Pilgrim's Guide

Cursillos in Christianity

To be on a Pilgrimage

is to go, along with your sister &
brother, through Christ to
the Father under the guidance
of the Holy Spirit,
with the help of Mary
and all of the saints.

Leaders Prayer

Lord, grant that we may understand the necessity for depth in our movement, rather than surface glory. Convince us of the truth that colorful programs do not constitute success.

My God, give us a spirit of self-sacrifice so that we may offer everything for Your cause: our time, our abilities, our health and even our lives if necessary. Instill in us courage in our initiatives, good judgement in our choice of the right means, and that determination which, in spite of failures, assures victory.

Move away from us the tiny rivalries, sensitivities, discourtesies, pride, everything which distracts from You, everything which divides or discourages.

Help us to maintain at a high level a meaningful, supernatural and mutual charity among ourselves, so that each one will seek by preference the most humble tasks and will rejoice at the good performed by others; so that all our spirits, united in a common purpose, will have one single spirit, Yours Jesus; and that this spirit may let us see Your attractive goodness marked in all our faces, Your warm accents in all our words, and in our lives something superior to the world, something that proclaims Your Living Presence among us. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadelupe, Patron of the Americas, Pray for us.

St. Paul, Patron of Cursillo, Pray for us.

Morning Offering

Begin by consciously placing yourself in the presence of the Blessed Trinity. God is present to you; be present to Him by your loving attention and keen desire to hear Him.

The psalmist once sang: "I offer my works to the Lord." It is worthwhile to work for the Lord.

Offer your works each day to God who gives joy to your youth.

Recall to mind the words of the Spanish Saint: "I do not wish to work for a Lord who can die."

Serve the Immortal God of Ages, the only one who deserves your total dedication.

Each morning before leaving for the factory, the office, your studies or work offer your day to God by making an:

Offering of Your Day

All:

To our Lord, immortal and invisible, to the one and only God be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Leader:

Lord, God almighty, who has brought us to the beginning of this day, strengthen us today by Your grace, keep us free from sins, and direct our every word, thought and action according to Your holy will, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.

All:

Amen.

All:

United through grace with all of the members of Your universal church, we offer You, Lord, our being, our working, our thinking, our feeling and desiring so that by these we may serve Your greater glory in the growth of Your Kingdom.

Amen.

To Our Blessed Mother

All:
My Queen, my Mother,
I give You myself and, to show my devotion to you, I consecrate to you my eyes,
my mouth, my heart, my entire self. Since, good Mother, I am your own, keep me,
defend me, as your property and possession.

To Our Guardian Angels

All:
Graciously hear us, O holy Lord, Father Almighty, eternal God; and send down from heaven your holy angels, that they may watch over, foster, safeguard, abide with, and defend all who dwell in this house. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

The Angelus

The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary.

And she conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Hail Mary ...

Behold the handmaid of the Lord.

Be it done unto me according to Your word.

Hail Mary ...

And the Word was made flesh.

And dwelt amongst us.

Hail Mary ...

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray:

Pour forth, we beseech You, O Lord, Your grace into our hearts, that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ, Your Son, was made known by the message of an angel, may by His passion and Cross be brought to the Glory of His resurrection, through the same Christ, our Lord.
Amen.

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, word without end. Amen.

The Regina Caeli
(For the Easter Season)

Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.

For He whom you were made worthy to bear, alleluia.

Has risen as He said, alleluia.

Pray for us to God, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary, alleluia.

For the Lord has truly risen, alleluia.

Let us pray:

O God, who by the resurrection of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, has granted to give joy to the whole world; grant, we beseech You, that, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, His mother, we may attain the joys of eternal life. Through the same Christ, our Lord.

Amen.

Canticle of Zecharia

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty savior, born of the house of his servant, David.

Through his holy prophets he promised of old that he would save us from our enemies, from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham; to set us free from the hands of our enemies, free to worship him without fear, holy and righteous in his sight all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you shall go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God, the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

Leader:

Let us pray (pause for quiet prayer)

Father, give us the light we need to accept you as our guide and to follow your direction all during this day. This we ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.

