Old St. Patrick's Oratory

Novena Prayer (Nov.30 - Dec. 8) to the Immaculate Conception Oh, Virgin Immaculate, * who wast pleasing in the Lord’s sight * and didst become His Mother, * loo...k graciously upon the wretched who implore thy mighty patronage. * The wicked serpent, against whom the primal curse was hurled, * continues none the less to wage war * and to lay snares for the unhappy children of Eve. * Ah, * do thou, our blessed Mother, * our Queen and Advocate, * who from the first instant of thy conception * didst crush the head of our enemy, * receive the prayers that we unite single-heartedly to thine * and conjure thee to offer at the throne of God, * that we may never fall into the snares that are laid for us, * in such wise that we may all come to the haven of salvation; * and in the midst of so many dangers * may holy Church and the fellowship of Christians everywhere * sing once more the hymn of deliverance, victory and peace. * Amen. (Raccolta 1957 ed.) Image: The Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

December 3rd - FEAST OF SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER Missionary Prayer of Saint Francis: "Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that Thou alone didst create the souls of infidels, framing them to Thine own image and likeness; behold, O Lord, how, to Thy dishonor, hell is daily filled with them. Remember, O Lord, Thine only Son, Jesus Christ, Who suffered for them, most bountifully shedding His precious blood. Suffer not, O Lord, Thy Son and our Lord to be any longer despised b...y infidels. But, rather, being appeased by the entreaties and prayers of the elect, the saints, and of the Church, the most blessed spouse of Thy Son; be mindful of Thy mercy, yet forgetful of their idolatry and infidelity. Cause all to know Him Whom Thou didst send, Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord, Who is our health, life, and resurrection, through Whom we are freed and saved, to Whom be all glory forever. Amen." See more

December 1st - FEAST OF SAINT EDMUND CAMPION "I would be loath to speak anything that might sound of any insolent brag or challenge, especially being now as a dead man to this world and willing to put my head under every man's foot, and to kiss the ground they tread upon. Yet I have such courage in avouching the majesty of Jesus my King, and such affiance in his gracious favour, and such assurance in my quarrel, and my evidence so impregnable, and because I know perfectly tha...t no one Protestant, nor all the Protestants living, nor any sect of our adversaries (howsoever they face men down in pulpits, and overrule us in their kingdom of grammarians and unlearned ears) can maintain their doctrine in disputation. I am to sue most humbly and instantly for combat with all and every of them, and the most principal that may be found: protesting that in this trial the better furnished they come, the better welcome they shall be." (from 'Campion's Brag'). See more

The Novena of the Immaculate Conception begins today!