Prayers for 9/30 & 10/1

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Antoninus of Piacenza, Gregory the Illuminator, Jerome, Ursus the Theban, Bavo, Piaton, Remigius, Romanos the Melodist, and Therese of Lisieux; and Bls. Frederick Albert, Antoni Rewera, Edward James, John Robinson, and Luigi Maria Monti.

For the peoples of Armenia, France, Russia, and the Netherlands...

For the Congregation of the Vincentian Sisters of Mary Immaculate...

For the Congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception...

For archeologists and curators...

For Scripture scholars...

For translators...

For those who keep weblogs...

For all who work in aviation...

For missionaries...

For those who suffer from AIDS, and for their caregivers...

For Suzie Ryan, and for her family and friends...

For the Coffin family...

For the repose of the souls of the victims of the plane crash in Brazil, and for their friends and families...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jehovah's Perfect Law

Jehovah’s perfect law
Restores the soul again;
His testimony sure
Gives wisdom to men;
The precepts of the Lord are right,
And fill the heart with great delight.

The Lord’s commands are pure,
They light and joy restore;
Jehovah’s fear is clean,
Enduring evermore;
His statutes, let the world confess,
Are wholly truth and righteousness.

They are to be desired
Above the finest gold;
Than honey from the comb
More sweetness far they hold;
With warnings they Thy servant guard,
In keeping them is great reward.

His errors who can know?
Cleanse me from hidden stain;
Keep me from willful sins,
Nor let them o’er me reign;
And then I upright shall appear
And be from great transgressions clear.

When Thou dost search my life,
May all my thoughts within
And all the words I speak
Thy full approval win.
O Lord, Thou art a Rock to me,
And my Redeemer Thou shalt be.

Apology

Time constraints prevented us from posting for 9/30. We will include the saints and their patronages on 10/01's entry. Apologies for any inconveneiences caused.

Prayers on the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Besides the three holy archangels, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Charles of Blois, John de Montmirail, Richard Rolle, and Theodota.

For the peoples of Portugal, Cornwall, Germany, Papua New Guinea, and Umbria...

For all clergy...

For all who work in mass media and mass communication...

For all who work in the diplomatic corps...

For all who work in postal, courier, and delivery services...

For paramedics and EMTs...

For the members of the Armed Forces...

For all who own businesses...

For police and other public safety officers...

For engaged couples...

For all who work in the pharmaceutical industry...

For travellers...

For prisoners...

For the sick...

For the dying...

For Katy's family...

For those affectd by Typhoon Xangsane...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Christ, the Fair Glory of the Holy Angels


Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels,
Thou Who hast made us, Thou Who o’er us rulest,
Grant of Thy mercy unto us Thy servants
Steps up to Heaven.

Send Thy archangel, Michael, to our succor;
Peacemaker blessèd, may he banish from us
Striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful
All things may prosper.

Send Thy archangel, Gabriel, the mighty;
Herald of Heaven, may he from us mortals
Spurn the old serpent, watching o’er the temples
Where Thou art worshipped.

Send thy archangel, Raphael, the restorer
Of the misguided ways of men who wander,
Who at Thy bidding strengthens soul and body
With Thine anointing.

Father almighty, Son and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessèd, be Thou our Preserver;
Thine is the glory which the angels worship,
Veiling their faces.

Prayers for 9/28

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of China; Sts. Conval, Eustochium, John of Dukla, Lorenzo Ruiz of Manila and Companions; and Wenceslaus.

For the peoples of China and the Czech Republic...

For brewers...

For the repose of the soul of Emily Keyes, and for all those affected by the school shooting in Bailey, CO...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/28

Our God, Our Help in Ages Past


Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.

Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.

A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.

The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.

Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.

Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.

Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.

Prayers for 9/27

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Delphina, Elzear, Gaius of Milan, and Vincent de Paul.

For the people of Madagascar...

For the Vincentian family of orders...

For the St. Vincent de Paul Society...

For the Vincentian Service Corps...

For all other charitable and volunteer organizations...

For hospitals and clinics...

For those suffering from Hansen's Disease...

For personal intentions...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/27

Lead, Kindly Light


Lead, kindly Light, amid th’encircling gloom, lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.

I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!

So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on.
O’er moor and fen, o’er crag and torrent, till the night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile, which I
Have loved long since, and lost awhile!

