Preparing for the Lamb...

Priest: Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him

who takes away the sins of the world.

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

 Preparation for Communion prayer (Mass)

Prayer before Communion (excerpt): St Ambrose...

Most Sweet Bread, heal my heart,

that I may taste the sweetness of Your love.

Heal it from all weakness, that I may enjoy no sweetness but You.

Most pure Bread, containing every delight

which ever refreshes us, may my heart consume You

and may my soul be filled with Your sweetness.

Holy Bread, living Bread, perfect Bread,

that has come down from heaven to give life to the world,

come into my heart and cleanse me from every stain of body and soul.

Enter into my soul; heal and cleanse me completely. 

Be the constant safeguard and salvation of my soul and body.

Guard me from the enemies who lie in wait.

May they flee from the protecting presence of Your power,

so that, armed in soul and body by You,

I may safely reach Your Kingdom.

 Tabernacle above:  Fourveire Basilica ~ Lyon, France

Our ready Help... (Easter Thursday)

I have waited, waited for the Lord, and He stooped toward me and heard my cry.  He drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp; He set my feet upon a crag; He made firm my steps,

and He put a new song into my mouth, a hymn to our God. - Psalm 40:2-3

 

 

"Communion with Christ

gives us

our strength,

our joy,

and our love.”

 

Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta

How do I end a Holy Hour?

You turned my wailing into dancing;

You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

that my heart may sing to You and not be silent. 

O Lord my God, I will give You thanks forever. - Psalm 30:11-12

"A good way to end a Holy Hour

is to thank the Lord. 

Thank Him for His presence, for His Love, 

for all that He has done and will do in your life.  

You can call to mind and thank Him for the specific graces 

or resolutions you received during the hour.  

Then, again, express your adoration 

with your whole body and soul, 

and renew your commitment to try to live

 each moment of your life in such a way 

that you will be a living sign of His presence, 

of His mercy to the world."

Fr. George W Kosicki, CSB

"In loving one another through our works, 

we bring an increase of grace and a growth in divine love."

 - Bl Mother Teresa of Calcutta, 

In the Heart of the World: Thoughts, Stories and Prayers

With a love like hers...

 

 Madonna and Child - Marianne Stokes (1907- 08)

 

 

    "O Jesus, O my beloved Jesus! 

O Jesus hidden here beneath these Sacramental veils! 

Grant that at every moment of my life I may return

gratitude and love to You for Your great love for me!

 

    O Mary, my Mother, our Lady of the Eucharist! 

Help me to offer thanks to Jesus,

and always to prepare myself perfectly

to receive Him with a love like yours."

 

Venerable Concepcion Cabrera de Armida

 

A day in HISTORY:  Today, May 8, is the Birthday Anniversary of St John Vianney - it is also the Anniversary of my First Holy Communion - oh-so-many years ago. Earlier in that week I had contracted the measles, so was home convalescing, but I remember the day vividly! 

When the priest brought the Blessed Sacrament into our home a sweet, holy hush blanketed the living room. The relatives that had gathered to celebrate my private First Holy Communion, reverently bowed very low.  I listened, I watched and I pondered all - fittingly dressed in my lovely crisp, spotless white dress, veil and polka-dotted face broadly grinning.. ~ Janette

Oh, happy, holy day!

Do you remember/can you figure out 

your First Holy Communion date? 

Do HEARTILY celebrate it!

 Translation holy card: "The things of earth seem of little account when one possesses the highest good." HAT TIP: http://dovesandtheeucharist.blogspot.com/