Feast of the Sacred Heart

To our Lady of Perpetual Help:

MEMORARE, o Domina Nostra a Sacro Corde, quam ineffabilem tibi potentiam Filius tuus divinus contulerit in suum ipsius Cor adorabile. Pleni nos fiduciae in meritis tuis, accedimus implorantes tuum praesidium. O Cordis Iesu Thesauraria caelestis, illius Cordis, fontis inexhausti gratiarum omnium, quod potes ipsa pro tua voluntate recludere, ut defluant inde in homines divitiae amoris et misericordiae, luminis et salutis, quae in ipso continentur; concede nobis, obsecramus, beneficia quae petimus ... Nulla nobis, nulla a te erit repulsa, et, quoniam Mater Tu nostra es, o Domina Nostra a Sacro Corde, preces nostras benigne habe et benigne exaudi. Amen.

REMEMBER, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, what ineffable power thy divine Son hath given thee over His own adorable Heart. Filled with confidence in thy merits, we come before thee and implore thy protection. O heavenly Treasurer of the Heart of Jesus, that Heart which is the inexhaustible source of all graces, which thou mayest open to us at thy good pleasure, in order that from it may flow forth upon mankind the riches of love and mercy, light and salvation, that are contained therein; grant unto us, we beseech thee, the favors which we seek ... We can never, never be refused by thee, and since thou art Mother, O our Lady of the Sacred Heart, graciously receive our prayers and grant our request. Amen.

From the Raccolta #439. (S. P. Ap., April 5, 1949).

Sancte Ioannes Baptista, ora pro nobis

The next day, John saw Jesus coming to him, and he saith: Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who taketh away the sin of the world.
John 1:29

Dear friend, He must increase, we must decrease. May all that is dark within us give way to His Light; may we forget our own poisonous thoughts and be filled with His strong Virtue; may He rule our hearts both in this passing age and in the age that will not end. Through Christ our Lord.

Come, Lord Jesus, free us from our sins. Let all that is within us love Thee wholly and truly. Guide us in all that we do and make us fruitful in good works that we may glorify Thy holy Name in this world and the next. Amen.

O God, Who has made this day worthy of honor by the birth of blessed John: grant to Thy people the grace of spiritual joys, and direct the minds of all the faithful in the way of eternal salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee liveth and reigneth in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, throughout all of the ages of ages.

On the Eighth Day

We beseech Thee, O Lord, that Thou wouldst vouchsafe to grant fellowship with Thy Saints and Elect to the soul of Thy handmaiden Rebecca, whose burial seven days since we commemorate, and wouldst pour upon it the everlasting dew of Thy mercy. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, through all of the ages of ages. Amen.

+++
Today is the eighth day after your burial (counting your burial day as the first). The eighth day mystically represents eternity. I pray that for you it is a day of peace, a day of comfort, a day of rest in the Lord Who made you. May your name be found in the book He has written and your memory be eternal.

Bread of Life

At that time Jesus said to the multitudes of the Jews: My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, abideth in Me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth Me, the same also shall live by Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Not as your fathers did eat manna and are dead. He that eateth this bread shall live for ever.
John 6:56-59

Make us, we beseech Thee, O Lord, to be filled with the eternal enjoyment of Thy Divinity, which is prefigured by the reception in this life of Thy precious Body and Blood: Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, throughout all the ages of ages.
(Post-Communion payer)

Bless the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit

Dear friend, it is the day after your funeral. Here on earth the Church now enters into her longest season, the season after Pentecost, after the descent of the Holy Ghost onto the disciples. You enter into eternity, and I pray that Holy Ghost has descended on you as well. May God bless you forever, and let us bless Him:

Trium puerórum cantémus hymnum, quem cantábant sancti in camíno ignis, benedicéntes Dóminum.

Let us sing the hymn of the three young men, which these holy ones sang of old in the fiery furnace, giving praise to the Lord.

Benedícite ómnia ópera Dómini Dómino: laudáte et superexaltáte eum in saécula. Benedícite Angeli Dómini Dómino: benedícite cæli Dómino Benedícite aquæ omnes quae super cælos sunt Dómino: benedícite omnes virtútes Dómini Dómino. Benedícite sol et luna Dómino: benedícite stellæ cæli Dómini. Benedícite omnis imber et ros Dómino: benedícite omnes spíritus Dei Dómino. Benedícite ignis et æstus Dómino: benedícite frigus et æstus Dómino. Benedícite rores et pruína Dómino: benedícite gelu et frigus Dómino. Benedícite glácies et nives Dómino: benedícite noctes et dies Dómino. Benedícite lux et ténebræ Dómino: benedícite fúlgura et nubes Dómino. Benedícat terra Dóminum: laudet et superexáltet eum in saécula. Benedícite montes et colles Dómino: benedícite univérsa germinántia in terra Dómino. Benedícite fontes Dómino: benedícite mária et flúmina Dómino. Benedícite cete, et ómnia, quæ movéntur in aquis Dómino: benedícite omnes volúcres cæli Dómino. Benedícite omnes béstiæ et pécora Dómino: benedícite fílii hóminum Dómino. Benedícat Israël Dóminum: laudet et superexáltet eum in saécula. Benedícite sacerdótes Dómini Dómino: benedícite servi Dómini Dómino. Benedícite spíritus et ánimæ justórum Dómino: benedícite sancti et húmiles corde Dómino. Benedícite Ananía, Azária, Misaël Dó-mino: laudáte et superexaltáte eum in saécula. Benedicámus Patrem et Fílium cum sancto Spíritu: laudémus et superexaltémus eum in saécula. Benedíctus es, Dómine, in firmaménto cæli: et laudábilis, et gloriósus, et superexaltátus in saécula.

All ye works of the Lord, bless the Lord: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye heavens, bless the Lord O all ye waters that are above the heavens, bless the Lord: O all ye powers of the Lord, bless the Lord. O ye sun and moon, bless the Lord: O ye stars of heaven, bless the Lord. O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: O all ye spirits of God, bless the Lord. O ye fire and heat, bless the Lord: O ye cold and heat, bless the Lord. O ye dews and hoarfrosts, bless the Lord: O ye frost and cold, bless the Lord. O ye ice and snow, bless the Lord: O ye nights and days, bless the Lord. O ye light and darkness, bless the Lord: O ye lightnings and clouds, bless the Lord. O let the earth bless the Lord: let it praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O ye mountains and hills, bless the Lord: O all ye things that spring up in the earth, bless the Lord. O ye fountains, bless the Lord: O ye seas and rivers, bless the Lord O ye whales and all that move in the waters, bless the Lord: O all ye fowls of the air, bless the Lord. O all ye beasts and cattle, bless the Lord: O ye sons of men, bless the Lord. O let Israel bless the Lord: let them praise and exalt Him above all for ever. O ye priests of the Lord, bless the Lord: O ye servants of the Lord, bless the Lord. O ye spirits and souls of the just, bless the Lord: O ye holy and humble of heart, bless the Lord. O Ananias, Azarias and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt Him above all for ever. Let us bless the Father, and the Son, with the Holy Ghost: let us praise and exalt Him above all for ever. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firmament of heaven: and worthy of praise, and glorious, and exalted above all for ever.