Meantime, along the narrow rugged path, Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Savior, lead me home in childlike faith, home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

Prayers for 9/26

Today we ask the intercession of the North American Martyrs (feast day in Canada). We also ask the intercession of Sts. Cosmas & Damian, Pope Eusebius, Gabriel Lalemant, and Marie Victoire Therese Couderc; and Bls. Giovanni Mazzucconi and Louis Tezza.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the Camillian Sisters...

For the Cenacle Sisters...

For all medical professionals...

For midwives...

For all working in the pharmaceutical industry...

For barbers and hairstylists...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/26

Blest Are the Undefiled in Heart


Blest are the undefiled in heart,
Whose ways are right and clean;
Who never from Thy law depart,
But fly from every sin.

Blest are the men that keep Thy Word,
And practice Thy commands;
With their whole heart they seek the Lord,
And serve thee with their hands.

Great is their peace who love Thy law;
How firm their souls abide!
Nor can a bold temptation draw
Their steady feet aside.

Then shall my heart have inward joy,
And keep my face from shame,
When all Thy statutes I obey,
And honor all Thy Name.

But haughty sinners God will hate,
The proud shall die accursed;
The sons of falsehood and deceit
Are trodden to the dust.

Vile as the dross the wicked are;
And those that leave Thy ways
Shall see salvation from afar,
But never taste Thy grace.

Prayers for 9/25

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Albert of Jerusalem, Cadoc of Llancarvan, Cleophas, Finbar, Firminus of Amiens, and Vincent Strambi; and Bls. Augustine Ota, Giuseppe Benedetto Dusmet, Herman the Cripple, Mancius Shisisoiemon, and Mark Criado.

For the Carmelites...

For the hearing-impaired...

For those suffering from glandular disorders...

For Emmie Rose's family...

For personal intentions...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/25

Who Shall Ascend Thy Heav'nly Place?


Who shall ascend Thy heav’nly place,
Great God, and dwell before Thy face?
The man that minds religion now,
And humbly walks with God below.

Whose hands are pure, whose heart is clean,
Whose lips still speak the thing they mean;
No slanders dwell upon his tongue;
He hates to do his neighbor wrong.

Scarce will he trust an ill report,
Nor vents it to his neighbor’s hurt:
Sinners of state he can despise,
But saints are honored in his eyes.

Firm to his word he ever stood,
And always makes his promise good;
Nor dares to change the thing he swears,
Whatever pain or loss he bears.

He never deals in bribing gold,
And mourns that justice should be sold;
While others gripe and grind the poor,
Sweet charity attends his door.

He loves his enemies, and prays
For those that curse him to his face
And doth to all men still the same
That he would hope or wish from them.

Yet, when his holiest works are done,
His soul depends on grace alone:
This is the man Thy face shall see,
And dwell for ever, Lord, with Thee.

Prayers for 9/24

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary under two of her titles: Our Lady of Ransom and Our Lady of Walsingham.

We also ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Chalcedon; Sts. Gerard Sagredo,Pacificus of Severino, and Rupert; and Bls. Anton Martin Slomsek and Colomba Gabriel.

For the people of Hungary...

For the people of Salzburg...

For Anglican-use Catholics...

For il Instituto Suore Benedettine di Carità...

For intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time

O Save Thee by Thy Name


O save me by Thy Name,
And judge me in Thy might,
O God, now grant my urgent claim
Acceptance in Thy sight.

Strong foes against me rise,
Oppressors seek my soul,
Who set not God before their eyes,
Nor own His just control.

Lo, God my Helper is,
The Lord, my mighty Friend,
He shall requite my enemies,
Their just destruction send.

My sacrifice of praise
To Thee I freely bring;
My thanks, O Lord, to Thee I raise
And of Thy goodness sing.

From troubles and from woes
Thou hast delivered me,
The overthrow of all my foes
Hast given me to see.

Prayers for 9/23

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Adamnan, Antonio, Cristobal, Juan, Pope Linus, and Padre Pio; and Bls. Bernardina Maria Jablonska, Emilie Tavernier Gamelin, Helen Duglioli, and William Way.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the Albertine Sisters...

For the Sisters of Providence...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/23

Lord, if at Thy Command


Lord, if at Thy command
The word of life we sow,
Watered by Thy almighty hand,
The seed shall surely grow.

The virtue of Thy grace
A large increase shall give,
And multiply the faithful race
Who to Thy glory live.

Now then the ceaseless shower
Of Gospel blessings send,
And let the soul converting power
Thy ministers attend.

On multitudes confer
The heart renewing love,
And by the joy of grace prepare
For fuller joys above.

Prayers for 9/22

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Valencia, Spain; Sts. Ignatius of Santhia and Maurice and Companions.

