Solemnity of Mary Queen and Patroness of Nigeria

 

Mary Queen and patroness of Nigeria, we rededicate our country to God through you that by your maternal protection, we may be delivered from every slavery and enjoy lasting peace, prosperity and progress. Amen

Good morning and happy solemnity!

St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor.

 Born to a rich pagan family, JEROME led a misspent youth. Studied in Rome. Lawyer. Converted in theory, and baptized in 365, he began his study of theology, and had a true conversion. Monk. Lived for years as a hermit in the Syrian deserts. Reported to have drawn a thorn from a lion‘s paw; the animal stayed loyally at his side for years. Priest. Student of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen. Secretary to Pope Damasus I who commissioned him to revise the Latin text of the Bible. The result of his 30 years of work was the Vulgate translation, which is still in use. Friend and teacher of Saint Paula, Saint Marcella, and Saint Eustochium, an association that led to so much gossip that Jerome left Rome to return to the desert solitude. He lived his last 34 years in the Holy Land as a semi-recluse. Wrote translations of histories, biographies, the works of Origen, and much more. Doctor of the Church, Father of the Church. Since his own time, he has been associated in the popular mind with scrolls, writing, cataloging, translating, which led to those who work in such fields taking him as their patron — a man who knew their lives and problems.

Born

347 at Strido, Dalmatia

Died

419 of natural causes
interred in Bethlehem
relics at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, Italy

Sts. MICHAEL, GABRIEL, and RAPHAEL, Archangels.

 

Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only MICHAEL, GABRIEL, and RAPHAEL are named.

Michael [“Who is like God?”] appears in Daniel’s vision as “the great prince” who defends Israel against its enemies; in the book of Revelation, he leads God’s armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. The Church in the West began to observe a feast honoring Michael and the angels in the fifth century.

Gabriel [“God is my Strength”]also makes an appearance in Daniel’s visions, announcing Michael’s role in God’s plan. His best-known appearance is an encounter with a young Jewish girl named Mary, who consents to bear the Messiah.

Raphael’s [“Healing of God”] activity is related in the Book of Tobit. There he appears to guide Tobit’s son Tobiah through a series of fantastic adventures which lead to a threefold happy ending: Tobiah’s marriage to Sarah, the healing of Tobit’s blindness and the restoration of the family fortune.

St. Vincent de Paul. Priest, patron of charitable societies.

 

 

St. Vincent was born of poor parents in the village of Pouy in Gascony, France, about 1580. He enjoyed his first schooling under the Franciscan Fathers at Acqs. Such had been his progress in four years that a gentleman chose him as subpreceptor to his children, and he was thus enabled to continue his studies without being a burden to his parents. In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.

In 1605, on a voyage by sea from Marseilles to Narbonne, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was carried as a slave to Tunis. His captivity lasted about two years, until Divine Providence enabled him to effect his escape. After a brief visit to Rome he returned to France, where he became preceptor in the family of Emmanuel de Gondy, Count of Goigny, and General of the galleys of France. In 1617, he began to preach missions, and in 1625, he lay the foundations of a congregation which afterward became the Congregation of the Mission or Lazarists, so named on account of the Prioryof St. Lazarus, which the Fathers began to occupy in 1633.

It would be impossible to enumerate all the works of this servant of God. Charity was his predominant virtue. It extended to all classes of persons, from forsaken childhood to old age. The Sisters of Charity also owe the foundation of their congregation to St. Vincent. In the midst of the most distracting occupations his soul was always intimately united with God. Though honored by the great ones of the world, he remained deeply rooted in humility. The Apostle of Charity, the immortal Vincent de Paul, breathed his last in Paris at the age of eighty. His feast day is September 27th. He is the patron of charitable societies. 

