Litany to the Infant Jesus

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Jesus, hear us. Jesus, 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.

Infant, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us.
Infant, true God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the living God, have mercy on us.
Infant, Son of the Virgin Mary, have mercy on us.
Infant, strong in weakness, have mercy on us.
Infant, powerful in tenderness, have mercy on us.
Infant, Treasure of grace, have mercy on us.
Infant, Fountain of love, have mercy on us.
Infant, Renewer of the heavens, have mercy on us.
Infant, Repairer of the evils of the earth, have mercy on us.
Infant, Head of the angels, have mercy on us.
Infant, Root of the patriarchs, have mercy on us.
Infant, Speech of the prophets, have mercy on us.
Infant, Desire of the Gentiles, have mercy on us.
Infant, Joy of shepherds, have mercy on us.
Infant, Light of the Magi, have mercy on us.
Infant, Salvation of infants, have mercy on us.
Infant, Expectation of the just, have mercy on us.
Infant, Instructor of the wise, have mercy on us.
Infant, First-fruit of all saints, have mercy on us.

Be merciful, spare us, O Infant Jesus.
Be merciful, graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.


From the slavery of the children of Adam, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the slavery of the devil, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the evil desires of the flesh, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the malice of the world, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the pride of life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From the inordinate desire of knowing, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From blindness of spirit, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From an evil will, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
From our sins, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pure Conception, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most humble Nativity, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy tears, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most painful Circumcision, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most glorious Epiphany, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most pious Presentation, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy most divine life, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy poverty, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy many sufferings, Infant Jesus, deliver us.
Through Thy labors and travels, Infant Jesus, deliver us.

Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Infant Jesus.
Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

Jesus, Infant, hear us. Jesus, Infant, graciously hear us.

Let Us Pray

O Lord Christ, Thou were pleased so to humble Thyself in Thine incarnate divinity and most sacred humanity as to be born in time and become a little child. Grant that we may acknowledge infinite wisdom in the silence of a child, power in weakness, and majesty in humiliation. Adoring Thy humiliations on earth, may we contemplate Thy glories in Heaven, Who with the Father and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns forever.
R. Amen.

Prayer to St. Lucy, Feast Day on December 13th

Prayer to Saint Lucy

Saint Lucy whose beautiful name signifies 'LIGHT' by the light of faith which God bestowed upon you increase and preserve His light in my soul so that I may avoid evil, be zealous in the performance of good works and abhor nothing so much as the blindness and the darkness of evil and sin.

Obtain for me, by your intercession with God perfect vision for my bodily eyes and the grace to use them for God’s greater honor and glory and the salvation of souls.

St. Lucy, virgin and martyr hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

St. Lucy (283-304) was born in Syracuse, Sicily, where she also died. She was of a noble Greek family, and was brought up as a Christian by her mother, who was miraculously cured at the shrine of St. Agatha in Catania. Lucy made a vow of virginity and distributed her wealth to the poor. This generosity stirred the wrath of the unworthy youth to whom she had been unwillingly betrothed and who denounced her to Paschasius, the governor of Sicily. When it was decided to violate her virginity in a place of shame, Lucy, with the help of the Holy Spirit, stood immovable. A fire was then built around her, but again God protected her. She was finally put to death by the sword. Her name appears in the second list in the Canon. Lucy, whose name can mean "light" or "lucid," is the patron saint of the blind. She is often seen with the emblem of eyes on a cup or plate. In paintings, she is often depicted with a golden plate holding her eyes and often holds a palm branch, which is a symbol of victory over evil.

Memorare of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Memorare of Our Lady of Guadalupe

(to be prayed each day)

Remember, O most gracious Virgin of Guadalupe, that in your heavenly apparitions on the mount of Tepeyac, you promised to show your compassion and pity towards all who, loving and trusting you, seek your help and call upon you in their necessities and afflictions. You promised to hear our supplications, to dry our tears, and to give us consolation and relief.

