MONTH OF THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

Chalice of Blessed Pope Pius IX, given to him by the Passionists

        THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

By Dom Prosper Guéranger – The Liturgical Year

Blessed Pope Pius IX had been driven out from Rome in November 1848 by the triumphant revolution; but the following year, just about this season, his power was re-established. Under the aegis of the apostles on June 28 and the two following days, the eldest daughter of the Church a former nickname for France, faithful to her past glories, swept the ramparts of the eternal city; and on July 2, Mary’s festival [the feast of the Visitation on the traditional calendar], the victory was completed. Not long after this, a twofold decree notified to the city and the world the Pontiff’s gratitude and the way in which he intended to perpetuate, in the sacred liturgy, the memory of these events.”

“On August 10, from Gaeta itself a town between Rome and Naples, the place of his exile in the evil day, Blessed Pope Pius IX, before returning to re-assume the governments of his States, addressing himself to the invisible head of the Church, confided her in a special manner to His divine care, by the institution of this day’s festival; reminding Him that it was for His Church that He had vouchsafed to shed all His precious Blood. Then, when the Pontiff re-entered his capital on 12 April 1850, when he was finally assured that the French would not interfere in his affairs, turning to Mary, just as Pope St. Pius V and Pope Pius VIII had done under other circumstances, the Vicar of Christ solemnly attributed the honor of the recent victory to her who is ever the help of Christians; for on the feast of her Visitation it had been gained; and he now decreed that this said feast of July 2 should be raised from the rite of double major to that of second class through the whole world This was a prelude to the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, which the immortal Pontiff had already projected, whereby the crushing of the serpent’s head would be completed.”

Precious Blood of Jesus, save us!

Sanguis Christi, inebria me!

      Prayer in Honor of the Precious Blood

O Precious Blood of Jesus, infinite Price of our redemption and both the drink and laver of our souls, You continually plead the cause of all people before the throne of Infinite Mercy. From the depths of my heart I adore You. Jesus, insofar as I am able I want to make reparation for the insults and outrages which You receive from human beings, especially from those who blaspheme You and deny Your presence.

Who would not venerate the Blood of infinite value? Who does not feel inflamed with love for the Jesus Who shed It?  What would have become of me had I not been redeemed by this Divine Blood ?  Who has drained It all from the veins of my Savior?  Surely this was the work of Love! O Infinite Love, which has given us this saving Balm!  O Balm beyond all price, welling up from the foundation of Infinite Love!  Grant that every heart and every tongue may render You praise and thanks, now and forever!  Amen.

    Litany of the Most Precious Blood

           Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, hear us. Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy on us.

Blood of Christ, only-begotten Son of the eternal Father, save us.

Blood of Christ, Incarnate Word or God, save us.

Blood of Christ, of the New and Eternal Testament, save us.

Blood of Christ, falling upon the earth in Agony, save us.

Blood of Christ, shed profusely in the Scourging, save us.

Blood of Christ, flowing forth in the Crowning with Thorns, save us.

Blood of Christ, poured out on the Cross, save us.

Blood of Christ, price of our salvation, save us.

Blood of Christ, without which there is no forgiveness, save us.

Blood of Christ, Eucharistic drink and refreshment of souls, save us.

Blood of Christ, stream of mercy, save us.

Blood of Christ, victor over demons, save us.

Blood of Christ, courage of Martyrs, save us.

Blood of Christ, strength of Confessors, save us.

Blood of Christ, bringing forth Virgins, save us.

Blood of Christ, help of those in peril, save us.

Blood of Christ, relief of the burdened, save us.

Blood of Christ, solace in sorrow, save us.

Blood of Christ, hope of the penitent, save us.

Blood of Christ, consolation of the dying, save us.

Blood of Christ, peace and tenderness of hearts, save us.

Blood of Christ, pledge of eternal life, save us.

Blood of Christ, freeing souls from purgatory, save us.

Blood of Christ, most worthy of all glory and honor, save us.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy on us, O Lord.