For the peoples of Austria, Sardinia, and Piedmont, Italy...

For the Swiss Guard...

For all members of the Armed Forces...

For Fr. Robert Bishop, CMF, and all requests posted in the comments box...

For the requests posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all requests previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/22

O Daughters Blest of Galilee

O daughters blest of Galilee,
With Jesus chose ye well to be,
Thrice happy holy company.

O joy, to see that Master dear!
O joy, to live with Him so near!
O joy, that gentle voice to hear!

O more than joy, to that dear Lord,
In purest, deepest love adored,
All lowly service to afford.

Yea, happy was your lot to bring
In loyal homage to your King
Each free and gracious offering.

O Jesus, throned above the height,
Adoring troops of angels bright
Wait on Thy bidding day and night.

Thy sacred form we cannot see,
Yet, Lord, these hands may render Thee
Each lowly act of charity.

For while, ’mid want and woe we move,
And tend Thy poor in gentle love,
We minister to Thee above.

O gracious Jesus, we confess,
Our poor cold love, our nothingness:
Yet Thou wilt own, and Thou wilt bless.

Prayers on the Feast of St. Matthew

Besides St. Matthew, we also ask the intercession of Sts. Francis Jaccard, Iphigenia, andJames Honoré Chastán.

For all who work in banking, accounting, and financial services...

For security guards...

For the repose of the souls of those killed in the mining accident in Karaganda, Kazakhstan, and for their families and friends...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of St. Matthew

He Sat to Watch o'er Customs Paid


He sat to watch o’er customs paid,
A man of scorned and hard’ning trade;
Alike the symbol and the tool
Of foreign masters’ hated rule.

But grace within his breast had stirred;
There needed but the timely word;
It came, true Lord of souls! from Thee,
That royal summons, “Follow Me.”

Enough, when Thou wert passing by
To hear Thy voice, to meet Thine eye;
He rose, responsive to the call,
And left his task, his gains, his all.

O wise exchange! with these to part
And lay up treasure in Thy heart;
With twofold crown of light to shine
Amid Thy servants’ foremost line!

Come, Savior, as in days of old;
Pass where the world has strongest hold,
And faithless care and selfish greed
Are thorns that choke the holy seed.

Who keep Thy gifts, O bid them claim
The steward’s, not the owner’s name;
Who yield all up for Thy dear sake,
Let them of Matthew’s wealth partake.

Prayers for 9/20

Today we ask the intercession of the Martyrs of Korea: Sts. Andrew Kim Taegon, Cecilia Yu, Jung Hye, Paul Chong Hasang and Companions. We also ask the intercession of Sts. Pope Agapitus I, John Charles Cornay, Jose Maria de Yermo y Parres, Lawrence Imbert, and Madelgaire; and Bls. Clemente Marchisio, Frances de Posadas, and Thomas Johnson.


For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the people of Korea...

For the Institute of the Daughters of Saint Joseph...

For the Congregation of the Servants of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Poor...

In thanksgiving for the safe return of Abigale Lynn Woods...

For the people of Thailand...

For the repose of the souls of the miners in Donetsk, Ukraine, and for their families and friends...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

For firefighters...

For hunters...

Hymn for 9/20

Friend of Sinners, Lord of Glory


Friend of sinners, Lord of glory,
Lowly, mighty, Brother, King!
Musing o’er Thy wondrous story,
Grateful we Thy praises sing:
Friend to help us, cheer us, save us,
In Whom pow’r and pity blend—
Praise we must the grace which gave us
Jesus Christ, the sinners’ Friend.

Friend Who never fails nor grieves us,
Faithful, tender, constant, kind;
Friend Who at all times receives us,
Friend Who came the lost to find.
Sorrow soothing, joys enhancing,
Loving until life shall end;
Then conferring bliss entrancing,
Still, in heaven, the sinners’ Friend.

O to love and serve Thee better!
From all evil set us free;
Break, Lord, every sinful fetter;
Be each thought conformed to Thee:
Looking for Thy bright appearing,
May our spirits upward tend;
Till no longer doubting, fearing,
We behold the sinners’ Friend.

Prayers for 9/19

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Alonso de Orozco Mena, Constantia, Emily de Rodat, Felix, Januarius and Companions, and Theodore of Tarsus; and Bls. Hugh of Sassoferrato, Mary de Cerevellon, and Thomas Akafuji.


For the Religious Congregation of the Holy Family of Villefranche...

For blood centers and all who donate blood and plasma...

