Friday, December 28, 2012

The Holy Innocents




Herod perceiving that he was deluded by the wise men, was exceeding angry; and sending killed all the men children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently inquired of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremias the prophet, saying: A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not. - St. Matthew 2:16-18
        In Ramah is heard the sound of moaning, of bitter weeping! Rachel mourns her   
        children, she refuses to be consoled because her children are no more. 
        - Jeremiah 31:15


We rejoice in the glory of Jesus Christ, who conquered the enemy not by force of arms but with a white-robed army of children, and we cry out: The white-robed army of martyrs praises you.

The Holy Innocents gave witness not by words but by their life's blood - give us the strength to be your witnesses before men, both by word's and actions.

They were not ready for battle but you made them fit to win the palm of victory - now that we are prepared for victory, do not let us despair.

You washed the robes of the Innocents in your blood
- cleanse us from all sin.

You rewarded the child martyrs with the first share of your kingdom - do not let us be cast out from the unending heavenly banquet.

You knew persecution and exile as a child - protect all children whose lives are in danger from famine wars and disasters.

O God, whom the Holy Innocents confessed and proclaimed on this day, not by speaking but by dying, grant, we pray, that the faith in you which we confess with our lips may also speak through our manner of life. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

:+: PRO-LIFE PRAYER TO ST JOSEPH :+:
 
Good Saint Joseph, your faithful love protected and nourished the Mother of God and Jesus Christ, her son. Your fatherly care led to maturity He through whom all creation began.

Through your intercession, may God guide and protect all human life from conception to natural death and lead this nation in the ways of truth.

Holy Joseph, Virgin-Father of Christ, pray for the soon to be fathers of the world, and grant all the graces necessary for them to be men of honor and love. + Amen.


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