Thou hast redeemed us, O Lord, in Thy Blood. And made us, for our God, a kingdom.

          Let us pray

Almighty and eternal God, Thou hast appointed Thine only-begotten Son the Redeemer of the world and willed to be appeased by his blood. Grant, we beg of Thee, that we may worthily adore this price of our salvation and through its power be safeguarded from the evils of the present life so that we may rejoice in its fruits forever in heaven. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ss. Cyril and Methodius - Mass Propers

          Ss. Cyril and Methodius

          Bishops and Confessors 

These brothers, the Apostles of the Slavs, were born in Thessalonica, in 827 and 826 respectively. Though belonging to a senatorial family they renounced secular honours and became priests. They were living in a monastery on the Bosphorous, when the Khazars sent to Constantinople for a Christian teacher. Cyril was selected and was accompanied by his brother. They learned the Khazar language and converted many of the people. Soon after the Khazar mission there was a request from the Moravians for a preacher of the Gospel. German missionaries had already laboured among them, but without success. The Moravians wished a teacher who could instruct them and conduct Divine service in the Slavonic tongue. On account of their acquaintance with the language, Cyril and Methodius were chosen for their work. In preparation for it Cyril invented an alphabet and, with the help of Methodius, translated the Gospels and the necessary liturgical books into Slavonic. They went to Moravia in 863, and laboured for four and a half years. Despite their success, they were regarded by the Germans with distrust, first because they had come from Constantinople where schism was rife, and again because they held the Church services in the Slavonic language. On this account the brothers were summoned to Rome by Nicholas I, who died, however, before their arrival. His successor, Adrian II, received them kindly. Convinced of their orthodoxy, he commended their missionary activity, sanctioned the Slavonic Liturgy, and ordained Cyril and Methodius bishops. Cyril, however, was not to return to Moravia. He died in Rome, 4 Feb., 869.

At the request of the Moravian princes, Rastislav and Svatopluk, and the Slav Prince Kocel of Pannonia, Adrian II formed an Archdiocese of Moravia and Pannonia, made it independent of the German Church, and appointed Methodius archbishop. In 870 King Louis and the German bishops summoned Methodius to a synod at Ratisbon. Here he was deposed and condemned to prison. After three years he was liberated at the command of Pope John VIII and reinstated as Archbishop of Moravia. He zealously endeavored to spread the Faith among the Bohemians, and also among the Poles in Northern Moravia. Soon, however, he was summoned to Rome again in consequence of the allegations of the German priest Wiching, who impugned his orthodoxy, and objected to the use of Slavonic in the liturgy. But John VIII, after an inquiry, sanctioned the Slavonic Liturgy, decreeing, however, that in the Mass the Gospel should be read first in Latin and then in Slavonic. Wiching, in the meantime, had been nominated one of the suffragan bishops of Methodius. He continued to oppose his metropolitan, going so far as to produce spurious papal letters. The pope, however, assured Methodius that they were false. Methodius went to Constantinople about this time, and with the assistance of several priests, he completed the translation of the Holy Scriptures, with the exception of the Books of Machabees. He translated also the "Nomocanon", i.e. the Greek ecclesiastico-civil law. The enemies of Methodius did not cease to antagonize him. His health was worn out from the long struggle, and he died 6 April, 885, recommending as his successor Gorazd, a Moravian Slav who had been his disciple.

             Ss. Cyril and Methodius

             Bishops and Confessors

           Double – White Vestments

              Missa ‘Sacerdotes Tui’

INTROITUS - Psalm 131: 9-10 

Sacerdotes Tui Dómine, índuant justítiam, et sancti tui exsúltent: propter David servum Tuum, non avértas fáciem Christi Tui.

Ps. 131: 1. Memento Dómine David et omnis mansuetúdinis ejus.

V. Gloria Patri.

INTROIT

Let Thy priests, O Lord, be clothed with justice, and let Thy saints rejoice: for Thy servant David's sake, turn not away the face of Thine anointed.

