Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11:38-44
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and wonderful start to Advent. I have to be honest, this Thanksgiving was very hard. God is still good.
Many of you out there may have been feeling like I had felt over Thanksgiving. The darkness of the world closing in. The suffering of daily life getting harder. We lost my Aunt Claire Green two days before Thanksgiving. She was my dad’s brother’s wife. We spent many days with her at the beach in Delaware when my parents lived there. I never thought she would go before my mom.
Claire Green 2/25/1940 (Feast of Our Lady of Great Power) – 11/23/2021 (Blessed Miguel Pro – ¡Viva Cristo Rey!”) Please pray for the repose of her soul.
God is good. Death is not the end.
I found myself approaching Advent feeling like I needed Resurrection instead of approaching it with the wonder and awe of the Nativity. It occurred to me that I needed the Holy Family now more than ever, that I needed my Lord to unbind me from the creeping darkness. And for whatever reason I thought of Lazarus.
Normally we think of Lazarus at Lent. But here I was during Advent thinking of Lazarus. I did what I always do, I decided to pray. In my prayer, I thought of how Martha was the one who stated Jesus was the messiah when He came to her after the death of Lazarus. In her sorrow, she still believed and she proclaimed it. I thought of how Jesus made Lazurus’ family holy. I thought of how the yes of Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to us and to Martha, Mary and Lazarus. I thought of how Lazarus was dead for four days. I wanted to pray a four day prayer. I wanted to surround myself with the family of Christ. I realized that my friend, Ashley Blackburn and I wrote prayers to the Holy Family and a Consecration to the Holy Family. So I decided to put some of them together for a 4 day prayer. A Lazarus prayer – for the times we can’t see the light in the darkness, that we may always have hope that the light is there. Though the prayers are not to Lazarus, I ask him to intercede over these 4 days. I pray that if the weight of the world has brought us down that we hand that weight to Jesus and let him unbind and resurrect us so we persevere in love in this world.
God is good.
Day 1
LITANY OF OUR LADY HEALER OF FAMILIES
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, have mercy on us
Lord, have mercy on us
Christ, hear us
Christ, graciously hear us
God the Father of heaven,
have mercy on us
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
have mercy on us
God the Holy Spirit,
have mercy on us
Holy Trinity one God,
have mercy on us
Hail full of grace, Daughter of St. Anne & St. Joachim, Pray for us
Hail full of grace, Daughter of the LORD, the Great I AM, Pray for us
Hail full of grace, Daughter of the Creator of Heaven and Earth, Pray for us
Hail full of grace, Daughter of Adonai, the Lord God Almighty, Pray for us
Hail full of grace, Daughter of Abba, our Heavenly Father, Pray for us
Most devoted daughter, Pray for us
Most peaceful daughter, Pray for us
Most obedient daughter, Pray for us
Most modest daughter, Pray for us
Most pure daughter, Pray for us
Most joyful daughter, Pray for us
Most favored daughter, Pray for us
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you, Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
Mary, Daughter of God the Father, Pray for us
Blessed are you, Spouse of St. Joseph, Pray for us
Blessed are you, Spouse of the Paraclete, Pray for us
Blessed are you, Spouse of the Consuming Fire, Pray for us
Blessed are you, Spouse of the Peaceful Dove, Pray for us
Blessed are you, Spouse of the Seal of Anointing, Pray for us
Most affectionate spouse, Pray for us
Most humble spouse, Pray for us
Most loyal spouse, Pray for us
Most hopeful spouse, Pray for us
Most united spouse, Pray for us
Most selfless spouse, Pray for us
Most merciful spouse, Pray for us
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you, Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of Jesus, Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of the Light of the World, Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of the Prince of Peace, Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of the Lamb of God, Pray for us
Holy Mary, Mother of the Eucharist, Pray for us
Most prayerful mother, Pray for us
Most gentle mother, Pray for us
Most patient mother, Pray for us
Most gracious mother, Pray for us
Most encouraging mother, Pray for us
Most compassionate mother, Pray for us
Most accepting mother, Pray for us
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, the Lord is with you, Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus
Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ, Pray for us
Our Lady Healer of Families, Daughter of God the Father, bring an end to all heresies
Our Lady Healer of Families, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, restore unity among all of humanity