Never has it been known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, we fly to you, O Mary, ever-Virgin Mother of the true God! Though grieving under the weight of our sins, we come to prostrate ourselves before you. We fully trust that, standing beneath your shadow and protection, nothing will trouble or afflict us, nor do we need to fear illness or misfortune, or any other sorrow.

O Virgin of Guadalupe, you want to remain with us through your admirable Image, you who are our Mother, our health, and our life. Placing ourselves beneath your maternal gaze, and having recourse to you in all our necessities, we need do nothing more.

O Holy Mother of God, despise not our petitions, but in your mercy hear and answer us. Amen

"Hear me and understand well, my son the least, that nothing should frighten or grieve you. Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything."— Our Lady of Guadalupe to Saint Juan Diego

Advent Prayer to Combat Evil

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI reminded us during a general audience in 2008, that “Advent also means anticipation. The dark night of evil is still strong.” For this reason, Benedict advised the faithful to “pray with the ancient People of God: ‘Rorate caeli desuper,'” and to pray the following prayer for strength to overcome evil during Advent.

Come Jesus; come, give power to light and to good; come where falsehood, ignorance of God, violence and injustice predominate. Come Lord Jesus, give power to the good in the world and help us to be bearers of your light, peacemakers, witnesses of the truth. Come, Lord Jesus!

Advent Prayer for Anticipating Christmas

Advent Prayer for Anticipating Christmas

Beginning on St. Andrew the Apostle's feast day, November 30, the following beautiful prayer is traditionally recited fifteen times a day until Christmas. This is a very meditative prayer that helps us increase our awareness of the feast of Christmas and helps us prepare ourselves spiritually for His coming.

Hail and blessed be the hour and moment
In which the Son of God was born
Of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight,
in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold.
In that hour vouchsafe, O my God,
to hear my prayer and grant my desires,
[here mention your request]
through the merits of Our Savior Jesus Christ,
and of His blessed Mother. Amen.

Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King

Act of Dedication of the Human Race
to Jesus Christ King

A partial indulgence is granted to the faithful, who piously recite the Act of Dedication of the Human Race to Jesus Christ King. A plenary indulgence is granted, if it is recited publicly on the feast of our Lord Jesus Christ King.

Most sweet Jesus, Redeemer of the human race, look down upon us humbly prostrate before you.

We are yours, and yours we wish to be; but to be more surely united with you, behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today to your Most Sacred Heart.

Many indeed have never known you; many, too, despising your precepts, have rejected you.

Have mercy on them all, most merciful Jesus, and draw them to your Sacred Heart. Be King, O Lord, not only of the faithful who have never forsaken you, but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned you; grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house, lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions, or whom discord keeps aloof, and call them back to the harbor of truth and the unity of faith, so that soon there may be but one flock and one Shepherd.

Grant, O Lord, to your Church assurance of freedom and immunity from harm; give tranquility of order to all nations; make the earth resound from pole to pole with one cry: Praise to the divine Heart that wrought our salvation; to it be glory and honor for ever.

Amen.

Prayer Source: Enchiridion of Indulgences , June 29, 1968

Thanksgiving Day Meal Prayer

A Thanksgiving Day Meal Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Your gifts of love are countless and
Your goodness infinite; as we come before You with
gratitude for Your goodness on Thanksgiving Day,
open our hearts to have concern for our brothers and sisters especially those who are less fortunate and live in want and need. May we generously share Your gifts in loving service to our neighbor and give generously of our many blessings. Bless us and all our family, Bless the food from Your bounty we are about to receive. We give You thanks for this day and all our blessings.
Through Christ our Lord.

An All Souls Prayer for the Dead During November

OLM School Celebrates Trunk or Treat

The little Saints and Scholars of OLM School celebrated Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 26th. Gathering in the school parking lot the school children visited over 25 cars decorated and full of candy! Halloween costumes of all types were on display. The fun evening included a costume competition and a pie eating contest! Happy All Hallows Eve!

A Colorful OLM Walkaton! Fun for All!

