Precious Blood Chaplet

Precious Blood chaplet in red jade. 

Available for purchase at www.unbreakablerosaries.com.

Chaplet of the Precious Blood

History:

The Chaplet of the Precious Blood, also known as the Precious Blood Rosary, is a meditation on the generous love of Jesus, who shed his blood for us. This devotion consists of seven mysteries in which we meditate on the seven principal sheddings of the Most precious Blood of Jesus.  The chaplet itself consists of 33 beads (six sets of five beads each and three on the drop), a rosary center and a Precious Blood medal.

The Chaplet was composed in 1809 by Francesco Albertini and officially approved in the same year. Albertini, who founded the ArchConfraternity of the Precious Blood, was the mentor and spiritual director of Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, founder of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Saint Gaspar encouraged the Missionaries to pray this chaplet with the people every morning. It is an excellent way of heightening our awareness of God's presence in difficult and painful situations. It can help us connect our own suffering, the suffering of those we love, and the suffering of our enemies, with the suffering of Christ. Many people who like to pray the rosary every day pray the Precious Blood Rosary on Fridays, the day when we traditionally meditate on the Passion.

Prayer Instructions:

The Our Father without the Hail Mary is said five times after each mystery except the last, when it is said three times – in all, thirty three times in honor of the thirty-three years of Our Lord’s life on earth.

V.  O God, come to my assistance!
R.  Lord, make haste to help me!
V.  Glory be to the Father, etc.
R.  As it was in the beginning, etc.

First Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood in the circumcision.
Let us ask for chastity in body and soul.

V.  We pray you, Lord, help your servants!
R.  Whom You have redeemed with Your Precious Blood!

(This invocation to the Precious Blood is said after the Our Father and Glory be of each mystery.)

Second Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood in the agony while praying in the Garden of Olives. 
Let us ask for the spirit of prayer.

Third Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood in the scourging at the pillar. 
Let us ask for patience and self-control.

Fourth Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood in the crowning with thorns. 
Let us ask for humility to atone from pride.

Fifth Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood while carrying His cross to Calvary. 
Let us ask for acceptance of our daily crosses.

Sixth Mystery:
Jesus shed his blood in the terrible crucifixion. 
Let us ask for contrition.

Seventh Mystery:
Jesus shed blood and water from His side pierced by the lance.
Let us ask for perseverance.

How To Pray The Stations Of The Cross Rosary

Rosary available for purchase at www.unbreakablerosaries.com.

How To Pray The Stations Of The Cross Rosary

This rosary chaplet consists of 15 groups of 3 beads each, between which are medals representing the stations of the cross. An additional 6 beads are added as well as a crucifix.

This chaplet of the Way of the Cross was granted to Vincentian Order by Popes Pius IX and X. Later it was withdrawn by the Holy Office (1912), since the indulgences can be gained by using the crucifix alone.

It is somewhat of a misnomer to call this a rosary. To the sick and to others who cannot go to a church to make the Way of the Cross the Holy See has given the privilege of gaining the indulgences attached to the Way of the Cross by holding in their hand a specially indulgenced crucifix and saying the prescribed prayers.

On the Crucifix say the Apostle's Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of Heaven and earth;
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son Our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into Hell; the third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting.  Amen.

On each of the following six beads say an Act of Contrition:

O my God, my Redeemer, behold me here at Thy feet. From the bottom of my heart I am sorry for all my sins, because by them I have offended Thee, Who art infinitely good. I will die rather than offend thee again. Amen.

The following is said before each station for the intentions of the Holy Father:
We adore You, O Christ, and we bless You, because by Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

After announcing and meditating on each Station, pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary and one Glory Be.

Our Father:
Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.   Amen.

Hail Mary:

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory Be:

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end.  Amen.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, your passion and death is the sacrifice that unites earth and heaven and reconciles all people to you.  May we who have faithfully reflected on these mysteries follow in your steps and so come to share your glory in heaven where you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

The Fourteen Stations of The Cross

 

The First Station: Jesus is condemned to death.

 

The Second Station: Jesus carries His cross.

 

The Third Station: Jesus falls the first time.

 

The Fourth Station: Jesus meets His mother.

  

The Fifth Station: Simone of Cyrene helps Jesus carry His cross.

 

The Sixth Station: Veronica wipes the face of Jesus.

 

The Seventh Station: Jesus falls a second time.

 

The Eighth Station: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem.

 

The Ninth Station: Jesus falls a third time.

 

The Tenth Station: Jesus is stripped of His garments.

 

The Eleventh Station: Jesus is nailed to the cross.

 

The Twelfth Station: Jesus dies on the cross.

  

The Thirteenth Station: Jesus is taken from the cross.

 

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus is laid in the tomb.

The Saint Benedict Medal

The Saint Benedict Medal

Front of the medal:

 The Cross of Eternal Salvation: 
On the face of the medal is the image of Saint Benedict. In his right hand he holds the cross, the Christian symbol of salvation.  The cross reminds us of the zealous work of evangelizing and civilizing England and Europe carried out mainly by the Benedictine monks and nuns, especially for the sixth to the ninth/tenth centuries.