Ps. O Lord, remember David and all his meekness. 

V. Glory be to the Father.

COLLECT

Almighty, eternal God, Who didst grant the peoples of Slavonia to come to the knowledge of Thy name through Thy blessed confessors and bishops, Cyril and Methodius, grant that, as we glory in their festival, we may be joined with them in fellowship. Through our Lord.

EPISTLE - Hebrews 7: 23-27

Brethren, there were made many priests, because by reason of death they were not suffered to continue: but Jesus, for that He continueth forever, hath an everlasting priesthood. Whereby He is able also to save forever them that come to God by Him; always living to make intercession for us. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, and undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as the other priests, to offer sacrifice first for His own sins, and then for the people's; for this Jesus Christ our Lord did once, in offering Himself.

GRADUAL - Psalm 131: 16-17

I will clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall rejoice with exceeding great joy. There will I bring forth a horn to David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed.

ALLELUIA

Alleluia, alleluia. V. The Lord hath sworn, and He will not repent: Thou art a priest for ever according to the order of Melchisedech. Alleluia.

GOSPEL - Luke 10: 1-9

At that time, The Lord appointed also other seventy-two; and He sent them two and two before His face into every city and place whither He Himself was to come. And He said to them, The harvest indeed is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that He send labourers into His harvest. Go, behold I send you as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes; and salute no man by the way. Into whatsoever house you enter, first say, Peace be to this house: and if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: but if not, it shall return to you. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they have: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Remove not from house to house. And into what city soever you enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you; and heal the sick that are therein; and say to them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.

OFFERTORY - Psalm 67: 36 

God is wonderful In His saints: the God of Israel is He Who will give power and strength to His people: blessed be God.

SECRET

Have regard to our prayers, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and to the oblations of Thy faithful, that they may be pleasing unto Thee on the festival of Thy saints, and may draw down on us the aid of Thy mercy. Through our Lord.

COMMON PREFACE

It is truly meet and just, right and for our salvation that we should at all times and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, eternal God: through Christ our Lord. Through Whom the Angels praise Thy Majesty, Dominations worship, Powers stand in awe. The Heavens and the Heavenly hosts together with the blessed Seraphim in triumphant chorus unite to celebrate it. Together with them we entreat Thee, that Thou mayest bid our voices also to be admitted, while we say in lowly praise.

COMMUNION - Matthew 10: 27

That which I tell you in the dark, speak ye in the light, saith the Lord; and that which you hear in the ear, preach ye upon the house tops.

POSTCOMMUNION

We beseech Thee, O Almighty God, that Thou, Who dost vouchsafe unto us the Heavenly gifts, grant us, by the intercession of Thy saints, Cyril and Methodius, to despise all things earthly. Through the same Jesus Christ.

Hitler's plot to kidnap the POPE: Nazi leader planned to send in special SS commando unit to seize Pius XII from the Vatican

 

• Vatican publishes details of plot to kidnap Pope and take him to Germany
• 
  
• US and British intelligence said Nazis would pretend to protect Pius XII
• 
  
• Rome got wind of the advanced plan and worked up contingency for Pope
• 
  
• He would have had to hide in a library for three days before being rescued

An unearthed report has revealed Adolf Hitler had intended to send in a special team to kidnap the Pope during World War Two.

The Vatican has published the details of a plot forged by the Nazi leader to kidnap the wartime Pope Pius XII and bring him to Germany.

Antonio Nogara, son of Bartolomeo Nogara, the former director of the Vatican museums, is the now-deceased author of the report which states Hitler intended for an elite SS commando squad to sieze the pontiff.

