THE PRAYER OF THE ROSARY
by Giuseppe Monno 1. What is the Rosary?The Rosary is a traditional Catholic prayer that invites the faithful to contemplate the principal moments in the life of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, helping them to enter more deeply into the mystery of faith. 2. What does it consist of?It consists of five “decades,” each […]
REPETITIVE PRAYERS
by Giuseppe Monno Matthew 6:7–8 “In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will be heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Starting from this Gospel passage, some Protestant circles claim that repetitive prayers—such as […]
THE PRAYER OF THE HAIL MARY
by Giuseppe Monno SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION OF THE FIRST PART The prayer of the Hail Mary has its roots in biblical revelation, particularly in Luke’s infancy narratives. The expression:“Ave, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you” (Luke 1:28)echoes the greeting of the angel Gabriel in the account of the Annunciation. The Latin term ave […]
THE ROSARY
By Giuseppe Monno The Rosary, often thought of as a simple, repetitive prayer, is in reality a profound path of contemplation of the Christian mystery. Its structure may seem straightforward, yet it carries a deep theological richness that unites the humility of Marian devotion with the absolute centrality of Jesus Christ. Across the centuries, the […]
The Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, Make my heart like yours. From self-will, deliver me, O Lord. From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me, O Lord. From the desire of being loved, deliver me, O Lord. From the desire of being extolled, deliver me, O Lord. From the desire of being honored, deliver […]
Intercessory Prayers
(adapted by the Reverend Nicholas L. Gregoris, S.T.D., from ancient, modern and contemporary sources) To the Holy Spirit Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of thy faithful and enkindle in them the fire of thy love. – Send forth thy Spirit and they shall be created. – And thou shalt renew the face of the […]
What Does the Bible Say About Praying for the Dead?
ANSWER — Protestant View: Praying for the dead is not a biblical concept. Our prayers have no bearing on someone once he or she has died. The reality is that, at the point of death, one’s eternal destiny is confirmed. Either he is saved through faith in Christ and is in heaven where he is […]
To Trace All Souls Day
Fr. Brian Van Hove, S.J. As Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger once said so well, one major difference between Protestants and Catholics is that Catholics pray for the dead: “My view is that if Purgatory did not exist, we should have to invent it.” Why? “Because few things are as immediate, as human and as widespread—at all […]
St. Monica’s Prayer
For many long years St. Monica prayed for her son’s conversion, yet, despite her tears and prayers he only fell deeper into sin. One day she went to a bishop and told him of her grief. The bishop told her not to be discouraged, since it was impossible that the child of so many tears […]
Sacramentals Every Catholic Home Should Have:
Portrait of the Sacred Heart Of Jesus Sacred Heart of jesus © Act of Consecration to the Sacred Heart O Sacred Heart of Jesus, to Thee I consecrate and offer up my person and my life, my actions, trials, and sufferings, that my entire being may henceforth only be employed in loving, honoring and glorifying […]