Rule and Raven:
In St. Benedict's left hand is his Rule for Monasteries that could well be summed up in the words of the Prolog exhorting us to "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide."

On a pedestal to the right of St. Benedict is the poisoned cup, shattered when he made the sign of the cross over it. On a pedestal to the left is a raven about to carry away a loaf of poisoned bread that a jealous enemy had sent to St. Benedict.

C. S. P. B.
Above the cup and the raven are the Latin words: Crux s. patris Benedicti (The Cross of our holy father Benedict). On the margin of the medal, encircling the figure of Benedict, are the Latin words: Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death!). Benedictines have always regarded St. Benedict as a special patron of a happy death. He himself died in the chapel at Montecassino while standing with his arms raised up to heaven, supported by the brothers of the monastery, shortly after St. Benedict had received Holy Communion.

Monte Cassino:
Below Benedict we read: ex SM Casino MDCCCLXXX (from holy Monte Cassino, 1880). This is the medal struck to commemorate the 1400th anniversary of the birth of Saint Benedict.

Reverse of the medal:


Crux Mihi Lux:

On the back of the medal, the cross is dominant. On the arms of the cross are the initial letters of a rhythmic Latin prayer: Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Nunquam draco sit mihi dux! (May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my guide!).

In the angles of the cross, the letters C S P B stand for Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti (The cross of our holy father Benedict).

Peace:

Above the cross is the word pax (peace), that has been a Benedictine motto for centuries. Around the margin of the back of the medal, the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B are the initial letters, as mentioned above, of a Latin prayer of exorcism against Satan: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!)

Use of the Medal:

There is no special way prescribed for carrying or wearing the Medal of St. Benedict. It can be worn on a chain around the neck, attached to one's rosary, kept in one's pocket or purse, or placed in one's car or home. The medal is often put into the foundations of houses and building, on the walls of barns and sheds, or in one's place of business.

The purpose of using the medal in any of the above ways is to call down God's blessing and protection upon us, wherever we are, and upon our homes and possessions, especially through the intercession of St. Benedict. By the conscious and devout use of the medal, it becomes, as it were, a constant silent prayer and reminder to us of our dignity as followers of Christ.

The medal is a prayer of exorcism against Satan, a prayer for strength in time of temptation, a prayer for peace among ourselves and among the nations of the world, a prayer that the Cross of Christ be our light and guide, a prayer of firm rejection of all that is evil, a prayer of petition that we may with Christian courage "walk in God's ways, with the Gospel as our guide," as St. Benedict urges us.

 

Saint Benedict Rosary

Symbolism Of The Irish Penal Crucifix

 

The Symbolism Of The Irish Penal Crucifix

Front:

Hammer: For the nails of the Cross.

Halo: Crown of Thorns was not usually shown, hence the halo.

Jug or Chalice: Represents the Last Supper.

Cords: Represent the binding and scourging at the pillar.

Spear: Represents the piercing of the side of Jesus.

Small Marks Along The Side of The Corpus: Indicate a ladder, both used in the Crucifixion and by which we ascend to Heaven.

Reverse:

 The Cock and Pot: Symbolize the early apocryphal legend relating to Judas the betrayer, and also the roosting cock which suddenly came to life and crowed, prophesying the Resurrection.

Three Nails: Represents the tools of the Crucifixion.

  

Sacred Heart of Jesus Rosary With Irish Penal Crucifix 

 Penal Crucifix - Front

 Penal Crucifix - Reverse

How To Pray The Servite Seven Sorrows of Mary Rosary Beads

 

Mater Dolorosa, Casertavecchia, Italy

History:

This devotion to Our Sorrowful Mother originated in the Thirteenth century by the Order of Friar Servants of Mary.  It recalls the Sorrows the Virgin Mother of God endured in compassion for the suffering and death of her Divine Son.  It consists of seven groups of seven beads each with an additional three beads on the drop (fifty-two in total), seven medals (or larger beads) each representing one of the Sorrows and a Mater Dolorosa medal.

Promises of Our Lady of Sorrows:

Mary offers the following promises to whoever devoutly wears the black scapular and honors Her daily by saying seven Hail Marys and meditating on Her Seven Tears and Sorrows. This devotion was passed on to us by Saint Bridget, who received them directly from Our Lady.

* I will grant peace to their families.

* They will be enlightened about the Divine Mysteries
* I will console them in their pains and I will accompany them in their work.
* 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.
* I will defend them in their spiritual battles with the infernal enemy and I will protect them at every instant of their lives
* I will visibly help them at the moment of their death; they will see the face of their mother.

Seven Sorrows Servite Rosary Beads

Available at  www.UnbreakableRosaries.com 

 

Chaplet Instructions

On the Medal:  Say an Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell; but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, Who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.


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
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," charge 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.


Last Three Beads:
Three Hail Marys are said at the end in honor of the Tears of Our Sorrowful Mother.
One Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be to the Father for the intention of the Pope.
Say "Virgin most Sorrowful, pray for us" three times.