Burial Day

A lesson from today's Mass for Ember Saturday:

In those days the angel of the Lord went down with Azarias and his companions into the furnace: and he drove the flame of the fire out of the furnace, And made the midst of the furnace like the blowing of a wind bringing dew. And the flame mounted up above the furnace nine and forty cubits: and it broke forth, and burnt such of the Chaldeans as it found near the furnace, the king' s servants that heated it. And the fire touched them not at all, nor troubled them, nor did them any harm. Then these three as with one mouth praised, and glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying: Blessed art thou, O Lord the God of our fathers: and worthy to be praised, and glorified, and exalted above all for ever.
Daniel 3:47-52

Collect:

O GOD, who didst allay the flames of fire for the three children, grant in Thy mercy that the flame of vice may not consume us, Thy servants.


Greatly loved sister in Christ, may all of your sufferings be for you blessings; united with the sorrows of Christ, may they kindle in you wisdom and love, and through grace lead you into glory. May the Divine light shine through you, so that the fires of Purgatory no longer burn nor burden you, but are as a refreshing dew from Heaven.

+++
Immaculate Heart of Mary, do thou pour drops of the Precious Blood upon the soul of Rebecca, and deliver her from Purgatory.

Brethren, being justified by faith, let us have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access through faith into this grace wherein we stand, and glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God. And not only so; but we glory also in tribulations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience trial; and trial hope; and hope confoundeth not: because the charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy Ghost, Who is given to us.
Romans 5:1-5

+++
My precious love, dearest of companions, best of friends, I pray that God speedily reconciles you to Himself. May the sorrows you suffered on Earth and in Purgatory serve to make you holy and bring you into the closest communion with our all-pure and holy God.

Here are prayers from a funeral Mass, that I now pray for you my friend:

OFFERTORY
	Domine Iesu Christe, Rex gloriae, libera animas omnium fidelium defunctorum de poenis inferni et de profundi lacu: libera eas de ore leonis, ne absorbeat eas tartarus, ne cadant in obscurum: sed signifer sanctus Michael repraesentet eas in lucem sanctam: * Quam olim Abrahae promisisti, et semini ejus. V.: Hostias et preces tibi, Domine, laudis offerimus: tu suscipe pro animabus illis, quarum hodie memoriam facimus: fac eas, Domine, de morte transire ad vitam. * Quam olim Abrahae promisisti et semini ejus.		O Lord Jesus Christ, King of glory, deliver the souls of all the faithful departed from the pains of hell and from the bottomless pit: deliver them from the lion's mouth, that hell swallow them not up, that they fall not into darkness, but let the standard-bearer, holy Michael, lead them into that holy light; which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed. V.: We offer to Thee, O Lord, sacrifices and prayers: do Thou receive them in behalf of those souls of whom we make memorial this day. Grant them, O Lord, to pass from death to that life which Thou didst promise of old to Abraham and to his seed.

POSTCOMMUNION
	Praesta, quaesumus omnipotens Deus: ut anima famulae tuae Rebecca, quae hodie de hoc saeculo migravit, his sacrificiis purgata, et a peccatis expedita, indulgentiam pariter et requiem capiat sempiternam. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum Christum Filium tuum: Qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti Deus per omnia sæcula sæculorum.		Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God; that the soul of Thy servant handmaid Rebecca, who this day has departed out of this world, being purified by this sacrifice, and delivered from her sins, may receive both pardon and everlasting rest. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever.

(After the Last Gospel) Enter not into judgment with Thy servant, O Lord; for, save Thou grant him forgiveness of all his sins, no man shall be justified in Thy sight. Wherefore suffer not, we beseech Thee, the sentence Thou pronouncest in judgment upon one whom the faithful prayer of Christian people commends to Thee to be a doom which shall crush her utterly. Rather succor her by Thy gracious favor, that she may escape Thine avenging justice who, in her lifetime, was signed with the seal of the holy Trinity. Who livest and reignest through all the ages of ages. R.: Amen.
+++

And burial prayers:

In paradisium * deducant te Angeli: in tuo adventu suscipiant te Martyres et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem. Chorus Angelorum te suscipiat, et cum Lazaro quondem paupere aeternam habeas requiem.

May the Angels lead thee into paradise: may the Martyrs receive thee at thy coming, and lead thee unto the holy city of Jerusalem. May the choir of Angels receive thee, and mayest thou have eternal rest with Lazarus, who once was poor.

O God, by whose mercy the souls of the faithful find rest, vouchsafe to bless Rebecca's grave, and appoint it; and release the souls of all these whose bodies are buried at St. Michael's cemetery from every bond of sin, that they may always rejoice in Thee with Thy Saints for ever. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages.

+++

Ego sum * resurrectio et vita: qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet: et omnis qui vivit et credit in Me, non morietur in aeternum.

I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live; and every one that liveth, and believeth in Me, shall not die for ever.

CANTICLE ¤ Luke 1. 68-79

Benedictus Dominus Deus Israel, * quia visitavit et fecit redemptionem plebis suae:    Et erexit cornu salutis nobis * in domo David pueri sui.    Sicut locutus est per os sanctorum, * qui a saeculo sunt, Prophetarum ejus.    Salutem ex inimicis nostris, * et de manu omnium qui oderunt nos.    Ad faciendam misericordiam cum patribus nostris, * et memorari testamenti sui sancti.    Jusjurandum quod juravit ad Abraham patrm nostrum, * daturum se nobis.    Ut sine timore, de manu iminicorum nostrorum liberati, * serviamus illi:    In sanctitate et justitia coram ipso, * omnibus diebus nostris.    Et tu puer Propheta Altissimi vocaberis: * praeibis enim ante faciem Domini parare vias ejus.    Ad dandam scientiam salutis plebi ejus, * in remissionem peccatorum eorum;    Per viscera misericordiae Dei nostri: * in quibus visitavit nos oriens ex alto.    Illuminare his, qui in tenebris et in umbra mortis sedent: * ad dirigendos pedes nostros in viam pacis.    Requiem aeternam * dona eis Domine.    Et lux perpetua * luceat eis.    Antiphona. Ego sum * resurrectio et vita: qui credit in me, etiam si mortuus fuerit, vivet: et omnis qui vivit et credit in Me, non morietur in aeternum.    Kyrie, eleison.    Christe, eleison.    Kyrie, eleison.    Pater noster . . . (secreto).

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; because He hath visited and wrought the redemption of His people.    And He hath raised up the horn of salvation to us, in the house of David His servant.    As He spoke by the mouth of His holy Prophets, who are from the beginning.    Salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us.    To work mercy with our fathers: and remember His holy testament.    The oath which He swore to Abraham our father, that He would grant us.    That being delivered from the hand of our enemies, we may serve Him without fear.    In holiness and justice before Him, all our days.    And thou, child, shalt be called the Prophet of the Highest; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.    To give the knowledge of salvation to His people, unto the remission of their sins.    Through the bowels of mercy of our God, in which the Orient from on high hath visited us.    To enlighten them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: to direct our feet in the way of peace.    Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.    And let perpetual light shine upon them.    Ant. I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in Me, although he be dead, shall live; and every one that liveth, and believeth in Me, shall not die for ever.    Lord, have mercy.    Christ, have mercy.    Lord, have mercy.    Our Father . . .(silently)

V.: Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.    R.: Sed libera nos a malo.    V.: A porta inferi.    R.: Erue, Domine, animam ejus.    V.: Requiescat in pace.    R.: Amen.    V.: Domine, exaudi orationem meam.    R.: Et clamor meus ad te veniat.    V.: Dominus vobiscum.    R.: Et cum spiritu tuo.    Oremus.

