The Spice of Life......

In the midst of my decluttering and reorganising frenzy I decided that the way I had been storing my herbs and spices was not working for me.

I had some in my tiny drawers in the top cupboards and the rest in a spinning carousel.

I cleared out one of the drawers under my hob and inserted some plastic containers then put all the spices in there.

It worked well except that I could no longer read the lables!

I had recently bought three new jars from Tesco (on special offer) and notice that the had lables on the top too.

Some of mine were a little past their best so today I bought 10 new jars at Tesco (all on offer at 50p each (cheaper that a refill).

They were also doing an offer "spend £20 get £5 off £40 next week", so I split my shopping into 2 lots £20.25 and £20.55 (I also picked up 2 £1 off coupons in the leaflet on the way in and used them) so next week I can get 2 lots of £40 with £5 off each.

My Catholic Bible Reading Plan

Since becoming a Christian I have used lots of different "read the bible in a year" plans. There are lots out there and they are easy to track down.

So, when I became a Catholic I looked for Catholic reading plans. What a shock it was to find that they are few and far between.

None of the ones I did manage to find seemed to meet my needs, so I fell out of the habit of doing a read through once a year. Oh I carried on reading the bible, but not in the same consistant way.

I realised that this is a discipline which is very profitable for me and wanted to return to it so I decided to make my own plan.

First thought I thought that as I last read the "Catholic" bits I would spend the rest of 2012 reading the "All inclusive bits" which are also in the non-catholic bibles.

I took the amount of chapters in the (non-catholic) bible 1189 (929 in the Old Testament and 260 in the New Testament as compared to 1334 in the Catholic bible) and divided it by the number of of days left in the year which was 255.

So at the moment I am reading four chapters of the Old Testament together with one of the New Testament.

Then in 2013 I will read through the Catholic Bible by following my own newly made up plan.

Monday to Saturday (that's 313 days in a year)

3 chapters of the Old Testament (not including the Psalms that is 924 chapters - 3 x 313 = 939)
1 chapter of the New Testament or Psalms  (giving 313 chapters)

Sunday (that's 52 days in a year)

2 chapters of the New Testament or Psalms (including the psalms that is 410 - 52 x 2 = 104 + 313 from above = 417)

Based on these figures there is a margin built in to allow for illness or other unforseen factor of 22 chapters.

Also because I only have 2 chapters to read on Sunday there is a chance to catch-up if necessary.

My 90 Day Journey - Day 1

Passage to Read

For your Maker is your husband—

the LORD Almighty is his name—

the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer;

he is called the God of all the earth.

The LORD will call you back

as if you were a wife deserted and distressed in spirit—

a wife who married young,

only to be rejected," says your God. Isaiah 54:5-6

Prayer from My Heart

Heavenly Father, 

           You alone know me inside out………You who made me and know all my needs and imperfections better than I know myself but love me with a greater love than any man can understand - I come before you in humility and with bended knee…….. asking that you search my inner being the hidden woman of the heart and see what needs to change in me and what needs to be developed. Lord prune me so that I may bear sweet fruit for your honour and glory…….. Amen

Spiritual Communion

It was the Cure of Ars who said, "A spiritual communion acts on the soul as 
blowing does on a cinder - covered fire which was about to go out. Whenever 
you feel your love of God growing cold, quickly make a spiritual communion."

By a rescript of November 24, 1922, the Sacred Congregation of indulgences 
approved the following formula for a spiritual communion:

"O Jesus I turn toward the holy tabernacle 
where You live hidden for love of me. 
I love you, O my God. 
I cannot receive you in Holy Communion. 
Come nevertheless and visit me with Your grace. 
Come spiritually into my heart. 
Purify it. Sanctify it. 
Render it like unto Your own. Amen."

Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, 
but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

[An indulgence of 500 days, if thrice repeated. (129 The Raccolta 1944).]

An Alternative Spiritual Communion Prayer

    My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
    I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.

Praying the Chaplet of the Blessed Sacrament

Blessed Sacrament Beads consist of a medal of the Blessed Sacrament and 33 beads, recalling the 33 years of Christ's life on earth.

On the medal one makes a spiritual communion as follows:
"As I cannot now receive Thee, my Jesus, in Holy Communion, come,
spiritually into my heart, and make it Thine own forever."
On each bead say:
"Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament on the altar have mercy on us!"
Approved May 30, 1911 by Pope Pius X (The Holy Father has granted to
the entire world 300 days indulgence each time the above prayer is recited.)

As I don't have a Blessed Sacrament Chaplet I am going to use the Anglican Rosary pictured above and when I have a chance to buy the correct medal I will swap it for the crucifix.