All:
Amen.

Leader:

May the Lord bless us, deliver us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life.

All:

Amen.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence, I fly to you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.

The Holy Spirit Prayer

All:

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

Send forth Your spirit and we shall be created.

And You shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray:

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolation. Through Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

Thanksgiving

Leader:

Let us sing the Hymn of The Three Young Men, which those holy ones sang of old in the fiery furnace, giving praise to the Lord.

(Groups A and B alternate verses; all join in the last verse.)

Canticle of Daniel

Group A:
Bless the Lord, all you works of the Lord, praise and exalt Him above all forever.

B:
Angels of the Lord, bless the Lord, you heavens, bless the Lord.

All you waters above the heavens bless the Lord;

All you hosts of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Sun and moon, bless the Lord;

stars of heaven, bless the Lord.

Every shower and dew, bless the Lord.

All you winds, bless the Lord.

Fire and heat, bless the Lord;

cold and chill, bless the Lord.

Dew and rain, bless the Lord;

frost and cold, bless the Lord.

Ice and snow, bless the Lord;

nights and days, bless the Lord.

Light and darkness, bless the Lord;

lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord.

Let the earth bless the Lord;

praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Mountains and hills, bless the Lord;

everything growing from the earth bless the Lord.

You springs, bless the Lord;

seas and rivers, bless the Lord.

You dolphins and all water creatures, bless the Lord;

all you birds of the air, bless the Lord.

All you beasts wild and tame, bless the Lord
praise and exalt Him above all forever.

You sons of men, bless the Lord;

O Israel, bless the Lord.

Priests of the Lord, bless the Lord;

servants of the Lord, bless the Lord.

Spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord;

holy men of humble heart, bless the Lord.

Ananias, Azarias, Misael, bless the Lord;

praise and exalt Him above all forever.

Let us bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit;

let us praise and exalt God above all forever.

Blessed are you in the firmament
of heaven; praiseworthy and glorious forever!

Blessed are they who are found in
Thy Most holy will, for the second death shall not work them ill.

Praise ye, and bless my Lord, and
give Him thanks, and serve Him with great humility.

All:

You are blessed in heaven, O Lord;
worthy of praise and glory above all forever.

Leader:

O God, Who calmed the flames of fire for the three young men, grant in Your mercy that we, Your servants, may not be consumed by the flames of vice.

Direct our actions, we beseech You, Lord, by Your inspiration and further them with Your continual help so that every prayer and work of ours may begin always through you and in You likewise be ended.

Grant us, Lord, we beseech You, to completely extinguish within us the flames of vice, just like You strengthened blessed Lawrence to overcome his fiery torments.
Through Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

Mary's Canticle

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior: for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant, and from this day all generations will call me blessed.

The Almighty has done great things for me: holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel, for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.

The Rosary

Pope Paul VI points out, "the Rosary should be considered as one of the best and most efficacious prayers in common that the Christian family is invited to recite."

"Like the liturgy, it is of a community nature, draws its inspiration from Sacred Scripture, and is oriented towards the mystery of Christ."

"By its nature the recitation of the Rosary calls for a quiet rhythm and a lingering pace, helping the individual to meditate on the mysteries of the Lord's life as seen through the eyes of her who was closest to the Lord ... "

(Marialis Cultus, No. 44-54)

The Holy Rosary

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit; born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, died and was buried; he descended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty; from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

The Doxology

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen.

The Joyful Mysteries

(Monday and Saturday)

1. The Incarnation of the Son of God.

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and will bring forth a son; and you will call his name Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. And therefore, the Holy One to be born will be called the son of God.” “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.”

2. The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin.

When Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby in her womb leapt. And she was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out, “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; for he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid. For, behold, from now all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me. And holy is his name; and his mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear him.”

3. The Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. And she laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds in the same district. And an angel of the Lord stood by them. “Do not be afraid, for I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all people. For today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, who is Christ the Lord.” And Magi came from the East, and entering they found the child with Mary his mother. And falling down they worshipped him. And they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And Mary kept in mind all these things, pondering them in her heart.