V.: And lead us not into temptation.    R.: But deliver us from evil.    V.: From the gate of hell.    R.: Deliver her soul, O Lord.    V.: May she rest in peace.    R.: Amen.    V.: O Lord, hear my prayer.    R.: And let my cry come before Thee.    V.: The Lord be with you.    R.: And with thy spirit.    Let us pray.

Prayer. -- Grant to Thy handmaid departed, O Lord, we beseech Thee, this favor, that she who desired to do Thy will may not receive punishment for her deeds; and that even as here on earth the true faith joined her to the ranks of the faithful, so in heaven by Thy mercy she may have fellowship with the choirs of Angels. Through Christ our Lord. R.: Amen.

V.: Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine.    R.: Et lux perpetua luceat ei.    V.: Requiescat in pace.    R.: Amen.    V.: Anima ejus, et animae omnium fidelium defunctorum, per misericordiam Dei requiescat in pace.    R.: Amen.

V.: Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord.    R.: And let perpetual light shine upon her.    V.: May she rest in peace.    R.: Amen.    V.: May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.    R.: Amen.

+++
I leave now for your burial, followed by a memorial service. Not exactly as I would have chosen to do it, but your family honors your memory as well as they can, and I desire peace with them, and with you. God's blessings on you, Rebecca, and may you be at peace until we meet again. I love you.

Saint Basil the Great, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church, pray for her.
Saint Athanasius, Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church, pray for her.

Go forth, Christian soul

LORD have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for Rebecca.

All ye holy angels and archangels, pray for her.

Holy Abel, pray for her.

All ye choirs of the just, pray for her.

Holy Abraham, pray for her.

St. John the Baptist, pray for her.

St. Joseph, pray for her.

All ye patriarchs and prophets, pray for her.

St. Peter, pray for her.

St. Paul, pray for her.

St. Andrew, pray for her.

St. John, pray for her.

All ye holy apostles and evangelists, pray for her.

All ye holy disciples of the Lord, pray for her.

All ye holy innocents, pray for her.

St. Stephen, pray for her.

St. Lawrence, pray for her.

All ye holy martyrs, pray for her.

St. Sylvester, pray for her.

St. Gregory, pray for her.

St. Augustine, pray for her.

All ye holy bishops and confessors, pray for her.

St. Benedict, pray for her.

St. Dominic, pray for her.

St. Francis, pray for her.

All ye holy monks and hermits, pray for her.

St. Mary Magdalene, pray for her.

St. Lucy, pray for her.

All ye holy virgins and widows, pray for her.

All ye saints of God, make intercession for her.

Be merciful, spare her, O Lord.

Be merciful, deliver her, O Lord.

From Thy anger, deliver her, O Lord.

From an unhappy death, deliver her, O Lord.

From the pains of hell, deliver her, O Lord.

From the power of the devil, deliver her, O Lord.

From all evil, deliver her, O Lord.

By Thy nativity, deliver her, O Lord.

By Thy cross and passion, deliver her, O Lord.

By Thy death and burial, deliver her, O Lord.

By Thy glorious resurrection, deliver her, O Lord.

By Thy admirable ascension, deliver her, O Lord.

By the grace of the Holy Ghost the Comforter, deliver her, O Lord.

In the day of judgment, deliver her, O Lord.

We sinners beseech Thee to hear us.

That Thou spare her, We beseech Thee to hear us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, have mercy on us.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Let us Pray.

Go forth, Christian soul, out of this world, in the Name of God the Father Almighty, Who created thee; in the Name of Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God, Who suffered for thee; in the Name of the Holy Ghost, Who was poured forth upon thee; in the name of the glorious and ever-blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God; in the name of St. Joseph, chaste spouse of the same Virgin; in the name of the Angels and Archangels; in the name of the Thrones and Dominations; in the name of the Principalities and Powers; in the name of the heavenly Virtues, Cherubim and Seraphim; in the name of the holy Apostles and Evangelists; in the name of the holy Martyrs and Confessors; in the name of the holy Monks and Hermits; in the name of the holy Virgins and of all the Saints of God: may your place be this day in peace, and your abode in holy Sion. Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

O merciful and gracious God, O God who, according to the multitude of Thy tender mercies, forgivest the sins of such as repent, and graciously remittest the guilt of their past offenses, mercifully regard Thy handmaid, Rebecca, and grant her a full discharge from all her sins, who most earnestly begged it of Thee. Remove, O merciful Father, whatever is corrupt in her through human frailty, or by the snares of the devil; and associate her as a member redeemed to the unity of Thy Body the Church. Have pity, Lord, on her groanings, have pity on her tears, remember her contrition in her last days, and forgive whatever was lacking in her last confession, for Thou alone art all-holy and perfect. Through Christ our Lord.
R.Amen.

I commend thee to Almighty God, dearly beloved sister, and commit thee to His mercy whose creature thou art; that, having paid the debt of humanity by passing through death, thou mayest return to thy Maker, who formed thee out of the earth. May the glorious company of Angels meet thee; may the council of the Apostles who shall judge the world greet thee; may the triumphant army of white-robed Martyrs come out to welcome thee; may the band of shining Confessors, crowned with lilies, encircle thee; may the choir of joyous Virgins receive thee; and unto the bosom of blessed rest may the embrace of the Patriarchs clasp thee; may St. Joseph, most consoling Patron of the dying, lift thee up in holy hope. May Mary, the holy Mother of God, lovingly cast upon thee her eyes of mercy. May Jesus Christ appear to thee with a mild and joyful countenance, and appoint thee a place among those who are to stand before Him for ever. Mayest thou be a stranger to all that is punished with darkness, chastised with flames, and condemned to torments. May the most wicked enemy, with all his evil spirits, be forced to give way: may he tremble at thine approach in the of Angels, and with confusion fly away into vast chaos of eternal night. Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them hate Him flee from before His face. As smoke vanishes, so let them vanish away: as wax melts before fire, so let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But may the just rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness.  May then all the legions of hell be confounded and put to shame and may none of the ministers of Satan dare to stop thee in thy way. May Christ deliver thee from torments, Who was crucified for thee. May He deliver thee from everlasting death, Who vouchsafed to die for thee. May Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, place thee in the ever-verdant lawns of His paradise, and may He, the true Shepherd, acknowledge thee for one of His flock. May He absolve thee from all thy sins, and place thee at His right hand in the midst of His elect. Mayest thou see thy Redeemer face to face; and, standing always in His presence, behold with happy eyes the most clear Truth. And mayest thou be placed among the companies of the blessed, and enjoy the sweetness of the contemplation of thy God forever. Amen.


Receive, O Lord, Thy handmaid into the place of salvation, which she hopes for from Thy mercy.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid from all the dangers of hell, and from the bonds of its punishments, and from all tribulations.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Enoch and Elias from the common death of the world.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Noe from the flood.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Job from his sufferings.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Isaac from being sacrificed by the hand of his father Abraham.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Lot from Sodom and from the flame of fire.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Moses from the hands of Pharaoh, king of the Egyptians.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Daniel from the lions' den.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver the Three Children from the burning fiery furnace, and from the hand of a wicked king.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Susanna from a false accusation.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver David from the hand of King Saul and from the hand of Goliath.
R. Amen.