OLM took a new colorful approach to their Annual Walkathon.  This year, students were sporting shades, whistles and white t-shirts to kick off one of the school’s biggest fundraisers.  At various stations on the course, parents were ready to color bomb the kids with paint and positive cheers.  The revamped OLM School Walkathon now deemed “Colorthon”, which was held on Thursday, October 4, raised over $13,000, and will be used towards special projects throughout the school.  Students in Grades Pre-K through 2 walked just under a mile around the immediate church/school property while the older students did a two mile route through the surrounding neighborhood.  Students collected pledges from family and friends, with prizes being awarded to the top pledge-earners in each grade.

 This new colorful twist on the Walkathon generated huge smiles and major excitement from students, teachers and staff.  According to OLM PTG Vice President, Courtney Cavanagh, “It was a great day! All of our hard work paid off.  I heard many times how this was the best Walkathon yet!  The kids were so excited.  It was such a creative way to breathe new life into the event while still raising money for the school!” 

 At the conclusion of the walk, students enjoyed an outdoor awards assembly with water and snacks.  The highlight of the event was definitely when both Fr. Healey and Fr. Barrow competed in a shaving cream squirt off.  Students, Thomas Simonetti and Morgan Verdi, aimed and fired squirt guns at both Fathers’ faces.  It was truly a delight for the students and faculty to see this.  Two of the most coveted prizes included the privilege of “Lunch with the Principal” with OLM Principal Scott Fuller won by Devyn Lynch and being “PE Teacher for the Day” with OLM Phys Ed teacher David Stefanik won by Bobby Calabro.

 Funds raised each year by the OLM PTG, from events like the Colorthon and the annual Spring Fling Auction, are used for various enrichment opportunities to support classroom teachers’ financially as well as to support all extra curricular activities and various community and school events throughout the year

OLM Celebrates Octoberfest

Our Lady of Mercy Parish and School wrapped up Mercy Week in a true celebratory style with their first annual Octoberfest Friday, September 28. This new event replaces the Parish Picnic from previous years and despite the damp weather, close to 200 people were in attendance.

The lights on the tents were glowing and the good times were flowing. Many enjoyed traditional German food including bratwurst, knockwurst, sauerkraut, hot dogs, German Potato Salad, German Apple Strudel, German Pretzels and of course German Beer. The event was a joyous occasion for all with games, raffles and prizes. Of course the festivities wouldn’t have been complete without the authentic attire. Several adventurous guests adorned their lederhosen or dirndl to really commemorate the German tradition.

Acting for Mercy with Socks and Sandwiches for the Homeless

Wednesday, September 26th, a large group of OLM Parish Families gathered to make sandwiches for the homeless. The Act of Mercy event was part of the Annual OLM Feast Week. We are grateful to the many parishioners who came out to make over 500 sandwiches and provide hundreds of pairs of new socks for the homeless in RI.

Saints and Scholars Golf Tournament is a Big Hit!

Coach Dan Hurley, Fr. Healey, Jaime Pedro and Coach Ed Cooley

Nearly 100 golfers teed it up for OLM School in support of our future Saints and Scholars on Monday, September 24th at Warwick Country Club. Joined by Providence College Basketball Coach Ed Cooley and UCONN Basketball Coach Dan Hurley, the golfers enjoyed a great day of golfing at the premier course. We thank our many golfers and sponsors, and the great Saints and Scholars Tournament Committee headed by OLM School Mom, Jaime Pedro!

Kevin O’Brien: Church in R.I. has long fought abuse (Projo)

The following article appeared in the Providence Sunday Journal, August 26, 2018.

Let’s acknowledge the irrefutable: Child abuse is insidious and arises from circumstances that repel the sympathy and understanding of all. The recent grand jury report from Pennsylvania has reopened the wound and the history of the Catholic church’s role in this crisis.

However, in examining any situation, it’s important to be fair and accurate. The recent and justifiable anger has clouded civil discourse and distorted local history. Any reasonable, factual examination will yield a conclusion that, while Rhode Island has experienced its own well-documented abuse crisis (widely reported in this newspaper), in the decades since that period our diocese has implemented strong and effective methods to confront the problem. In sum, Rhode Island is not Pennsylvania.