My New Daily Prayer

The Miracle Prayer  Lord Jesus, I come before you, just as I am, I am sorry for my sins, I repent of my sins, please forgive me. In your Name, I forgive all others for what they have done against me. I renounce Satan, the evil spirits and all their works. I give you my entire self, Lord Jesus, now and forever.  I invite you into my life, Jesus.  I accept you as my Lord, God and Saviour. Heal me, change me, strengthen me in body, soul, and spirit.  Come Lord Jesus, cover me with your Precious Blood, and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I love you Lord Jesus. I praise you Jesus. I thank you Jesus.  I shall follow you every day of my life.   Amen.  Mary, My Mother, Queen of Peace and all the Angels and Saints, please help me.  Amen.

The Potpourri Prayer

I have owned a copy of this book for at least 18 months possibly 2 years. It was one of those things I was going to get round to.

Well a couple of weeks ago after my retreat I finally started to use it and I can't even begin to explain how wonderful I have found it.

After a couple of days of using it I sent for two more copies, one for my son and one "just in case".

That really says something because I don't usually buy multiple copies of books.

It may not be a book which suits everyone, you need to be a little flexible as instead of the usual twenty (or fifteen for the really inflexible) mysteries there are thirty-five.

That gives a different set for each day of the week, as well as that there are a choice of five different sets of bible verses.

There are different ways of using the book all explained in the book itself, but the way I am using it I will only repeat the same verses once every five weeks and for myself this seems tailored to my needs.

There are also opening and closing prayers and different prayers for each decade....

First       For Priests
Second  For the Souls in Purgatory
Forth      Prayers of Thanksgiving
Fifth       Prayers of Praise

I intentionally left our the third decade because that is what they call the Potpourri Prayers and although it does give some suggestions (and starts of with the St Raphael Christian Community, the authors parish - which seems only fair and I am sure she prays for her readers) it is for our own personal intentions.

So here is my own mix of Potpourri for this season of my life.....

For health and stability in my own family, peace in their hearts and conversion in their souls and for those in our parish and the world.

For my associates in the Rosary Confraternity, the Confraternity of the Passion International,  the Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy, the Confraternity of Consolers, the St Mary MacKillop Rosary Circle and all their intentions.

For all religious Brothers and Sisters and in particular for the Sisters of the Cross and Passion and their Associates and for an increase in vocations.

For the protection of the Unborn, an end to abortion and abundant mercy for those who are or have faced this difficult decision.

For all children who's lives are effected by their parents negative choices, particularly L & L and C & G.

Lent is such a good time to overhaul our intentions and maybe even our whole prayer life.

Day Two of Lent...

Yes I've been at it again....

Today I joined the Confraternity of the Passion International.

Don't worry I don't intend to join a new one every day over lent!

Together with the Rosary Confraternity and Confraternity of Our Lady of Mercy that makes three or four if you count the Confraternity of Consolers (which is not as yet recognised by Mother Church) and I am a member of a Living Rosary Circle.

I joined the Passion International because of my Passionist leanings, and Our Lady of Mercy because of my regrets over my abortion (I joined the Confraternity of  Consolers in advent when I did the Consoling the Heart of Jesus do it yourself retreat) .

Each confraternity has its own commitments, but many of these overlap, such as making a yearly retreat and a nightly examination of conscience and act of contrition.

Many of the commitments are things that I already do regularly such as praying the rosary and for the souls in purgatory and for an end to abortion and making a yearly retreat, so I am not actually taking on heaps of new spiritual practises all at once.

I will have to make some changes, but mostly it will be a case of looking at my routine and tweaking it in order to make sure that all the commitments are met and fitting things together in a more appropriate way.

For instance I have realised that instead of going to Bible Study on Monday Nights (where we study the readings for the following Sunday) I would do better to go to Mass on Tuesday Nights instead, which will meet one of my commitments, to go to one weekday Mass per week.

Also there are lots of alternative resources for studying the Mass readings, but there is no substitute for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.

What I am also doing is using my self knowledge, which tells me that I am more apt to be regularly devoted to the practises I have if I have the accountability of knowing that if I do not I will be letting others down as well as myself.

Well onwards and hopefully upwards into lent.....

Today is Ash Wednesday

My first act today has been to join the rosary confraternity, I will be a member from today and will receive my certificate some time during Lent.

It seemed to me to be a very fitting day to join.

Here is the Rosary Confraternity Prayer

Queen of the Most Holy Rosary and Mother of us all, we come to you for help in our sorrows, trials and necessities. Sin leaves us weak and helpless but Divine Grace heals and strengthens.

We ask for the grace to love Jesus as you loved Him, to believe as you believed, to hope as you hoped; we ask to share your purity of mind and heart. Give us true sorrow for sin and make us love people as you and Jesus loved them. 

Obtain for us the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may be wise with your wisdom, understand with your understanding, know with your knowledge, prudent with your prudence, patient with your patience, courageous with your fortitude and desire justice ardently for everyone with the all consuming desire of the Sacred Heart of Jesus your Son.

