Join us as we continue our Summer Prayer and Meditation Series. We will continue learn more about and explore inspiring forms of Catholic prayer as given to us in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and expressed through the words of our Saints.

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we find:
The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart.

July 13th – Lectio Divina

The Latin phrase “lectio divina” may be translated as “divine reading.” Lectio divina is a method for praying with the Scriptures. As one reads and invites the Word to become a transforming lens that brings the events of daily living into focus, one can come to live more deeply and find the presence of God more readily in the events of each day. The method of lectio divina follows four steps: lectio (reading), meditatio (meditation), contemplatio (contemplation), and oratio (prayer).

“Lectio,” or “reading,” is the first step in the prayer process. The early monks understood that the fruitfulness of a monk’s prayer depends upon the simplicity, reverence, and openness to the Spirit with which the “reader” approaches the Word of God. The goal of this reading is not to rush through several chapters of Scripture. The reader, rather than trying to take in large sections of Scripture, adopts a reflective stance towards a short Scripture passage, pausing on a single word or phrase that resonates with the mind and heart.

This “reading” leads to the second step, known as “meditatio”—Latin for “meditation”— which invites one to reflect upon what was read. Ancient monks explained this process as a deep, unhurried thinking about the Word one has read—a rumination, somewhat like the way a cow chews the cud. As the Word is read in this step, the process of ruminating gradually draws the meditator’s focus from concerns of the mind to concerns of the heart.

The Word moves a person more deeply with the third step, which the ancients called “contemplatio” or “contemplation.” Contemplation is characterized by an openness of the heart, by which the reader experiences God as the One who prays within, who allows the person in contemplation to know the Word wordlessly and without image. By God’s grace, contemplatio gives one a unique ability to connect one’s newly discovered insights to daily life experiences, with the inspiration that comes from the Word of God and that has the gracious capacity to refresh the heart and mind.

The fourth and final step, “oratio,” meaning “oration” or “prayer,” invites one’s personal response to God. This response is dialogical and can be understood as “a conversation between friends,” as St. Teresa of Avila defined prayer. One takes the time to talk to God about what was read, heard, or experienced, or about the questions that have arisen in the depth of one’s being. This response can become transformative when one accepts the promptings of the Word toward an embrace of all that life now holds. One can find God in the ups and downs of life, in times of joy and pain, as well as in ordinary, everyday moments.

– USCCB, Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina by Sr. Antoine Lawlor, IHM, DMin

 

July 14th

Meditation engages thought, imagination, emotion, and desire. This mobilization of faculties is necessary in order to deepen our convictions of faith, prompt the conversion of our heart, and strengthen our will to follow Christ. Christian prayer tries above all to meditate on the mysteries of Christ, as in lectio divina or the rosary. This form of prayerful reflection is of great value, but Christian prayer should go further: to the knowledge of the love of the Lord Jesus, to union with him.

To meditate on what we read helps us to make it our own by confronting it with ourselves. Here, another book is opened: the book of life. We pass from thoughts to reality. To the extent that we are humble and faithful, we discover in meditation the movements that stir the heart and we are able to discern them. It is a question of acting truthfully in order to come into the light: “Lord, what do you want me to do?”

– Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, nos. 2708, 2706

July 15th

We must meditate before, during and after everything we do. The prophet says: “I will pray, and then I will understand.”  This is the way we can easily overcome the countless difficulties we have to face day after day, which, after all, are part of our work. In meditation we find the strength to bring Christ to birth in ourselves and in others. – Saint Charles Borromeo

July 16th

Scripture Meditation – Today’s Gospel

“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart;
and you will find rest for yourselves.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.”

-MT 11:28-30

July 17th – Liturgy of the Hours

The reading from the Word of God at each Hour . . . and readings from the Fathers and spiritual masters at certain Hours, reveal more deeply the meaning of the mystery being celebrated, assist in understanding the psalms, and prepare for silent prayer. The lectio divina, where the Word of God is so read and meditated that it becomes prayer, is thus rooted in the liturgical celebration. – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, nos. 1177

More Reflections to come, next week…

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Sunday, July 12, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection
Fr. Salvator M. Stefula, T.O.R.⁠

⁠

View Today’s Mass Online: https://vimeo.com/436799394
GIVE Online: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/stp4520270

 

My sisters and brothers in Christ!

