Half the Kingdom! » Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress Esther 7:2 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 02:50:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.3 en http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/wp-content/themes/Ad-Clerum-2/images/favicon.ico Half the Kingdom! Emergency Preparation of a Spiritual Nature http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/08/08/emergency-preparation-of-a-spiritual-nature/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/08/08/emergency-preparation-of-a-spiritual-nature/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:23:23 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/08/08/emergency-preparation-of-a-spiritual-nature/
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When an emergency situation arises, we have to be prepared in many ways.   Often we forget the spiritual side of the preparation.  I would like to share with you what I feel spiritual preparation for our times consists of:
 
Whenever a situation occurs that is beyond our control and is of a serious nature, we as a people tend to panic.  Because of this general reaction of the population at large, we must first pray for peace with an individual or group, whatever the case may be.  This can be a short prayer of invocation to the Queen of Peace.
 
Once a person is calm and is able to focus, we must then offer the blessing to each one as an individual.  This blessing is not to be given to a group as a whole.  Each one blessed can and should pass it on to the next person.  This blessing is very powerful and may be given at any time, not just in an emergency situation.   This blessing is as follows:
   
“I bless you with the blessing of the Blessed Mother and
may the power of the come upon you.”

Now that people are empowered by the , we must send them out to pass the blessing on to others.
If there is a situation of a serious nature that affects elements of our lives, we must stand on the Word of God.  For example, if our food supplies are cut off, we can go to the scripture on the loaves and fishes and ask God to multiply our food so we can share it with others.  We must expect that He will act.  He has done so many times in the past.
 
Lastly, we must pray the Holy Rosary around the clock for an end to the situation.  We can get volunteers to take time slots.  This can be done at the individual homes or at a meeting place depending on the circumstances.  This is the sure way for the emergency situation to come to a close.
 
 
this prayer discovered here
 
 
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/08/08/emergency-preparation-of-a-spiritual-nature/feed/ A Prayer for Wisdom http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/07/a-prayer-for-wisdom/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/07/a-prayer-for-wisdom/#comments Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:28:44 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/07/a-prayer-for-wisdom/
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Almighty God, You know the perils that surround me,
and how easy it would be for me to slip and fall.

Give me the wisdom that I need to do Your bidding,
and avoid the snares that are set before me.

My path is dark before me.
Send Your to fill me with Your light,
and to guide me.

Help me do Your will,
and to do what is best for me
and those who depend on me.

Grant me the grace of wisdom.

Make me wise enough to choose truth over falsehood,
that I may not be deceived to my own undoing,
and to the harm of others.

In ’ name.

Amen.


this prayer discovered here

]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/07/a-prayer-for-wisdom/feed/ Today’s Blessing - Virtues are formed by prayer http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/04/todays-blessing-virtues-are-formed-by-prayer/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/04/todays-blessing-virtues-are-formed-by-prayer/#comments Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:18:20 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/04/todays-blessing-virtues-are-formed-by-prayer/
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Virtues are formed by prayer.
Prayer preserves temperance.
Prayer suppresses anger.
Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy.
Prayer draws into the soul the ,
and raises man to Heaven.
Saint Ephraem of Syria (306-373)
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/07/04/todays-blessing-virtues-are-formed-by-prayer/feed/ Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/23/holy-spirit/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/23/holy-spirit/#comments Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:04:08 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/23/holy-spirit/
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, speak through me,
so all lost souls can plainly see,
not my will, but God’s I seek.
Your word’s are strong,
where mine are weak.
, teach me ,
so those that hate can climb above.
I know that , it is the key,
so this I pray, show through me.
, help me give,
so those without, through You may live.
To give to those who are in need,
to share my goods, but not in greed.
, make me wise,
feed me knowledge, my heart it cries.
To understand what I don’t know,
please make me wise, so I may grow.
, help me trust,
to lean on You, in times I must.
My faith will grow each time I do.
Please build my trust, my trust in you.
, take my pride,
humble me and be my guide.
First comes pride, and then the fall.
Let me pride in You, or none at all.
, make me bold,
to spread the news, the scriptures hold.
To speak out loud, to those that hear,
our God is , they must not fear.
, this I pray,
fill me up this very day.
To have the power, with You be strong,
to make things right, where they are wrong.
, let me shine,
with Christ, this life of mine,
that other souls will soon find out,
what serving God is all about.
(Timothy Jon Barrett)
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/23/holy-spirit/feed/ Breathe in Me, O Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/22/breathe-in-me-o-holy-spirit/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/22/breathe-in-me-o-holy-spirit/#comments Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:21:41 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/22/breathe-in-me-o-holy-spirit/
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Breathe in me, O ,
that my thoughts may all be holy.
Act in me, O ,
that my work, too, may be holy.
Draw my heart, O ,
that I but what is holy.
Strengthen me, O ,
to defend all that is holy.
Guard me, then, O ,
that I always may be holy.
Amen.
 