For those living near active volcanoes...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/19

All People That On Earth Do Dwell


All people that on earth do dwell,
Sing to the Lord with cheerful voice.
Him serve with fear, His praise forth tell;
Come ye before Him and rejoice.

The Lord, ye know, is God indeed;
Without our aid He did us make;
We are His folk, He doth us feed,
And for His sheep He doth us take.

O enter then His gates with praise;
Approach with joy His courts unto;
Praise, laud, and bless His Name always,
For it is seemly so to do.

For why? the Lord our God is good;
His mercy is for ever sure;
His truth at all times firmly stood,
And shall from age to age endure.

To Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
The God Whom Heaven and earth adore,
From men and from the angel host
Be praise and glory evermore.

Prayers for 9/18

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Dominic Trach Doai, John de Massias, Joseph of Cupertino, Richardis, and Thomas of Villanova; and Bls. Carlo Erana Guruceta, Fidel Fuidio Rodriguez, and Jesus Hita Miranda.

For travellers, especially those who travel by air...

For all who work in airlines and airports...

For pilots...

For all who work in space programs...

For students...

For John and Alicia...

For the repose of the soul of Sr. Leonella...

For the residents of Rogers, MN...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/18

O Lord, I Am Not Worthy

O Lord, I am not worthy
That Thou should'st come to me,
But speak the words of comfort,
My spirit healed shall be.

Oh, come, all you who labor
In sorrow and in pain,
Come, eat This Bread from heaven;
Thy peace and strength regain.

O Jesus, we adore Thee,
Our Victim and our Priest,
Whose precious Blood and Body
Become our sacred Feast.

O Sacrament most holy,
O Sacrament divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving
Be ev'ry moment Thine.

Prayers for 9/17

Today we ask the intercession of St. Francis, as this is the feast of the imposition of his stigmata. We also ask the intercession of Sts. Emmanuel Trieu, Hildegard von Bingen, Lambert of Maestricht, Peter Arbues, and Robert Bellarmine; and Bl. Sigimondo Felice Felinski.

For catechumans, their sponsors, and their catechists...

For canon lawyers...

For Dad29's new grandson...

For the people of Sweden, as they prepare for elections...

For personal intentions...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Take Up Thy Cross

“Take up thy cross,” the Savior said,
“If thou wouldst My disciple be;
Deny thyself, the world forsake,
And humbly follow after Me.”

Take up thy cross, let not its weight
Fill thy weak spirit with alarm;
His strength shall bear thy spirit up,
And brace thy heart and nerve thine arm.

Take up thy cross, nor heed the shame,
Nor let thy foolish pride rebel;
Thy Lord for thee the cross endured,
And saved thy soul from death and hell.

Take up thy cross then in His strength,
And calmly sin’s wild deluge brave,
’Twill guide thee to a better home,
It points to glory o’er the grave.

Take up thy cross and follow Christ,
Nor think til death to lay it down;
For only those who bear the cross
May hope to wear the glorious crown.

To Thee, great Lord, the One in Three,
All praise forevermore ascend:
O grant us in our home to see
The heavenly life that knows no end.

Prayers for 9/16

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Pope Cornelius, Cyprian of Carthage, Dulcissima, Euphemia, Ludmila, Ninian, and Pope Victor III; and Bls. Michael Fimonaya and Paul Fimonaya.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the peoples of Algeria and the Czech Republic...

For those suffering from neurological disorders...

For those suffering from earaches and other disorders of the ear...

For all families, especially those with problems...

For Rachel Watkins, and all mothers who have suffered miscarriages...

For the safe return of Stephanie Ochsenbine's baby...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/16

What Shall I Render to the Lord?

What shall I render to the Lord,
What shall my offering be,
For all the gracious benefits
He has bestowed on me?

Salvation’s cup my soul will take
While to the Lord I pray,
And with His people I will meet,
My thankful vows to pay.

Not lightly does the Lord permit
His chosen saints to die;
From death Thou hast delivered me,
Thy servant, Lord, am I.

Within His house, the house of prayer,
My soul shall bless the Lord,
And praises to His holy Name
Let all His saints accord.

Prayers for 9/15

Today we ask the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrows; Sts. Catherine of Genoa, Mirin, and Nicomedes; and Bls. Anton Maria Schwartz, Paolo Manna, and Roland de'Medici.

For the Congregation of Christian Workers of Saint Joseph Calasanz ...

For the Pontifical Institute for the Foreign Missions ...

For the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate...

For childless couples...

For couples in difficult marriages...