Here we are half way through the month of July. These past several months have certainly been challenging times for everyone. We remember each day those who have been affected with the Corona Virus, the doctors, nurses and medical staff that have been so faithful to caring for those who are sick, those working on a     vaccine, and those who have died. We pray for those who have lost their jobs and for the end of violence and racism. Yes, we have much to pray for but we are confident that the Lord Jesus is with us during these   difficult times.   We must not give up HOPE but continue to trust in the Lord for strength and courage to go forward.

The Prophet Isaiah in today’s first reading is speaking to God’s captive people who are in Babylon. God is using the prophet to tell the people that they will soon be able to return home. Remember that their exile    lasted 50 years. I wonder if some of the people felt that this would not happen after all those years in exile. God assures them that His promise will be fulfilled. When God sends the rain it does the work of keeping things green and alive. When God sends out His word, it is not full of empty promises, but it has the power to be effective.

The parable of the sower and the seed is very familiar to us. It is Jesus who is scattering the seed. God’s word was and is generously offered to all   people but we know that not  everyone will accept it. We pray that the seed of Faith will continue to grow and blossom in our lives. With the Lord, all things are possible, without Him, nothing is possible. God bless you and keep you safe

 

¡Mis hermanas y hermanos en Cristo!

Aquí estamos a mediados del mes de julio. Ciertamente   estos pasados meses han sido tiempos de desafío para todos. Recordamos cada día a los que se han afectado por el virus Corona, los médicos, enfermeros y personal médico que ha estado fielmente cuidando a los enfermos, aquellos que trabajan para encontrar una vacuna, y los que han fallecido. Oramos por los que han perdido sus trabajos, y para que se termine la violencia y el racismo. Sí, tenemos mucho porque rezar, pero estamos confiados en que el Señor Jesús está con nosotros durante estos tiempos difíciles.   No debemos perder la ESPERANZA, si no seguir confiando en el Señor para que la fuerza y el coraje nos lleve hacia adelante.

En la primera lectura de hoy, el Profeta Isaías está   hablando con el pueblo captivo de Dios que está en Babilonia. Dios está usando al profeta para decirle al pueblo que pronto van a poder regresar a su hogar.   Recordemos que su exilio duró 50 años. Me pregunto si alguna de la gente sintió que esto no ocurriría después de tantos años en el exilio. Dios les asegura que Su promesa será cumplida. Cuando Dios manda la lluvia, hace el trabajo de mantener las cosas verdes y vivas. Cuando Dios manda Su palabra, no está llena de promesas vacías, pero tiene el poder de ser efectiva.

La parábola del sembrador y la semilla es muy familiar para nosotros. Jesús, es él quien esparce la semilla. La palabra de Dios fue y es ofrecida generosamente a todas las personas, pero sabemos que no todos la aceptarán. Oremos para que la semilla de la Fe siga creciendo y florezca en nuestras vidas. Con el Señor, todas las cosas son posibles, sin Él, nada es posible. Dios los bendiga y los mantenga a salvo.

Upcoming Masses, Liturgies, Reflections, and Prayers

Summer Prayer & Meditation Series, July 13th – July 17th

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Sunday, July 19, 2020⁠ – COMING SOON

 

Past Masses, Liturgies and Reflections

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Sunday, July 12, 2020

Summer Prayer & Meditation Series, July 1st – July 10th

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Sunday, July 5, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Sunday, June 28, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Sunday, June 21, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ – Sunday, June 14, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – The Feast of the Most Holy Trinity – Sunday, June 7, 2020⁠

Sunday Mass and Gospel Reflection – The Feast of Pentecost – Sunday, May 31, 2020⁠

 

July 1st

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church we find:
The Christian tradition comprises three major expressions of the life of prayer: vocal prayer, meditation, and contemplative prayer. They have in common the recollection of the heart.

Vocal prayer, founded on the union of body and soul in human nature, associates the body with the interior prayer of the heart, following Christ’s example of praying to his Father and teaching the Our Father to his disciples.