St. Augustine
 
this prayer discovered here
 
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/22/breathe-in-me-o-holy-spirit/feed/ The Marks Of The Church http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/08/the-marks-of-the-church/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/08/the-marks-of-the-church/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2008 02:13:56 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/08/the-marks-of-the-church/
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There is only one universal Christian Church, united in faith, in worship and in succession from the Apostles themselves: the Catholic Church.
 
The Fifteen Features of the True Church
 
The fifteen features of the true Church developed by St. Robert Bellermine (1542 – 1621), cardinal, Archbishop of Capua, and Doctor of the Church. As a contemporary of the original Protestant Reformers, he expanded the traditional four marks to fifteen, as follows:
 
1.
Name
The Church’s name, Catholic, universal, and worldwide, and not confined to any particular nation or people.
2.
Antiquity
In tracing the Church’s ancestry directly to Christ.
3.
Duration
Constant duration in lasting substantially unchanged for so many centuries.
4.
Extensiveness
In the number of the Church’s loyal members.
5.
Episcopal Succession
The episcopal succession of the Church’s bishops from the first Apostles at the Last Supper to the present hierarchy.
6.
Doctrinal Agreement
The doctrinal agreement of the Church’s doctrine with the teaching of the ancient Church.
7.
Union
The union of the Church’s members among themselves and with their visible head the Roman Pontiff.
8.
Holiness
Holiness of doctrine in reflecting the sanctity of God.
9.
Efficacy
Efficacy of doctrine in its power to sanctify believers and inspire them to great moral achievement.
10.
Holiness Of Life
The holiness of life of the Church’s representative writers and defenders.
11.
Miracles
The glory of miracles worked in the Church and under the Church’s auspices.
12.
Prophecy
The gift of prophecy found among the Church’s saints and spokespeople.
13.
Opposition
The opposition that the Church arouses among those who attack her on the very grounds that Christ was opposed by His enemies.
14.
Unhappy End
The unhappy end of those who fight against the Church.
15.
Temporal Peace and Earthly Happiness
The temporal peace and earthly happiness of those who live by the Church’s teaching and defend her interests.
 
this article discovered here
 
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/06/08/the-marks-of-the-church/feed/ To The Spirit Of Light And Love http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/to-the-spirit-of-light-and-love/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/to-the-spirit-of-light-and-love/#comments Sat, 31 May 2008 01:19:53 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/to-the-spirit-of-light-and-love/
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“No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who Him, ” God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God … Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit …
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
 
 
May the - the Spirit of Pentecost, help you to clarify what is ambiguous, to give warmth to what is indifferent, to enlighten what is obscure, to be before the world true and generous witnesses of Christ’s , for no one can live without .
 
+ Pope John Paul II
[L’Osservatore Romano 6-16-80]
 
 
this article discovered here
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/to-the-spirit-of-light-and-love/feed/ Veni Sancte Spiritus http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/veni-sancte-spiritus/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/veni-sancte-spiritus/#comments Sat, 31 May 2008 00:37:10 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/veni-sancte-spiritus/
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English translation of
Sequence during the Mass of Pentecost

Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams,
which sweetly flow in silent streams
from Thy bright throne above.
 
O come, Thou Father of the poor;
O come, Thou source of all our store,
come, fill our hearts with .
 
O Thou, of comforters the best,
O Thou, the soul’s delightful guest,
the pilgrim’s sweet relief.
 
Rest art Thou in our toil, most sweet
refreshment in the noonday heat;
and solace in our grief.
 