Deliver, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, as Thou didst deliver Peter and Paul out of prison.
R. Amen.

And as Thou didst deliver Thy most blessed Virgin and Martyr, Thecla, from three most cruel torments, so vouchsafe to deliver the soul of this Thy handmaid, Rebecca, and make her to rejoice with Thee in the bliss of heaven.
R. Amen.


I commend unto Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid, Rebecca, and I beseech Thee, O Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, that Thou wouldst not refuse to place in the bosom of Thy Patriarchs a soul for whose sake Thou didst mercifully come down upon earth.  Acknowledge, O Lord, Thy creature, made, not by strange gods, but by Thee, the only living and true God: for there is no other God beside Thee, and none that doeth according to Thy works.  Make glad her soul, O Lord, with Thy presence, and remember not her old sins, and the excesses which wrath or heat of evil desire may have aroused.  For though she sinned, she did not deny the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost; but believed, and had a zeal for God, and faithfully worshipped Thee as her God, and Creator of all things.

Remember not, O Lord, I beseech Thee, the sins of her youth nor her ignorances; but, according to Thy great mercy, be mindful of her in the brightness of Thy glory.  Let the heavens be opened unto her, may the Angels rejoice with her.  Into Thy kingdom, O Lord, receive Thy handmaid.  Let the Archangel St. Michael, whom Thou hast appointed the chief of the heavenly host, conduct her.  Let the holy Angels of God come forth to meet her, and carry her into the city of the heavenly Jerusalem.  Let blessed Peter the Apostle, to whom were given by God the keys of the kingdom of heaven, receive her.  Let St. Paul the Apostle, who was counted worthy to be a vessel of election, assist her.  Let St. John, the beloved Apostle of God, to whom the secrets of heaven were revealed, intercede for her.  Let all the holy Apostles, who received from Jesus Christ the power of binding and loosing, pray for her.  Let all the Saints and Elect of God, who, in this world, suffered torments for the name of Christ, intercede for her: that, being loosed from the bonds of the flesh, she may come to the glory of the heavenly kingdom, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, through all the ages of ages. Amen.


May the most clement Virgin Mary, Mother of God, kindest comforter of them that mourn, commend to her Divine Son the soul of His handmaid, Rebecca, that through her maternal intercession our sister may be freed from the terrors of death and in her company joyfully enter the desired heavenly home. Amen.


To thee I have recourse, Saint Joseph, patron of the dying; and to thee, at whose blessed death watchfully assisted Jesus and Mary, by both these dearest pledges I earnestly recommend the soul of our Lord's handmaid Rebecca, now beyond her last agony in this life, that she may by thy protection be delivered from the snares of the devil and from eternal death, and may merit to attain everlasting joy. Through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord

Come, O Holy Ghost and fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

+++

Requiem † æternam dona ei, Domine: et lux perpetua luceat ei. In memoria æterna erit iustus, ab auditione mala non timebit.		Eternal rest grant † unto her, O Lord: and let perpetual light shine upon her. She shall be justified in everlasting memory, and shall not fear evil reports.
Absolve, Domine, animas omnium fidelium defunctorum ab omni vinculo delictorum et gratia tua illis succurente mereantur evadere iudicium ultionis, et lucis æternae beatitudine perfrui.		Forgive, O Lord, the souls of all the faithful departed from all the chains of their sins and by the aid to them of your grace may they merit to avoid avenging judgment, and enjoy the blessedness of everlasting light.
Lux æterna luceat ei, Domine, cum sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es. Requiem æternam dona ei, Domine; et lux perpetua luceat ei; cum Sanctis tuis in æternum, quia pius es.		May everlasting light shine upon her, O Lord, with your Saints forever, for you are kind. Grant her eternal rest, O Lord, and may everlasting light shine upon her. with your Saints forever, for you are merciful.

Absolve, I beseech Thee, O Lord, the soul of Thy handmaid Rebecca, that she who is dead to the world, may live unto Thee: and wipe away by Thy most merciful forgiveness whatever sins she may have committed in life through human frailty. Through Christ our Lord.  Amen.

St. Anthony of Padua, Confessor and Doctor of the Church, pray for her.

+++

Readings from the Ember Friday propers.  God is generous.  The fruits of the earth promised in the epistle are emblematic, sweet friend, of the spiritual blessings which we can hope the Holy Ghost will lavish on your soul. In the gospel, we see that Jesus is ready to heal and to forgive. Also he forgave the sins of the sick man when he saw the faith of the ones who brought him.  Be of good cheer. You have many friends who have lifted you up in prayer.

Introit:

Let my mouth be filled with Thy praise, alleluia: that I may sing, alleluia: my lips shall rejoice, when I shall sing to Thee, alleluia, alleluia. In Thee, O Lord, have I hoped, let me never be put to confusion: deliver me in Thy justice, and rescue me. v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, and now, and ever, and to the age of ages. Amen.
Psalm 70:8,23,1,2


Epistle:

Thus saith the Lord God: O children of Sion, rejoice, and be joyful in the Lord your God; because He hath given you a teacher of justice, and He will make the early and the latter rain to come down to you, as in the beginning: and the floors shall be filled with wheat, and the presses shall overflow with wine and oil. And you shall eat in plenty, and shall be filled; and you shall praise the name of the Lord your God, Who hath done wonders with you: and My people shall not be confounded for ever. And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel: and I am the Lord your God, and there is none besides; and My people shall not be confounded forever; said the Lord almighty.
Joel 2:23,24,26,27


Alleluia, alleluia. O how good and sweet, O Lord, is Thy spirit within us. Alleluia.


Gospel:

At that time, it came to pass, on a certain day that Jesus sat teaching; and there were pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by that were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was to heal them. And behold men brought in a bed a man who had the palsy, and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before Him; and when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, because of the multitude, they went up upon the roof, and let him down through the tiles with his bed into the midst before Jesus. And when He saw their faith, He said, "Man, thy sins are forgiven thee: and the scribes and pharisees began to think, saying, Who is this who speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? And when Jesus knew their thoughts, answering, He saith to them, "What is it you think in your hearts? Which is easier to say? Thy sins are forgiven thee, or to say, Arise and walk? But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins(to the crippled man) I say to thee, Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house." And immediately rising up before them, he took up the bed on which he lay and he went away to his own house, glorifying God. And all were astonished, and they glorified God; and they were filled with fear, saying, We have seen wonderful things today.
Luke 5:17-26


Offertory:

Praise the Lord, O my soul, in my life I will praise the Lord; I will sing to my God, as long as I shall be, alleluia.
Psalm 145:2


Communion:

I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you again, alleluia: and your heart shall rejoice, alleluia.
John 14:18

+++

And I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete, that he may abide with you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him: but you shall know him; because he shall abide with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you orphans, I will come to you. Yet a little while: and the world seeth me no more. But you see me: because I live, and you shall live. In that day you shall know, that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.
John 14:16-20