NOVENA IN HONOUR OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL AND IN HONOUR OF THE NINE ANGELIC CHOIRS

Mary Our Help

September 21, 2021

NOVENA IN HONOUR OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL AND IN HONOUR OF THE NINE ANGELIC CHOIRS In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, Amen. Come Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of the faithful, and kindle in them the fire of thy love. V. Send forth thy spirit, and they shall be created. R. And thou shall renew the face of the earth.   LET US PRAY Oh God, who by the light of the Holy Ghost, didst instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that in the same spirit we may be truly wise, and ever rejoice in His consolation, through Christ our lord. Amen.  V. Thou, o lord will open my lips. R. And my tongue shall announce Thy praise. V. Incline unto my aid, o God. R. Oh lord, make haste to help me. V. Glory be to the father, etc. R. As it was in the beginning, etc.   EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE  PSALM 51 Have mercy on me, oh lord for i have sinned. In your compassion blot out my offence. O wash me more and more from my guilt and cleanse me from my sins, my offences truly I know them, my sin is always before me, against you, you alone, have I sinned, what is evil in your sight I have done; that you may be justified when you give sentence and be without reproach when you judge, oh see, in guilt I was born, a sinner was I conceived indeed you love truth in the heart, then in the secret of my heart teach me wisdom, oh purify me, then I shall be clean, wash me, i shall be whiter than snow, make me hear rejoicing and gladness, that the bones you have crush my trill. From my sins turn away your face, and bloth out all my guilt. A pure heart create for me, oh God, put a steadfast spirit within me, do not cast me away from your presence, nor deprive me of your holy spirit, give me again the joy of your help, with a spirit of favour sustain me, that I may teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. Oh rescue me, God, my helper, and my tongue ring out your goodness. O lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare your praise. For in sacrifices you take no delight, burnt offering from me you would refuse, my sacrifice is a contrite spirit. A humbled, contrite heart you will not spurn. In your goodness, show favour to zion, Rebuild the wall of jerusalem, then you will be pleased with lawful sacrifice (burnt offering wholly consumed) then you will be offered young bull on your altar. Glory to the father, to the son, and to the holy spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen   CHAPLET OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL (OFFICE OF THE NINE ANGELIC CHOIRS)   THE FIRST SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE SERAPHIM In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute you St. Michael, glorious Prince of the choir of Seraphim, and all the angels of this burning choir of love. I thank you, Oh holy angels, for your most ardent love of God and Mary, the queen of this choir. Inflame me and all men with your purest Angelic love, that with you we may love God here on earth and one day for all eternity in heaven. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE SECOND SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE CHERUBIM In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute you St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of the cherubim and all the angels of this choir. I thank you for your great zeal for the glory of God. As one day, you fought against lucifer and his host to defend the honour of the incarnate word and His blessed mother, so now defend us, your little helpless brethren, against the same powerful enemy that our hearts will always be pure and undefiled, real tabernacle of Christ, santuary of the Holy Ghost, temple of the most adorable Trinity. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE THIRD SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE THRONES In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. michael, glorious prince of the choir of the thrones and all the angels of this choir. O heavenly spirits whom God has appointed to preside over nations, kingdoms, dioceses and religious communities, guide and rule over us inspire and direct the heart of men so that many saints may arise in every nation and ever religious community. In particular, i greet and salute the angel who, by the will of God, preside over our community. Pray, bless and intercede for us. We promise the obedience and reverence. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE FOURTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE DOMINATIONS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of dominations, and all the angels of this choir. By the will of the most high, you assist confessors, preachers, superior of religious institutions, teachers, and all who spread the kingdom of God. We humbly pray and beseech you, convert the heretics and infidels, bring back to the faith the fallen away catholics, illuminate the mind of men and inflamed their hearts that soon maybe but on fold and one shepherd. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE FIFTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE PRINCIPALITIES In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of this most exalted choir of the principalities, and all the angels of this choir. To your loving care God has committed each parish. You watch over every tabernacle and offer your sanctus in reparation for the scandals, the coldness and indifference of the hearts of men. You pray for the dying and that the little ones may receive the sacrament of baptism. I unite my prayers to yours, especially with the angels of this parish. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE SIXTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE POWERS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of powers, and all the angels of this most exalted choir. Protect us against the powers of darkness, especially against temptations of pride, anger, and impatience, that with your assistance we may constantly advance on the road of perfection. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE SEVENTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE VIRTUES In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the choir of virtues, and all the angels of this heavenly choir. You assist pious souls in the most important task of their purification. Assist us, o holy angels, that we will not only have the will, but adopt the means, that we may never dread the sacrifice but with your help and assistance we acquire one virtue after another so that the splendour of God's own sanctity may be reflected in us. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE EIGHTH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE ARCHANGELS In the name of Jesus and Mary, I salute thee St. Michael, glorious prince of the most exalted choir of the Archangels, and all the angels of this Choir. Glory and thanksgiving be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost for creating you and for assuming from your midst the seven Archangels who stand before the throne of God. we most humbly pray and beseech the Holy Archangels to teach us and those dear to us the science and wisdom of saints. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc.   THE NINETH SALUTATION IN HONOUR OF THE ANGELS In the name of Jesus and Mary, i salute thee St. Michael glorious prince of the most exalted choir of the Angels and all the Angels of this choir. Paused in awe and astonishment, God has appointed one of the princes of this heavenly host to be the custodian of every man one of them is appointed to watch over me, to guide, to even serve me. My faithful friend, my dearest brother in the Holy Angel. I greet you a thousand times in the name of Jesus and Mary, i thank God that He made thee so beautiful and so powerful. One Our Father, Three Hail Marys, One Glory be, etc. Then say the Our Father, four times, in conclusion: the first to St. Michael, the second to St Gabriel, the third to St. Raphael, the fourth to your guardian angel.   