Open our minds that as we pray the Rosary we will understand the teachings of the Gospel contained in its mysteries.

We pray especially for the members of the Rosary Confraternity whom we love. Help them wherever they may be; guide them, watch over them and make them strong in their trials and suffering. We are drawn together by a common bond of great charity for you and for each other; keep us faithful to your Son and to your Rosary till death.

Intercede for the souls in Purgatory, especially for the members of the Rosary Confraternity who have died. May they rest in peace. Finally we ask for grace of final perseverance for ourselves and for our loved ones that we may all be reunited in heaven forever.

Saint Dominic, you who received so much Grace and Strength from the Rosary, Pray for Us.

In the Garden with Jesus....

When I came across the words of comfort on the Passionist website one line stood out as having special meaning for me.....

If I am afflicted, abandoned, desolate, I will keep Him company in the Garden. 

 

This was because only days before while on my retreat I had been meditating (or at least my version of it) on Psalms 42 and 43 in which there is a line which is repeated several times.....

 

"Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me?"

 

This was often followed by "Put your hope in God, for I will still praise him."

 

At this point these words totally summed up what was going on in my own mind.

 

As a family we have been going through some terrible problems (the major one being my sons health) and just before I left to come on retreat yet more problems had added to the pile.

 

It was on this retreat that all this came to a head in my thoughts and I reached the end of my tether.

 

I found myself totally immersed in this verse. The questions went round and round in my mind. Why was I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? I knew that I truly did put my hope in God so how could I still feel like this?

 

In the cross references I saw listed Matthew 26:38 and there were the words of Jesus spoken  in the Garden "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow - to the point of death."

 

He had voiced my own thoughts. My soul felt as though it was swallowed up by my sorrow.

I felt so close to him and I knew without a doubt that he knew what I was feeling. Even more than that,

I knew that he would not condemn me for my thoughts and think less of me. He would still be able to see that my hope was in God despite them.

For He Himself had felt terrible anguish although His hope could never be anywhere but with His Father.

So from now on when things seem unbearable and I am afflicted, abandoned, desolate not only will I do as the Passionists recommend and keep Him company in the Garden, but I will run there as quick as I can!

Sisters of the Cross and Passion

 

I will try with all my strength to follow in the footsteps of my Jesus. 

 

If I am afflicted, abandoned, desolate, I will keep Him company in the Garden. 

 

If  I am despised and injured, I will keep him company in the Praetorium.

 

If  I am depressed and afflicted in the agonies of suffering, I will keep Him company on the Cross with a lance in my heart.

 

These words describe the source of comfort and strength for Elizabeth Prout (Mother Mary Joseph) and others who have followed a call to the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, of which she is foundress. 

 

The order's beginnings date to the industrial revolution in Manchester, England. The times called for strong people to work against the filth, danger, and ignorance that abounded in living conditions of the new factory towns. The place, the midlands of England, called for people of faith sturdy in the face of deep anti-Catholic prejudices.  

St. Ignatius Loyola: Rules for Spiritual Discernment

Something I am following at the moment is a wonderful series on EWTN about the rules of St Ignatius

FOR PERCEIVING AND KNOWING IN SOME MANNER THE DIFFERENT MOVEMENTS WHICH ARE CAUSED IN THE SOUL THE GOOD, TO RECEIVE THEM, AND THE BAD TO REJECT THEM.

The first Rule: In the persons who go from mortal sin to mortal sin, the enemy is commonly used to propose to them apparent pleasures, making them imagine sensual delights and pleasures in order to hold them more and make them grow in their vices and sins. In these persons the good spirit uses the opposite method, pricking them and biting their consciences through the process of reason.

The second: In the persons who are going on intensely cleansing their sins and rising from good to better in the service of God our Lord, it is the method contrary to that in the first Rule, for then it is the way of the evil spirit to bite, sadden and put obstacles, disquieting with false reasons, that one may not go on; and it is proper to the good to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations and quiet, easing, and putting away all obstacles, that one may go on in well doing.

The third: Of Spiritual Consolation. I call it consolation when some interior movement in the soul is caused, through which the soul comes to be inflamed with love of its Creator and Lord; and when it can in consequence love no created thing on the face of the earth in itself, but in the Creator of them all. Likewise, when it sheds tears that move to love of its Lord, whether out of sorrow for one’s sins, or for the Passion of Christ our Lord, or because of other things directly connected with His service and praise. Finally, I call consolation every increase of hope, faith and charity, and all interior joy which calls and attracts to heavenly things and to the salvation of one’s soul, quieting it and giving it peace in its Creator and Lord.

The fourth: Of Spiritual Desolation. I call desolation all the contrary of the third rule, such as darkness of soul, disturbance in it, movement to things low and earthly, the unquiet of different agitations and temptations, moving to want of confidence, without hope, without love, when one finds oneself all lazy, tepid, sad, and as if separated from his Creator and Lord. Because, as consolation is contrary to desolation, in the same way the thoughts which come from consolation are contrary to the thoughts which come from desolation.

