Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Great Day for Jesuits!

July 31 --- the Feast Day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest (1491-1556)

A former military solider, St. Ignatius became a soldier for Christ and founded the Society of Jesus, (the "Jesuits"), whose motto is "Ad majorem Dei gloriam" (for the greater glory of God!) Happy feast day to all Jesuits.

I love this inspired prayer composed by St. Ignatius.

May all Christians have the courage to pray this and mean it, for the glory of God and the salvation of souls:

Lord, teach us to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to seek for rest;
to labor and not to ask for reward,
saving that we know we do your holy will.


SAINT IGNATIUS HOLY WATER
In the Acts of his canonization more than two hundred miracles are credited to the mediation of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Even in our own days these marvels continue to be worked through his intercession.

Among the many practices of devotion in honor of Sating Ignatius, to which God has deigned to attach seemingly miraculous favors, the most widely known is the use of SAINT IGNATIUS HOLY WATER.

Almighty God has visibly approved of this pious practice by granting the desires of those who made use of it with faith and confidence. Many and varied are the ills which have been either cured or relieved, by the use of this holy water in conjunction with prayer to Saint Ignatius. (see Novena to St. Ignatius, below)

NOVENA TO ST. IGNATIUS LOYOLA
(to be said both morning and night for nine days)
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be to the Father (three times).
V. Pray for us, O Holy Father, Saint Ignatius.
R. That we may be made worthy of the Promises of Christ.

Let us pray.
O God, who, for the increase of the greater glory of Thy Holy Name, hast been pleased by Blessed Ignatius to strengthen the Church militant with new help, grant that, aided by his prayers during our warfare on earth, we may so imitate his virtues as to be happily crowned with him in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Etc. Amen.

Let us pray.
O Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God, who, imparting to the bodies of the sick Thy gracious blessing, dost guard Thy creature by Thy manifold tenderness, graciously assist us to invoke Thy Holy Name, that, by the intercession of Thy Confessor, Saint Ignatius, Thy servants, freed from sickness and blessed with health, may be raised up by Thy right hand, strengthened by Thy help, guarded by Thy protection, and restored to Thy Holy Church with every blessing. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, etc. Amen.

Let us pray.
O Thou, who dost vouchsafe Thy blessing to this holy water, that it may be a salutary remedy to the human race, grant by the intercession of Blessed Ignatius, whose relic or medal has been immersed in it, that whoever partakes of it may receive health of body and protection of soul. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

St. Ignatius, pray for us and for all Jesuits!