4. The Presentation of the Child Jesus.

According to the Law of Moses, they took Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord. And Simeon said to Mary, “This child is destined for the fall and the rise of many in Israel, and for a sign that will be contradicted. And your own soul a sword shall pierce, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

5. Jesus is found in the Temple.

And after three days, they found him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who were listening to him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. “Son, why have you done this to us? In sorrow your father and I have been seeking you.” “How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?” And they did not understand the word that he spoke to them.

The Sorrowful Mysteries

(Tuesday and Friday)

1. The Agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

He fell down and began to pray. “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.” And there appeared to him an angel from heaven to strengthen him. And falling into an agony he prayed the more earnestly. And his sweat became as drops of blood running down upon the ground. Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said, “Could you not, then, watch one hour with me? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

2. The Scourging of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And Pilate asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world, but you have said it; I am a king.” Then Pilate said, “I find no guilt in this man. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” Pilate, then took Jesus and had him scourged. Oppressed and condemned, he was taken away, a man of suffering.

3. The Crowning with Thorns.

Now the soldiers led him away into the courtyard, they stripped him and put on him a purple cloak. And plaiting a crown of thorns they put it upon his head, and a reed into his right hand. And bending the knee before him they mocked him, saying, “Hail, King.” Pilate again went outside and said, “l bring him out to you, that you may know I find no guilt in him. Behold the man!” But they cried out, “Away with him! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” And they answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”

4. Jesus Carries His Cross.

And bearing the cross for himself, he went forth to the place called the Skull. And they laid hold of a certain Simon of Cyrene, and upon him they laid the cross to bear it after Jesus. “If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself. And take up his cross daily, and follow me. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. And you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus.

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And Jesus said to him, “Amen I say to you this day you will be with me in paradise.” And Jesus saw his mother and the disciple standing by, whom he loved. And he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son.” Then he said to his disciple, “Behold, your mother.” And bowing his head, he expired.

The Luminous Mysteries

(Thursday)

1. The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

2. The Wedding at Cana

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the wedding. When the wine ran short, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” [And] Jesus said to her, “Woman, how does your concern affect me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servers, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it. And when the headwaiter tasted the water that had become wine, without knowing where it came from (although the servers who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then when people have drunk freely, an inferior one; but you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this as the beginning of his signs in Cana in Galilee and so revealed his glory, and his disciples began to believe in him. After this, he and his mother, [his] brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days.

3. The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God

“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

4. The Transfiguration

About eight days after he said this, he took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were conversing with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter and his companions had been overcome by sleep, but becoming fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As they were about to part from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” But he did not know what he was saying. While he was still speaking, a cloud came and cast a shadow over them, and they became frightened when they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my chosen Son; listen to him.” After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They fell silent and did not at that time tell anyone what they had seen.

5. The Institution of the Holy Eucharist

While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many. Amen, I say to you, I shall not drink again the fruit of the vine until the day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”

The Glorious Mysteries

(Wednesday and Sunday)

1. The Triumphant Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do not be afraid: for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, but has risen. Behold the place where they laid him. And behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.” “l am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in me, even if he die, shall live. For I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no one shall take from you.”

2. The Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

And he lifted up his hands and blessed them. Saying, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you all days, even unto the consummation of the world.” And as he blessed them, he parted from them, and was taken up into heaven. And sits at the right hand of God.

3. The Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

They were all together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a violent wind blowing. And there appeared to them parted tongues as of fire, which settled upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak of the wonderful works of God. “Come, O Holy Spirit fill the hearts of the faithful; and kindle in them the fire of thy love.”

4. The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in both body and soul.

Hear, O daughter, and see; turn your ear, for the king shall desire your beauty. All glorious is the king's daughter as she enters; her raiment is threaded with spun gold. And the temple of God in heaven was opened, and there came flashes of lightning, and peals of thunder. And a great sign appeared in heaven: a women clothed with the sun.