Deliver her

R.: Libera nos, Domine, de morte aeterna, in die illa tremenda: * Quando coeli movendi sunt et terra: * Dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem.		R.: Deliver me, O Lord, from death eternal in that awful day. * When the heavens and the earth shall be moved: * When Thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.:Tremens factus sum ego, et timeo, dum discussio venerit, atque ventura ira.		V.: Dread and trembling have laid hold on me, and I fear exceedingly because of the judgment and of the wrath to come.
R.: Quando coeli movendi sunt et terra		R.: When the heavens and the earth shall be moved
V.: Dies illa, dies irae calamitatis et miseriae: dies magna et amara valde.		V.: O that day, that day of wrath, of sore distress and of all wretchedness, that great day and exceeding bitter.
R.: Dum veneris judicare saeculum per ignem.		R.: When Thou shalt come to judge the world by fire.
V.: Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine, et lux perpetua luceat ei.		V.: Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her.
R.: Libera nos, Domine, de morte aeterna, in die illa tremenda		R.: Deliver me, O Lord, from death eternal in that awful day.
Kyrie, eleison . . .		Lord, have mercy.
Christe, eleison . . .		Christ, have mercy.
Kyrie, eleison . . .		Lord, have mercy.
Pater noster . . . (secreto)		Our Father . . . (silently)
V.: Et ne nos inducas in tentationem.		V.: And lead us not into temptation.
R.: Sed libera nos a malo.		R.: But deliver us from evil.
V.: A porta inferi.		V.: From the gate of hell.
R.: Erue, Domine, animam ejus.		R.: Deliver her soul, O Lord.
V.: Requiescat in pace.		V.: May she rest in peace.
R.: Amen.		R.: Amen.
V.: Domine, exaudi orationem meam.		V.: O Lord, hear my prayer.
R.: Et clamor meus ad te veniat.		R.: And let my cry come before Thee.
V.: Dominus vobiscum.		V.: The Lord be with you.
R.: Et cum spiritu tuo.		R.: And with thy spirit.
Oremus: Deus, cui proprium est misereri semper et parcere, te supplices exoramus pro anima famulæ tuæ Rebecca quam hodie de hoc sæculo migrare jusisti: ut non tradas eam in manus inimici, neque obliviscaris in finem, sed jubeas eam a sanctis Angelis suscipi, et ad Patriam paradise perduci: ut, quia in te speravit et crededit, non pœnas inferni sustineat, sed gaudia æterna possideat. Per Dominum nostrum Jesum christum Filium tuuum, qui tecum vivit et regnat in unitate Spiritus Sancti, Deus, per omnia sæcula sæculorum.		Let us pray: O God, whose property is ever to have mercy and to spare, we humbly entreat Thee on behalf of the soul of Thy handmaid Rebecca, whom Thou hast bidden to pass out of this world: that Thou wouldst not deliver her into the hands of the enemy nor forget her for ever, but command her to be taken up by the holy Angels, and to be borne to our home in paradise, that as she had put her faith and hope in Thee she may not undergo the pains of hell but may possess everlasting joys. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages. Amen.

+++
Saint John of San Facundo, pray for her.
Saint Basilides, pray for her.
Saint Cyrinus, pray for her.
Saint Nabor, pray for her.
Saint Nazarius, pray for her.

+++
Come, O Holy Ghost and fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

+++    Priest:
          Have mercy upon us, O God, according to Thy great mercy, we beseech Thee: hear us, and have mercy.
         
   People:
          Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
         
   Priest:
          Furthermore we pray for the repose of the soul of the servant of God Rebecca Schwan, departed from this life, and that Thou wilt pardon all her sins, both voluntary and involuntary.
         
   People:
          Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
         
   Priest:
          That the Lord God will establish her soul where the just repose.
         
   People:
          Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.  Lord, have mercy.
         
   Priest:
          The mercies of God, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the remission of her sins, we ask of Christ, our King Immortal and our God.
         
   People:
          Grant this, O Lord.
         
   Priest:
          Let us pray to the Lord.
         
   People:
          Lord, have mercy.
         
   Priest:
          O God of spirits, and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death by death, and overthrown the Devil, and hast bestowed life upon Thy world: do Thou Thyself, O Lord, grant rest to the soul of Thy departed servant, Rebecca, in a place of brightness, a place of verdure, a place of repose, whence all sickness, sorrow and sighing have fled away.  As the gracious God, Who lovest mankind, pardon every transgression which she has committed, whether by word, or deed, or thought. For Thou alone art without sin, and Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. For Thou art the Resurrection, and the Life, and the Repose of Thy departed servant Rebecca, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, Who is from everlasting, and Thine All-Holy, and Good and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.
         
   People:
          Amen.

Embertide

Come, O Holy Ghost and fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

+++
It is Ember week again, a time to pray for God's blessings in the new season. And may we remember to bless God in every season of our lives.
+++
Prayers from today's Mass follow. As God intervened for His people in ancient days, may He intervene for you now. As His people praise His holy name down through the centuries, may your voice be joined with theirs. As the Holy Spirit has enlightened the minds of His saints, may he bless you also with wisdom. As He made them shine like the stars of heaven, may you also be haloed in the holiness of the Spirit dwelling within you. And as our blessed Savior gave everlasting life to those who were called to Him by His Father, may He do the same for you.

Dear friend, now beyond the seasons of this world, I pray that in the world to come, in the beneficent and healing Presence of our heavenly Father, you may be blessed forever with the renewal of Spring, the gladness of Summer, the richness of autumn, and the restfulness of winter. [I think St. Thomas More said something like that].

Introit:

O God, when Thou didst go forth in the sight of Thy people, making a passage for them, dwelling in the midst of them, alleluia; the earth was moved, the heavens dropped, alleluia, alleluia.

Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, and now, and ever, and to the age of ages. Amen.

(Repeat O God, when...)


Collect:

May the Comforter Who proceedeth from Thee enlighten our minds, we beseech Thee, O Lord, and guide us, even as Thy Son hath promised, into all truth. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages.


Collect after the lesson:

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty and merciful God, that the Holy Ghost may deign to come and dwell in us, making us the temples of His glory. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages.


Gospel:

No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath sent me, draw him; and I will raise him up in the last day. It is written in the prophets: And they shall all be taught of God. Every one that hath heard of the Father, and hath learned, cometh to me.

Not that any man hath seen the Father; but he who is of God, he hath seen the Father. Amen, amen I say unto you: He that believeth in me, hath everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers did eat manna in the desert, and are dead. This is the bread which cometh down from heaven; that if any man eat of it, he may not die.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever; and the bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world.
John 6:44-52


Offertory:

I shall meditate on Thy commandments, which I have loved: and I shall lift up my hands to Thy commandments, which I have loved, alleluia.
Psalm 118: 47,48

+++
Dear Rebecca, by the power of the Holy Spirit Whom you received at your confirmation, and through our Savior Whom you received in the holy Eucharist may you see the Father and rejoice, and receive from his hand everlasting life. Amen.

Remember, O Lord our God, Thy handmaid our sister Rebecca, who now standeth before Thee in the faith and hope of life eternal. Release her from her sins, destroying her iniquity, pardoning, loosing, and freeing her from all her transgressions, voluntary and involuntary. Save her from the eternal sufferings and fires of hell. Grant her to enjoy and to share in Thine eternal bliss which Thou hast prepared for all that love Thee: though she sinned, yet she did not reject Thee, confessing Thee faithfully even in her latest breath--the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and believing in God glorified in the Holy Trinity, One in Three and Three in One, according to the Catholic Faith. Be thou therefore merciful to her, looking rather upon her faith than her works, and grant her rest with all thy saints, for Thou art bountiful. No man who lives is without sin, and Thou alone art free from all stain, and Thy truth abideth for ever. Thou art the one merciful and bountiful God who lovest mankind, and to Thee we ascribe glory, to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost now and for ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

Saint Barnabas, holy apostle, pray for Rebecca.
Saint Thomas More, pray for her.