The fifth: In time of desolation never to make a change; but to be firm and constant in the resolutions and determination in which one was the day preceding such desolation, or in the determination in which he was in the preceding consolation. Because, as in consolation it is rather the good spirit who guides and counsels us, so in desolation it is the bad, with whose counsels we cannot take a course to decide rightly.

The sixth: Although in desolation we ought not to change our first resolutions, it is very helpful intensely to change ourselves against the same desolation, as by insisting more on prayer, meditation, on much examination, and by giving ourselves more scope in some suitable way of doing penance.

The seventh: Let him who is in desolation consider how the Lord has left him in trial in his natural powers, in order to resist the different agitations and temptations of the enemy; since he can with the Divine help, which always remains to him, though he does not clearly perceive it: because the Lord has taken from him his great fervor, great love and intense grace, leaving him, however, grace enough for eternal salvation.

The eighth: Let him who is in desolation labor to be in patience, which is contrary to the vexations which come to him: and let him think that he will soon be consoled, employing against the desolation the devices, as is said in the sixth Rule.

The ninth: There are three principal reasons why we find ourselves desolate. The first is, because of our being tepid, lazy or negligent in our spiritual exercises; and so through our faults, spiritual consolation withdraws from us. The second, to try us and see how much we are and how much we let ourselves out in His service and praise without such great pay of consolation and great graces. The third, to give us true acquaintance and knowledge, that we may interiorly feel that it is not ours to get or keep great devotion, intense love, tears, or any other spiritual consolation, but that all is the gift and grace of God our Lord, and that we may not build a nest in a thing not ours, raising our intellect into some pride or vainglory, attributing to us devotion or the other things of the spiritual consolation.

The tenth: Let him who is in consolation think how he will be in the desolation which will come after, taking new strength for then.

The eleventh: Let him who is consoled see to humbling himself and lowering himself as much as he can, thinking how little he is able for in the time of desolation without such grace or consolation. On the contrary, let him who is in desolation think that he can do much with the grace sufficient to resist all his enemies, taking strength in his Creator and Lord.

The twelfth: The enemy acts like a woman, in being weak against vigor and strong of will. Because, as it is the way of the woman when she is quarrelling with some man to lose heart, taking flight when the man shows her much courage: and on the contrary, if the man, losing heart, begins to fly, the wrath, revenge, and ferocity of the woman is very great, and so without bounds; in the same manner, it is the way of the enemy to weaken and lose heart, his temptations taking flight, when the person who is exercising himself in spiritual things opposes a bold front against the temptations of the enemy, doing diametrically the opposite. And on the contrary, if the person who is exercising himself commences to have fear and lose heart in suffering the temptations, there is no beast so wild on the face of the earth as the enemy of human nature in following out his damnable intention with so great malice.

The thirteenth: Likewise, he acts as a licentious lover in wanting to be secret and not revealed. For, as the licentious man who, speaking for an evil purpose, solicits a daughter of a good father or a wife of a good husband, wants his words and persuasions to be secret, and the contrary displeases him much, when the daughter reveals to her father or the wife to her husband his licentious words and depraved intention, because he easily gathers that he will not be able to succeed with the undertaking begun: in the same way, when the enemy of human nature brings his wiles and persuasions to the just soul, he wants and desires that they be received and kept in secret; but when one reveals them to his good Confessor or to another spiritual person that knows his deceits and evil ends, it is very grievous to him, because he gathers, from his manifest deceits being discovered, that he will not be able to succeed with his wickedness begun.

The fourteenth: Likewise, he behaves as a chief bent on conquering and robbing what he desires: for, as a captain and chief of the army, pitching his camp, and looking at the forces or defenses of a stronghold, attacks it on the weakest side, in like manner the enemy of human nature, roaming about, looks in turn at all our virtues, theological, cardinal and moral; and where he finds us weakest and most in need for our eternal salvation, there he attacks us and aims at taking us.

How the Passionists Got Their Habit

The Sisters of the Cross and Passion are a branch of the larger Passionist family founded by St Paul of the Cross in the eighteenth century.

Identification with Christ in the mystery of His passion, death and resurrection is at the heart of their vocation. The experience of the passion in their own lives enables them to express the compassion of Christ towards others.

They wear a heart-shaped sign imprinted with the words "The Passion of Jesus Christ". The Cross of Jesus surmounts the sign; nails of the Crucifixion underscore the words. The sign keeps in their memory the great and constant life-giving love God has poured out for all of us.

This sign was first worn by the Blessed Virgin Mary as she appeared to St Paul of the Cross, founder of the Passionist Congregation.

Inspired to Become an Associate

My meeting at the Convent of the Cross and Passion went very well.