As the director of the Diocesan Office of Compliance, and a 23-year veteran of the Rhode Island State Police, I have as good a view as any of our diocese’s response to this crisis.

Nearly 10 years before the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ adoption, in 2002, of a formalized Charter for the Protection of Children, the Diocese of Providence was already taking steps on the crisis. In 1993, it took the unprecedented step of establishing my office, and hired a trained law enforcement investigator and former lieutenant of the Massachusetts State Police to run it.

For the past quarter-century, this office has vigorously, tenaciously and transparently conducted investigations, background checks and training to protect all within our care. Moreover, we are always improving our procedures. These efforts are not widely understood by the public because they receive scant attention.

For two decades, every allegation received by my office, regardless of credibility, has been promptly and fully reported to law enforcement. This cooperative approach allows the police complete freedom and independence to conduct an objective investigation, and to convict and punish criminals.

Independently, our Advisory Board — which has included a former Rhode Island attorney general, a former major in the state police, a former R.I. child advocate and a former director of the state Department of Children, Youth and Families — assesses cases and makes recommendations to the bishop regarding an accused person’s suitability for ministry. Any allegation credibly established — regardless of when it occurred — results in permanent removal from ministry.

There is also much activity to prevent abuse. More stringent procedures have been implemented for seminarian selection. My office annually conducts over 4,000 Bureau of Criminal Investigation Checks, as well as Safe Environment Training Programs for everyone who has regular conduct with children. These are renewed every three years.

Finally, we are always looking to improve and implement best practices. In 2016, following the events at a private, non-Catholic school, we worked voluntarily with the state attorney general to establish formalized reporting protocols and more supplemental transparency, which exceeds the requirements set forth in the Rhode Island General Laws.

These policies and procedures have produced significant and positive results. But this is not to say that we are complacent with our effort, or that bad people still can’t do bad things. However, significant and measurable progress has been made, as evidenced by statistics showing that the overwhelming majority of claims are from behavior many decades ago.

I spent over 20 years proudly serving as a member of the Rhode Island State Police. When I signed on as the director of the Diocesan Office of Compliance, I knew the history of the abuse crisis. Because of my work as a detective commander, I was cognizant of the dependable and trustworthy reputation established by the Office of Compliance since 1993.

In large measure, sustaining, advancing and improving its tradition was the most attractive feature of this job. Now, and in the future, we all need to strengthen our resolve to protect children. Yet we also need to push back on any narrative or notion that Rhode Island is Pennsylvania — for that ignores the tremendous efforts of many to address the ills of the past.

Kevin O’Brien is the director of compliance for the Diocese of Providence and a former major in the Rhode Island State Police.

OLM Confirmation Class Packs Backpacks for St. Patrick's Parish

OLM Confirmation candidates joyfully display their good work!

OLM Confirmation candidates back supplies for St. Patrick's Parish

On Monday, August 13th members of the OLM Confirmation Class helped pack backpacks with school supplies.  This Annual OLM Outreach effort helps the students and families of St. Patrick Parish in Providence prepare for the upcoming school year.  The much needed supplies were generously donated by the parishioners of OLM Parish. The Confirmation candidates packed up nearly 200 backpacks with the bulk of them going to St. Patrick's Parish.  The remainder are to be distributed locally by the OLM Outreach Office.  We commend our Confirmation candidaets for their good work and OLM Parishioners Kathy Hall and Mary Anne Weaver for coordinating the project.   We also thank the many parishioners who so genersouly supported the Backpack Drive with supplies and financial donations. 

Celebrating Laura Makin's Entrance into the Dominican Sisters of Nashville

On Sunday, August 12 at the 10:30am Mass, Bishop Evans celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving for OLM Parishioner Laura Makin.  Laura,  who graduated from Providence College in May, enters her year of postulantcy for the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecelia in Nashville on August 15th, the Solemnity of the Assumption .  She is the daughter of OLM Parishioners, Thomas and Elizabeth Makin. 