5. The Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary as Queen of heaven and earth.

And the moon was under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars. So now, O Children,
listen to me; instruction and wisdom do not reject! Happy are those who keep my ways, watching daily at my gates. For he who finds me finds life, and wins favor from the Lord.

Hail Holy Queen

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears

Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen.

The Traditional Litany of Mary

Leader: (In Bold) All: (Italic)

Lord, have mercy on us

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us

Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously 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 Spirit,

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 Virgins of virgins, Pray for us

Mother of Christ, 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 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 renowned, 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 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

Morning star, 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 peace, Pray for us

Lamb of God, who takes away

the sins of the world

Spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away

the sins of the world

Graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who takes away

the sins of the world

Have mercy on us.

Leader:

Let us pray.

Grant, we beseech You, O God, to us Your servants that we may rejoice in continual health of mind and body; and that by the glorious intercession of blessed Mary ever virgin, we may be delivered from present sorrow and enter into the joy of Your eternal gladness. Through Christ
our Lord. Amen.

All:

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To you do we cry, poor, banished children of Eve; to you do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious Advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

Leader:

Pray for us, O holy Mother of God.

All:

That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Leader:

Almighty and everlasting God, Who, by the cooperation of the Holy Spirit, did prepare the body and soul of the glorious Virgin Mother Mary to be a worthy dwelling for Your Son: grant that we who rejoice in her commemoration may by her loving intercession be delivered from all present evils and from everlasting death. Through the same Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

Optional Litany of Mary

(This litany springs partially from terminology in the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Paul VI.)

Leader: (In Bold) All: (Italic)

Lord, have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

Lord have mercy.

God our Father in heaven,

Have Mercy on us.

God the Son. our Redeemer,

Have Mercy on us.

God the Holy Spirit,

Have Mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God,

Have Mercy on us.

Holy Mary,

Pray for us.

Mother of God,

Pray for us.

Most honored of all virgins,

Pray for us.

Woman of Faith,

Pray for us.

Joy of Israel,

Pray for us.

Honor of our people,

Pray for us.

Model of prayer,

Pray for us.

Temple of the Holy Spirit,

Pray for us.

Resort of the traveler,

Pray for us.

Hymn of the joyful,

Pray for us.

Woman most timeless,

Pray for us.

Woman most involved,

Pray for us.

Virgin most free,

Pray for us.

Mother most fulfilled,

Pray for us.

Lamb of God, you take away

the sins of the world:

Have Mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away

the sins of the world:

Have Mercy on us.

Lamb of God, you take away

the sins of the world:

Have Mercy on us.

Saturday Devotion to Our Lady

Can you conceive of a child who does not love his mother?

Or of a gentleman who does not honor the lady of his dreams?

Or of a subject who does not pay homage to his queen?

Mother, Lady, Queen of apostles, the Virgin Mary is all of these.

Are you weak? Are you slipping? Do you weep?

Behold your mother!

Do you want to save the world?

You'll not do it without the Virgin!

Call upon her at all times.

Love her to the point of foolishness.

Call on her in your hour of need.

Entrust all of your cares to her.

She is a Mother! She is your Mother!

On Saturday, her day, honor her by making a practice of praying the:

Saturday Devotion to the Immaculate Virgin

Leader:

We fly to your protection, O Holy Mother of God. Despise not our prayer in our necessities, but deliver us from all dangers, ever glorious and Blessed Virgin.

All:

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired with this confidence, we fly unto you, O Virgin of Virgins, our Mother! To you we come; before you we stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not our petitions but, in your mercy, hear and answer us. Amen.

Leader:

Virgin and immaculate Mother!

All:

Look upon us with pity, Lady! We, Your beloved children lack faith, humility, charity, piety, love of the Eucharist, love of the Church, love of our own dignity as true Catholics, the spirit of sacrifice, the spirit of self-denial. Tell this to your Son. Intercede for us and the miracle of our sanctification will come about. Give us true piety, an intense love of Jesus Christ; the holy Church, the Pope, the Bishop, the parish. Help us to make communion fervent. Our visits to the Blessed Sacrament frequent. Our practice of what is right constant. Make us love Jesus Christ and you, Immaculate Mother, intensely. We ask this of you because of your unique and august dignity as Mother of God.