I was seen by a Sister who gave me both a book and a cup of tea (two of my favourite things).

We had a lovely chat during which I was invited to the next associates meeting.

Our meeting ended with a few moments in the chapel (treats!).

I am very much looking forward to the meeting and the possibility of one day being able to wear the associates badge.

I leave it in His hands!

True Devotion

This is the statue of Our Lady, in the Padre Pio Garden at the Friary in Pentasaph.

The prayer on the base of the statue is as follows -

I choose you Mary in the presence of the Angels of Heaven for my Mother and Queen.

I consecrate to you in obedience and love all that I am, all that I have and all the good that I may do, putting myself and all that belongs to me entirely at your service, for the greater Glory of God in time and eternity.

It's by St Louis De Monfort  the author of True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

When we arrived at the statue I was privilaged to witness a real life example of True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The was a young man already there and as I started to write down the prayer in my little notebook he became busy on his knees.

He had brought a gift of beautiful flowers for his "Mammy" Mary.

When he had finished arranging the flowers to his satisfaction he did not arise, but shuffled forward to get closer to Mary.

At this point I moved away a little, but could not take my eyes from the scene which was unfolding before me.

Although I intentionally moved away so that I could not hear what was being said, I watched facinated as he kissed her feet and spoke to her gently and at some length, often stroking her rosary or the folds of her dress.

When he had finished I returned to the statue to finish writing down the prayer upon it's base.

I had been so touched by the modern day show of "True Devotion" that I spoke to the young man and told him that I had found it very beautiful him bringing Mary flowers for Valentines Day.

He smiled and replied in a lovely Irish lilt "Ah well, you couldn't pass by Our Lady now could you!"

What a lovely way to some up True Devotion!

During our short conversation he told me that he had also been, that morning, to the near by Shrine, St Winifred's Well and had taken the Blessed Mother some flowers there too.

It made me smile as I remember that my own father, God rest him, always said you could judge a man by how he treated his mother!

Inspired to Seek ....

While on retreat at Hyning I met a lovely man who gave his name as Wild Mad Irish John. He was indeed Wild, certainly Irish and no doubt named John, but he had a peace and joy which marked him out as one of the sanest people I have ever met!

He was what is known as an oblate, or lay associate and offered his help and gave of his skills to the Sisters with Joy and Love.

I have considered the oblate life my self and was deeply moved by his story.

He encouraged me to join them, but I did  not feel that this was the right order for me, as lovely as the Sisters are the "fit" was not quite right. I had considered the Franciscans previously, as a friend of mine is very drawn to them, but I knew that it just was not the right order for me.

So, on return from my retreat I searched for other orders to look into.

I was amazed to find that there was a convent almost on my own doorstep, that I had no idea existed.

I checked out the details on the Internet and was even more amazed (and somewhat amused) to find that they were a Passionist order.

This was the one order I had felt truly drawn to!

My Patron Saint Gemma Galgani (who chose me not the other way round) is a passionist saint and everything I knew about the passionist drew me to them.

So I took the bull with the horns and rang the convent.

It was a strange call to make as I wasn't sure how to start.

I suppose that "We haven't met, but I know you husband!" could be an opening when talking to any Sister.

After quite a lengthy conversation I was invited to the convent for a chat.

Retreat with the Sisters at Hyning

My retreat this year has been at the Monastery in Hyning where these lovely Benedictine Sisters live, work and worship.

It was such a wonderful place to visit, so peaceful and quiet and because we had snow while we were there I think we enjoyed an added stillness nestled under the white blanked.

The Sisters were a joy to behold and I went to mass with them and joined in there regular prayers in the chapel at every opportunity.

I read a couple of good books while I was there and our conductor lead some very informative sessions on St Benedict and his rule.

I particularly found the information on Lectio Divina peaked my interest and I look forward to adding it to my own spiritual endevours.

I did  however feel kind of the odd one out at this retreat being the only Catholic in the party, which was very strange as I had known most of the group for over ten years.

It would have been easy to "fit in" to miss Mass in order to make it on time to all the sessions. To go to the service lead by the conductor instead and then try to make it to Mass once we were home, but I knew it was wrong.

Jesus was waiting for me in the chapel, his real and living presence in the Blessed Sacrament and not for the first time I picked up my cross and followed Him.

As always He gave me more that I had given up.

Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)

Figure the Cost

One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple. 

"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'

"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?

"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.

"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.

"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"

Novena for the Protection of the Unborn

 

The Novena for the Unborn begins today.

O Heavenly Father, Creator and Giver of all life, Author of justice, Source of love and mercy: Although it is deserving of thine anger and punishment, look with mercy on our nation, which has offended thee by condoning the killing of millions of innocent children, thy precious sons and daughters, who, like all of us, were created in thine image and likeness, but whose only offense was their very existence. Amen.