O blessed Light of life Thou art;
fill with Thy light the inmost heart
of those who hope in Thee.
 
Without Thy Godhead nothing can,
have any price or worth in man,
nothing can harmless be.
 
Lord, wash our sinful stains away,
refresh from heaven our barren clay,
our wounds and bruises heal.
 
To Thy sweet yoke our stiff necks bow,
warm with Thy fire our hearts of snow,
our wandering feet recall.
 
Grant to Thy faithful, dearest Lord,
whose only hope is Thy sure word,
the sevenfold gifts of grace.
 
Grant us in life Thy grace that we,
in peace may die and ever be,
in before Thy face. Amen. Alleluia.
 
This is a famous Catholic Gregorian chant hymn, actually the sequence for the Mass of Pentecost. This is not to be confused with another of the Church’s beautiful chants, Veni Creator Spiritus, which is the Vespers hymn for Pentecost (and often sung on and around Pentecost, as well as at Confirmations and priestly Ordinations).
 
Veni, Sancte Spiritus, known as the Golden Sequence, is sung during Mass on Pentecost Sunday. It is commonly regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of sacred Latin poetry ever written. Its beauty and depth have been praised by many. The hymn has been attributed to three different authors, King Robert II the Pious of France (970-1031), Pope Innocent III (1161-1216), and Stephen Langton (d 1228), Archbishop of Canterbury, of which the last is most likely the author.
 
The Latin lyrics:
Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
et emitte caelitus
lucis tuae radium.
 
Veni, pater pauperum,
veni, dator munerum
veni, lumen cordium.
 
Consolator optime,
dulcis hospes animae,
dulce refrigerium.
 
In labore requies,
in aestu temperies
in fletu solatium.
 
O lux beatissima,
reple cordis intima
tuorum fidelium.
 
Sine tuo numine,
nihil est in homine,
nihil est innoxium.
 
Lava quod est sordidum,
riga quod est aridum,
sana quod est saucium.
 
Flecte quod est rigidum,
fove quod est frigidum,
rege quod est devium.
 
Da tuis fidelibus,
in te confidentibus,
sacrum septenarium.
 
Da virtutis meritum,
da salutis exitum,
da perenne gaudium, Amen, Alleluia.
 
Click for Gregorian Chant Lyrics page
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/30/veni-sancte-spiritus/feed/ St. Faustina and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/25/st-faustina-and-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/25/st-faustina-and-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit/#comments Mon, 26 May 2008 02:57:15 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/25/st-faustina-and-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit/
 
A noble and delicate soul, even the most simple, but one of delicate sensibilities, sees God in everything, finds Him everywhere, and knows how to find Him in even the most hidden things. It finds all things important, it highly appreciates all things, it thanks God for all things, it draws profit for the soul from all things, and it gives all glory to God. It places its trust in God and is not confused when the time of ordeals comes. It knows that God is always the best of Fathers and makes little of human opinion. It follows faithfully the faintest breath of the ; it rejoices in this Spiritual Guest and holds onto Him like a child to its mother. Where other souls come to a standstill and fear, this soul passes on without fear or difficulty.
­ Diary of St. Faustina, 148
 
On Pentecost Sunday, we read how the apostles needed the to empower them to discern and act upon the will of God.
 
St. Faustina had a God-given inclination to totally rely on the . Her Diary includes numerous references about the importance of having the Spirit involved in every facet of her existence.
 
The following are just a few of these excerpts that show what can happen when we rely on the gifts of the .
 
In the evening during benediction, such thoughts as these began to distress me: Is not perhaps all this that I am saying about God’s great just a lie or an illusion…? And I wanted to think about this for a while, when I heard a strong and clear inner voice saying, “Everything that you say about My goodness is true; language has no adequate expression to extol My goodness.” These words were so filled with power and so clear that I would give my life in declaring they came from God. I can tell this by the profound peace that accompanied them at that time and that still remains with me. This peace gives me such great strength and power that all difficulties, adversities, sufferings, and death itself are as nothing. This light gave me a glimpse of the truth that all my efforts to bring souls to know the of the Lord are very pleasing to God. And from this springs such great in my soul that I do not know whether it could be any greater in heaven, Oh, if souls would only be willing to listen, at least a little, to the voice of conscience and the voice ­ that is, the inspirations ­ of the ! I say “at least a little” because once we open ourselves to the influence of the , He Himself will fulfill what is lacking in us.
­ Diary, 359
 