For those in the path of hurricanes...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows

At the Cross her Station Keeping

At the cross her station keeping,
stood the mournful mother weeping,
close to Jesus at the last,
Through her soul, of joy bereavèd,
bowed with anguish, deeply grievèd,
now at length the sword hath passed.

O, that blessed one, grief-laden,
blessed Mother, blessed Maiden,
Mother of the all-holy One;
O that silent, ceaseless mourning,
O those dim eyes, never turning
from that wondrous, suffering Son.

Who, on Christ's dear mother gazing,
in her trouble so amazing,
born of woman, would not weep?
Who, on Christ's dear Mother thinking,
such a cup of sorrow drinking,
would not share her sorrows deep?

For his people's sins, in anguish,
there she saw the victim languish,
bleed in torments, bleed and die.
Saw the Lord's anointed taken,
saw her Child in death forrsaken,
heard his last expiring cry.

In the passion of my Maker,
be my sinful soul partaker,
may I bear with her my part;
of his passion bear the token,
in a spirit bowed and broken
bear his death within my heart.

May his wounds both wound and heal me,
he enkindle, cleanse, and heal me,
be his cross my hope and stay.
May he, when the mountains quiver,
from that flame which burns for ever
shield me on the judgment day.

Jesus, may thy cross defend me,
and thy saving death befriend me,
cherished by thy deathless grace:
when to dust my dust returneth,
grant a soul that to thee yearneth
in thy paradise a place.

Prayers on the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Aelia Flaccilla, Gabriel John Tauin du Fresse, and Nortburga.

For agricultural workers...

For those working in the hospitality industry...

In thanksgiving for the release of Fr. Saad Hanna Sirop...

For the people of Montreal affected by yesterday's school shootings...

For a personal intention...

For all intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Lift High the Cross

Refrain

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim,
Till all the world adore His sacred Name.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conquering ranks combine.

Refrain

Each newborn servant of the Crucified
Bears on the brow the seal of Him Who died.

Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
As Thou hast promised, draw the world to Thee.

Refrain

So shall our song of triumph ever be:
Praise to the Crucified for victory.

Refrain

Prayers for 9/13

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Amatus and John Chrysostrom.

For all Byzantine Rite Catholics...

For a reunion between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches...

For public speakers...

For preachers...

For a personal intention...

For all intention posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/13

O Royal Bride, Give Heed

O royal bride, give heed,
And to my words attend;
For Christ the King forsake the world
And every former friend.

Thy beauty and thy grace
Shall then delight the King;
He only is thy rightful Lord,
To Him thy worship bring.

To thee, since thou art His,
Great honor shall be shown;
The rich shall bring their gifts to thee,
Thy glory they shall own.

Enthroned in royal state,
All glorious thou shalt dwell,
With garments fair, inwrought with gold;
The Church He loveth well.

And they that honor thee
Shall in thy train attend,
And to the palace of the King
Shall joyfully ascend.

O King of royal race,
Thy sons of heavenly birth,
Thou wilt endow with kingly gifts
As princes in the earth.

Thy Name shall be proclaimed
Through all succeeding days,
And all the nations of the earth
Shall give Thee endless praise.

Prayers for 9/12

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, ask we keep the feast honoring her Name.

We also ask the intercession of Sts. Ailbe and Guy of Anderlecht; and Bls. Thomas Zumarraga (and Companions) and Victoria Strata.

For unmarried men...

For epileptics and those suffering from other neurological disorders...

For those suffering fro rabies...

For those who work with their hands...

For maintenance workers...

For sacristans and all who help them...

For Daniel John Bean, and for his family...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary

Immaculate Mary

Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing,
You reign now in heaven with Jesus, our King.

(Refrain)

Ave, ave, ave Maria,
Ave, ave, ave Maria.

In heaven, the blessed your glory proclaim:
On earth, we your children invoke your fair name.

(Refrain)

Your name is our power, your virtues our light,
Your love is our comfort, your pleading our might.

(Refrain)

We pray for our mother, the Church upon earth,
And beg you to watch o'er the land of our birth.

(Refrain)

Prayers for 9/11

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Ambrose Edward Barlow, Daniel, John Gabriel Perboyre, and Sperandea; and Bls. Caspar Kotenda, Francis Takea, and Peter Ikiemon.

We also mark five years since the terrorist attacks upon the United States.

For the repose of the souls of all who died five years ago, and for their families and friends...