O Blessed Lord Jesus Christ, Our Redeemer, whose inestimable gift of self-sacrificing love provided the means of Salvation for all mankind through the shedding of thine innocent blood: grant that all may come to know thee, serve thee and love thee, and thus may know the meaning of true freedom and true liberty, which never destroys, but always serves and protects life. amen.

O Holy Spirit, source of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, fortitude, piety and holy fear: inspire us with these gifts. Fill the hearts of the leaders of this nation, especially those who have the temporal power and the grave responsibility to make and interpret and execute laws, with the desire to do God’s will, to restore justice and to establish laws that govern the people of this land in conformity with the Divine Law — laws that will preserve, protect and defend the lives of all sons and daughters of God, from their earliest beginnings until death. Amen.

O Mary, Mother of Jesus, entrusted to be the mother of God’s only begotten Son, Our Savior, through thine obedient consent to God’s will, and who thus became for all people and all time the model of faith and of the self-giving love and devotion of Motherhood: take into thy motherly arms all the babies who are victims of abortion, that they may receive eternally the comfort of a mother’s love. May thine example and intercession open the hearts of all who reject God and His holy laws, comfort all those who suffer remorse because of abortion, and restore to hope in Christ those mothers and fathers who grieve and repent the killing of their children. Amen.

All Angels and Saints: may thy guidance and example show fallen humanity the way to perfect joy and freedom and peace found only in unity with God in obedience to His will through salvation in Christ Jesus; and may thy constant prayers be joined by those of all the little children — the “slaughtered innocents” — as a “cloud of witnesses” interceding for sinful man. Amen.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

Novena: Day 1
Above prayers
Psalm 139
Gloria Patri (Glory be)
Rosary: Sorrowful Mysteries
Magnificat: Luke 1:46-55
Gloria Patri
Novena: Days 2-9
Our Father...
Above prayers
Three Hail Marys
Gloria Patri

Psalm 139 [RSV-CE]

Antiphonal (Responsive):
1. O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me!
2. Thou knowest when I sit down and when I rise up; thou discernest my thoughts from afar.
3. Thou searchest out my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4. Even before a word is on my tongue, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5. Thou dost beset me behind and before, and layest thy hand upon me.
6. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it.
7. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8. If I ascend to heaven, thou art there! If I make my bed in Sheol, thou art there!
9. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10. Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11. If I say, “Let only darkness cover me, and the light about me be night,”
12. Even the darkness is not dark to thee, the night is as bright as the day; for darkness is as light with thee.
13. For thou didst form my inward parts: thou didst knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14. I praise thee; for thou art fearful and wonderful. Wonderful are thy works! Thou knowest me right well;
15. My frame was not hidden from thee, when I was being made in secret, intricately wrought in the depths of the earth.
16. Thine eyes beheld my unformed substance; in thy book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
17. How precious to me are thy thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!
18. If I would count them, they are more than the sand. When I awake, I am still with thee.
19. O that thou wouldst slay the wicked, O God, and that men of blood would depart from me,
20. Men who maliciously defy thee, who lift themselves up against thee for evil!
21. Do I not hate them that hate thee, O Lord? And do I not loathe them that rise up against thee?
22. I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
23. Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me, and know my thoughts!
24. And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 

The Magnificat: Luke 1:46-55
Unison:
My soul doth magnify the Lord
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.
For He hath regarded the low estate of
His handmaiden. For behold, from henceforth
all generations will call me blessed;
for He who is mighty hath
done great things for me,
and holy is His name.
And His mercy is on them that fear Him
throughout all generations.
He hath shown strength with His arm;
He hath scattered the proud
in the imagination of their hearts;
He hath put down the mighty
from their thrones,
and exalted the humble and meek;
He hath filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He hath sent empty away.
He hath helped His servant Israel,
in remembrance of His mercy,
as He spake to our forefathers,
to Abraham and his seed forever.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

What's in a Name?

Today is the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus

St Francis - Meditations on the Way of the Cross

Almost a year ago I went on retreat to Pantasaph Friary.

I have a wonderful time there and I had a lot to think and pray about especially as I was shortly to be received into the Catholic Church.

One of the things which sticks in my mind is the time I spent alone in the church.

There was the most beautiful statue there, I had never seen anything like it. Instead of the usual dipiction of Jesus hanging lifeless on the cross, one hand was free and with it He was embracing St Francis, who was returning that embrace and consoling Jesus in His pain.

It was breathtaking, not just visually, but because of the emotions it evoked in me. I so wanted to be part of that embrace, to feel that  same closeness to Jesus as St Francis had.

Jesus says if we draw close to Him He will draw close to us....

I'll try St Francis's meditations on the Way of the Cross as a way of drawing closer to Jesus, it seems to have helped St Francis!