July 2nd

Through his Word, God speaks to man. By words, mental or vocal, our prayer takes flesh. Yet it is most important that the heart should be present to him to whom we are speaking in prayer: “Whether or not our prayer is heard depends not on the number of words, but on the fervor of our souls.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, no. 2700

July 3rd

Prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trail as well as joy; finally, it is something great, supernatural, which expands my soul and unites me to Jesus. – St.Therese of Lisieux

July 6th

The need to involve the senses in interior prayer corresponds to a requirement of our human nature. We are body and spirit, and we experience the need to translate our feelings externally. We must pray with our whole being to give all power possible to our supplication. – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, no. 2702

July 7th

God seeks worshipers in Spirit and in Truth, and consequently living prayer that rises from the depths of the soul. He also wants the external expression that associates the body with interior prayer, for it renders him that perfect homage which is his due. – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, no. 2703⁠

July 8th

Prayer is the place of refuge for every worry, a foundation for cheerfulness, a source of constant happiness, a protection against sadness. – St. John Chrysostom

July 9th – Praying the Our Father

All the Scriptures – the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms – are fulfilled in Christ.  The Gospel is this “Good News.” Its first proclamation is summarized by St. Matthew in the Sermon on the Mount;  The prayer to our Father is at the center of this proclamation. It is in this context that each petition bequeathed to us by the Lord is illuminated:

The Lord’s Prayer is the most perfect of prayers…. In it we ask, not only for all the things we can rightly desire, but also in the sequence that they should be desired. This prayer not only teaches us to ask for things, but also in what order we should desire them. – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, no. 2763

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.

July 10th

The Sermon on the Mount is teaching for life, the Our Father is a prayer; but in both the one and the other the Spirit of the Lord gives new form to our desires, those inner movements that animate our lives. Jesus teaches us this new life by his words; he teaches us to ask for it by our prayer. The rightness of our life in him will depend on the rightness of our prayer. – Catechism of the Catholic Church – CCC, no. 2764

 

More Reflections to come, next week…

July 2, 2020 – Parish Update Message

Fr. Sal will continue to offer Communion for those in our parish who have not yet been able to receive Communion. This is an opportunity for those who have not yet felt comfortable returning to Mass in the church. Fr. Sal will be available on all Sundays of the month of July from 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm (July 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th). He would ask that you please attend/watch Mass from home via TV or online prior to coming to receive Communion. God Bless.

 

June 17, 2020 – Parish Update Message

June 4, 2020 – Parish Update Message

 

May 22, 2020 – Parish Update Message

NEW MASS SCHEDULE

Bishop Parkes has given permission to begin week-end Masses next week-end, May 30-31, as we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost.

PLEASE NOTE that for the month of June the Mass schedule will be changed.

Beginning Monday, May 25, 2020:

• Church Hours: The church will continue to be open Monday thru Friday 8:00 AM until 12 Noon.
• Daily Mass: Monday – Friday 8:30 AM.
• Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: Tuesday after Mass till 12 Noon. Benediction at 12:00 PM.
• Confessions: Saturday 2:30 PM -3:30 PM  in the Sacristy. On Saturday the church will be open from 2:00 PM until after the evening Mass.
• Saturday Vigil Mass:  4:00 PM
• Sunday Masses:  8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM
• NO SUNDAY EVENING MASS FOR NOW
• All Masses will be in English.
• If you are not ready to return to Mass at this time, please note that Catholics in the Diocese of St. Petersburg remain dispensed from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass until further notice.

All evening meetings, gatherings and events continue to be suspended until further notice.

 

My dear parishioners,

May the peace of the Risen Lord be with you and your family. I know many were excited to hear that we would begin daily Mass. I am grateful to our Bishop for granting us permission and we are even more grateful to Bishop Parkes for now allowing us to once again resume Saturday Vigil and Sunday Masses beginning next week-end, the Feast of Pentecost. Some of you may say it’s too soon, others may still be hesitant to return at this time and others are more than ready to come back. With this permission I want to reassure you that if you are still not comfortable to return or you are feeling sick, then please stay home for your protection and for others. This message has certainly been reiterated by our Bishop, a real concern for you. We know that this will take time and we must be patient.

As your Pastor, I want you to know that I have your health as my main concern. We are doing all that we can possibly do to protect you. The church is sanitized daily after our Masses and we will continue doing this after each Mass. Those attending daily Mass have already seen what has been done for social distancing and available areas to sit. Everyone has been most cooperative and I wish to thank you for your full cooperation.