On a certain occasion, I saw a person about to commit a mortal sin. I asked the Lord to send me the greatest torments so that that soul could be saved. Then I suddenly felt the terrible pain of a crown of thorns on my head. It lasted for quite a long time, but that person remained in the Lord’s grace. O my , how very easy it is to become holy; all that is needed is a bit of good will. If sees this little bit of good will in the soul, He hurries to give Himself to the soul, and nothing can stop Him, neither shortcomings nor falls ­ absolutely nothing. is anxious to help that soul, and if it is faithful to this grace from God, it can very soon attain the highest holiness possible for a creature here on earth. God is very generous and does not deny His grace to anyone. Indeed He gives more than what we ask of Him. Faithfulness to the inspirations of the ­ that is the shortest route.
­ Diary, 291
 
O , keep me in holy fear, so that I may not waste graces. Help me to be faithful to the inspirations of the . Grant that my heart may burst for of You, rather than I should neglect even one act of for You.
­ Diary, 1557
 
We are beginning an eight-day retreat today. , my Master, help me to make these holy retreat exercises with the greatest fervor possible. May Your Spirit guide me, O God, into the most profound depths of knowledge of Yourself, and of my own self as well. For I shall You only as much as I shall come to know You. And I shall despise myself only as much as I shall come to know my misery. I know, Lord, that You will not refuse me Your help. I desire to come out of this retreat a saint; even though human eyes will not notice this, not even those of the superiors. I abandon myself entirely to the action of Your grace. Let Your will be accomplished entirely in me, O Lord.
­ Diary, 1326
 
An ardent desire for this Feast (Divine Sunday) is burning up my whole soul. In fervent prayer for the hastening of the Feast I find some relief, and I have begun a novena for the intention of certain priests that God may grant them light and inspiration to apply for the promulgation of this Feast, and that the Spirit of God inspire the Holy Father regarding the entire matter.
The novena consists of an hour of adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. I have implored God to hasten this Feast and have asked the to inspire certain people regarding this whole matter. I am finishing this novena on Holy Thursday.
­ Diary, 1041
 
This evening, I prepared with great care and prayed long to the that He might deign to grant me His light and take me under His special guidance.
­ Diary, 1174
 
Some days ago, a certain person came to me and asked me to pray for her intention, as she had some urgent and important business. All of a sudden, I felt in my soul that this matter was not pleasing to God, and I replied that I would not pray for this intention, “but I will pray for you, in general” [I added]. A few days later, this lady came back to me and thanked me for not having prayed for her intention, but rather for her, because she had been motivated by a spirit of revenge toward a certain person to whom she owed respect and veneration in virtue of the fourth commandment. The Lord had changed her interior [dispositions], and she herself acknowledged her guilt; but was, however, surprised that I had penetrated her secret.
­ Diary, 958.
 
Silence is a sword in the spiritual struggle. A talkative soul will never attain sanctity. The sword of silence will cut off everything that would like to cling to the soul. We are sensitive to words and quickly want to answer back, without taking any regard as to whether it is God’s will that we should speak. A silent soul is strong; no adversities will harm it if it perseveres in silence. The silent soul is capable of attaining the closest union with God. It lives almost always under the inspiration of the . God works in a silent soul without hindrance.
­ Diary, 477
 
From this, I came to understand one thing: that I must pray much for each of my confessors, that he might obtain the light of the , for when I approach the confessional without first praying fervently, the confessor does not understand me very well. Father encouraged me to pray fervently for these intentions, that God would give better knowledge and understanding of the things He is asking of me. Make novena after novena, Sister, and God will not refuse the graces.
­ Diary, 647
 
Virtue without prudence is not virtue at all. We should often pray to the for this grace of prudence. Prudence consists in discretion, rational reflection and courageous resolution. The final decision is always up to us. We must decide; we can and we ought to seek advice and light…
­ Diary, 1106
 
