Feast of the Archangels

Today is the beautiful Feast of the Archangels.

Every day, my husband and I recite this beautiful prayer of protection to St. Michael.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle
Be our safeguard against the wickedness and
snares of the devil
May God rebuke him we humbly pray
And do Thou oh Prince of the heavenly hosts
by the divine power
cast into hell Satan
And all the evil spirits
who prowl around the world
seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.

This prayer was recited after every Mass until 1964.

On April 24, 1994, St. John Paul II said, of the St. Michael prayer, “May prayer strengthen us for the spiritual battle that the Letter to the Ephesians speaks of: ‘Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might’ (Ephesians 6:10). The Book of Revelation refers to this same battle, recalling before our eyes the image of St Michael the Archangel (cf. Revelation 12:7). Pope Leo XIII certainly had this picture in mind when, at the end of the last century, he brought in, throughout the Church, a special prayer to St Michael: ‘Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil…’ Although this prayer is no longer recited at the end of Mass, I ask everyone not to forget it and to recite it to obtain help in the battle against the forces of darkness and against the spirits of this world.”

With all the evil in the world, I urge you to get into the habit of reciting this prayer every day.

We also say the St. Michael Chaplet every day. It’s a beautiful devotion that calls on the protection of St. Michael and the nine choirs of angels. The Chaplet was revealed by the Archangel himself during an apparition in 1751. He promised special graces and favors to all who recite the Chaplet: “particularly in such times as the Catholic Church should experience some special trial…” If there was ever a time that the Church was experiencing a special trial, now would be that time.

For more information on St. Michael and the Chaplet of St. Michael, I highly recommend Carol Puschaver’s book, Though War Be Waged Upon Me.

Eyes of Fire Now Available #Catholicvampire

Eyes of Fire by Mina Ambrose

Synopsis: Now available on Kindle and in paperback! The third in the Shadows of the Sun series. Ancient legend comes to life: the prophecy that Charon, master vampire, has long dreaded, continues to unfold.

Jude has finally accepted his destiny as the hero who must foil Charon’s plans for world domination, though he has only just begun to understand the powers he possesses. Nevertheless, he sets out on his quest.   Halloween is just around the corner when Jude arrives in the small town of Sylvan and lands a renovation job at a nearby mansion—the very one that sits atop Charon’s underground lair, as it turns out. He also encounters Phaedra, whom he recognizes as the “damsel in distress” from his recurring dreams. As he interprets it, he has been sent here to protect her, but she will have none of that. Meanwhile, Tim the VK (Vampire Killer) breezes into town, armed to the teeth, his vampire-tracking wolf-dog Sarge at his heels. His announcement that he is here to clean out a nest of vampires shocks Phaedra and her friends—vampires aren’t real! Or… are they? It’s all fantastic fun—until Phaedra has a terrifying encounter one night, and Jude comes to the rescue. She reluctantly admits she may need his protection, after all.   Tim is not so sure—Sarge takes Jude for a vampire, and Sarge has never been wrong about vampires! Now, while Tim must single-handedly confront the whole crew of the undead, must he also guard Phaedra from her own heart?

The Chaplet of Seven Sorrows

Image courtesy of Our Sorrowful Mother’s Ministry

Today is the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. One of the chaplets I say every day is the Chaplet of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. This is a beautiful way to remember Mary’s suffering and sorrows.

This chaplet reminds us of Mary’s key role in our Redemption. She suffered along with her Son Jesus to save us. This chaplet is prayed using a special rosary comprised of seven “decades” containing seven beads each.

Here is how the Chaplet of Seven Sorrows is prayed:

Each group of seven starts with an Our Father, as in the regular Rosary. Some people start with an Act of Contrition, since the devotion has a penitential aspect. Also like the regular Rosary, the groups of seven Hail Marys are an occasion for meditation on “Mysteries” — in this case, the Seven Sorrows of Mary, listed below:

The First Sorrow

The Prophecy of Simeon
Reading: Luke 2:25-35.

When Mary and Joseph present the infant Jesus in the temple, Simeon predicts that a “sword” (of sorrow) will pierce Mary’s soul.

The Second Sorrow

The Flight into Egypt (Massacre of the Innocents)
Reading: Matthew 2:13-15.

When King Herod orders the death of all male children age two or younger, Mary and Joseph flee to Egypt with the infant Jesus.

The Third Sorrow

The Child Jesus Lost in the Temple
Reading: Luke 2: 41-50.

Mary and Joseph search for the child Jesus for three days, finding Him at last — after agonizing sorrow — in the temple.

The Fourth Sorrow

Mary meets Jesus carrying the cross
Reading: Luke 23: 27-29.

As Jesus makes His way to Calvary, condemned to crucifixion, He meets His mother, Mary. He is bruised, derided, cursed and defiled and her sorrow is absolute as Jesus drags His own cross up the hill of His crucifixion.

The Fifth Sorrow

Mary at the foot of the cross
Reading: John 19: 25-30.