El, Malei Rachammim

Come, O Holy Ghost and fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

+++
Oh God, full of mercy, who dwells on high, grant perfect rest beneath the sheltering wings of Your presence, among the holy and the pure who shine as the brightness of the sky, to the soul for whom I pray, who has gone to her eternity, and in whose memory I have offered charity. May her rest be in Paradise. May the Master of Mercy bring her under the cover of His wings, and let her soul be bound up in the bond of life. May the LORD be her inheritance, and may she rest in peace where she will lay, and let us say, Amen.

Saint Joseph, pray for her.
Saint Margaret, pray for her.
Saint Elizabeth Seton, pray for her.

+++
I'm still praying for you, every day, as I have been for a while.  I hope you are advancing in virtue faster than I am.  Despite all the time I spend talking with God, I still find time to sin the same old sins.  But, maybe, I hope, I'm resisting a little more and repenting a little quicker.  We shall see.  I hope to see you again.  Visit me when I get to purgatory, if that is possible & pray for those you have left behind, when you can.

+++
Merciful God, please grant that Rebecca and I and the others for whom I pray will find our final home with Thee in heaven.

+++
Today's Gospel:

Amen, amen I say to you: He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up another way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath let out his own sheep, he goeth before them: and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. But a stranger they follow not, but fly from him, because they know not the voice of strangers.

This proverb Jesus spoke to them. But they understood not what he spoke to them. Jesus therefore said to them again: Amen, amen I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All others, as many as have come, are thieves and robbers: and the sheep heard them not. I am the door. By me, if any man enter in, he shall be saved: and he shall go in, and go out, and shall find pastures. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I am come that they may have life, and may have it more abundantly.
John 10:1-10

+++
Shortly before you died, I went to confession and, for a penance, was assigned the reading of Luke 15. I have read all or part of it most days since. It has the parable of the lost sheep. I have been praying to the Good Shepherd. Remember His loving concern for you, dear lamb of His flock, and be at peace.

Why art thou cast down?

As the hart panteth after the fountains of water; so my soul panteth after Thee, O God. My soul hath thirsted after the strong living God; when shall I come and appear before the face of God? My tears have been my bread day and night, whilst it is said to me daily: Where is thy God? These things I remembered, and poured out my soul in me: for I shall go over into the place of the wonderful tabernacle, even to the house of God: With the voice of joy and praise; the noise of one feasting.

Why art thou sad, O my soul? and why dost thou trouble me? Hope in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God. My soul is troubled within myself: therefore will I remember Thee from the land of Jordan and Hermoniim, from the little hill. Deep calleth on deep, at the noise of thy flood-gates. All Thy heights and thy billows have passed over me. In the daytime the Lord hath commanded His mercy; and a canticle to Him in the night. With me is prayer to the God of my life. I will say to God: Thou art my support. Why hast Thou forgotten me? and why go I mourning, whilst my enemy afflicteth me?

Whilst my bones are broken, my enemies who trouble me have reproached me; Whilst they say to me day be day: Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why dost thou disquiet me? Hope thou in God, for I will still give praise to Him: the salvation of my countenance, and my God.
Psalm 41

+++
Do not be sad, dearest friend. Trust in God, Who makes all of His friends to be saints.

Saints Primus and Felician, holy martyrs, pray for her.
Saint Jerome, pray for her.
Saint Benedict, pray for her.

The heavens proclaim Your wonders, O Lord, and Your truth in the assembly of the saints.
V. The mercies of the Lord I will sing forever through all generations.
Psalm 88:6,2

Come, O Holy Ghost and fill the hearts of Thy faithful: and kindle in them the fire of Thy love.

+++
This is the last week of prayer until your funeral on Saturday. Please pardon me if my voice falls silent after that. I am still in the flesh, and weak. I pray that God will give you a stronger voice and a joyful heart, so that you will sing of His mercies from generation to generation and beyond all generations.

Dearest friend, even if I fall silent, I will remember, and thy memory will be a blessing all the days of my life.

Thank you God, for bringing Rebecca into my life, for a little while.

+++
I have chosen you out of the world that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain.
John 15:16

The Paraclete

Behold now bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord: Who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. In the nights lift up your hands to the holy places, and bless ye the Lord. May the Lord out of Sion bless thee, He that made heaven and earth.
Psalm 133

+++
Let all that is within you bless the Lord, sweet friend of happy memory, and I pray that the Holy Ghost may bless thee.

Come, O Holy Spirit, come!

From Thy bright and blissful Home

Rays of healing light impart.

Come Thou Father of the poor,

Source of gifts that will endure,

Light of ev'ry human heart.

Thou of all consolers best,

Of the soul, most kindly Guest,

Quick'ning courage do bestow.

In hard labor Thou art rest,

In the heat, refreshest best,

Solace givest in our woe.

O most blessed Light divine,

Let Thy radiance in us shine,

And our inmost being fill.

Nothing good by man is thought,

Nothing right by him is wrought,

When he spurns Thy gracious Will.

Cleanse our souls from sinful stain,

Lave our dryness with Thy rain,

Heal our wounds and mend our way.

Bend the stubborn heart and will,

Melt the frozen, warm the chill,

Guide the steps that go astray.

On the faithful who in Thee,

Trust with childlike piety,

Deign Thy sevenfold gift to send.

Give them virtue's rich increase,

Saving grace to die in peace,

Give them joys that never end.

Amen. Alleluia.

+++
I prayed the last of the gradual psalms for you this morning (I'll need to find something else to say tomorrow). Here is a summary of their message from Cassiodorus, a sixth century monk:

It is pleasant to recount how these steps have led all the way to the heavenly Jerusalem.

On the first step he denotes loathing of the world, after which there is haste to attain zeal for all the virtues.
Secondly, the strength of divine protection is explained, and it is demonstrated that nothing can withstand it.
Thirdly, the great joy of dwelling with pure mind in the Lord's Church is stated.
Fourth, he teaches us that we must continually presume on the Lord's help whatever the constraints surrounding us, until He takes pity and hears us.
Fifth, he warns us that when we are freed from dangers, we must not attach any credit to ourselves, but attribute it all to the power of the Lord.
In the sixth, the trust of the most faithful Christian is compared to immovable mountains.
In the seventh, we are told how abundant is the harvest reaped by those who sow in tears.
In the eighth, it is said that nothing remains of what any individual has performed by his own will; only the things built by the sponsorship of the Lord are most firmly established.
In the ninth, it is proclaimed that we become blessed through fear of the Lord, and that all profitable things are granted us.
In the tenth, he inculcates in committed persons the patience which he commands through the words of the Church.
In the eleventh, as penitent he cries from the depths to the Lord, asking that the great power of the Godhead be experienced by the deliverance of mankind.
In the twelfth, the strength of meekness and humility is revealed;
in the thirteenth, the promise of the holy incarnation and the truth of the words spoken are demonstrated.
In the fourteenth, spiritual unity is proclaimed to the brethren, and to them the Lord's benediction and eternal life are shown to accrue.
In the fifteenth, there is awakened in the course of the Lord's praises that perfect charity than which nothing greater can be expressed, and nothing more splendid discovered. As the apostle attests: God is love. So let us continually meditate on the hidden nature of this great miracle, so that by ever setting our gaze on such things, we may avoid the deadly errors of the world.

