Post by Marya Dabrowski on Dec 2, 2018 16:08:50 GMT -5
December, the month dedicated to the Divine Infancy
First Sunday of Advent
J.M.J.
(Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe - start Dec. 3; see below)
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
(From the book "Could You Explain Catholic Practices?" by Rev. Charles J. Mullaly,
S.J. - 1937)
Advent is a season of penance, and of preparation by the Faithful for the spiritual
joy of Christmas. It is a time when the Church admonishes us to lift our hearts to
God and to trust in Him who is to free us from our sins. As Advent is a season of
penance, the color of the vestments used at its seasonal Masses is violet and the
altar is not decorated with flowers, except on the third Sunday which is called
Gaudete, or "Rejoice Sunday," because the Introit of the Mass of that day reminds us
of the near approach of our Lord's birth: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say
rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh." During this season
of penance, as in Lent, the solemn celebration of marriage, that is, with Nuptial
Mass, etc., is forbidden.
We should strive ever to emphasize the fact that Christmas is the Feast of the
Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The greeting cards we send at the holy season
should be a manifestation of our Catholic Faith, an aid to our friends to enter into
the spirit of the holy season, and a reminder to them that we are praying that they
may know Christ more intimately and love Him more ardently. Your cards to
non-Christian friends may be a means of causing them to make inquiries in regard to
the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas derives its name, "Christ's Mass," from the Mass offered in honor of the
Birth of Christ. Its early English form was written as "Christes Maesse," and in the
course of the change of the English language it eventually became Christmas. In the
earliest days of the Church this feast did not exist. Greater stress was placed on
the Feast of the Epiphany, because it commemorates the day on which our Saviour was
made known to the Gentiles, when the Wise Men came to adore Him. The Feast of the
Nativity came gradually into existence in the fourth century. Its first mention is
made by the great Christian writer, Clement of Alexandria, about the year 200, and
shows that it was celebrated on May 20. About the year 300, the Latin Church began to
observe it on December 25, because an ancient tradition assigns that day as the
probable date of the Birth of our Savior.
Love of the Babe of Bethlehem, who was born to redeem us, caused Catholics, in
centuries long gone by, to introduce into our churches a representation of the crib,
the Divine Babe, The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and the Shepherds. St. Francis of
Assisi deserves the credit of making this practice very popular. His zeal prompted
him to place at Graccio a representation of the cave of Bethlehem. His plan permitted
the Faithful vividly to grasp the story of Bethlehem and to realize the poverty and
suffering of our Saviour in the bleak, cold stable where He was born. The plan has
spread to churches in all parts of the world.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, it is customary to put the statues of the
Wise Men beside the crib. In the early Church, this feast was celebrated with great
solemnity because it was the day on which our Saviour was made known to those who
were not of Israel. In the fourth century, the Feast of the Nativity came into its
own and was given first importance, though in many Catholic countries the custom
exists of giving all Christmas presents on the Feast of Epiphany, since on that day
the Wise Men brought gifts to our Saviour.
The Christmas tree is of recent origin. It represents for us the Tree of the Cross.
Bethlehem and Calvary are ever associated together in our Christian thoughts, for
Christ was born to die on the Tree of Ignominy and thus redeem a sinful world. The
lights placed upon the Christmas tree have for us a symbolical meaning. They portray
the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
Our modern Santa Claus, a crude, ridiculous figure, can be traced back to that gentle
lover of children--St. Nicholas. This Saint's feast is celebrated on December 6, and
parents and friends gave children presents on that day. The Dutch settlers in New
York brought this custom with them to the New World, and the giving of presents on
December 6 and on Christmas Day became somewhat confused. St. Nicholas was contracted
into "Santa Claus" and, with the increasing pagan idea of the Yuletide, became the
rollicking, bewhiskered figure so alien to the true Christmas spirit.
Let our children look to the Christ Child for their Christmas presents. There is no
need of deception here, and of shattering childish faith. The Christ Child exists; He
loves the little ones and He wishes them to love Him. We have no use in a Catholic
home for the fraudulent Santa Claus and the pagan Christmas he now symbolizes. Let
the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ be for young and old a day of
spiritual joy and of close union with the Saviour whom we love.
PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS
Come to me, O Divine Savior, vouchsafe to be born in my heart.
Grant that, taught by Thine example, and assisted by Thy grace, I may
be poor in spirit and humble of heart. Keep me chaste and obedient.