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

Act of Contrition

O most merciful Jesus, with a contrite heart and penitent spirit, I bow down in profound humility before Your divine majesty. I adore You as my supreme Lord and Master; I believe in You, I hope in You, I love You above all things. I am heartily sorry for having offended You, my Supreme and Only Good. I resolve to amend my life, and although I am unworthy to obtain mercy, yet the sight of Your holy cross, on which You died, inspires me with hope and consolation. I will meditate on Your sufferings, and visit the stations of Your Passion in company with Your sorrowful Mother and my guardian angel, with the intention of promoting Your honour and saving my soul.
I desire to gain all the indulgences granted for this holy exercise for myself and for the Poor Souls in Purgatory. O merciful Redeemer, who has said, “And I, if I be lifted from earth, will draw all things to Myself,” draw my heart and my love to You, that I may perform this devotion as perfectly as possible, and that I may live and die in union with You. Amen.

The First Station
Jesus Is Condemned to Death

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, most innocent, who neither did nor could commit a sin, was condemned to death, and moreover, to the most ignominious death of the cross. To remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivered Him into the hands of His enemies. A fearful crime – to condemn Innocence to death, and to offend God in order not to displease men!

O innocent Jesus, having sinned, I am guilty of eternal death, but You willingly accept the unjust sentence of death, that I might live. For whom, then, shall I live, if not for You, my Lord? Should I desire to please men, I could not be Your servant. Let me, therefore, rather displease men and all the world, than not please You, O Jesus.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Second Station
Jesus is made to carry His Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

When our divine Savior beheld the cross, He willingly stretched out His bleeding arms, lovingly embraced it, tenderly kissed it, placed it on His bruised shoulders, and, though nearly exhausted, He joyfully carried it.
O my Jesus, I cannot be Your friend and follower if I refuse to carry the cross. Dearly beloved cross! I embrace You, I kiss You, I joyfully accept You from the hands of my God. Far be it from me to glory in anything save in the cross of my Lord and Redeemer. By it the world shall be crucified to me and I to the world, that I may be Yours forever.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Third Station
Jesus falls the First Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Our dear Saviour, carrying the cross was so weakened by its weight that he fell exhausted to the ground O. Our sins and misdeeds were the heavy burden which oppressed Him: the cross was to Him light and sweet,but our sins were galling and insupportable, my Jesus, You bore my burden and the heavy weight of my sins. Should I, then, not bear in union with You, my easy burden of suffering and accept the sweet yoke of Your commandments? Your yoke is sweet and Your burden is light: I willingly accept it. I will take up my cross and follow You.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Fourth Station
Jesus meets His Sorrowful Mother

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

How painful and how sad it must have been for Mary, the sorrowful Mother, to behold her beloved Son, laden with the burden of the cross! What unspeakable pangs her most tender heart experienced! How earnestly did she desire to die in place of Jesus, or at least with Him! Implore this sorrowful Mother that she assist you in the hour of your death.
O Jesus, O Mary, I am the cause of the great and manifold pains which pierce your loving hearts! Oh, that also my heart would feel and experience at least some of your sufferings! O Mother of Sorrows, let me participate in the sufferings which You and Your Son endured for me, and let me experience Your sorrow, that afflicted with You, I may enjoy Your assistance in the hour of my death.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Fifth Station
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus to carry His Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help Jesus carry His cross, and Jesus accepted his assistance. How willingly would He also permit you to carry the cross: He calls, but you hear Him not; He invites you, but you decline. What a reproach, to bear the cross reluctantly!
O Jesus! Whosoever does not take up his cross and follow You, is not worthy of You. Behold, I join You in the Way of Your Cross; I will be Your assistant, following Your bloody footsteps, that I may come to You in eternal life.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.

The Sixth Station
Veronica wipes the Face of Jesus

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Veronica, impelled by devotion and compassion, presents her veil to Jesus to wipe His disfigured face. And Jesus imprints on it His holy countenance: a great recompense for so small a service. What return to you make to your Savior for His great and manifold benefits?
Most merciful Jesus! What return shall I make for all the benefits You have bestowed upon me? Behold I consecrate myself entirely to Your service. I offer and consecrate to You my heart: imprint on it Your sacred image, never again to be effaced by sin.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Seventh Station
Jesus falls the Second Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

The suffering Jesus, under the weight of His cross, again falls to the ground; but the cruel executioners do not permit Him to rest a moment. Pushing and striking Him, they urge Him onward. It is the frequent repetition of our sins which oppress Jesus. Witnessing this, how can I continue to sin?
O Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Offer me Your helping hand, and aid me, that I may not fall again into my former sins. From this very moment, I will earnestly strive to reform: nevermore will I sin! Thou, O sole support of the weak, by Your grace, without which I can do nothing, strengthen me to carry out faithfully this my resolution.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Eighth Station
The women of Jerusalem weep over Jesus