Please note that now that we are beginning the week-end Masses, I will no longer have the Saturday 8:30 AM Mass. The last morning Mass will be this Saturday, May 23^rd.

For the month of June the Mass schedule will be Saturday  4 PM, Sunday 8 AM, 10 AM, and 12 Noon. There will not be a Sunday evening Mass. As we get closer to the end of June, I will re-evaluate the schedule again to see if it is necessary to add another Mass. The summer months have always had a decline in Mass attendance and now with the pandemic, it is expected that we may see even less attendance.

What do we need before starting Mass on Pentecost and what should you expect when you arrive for Mass

What do we need?

1. We need volunteers who are willing to help in sanitizing the Church after each Mass. We need volunteers to assist at the front doors as greeters and others inside to direct people to places that are reserved for sitting. We are hoping that enough volunteers will come forward so they would only be asked to help at one Mass, not all of them. Please call the parish office or speak with Marcia if you can help. Once we have the list of volunteers, we will plan a brief meeting to go over the instructions before we gather for Pentecost. I know that the parish has always celebrated the Feast of Pentecost with such great joy and solemnity. It will certainly be different, but the joy and solemnity of the celebration of the birthday of the church will not be lessened this Pentecost.

2. We need to know which Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers are available to assist at the Masses. This information can be sent to Marcia, our Director of Worship.

3. The Social Hall will be set up for over flow, if needed. If this occurs, we will need at least one Eucharistic Minister to distribute Communion to those in the Social Hall.

What should you expect when you attend Mass?

1. It’s preferred that you wear a mask. When receiving Communion, (partially remove your mask), receive Communion in the hand, step to the side, place the Eucharist in your mouth and then return to your seat.

2. Please receive Communion in your hand.

3. Follow the white lines for social distancing and form a single line for Communion down the center aisle.

4. There will be less singing during the Mass. The Gloria, the Holy Holy, and the Lamb of God will be recited.

5. We ask that you leave in an orderly fashion and follow the social distancing required. Please do not congregate outside in large groups.

6. The collection will not be taken up in the usual fashion. We will have a large basket marked OFFERTORY COLLECTION and it will be placed in an area that will be convenient to place your offering inside.

I wish to express my sincerest THANK YOU for your continual sacrificial giving each week. A true sign of Stewardship in action. Know that you have been and will continue to be remembered in my prayers. We will get through this because our Lord is with us and He has said – DO  NOT  BE  AFRAID!    God bless you and keep you safe.

Fr. Sal

 

Important Information Link on WHAT TO EXPECT when you return to Mass:

Joyfully Present For Mass Reminders

When We Return

Message from Bishop Parkes – May 5, 2020

 

Sunday Gospel Reflections

 

NUEVO HORARIO DE MISAS

Las Misas de fin de semana comenzarán del 30 y 31 de mayo, el Domingo de Pentecostés. Comenzamos nuestras Misas de lunes a viernes a las 8:30 am. El obispo Parkes ha dado permiso para comenzar Misas de fin de semana el próximo fin de semana mientras celebramos la fiesta de Pentecostés.

TENGA EN CUENTA que para el mes de junio se cambiará el horario de Misas.

• Sábado: Confesiones 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm en la Sacristía
• Sábado:  Misa de Vigilia 4:00 pm
• Misas los Domingos: 8:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm
• POR AHORA NO HAY MISA LOS DOMINGO EN LA TARDE

La iglesia continuará abierta de lunes a viernes de 8:00 am hasta las 12 del mediodía.

Exposición de Santísimo –  Adoración es los martes después de la Misa, hasta las 12 del mediodía sin bendiciones hasta nuevo aviso.

No habrá Misa los sábados a las 8:30am después de este sábado 23 de mayo. El sábado la iglesia estará abierta desde las 2 de la tarde hasta después de la Misa de la tarde.

Todas las reuniones y eventos de la noche están CANCELADAS hasta nuevo aviso. Consulte nuestro Website de la parroquia para obtener las comunicaciones más actualizadas. El Website de la Diócesis de St. Petersburg también es un excelente recurso para actualizaciones y recursos disponibles en línea. www.stpatricktampa.org o www.dosp.org

Padre Sal

Severe Weather Updates – Parish Closings and Cancellations

Hurricane season begins June 1st and runs through November 30th.

