World Day of Migrants and Refugees ~ Prayer for Migrants

God the Father,

source of life and love,

we are all your children;

with your providential care

guide the path of all migrant people.

God the Son,

obedient to the will of the Father,

You have called us to a holy life;

may migrant people hold on to their

faith in You especially in moments 

of difficulties.

God the Holy Spirit,

fountain of all gifts,

may migrant people open

their hearts to You so that

they may be inspired to hold on

to their hope.

Through the maternal intercession of

the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we all 

at the end of our earthly journey 

be reunited in the place her Son has 

prepared for us.

Amen.

100th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

19 January 2014

Theme: “Migrants and Refugees: Towards a Better World”  

“Migrants and refugees are not pawns on the chessboard of humanity. They are children, women and men who leave or who are forced to leave their homes for various reasons, who share a legitimate desire for knowing and having, but above all for being more. The sheer number of people migrating from one continent to another, or shifting places within their own countries and geographical areas, is striking. Contemporary movements of migration represent the largest movement of individuals, if not of peoples, in history. As the Church accompanies migrants and refugees on their journey, she seeks to understand the causes of migration, but she also works to overcome its negative effects, and to maximize its positive influence on the communities of origin, transit and destination.” 

(Pope Francis ~ World Day of Migrants and Refugees)

In the holy scriptures, we can see events of migration and seeking refuge.

• Abraham brings his family to a new land as part of a new covenant (Genesis 12:1-7).
• Moses leads his people through the desert back to the Promised Land (Exodus 13:17-22).
• Jesus, Mary and Joseph knew what it meant to leave their own country and become migrants: threatened by Herod’s lust for power, they were forced to take flight and seek refuge in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14).

The Church is God’s family in the world where no one ought to go without the necessities of life and no one is a stranger. Motivated by the charity of Christ and His teaching, the Church offers the love of Christ to all forcibly displaced persons, upholding in each one the inalienable dignity of the human person, made in the image of God. The Church’s response to the divine commandment and attention to the spiritual and pastoral needs of migrants and refugees can be attributed to the love and Compassion of Jesus, the Good Samaritan.

Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels ~ 29 September 2014

These 3 archangel, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are named in the Old as well as the New Testament. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are called "saints" because they are holy. But they are different from the rest of the saints because they were not human but spirits. They are angels and the word "angel" means Messenger of God.

Michael's name means "who is like God?" St. Michael is mentioned in three books of the Bible: Daniel, Revelation and the Letter of Jude. Archangel St. Michael and his angels battled with Satan. Michael became the champion of loyalty to God. We can ask St. Michael to make us strong in our love for Jesus and in our practice of the Catholic religion.

Gabriel's name means "the power of God." He is mentioned in the book of Daniel and more importantly in Luke's Gospel. Archangel St. Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of our saviour. Gabriel announced to Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son and call him John. Gabriel is the announcer, the communicator of the Good News. We can ask him to help us be good communicators as he was.

Raphael's name means "God has healed." We read the touching story of Raphael's role in the Bible's book of Tobit. He was also the Angel mentioned in John 5:1-4 as the power behind the healing at the sheep pool. Archangel St. Raphael brought protection and healing to the blind Tobit. At the very end of the journey, when all was completed, Raphael revealed his true identity. He called himself one of the seven who stands before God's throne. We can ask St. Raphael to protect us in our travels, even for short journeys, like going to school. We can also ask him to help when illness strikes us or someone we love.

O God, who dispose in marvellous order ministries both angelic and human, graciously grant that our life on earth may be defended by those who watch over us as they minister perpetually to you in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

29 September 2014
Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels


Reading 1

Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
As I watched:

Thrones were set up
and the Ancient One took his throne.
His clothing was bright as snow,
and the hair on his head as white as wool;
His throne was flames of fire,
with wheels of burning fire.
A surging stream of fire
flowed out from where he sat;
Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him,
and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened.
As the visions during the night continued, I saw

One like a son of man coming,
on the clouds of heaven;
When he reached the Ancient One
and was presented before him,
He received dominion, glory, and kingship;
nations and peoples of every language serve him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that shall not be taken away,
his kingship shall not be destroyed.
Or 

Revelation 12:7-12ab
War broke out in heaven;
Michael and his angels battled against the dragon.
The dragon and its angels fought back,
but they did not prevail
and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.
The huge dragon, the ancient serpent,
who is called the Devil and Satan,
who deceived the whole world,
was thrown down to earth,
and its angels were thrown down with it.