For the repose of the souls of the miners in Chita, Russia, and for their families and friends...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/11

See, Father, Thy Beloved Son


See, Father, Thy belovèd Son,
Whom here we now present to Thee;
The all sufficient Sacrifice,
The sinner’s one and only plea.

Through Him we pray for all we love,
For all by pain or sin oppressed;
For souls departed in Thy fear:
O grant them eternal rest.

Prayers for 9/10

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Apelles, Barypsabas, Finnian of Moville, Nicholas of Tolentino, and Pulcheria; and Bls. Agnes Tsao-Kouy, Gundisalvus Fusai and Companions, and Thomas Sherwood.

For the people of Northern Ireland...

For sailors and all who live and work on the waters...

For the dying...

For the Poor Souls in Purgatory...

For our leaders...

For refugees and exiles...

For Alicia and her family...

For those in the path of Hurricane Florence...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Praise Thou the Lord, O My Soul

Praise thou the Lord, O my soul, now praise Him,
His praise continue until death;
While I the pathways of earth am treading
God shall be praised with every breath.
My soul and body He did give,
And waits my praise from morn till eve.
O praise the Lord, O praise the Lord!

Happy, yea, happy are they forever,
Whose help the God of Jacob is,
Who hath created the earth and heaven,
The sea and all that therein is.
Let all the world His praises sing,
Who life and health to all doth bring.
O praise the Lord, O praise the Lord!

If there are any who are oppressèd,
He worketh justice in the tide;
Food for the hungry, forlorn, distressed,
The Lord in season doth provide;
Those bound in chains He maketh free,
His lovingkindness they shall see,
O praise the Lord, O praise the Lord!

Praise, O ye people, the Name most glorious
Of Him Who reigns Almighty King.
Let all unite in one holy chorus
To God our hymns of joy to bring.
O Zion, with the heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
O praise the Lord, O praise the Lord!

Prayers for 9/9

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Bettelin, Isaac the Great, Kieran the Younger, and Peter Claver; and Bls. Frédèric Ozanam, George Douglas, Jacques Laval, Maria Eutimia, Mary de la Cabeza, Pierre Bonhomme, and Seraphina Sforza.

For the peoples of Mauritius and Colombia...

For peace and understanding between peoples regardless of race...

For African-American Catholic parishes...

For missionaries...

For the St. Vincent de Paul Society...

For the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Calvary...

For personal intentions...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/9

Our Helper, God, We Bless Thy Name

Our Helper, God, we bless Thy Name,
Whose love forever is the same;
The tokens of Whose gracious care
Begin and crown and close the year.

Amid ten thousand snares we stand,
Supported by Thy guardian hand;
And see, when we review our ways,
Ten thousand monuments of praise.

Thus far Thine arm has led us on;
Thus far we make Thy mercy known;
And while we tread this desert land,
New mercies shall new songs demand.

Our grateful souls on Jordan’s shore
Shall raise one sacred pillar more,
Then bear, in Thy bright courts above,
Inscriptions of immortal love.

Prayers for the Feast of the Birth of Mary

Besides today's feast, we honor Mary under several titles today: Our Lady of Charity, Our Lady of Covadonga, Our Lady of Meritxell, and Our Lady of Valldeflors.

We also ask the intercession of Sts. Adrian of Nicomedia, Corbinian, Disibod, Elizabeth, and Pope Sergius I; and Bls. Adam Bargielski and James Fayashida (along with several other Japanese martyrs).

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the peoples of Cuba and Andorra...

For all members of the Armed Forces...

For areas affected by epidemics...

For all who work in Criminal Justice...

For expectant mothers, especially older women...

For those affected by the Montana wildfires...

For peace throughout the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the Feast of the Birth of Mary

O Sanctissima

(text in English follows)

O sanctissima, O piissima,
Dulcis virgo Maria!
Mater amata, intemerata,
Ora, Ora, ora pro nobis.

Tu solatium et refugium,
Virgo mater Maria!
Quidquid optamus, per te speramus,
Ora, Ora, ora pro nobis.

O most holy one, O most lowly one,
Loving Virgin, Maria!
Mother, Maid of fairest love, Lady, Queen of all above,
Ora, ora pro nobis!

Virgin ever fair, Mother, hear our prayer,
Look upon us, Maria!
Bring to us your treasure, Grace beyond all measure;
Ora, ora pro nobis!

Prayers for 9/7

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Anastasius the Fuller, Cloud, Gratus of Aosta, Marek Krizin, and Regina; and Bls. Eugenia Picco, John Duckett, John Maid, Louis Maki, and Ralph Corby.

For those who work in laundries and dry cleaning services...