(Hail Mary)

Leader:

Virgin and Immaculate Mother!

All:

We are your children, but we feel the lure of the senses and the weakness of our own strength. Grant that we may lead chaste lives and acquire pure habits. Lead us with your maternal hand away from places and gatherings at which You would not be present. Inspire in us clean thoughts and sentiments, and grant that our actions be suited to a favorite child of the Virgin. We ask these things through your Immaculate Conception and because of your purity without stain.

(Hail Mary)

Leader:

Virgin and Immaculate Mother!

All:

There are some people who deny your Jesus and also deny you. There are not enough apostles to make them aware of the truth, to make them understand and live Christian lives, the only kind of life that can ennoble and dignify a person. We offer ourselves to you that you form in us a new heart. Fill it with fervor and zeal to work for the salvation of the many ungrateful, indifferent and unbelieving Christians. Lady, let there be apostles among Christians. Let those who direct us be self-forgetful, true apostles who will lead many souls to Jesus Christ and thus save our people and our nation. We ask these things of you because of the sorrows you bore for us at the foot of the Cross of the Redeemer.

(Hail Mary)

An Act of Consecration

All:

Lady, my Mother! I offer myself to you. And as proof of my filial affection, I consecrate to you this day my eyes, my ears, my tongue, my heart, in short, all that I am and all that I have. Now that I am all yours, Mother of goodness, watch over me and defend me as your own.

Amen.

Final Plea

Leader:

Immaculate Virgin!

All:

We prostrate ourselves before your altar calling to mind most gratefully all of your kindnesses. We claim you as our Queen and Lady. We beg you to continue to shower down upon us your favor and abundant blessings.

Lady! Give us strength and courage. We want to fulfill our promises faithfully. We will live in the state of grace so that we may become worthy of the many blessings of God.

We shall lay down our lives that all may know the gift of God. We want Christ to reign in the home, at work, at recreation. May He be at the center of human life and activity.

Grant, Lady, that all active Catholics with their forces submissive to the orders of the hierarchy, transform this world from pagan to human, and from human to divine. Radiating love, we shall work toward the salvation of our contacts.

Receive, Lady, these promises and hopes. Offer them to our Lord, your Son. Give us the strength, the courage, and the ardent desire of apostolate; so that we may fulfill our desires faithfully. Blessed Virgin reign over us. Be our Queen and Lady. Beloved Mother, love us and bless us

Examination of Conscience

Saint Augustine, said: "That I may know You, Lord, and know myself!"

You know Him from your morning meditation. You shall know yourself from your examination of conscience. Each night take an X-ray of your soul. Study, like a good disciple of Christ, the cause of your failures, and how God has graced your successes. Know yourself!

Preparatory Prayer

All:

I believe, Lord, that you are here present. I adore you. I love you. Give me the light to see my wanderings and the grace to be sorry for them.

a) Do I fully give myself to God?

Jesus says:

"You must love God with your whole heart.''

1. Have I given my whole heart to God to the degree that I love him above all things and thus keep his commandments? Do I love him as a child loves his father, or am I too readily caught up with the love of other things?

2. Do I firmly believe in God who has spoken to me through his Son? Do I accept the teaching of the Church? Am I interested in learning more about my faith especially by listening to the Word of God, and avoiding whatever could weaken my faith? Have I professed my faith in God without fear? Have I given witness to my Christian beliefs in private and in public.

3. Do I pray in the morning and the evening? Is my prayer a true conversation with God involving both mind and heart or are my thoughts far from him? Do I make an offering of the day? Do I call for help in time of temptation?

4. Do I use the name of God with reverence? Is this true of Mary and the Saints?

5. Do I keep holy the Lord's day and other feasts of the Church? Do I participate actively and attentively in the celebration of the Liturgy especially the Eucharist? Do I frequent the sacraments?