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say:
“Now have salvation and power come,
and the Kingdom of our God
and the authority of his Anointed.
For the accuser of our brothers is cast out,
who accuses them before our God day and night.
They conquered him by the Blood of the Lamb
and by the word of their testimony;
love for life did not deter them from death.
Therefore, rejoice, you heavens,
and you who dwell in them.”

Responsorial Psalm 

Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 4-5
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart,
for you have heard the words of my mouth;
in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;
I will worship at your holy temple
and give thanks to your name.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
Because of your kindness and your truth;
for you have made great above all things
your name and your promise.
When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.
All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD
when they hear the words of your mouth;
And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD
“Great is the glory of the LORD
R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.


Gospel 

John 1:47-51
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”
Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
Nathanael answered him,
“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him,
“Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you,
you will see heaven opened
and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Angels of God

Bless the Lord, O you his angels, 

you mighty ones who do his word, 

hearkening to the voice of his word! 

~ * ~ Psalm 103:20 ~ * ~

Angels are pure spirits, sinless servants of God. As in Hebrews 1:13-14, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation?". The Angels are comprised of 9 choirs, Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Virtues, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. 

Seraphim

Highest order of choir. They are the attendants or guardians before God’s Throne.

Cherubim

Second highest in the order. They have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise him.

Thrones

Angels of humility, peace and submission.

Dominions

Angels of Leadership. They assign the duties to all other angels and carry the commands of God.

Virtues

Spirits of motion, they control the elements and govern nature. They are referred to as “the shining ones”.

Powers

Warrior Angels that defend the cosmos and humans. They fight against evil spirits.

Archangels

Leading angels. They have the unique role of being God’s messengers. More on this hierarch of Angels follows in this post.

Principalities

Christ rules directly over the Principalities.

Angels

This is the lowest choir and the one closest to the material world and human beings. They have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at any given time. They are caring and always willing to assist those that ask for their help.

Particularly powerful are the 7 great Archangels spoken of in Revelation 8:2 "And I saw 7 Angels standing in the presence of God". St. Michael, St. Raphael and St. Gabriel are 3 most known and invoked archangels which us found in Sacred Scripture.

St. Michael the Archangel, whose name means "Who is like unto God?". Patron of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. St. Michael is Leader of the Armies of Heaven. As a warrior he defends not only our souls against the infernal enemy when we call on him, but he also defends Our Lord, Who is helpless in the Blessed Sacrament. This is a portent of his authority to punish those who sin against this Sacrament. "And there was a great battle in heaven, Michael and his angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought, and his angels: And they prevailed not, neither was their place found any more in heaven. And that great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, who is called the devil and satan, who seduceth the whole world; and he was cast unto the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him." Revelation 12:7-9.

source : http://www.7archangels.info/St.html

St. Gabriel the Archangel, whose name means "Might of God" or  "Strength of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Baptism. St. Gabriel is the Archangel of the Annunciation and the Incarnation's triumph over sin and death. His lilies represent the new purity of the soul through the sacraments of Baptism and Confession, both sacraments made possible by the Redemption. His banner is a declaration of Our Lady's universal motherhood.

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Gabriel_the_Archangel.html

St. Raphael the Archangel, whose name means "Healing of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Pennance. St. Raphael carries a jug of oil for annointing. The fish traditionally symbolizes the soul and the oil the healing of it's ailments through confession. The fish is also a reminder of the story of his protection of young Tobias and healing his father Tobit. (see the book of Tobit in the Old Testament for his story; only a Catholic bible will contain this book.)

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Raphael_the_Archangel.html

St. Uriel the Archangel, whose name means "Fire of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Confirmation. St. Uriel carries the Sword of Truth for Soldiers of Christ, which we become through this sacrament. Fire reminds us of the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost and the flames of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. It reminds us that our hearts should burn with love for God like the holiest of Seraphim, like the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. St. Uriel carries the scales by which we are to weigh our actions. It is also a reminder of the Scales of Perfect Justice by which our lives are weighed at our judgement.

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Uriel_the_Archangel.html

St. Jehudiel the Archangel, whose name means "Praise of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, annointing of the sick & dying. St. Jehudiel carries the flaming crown of salvation, a symbol of God's mercy and the crown of the victory of grace which awaits the saints in the next life. It is also a reminder of the crown of sufferings to be endured in this life in imitation of Our Lord.

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Jehudiel_the_Archangel.html

St. Sealtiel the Archangel, whose name means "Prayer of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. St. Sealtiel carries an incenser, symbol of the prayers & offering of the Divine Sacifice of the Mass, only through the actions of the ordained. "And another angel came and stood before the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given him much incense, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar, which is before the throne of God. And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel." Revelation 8:3-4.