For areas affected by inclement weather...

For areas troubled by insect infestation...

For the miners in Dhanbad, Jharkand, India, and for their families...

For peace throught the world...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/7

Jesus, Full of Love Divine


Jesus, full of love divine,
I am Thine and Thou art mine;
Let me live and die to prove
Thine unutterable love.
More and more of love I claim,
Glowing still with quenchless flame;
All my heart to Thee aspires,
Yearns with infinite desire.

Every thought, design, and word
Burns with love to Thee, my Lord;
Body, soul, and spirit joined,
All in love to Thee combined.
Ever since I saw Thy face,
Proved Thy plenitude of grace,
Chose Thee as the better part—
Love has filled and fired my heart.

Jesus, Savior, Thou art mine;
Jesus, all I have is Thine;
Never shall the altar fire,
Kindled on my heart, expire.
Love my darkness shall illume,
Love shall all my sins consume:
Sweetly then I die to prove
An eternity of love!

Prayers for 9/6

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Bega and Magnus of Füssen, and Bls. Bertrand of Garrigue and Thomas Tsugi.

For farmers, especially during harvest-time...

For areas affected by inclement weather...

For areas affected by drought and wildfires, especially Montana...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/6

Ye Righteous, in the Lord Rejoice


Ye righteous, in the Lord rejoice;
’Tis comely that with joyful voice
God’s saints His Name should praise.
With harp and hymn of gladness sing,
Your gift of sweetest music bring,
To Him a new song raise.

For upright is Jehovah’s Word,
And all the doings of the Lord
In justice have their birth.
In judgment and in deeds of right
The Lord forever takes delight,
His goodness fills the earth.

Jehovah speaks, the heav’ns appear;
He breathes, and lo, each shining sphere
In splendor stands arrayed.
He rolls the water heap on heap,
He stores away the mighty deep
In garners for it made.

Let all the earth Jehovah fear,
Let all that dwell both far and near
In awe before Him stand;
For lo, He spoke and it was done,
And all, with sovereign power begun,
Stood fast at His command.

He makes the nations’ counsels vain,
The plans the peoples would maintain
Are thwarted by His hand.
Jehovah’s counsels stand secure,
His purposes of heart endure,
Forevermore they stand.

O truly is the nation blest
Whose God, before the world confessed,
Jehovah is alone;
And blest the people is whom He
Has made His heritage to be,
And chosen for His own.

Prayers for 9/5

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Bertin, Joseph Canh, Lawrence Giustiniani, and Peter Tu; and Bls. Teresa of Calcutta and William Browne.

For the people of India...

For the Missionaries of Charity...

For schools, especially those beginning the year today...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/5

Take Thou Our Minds, Dear Lord


Take Thou our minds, dear Lord, we humbly pray,
Give us the mind of Christ each passing day;
Teach us to know the truth that sets us free;
Grant us in all our thoughts to honor Thee.

Take Thou our hearts, O Christ—they are Thine own;
Come Thou within our souls and claim Thy throne;
Help us to shed abroad Thy deathless love;
Use us to make the earth like heaven above.

Take Thou our wills, Most High! Hold Thou full sway;
Have in our inmost souls Thy perfect way;
Guard Thou each sacred hour from selfish ease;
Guide Thou our ordered lives as Thou dost please.

Take Thou ourselves, O Lord, heart, mind, and will;
Through our surrendered souls Thy plans fulfill.
We yield ourselves to Thee—time, talents, all;
We hear, and henceforth heed, Thy sovereign call.

Prayers for 9/4

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Pope Boniface I, Candida the Elder, Hermione, Ida of Herzfeld, Macanisius, Rhuddlad, and Rosalia.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For engaged couples...

For the widowed...

For all workers...

For those travelling and vacationing during this holiday...

For peace throughout the world...

For personal intentions...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/4

Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know


Ask ye what great thing I know,
That delights and stirs me so?
What the high reward I win?
Whose the Name I glory in?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

What is faith’s foundation strong?
What awakes my heart to song?
He Who bore my sinful load,
Purchased for me peace with God,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is He that makes me wise
To discern where duty lies?
Who is He that makes me true
Duty,when discerned to do,
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who defeats my fiercest foes?
Who consoles my saddest woes?
Who revives my fainting heart,
Healing all its hidden smart?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Who is life in life to me?
Who the death of death will be?
Who will place me on His right,
With the countless hosts of light?
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

This is that great thing I know;
This delights and stirs me so;
Faith in Him Who died to save,
Him Who triumphed over the grave:
Jesus Christ, the Crucified.