Our Lady Healer of Families, Mother of Jesus Christ, crush the head of Satan and lead all souls back to your Son
O Most Holy Trinity, in our efforts to sow peace amongst the unrest, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to offer forgiveness to those who offend, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to sacrifice for one another, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to love beyond measure, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to trust in the midst of suffering, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to proclaim the Truth in word and deed, Unite us and heal us
In our efforts to surrender our will to Yours, Unite us and heal us
Let us pray,
O Most Immaculate Virgin, Daughter of God the Father, Spouse of the Holy Spirit, and Mother of Jesus Christ our Savior, you are the perfect example of human relationship with the Divine Will. Help us, O Most Holy Mother, to heal the broken bonds within our families, our friendships, and all our other relationships. Help us to love others the way that Christ loves us with self-sacrificing love. In particular, heal my relationship with (state intentions here). Intercede for us O Holy Daughter, Spouse, and Mother, so that through the mercy of God, the chains of division will be broken, uniting us once again as you are ever united to the Most Holy Trinity.
Our Lady Healer of Families, pray for us
We ask this in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 2
LITANY OF ST JOSEPH ANCHOR OF FAMILIES
Lord have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us
Christ have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us
Christ hear us, Christ graciously hear us
God the Father, Author of life, have mercy on us
Jesus the Son, Bread of life, have mercy on us
Holy Spirit, Breath of life, have mercy on us
St Joseph, head of the Holy Family, pray for us
St Joseph, beloved son of God the Father, pray for us
St Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, pray for us
Faithful son, pray for us
Obedient son, pray for us
Noble son, pray for us
Virtuous son, pray for us
Pillar of strength, pray for us
Pillar of integrity, pray for us
Pillar of humility, pray for us
Pillar of peace, pray for us
O Glorious Saint Joseph, righteous man; willing guardian of the Holy Family,
Blessed are you among Patriarchs, and Blessed is your adoptive Son Jesus
St Joseph, Anchor of Families, pray for us
St Joseph, devoted spouse of the ever Virgin Mary, pray for us
Attentive spouse, pray for us
Tender spouse, pray for us
Chaste spouse, pray for us
Selfless spouse, pray for us
Pillar of faith, pray for us
Pillar of hope, pray for us
Pillar of unity, pray for us
Pillar of forgiveness, pray for us
O Glorious Saint Joseph, righteous man; willing guardian of the Holy Family,
Blessed are you among Patriarchs, and Blessed is your adoptive Son Jesus
St Joseph, Anchor of Families, pray for us
St Joseph, adoptive father of the Divine Child, pray for us
Generous father, pray for us
Accepting father, pray for us
Honorable father, pray for us
Prudent father, pray for us
Pillar of charity, pray for us
Pillar of truth, pray for us
Pillar of compassion, pray for us
Pillar of protection, pray for us
O Glorious Saint Joseph, righteous man; willing guardian of the Holy Family,
Blessed are you among Patriarchs, and Blessed is your adoptive Son Jesus
St Joseph, Anchor of Families, pray for us
St Joseph Anchor of Families, beloved son of God, man of faith, pray for us
St Joseph Anchor of Families, devoted spouse of Mary, man of hope, pray for us
St Joseph Anchor of Families, adoptive father of Jesus, man of charity, pray for us
O Most Holy Trinity, In our efforts to follow the Lord more closely
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to be fully present to one another
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to purify our desires
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to practice virtue
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to be pure and holy sanctuaries
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to forgive until it is complete
Unite us and anchor us
In our efforts to sanctify the domestic church
Unite us and anchor us
Let us pray,
O Most Holy Saint Joseph, by your yes to the plan of God, you were united to Jesus through Mary, mediatrix of all graces. You were called by God our heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, to marriage with Mary Immaculate and to the adoptive fatherhood of Jesus Christ her Son. We implore you Saint Joseph, terror of demons, Patron of the Universal Church, and Anchor of Families, to intercede on our behalf and extend your fatherly protection to our own families. Dispel all fear and confusion. Guard us from the evil one, just as you guarded and protected the Most Holy Family. In particular we ask you to defend us from (state intention here). St Joseph, anchor us in this storm so we will be ever united to the Most Holy Trinity just as you are for all eternity.
