming Fire, have mercy on us.
Ardent Charity, have mercy on us.
Spiritual Unction, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Love and Truth, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Grace and Prayer, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Peace and Meekness, have mercy on us.
Spirit of Modesty and Innocence, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Comforter, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit the Sanctifier, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit Who Governest the Church, have mercy on us.
Gift of God the Most High, have mercy on us.
Spirit who fillest the universe, have mercy on us.
Spirit of the adoption of the children of God, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire us with horror of sin, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit come and renew the face of the earth, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit shed thy light in our souls, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit engrave Thy Law in our hearts, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inflame us with the flame of Thy Love, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit open to us the treasures of thy Graces, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit teach us to pray well, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit enlighten us with Thy Heavenly Inspirations, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit lead us in the way of salvation, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the only necessary knowledge, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit inspire in us the practice of good, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit grant us the merits of all virtues, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit make us persevere in justice, have mercy on us.
Holy Spirit be Thou our everlasting reward, have mercy on us.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, send us Thy Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, pour down into our souls the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Lamb of God who takest away the sins of the world, grant us the Spirit of Wisdom and piety.
Come Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of Thy Faithful. And enkindle in them the fire of thy Love.
Let Us Pray.
Grant O Merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit enlighten, inflame, and purify us that He may penetrate us with His Heavenly Dew and make us fruitful in good works; through Our lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son Who with Thee; in the unity of the Same Spirit… Liveth and Reigneth God, world without end. Amen.
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Litany of Loreto)
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.
Holy Mary, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
Mother of Christ, pray for us.
Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Mother of divine grace, pray for us.
Mother most pure, pray for us.
Mother most chaste, pray for us.
Mother inviolate, pray for us.
Mother undefiled, pray for us.
Mother most amiable, pray for us.
Mother most admirable, pray for us.
Mother of good counsel, pray for us.
Mother of our Creator, pray for us.
Mother of our Savior, pray for us.
Virgin most prudent, pray for us.
Virgin most venerable, pray for us.
Virgin most renouned, pray for us.
Virgin most powerful, pray for us.
Virgin most merciful, pray for us.
Virgin most faithful, pray for us.
Mirror of justice, pray for us.
Seat of wisdom, pray for us.
Cause of our joy, pray for us.
Spiritual vessel, pray for us.
Vessel of honor, pray for us.
Singular vessel of devotion, pray for us.
Mystical rose, pray for us.
Tower of David, pray for us.
Tower of ivory, pray for us.
House of gold, pray for us.
Ark of the covenant, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Gate of heaven, pray for us.
Health of the sick, pray for us.
Refuge of sinners, pray for us.
Comforter of the afflicted, pray for us.
Help of Christians, pray for us.
Queen of Angels, pray for us.
Queen of Patriarchs, pray for us.
Queen of Prophets, pray for us.
Queen of Apostles, pray for us.
Queen of Martyrs, pray for us.
Queen of Confessors, pray for us.
Queen of Virgins, pray for us.
Queen of all Saints, pray for us.
Queen conceived without original sin, pray for us.
Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us.
Queen of the most holy Rosary, pray for us.
Queen of the family, pray for us.
Queen of Peace, pray for us.
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.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Let us pray.
Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, unto us Thy servants, that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and, by the glorious intercession of Blessed Mary ever Virgin, may be delivered from present sadness, and enter into the joy of Thine eternal gladness. Through Chrsit our Lord. Amen.
Hail Star of the Ocean
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God’s own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
The 12-day preparatory period focuses on emptying oneself of the spirit of the world in penance and mortification. For those 12 days, we pray the Come, Holy Spirit, the Hail Star of the Ocean, the Magnificat, and the Glory Be.
Come, Holy Spirit
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator blest, and in our souls take up Thy rest;
come with Thy grace and heavenly aid to fill the hearts which Thou hast made.
O comforter, to Thee we cry, O heavenly gift of God Most High,
O fount of life and fire of love, and sweet anointing from above.
Thou in Thy sevenfold gifts are known; Thou, finger of God’s hand we own;
Thou, promise of the Father, Thou Who dost the tongue with power imbue.
Kindle our sense from above, and make our hearts o’erflow with love;
with patience firm and virtue high the weakness of our flesh supply.
Far from us drive the foe we dread, and grant us Thy peace instead;
so shall we not, with Thee for guide, turn from the path of life aside.
Oh, may Thy grace on us bestow the Father and the Son to know;
and Thee, through endless times confessed, of both the eternal Spirit blest.
Now to the Father and the Son, Who rose from death, be glory given,
with Thou, O Holy Comforter, henceforth by all in earth and heaven. Amen.
Hail Star of the Ocean
Hail, O Star of the ocean, God’s own Mother blest,
ever sinless Virgin, gate of heav’nly rest.
Taking that sweet Ave, which from Gabriel came,
peace confirm within us, changing Eve’s name.
Break the sinners’ fetters, make our blindness day,
Chase all evils from us, for all blessings pray.
Show thyself a Mother, may the Word divine
born for us thine Infant hear our prayers through thine.
Virgin all excelling, mildest of the mild,
free from guilt preserve us meek and undefiled.
Keep our life all spotless, make our way secure
till we find in Jesus, joy for evermore.
Praise to God the Father, honor to the Son,
in the Holy Spirit, be the glory one. Amen.
Magnificat
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For He hath regarded the humility of His handmaiden.
For behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath done great things to me, and holy is His Name. And His Mercy is from generation unto generations upon them that fear Him.
He hath shewed might in His arm, He hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble. He hath filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath received Israel, His servant, being mindful of His mercy. As He spoke to our Fathers, Abraham and His seed forever.
The Glory Be
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.
