Memorial of the Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary - July 2, 2011

Because it's a beautiful, simple prayer (and because our Bible Camp students did such a great job learning it this past week!), I've chosen to share the Memorare here today.  This lovely prayer is attributed to St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153), and is recited daily at our own school.

The Memorare 

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

 

Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy mercy hear and answer me.

Amen.

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/prayers/Memorare.htm#ixzz1Qmmqnp2C

Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus - July 1, 2011

 

"Behold, this heart of mine which has loved men so much"

From   http://www.sacredheartofjesusbook.com/feast.html :

There is evidence of devotion to Jesus’ heart as early as the 7th century, but through the 16th century it remained nonofficial and often tied to the Five Wounds of Jesus. The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus was first celebrated on August 31, 1670, in Rennes, France, through the efforts of Fr. Jean Eudes (1602-1680). From Rennes, celebration of the feast spread, but it took the visions of St. Marguerite Marie Alacoque (1647-1690) for it to become universal. Devotion to the Sacred Heart became increasingly popular after St. Marguerite Marie’s death, but, because the Church initially doubted the validity of her visions, it wasn’t until 1765 that the feast was celebrated officially in France. Almost 100 years later, in 1856, Pope Pius IX, at the urging of French bishops, extended the feast to the entire Church.

Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying Thee. This is my irrevocable will, to belong entirely to Thee, and to do all for Thy love, renouncing with my whole heart all that can displease Thee.

I take Thee, O Sacred Heart, for the sole object of my love, the protection of my life, the pledge of my salvation, the remedy of my frailty and inconstancy, the reparation for all the defects of my life, and my secure refuge at the hour of my death. Be Thou, O Most Merciful Heart, my justification before God Thy Father, and screen me from His anger which I have so justly merited. I fear all from my own weakness and malice, but placing my entire confidence in Thee, O Heart of Love, I hope all from Thine infinite Goodness. Annihilate in me all that can displease or resist Thee. Imprint Thy pure love so deeply in my heart that I may never forget Thee or be separated from Thee.

I beseech Thee, through Thine infinite Goodness, grant that my name be engraved upon Thy Heart, for in this I place all my happiness and all my glory, to live and to die as one of Thy devoted servants.



Amen.

- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

Read more: http://www.ewtn.com/devotionals/heart/consecration.htm#ixzz1QmfEe1se