                     

                     

The Vatican has published the details of a plot forged by the Nazi leader Adolf Hitler to kidnap the wartime Pope Pius XII and bring him to Germany

Major Deile, Adolf Hitler, General Jodl, Admiral Raeder; extreme left, facing table, is Walther von Brauchitsch looking over war maps

Pope Pius XII, robed in white with a scarlet cloak, is shown in Vatican City, was the target of an SS Commando kidnapping plot and would have had to be hidden for two to three days until the arrival of a special allied commando squad who would parachute into the countryside near Rome to come and rescue him

The Nazis, led by Hitler, were going to pretend that they were taking Pius in order to protect the Pope

As reports swirled in Rome at the time of a possible abduction - after Nazi Germany occupied the city - the Vatican made plans to keep him safe in the Tower of the Winds which rises above a wing of the Vatican Library.

The kidnapping plot has been revealed in L'Osservatore Romano, the Vatican newspaper. 

Nogara reported that the priest Giovanni Battista Montini - the later Pope Paul VI - visited Nogara's father on a winter night in late January or early February 1944 in his service apartment at the Vatican.

Montini told him information from US and British military intelligence, which said there was an 'advanced plan' by the Nazis to 'arrest and deport of the Holy Father'.

The Nazis were going to pretend that they were taking Pius in order to protect him. 

According to the report, the two men opted for the library tower as a suitable hiding place.

Montini said the Pope would have to be hidden for two to three days until the arrival of a special allied commando squad who would parachute into the countryside near Rome to come and rescue him.

Antonio Nogara died in 2014 and his text about the papal kidnap plot was discovered only after his death and only now published.

Antonio Nogara, son of Bartolomeo Nogara, the former director of the Vatican museums, is the now-deceased author of the report which states Hitler (pictured) intended for an elite SS commando squad to sieze the pontiff

The publication confirms several post-war rumours about the intended kidnapping of the controversial Pontiff who was often called 'Hitler's Pope' because of his seeming reluctance to speak out about the Nazi Holocaust of the Jews.

Critics allege that the time he spent in pre-war Germany made him sympathetic to the Nazi cause. 

But his supporters say he walked a fine line between caring for his flock and trying not to make their lives untenable in those countries under Nazi occupation.

SS General Karl Wolff stated he had been ordered on September 13, 1943 to kidnap the Pope the following year.

He claims Hitler told him: 'I have a special mission for you, Wolff. 

'It will be your duty not to discuss it with anyone before I give you permission to do so. 

'Only Reichsfuhrer (Himmler) knows about it. Do you understand?'

'I want you and your troops to occupy Vatican City as soon as possible, secure its files and art treasures, and take the Pope and Curia to the north. 

'I do not want him to fall into the hands of the allies or to be under their political pressure and influence. 

'The Vatican is already a nest of spies and a centre of anti-national socialist propaganda.'

The publication confirms several post-war rumours about the intended kidnapping of the controversial Pontiff, pictued here with Cardinal Pacelli, who was often called 'Hitler's Pope' because of his seeming reluctance to speak out about the Nazi Holocaust of the Jews

SS General Karl Wolff stated he had been ordered by Hitler (pictured) on September 13, 1943 to kidnap the Pope the following year

The plan was never put into operation. 

After the war pro-Nazi priests in the Vatican helped many war criminals escape from Europe using either Red Cross or Vatican passports. 

They included Franz Stangl, commander of both the Sobibor and Treblinka extermination camps where more than one million people were murdered, and Adolf Eichmann, the logistical organizer of the Holocaust which claimed six million lives. 

Critics allege the time Pius XII spent in pre-war Germany made him sympathetic to the Nazi cause. But his supporters say he walked a fine line between caring for his flock and trying not to make their lives untenable in those countries under Nazi occupation

'I want you and your troops to occupy Vatican City as soon as possible, secure its files and art treasures, and take the Pope and Curia to the north.' - Hitler's words to SS General Karl Wolff

Daily Mail

NOVENA TO OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL - FIRST DAY

Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

                 First Day

        Preparatory Prayer

O Glorious Queen of Angels!  most pure and ever-blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel! powerful advocate of all those who wear thy holy Scapular! faithful protectress of all the servants of thy Son, Jesus Christ! I, an unworthy sinner, do this day, in the presence of thy beloved Son, my Saviour, choose thee for my patroness, that, through thy intercession, I may receive from Him whatsoever grace may be necessary and profitable for me now and at the hour of my death. Amen.