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Sealtiel_the_Archangel.html

St. Barachiel the Archangel, whose name means "Blessings of God". Patron of the Sacrament of Matrimony. St. Barachiel carries an abundant basket of bread, the staff of life, symbolizing Christian parenthood and it's grave responsibilities both spiritual & temporal, to produce and provide for, the children God desires of married couples. He is a powerful intercessor for the barren as well as  for troubled marriages. He carries in his hand a book, a reminder of the wealth of instructions in the Holy Scripture, the writings of the saints and Papal encyclicals for husbands, wives and children concerning marriage and family life.

source: http://www.7archangels.info/Barachiel_the_Archangel.html

Blessed Sacrament, I Adore You , JESUS

I Adore Thee, O Jesus, True God and True Man

I adore Thee, O Jesus, 

true God and true Man, 

here present in the Holy Eucharist, 

humbly kneeling before Thee 

and united in spirit 

with all the faithful on earth 

and all the blessed in heaven. 

In deepest gratitude for so great a blessing, 

I love Thee, my Jesus, 

with my whole heart, 

for Thou art all perfect and all worthy of love.

Give me grace nevermore 

in any way to offend Thee, 

and grant that I, being refreshed 

by Thy Eucharistic presence here on earth, 

may be found worthy to come 

to the enjoyment with Mary 

of Thine eternal and ever-blessed presence 

in heaven.

Amen.

Things to Do During Private Eucharistic Adoration

Fr. Benedict Groeschel points out in the book, "In the Presence of Our Lord : The History, Theology and Psychology of Eucharistic Devotion" that there are "four kinds of prayer most appropriate in the presence of the Eucharist, namely adoration and praise, thanksgiving, repentance and trusting intercession." Accordingly, here are suggestions for what to do during private Eucharistic adoration.

1. Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours

Whether you are praising, giving thanks, asking for forgiveness or seeking an answer, you'll find an appropriate psalm. The ancient prayer of the Church called the Liturgy of the Hours presents an excellent way to pray through the Book of Psalms throughout the year.

2. Recite the "Jesus Prayer"

Say "Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner", repeatedly as you quiet your heart and mind.

3. Meditate using Scripture

Choose a passage from the Bible. read the words and ask God to let the passage speak to you. Pay special attention to anything that strikes you and ask God what He wishes for you to draw from that message.

4. Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her

Most holy men and women have had a great devotion to Our Lord in the Eucharist. Therese of Lisieux, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas, Peter Julian Eymard, Dorothy Day. Mother Teresa of Calcutta and Baroness Catherine de Hueck are just a few. Read about them and pray their prayers before the Blessed Sacrament.

5. Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him

Speak to Jesus, aware that you are in His presence, and tell Him all that comes to your mind. Listen for His response. Pray the prayer that St. Francis instructed his brothers to pray whenever they were before the Blessed Sacrament: "I adore You, O Christ, present here and in all the churches of the world, for by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world."

6. Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others

Think of those who have hurt you and request a special blessing for them. Ask God to forgive you for all the times you have neglected or hurt someone else. Bring before the Blessed Sacrament all those who have asked you to pray for them. Ask the Lord to address their concerns.

7. Pray the Rosary

Pope John Paul II reminds us, "...is not the enraptured gaze of Mary as she contemplated the face of the newborn Chris and cradled him in her arms that unparalleled model of love which should inspire us every time we receive Eucharistic communion?" (The Church and the Eucharist, 55) Ask Mary to join you as you gaze on Christ in the Eucharist and as you pray the Rosary.

8. Sit quietly and just "be" in the presence of God

Think of a visit to the Blessed Sacrament as coming to see your best friend. Sit quietly and enjoy being in each other's company. Instead of talking to the Lord, try listening to what He wants to tell you.

Taken from: http://www.uga.edu/cc/liturgy/adoration.htm 

Psalm 56 ~ Be merciful on me Lord, I put all my trust in You

1 Be merciful to me, my God,

for my enemies are in hot pursuit;

all day long they press their attack.

2 My adversaries pursue me all day long;

in their pride many are attacking me.

3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.

4 In God, whose word I praise—

in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words;

all their schemes are for my ruin.

6 They conspire, they lurk,

they watch my steps,

hoping to take my life.

7 Because of their wickedness do not let them escape;

in your anger, God, bring the nations down.

8 Record my misery;

list my tears on your scroll—

are they not in your record?