The number of these psalms contains this further mystery: when the five bodily senses, by which human frailty incurs all sin, are overcome by the power of the Trinity, this leads us to the fifteenth height of the psalms of the steps; thus the body's weakness is eliminated, and eternal rewards are bestowed on those who conquer it.

+++
Dear Rebecca, I pray that the Holy Spirit will guide you step by step into a better world, leading you away from any stubborn self-will or attachment to error into freedom in the Divine light.

Beloved, what do you see, stripped of your body, facing eternity? Are you as you were, a sinner like me? What hope have you then? None, if you rely on your own strength.  Even the poor passing world of your old life crushed you flat.  And it is just a shadow of the world to come.

But it could not destroy you, dearest friend. You still are. It is God Who sustains you, the God Who made you in His own image. He did not make you for unending sorrows or regrets. My love, God, Who is Love, made you to be happy with Him in eternity.

Sweet friend, you have entered into a larger world.  You need to be more than you were. You need to be perfect, to endure eternity.  Anything less will shatter or wither away.  You have been less than perfect.  But God made you to live!  Even though, on our own, we are nothing, and can do nothing of our own strength, we still have hope.  Through God all things are possible.  Ask for His help. Do not despair if you are not healed immediately.  It may be that the healing has begun and you do not know it.  Persist.  Jesus said to persist in prayer until He answers you.  God hears you always.  He knows you. Our all-knowing, all-loving, all-forgiving, all-sustaining, all-holy Father wills to rescue you from destruction when it is truly your will, too.  Listen for His voice and do all He tells you.  Dear friend, do not try to hide from Him.  He forgives when you repent.  From the depths of your soul call to Him, and trust in His goodness and mercy.  With His help, you will be happy as only a saint can be.

Today is Pentecost, the birthday of the Church. May the same Holy Spirit Who formed the Church this day by taking people of the old covenant and making them something more, take you, my dear friend, and build on nature and make of you a new creation, fit for joy in God's widest heaven.

Saint Francis Xavier, pray for her

Come, O Holy Spirit, come!
Guide us to holiness and eternal life.

Be fruitful in good works

Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell in unity. Like the precious ointment on the head, that ran down upon the beard, the beard of Aaron, Which ran down to the skirt of his garment: As the dew of Hermon, which descendeth upon mount Sion. For there the Lord hath commandeth blessing, and life for evermore.
Psalm 132

+++
My cherished friend, may you dwell in friendship with the friends of God, and know peace.

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul,
blessed Spirit of the Father and the Son.
Immortal Giver of Life and Comforter of the afflicted,
heal her whom the doctors could not cure,
and bless her with comfort and peace
from now until the day of judgment.

O Treasury of Goodness and Lover of Mankind,
fill the heart of Thy handmaid Rebecca with Thy charity,
grant her joy and peace and patience,
make her kind and good,
bless her with longanimity and mildness
and unwavering faithfulness,
let her be ever modest, continent and chaste,
Thy true daughter,
a star among the stars of heaven,
shining with the glory she has received from Thee,
a mirror of Thy holiness,
fruitful in good works.

Through Christ our Lord
Who reigns with Thee
in the Glory of God the Father
through all the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saint Norbert, Bishop and Confessor, pray for her.

The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth

O Lord, remember David, and all his meekness. How he swore to the Lord, he vowed a vow to the God of Jacob: If I shall enter into the tabernacle of my house: if I shall go up into the bed wherein I lie: If I shall give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids, or rest to my temples: until I find out a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

Behold we have heard of it in Ephrata: we have found it in the fields of the wood. We will go into his tabernacle: We will adore in the place where his feet stood. Arise, O Lord, into thy resting place: thou and the ark, which thou hast sanctified. Let thy priests be clothed with justice: and let thy saints rejoice. For thy servant David' s sake, turn not away the face of thy anointed.

The Lord hath sworn truth to David, and he will not make it void: of the fruit of thy womb I will set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep thy covenant, and these my testimonies which I shall teach them: Their children also for evermore shall sit upon thy throne. For the Lord hath chosen Sion: he hath chosen it for his dwelling. This is my rest for ever and ever: here will I dwell, for I have chosen it. Blessing, I will bless her widow: I will satisfy her poor with bread.

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. His enemies I will clothe with confusion: but upon him will my sanctification flourish.
Psalm 131

+++
Beloved Rebecca, my constant friend for years, now dearly missed, you also must find a place for the Lord, a tabernacle for the God of Jacob, a place to adore Him. Where else can that be but in thy own soul ?

Invite Him there, gentle friend. Even if the house of your soul is disheveled, so that you are ashamed to receive visitors, our Father is the kindest of guests. He Himself will help you to clean your house and repair it, and to set all in order. He brings with Him goodness beyond measure. With your consent, He will take thy humble hut and make of it a palace, and bless it, and dwell there with thee.

Then your sorrows will cease: no more an orphan, you will be fed and clothed and healed, and you will have a secure place to dwell in blessèd friendship with the saints. In their company, I pray that you may remember the music that you loved before, and learn from them new songs, songs of beauty that move and instruct the heart. Then “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”, and let the saints rejoice with you.

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment.

Holy Comforter and Counselor,
come to Rebecca's aid.
Let her remember this world's sorrows,
and grow wise and compassionate.
Let her remember this world's joys,
and the goodness she saw,
and be grateful and generous in return.

Holy and immortal Lover of mankind,
Who givest to all men abundantly,
I beg Thee to add still more to Thy blessings for Rebecca,
true contrition for her sins,
lasting repentance and conversion of her heart,
absolute trust in Thee,
and Thy indwelling Presence,
life-giving water springing up eternally,
refreshing her soul.
Grant her goodness and kindness and fidelity,
faithful service and sabbath rest,
knowledge of Thy creation,
and its Creator,
delight in all that Thou revealest to her.
Let her be secure in Thy providence,
receiving from Thee wisdom and doing Thy will.
May she thank Thee, and praise Thee, and love Thee,
both now and forever. Amen.

My Lord, my Life, my Hope,
I humbly ask Thee to grant Rebecca
peace and wisdom and life in Thee.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
+++
Saint Norbert, Bishop and Confessor, pray for her.
+++
But if any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
James 1:5

God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom.
Wisdom 7:28

But the wisdom that is from above, first indeed is chaste, then peaceable, modest, easy to be persuaded, consenting to the good, full of mercy and good fruits, without judging, without dissimulation.
James 3:17

If you hear His voice, harden not your heart

Lord, my heart is not exalted: nor are my eyes lofty. Neither have I walked in great matters, nor in wonderful things above me. If I was not humbly minded, but exalted my soul: As a child that is weaned is towards his mother, so reward in my soul. Let Israel hope in the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever.
Psalm 130

+++
Stay humble, dear friend, leaving room in your thoughts for God's will. "He must increase, I must decrease".

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment.

Lord God, teach her Thy way,
may she remember Thy wisdom,
may she always listen for Thy voice,
so that with Thy help
she may always choose the better way
and be pleasing to Thee
in all of her thoughts, words and actions.
Amen.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saint Boniface, teacher, apostle to Germany, pray for her.
Saint Patrick, apostle of Ireland, pray for her.