St. Patrick Catholic Church follows the closures of Hillsborough County Schools for all severe weather emergencies or precautionary safety procedures. During a severe weather emergency, updates to our parish website will be made daily to keep you up to date on Parish Closures and Meeting Cancellations. Please remember the safety of our parish family and community is most important. Be safe and God Bless.

Mass Attendance:
All parishioners are urged to use good judgement when planning to travel to and from Mass. In the event that roadways are not clear and weather conditions are unsafe to travel, the faithful are reminded that the obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not apply when there is grave difficulty in fulfilling this obligation (see Code of Canon Law, Canon 1248 §2)

Parish Ministry Cancellation Notices:

• None at this time.

Updated: 06/22/2020 9:00 am

 

There are two websites that are helpful for both hurricane planning and detailed weather information as a storm approaches. The Hillsborough County Emergency Management Office website is www.hillsboroughcounty.org/emergency  and the National Hurricane Center website is www.nhc.noaa.gov/. At the National Hurricane Center website you can pull up and watch things like the 3-day and 5-day cones for approaching storms. At the Hillsborough County website you can sign up for their E-News which is an automatic e-mail service which keeps you up-to-date with pertinent local emergency management information if you like.

Safety Precautions

• During any heavy rainfall or severe weather event, the City of Tampa encourages the motoring public to heed traffic advisories, obey traffic signs/detours, and to exercise caution when driving in and around standing water.
• Do not drive through water  it is difficult to determine how deep the water is.
• It is best to avoid driving unless necessary.
• Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a 4-way stop.
• If you see a road closed, please follow the detour signs.
• Avoid any downed or hanging power lines – they may be live.

Stay up-to-date

• Residents should also stay tuned to local television and radio stations for more information as severe weather approaches.
• Please check this City of Tampa link for up to date road closures at   http://arcg.is/1JofT7G.
• The Hillsborough County Emergency Management Office website is www.hillsboroughcounty.org/emergency
• National Hurricane Center website is www.nhc.noaa.gov/
• Sign up for Alert Tampa, the city’s official emergency alert system, to receive time sensitive notifications which will be sent directly to your email, cell phone, and in some cases, home phone.  Alert Tampa will provide you the official information you can use to keep your business, your home, and your family safe.  To sign up today, visit our website at  tampagov.net/alerttampa or call (813) 231-6184.

Click here to read the Full Statement…

Begin by saying the following prayer to prepare…

O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler!
I adore you as my True God.
I bless You by uniting myself to the praises
You receive from the angel and saints.
I offer You my whole heart,
and I render You heartfelt thanks
for all the benefits You have bestowed
and do unceasingly bestow upon the world.
You are the author of all supernatural gifts
and who did enrich with immense favors the soul
of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
the Mother of God,
I beseech you to visit me by Your grace and Your love,
and grant me the favor
I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

O Holy Spirit,
spirit of truth,
come into our hearts:
shed the brightness of your light on all nations,
that they may be of one faith and pleasing to You.

Amen.

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY ONE

O Holy Spirit,
bestow upon us Your seven holy gifts.
Enlighten our understanding that we may know You.
Give us wisdom that Your will may be clear to us
and that we may accept it.
Grant us the gift of counsel
that we may always perceive what is right.
Fortify us that we may always be capable
of fulfilling Your Divine Will.
Inspire us with the spirit of learning
that we may be able to penetrate more deeply
into the truths that You have revealed.
Let our hearts be steeped in the spirit of childlikeness
that we may bring You joy.
Let us have proper fear of God
that we may never grieve You
or wander from the path of goodness.
Give us the fullness of Your gifts
that we may glorify You.

Amen.