ANTHEM Oh glorious prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly host, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirit, servant in the house of the divine king and our admirable conductor, who does shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, vouchsafe to deliver us from all evil, who turn to thee with confidence, and enable us by thy gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully everyday. V. pray for us, oh glorious St. Michael, prince of the church of Jesus Christ. R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.   LET US PRAY Almighty and everlasting God, who by a prodigy of goodness and a merciful desire for the salvation of all men, has appointed the most gracious archangel, St. Michael, prince of thy church, make us worthy will beseech thee, to be delivered by his powerful protection at the hour of death, and may we be conducted by him into the August presence of thy divine majesty. This we beg through the merit of Jesus Christ our lord. Amen    INVOCATION OF THE NINE CHOIRS OF ANGELS Oh holy angels watch over us at all times during this perilous life; Holy archangels be our guides on the way to heaven; Oh holy choirs of the principalities governor us in soul and body; Oh mighty powers preserve us against the powers and assault of the demons; Oh celestial virtue give us strength and courage in the battle of life; Oh powerful dominations obtain for us dominion over the rebellion of our flesh; Oh sacred thrones grant us peace with God and men; Oh brilliant cherubim illuminate our mind with heavenly knowledge; Oh burning seraphim enkindle in our hearts the fire of charity. Amen.   LITANY OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL 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 Ghost, have mercy on us, Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us. Response: pray for us. Holy Mary, Queen of Angels, St. Michael, the Archangel, St. Michael, filled with the wisdom of God, St. Michael, perfect adore of the incarnate word, St. Michael, crowned with honour and glory, St. Michael, most powerful prince of the Armies of the Lord, St. Michael, standard bearer of the Most Holy Trinity, St. Michael, guardian of paradise, St. Michael, guide and comforter of the people of Israel, St. Michael, splendor and fortress of the church militant, St. Michael, honour and joy of the church triumphant, St. Michael, light of angels, St. Michael, bulwark of orthodox believers, St. Michael, strength of those who fight under the standard of the cross, St. Michael, light and confidence of souls at the hour of death, St. Michael, our most sure aid, St. Michael, our help in all adversities, St. Michael, herald of the everlasting sentence, St. Michael, consoler of souls detained in the flames of purgatory, Thou whom the lord has charged to receive souls after death, St. Michael, our prince, St. Michael, our advocate, Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, graciously hear us O Lord, Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us. V. Pray for us, O gracious St. Michael, prince of the church of Jesus Christ. R. That we may be made worthy of His promises.   LET US PRAY Sanctify us we beseech thee, O Lord, with thy holy blessing, and grant us, by the intercession of Michael, that wisdom which teaches us to lay up treasures in heaven by exchanging the goods of this world for those of eternity, thou who live and reign world without end.   PRAYER TO OUR LADY AUGUST QUEEN OF ANGELS August queen of heaven, sovereign mistress of the angels, you who from the beginning has received from God the power and mission to crush the head of satan, we humbly beg thee to send your holy legions, that under thy command and by your power, they may pursue the evil spirits, encounter them on every side, resist their bold attacks and drive them hences into the abyss of eternal woes. Amen (Say your intentions here) Say the prayer for the appropriate day below   FIRST DAY Ardent Seraphim, you who dwell in the eternal home of love, unceasingly absorbed in the rays of the sun of justice we beg you in virtue of the Divine Blood, to enkindle in our hearts that holy fire with which you are consumed. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   SECOND DAY Bright Cherubim, you who are allowed a deeper insight to God's secrets, dispel the darkness of our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, give that supernatural light to our eyes that will enable us to understand the truth of salvation. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   THIRD DAY Sublime Throne, dazzling in your beauty, upon whom rest the almighty and who conveys His commands to the inferior Angels, obtain for us in virtue of the Divine Blood, peace with God. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   FOURTH DAY Supreme Dominations, you who have authority over all the angelic choirs, and are charged with the execution of God's order, rule over our minds and hearts, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, help us to know and faithfully accomplish the will of God. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   FIFTH DAY Invisible Power, whose mission is to remove the obstacle to the Divine will, and to overcome it's enemies, defend us and make us victorious in our combats against the evil powers. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   SIXTH DAY Heavenly Virtues, who watch over the harmony of material creation, you whose name signifies "strength" have pity on the Divine Blood and give us the grace to bear with patience the trials of this life. (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   SEVENTH DAY Sovereign Principalities, you who are the prince of nations, we beseech you to guard our country effectively, that it may realize God's design in its regard. Govern also our souls and our bodies, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain that we may attain eternal life. Amen (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   EIGHTH DAY Most noble Archangels, who, under the command of St. Michael, guide and protect the holy church, deign to deliver her from internal and external enemies. Watch over the holy father, bishops, and priests, as well as over the children of the immaculate spouse of Christ, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtain for us the grace to live and die in the faith, hope and charity of holy church, so that we may be internally united with its august head, Jesus Christ, our lord. Amen (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.   NINETH DAY Most holy angels, you whose zeal for the interest of the children of God, wherever they need to be defended, carries you through the universe more rapidly than lightning, protect His course in our souls, and in virtue of the Divine Blood, obtained for us the signal grace of final perseverance. Amen (Ask for what you want from Saint Michael and the Nine Angelic Choir) St. Michael, the archangel, and all you holy angels, protect us in our combats that we may not perish in the tremendous judgement of God. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Anthiphon: oh most glorious prince, St. Michael, the archangel, be mindful of us, here and everywhere, and always pray to the Son of God for us. Verse: I will praise thee, o God, in the sight of the angels Response: I will adore thee in thy temple and I will confess thy name.   ANTIPHON O most glorious Prince, St. Michael the Archangel, be mindful of us, here and everywhere, and always pray to the Son of God for us. V. I will praise thee Oh God in the sight of the angels. R. I will adore Thee in Thy temple and I will confess Thy name.   LET US PRAY Oh God, who has in an admirable order disposed the ministry of angels and of men, grants in your goodness that our life on earth may be protected by those who in heaven always assist before your throne ready to do your will. Through our lord Jesus Christ. Amen. If you have been blessed in anyway through our prayers, teachings and works of evangelisation, kindly support us so that we can be able to do more and keep the platform running. Click Here To Support (1) Or Click Here To Support (2) If you have any questions or enquiry, send an email to: Info@maryourhelp.org.

