for the FIRST SUNDAY of ADVENT

+ J.M.J.A.T

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam et Immaculata

I haven't had the chance to post in a long long long while and just because I have some time now, I have decided to post something for the start of the Advent season. This second lent is a most treasured and precious time that I hope that I do not waste, as we spend waiting for a most beautiful feast, that of dearest Infant Jesus being brought onto this earth. A moment most special and dear to so many of us!

It is so easy to talk to Our Dearest and Most Loveliest Infant King! So helpless He lies, but in the bosom of Our Dearest and Most Loveliest Mother Mary, under the watchful gaze of St Joseph! How beautiful it is, just to picture the Holy Family in the oh ever so cold, yet warm stable in Bethlehem. As I wrote the last few lines, the Christmas Novena comes ever into my mind. 

CHRISTMAS NOVENAPrayer to Obtain Favours

Hail and blessed be the hourAnd moment in which the Son of GodWas born of the most pure Virgin Mary,At midnight, in Bethlehem, in piercing cold.In that hour vouchsafe, O my God,To hear my prayer and grant my desires,Through the merits of Our Saviour Jesus Christ,And of His Blessed Mother. Amen 

(To be recited fifteen times a day from the Feastof St. Andrew (30th of Nov.) until Christmas)

It is piously believed that whoever recites this prayer fifteen times a day from the feast of St. Andrew, on November 30th, until Christmas will obtain what is asked. 

[Imprimatur: +MICHAEL AUGUSTINE, Archbishop of New York, New York, February 6, 1897. 

Here is what I want to sing all week, since it is going to be a second lent : )) :

The Glory of these Forty Days

Clarum decus jejunii, 6th century 

Tr. Maurice Bell, d. 1906, alt.

Geistliche Lieder, 1543

Alt. & arr. Marc Chapleau

1. The glory of these forty days, We celebrate with song upraised; For Christ, through Whom all things were made, Himself has fasted and has prayed.
2. So Daniel trained a mystic sight, Delivered from the lion's might; And John, the bride-groom's friend, became the herald of Messiah's name.
3. Then grant us, Lord, like them to be, Full oft in fast and pray'r with Thee; Our spirits strengthen with Thy grace, And give us joy to see Thy face.
4. O Father, Son and Spirit blest, To Thee be every pray'r address'd; Who art in three-fold name adored, From age to age the only Lord. 

Deus propitius esto mihi peccatori.

Jesu mitis et humilis corde, Fac cor nostrum secundum Cor tuum. (ter)

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Anne, Therese, I love You; Save Souls!