Hymn for Labor Day

This is based on the Gospel from today's Votive Mass

Take Not Thought for Food or Raiment


Take not thought for food or raiment,
Careful one, so anxiously;
For the King Himself provideth
Food and clothes for thee.

He Who daily feeds the sparrows,
He Who clothes the lilies bright,
More than birds and flowers holds thee
Precious in His sight.

Would’st thou give a stone, a serpent,
To Thy pleading child for food?
And shall not thy Heavenly Father
Give thee what is good?

On the heart that careth for thee
Rest thou then from sorrow free;
For of all most tender fathers
None so good as He.

Seek thou first His gracious promise,
Treasure stored in Heav’n above;
So thou may’st entrust all other
Safely to His love.
Unto Thee, O bounteous Father,Glory, honor, praise be done;With the Son and Holy Spirit,God for ever One.

Prayers for 9/3

Today we ask the intercession of Sts. Anthony Ishida and Companions, Pope Gregory the Great, Marinus, Regulus of Rheims, and Remaclus; and Bls. Andrew Dotti, Brigida of Jesus, Guala, John of Perugia, and Peter of Sassoferrato.

For the Holy Father, and for his personal intentions...

For the people of San Marino...

For the peoples of the West Indies...

For the Ursuline Sisters of Mary Immaculate...

For musicians, especially those working for the Church...

For schools...

For stonemasons...

For peace throughout the world, especially in the Middle East...

For all intentions posted on Catholic Fire and Happy Catholic...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Who, O Lord, with Thee Abiding


Who, O Lord, with Thee abiding,
In Thy House shall be Thy guest?
Who, his feet to Zion turning,
In Thy holy hill shall rest?
He that ever walks uprightly,
Does the right without a fear,
When he speaks, he speaks not lightly,
But with truth and love sincere.

He that slanders not his brother,
Does not evil to a friend;
To reproaches of another
He refuses to attend.
Wicked men win not his favor,
But the good who fear the Lord;
From his vow he will not waver,
Though it bring him sad reward.

Freely to the needy lending,
No excess he asks again;
And the innocent befriending,
He desires not praise of men.
Doing this, and evil spurning,
He shall nevermore be moved;
This the man with Thee sojourning,
This the man by Thee approved.

Prayers for 9/2

Today we ask the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the Martyrs of September; the Patriarch Eleazar; Sts. Agricola of Avignon, Antoninus of Pamiers, and Margaret of Louvain.

For good weather...

For Alicia and her family...

For all travelling during this holiday weekend...

For the repose of the soul of Bob O'Connor, and for the people of Pittsburgh...

For those areas affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto and Hurricane John...

For a personal intention...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Marian Prayer for 9/2

He who is mighty has done great things for you. Humbly we ask that you in turn may do for us these things for which we pray in the name and through the power of that most Holy Spirit who lives and reigns in the unity of the Father and the Son, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

-- Pope John Paul II

Prayers for 9/1

Today we ask the intercession of the Matriarch Abigail and the Patriarchs Gideon and Joshua; Sts. Anna the Prophetess, Beatrice da Silva, Giles, and Lupus of Sens; and Bls. Jane Soderini, Juliana of Collalto, and Michael Ghebre.

For the disabled...

For epileptics...

For cancer patients...

For the mentally ill...

For those who care for the aforementioned...

For the poor among us, especially the homeless...

For areas threatened by storms...

For areas threatened by wildfires...

For the intentions posted on Happy Catholic and Catholic Fire...

For all intentions previously posted on this site...

Hymn for 9/1

Behold the Bridegroom Draweth Nigh

“Behold, the Bridegroom draweth nigh”
Hear ye the oft repeated cry?
Go forth into the midnight dim;
For blest are they whom He shall find
With ready heart and watchful mind;
Go forth, my soul, to Him.

“Behold, the Bridegroom cometh by,”
The call is echoed from the sky:
Go forth, ye servants, watch and wait:
The slothful cannot join His train;
No careless ones can entrance gain;
Awake, my soul, ’tis late.

The wise will plead with one accord,
“O holy, holy, holy Lord,
On us Thy quick’ning grace bestow,
That none may reach the door too late,
When Thou shalt enter at the gate
And to Thy kingdom go.”

“Behold, the Bridegroom draweth near,”
The warning falls on every ear:
That night of dread shall come to all:
Behold, my soul, thy lamp so dim,
Rise, rise the smoking flax to trim;
Soon shalt thou hear His call.