Look with compassion upon us,
O Holy Spirit, and grant us the favor we seek in this novena…

State your request here…

if it be in accordance with Your Holy Will.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY TWO

O Holy Spirit,
make me faithful in every thought,
and grant that I may always listen to your voice,
and watch for Your light,
and follow Your gracious inspirations.
I cling to You,
and give myself to You,
and ask You by Your compassion
to watch over me in my weakness.
Holding the pierced feet of Jesus,
looking at His Five Wounds,
trusting in His Precious Blood,
adoring His opened side and stricken heart,
I implore You adorable Spirit,
helper of my infirmity,
to keep me in Your grace,
now and always,
and grant us the favor we ask in this novena…

State your request here…

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY THREE

Heavenly Father,
You have called me to be a member
of the mystical body of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
and to be a temple of the Holy Spirit.
I ask You to give me these gifts of the Holy Spirit:
wisdom, that I may understand the follies of this world;
understanding, that I may grasp more fully
the meaning of my existence
and the purpose of all things in the world;
counsel, that I may always choose the proper way;
fortitude, that I may remain faithful to You
under the pressure of temptation.;
piety, that I may revere You in all I do, think or say;
fear of the Lord, that should the motive of love fail me,
I may quickly be awakened to the eternal consequences of my deeds.
Visit me by Your grace
and Your love
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY FOUR

O God, Who today by the light of the Holy Spirit
did instruct the hearts of the faithful,
give us, by the light of the same Holy Spirit,
a love for what is right and just
and a constant enjoyment of His comforts.
Pray Holy Spirit,
that I may strive to learn more of my faith;
that I may ever be conscious that reason in all
its human magnificence is capable of grasping
but a glimpse of the reality that is God.
Pray that I may accept as the motto of my life:
“All for the greater glory of God”
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY FIVE

Come, O Spirit of sanctity,
from the glory of heaven
and send forth the radiance of Your light.
Father of all the poor,
light and peace of all hearts,
come with Your countless gifts.
Consoler in desolation;
refreshment full of loveliness,
come dear friend of my soul.
In weariness send repose;
breath gently cool refreshing breeze;
console the desolate who weep alone.
Light of Beatitude,
make our hearts ready;
come enter our souls.
Without Your grace,
man stands alone;
he cannot be good or sure.
Cleanse what is soiled;
heal what is wounded;
moisten what is arid.
Bend the stubborn will;
warm the cold heart;
guide the wandering footstep.
O Holy Spirit,
we beg You to give us grace
through Your sevenfold power
and grant me the favor
I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Give us merit for the present,
and one day beatitude
when we have finished our earthly journey.

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY SIX

O Father in Heaven,
I beg You to send the Holy Spirit.
May Your Holy Spirit remind me
when I am apt to forget Your law.
Your love, Your promises.
May Your Holy Spirit strengthen my memory
to recall frequently Your sanctity,
omniscience, wisdom, and goodness,
faithfulness, and love.
May Your Holy Spirit encourage me when I am slothful;
strengthen me when I am weak;
enlighten me when I no longer can help myself.
Breathe into me, O Holy Spirit,
that I may do what is holy.
Stir me, that I may love what is holy.
Strengthen me, that I may preserve what is holy.
Protect me, Holy Spirit,
that I may never lose what is holy
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY SEVEN

Come, Holy Spirit,
creator of all things:
come visit our hearts with Your power.
Fill with grace, friendly guest,
the hearts which You have created.
You are called the Consoler,
gift from the hand of God,
source of life, light, love,
and flame, highest good.
You are the pledge of sevenfold grace,
finger of the Father’s hand,
promised us by Him,
and You make our tongues speak the truth.
Cast light on our senses,
pour love into our hearts.
Grant our weak bodies strength
that they may never grow weary of doing good
and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena…

State your request here…

Keep the enemy far from us,
give us peace always,
let us willingly follow in Your footsteps
that we may be far removed from sin.
Grant that through You
we may grow in knowledge of the Father and of the Son,
and that we may ever strongly believe in You,
the Spirit of both.
Praise and honor be forever to the Father on the highest throne,
in the risen Son of God,
in the Consoler.

Amen.

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

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY EIGHT

O Holy Spirit,
life and light of the Church,
give us thoughts higher than our own thoughts,
and prayers better than our own prayers,
and powers beyond our own powers,
that we may love and live,
imitating Jesus Christ,
our Lord and Savior.
Come to us, Holy Spirit,
come with the Father
and the Son
and grant me the favor I so earnestly request in this novena…

State your request here…

Vouchsafe to dwell within our souls
and quickly make our hearts Your own.
Quench in us the fires of hate and strife,
the wasting fever of the heart.
From perils guard our feeble life
and to our souls Your peace impart.
Let voice and mind and heart
and strength confess
and glorify Your name
and let the fire of charity burn bright
and other hearts inflame.