            Our Father

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

         Hail Mary 

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

        

Litany of Our Lady of Mount Carmel           

 (For private recitation only)

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us, Christ, hear us.

Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.

God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.

God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Queen of heaven, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, vanquisher of Satan, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most dutiful Daughter, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most pure Virgin, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most devoted Spouse, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, most tender Mother, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, perfect model of virtue, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, sure anchor of hope, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, refuge in affliction, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, dispenser of God's gifts, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, tower of strength against our foes, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our aid in danger, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, road leading to Jesus, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our light in darkness, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, our consolation at the hour of death, pray for us sinners.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, advocate of the most abandoned sinners, pray for us sinners.

For those hardened in vice, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who grieve thy Son, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who neglect to pray, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who are in their agony, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who delay their conversion, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those suffering in Purgatory, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

For those who know thee not, with confidence we come to thee, O Lady of Mount Carmel.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Hope of the Despairing, intercede for us with thy Divine Son.

       Let us pray

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, glorious Queen of Angels, channel of God's tenderest mercy to man, refuge and advocate of sinners, with confidence I prostrate myself before thee, beseeching thee to obtain for me…

    (Mention your request here)

In return I solemnly promise to have recourse to thee in all my trials, sufferings, and temptations, and I shall do all in my power to induce others to love and reverence thee and to invoke thee in all their needs. I thank thee for the numberless blessings which I have received from thy mercy and powerful intercession. Continue to be my shield in danger, my guide in life, and my consolation at the hour of death. Amen. 

MONTH OF THE MOST PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS

   Chaplet of the Most Precious Blood

The Chaplet of the Precious Blood, also known as the Precious Blood Rosary

Seven “effusions of the Blood of Christ”, implicitly or explicitly mentioned in the Gospels, are recalled in a series of biblical meditations and devotional prayers:

The Blood of the Circumcision, the Blood of the Garden of Gethsemane, the Blood of the Flagellation, the Blood of the Crowning of Thorns, the Blood of the Carrying of the Cross, the blood of the Crucifixion, the Blood flowing from Christ’s side pierced by the lance. 

This Chaplet is divided into seven groups, containing thirty-three “Our Fathers” in honor of the thirty-three years Our Savior’s life on earth before it was poured out on the Cross for our salvation. 

After each group, the “Glory be to the Father” is recited in thanksgiving to the Holy Trinity for this great gift of the Precious Blood. While reciting these prayers, meditate on each of the seven blood sheddings of Jesus.

V. O God, come to my assistance.

R. Lord, make haste to help me.

V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.

R. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

1st Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood in the Circumcision

Let us ask for chastity of soul and body. 

Our Father five times, Glory be to the Father once.

We pray, thee, Lord, help your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

2nd Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood while praying in the Garden of Olives.

Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.

Our Father five times. Glory be to the Father.

We pray thee, Lord, help your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

3rd Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood in the scourging

Let us ask for the grace of mortification.

Our Father five times. Glory be to the Father.

We pray thee, Lord, help Your people whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

4th Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood in the crowning with thorns

Let us ask for contempt of worldly honors.

Our Father five times. Glory be to the Father.

We pray thee, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

5th Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood while carrying the Cross

Let us ask for patience.

Our Father five times. Glory be to the Father.

We pray thee, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

6th Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood in the Crucifixion

Let us ask for contrition for our sins.

Our Father five time. Glory be to the Father

We pray thee, Lord, help your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

7th Mystery – Jesus shed His Blood and water when His side was pierced.

Let us ask for the grace of perseverance.

Our Father three times. Glory be to the Father.

We pray thee, Lord, help Your people whom You redeemed with Your Precious Blood.

Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in atonement for my sins, in supplication for the holy souls in Purgatory and for the needs of Holy Church. Amen.