Dominican Friar Fr. Patrick Mary Briscoe, OP, the Associate Pastor at St. Pius V Church in Providence, preached the Mass and Fr. Peter Martyr Yungwirth, OP,  Chaplain at Providence, concelebrated along with Fr. Bernard Healey, Pastor of OLM, and Fr. Ryan Connors, Professor of Moral Theology at St. John's Seminary in Brighton, MA.   Sr. Maria Francesca, O.P. , Principal at St. Pius V School and local superior along with other Dominican Sisters from St. Pius V School and Providence College joined in celebrating Laura's vocation at the Mass.

The Dominican Sisters and Friars join with Bishop Evans and Laura Makin and her family after the Mass.

The Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia are commonly called the Nashville Dominicans.  The Dominican Order was founded 800 years ago by St. Dominic  and the Nashville Congregation was founded in 1860 with the arrival of the first four sisters in Nashville, their early work, and the establishment of St. Cecilia Academy.  Over their 150 years  there has been an  observable growth in the life and vitality of the young community.

The Congregation has experienced 64% growth since the year 2000 with 300 sisters in the community, the largest ever in their history. The median age is 36 with 58% of the Congregation under the age of forty. With an average of 18 young women entering the convent as postulants each year, the novitiate has an average of fifty sisters. The Congregation has expanded its apostolate to 33 schools located in the United States, including the Congregation’s own college in Nashville. The sisters are also present in 10 schools located in Rome and Bracciano, Italy; Sydney, Australia; Vancouver, Canada; the Diocese of Aberdeen, Scotland; Diocese of Roermond in The Netherlands and the Diocese of Limerick, Ireland.  Here in Rhode Island they administer and teach at St. Pius School.

Sr. Maria Francesca, O.P.  chats with Laura and her mother at the reception following Mass.

The Mother House of these good sisters is located on thirty-two acres located in downtown Nashville, St. Cecilia Motherhouse is an oasis on the north side of a busy southern city. St. Cecilia Motherhouse was completed in 1862. Additions in 1880, 1888, 1904, and 2006 completed the building. Today it houses the sisters in formation in the novitiate, the sisters who administer and teach at  schools in Nashville, sisters who serve the community through specific duties at the Motherhouse, and many retired sisters.

The Constitutions of the Congregation state: “ Wishing to follow Christ more freely, we tend toward holiness by a narrower path. The consecrated life is the fruition of the baptismal grace. The consecrated virgin is set apart for the Lord. The voluntary gift of self by which we devote ourselves to God and strengthen our brethren becomes the source of tranquil peace. By our consecrated life we teach the way to holiness and joy.”

During her postulancy, Laura begins a year of immersion into the life of her new religious family. She attends all community prayers and practices the monastic customs that are a part of our life. During this year she becomes acquainted with the basics of Dominican spirituality and history, along with the charism of our Congregation.

We congratulate Laura on her decision to pursue her vocation to the consecrated life.   May God continue to bless her and the Nashville Dominican Sisters with joy, faith, hope, and love! 

Steubenville East 2018

This past weekend the OLM Youth Group was in Lowell, Massachusetts for the annual Steubenville East Youth Conference. We brought eight High Schoolers, three chaperones (including our summer seminarian Patrick Ryan and our Youth Coordinator Billy Burdier). 

Every year there is a different theme. This year the theme was "Revealed" as used in the Scripture passage from 1 John 4:9: "In this way the love of God was revealed to us: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might have life through him." Throughout the weekend the kids attended concerts, conferences and talks. The celebration of Mass took place each day. Especially edifying was the practically constant possibility for the youth to go to Confession. It is no exaggeration to say that hundreds of kids went to Confession over the three days of the Conference. It was a great weekend for the kids to grow in their faith and to see how God works in their lives. We wish to thank everyone who supported the Youth Group to make this trip possible! 

OLM Vacation Bible School, Fun and Faith All Week Long