Guardian Heart of Saint Joseph, pray for us.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 3
LITANY OF THE DIVINE CHILD JESUS ADORATION OF FAMILIES
Divine Child Jesus, Adoration of Families,
You are begotten by God the Father, have mercy on us
Divine Child Jesus, Adoration of Families,
You are the Savior of the world, have mercy on us
Divine Child Jesus, Adoration of Families,
You sent us Holy Spirit, have mercy on us
Chosen One, I trust in You
Morning Star, I trust in You
Beloved Son, I trust in You
Grace upon Grace, I trust in You
Divine Physician, I trust in You
Innocent Victim, I trust in You
Resurrected Lord, I trust in You
Divine Child of the Annunciation, have mercy on us
HOPE of the world, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Visitation, have mercy on us
JOY of our souls, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Nativity, have mercy on us
ADORATION of our hearts, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Presentation, have mercy on us
FULFILLMENT of prophecy, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Finding in the Temple, have mercy on us
CORNERSTONE of faith, have mercy on us
Giver of life, I trust in You
Fruit of obedience, I trust in You
Benefit of the womb, I trust in You
Mercy of the Father, I trust in You
Adoration of Angels, I trust in You
Prince of peace, I trust in You
Joy of finding, I trust in You
Divine Child of the Baptism in the Jordan, have mercy on us
SANCTIFIER of waters, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Wedding at Cana, have mercy on us
SOURCE of union with God, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Proclamation of the Kingdom, have mercy on us
The WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Transfiguration, have mercy on us
GLORY from on high, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Last Supper, have mercy on us
LAMB OF GOD, have mercy on us
Light of the world, I trust in You
Truth of nations, I trust in You
Forgiver of sins, I trust in You
Leader of mankind, I trust in You
Word of God, I trust in You
Healer of wounds, I trust in You
Bread of life, I trust in You
Divine Child of the Agony in the Garden, have mercy on us
TRUST in the Father, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Scourging at the Pillar, have mercy on us
REPARER of our sins, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Crowning with Thorns, have mercy on us
KING of the universe, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Carrying of the Cross, have mercy on us
REDEEMER of our suffering, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Crucifixion, have mercy on us
SAVIOR of the world, have mercy on us
Servant of God, I trust in You
Gift of salvation, I trust in You
Enemy of Satan, I trust in You
Ladder of Heaven, I trust in You
Offering to the Father, I trust in You
Restoration of humanity, I trust in You
King of the universe, I trust in You
Divine Child of the Resurrection, have mercy on us
VICTOR of the empty tomb, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Ascension, have mercy on us
COMMISSIONER of disciples, have mercy on us
Divine Child of Pentecost, have mercy on us
FIRE of evangelization, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Assumption of Mary, have mercy on us
PRESERVER of our Blessed Mother, have mercy on us
Divine Child of the Coronation of Mary, have mercy on us
ENTHRONER of Mary Immaculate, have mercy on us
Conqueror of death, I trust in You
Restorer of new life, I trust in You
Wisdom from on high, I trust in You
Fire of the Spirit, I trust in You
Treasure of our hearts, I trust in You
Life of our souls, I trust in You
Hope of the world, I trust in You
Real Presence in the Consecration, heal us
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, save us
Real Presence in the Eucharist, heal us
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, save us
Real Presence in the Tabernacle, heal us
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, save us
Real Presence in the Monstrance, heal us
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, save us
Source of Life, I trust in You
Source of Dignity, I trust in You
Source of Goodness, I trust in You
Source of Peace, I trust in You
Source of Joy, I trust in You
Source of Wisdom, I trust in You
Source of Charity, I trust in You
Let us pray,
Divine Child Jesus, Adoration of Families, unite our family in charity and gift us with the Holy Spirit to teach, admonish, nurture, and love one another completely. Just as Mary and Joseph adored you in this world after your humble birth, may we too come to you in humble adoration before the Blessed Sacrament to be strengthened, renewed and healed by your love. Jesus, you are our Lord, our Savior, our King and our Friend. Your goodness extends to all generations. With humble hearts, we thank you and remember your unfailing help and blessings that you have poured out upon our family. At this time we turn to you again and beg you to come to our assistance with (mention your request here).