Today, the majesty of God is surrounding me. There is no way that I can help myself to prepare better. I am thoroughly enwrapped in God. My soul is being inflamed by His . I only know that I and am loved. That is enough for me. I am trying my best to be faithful throughout the day to the and to fulfill His demands. I am trying my best for interior silence in order to be able to hear His voice.
­ Diary, 1828
(St. Faustina’s last entry into the Diary)
 
Prayer of St. Faustina
O my , I beg You on behalf of the whole Church: Grant it and the light of Your Spirit, and give power to the words of priests so that hardened hearts might be brought to repentance and return to You, O Lord. Lord, give us holy priests; You yourself maintain them in holiness. O Divine and Great High Priest, may the power of Your accompany them everywhere and protect them from the devil’s traps and snares which are continually being set for the souls of priests. May the power of Your , O Lord, shatter and bring to naught all that might tarnish the sanctity of priests, for You can do all things.
­ Diary, 1052
 
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE
 
On my knees before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself soul and body to You Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your . You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, 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 and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O , Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.” Amen.
 
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE
O Lord Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your . Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
 
Brother Leonard Konopka, MIC, is on the staff of the Marian Seminary in Washington, D.C. He also provides spiritual direction, retreats, and seminars.
 
this article discovered here
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/25/st-faustina-and-the-gifts-of-the-holy-spirit/feed/ The Chaplet of the Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/11/the-chaplet-of-the-holy-spirit/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/11/the-chaplet-of-the-holy-spirit/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 02:13:31 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/11/the-chaplet-of-the-holy-spirit/

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Apostles Creed

I

Holy Mother, ask the Eternal Father in ’ Name to send the to me. Beseech your beloved Spouse to come to me and to abide with me always and forever.

II

V - Come, , fill the hearts of your faithful.

R - And kindle in them the fire of your .

V - Send forth your spirit, Lord, and they shall be created.

R - And thou shalt renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray,

O God, who by the light of the did instruct the hearts of your faithful; grant that in the same Spirit we may be truly wise and ever rejoice in his consolation. Through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Gifts of the Holy Spirit

V – For Thy holy gift of Knowledge,

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of Understanding

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of Wisdom,

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of Counsel

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of Fortitude.

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of Piety,

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


V – For Thy holy gift of a Holy Fear of God.

R – We pray O Lord.

Our Father – Hail Mary – Glory Be


Virtues of the

Theological Virtues

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of pride with the Light of Faith.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of lust with the Light of Hope.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of avarice with the Light of Charity.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Cardinal Virtues

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of anger with the Light of Prudence.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of sloth with the Light of Fortitude.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V - Come, , come dispel the darkness of envy with the Light of Justice.

R - Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of gluttony with the Light of Temperance.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Additional Virtues

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of idolatry with the Light of Silence.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of egoism with the Light of .

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of impurity with the Light of Purity.

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come, , come dispel the darkness of hatred with the Light of .

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Fruits of the Holy Spirit

Daily

V – Come Spirit of True Faith, and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Divine , and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Divine , and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Prayer, and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Fasting, and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Sunday

V – Come Spirit of Reconciliation, and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Peace, and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Monday

V – Come Spirit of Kindness and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Goodness and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Tuesday

V – Come Spirit of Mildness and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Continence and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Wednesday

V – Come Spirit of Modesty and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Chastity and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Thursday

V – Come Spirit of Poverty and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Obedience and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Friday

V – Come Spirit of Fidelity and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of Longanimity and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

Saturday

V – Come Spirit of Patience and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

V – Come Spirit of and fill the hearts of your faithful

R – Come, , come by means of the powerful Intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well beloved spouse.

III

Come, , fill the hearts of your faithful; Fill them with enduring ; Bring to perfection in me the image and likeness of Christ; Remind me of all that said and did; Instruct me in everything; Bring me unto all truth. Your words, Lord, are Spirit and Life. You are the Word of Eternal Life, make me holy in the truth.

Come, O spirit of ; O Fire of , Purify my heart, mind, and soul; Sanctify all I think, say, and do; And bestow on me in plenitude Thy holy gifts. May I always and only give thanks, and praise, and glory to you, my Lord and my God.