Amen.

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

 

 

NOVENA PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT – DAY NINE

O Lord, Holy Spirit,
grant me sight to see the wondrous promise of divine love;
insight to see my own weakness;
delight in Your divine presence in my soul
which You have made Your temple through sanctifying grace.
I pray, O Holy Spirit,
that I may be not doubting;
that I be spared the pain of being alone
without trust or hope in Christ;
that my prayer may always be “My Lord and my God!”
I pray that I may acquire a sense of retreat
to prayer and recollection at various times in my daily life;
for prayer is the bond that joins us to Christ.
I pray that I may be aware of the physical needs of the poor
and that I may share what I can with them
in the charitable works of the Church.
I pray, O Holy Spirit,
that You will in Your mercy
grant me the favor I have sought in this novena…

State your request here…

Amen.

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

GOOD NEWS

I am happy to announce that we will be having another Friar joining us here at St. Patrick. After consultation with my Provincial and with the official acceptance of our Bishop, Fr. Alberto Bueno, TOR will be our new Parochial Vicar. He was born in Havana, Cuba. Father and I worked together years ago in the Ft. Worth Diocese. I know you will welcome him when he arrives. He is presently the Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Herndon, Virginia. Father is expected to be here on August 1st. There will be more information about Fr. Alberto as we get closer to his arrival. Welcome Fr. Alberto!

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 2

Mary, Beloved Mother, channel of all grace, I return to You today my heart, recognizing that I am a sinner in need of your help. I entrust into Your hands this knot [mention your request here] which keeps me from reflecting the glory of God.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 3

Meditating Mother, Queen of heaven, in whose hands the treasures of the King are found, turn your merciful eyes upon me today. I entrust into your holy hands this knot in my life [mention your request here] and all the rancor and resentment it has caused in me.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 4

Dearest Holy Mother, you are generous with all who seek you, have mercy on me. I entrust into your hands this knot which robs the peace of my heart, paralyzes my soul and keeps me from going to my Lord and serving Him with my life.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 5

Mother, Undoer of Knots, generous and compassionate, I come to You today to once again entrust this knot [mention your request here] in my life to you and to ask the divine wisdom to undo, under the light of the Holy Spirit, this snarl of problems.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 6

Queen of Mercy, I entrust to you this knot in my life [mention your request here] and I ask you to give me a heart that is patient until you undo it.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 7

Mother Most Pure, I come to You today to beg you to undo this knot in my life [mention your request here] and free me from the snares of evil.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 8

Virgin Mother of God, overflowing with mercy, have mercy on your child and undo this knot [mention your request here] in my life.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

 

Mary Undoer of Knots Novena Prayer – Day 9

Most Holy Mary, our Advocate, Undoer of Knots, I come today to thank you for undoing this knot in my life. You know very well the suffering it has caused me. Thank you for coming, Mother, with your long fingers of mercy to dry the tears in my eyes; you receive me in your arms and make it possible for me to receive once again the divine grace. Mary, Undoer of Knots, dearest Mother, I thank you for undoing the knots in my life. Wrap me in your mantle of love, keep me under your protection, enlighten me with your peace! Amen.

Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Virgin Mary, Mother of fair love, Mother who never refuses to come to the aid of a child in need, Mother whose hands never cease to serve your beloved children because they are moved by the divine love and immense mercy that exist in your heart, cast your compassionate eyes upon me and see the snarl of knots that exists in my life. You know very well how desperate I am, my pain, and how I am bound by these knots. Mary, Mother to whom God entrusted the undoing of the knots in the lives of his children, I entrust into your hands the ribbon of my life. No one, not even the evil one himself, can take it away from your precious care. In your hands there is no knot that cannot be undone. Powerful Mother, by your grace and intercessory power with Your Son and My Liberator, Jesus, take into your hands today this knot.

[Mention your request here]

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God, once for all. You are my hope. O my Lady, you are the only consolation God gives me, the fortification of my feeble strength, the enrichment of my destitution, and, with Christ, the freedom from my chains. Hear my plea. Keep me, guide me, protect me, o safe refuge! Mary, Undoer of Knots, pray for me.

Amen.

 

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