+++
Establish within thyself a heart of good counsel: for there is no other thing of more worth to thee than it. The soul of a holy man discovereth sometimes true things, more than seven watchmen that sit in a high piece to watch. But above all these things pray to the most High, that he may direct thy way in truth. In all thy works let the true word go before thee, and steady counsel before every action.
Ecclesiasticus 37:17-20

unto all riches of fulness of understanding

Out of the depths I have cried to thee, O Lord: Lord, hear my voice. Let thy ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication. If thou, O Lord, wilt mark iniquities: Lord, who shall stand it ? For with thee there is merciful forgiveness: and by reason of thy law, I have waited for thee, O Lord. My soul hath relied on his word: My soul hath hoped in the Lord.

From the morning watch even until night, let Israel hope in the Lord. Because with the Lord there is mercy: and with him plentiful redemption. And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Psalm 129

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment.

Grant her the grace to understand
the purpose behind the suffering that she had to endure,
the suffering that all men have to endure,
the suffering that our Lord endured.

Spirit of Mercy and Grace,
Strengthen the heart of Rebecca,
that Christ may dwell there,
and she, rooted and grounded in love,
may have strength to comprehend
the breadth and length and height and depth of His love,
a love that surpasses knowledge,
so that she may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Let her remember those she encountered in her old life,
and see how Thou hast made them like herself.
Let her perceive their hopes, their struggles,
the image they bear of the their Maker,
and let her love them also with unbounded love.

Help her to understand Thy purpose for all this world
and the world to come and Thy will for her.

Through Christ Jesus our Lord
Who reigns with Thee and our heavenly Father,
one God, through all the ages of ages.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saint Francis Caracciolo, pray for her

Open our eyes, that we may behold wondrous things out of Thy law

Often have they fought against me from my youth, let Israel now say. Often have they fought against me from my youth: but they could not prevail over me. The wicked have wrought upon my back: they have lengthened their iniquity. The Lord who is just will cut the necks of sinners: Let them all be confounded and turned back that hate Sion.

Let them be as grass on the tops of houses: which withered before it be plucked up: Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand: nor he that gathereth sheaves his bosom. And they that have passed by have not said: The blessing of the Lord be upon you: we have blessed you in the name of the Lord.
Psalm 128

+++
Dearest friend, now you face no enemies but the ones you have taken with you: your own sins and the evil inclinations of your heart. Let all your enemies be confounded and wither away. To you I say: The blessing of the Lord be upon you: I have blessed you in the name of the Lord, and will bless you again. And may many blessings of angels and saints descend on your head.

On the day that you died, I mentioned that it was the Feast of Saint Athanasius, a doctor of the Church. You will be buried on the feast day of Saint Basil, another doctor. May these two noble and exalted teachers pray for you, my humble friend, that God will illuminate your mind with divine knowledge, so that you may apprehend the beauty and justice of God's plan for you, which has so wonderfully interwoven the actions that come from His perfect will with the varied acts that sprang from our very imperfect wills.

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment.

Teach her all things
that are good for her to know,
Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth.

Give her eyes to see
what is true and what is false,
what is good and what is evil,
so that she may always choose the right way,
and walk the path of righteousness forever
as a child of the light,
rejoicing in Thy goodness
through Christ our Lord
Who with our heavenly Father and Thee
reigns, one God, through all the ages of ages.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saint Athanasius, pray for her
Saint Basil, pray for her

Love endureth all things

Blessed are all they that fear the Lord: that walk in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labours of thy hands: blessed art thou, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife as a fruitful vine, on the sides of thy house. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord. May the Lord bless thee out of Sion: and mayest thou see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.

And mayest thou see thy children's children. Peace upon Israel.
Psalm 127

+++
Well, psalm 127 would have been a good one to pair with “Fear of the Lord” in the novena, but I did not read ahead. Dear Rebecca, If you want to come back, we can try to do this over, some other time.

I joke, of course. You must wait patiently until the time God has ordained before you will be reunited with your body. Let us pray for patience and trust in God's providence.

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment.

Teach her all things
so that she may patiently endure all things
without resentment or fear,
and obey you in all things,
with a joyful and undivided heart
conquering every temptation
that would pull her from Thy path.

May she walk the path of righteousness forever
as a child of the light,
manifesting Thy goodness in her every action.

Bless her, Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
with a steadfast trust in Thee.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saints Marcellinus, Peter and Erasmus, who endured torments and death for the Lord, pray for us, that we may learn courage from your example.

+++
Two readings from today's Mass:

...For I reckon that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us. For the expectation of the creature waiteth for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that made it subject, in hope: Because the creature also itself shall be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. For we know that every creature groaneth and travaileth in pain, even till now. And not only it, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption of the sons of God, the redemption of our body.
Romans 8:18-23

The just cried, and the Lord heard them: and delivered them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrite heart: and he will save the humble of spirit.
Psalm 33:18-19


And one more, for fortitude:

Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him that endured such contradiction from sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

In striving against sin, ye have not yet resisted unto bloodshed. And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children: “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked by Him, for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.”

If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then ye are bastards and not sons.

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not far rather be in subjection unto the Father of Spirits, and live? For verily they chastened us for a few days according to their own pleasure, but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto those who are exercised thereby. Therefore, lift up the hands which hang down and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather be healed.
Hebrews 12:1-13

the Spirit of adoption

Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it. Unless the Lord keep the city, he watcheth in vain that keepeth it. It is vain for you to rise before light; rise ye after you have sitten, you that eat the bread of sorrow, when he has given sleep to his beloved. Behold the inheritance of the Lord are children: the reward, the fruit of the womb. As arrows in the hand of the mighty, so the children of them that have been shaken. Blessed is the man that hath filled the desire with them; he shall not be confounded when he shall speak to his enemies in the gate.
Psalm 126
(Commentaries: 1, 2, 3)

+++
Rest in peace, beloved, for as long as God gives you darkness for rest, and rise with the dawn that will follow to a better day.

A blessed Sunday to you, dearest friend. Today is the 30th day after your death. You are not buried, yet. It is a long wait, but I am glad to have this time to think of you and pray for you. I love you. I look forward to the time when, Deo volente, we may meet again and resume our friendship. God speed the day! [That is an intentional pun, my language-loving friend].

+++
Act of Consecration

Our Father who art in heaven...

Hail, Mary, Full of Grace, ...

Glory be to the Father... (7 Times)

Abide in Rebecca's soul, O Good and Holy Spirit.
In Thy care may she find healing.
May she whom the doctors could not cure
find comfort and peace in Thee
from now until the day of judgment,
and in the age to come.

Teach her all things
so that she may endure all things
without bitterness,
and learn compassion and grow in wisdom.
Move her soul to cry out “Abba! Father!”,
and may she live forever as Thy true daughter,
happily fulfilling her duties as a child in Thy house,
receiving from Thee goodness and mercy and glory,
and, with all the saints, blessing Thy Name,
Holy God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost

+++
Saint Angela Merici, pray for her.

O God, Who through blessed Angela didst cause a new society of holy virgins to flourish in Thy Church: grant through her intercession that we may lead lives of angels, so that shedding all earthly interests, we may be found worthy to enjoy everlasting happiness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, through all the ages of ages.