I wish to live but for Thee. O Mary, my Advocate and Mother, obtain
by thy prayers forgiveness of my past offences and holy perseverance
unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for me, that I may become
daily more pleasing to Jesus. Amen.
------------------------------------------
NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. Her Feast Day is December 12.
The Novena is usually prayed from Dec. 3 through Dec. 11 but can be prayed anytime.
Read the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe at olrl.org/prophecy/ladyofg.shtml.
First Day - Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of holiness, teach me your
ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my humble prayer offered with heartfelt
confidence to beg this favor...... Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Second Day - O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share
the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to you under the
glorious Aztec title of Guadalupe. Obtain for me a lively faith to do your Son's holy
will always: May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary,
Glory be...
Third Day - O Mary, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help
me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Obtain for me
the strength to be a true imitator of you. This I ask you, my dear Mother. Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Fourth Day - Dearest Mother of Guadalupe, I beg you for a fortified will to imitate
your divine Son's charity, to always seek the good of others in need. Grant me this,
I humbly ask of you. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Fifth Day - O most holy Mother, I beg you to obtain for me pardon of all my sins,
abundant graces to serve your Son more faithfully from now on, and lastly, the grace
to praise Him with you forever in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Sixth Day - Mary, Mother of vocations, multiply priestly vocations and fill the earth
with religious houses which will be light and warmth for the world, safety in stormy
nights. Beg your Son to send us many priests and religious. This we ask of you, O
Mother. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Seventh Day - O Lady of Guadalupe, we beg you that parents live a holy life and
educate their children in a Christian manner; that children obey and follow the
directions of their parents; that all members of the family pray and worship
together. This we ask of you, O Mother. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Eighth Day - With my heart full of the most sincere veneration, I prostrate myself
before you, O Mother, to ask you to obtain for me the grace to fulfill the duties of
my state in life with faithfulness and constancy. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Ninth Day - O God, You have been pleased to bestow upon us unceasing favors by having
placed us under the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant us,
your humble servants, who rejoice in honoring her today upon earth, the happiness of
seeing her face to face in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
------------------------------------------
First Sunday of Advent
J.M.J.
(Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe - start Dec. 3; see below)
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS
(From the book "Could You Explain Catholic Practices?" by Rev. Charles J. Mullaly,
S.J. - 1937)
Advent is a season of penance, and of preparation by the Faithful for the spiritual
joy of Christmas. It is a time when the Church admonishes us to lift our hearts to
God and to trust in Him who is to free us from our sins. As Advent is a season of
penance, the color of the vestments used at its seasonal Masses is violet and the
altar is not decorated with flowers, except on the third Sunday which is called
Gaudete, or "Rejoice Sunday," because the Introit of the Mass of that day reminds us
of the near approach of our Lord's birth: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say
rejoice. Let your modesty be known to all men. The Lord is nigh." During this season
of penance, as in Lent, the solemn celebration of marriage, that is, with Nuptial
Mass, etc., is forbidden.
We should strive ever to emphasize the fact that Christmas is the Feast of the
Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. The greeting cards we send at the holy season
should be a manifestation of our Catholic Faith, an aid to our friends to enter into
the spirit of the holy season, and a reminder to them that we are praying that they
may know Christ more intimately and love Him more ardently. Your cards to
non-Christian friends may be a means of causing them to make inquiries in regard to
the real meaning of Christmas.
Christmas derives its name, "Christ's Mass," from the Mass offered in honor of the
Birth of Christ. Its early English form was written as "Christes Maesse," and in the
course of the change of the English language it eventually became Christmas. In the
earliest days of the Church this feast did not exist. Greater stress was placed on
the Feast of the Epiphany, because it commemorates the day on which our Saviour was
made known to the Gentiles, when the Wise Men came to adore Him. The Feast of the
Nativity came gradually into existence in the fourth century. Its first mention is
made by the great Christian writer, Clement of Alexandria, about the year 200, and
shows that it was celebrated on May 20. About the year 300, the Latin Church began to
observe it on December 25, because an ancient tradition assigns that day as the
probable date of the Birth of our Savior.
Love of the Babe of Bethlehem, who was born to redeem us, caused Catholics, in
centuries long gone by, to introduce into our churches a representation of the crib,
the Divine Babe, The Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and the Shepherds. St. Francis of
Assisi deserves the credit of making this practice very popular. His zeal prompted
him to place at Graccio a representation of the cave of Bethlehem. His plan permitted
the Faithful vividly to grasp the story of Bethlehem and to realize the poverty and
suffering of our Saviour in the bleak, cold stable where He was born. The plan has
spread to churches in all parts of the world.