Divine Child Jesus, bless and protect us
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
DAY 4
CONSECRATION PRAYER TO THE HOLY FAMILY HELP OF THE DOMESTIC CHURCH
O Most Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, today our family has come together to unite our hearts with yours, Sacred, Immaculate, and Guardian, in order to consecrate our beloved hearts to the Holy Family. Our hearts are longing for your presence amongst us. Our hearts are longing for your peace within us. Our hearts are longing for your protection around us. We surrender our desires, our temptations, our troubles, our sorrows, our blessings and our joys to you. We give you everything, our very lives, and place it all at the foot of the cross of Jesus Christ, so that we may live only for Him, our King and our Savior.
Holy Family, we praise and honor you as the help of the domestic church. May our family be a reflection of yours, as we practice virtue and deepen in faith, hope and charity. We have been placed together as a family with the mission of being a reflection of you. As we live together in our domestic church, may our home be an extension of the Church, which is an extension of our eternal home in Heaven. May our life together be ever open to the movement of the Holy Spirit so that we may be full of your grace and peace.
Mary and Joseph, just as you lived a quiet life in Nazareth as the parents of the Divine Child, may we too keep Jesus as the center of our lives and the center of our family. Teach us to reverence and adore Him, to turn to Him first and foremost in our need, and to be witnesses of His love and mercy.
Divine Child Jesus, just as you were obedient to your mother and father, may we as children of our parents, always remember to honor them in good situations and in bad. May the virtue of obedience be cultivated in our family, directing us to the ultimate obedience to the Heavenly Father, ever growing and maturing in our faith.
Holy Family Help of the Domestic Church, today we proclaim that from this day forward, our prayers, our thoughts, our words and our actions will be united to yours, who are ever united to the Divine Will of the Triune God. In this we pray, all glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and forever shall be, world without end, Amen.
Invocation of the Holy Family
O Holy Family, so open to new life, give us the grace to be open to the new life God wills for our family.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, most pure and holy sanctuary, give us the grace to purify our desires so that we desire only what God will for you our family.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, help of the domestic church, give us the grace to be able to fully live the Catholic Faith in our home, school, work and ministry.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, humble reflection of the plan of God, give us the grace to be able to let the Lord lead us in all things.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, living in peaceful solitude, give us the grace to allow the peace of Christ to reign in our hearts and in our home.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, intimate communion of love, give us the grace to give and receive your love freely among each other, uniting and healing all of our familial relationships.
Unite our hearts with yours
O Holy Family, model of virtue and charity, give us the grace to be beacons of light for the world through prayer, sacrifice and mission.
Unite our hearts with yours
Over the next few days or weeks I will be creating separate pages on this blog with the prayers that we have written so that you can have easier access to them anytime you would like to pray.
May we have bold confidence in Jesus as we head into this Advent and Christmas Season. God Bless you all.
Veil of Veronica 