9 Then my enemies will turn back

when I call for help.

By this I will know that God is for me.

10 In God, whose word I praise,

in the Lord, whose word I praise—

11 in God I trust and am not afraid.

What can man do to me?

12 I am under vows to you, my God;

I will present my thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered me from death

and my feet from stumbling,

that I may walk before God

in the light of life.

Isaiah 12:2

Surely God is my salvation;

I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, 

is my strength and my defense;

he has become my salvation.”

Chronology of the life and sainthood of Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

< 25 May, 1887 > 

Born to Grazio Mario Forgione and Maria Giuseppa Di Nunzio Forgione in Pietrelcina, Italia and was name Francesco Forgione.

< 6 January, 1903 > 

At the age of 15 years, he enters the Franciscan novitiate 

(OFM Cap.) in Morcone. 

< 22 January, 1904 > 

Professes as a Franciscan, he took the Franciscan habit 

and the name of Fra (Friar) Pio.

< 10 August, 1910 >  

Priestly ordination in by Archbishop Paolo Schinosi 

at the Cathedral of Benevento.  Four days later, 

he offered his first Mass 

at the parish church of Our Lady of the Angels.

< 20 September, 1918 > 

Receives the stigmata 

(bodily marks, pain, and bleeding in locations corresponding to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus Christ).

< 1923 - 1933 > 

He was prohibited from celebrating Mass in public and from communicating with his spiritual children; victim of calumny.

< 1947 > 

The prayer groups of Padre Pio begin.

< 5 May, 1956 > 

Inauguration of the house "Sollievo della Sofferenza" 

(alleviating suffering). 

< 23 September, 1968 > 

Passes away in San Giovanni Rotondo.

< 21 December, 1998 > 

Recognition of his first miracle.

< 2 May, 1999 > 

Beatification in Vatican by Pope John Paul II

< 20 December, 2001 > 

Recognition of second miracle.

< 16 June, 2002 > 

Canonization in the Vatican by  Pope John Paul II.

Efficacious Novena To The Sacred Heart Of Jesus

I. O my Jesus, You have said, 

‘Truly I say to you, 

ask and it will be given you, 

seek and you will find, 

knock and it will be

opened to you.’ 

Behold, I knock, I seek and ask 

for the grace of… (mention your request)

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

II. O my Jesus, You have said,  

‘Truly I say to you, 

if you ask anything of the Father in my name, 

He will give it to you.’

Behold, in Your name, 

I ask the Father for the grace of… (mention your request)

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

III. O my Jesus, You have said, 

‘Truly I say to you, 

heaven and earth will pass away 

but my words will not pass away.’

Encouraged by Your infallible words, 

I now ask for the grace of… (mention your request)

Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory be to the Father…

Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

O Sacred Heart of Jesus, 

for whom it is impossible not 

to have compassion on the afflicted, 

have pity on us poor sinners

and grant us the grace which we ask of You, 

through the Sorrowful and Immaculate heart of Mary, 

Your tender mother and ours.

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, 

our life, our sweetness and our hope! 

To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. 

To thee do we send up our sighs, 

mourning and weeping in this valley of tears! 

Turn, then, O most gracious Advocate, 

thine eyes of mercy toward us, 

and after this, our exile, show unto us 

the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 

O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

 

St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, pray for us.

AMEN.

Prayer for the Intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina

Dear God, You generously blessed Your servant,

St. Pio of Pietrelcina,

with the gifts of the Spirit.

You marked his body with the five wounds

of Christ Crucified, as a powerful witness

to the saving Passion and Death of Your Son.

Endowed with the gift of discernment,

St. Pio labored endlessly in the confessional

for the salvation of souls.

With reverence and intense devotion

in the celebration of Mass,

he invited countless men and women

to a greater union with Jesus Christ

in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist.

Through the intercession of St. Pio of Pietrelcina,

I confidently beseech You to grant me

the grace of (here state your petition).

Glory be to the Father… (three times). Amen.

Thank you, Lord ....

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

his love endures forever.

~ * ~ Psalm 107:1 ~ * ~

Give thanks in all circumstances; 

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

~ * ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ~ * ~

I'm grateful, God, for so many things. Now, I know I'm not the most grateful person you know, God, so let me take some time to tell you what I'm thankful for.

I'm grateful, God, for the gift of life. Without you I wouldn't be here. Without you nothing would be here. Without you nothing would be at all.

I'm grateful for my parents, family, friends, wisdom, knowledge, job, food, clothes and for the many other things that I do not have. I always trust and believe that you have the plans for my future and hope. Lord have mercy on a sinner like me. 