6. Do I have other “idols” like work, sports, hobbies, etc. that take up more of my time and attention than He does?

b) Do I truly love my neighbor?

The Lord says:

"Love one another as I have loved you.”

1. Do I truly love my neighbors or do I oppress them, using them for my purposes, or treat them in a way I would not want to be treated? Have I scandalized my neighbors by word of deed?

2. Am I concerned for the wellbeing of my family? Is my patience and love a source of joy for them? Am I concerned for my children's Christian education, helping them by example? Do I take care of their spiritual and material needs, thus fostering in them a spirit of obedience, respect and helpfulness?

3. Am I faithful to my spouse in mind, in heart and in life? Am I concerned for the spiritual growth of my spouse? What do I do to encourage that growth? Do I give enough love, patience, encouragement, support? As spouses are we growing together? Do we pray together; dialogue together; communicate with each other? Do we evaluate our Christian growth as spouses and as a family?

4. Do I share what I possess with those who are poorer than I? Do I defend the oppressed as much as I am able? Do I help those who live in misery? Do I help those who are weaker, or do I look down upon the poor, the weak, the elderly, foreigners and those of a different race?

5. Am I responding to my vocation to be a Christian? Am I an apostle for Christ? Do I engage in charitable activities? Do I seek to bring Christian solutions to the problems of the world?

6. In the community that I am a part of, am I solely involved in my own affairs? Do I promote honesty, harmony and love? Do I fulfill my civic responsibilities? Could I be more generous, more courageous, more self-sacrificing, more cheerful?

7. In my work or place of employment, am I just, hardworking, honest? Do I work with a spirit of love and care? Do I pay a just wage? Do I keep my word and comply with contract specifications?

8. Do I respect and obey legitimate authority? Do I exercise authority for the common good and in a spirit of service?

9. Am I truthful and sincere in my conversations? Do I engage in gossip, calumny, half-truths? Have I violated someone's trust?

10. Have I damaged the health, reputation, honor, life or goods that belong to another? Have I taken part in an abortion? Have I hated anyone? Do I feel alienated from anyone due to disappointments, injury, outright offenses? Have I sought reconciliation with them? Have I failed to stand up for the innocence of an accused? Have I sexually, physically, psychologically or emotionally abused anyone?

c) In what direction is my life going?

Christ the Lord says:

"Seek first His Kingship over you."

1. In what direction is my life going? Does the hope of eternal life encourage me? Am I growing closer to Christ through daily acts of piety; prayer, and meditation; Mass and Holy Communion; visit the Blessed Sacrament; rosary? Do I try to control my vices, passions and inclinations by mortification and self-denial? Do I eat, drink or smoke too much? Am I self-satisfied or overbearing, disregarding the opinions or feelings of others? Have I deprived others of their freedom or rights by imposing my will on them?

2. How have I used the time, energy and talents which God has given me? Have I lacked time to be His apostle? Or have I been lazy, wasted time?

3. Have I accepted serenely and patiently the problems and setbacks of life? Do I sacrifice and mortify myself in order to imitate and share in the Passion of Christ? Am I willing to appear weak in order that others can be strong? Do I keep the rule of fast and abstinence?

4. Have I kept my body pure and chaste as a temple of the Holy Spirit destined to rise again in glory, as a sign of God's faithful love for mankind especially in marriage? Have I committed fornication or sinned by impure words, thoughts, actions or desires? Have I led others into sin by my indecency? Have I abused myself through the use of substances?

5. Have I acted against my own conscience out of fear and hypocrisy? Have my actions been guided by Christian or by selfish motives? Do I have a regular Spiritual Director? Have I been open and honest with him or her?

6. Christ counts on me! Have I counted on Him?

Jesus Christ speaks to you

Leader:

My child: Think about your interior attitudes and disposition. Have your thoughts ... your aspirations ... your words ... your actions ... of this day been worthy of one of My apostles? And “that thing,” that is, your dominant passion, has it beat you again today? How many falls have you had? What was the reason ... ?