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SAINT MATTHEW, Apostle.

 

 Son of Alphaeus, he lived at Capenaum on Lake Genesareth. He was a Roman tax collector, a position equated with collaboration with the enemy by those from whom he collected taxes. Jesus’ contemporaries were surprised to see the Christ with a traitor, but Jesus explained that he had come “not to call the just, but sinners.”

Matthew’s Gospel is given pride of place in the canon of the New Testament, and was written to convince Jewish readers that their anticipated Messiah had come in the person of Jesus. He preached among the Jews for 15 years. According to an ancient tradition, his audiences may have included the Jewish enclave in Ethiopia, and other places in the East.

St. John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor.

 

JOHN was born around 347 at Antioch in Asia Minor. His father died when he was young, and he was raised by a very pious mother. He was well-educated, having studied rhetoric under Libanius, one of the most famous orators of his day. He became a monk, then a preacher and priest for a dozen years in Syria. While there he developed a stomach ailment that troubled him the rest of his life.

It was for his sermons that John earned the title Chrysostom [“golden mouthed”]. They were always on point, explaining the Scriptures with clarity, and sometimes went on for hours. Reluctantly he was made bishop of Constantinople in 398, a move that involved him in imperial politics. He criticized the rich for not sharing their wealth, fought to reform the clergy, prevented the sale of ecclesiastical offices, called for fidelity in marriage, and encouraged practices of justice and charity. Archbishop and Patriarch of Constantinople, he revised the Greek Liturgy. Because John’s sermons advocated a change in their lives, some nobles and bishops worked to remove him from his diocese. He was twice exiled from his diocese. Banished to Pythius, he died on the way of natural causes.

Greek Father of the Church, proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 451.

 

St. GREGORY the GREAT, Pope and Doctor.

Saint GREGORY the GREAT, son of Gordianus, a Roman regionarius, and Saint Silvia of Rome, nephew of Saint Emiliana and Saint Tarsilla, great-grandson of Pope Saint Felix III. Educated by the finest teachers in Rome, he served as prefect of Rome for a year, then he sold his possessions, turned his home into a Benedictine monastery, and used his money to build six monasteries in Sicily and one in Rome. Upon seeing English children being sold in the Roman Forum, he became a missionary to England.

He was elected 64th Pope by unanimous acclamation on 3 September 590, the first monk to be chosen. He sent Saint Augustine [of Canterbury] and a company of monks to evangelize England, as well as other missionaries to France, Spain, and Africa. He collected melodies and plainchant so associated with him that they are now known as Gregorian Chants. One of the four great Doctors of the Latin Church,  he wrote seminal works on the Mass and Divine Office, several of them dictated to his secretary, Saint Peter the Deacon.

(iBreviary)