Amen.

this prayer discovered here

1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/11/the-chaplet-of-the-holy-spirit/feed/ Communicating with the Holy Spirit http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/09/communicating-with-the-holy-spirit/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/09/communicating-with-the-holy-spirit/#comments Sat, 10 May 2008 02:27:43 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/09/communicating-with-the-holy-spirit/
SymbolofHolySpirit.jpg (450x300 pixels)
 
If you only knew the gift of God, said to the Samaritan woman! Do we appreciate the in our lives and the gifts He gives us? In order to receive His gifts, we must be responsive to His inspirations. But how? I know of no better way to become docile to the than to spend time in adoration of our Eucharistic Lord. To pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament is to sit in a private classroom with the as our tutor!
 
Like a traveler pitching His tent in the desert, the dwells in our souls as an intimate guest in order guide us on our path to holiness. On the day of our Baptism, we are consecrated temples of the . St. Paul exhorts us: Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? The is our resident spiritual director, our advocate, who communicates to us knowledge of the Father and the Son. How do we communicate with Him? St Teresa of Avila urges us to hold conversations with Christ, and she assures us in The Way of Perfection that He most definitely communicates with us. Meditation, she says, is not a monologue, but rather a dialogue. Do you suppose that because we cannot hear Him, He is silent? He speaks clearly to the heart when we beg Him from our heart to do so. . . Soon after we have begun to force ourselves to remain near the Lord, He will give us indications that . . . He heard us.
 
I sometimes pray with a notebook in hand. I simply speak to as a friend, and then record the thoughts that He seems to be saying to me. It is a way for me to open my heart to Him, to empty myself, and through deep listening, to welcome Him into my life. Before writing a word, I try to quiet down and let go of everything that’s racing through my mind and heart. Sometimes it takes a few minutes because I’m so caught up in a whirlwind of activity. As each anxiety, problem, person, fear or thought comes to mind, I put it in an imaginary suitcase which I place at the foot of the Cross and ask to let a precious drop of His Blood fall on all these concerns. Soon, I come to a place of inner quiet, then I wait on the .
 
One afternoon while sitting in Our Lord’s presence, I thought back over my life to the thousands of times I have yearned for God from the time when I was six years old in the hospital with polio and cried for God through all the years up to the present moment when I’ve reached out for God. Through His grace, the is the first to awaken faith in us and to communicate to us our new life, which is to know the Father and the one whom He has sent, Christ. (John 17:3) The impressed me with the thought that our desire for God is His gift to us, His call which He places deep within our hearts. The hunger that we feel is His hunger for us, His of us, His need for us to respond to His ! Our conversation continued: With Baptism, every child becomes Mine. You are sealed in My , you are especially signed by My , branded with an indelible mark in your heart which identifies you as My child. I own you, have paid the price for you by My cruel death on the cross. I have won you for Me, to be forever united to Me in heaven for all eternity. Just as you become a mother when you give birth to your children and you them because of that so do I become your mother and father through the birth of My spirit in you. Physical birth is one thing, spiritual birth is another. You become spiritually born through Baptism and you are then a child in My kingdom. You are Mine. My Spirit is born in you and lives in you and leads you through life. My spirit is your life, your real life. . . .
 
The truth of this was confirmed by my experience. As a child of God, we will never be led astray if we rely on our faith and pray to the for guidance in life. He always answers our prayers and gives us what we need! As I reflect on the path I’ve traveled, I realize that I’ve been constantly led to the next step of truth and healing for my life. I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when He comes, the Spirit of truth, He will guide you to all truth. (John 16:12) The times when I abandoned my faith and chose not to follow God’s will were times of great desolation when I refused His friendship and was dead so to speak.
 
When we come before the Lord, He pours His gifts into us through His . Is there something we need? A problem to be solved? A wound to be healed? The Lord takes us where we are at any given time and invites us to grow. I have experienced the as a teacher, counselor, intercessor and healer. During a retreat at Marytown, I asked for wisdom for a conference talk I was due to give. One thing led to another when I unexpectedly uncovered feelings of anger lurking below the surface. I was harboring a reservoir of hostility and resentment which was directed at my pastor, with whom I had locked horns at parish council meetings. I resented his cold, controlling manner, and the ways he stifled the Spirit (or so I judged). Sitting in the chapel, I vented my anger on paper. The Lord asked me to look deep in my own heart and ask myself what part of me is Fr. ________? What inside of me shuts people down and isolates them? While I was trying to blame my pastor for my anger, the showed me that I was projecting my own shadow on him, the repressed parts of myself that I fear and hate.
 