Think it over well.

Think about the means which I won for you with my blood, and which I offer daily so that my grace may increase in you: morning offering ... , meditation ... , mass ... , communion ... , visit to the Blessed Sacrament ... rosary ... : have you neglected these means of sanctification? Was today your day to visit your spiritual director. When will you go?

And what about your apostolate? Could you have been more generous ... , more courageous ... , more sacrificing ... , even more cheerful?

With a little effort, could you have overcome the obstacles which you found along the road?

Haven't you had the time to be an apostle? Listen to Me: isn't it true that for those things which really interest you, you can try to find time, you do find time, “make” time? I, who am your God, would almost be satisfied if you would treat me as you treat any of your friends ... What have you done today that I may be better known, that I may be better loved?

Are you with me ... or against Me? At work ... , at your studies ... , in your profession ... , at your recreation ... have you been My apostle? Would you have liked to have seen Me there?

Remember that the lack of fidelity of the “faithful” wound My heart the most. I count on you! On you! And you, on whom or what do you count?

My child: don't stop halfway. I want your fire, your energy and your surrender. A Christian has a right to be enthusiastic. If you want to, you can. Tell me honestly: “Cost what it may, because it does cost, I shall live in Your grace, Lord.” Everything depends on your really wanting to.

Now, Speak to The Lord

(An Act of Contrition)

All:

I'm sorry, God, for having offended You. I'm sorry for the hell I've earned and the heaven I've lost. But I am sorry most of all because by sinning I have offended a God as good and as merciful as You. I would rather die than have offended You: I firmly resolve to sin no more and to avoid the near occasions of sin. My Jesus, mercy!

Ambrosian Hymn

You before the close of day,

Maker of the world we pray,

Of Your great mercy keep

Watch around us while we sleep.

Evil dreams put to flight

With all phantoms of the night;

Be our foe by You repressed,

Holy then shall be our rest.

Father, what we ask be done,

Through Your ever-blessed Son,

With the Holy Spirit and You

Reigning God eternally. Amen.

Invocations

Leader:

You are in us and Your Holy Name has been called on in our behalf; do not abandon us, Lord, our God.

All:

Let us thank God.

Leader:

Into Your hands, Lord, I offer my spirit.

All:

You have redeemed me, Lord, God of truth.

Leader:

Save us, Lord, while we wake; keep us while we sleep, because we watch with Christ and we rest in peace. Amen.

Watch over us, Lord, as over the pupil of Your eye.

All:

Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy on us.

Leader:

ln the shadow of Your wings, protect us.

All:

Shower, Lord Your mercy upon us, according to our hope in You

Leader:

I have hoped in You. Lord, I shall never be confounded.

All:

Lord hear my prayer and let my cry come unto You.

Prayer

Leader:

We beseech You, Lord, come into this dwelling and remove from it the snares of the enemy; let Your holy angels dwell here, let them keep us in peace, and let Your blessing remain with us forever. Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

All:

Amen.

Leader:

Hail, Mary, - daughter of God the Father -, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, etc.

Hail, Mary, - Mother of God the Son -, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, etc.

Hail, Mary, - Spouse of God the Holy Spirit -, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, etc.

All:

Jesus, Joseph and Mary: I give you my heart and my soul.

Jesus, Joseph and Mary: help me in my last agony.

Jesus, Joseph and Mary: may my soul rest in peace with you.

Leader:

May the divine assistance remain always with us. Amen.

May the Almighty and merciful Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, bless and guard us.

All:

Amen.

Apostolic Hour

The Apostolic Hour is an hour during which Christians hold an audience with their King. We insist that He conquer us.

We “plot” the salvation of the world with Him, in front of the tabernacle, which is His headquarters. The greatest lever of the apostle is his knees.

In order to appreciate better and more fully what we are, what we believe and what we want; to help us in our visit to the Blessed Sacrament; to urge our brothers and sisters on their way to God, we pray:

The Apostolic Hour

Presentation

Leader:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

One with Christ, let us glorify the Father in the joy of the Holy Spirit.