Closing Prayer:
Lord God, our Father, from the passion and death of Jesus, shared by the compassion of his Mother, you brought healing to fallen man.  Grant that we, your people, may experience this healing and rise from the power of sin to a wholeness of life promised by Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, Amen

Information taken from the Marians of The Immaculate Conception website.

The Rosary Of The Sacred Heart

The rosary chaplet of the Sacred Heart consists of thirty-three small beads, six large beads, a crucifix, and either a Sacred Heart center or a medal attached to the crucifix.

On the Crucifix say the Anima Christi:

Soul of Christ, sanctify me!

Body of Christ, save me!

Blood of Christ, inebriate me!

Water from the side of Christ, wash me!

Passion of Christ, strengthen me!

O good Jesus, hear me!

Within Thy wounds hide me!

Let me not be separated from Thee!

From the evil enemy defend me!

In the hour of death call me and bid me

come over to Thee, that with Thy saints I

may praise Thee forever and ever.

Amen

On the large beads say:

O sweetest Heart of Jesus, I implore that

I may ever love Thee more and more!

On the small beads say:

Sweet Heart of Jesus, be my love!

At the end of each decade say:

Sweet Heart of Mary, be my salvation!

At the conclusion say: 

May the Heart of Jesus in the Most Blessed

Sacrament be blessed, adored and loved with

grateful affection at every moment in all the tabernacles

of the world, even to the end of time!

  

Rosary Of The Sacred Heart in Aquamarine Agate and Dragon Blood Jasper

The Holy House of Loreto

The Holy House of Loreto is one of the most revered Marian shrines in the world. Since medieval times, the Holy House has been believed to be the very home in which the Virgin Mary lived, conceived and raised the young Jesus.

A large basilica has been built around the small shrine, and the sacred site attracts as many as 4 million Catholic pilgrims and visitors each year.

Renaissance facade (1583) of the Basilica della Santa Casa (Basilica of the Holy House) in Loreto, framed by the archway leading into the plaza.

 History:

According to the New Testament, Jesus was raised by Mary and Joseph in a small town called Nazareth, near Jerusalem. Joseph was a carpenter, and their house was humble. Three centuries after the life of Jesus, the newly-converted Emperor Constantine built a basilica over the humble brick house believed to have sheltered the Holy Family.

According to Catholic tradition, the Holy House came under threat during the turmoil of the Crusades, so in 1291, angels miraculously translated the house from its original location to a site in modern-day Croatia. An empty space was left in Nazareth and a small house suddenly appeared in a field in Croatia. The bewildered parish priest, brought to the scene by shepherds who discovered it, had a vision in which the Virgin Mary revealed it was her former house.

On December 10, 1294, the house was again moved by angels because of the Muslim invasion of Albania. It landed first in Recanti, Italy, but was shortly thereafter moved for a third time to its present location in Loreto.

The Holy House of Loreto, or Santa Casa di Loreto in Italian, has been venerated by pilgrims great and small, including many popes and saints, and numerous miracles and healings have been reported. Scientists are said to have confirmed the materials to be the same as those found in Nazareth and the house lacks normal foundations.

Many historians, Catholics included, are not entirely convinced. One problem is that there is no historical record of a house like that at Loreto existing in Nazareth. Instead, it seems pilgrims to Nazareth had venerated a kind of natural cavern in the rock as the abode of Mary and Jesus.

Another problem is that no reports have been found from the Middle East regarding the sudden disappearance of a Nazareth house. The first mention of this comes in the 16th century, after it was suggested from the West. Even in the West, no mention of the Holy House has been found until the 15th century. Additionally, there is evidence that a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary existed in Loreto before the traditional date of the arrival of the Holy House.

Given these factors, one common hypothesis about the origin of the Marian shrine of Loreto is that a miraculous statue or image of the Virgin was brought from Croatia to Loreto and placed in a humble abode that came to be venerated as well. Another possibility is that crusaders or monks brought a house, or parts of it, from the Holy Land.

Catholics who tend towards one of these less miraculous explanations are careful to point out that this does not mean pilgrims should not visit or pray at the shrine, nor that the Blessed Virgin does not work miracles there.

In 1469, a large basilica was built over the Holy House at Loreto, and still stands today. In 1507, a marble enclosure was constructed around the House inside the basilica, and in 1510, the site was officially approved for pilgrimages. Over the centuries, countless pilgrims have kneeled inside the basilica around the Holy House, wearing a trough in the hard rock.

In 1910, Our Lady of Loreto became the patron saint of pilots, because of the tradition of the house's flight from Nazareth. On September 8, the traditional birthdate of the Virgin Mary, pilots gather at the shrine to pray and participate in a colorful procession.

South face of the Renaissance marble screen around the Holy House, commissioned by Pope Julius II (1503-13) and designed by Bramante. Its sculptures, by Andrea Sansovino, Antonio Sangallo the Younger, and others, depict scenes from the Bible, the legend of the Virgin Mary, and the miracle of the Holy House. 

Our Lady of San Loreto rosary bracelet available for purchase at www.unbreakablerosaries.com.