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

These devoted women, moved by compassion, weep over the suffering Savior. But He turns to them, saying: “Weep not for Me, Who am innocent, but weep for yourselves and for your children.” Weep You also, for there is nothing more pleasing to Our Lord and nothing more profitable for Yourself, than tears shed from contrition for Your sins.
O Jesus, Who shall give to my eyes a torrent of tears, that day and night I may weep for my sins? I beseech You, through Your bitter and bloody tears, to move my heart by Your divine grace, so that from my eyes tears may flow abundantly, and that I may weep all my days over Your sufferings, and still more over their cause, my sins.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Ninth Station
Jesus falls the Third Time

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, arriving exhausted at the foot of Calvary, falls for the third time to the ground. His love for us, however, is not diminished, not extinguished. What a fearfully oppressive burden our sins must be to cause Jesus to fall so often! Had He, however, not taken them upon Himself, they would have plunged us into the abyss of Hell.
Most merciful Jesus, I return You infinite tanks for not permitting me to continue in sin and to fall, as I have so often deserved, into the depths of Hell. Enkindle in me an earnest desire of amendment; let me never again relapse, but vouchsafe me the grace to persevere in penance to the end of my life.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Tenth Station
Jesus is stripped of His Garments

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

When Our Savior had arrived on Calvary, He was cruelly despoiled of His garments. How painful this must have been because they adhered to His wounded and torn body, and with them parts of His bloody skin were removed! All the wounds of Jesus were renewed. Jesus was despoiled of His garments that He might die possessed of nothing; how happy will I also die after laying aside my former self with all evil desires and sinful inclinations!
Induce me, O Jesus, to lay aside my former self and to be renewed according to Your will and desire. I will not spare myself, however painful this should be for me: despoiled of things temporal, of my own will, I desire to die, in order to live for You forever.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Eleventh Station
Jesus is nailed to the Cross

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Jesus, being stripped of His garments, was violently thrown upon the cross and His hands and feet nailed thereto. In such excruciating pains He remained silent, because it pleased His heavenly Father. He suffered patiently, because He suffered for me. How do I act in sufferings and in troubles? How fretful and impatient, how full of complaints I am!
O Jesus, gracious Lamb of God, I renounce forever my impatience. Crucify, O Lord, my flesh and its concupiscences; scourge, scathe, and punish me in this world, do but spare me in the next. I commit my destiny to You, resigning myself to Your holy will: may it be done in all things!
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Twelfth Station
Jesus is raised upon the Cross and Dies

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Behold Jesus crucified! Behold His wounds, received for love of you! His whole appearance betokens love: His head is bent to kiss you; His arms are extended to embrace you; His Heart is open to receive you. O superabundance of love, Jesus, the Son of God, dies upon the cross, that man may live and be delivered from everlasting death!
O most amiable Jesus! Who will grant me that I may die for You! I will at least endeavour to die to the world. How must I regard the world and its vanities, when I behold You hanging on the cross, covered with wounds? O Jesus, receive me into Your wounded Heart: I belong entirely to You; for You alone do I desire to live and to die.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Thirteenth Station
Jesus is taken from the Cross and given to His Mother

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

Jesus did not descend from the cross but remained on it until He died. And when taken down from it, He in death as in life, rested on the bosom of His divine Mother. Persevere in your resolutions of reform and do not part from the cross; he who perseveres to the end shall be saved. Consider, moreover, how pure the heart should be that receives the body and blood of Christ in the Adorable Sacrament of the Altar.
O Lord Jesus, Your lifeless body, mangled and lacerated, found a worthy resting-place on the bosom of Your virgin Mother. Have I not often compelled You to dwell in my heart, full of sin and impurity as it was? Create in me a new heart, that I may worthily receive Your most sacred body in Holy Communion, and that You may remain in me and I in You for all eternity.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

The Fourteenth Station
Jesus is laid in the Sepulcher

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your holy cross, You have redeemed the world.

O Jesus, You have set me apart from the world; what, then, shall I seek therein? You have created me for Heaven; what, then, have I to do with the world? Depart from me, deceitful world, with Your vanities! Henceforth i will follow the Way of the Cross traced out for me by my Redeemer, and journey onward to my heavenly home, there to dwell forever and ever.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Lord Jesus, crucified, have mercy on us!

Closing Prayer

Almighty and eternal God, merciful Father, who have given to the human race Your beloved Son as an example of humility, obedience, and patience, to precede us on the way of life, bearing the cross: Graciously grant us that we, inflamed by His infinite love, may take up the sweet yoke of His Gospel together with the mortification of the cross, following Him as His true disciples, so that we shall one day gloriously rise with Him and joyfully hear the final sentence: “Come, ye blessed of My Father, and possess the kingdom which was prepared for you from the beginning,” where You reign with the Son and the Holy Ghost, and where we hope to reign with You, world without end. Amen.

New Year Blessings

The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.