On the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, it is customary to put the statues of the
Wise Men beside the crib. In the early Church, this feast was celebrated with great
solemnity because it was the day on which our Saviour was made known to those who
were not of Israel. In the fourth century, the Feast of the Nativity came into its
own and was given first importance, though in many Catholic countries the custom
exists of giving all Christmas presents on the Feast of Epiphany, since on that day
the Wise Men brought gifts to our Saviour.
The Christmas tree is of recent origin. It represents for us the Tree of the Cross.
Bethlehem and Calvary are ever associated together in our Christian thoughts, for
Christ was born to die on the Tree of Ignominy and thus redeem a sinful world. The
lights placed upon the Christmas tree have for us a symbolical meaning. They portray
the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.
Our modern Santa Claus, a crude, ridiculous figure, can be traced back to that gentle
lover of children--St. Nicholas. This Saint's feast is celebrated on December 6, and
parents and friends gave children presents on that day. The Dutch settlers in New
York brought this custom with them to the New World, and the giving of presents on
December 6 and on Christmas Day became somewhat confused. St. Nicholas was contracted
into "Santa Claus" and, with the increasing pagan idea of the Yuletide, became the
rollicking, bewhiskered figure so alien to the true Christmas spirit.
Let our children look to the Christ Child for their Christmas presents. There is no
need of deception here, and of shattering childish faith. The Christ Child exists; He
loves the little ones and He wishes them to love Him. We have no use in a Catholic
home for the fraudulent Santa Claus and the pagan Christmas he now symbolizes. Let
the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ be for young and old a day of
spiritual joy and of close union with the Saviour whom we love.
PRAYER TO THE INFANT JESUS
Come to me, O Divine Savior, vouchsafe to be born in my heart.
Grant that, taught by Thine example, and assisted by Thy grace, I may
be poor in spirit and humble of heart. Keep me chaste and obedient.
I wish to live but for Thee. O Mary, my Advocate and Mother, obtain
by thy prayers forgiveness of my past offences and holy perseverance
unto death. St. Joseph, do thou also pray for me, that I may become
daily more pleasing to Jesus. Amen.
------------------------------------------
NOVENA IN HONOR OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Patroness of the Americas. Her Feast Day is December 12.
The Novena is usually prayed from Dec. 3 through Dec. 11 but can be prayed anytime.
Read the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe at olrl.org/prophecy/ladyofg.shtml.
First Day - Dearest Lady of Guadalupe, fruitful Mother of holiness, teach me your
ways of gentleness and strength. Hear my humble prayer offered with heartfelt
confidence to beg this favor...... Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Second Day - O Mary, conceived without sin, I come to your throne of grace to share
the fervent devotion of your faithful Mexican children who call to you under the
glorious Aztec title of Guadalupe. Obtain for me a lively faith to do your Son's holy
will always: May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary,
Glory be...
Third Day - O Mary, whose Immaculate Heart was pierced by seven swords of grief, help
me to walk valiantly amid the sharp thorns strewn across my pathway. Obtain for me
the strength to be a true imitator of you. This I ask you, my dear Mother. Our
Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Fourth Day - Dearest Mother of Guadalupe, I beg you for a fortified will to imitate
your divine Son's charity, to always seek the good of others in need. Grant me this,
I humbly ask of you. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Fifth Day - O most holy Mother, I beg you to obtain for me pardon of all my sins,
abundant graces to serve your Son more faithfully from now on, and lastly, the grace
to praise Him with you forever in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Sixth Day - Mary, Mother of vocations, multiply priestly vocations and fill the earth
with religious houses which will be light and warmth for the world, safety in stormy
nights. Beg your Son to send us many priests and religious. This we ask of you, O
Mother. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Seventh Day - O Lady of Guadalupe, we beg you that parents live a holy life and
educate their children in a Christian manner; that children obey and follow the
directions of their parents; that all members of the family pray and worship
together. This we ask of you, O Mother. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Eighth Day - With my heart full of the most sincere veneration, I prostrate myself
before you, O Mother, to ask you to obtain for me the grace to fulfill the duties of
my state in life with faithfulness and constancy. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
Ninth Day - O God, You have been pleased to bestow upon us unceasing favors by having
placed us under the special protection of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary. Grant us,
your humble servants, who rejoice in honoring her today upon earth, the happiness of
seeing her face to face in heaven. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be...
------------------------------------------