Now, I'm not always as thankful as I should be, but today I am. Today I will try to be grateful all day, since you are generous all day to me, like you are every day.

Amen.

The Divine Mercy Miracle Prayer

Lord Jesus, I come before You just as I am. I am sorry for all 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, all the Angels and Saints, please help me. Amen

Prayer in Overcoming Bad Habits (Prayer for the strength from God and His unfailing Mercy for a sinner)

Behold me, O my God, at thy feet! I do not deserve mercy, but O, my Redeemer, the blood which Thou hast shed for me encourages me and obliges me to hope for it. How often have I offended Thee, repented, and yet have I again fallen into the same sin.

O my God, I wish to amend, and in order to be faithful to Thee, I will place all my confidence in Thee. I will, whenever I am tempted, instantly have recourse to Thee. Hitherto, I have trusted in my own promises and resolutions and have neglected to recommend myself to Thee in my temptations. This has been the cause of my repeated failures. From this day forward, be Thou, O Lord, my strength, and thus shall I be able to do all things, for “I can do all things to Him who strengtheneth me.”

Amen.

A daily prayer for a specific intention

Jesus, my Lord and my God, I worship you and adore you. Lord you have said, “Your Father and Mother may abandon you, but I will never abandon you. “

I believe in you and so I surrender all fears, anxieties and worries into your hands. Lord, I believe in your eternal love. Cover me with your love and let me experience your grace. I pray for the following intention… (Mention your intention here). If you will Lord and if it will be for my goodness, I humbly pray that you may grant me my request. Amen

How to properly attend the Holy Mass ~ St. Padre Pio

On July 25, 1915, Padre Pio wrote a letter to Annita Rodote on how to properly attend the Holy Mass:

"The Divine Master calls the church the house of prayer. In order to avoid irreverence and imperfections I exhort you in the Lord to:

Enter the church in silence and with great respect. Take the holy water and make the sign of the cross carefully and slowly. Before God in the Blessed Sacrament genuflect devoutly. At your pace, kneel down and render to Jesus the tribute of you presence. Confide to him all your needs, and those of others. Speak to him with filial abandonment. Be very composed when standing up, kneeling down, and sitting. Carry out every religious act with the greatest devotion. Be modest in your glance. Don't turn you head here and there to see who enters and leaves. Don't laugh. Don't speak to anybody, except when requested for charity or other strict necessity. Say the words distinctly, observe the pauses, and never hurry. Behave in such a way that all the presents are edified by you. Don't leave without asking Jesus for his blessing, and forgiveness for your shortcomings. Leave the church recollected and calm."

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady

The Seven Sorrows of Our Lady ....

1. St. Simeon’s Prophecy

2. The Flight into Egypt

3. The Loss of Jesus in the Temple

4. The Meeting of Mary and Jesus on the Way to Calvary

5. The Crucifixion and Death of Jesus

6. The Piercing of the Side of Jesus, and His Descent from the Cross

7. The Burial of Jesus.

Graces and promises attached to the practice of the devotion in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary Sorrowing:

According to St. Alphonsus de Liguori (The Glories of Mary) it was revealed to Saint Elizabeth that at the request of Our Lady, Our Lord promised four principal graces to those devoted to Her Sorrows:

1. That those who before death invoke the divine Mother in the name of Her Sorrows will obtain true repentance of all their sins;

2. That He will protect all who have this devotion in their tribulations, and will protect them especially at the hour of death;

3. That He will impress on their minds the remembrance of His Passion;

4. That He will place such devout servants in Mother Mary’s hands to do with them as She wishes and to obtain for them all the graces She desires.

In addition to these four graces there are also seven promises attached to the practice of daily praying seven Hail Mary’s while meditating on Our Lady’s Tears and Sorrows. These seven promises were revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden:

1.“I will grant peace to their families.”

2. “They will be enlightened about the divine Mysteries.”

3. “I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.”

4. “I will give them as much as they ask for as long as it does not oppose the adorable will of My divine Son or the sanctification of their souls.”

5.“I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives.”

6. “I will visibly help them at the moment of their death — they will see the face of their Mother.”

7. “I have obtained this grace from My divine Son, that those who propagate this devotion to My tears and sorrows will be taken directly from this earthly life to eternal happiness, since all their sins will be forgiven and My Son will be their eternal consolation and joy.”

source : Prayers and Heavenly Promises

by Joan Carroll Cruz; Imprimatur: Most Rev.

Francis B. Schulte, 1989, pg. 34-35)