Mary stands near her dying Son unable to minister to him as He cries “I thirst.” She hears Him promise heaven to a thief and forgive His enemies. His last words, “Behold your mother,” tell us to look on Mary as our mother.

The Sixth Sorrow

Mary receives the body of Jesus
Reading: Psalm 130.

Jesus is taken down from the cross and His body is placed in Mary’s arms. The passion and death are over, but for His mother, grief continues. She holds His body in her arms.

The Seventh Sorrow

Mary witnesses the burial of Jesus
Reading: Luke 23: 50-56.

The body of Jesus is laid in the tomb. The most tragic day in history ends, Mary alone in sorrow, awaiting the Resurrection.

The Promises of Our Lady to those who regularly recite this chaplet:

1 I will grant peace to their families.

2 They will be enlightened about the divine mysteries.

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

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

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

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

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

Recent Interview with Archangel Radio

James and I were recently interviewed by the folks at Archangel Radio.

Click below to listen! (45 minutes in)

An Open Book – September

I’m participating with Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom.com in An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and working on for the past month.

Margaret Ferry by Mary Flynn

Amazon Synopsis: In 1950s Brooklyn, Margaret Ferry’s compassion crosses the line when she stubbornly disregards the wishes of her parental aunt and uncle at a time when they are facing their own personal challenges. The theft of her uncle’s valuable papers puts his job and career in great jeopardy, while her aunt is coming to terms with the heartbreaking news she received from her doctor. Compounding their struggles is Aunt Lolly, whose innocent intentions usually have disastrous results. Lolly’s gift of a beautiful vintage shawl leads to catastrophe and the unfolding of events that are inexplicable, mystifying and life-changing beyond their immediate family and neighborhood. Amid trials, tribulations and the most unexpected turn of events, this is a story of conflict and love, goodness and miracles, and a secret whose consequences are unknown until the final surprising twist.

My review: I enjoyed this beautiful historical novel by Mary Flynn. It’s well written (though it could’ve used another round of proofreading). Readers of American historical fiction will enjoy this as well. Recommend. 4/5.

Secrets in September by Doreen McAvoy

Amazon Synopsis: Will was looking forward to eighth grade.

Will he even make it past September?

Will Abbott expects his eighth-grade year at Fern Valley Middle School to be the same as the last seven—school, soccer, and lazy Saturdays. But when a rash of crime strikes his little town, it doesn’t take long to realize something peculiar is going on. Will is certain the class bully, Beefy Boris, is involved and suspects he’s getting help—from their own classmates! As Will and his friends investigate, they stumble upon clues leading them to suspect someone even more sinister is responsible. Can Will and his friends—including a new girl with a mysterious past—trap the criminal mastermind and reveal a secret that has haunted Fern Valley for twelve years?

My review: This is was an interesting middle-grade novel that even adults can enjoy. A quick read. Recommend. 4/5.

The Roses of No Man’s Land by Lyn MacDonald

Amazon Synopsis: On the face of it,’ writes Lyn Macdonald, ‘no one could have been less equipped for the job than these gently nurtured girls who walked straight out of Edwardian drawing rooms into the manifest horrors of the First World War…’

Yet the volunteer nurses rose magnificently to the occasion. In leaking tents and draughty huts they fought another war, a war against agony and death, as men lay suffering from the pain of unimaginable wounds or diseases we can now cure almost instantly. It was here that young doctors frantically forged new medical techniques – of blood transfusion, dentistry, psychiatry and plastic surgery – in the attempt to save soldiers shattered in body or spirit. And it was here that women achieved a quiet but permanent revolution, by proving beyond question they could do anything. All this is superbly captured in The Roses of No Man’s Land, a panorama of hardship, disillusion and despair, yet also of endurance and supreme courage.

My review: This is next on my To-Read shelf. I’ve heard great things about this book, looking forward to reading it.

The Night Olivia Fell by Christine MacDonald

Amazon Synopsis: A search for the truth. A lifetime of lies.

In the small hours of the morning, Abi Knight is startled awake by the phone call no mother ever wants to get: her teenage daughter Olivia has fallen off a bridge. Not only is Olivia brain dead, she’s pregnant and must remain on life support to keep her baby alive. And then Abi sees the angry bruises circling Olivia’s wrists.

When the police unexpectedly rule Olivia’s fall an accident, Abi decides to find out what really happened that night. Heartbroken and grieving, she unravels the threads of her daughter’s life. Was Olivia’s fall an accident? Or something far more sinister?

Christina McDonald weaves a suspenseful and heart-wrenching tale of hidden relationships, devastating lies, and the power of a mother’s love. With flashbacks of Olivia’s own resolve to uncover family secrets, this taut and emotional novel asks: how well do you know your children? And how well do they know you?

My review: Mixed with flashbacks, this is a compelling whodunnit with well-defined, believable characters. The best thing about this book was the beautiful prolife message, which is rare in a secular book. Highly recommend. 5/5.