What a moment of truth! Where, I wondered, did this darkness come from? It comes from your need to protect yourself from pain and abuse, from emotional abandonment, from hunger for , for attention, for care, for touch, I wrote. Sometimes, wasn’t reflected to you. Instead, there was anger, insult, lack of trust, negativity, coldness. In sealing yourself off from that, you sealed yourself in. Until you recognize it and give it to Me for healing, it lives in you and hurts you and others and sometimes controls you. St. Paul exhorts us to cooperate with the and surrender what is not of God in us in order to become more like and give glory to the Father. We who with unveiled faces contemplate the glory of God are being transformed in His image, progressing from glory to glory. This is the work of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18) I asked how this work is to be accomplished. Bring this broken piece of your heart to me everyday at Mass, He said. Put it in the chalice with My Blood. I will seal up the cracks in your heart with My Blood.
 
Praise be to You Lord Christ! My prayer that day began with a plea for wisdom to know God’s will for a talk. The answered me by giving me a generous dose of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of myself and my pastor, and the to see my own deficiency which was separating me from God. He counseled me as to the source of my anger and how to deal with it. And He promised healing!
 
How can we hold Him to His promise? While was in their company he told them not to leave Jerusalem. You must wait, he said, for the promise of my Father. John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the . . .You will receive power when the comes upon you; and you will bear witness for me in Jerusalem, and all over Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:4-5, 8) We must wait told us, and pray with all our heart. Like the man who knocked at his friend’s door at midnight, he refused to take no for an answer! Each day, all day, we must beg the to empower us to transform our lives, our families, our world. How much more will the heavenly Father give the to those who ask him!, said. To add maximum power to our prayer, we should follow the example of the apostles who waited on the Spirit before Pentecost with Mary. If we ask her to put in a word for us, we are assured of our prayer being answered if it be in accord with the will of the Father. Look what she did at Cana! Mary’s influence with is enormous. Together with the , she will intercede for our needs as only a mother can.
 
by Joan Carter McHugh
 
this article discovered here
Joan Carter McHugh is the founder and director, along with her husband, Tom, of Witness Ministries, a Catholic publishing apostolate devoted to the Eucharist. She has authored five books and her articles have appeared in many Catholic newspapers and magazines. Joan lectures and gives retreats based on her books.
 
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10,12-13
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
9But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared for them that him.
10But to us God hath revealed them, by this Spirit. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
12Now we have received not the spirit of this world, but the Spirit that is of God; that we may know the things that are given us from God.
13Which things also we speak, not in the learned words of human wisdom; but in the doctrine of the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
John 17:3
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
3Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 16:12
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
12I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now.
2 Corinthians 3:18
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
18But we all beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Acts 1:4-5
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
4And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth.
5For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.
John 17:3
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
3Now this is eternal life: That they may know thee, the only true God, and Christ, whom thou hast sent.
John 16:12
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
12I have yet many things to say to you: but you cannot bear them now.
2 Corinthians 3:18
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
18But we all beholding the glory of the Lord with open face, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Acts 1:4-5
View in: NAB NJB Vulg Greek
4And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth.
5For John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.
]]> http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/09/communicating-with-the-holy-spirit/feed/ Novena of the Seven Gifts [May 2-10] http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/02/novena-of-the-seven-gifts-may-2-10/ http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/02/novena-of-the-seven-gifts-may-2-10/#comments Sat, 03 May 2008 01:46:56 +0000 prazim http://halfthekingdom.org/wordpress/2008/05/02/novena-of-the-seven-gifts-may-2-10/
dove%20over%20earth%20Holy%20Spirit.jpg (600x434 pixels)

FOREWORD
 
The novena in honor of the is the oldest of all novenas since it was first made at the direction of Our Lord Himself when He sent His apostles back to Jerusalem to await the coming of the on the first Pentecost. It is still the only novena officially prescribed by the Church. Addressed to the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity, it is a powerful plea for the light and strength and so sorely needed by every Christian.
 
ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE
To be recited daily during the Novena
 
On my knees I before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses I offer myself, soul and body to You, Eternal Spirit of God. I adore the brightness of Your purity, the unerring keenness of Your justice, and the might of Your . You are the Strength and Light of my soul. In You I live and move and am. I desire never to grieve You by unfaithfulness to grace and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against You. Mercifully guard my every thought and grant that I may always watch for Your light, and listen to Your voice, 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 and looking at His Five Wounds, and trusting in His Precious Blood and adoring His opened Side and stricken Heart, I implore You, Adorable Spirit, Helper of my infirmity, to keep me in Your grace that I may never sin against You. Give me grace O , Spirit of the Father and the Son to say to You always and everywhere, “Speak Lord for Your servant heareth.” Amen.
 
 
PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE
To be recited daily during the Novena
 
O Lord Christ Who, before ascending into heaven did promise to send the to finish Your work in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the same to me that He may perfect in my soul, the work of Your grace and Your . Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth, the Spirit on Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You  and that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation, the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable, and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him. Mark me, dear Lord with the sign of Your true disciples, and animate me in all things with Your Spirit. Amen.
 
The Novena begins on the day after the Solemnity of the Ascension, Friday of the 6th Week of Easter, even if the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred to the 7th Sunday.
 
FIRST DAY (Friday after Ascension or Friday of 6th Week of Easter)
 
! Lord of Light! From Your clear celestial height, Your pure beaming radiance give!
 
 
Only one thing is important — eternal salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared–sin· Sin is the result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The is the Spirit of Light, of Strength, and of . With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with of God. To ensure our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for “The Spirit helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the Spirit Himself asketh for us.”
 
Prayer
 
Almighty and eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us by water and the , and hast given us forgiveness all sins, vouchsafe to send forth from heaven upon us your sevenfold Spirit, the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and fortitude, the Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, and fill us with the Spirit of Holy Fear. Amen.
 
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts
 
SECOND DAY (Saturday of 6th Week of Easter)
 
Come. Father of the poor. Come, treasures which endure; Come, Light of all that live!
 
The Gift of Fear
 
The gift of Fear fills us with a sovereign respect for God, and makes us dread nothing so much as to offend Him by sin. It is a fear that arises, not from the thought of hell, but from sentiments of reverence and filial submission to our heavenly Father. It is the fear that is the beginning of wisdom, detaching us from worldly pleasures that could in any way separate us from God. “They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and in His sight will sanctify their souls.”
 
Prayer
 
Come, O blessed Spirit of Holy Fear, penetrate my inmost heart, that I may set you, my Lord and God, before my face forever, help me to shun all things that can offend You, and make me worthy to appear before the pure eyes of Your Divine Majesty in heaven, where You live and reign in the unity of the ever Blessed Trinity, God world without end. Amen.
 
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts
 
THIRD DAY (7th Sunday of Easter or transferred Ascension)
 
Thou, of all consolers best, Visiting the troubled breast, Dost refreshing peace bestow.
 
The Gift of Piety
 
The gift of Piety begets in our hearts a filial affection for God as our most loving Father. It inspires us to and respect for His sake persons and things consecrated to Him, as well as those who are vested with His authority, His Blessed Mother and the Saints, the Church and its visible Head, our parents and superiors, our country and its rulers. He who is filled with the gift of Piety finds the practice of his religion, not a burdensome duty, but a delightful service. Where there is , there is no labor.
 
Prayer
 
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Piety, possess my heart. Enkindle therein such a for God, that I may find satisfaction only in His service, and for His sake lovingly submit to all legitimate authority. Amen.
 
Our Father and Hail Mary ONCE. Glory be to the Father SEVEN TIMES.
Act of Consecration, Prayer for the Seven Gifts
 
FOURTH DAY (Monday, 7th Week of Easter)
 
Thou in toil art comfort sweet, Pleasant coolness in the heat, solace in the midst of woe.
 
The Gift of Fortitude
 
By the gift of Fortitude the soul is strengthened against natural fear, and supported to the end in the performance of duty. Fortitude imparts to the will an impulse and energy which move it to under take without hesitancy the most arduous tasks, to face dangers, to trample under foot human respect, and to endure without complaint the slow martyrdom of even lifelong tribulation. “He that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”
 
Prayer
 
Come, O Blessed Spirit of Fortitude, uphold my soul in time of t