All:

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.

Leader:

Lord Jesus Christ:

These members of Your Church who, in their boldness and confident of Your help, want to be the member of Your kingdom prostrate themselves before You.

All:

We want to know Jesus Christ.

We want to help Jesus Christ.

We want to suffer for Jesus Christ.

We are the disciples of Christ the King!

Leader:

We want to be Yours, Lord, really Yours:

those who do not doubt,

those who do not waver,

those who do not get tired,

those who do not use shady means nor twofaced attitudes,

those who give all rather than betray You.

All:

For this reason, during this apostolic hour, in wonderful intimacy, we beg You to teach us, to form us, to conquer us, and enkindle in us a holy bravery and the thirst for conquest.

Leader:

Lord: You are our Lord and Master.

You alone have the words of eternal life. Let us know the gift of God! You are our Brother and our Friend. Make us Your most loyal friends! You are our Lord and our King. King of the whole world, King of all peoples.

Make us apostles of Your Kingdom, warriors of Your Holy Church! Let us feel the pride of being apostles! Give us the zeal and ardor of soldiers of Christ The King! During this Apostolic Hour we shall remain at the foot of Your Cross, with Your Mother, as did Saint John, the young apostle, he of invincible fidelity.

All:

Lord: We draw near to Your Holy Cross, adoring the mystery of Your Passion.

We embrace Your torn and tortured body, which is covered with bloody wounds. We should like to feel, upon our brows, the blood which flows in abundance from Your wounds. We kiss Your dust-stained face, and from Your half-opened lips we gather in that – “I THIRST” - which grips Your soul with a divine thirst.

As a guard of honor, we surround Your most holy cross,

to accompany you in Your final hour;

to pray with You for the Church;

to offer ourselves with You as victims;

to share Your desires and sorrows;

to console You as you hang on the Cross;

to console You in the present agony of Your Church;

to get rid of our sins and ingratitudes;

to pay for the sins of all Christians and of all those who are not yet Christian, for whom we feel responsible to You.

Leader:

We want Christ to reign over us!

All:

Amen.

Leader:

Blessed be Jesus Christ!

All:

Amen.

Leader:

May Your Kingdom come!

All:

Our Father, may Your Kingdom come!

Plea to Jesus Christ

Leader:

Let us ask that the Lord to show us His mercy, show it to all those who fight in the apostolate, show it to all Christians.

All:

Lord:

Look upon us with merciful and forgiving eyes. We are sorry for the times we have been unfaithful, and for the unfaithfulness of many Christians for whom we stand as representatives before You. Do not look at the worldliness of our life, but rather all the love with which You loved us on the Cross.

Leader:

For our incomprehensive weakness, for the neglect with which we sometimes listen to Your voice.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us!

Leader:

For the delay in accepting Your demand, for the lukewarm way in which we walk Your road,

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For the routine of our communions, for our lack of heart in the face of sacrifice, for our lack of attention at mass, for our weakness in not changing our lives.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For our lack of faith, of fire in the apostolate, for our apathy in the conquest of souls, for not having defended the rights of Your royalty.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For the many Christians who deny You, who do not fulfill the Sunday obligation, who blaspheme Your Holy Name.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For those who give themselves over to the flesh,

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For those who hate us, for those who wound us by their criticism and gossip, for those who sow enmity.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For the young who set up a home without making You the center of that home, for the families who live on the fringe of Your law, for those who ignore Your grace.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For those who call themselves Christians, but do not live in Grace, and refuse to be Apostles.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Leader:

For all our sins for the sins of all Christians, for the sins of all people on earth.

All:

Forgive us, Lord, forgive us.

Prayer to Christ the King

Leader:

Bless, Lord, our Holy Mother, the Catholic Church.

All:

May God grant her peace, and watch over her everywhere. And may He permit those of us who live a quiet and peaceful life to glorify God, the Father Almighty.

Leader:

Bless our Holy Father, (name), our beloved Bishop, (name), the priests of our parish, who govern God's Holy City.

All: