Our Lady of the Rosary - October 7th

 

PRAY THE ROSARY!

O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Dawn Pisturino

The Fifteen Promises of Mary

 

Do you pray the rosary? Here are the 15 promises made by Mary for those who do:

1. signal graces

2. special protection and graces

3. an armor against Hell, vice, sin, and heresies

4. virtue and good works, mercy, and heavenly sanctification

5. the soul will never perish

6. God's favor and eternal life

7. sacraments of the Church 

8. the merits of the saints

9. delivery from Purgatory

10. the highest degree of glory in Heaven

11. blessings and prayers granted

12. aid in time of need

13. heavenly intercession

14. unity in the brotherhood and sisterhood of Christ

15. predestination

from America Needs Fatima

"Give me an army saying the rosary and I will conquer the world." - Pope Pius IX 

Dawn Pisturino

Virgin Mary Tattoos

 

Arm Tattoo by Tattoo Me Now

http://www.tattoomenow.com

Some Catholics express their faith by getting tattoos of the Virgin Mary on their bodies. As the Mother of Jesus, she plays a special role in Jesus' life and the Catholic faith. People look to her for faith, hope, love, and comfort. She is the symbol of virginal purity, unconditional motherly acceptance, and miraculous events in places like Fatima and Lourdes. She embraces the whole world and all people with her positive energy and affection. She is OUR MOTHER who cares for our needs and gives us strength to keep going in a difficult world.

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.

PRAY THE ROSARY!

Dawn Pisturino

October 28, 2023

Copyright 2023 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

The Secret of the Rosary

 

Long before I converted to Catholicism, I loved the Virgin Mary. Although my mother was Catholic, she was not a practicing one. I never saw her pray or recite the rosary. She only attended mass if I begged her to go with me. She never taught me anything about the Catholic religion. She did let me take her ivory rosary, which she had kept from her youth, and later gave me her old, tattered Catholic prayer book, which I still treasure.

As a teenager, I fell in with a group of fundamentalist Catholics, and that's where I learned about the Virgin Mary and the rosary. They gave me St. Louis de Montfort's book, The Secret of the Rosary, and I was hooked for life. I fell in love with the Virgin Mary. Later on in life, I went through RCIA and officially converted.

During one of the most difficult periods in my life, when God severely tested me, I relied on the Virgin Mary, the rosary, and St. Louis de Montfort's book to keep going. The alternative would have been suicide. And even though I suffered greatly during that time, God pointed me in the right direction and made sure that my life turned around. He blessed me with a beautiful and productive life. I have learned a lot from all of my mistakes. I have learned a lot from all of my suffering. The Virgin Mary never left me. She lifted me up and made me whole. I found redemption and salvation in Christ. I found safety and security in my Catholic faith. And even though it is easy to be discouraged with the world and its current direction, we must all as Catholics stand fast and pray and put our faith in God, Jesus Christ, and the Virgin Mary.

I highly recommend St. Louis de Montfort's book to every Catholic. It is just as relevant today as when he wrote it.

St. Louis de Montfort's Prayer to Mary

  Hail Mary, beloved Daughter of the Eternal Father! Hail Mary, admirable Mother of the Son! Hail Mary, faithful Spouse of the Holy Ghost! Hail Mary, my dear Mother, my loving mistress, my powerful sovereign! Hail my joy, my glory, my heart and my soul! Thou art all mine by mercy, and I am all thine by justice. But I am not yet sufficiently thine. I now give myself wholly to thee without keeping anything back for myself or others. If thou still seest in me anything which does not belong to thee, I beseech thee to take it and to make thyself the absolute mistress of all that is mine. Destroy in me all that may be displeasing to God, root it up and bring it to nought; place and cultivate in me everything that is pleasing to thee.

     May the light of thy faith dispel the darkness of my mind; may thy profound humility take the place of my pride; may thy sublime contemplation check the distractions of my wandering imagination; may thy continuous sight of God fill my memory with His presence; may the burning love of thy heart inflame the lukewarmness of mine; may thy virtues take the place of my sins; may thy merits be my only adornment in the sight of God and make up for all that is wanting in me. Finally, dearly beloved Mother, grant, if it be possible, that I may have no other spirit but thine, to know Jesus and His Divine will; that I may have no other soul but thine, to praise and glorify the Lord; that I may have no other heart but thine, to love God with a love as pure and ardent as thine. I do not ask thee for visions, revelations, sensible devotion or spiritual pleasures. It is thy privilege to see God clearly; it is thy privilege to enjoy Heavenly bliss; it is thy privilege to triumph gloriously in Heaven at the right hand of thy Son and to hold absolute sway over Angels, men and demons; it is thy privilege to dispose of all the gifts of God, just as thou wilIest.

Such is, O Heavenly Mary, the "best part," which the Lord has given thee and which shall never be taken away from thee, and this thought fills my heart with joy. As for my part here below, I wish for no other than that which was thine: to believe sincerely without spiritual pleasures; to suffer joyfully without human consolation; to die continually to myself without respite; and to work zealously and unselfishly for thee until death as the humblest of thy servants. The only grace I beg thee to obtain for me is that every day and every moment of my life I may say: "Amen, so be it, to all that thou didst do while on earth. Amen, so be it, to all that thou art now doing in Heaven. Amen, so be it, to all that thou art doing in my soul, so that thou alone mayest fully glorify Jesus in me for time and eternity." Amen.

~

Dawn Pisturino

September 6, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Fatima and Russia

(Photo by Andreas Praefcke)

Sister Lúcia wrote in her third memoir of August 1941 that the Virgin Mary told the three children at Fatima on July 13, 1917:

"God wishes to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. If what I say to you is done, many souls will be saved and there will be peace. The [First World] war is going to end; if people do not cease offending God, a worse one will break out during the pontificate of Pius XI. When you see a night illumined by an unknown light, know that this is the great sign given you by God that He is about to punish the world for its crimes, by means of war, famine, and persecutions of the Church and of the Holy Father. To prevent this, I shall come to ask for the consecration of Russia to my Immaculate Heart, and the communion of reparation on the first Saturday's. If my requests are heeded, Russia will be converted, and there will be peace. If not, she will spread her errors throughout the world, causing wars and persecutions of the Church. The good will be martyred, the Holy Father will have much to suffer, various nations will be annihilated. In the end, my Immaculate Heart will triumph. The Holy Father will consecrate Russia to me, and she will be converted, and a period of peace will be granted to the world." 

The question is: was Russia officially consecrated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary?

Sister Lucia herself confirmed that Pope John Paul II accomplished this feat during his speech in Saint Peter's Square on March 25, 1984. At that time, he consecrated the world and Russia to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, although he did not specifically name "Russia" and spoke of nations in general that were in great need of spiritual help. As a result, many people believe that Russia still has not been consecrated.

The Virgin also requested that First Saturday devotions be made consistently by the faithful. COVID closed many churches that are just beginning to reopen.

Prayer, along with faith, hope, charity, and love, are the tools we have to resist the spread of Russian aggression. Vladimir Putin is a member of the Russian Orthodox Church. Pray that his heart may be converted away from aggression and war and turn to love of Mary and the Church. Pray that he will find renewed faith in God and stop the killing. Pray that he will submit to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, throw down his weapons, and work for peace.

Pray for the people of Ukraine, who have sacrificed everything for their freedom. 

Dawn Pisturino

March 4, 2022

Copyright 2022 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

 

Most Catholics are familiar with the story of Saint Bernadette and the miracles at Lourdes. The Blessed Holy Mother revealed the presence of a healing spring and asked the faithful to pray the rosary. Many people were healed of illness and disability. Those miracles are still happening today. On February 11th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Prayers for healing:

Prayer to be said when using Lourdes Water Blessed be the Holy and Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us. Mother, have mercy on us. Our Lady of Lourdes, heal us for the greater glory of the Holy Trinity. Our Lady of Lourdes, heal us for the greater glory of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Lady of Lourdes, heal the sick, convert sinners. Health of the sick, Help of the suffering, pray for us. Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse in thee. St. Bernadette, pray for us! Amen

Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer for healing O ever-Immaculate Virgin, Mother of Mercy, health of the sick, refuge of sinners, comforter of the afflicted, you know my wants, my troubles, my sufferings; look with mercy on me. By appearing in the Grotto of Lourdes, you were pleased to make it a privileged sanctuary, whence you dispense your favours; and already many sufferers have obtained the cure of their infirmities, both spiritual and corporal. I come, therefore, with complete confidence to implore your maternal intercession. Obtain, O loving Mother, the grant of my requests. (mention your petition) Through gratitude for your favours, I will endeavour to imitate your virtues, that I may one day share your glory. Amen. To Heal a Friend Think, O God, of our friend who is ill, whom we now commend to Your compassionate regard. Comfort him upon his sickbed, and ease his suffering. We beg for deliverance, and submit that no healing is too hard for the Lord, if it be His will. We therefore pray that You bless our friend with Your loving care, renew his strength, and heal what ails him in Your loving name. Amen.   Prayer for Healing I Lord, look upon me with eyes of mercy, may your healing hand rest upon me, may your lifegiving powers flow into every cell of my body and into the depths of my soul, cleansing, purifying, restoring me to wholeness and strength for service in your Kingdom. Amen. Prayer for Healing II O God who are the only source of health and healing, the spirit of calm and the central peace of this universe, grant to me such a consciousness of your indwelling and surrounding presence that I may permit you to give me health and strength and peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.   Prayer for Healing III Lord, You invite all who are burdened to come to you. Allow Your healing Hand to heal me. Touch my soul with Your compassion for others; touch my heart with Your courage and infinite Love for all; touch my mind with Your Wisdom, and may my mouth always proclaim Your praise. Teach me to reach out to You in all my needs, and help me to lead others to You by my example. Most loving Heart of Jesus, bring me health in body and spirit that I may serve You with all my strength. Touch gently this life which you have created, now and forever. Amen.

Prayers from Direct from Lourdes website.

Visit them here:

http://www.directfromlourdes.com/healing-prayers

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

 

When Pope Pius V implemented the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in 1573, he was celebrating the victory at Lepanto over the Turkish military. The victory by Christians was credited to the Virgin Mary after the faithful of Lepanto prayed the rosary.

The rosary developed as a Catholic devotion over hundreds of years. Today, we pray the rosary to remember key moments - and key teachings - in the life of Jesus Christ. We pray to Mary to intercede on our behalf, to give thanks, and to spread the love of Jesus around the world. Mary, as Jesus' human mother, participated in his work to bring salvation to all humans. And we revere her as a role model of wisdom, strength, courage, patience, and love for all women.

Let us pray:

"O Virgin Mary, grant that the recitation of thy Rosary may be for me each day, in the midst of my manifold duties, a bond of unity in my actions, a tribute of filial piety, a sweet refreshment, an encouragement to walk joyfully along the path of duty. Grant, above all, O Virgin Mary, that the study of thy fifteen mysteries may form in my soul, little by little, a luminous atmosphere, pure, strengthening, and fragrant, which may penetrate my understanding, my will, my heart, my memory, my imagination, my whole being. So shall I acquire the habit of praying while I work, without the aid of formal prayers, by interior acts of admiration and of supplication, or by aspirations of love. I ask this of thee, O Queen of the holy Rosary, through Saint Dominic, thy son of predilection, the renowned preacher of thy mysteries, and the faithful imitator of thy virtues. Amen."

Dawn Pisturino

October 7, 2021

Copyright 2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Celebrate Mary in May

 

May is Mary's month! And we honor her, just as we honor our biological mothers on Mother's Day. Honoring Mary in May comes from a long tradition of pagan and Christian practices.

Ancient Greeks dedicated May to Artemis, the goddess of fertility. Ancient Romans devoted the month of May to Flora, the goddess of flowers. In the 11th century, May became Mary's month, marked by 31 days of devotion and celebration. The idea originated in Italy.

Some churches set up a May altar decorated with flowers and images of the Blessed Virgin. Others celebrate by adorning a statue of Mary with a crown of flowers. People gather together to recite the Rosary and other Marian prayers.

There are many reasons to devote a special month to honoring Mary. And May, which brings new growth into the world every Spring, is the perfect month.

1. Mary is Jesus' mother. She agreed to God's plan and experienced all the joys and sorrows of being the Mother of the Son of God.

2. Mary is the First and Most Perfect of all the disciples of Jesus. She was with Jesus from the beginning and stayed with his apostles after Jesus' death. She was with Jesus when he performed his first miracle.

3. Mary is Our mother, too. We can always go to her in prayer when we are troubled and confused.

4. Mary loves us as much as Jesus loves us. And Jesus honored his mother and asks us to honor her, too.

5. Mary is the Queen of Heaven, Intercessor for the Church, Advocate, helper, and mediatrix for all of us. Unstained by Original Sin and perfect in every way, Mary is always there when we need her. She is a constant light in a dark world.

Dawn Pisturino

May 8, 2021

Copyright 2021 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

Help America

There are many books, CDs, and DVDs available to help us pray the Rosary. Please pray ceaselessly to the Virgin Mary to HELP AMERICA. Our country is under attack by people who want to end our religious freedom, our freedom of speech, and our ability to make independent decisions. With God's help, we can defeat the forces of evil that are trying to harm America and the American people.

Dawn Pisturino

June 13, 2019

Copyright 2013 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved. 

Mary is My Mother

 

 

Mary is My Mother

 

by Dawn Pisturino

 

 

During one of the darkest periods of my life, Mary walked with me and held my hand. She showered me with hope, draped me in her warm reassurance, and blessed me with knowledge of her powerful rosary.

 

You see, Mary is my mother. I know that I can count on her unconditional love and acceptance. I know that I can run to her for comfort in times of pain.

 

She is my guiding light, my solid rock, my consoling balm.

 

I love her.

 

Mary is my mother.

 

February 7, 2017

 

Coyright 2017 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved. 

Mary, Undoer of Knots

 

 

 

Painting by Johann Georg Melchior Schmidtner

 

St. Irenaeus of Lyons wrote in his work, Adversus haereses, that "the knot of Eve's disobedience was loosed by the obedience of Mary. For what the virgin Eve had bound fast through unbelief, this did the virgin Mary set free through faith."

 

In 1989, in Styria, Austria, the first chapel was dedicated to Mary, the Undoer of Knots, in response to the nuclear accident in Chernobyl, Russia.

 

Pope Francis has inspired increased devotion, especially in Argentina and Brazil. A nine day novena can be performed by adding the rosary when saying the following prayer:

 

O Virgin Mary, faithful Mother who never refuses

to come to the aid of your children;

Mother whose hands never cease to help,

because they are moved by the loving kindness

that exists in your Immaculate Heart;

Cast your eyes of compassion upon me,

and see the snarl of knots that exist in my life.

 

You know all the pains and sorrows

caused by these tangled knots.

Mary, my Mother, I entrust to your loving hands

the entire ribbon of my life.

In your hands there is no knot

which cannot be undone.

 

Most holy Mother,

pray for Divine Assistance to come to my aid.

Take this knot (make your personal request here)

into your maternal hands this day;

I beg you to undo it for the glory of God,

once and for all,

in the name of your divine Son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Copyright 2016 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 



 

Meditations on the Luminous Mysteries

Pope John Paul II introduced the Luminous Mysteries in October 2002. I learned the Rosary before the Luminous Mysteries were introduced, so I have posted them last.

 

 

1. The Baptism in the Jordan

 

Water. Rebirth. The moment John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Jesus was transformed into the messenger of God and the Savior of Mankind. May we also cleanse our lives of impurities and walk in the light of God.



2.  The Wedding at Cana

Jesus' first miracle was performed at the request of his mother, Mary. And it is here, at the wedding of Cana, that Jesus' ministry began. Let us look for ways to perform good deeds in our own everyday lives.



 

3.  The Proclamation of the Kingdom

 

The miracles that Jesus performed during his lifetime are only a small portion of what God will give us in heaven.

 

4.  The Transfiguration

 

God revealed His glory when Christ was transfigured before the apostles. So, too, may we revel in God's glory in the Kingdom to come.

 

5.  The Institution of the Eucharist

 

When Jesus asked us to remember Him while breaking the bread and drinking the wine, that's exactly what He meant for us to do. We become one with Christ when we partake of Holy Communion. Attend Holy Mass and receive the Holy Eucharist as often as you can. Be one with Christ. Follow the light of God.

 

Dawn Pisturino

August 6, 2015

Copyright 2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.









Meditations on the Glorious Mysteries

 

The little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, flushed with pride and excitement as she crowned the head of Our Blessed Mother with a beautiful wreath of springtime flowers.

Such innocence! Such joy!  

It makes perfect sense that May is the month of Mary. Blooming flowers, the hum of nature's gentle creatures, warm breezes, and brilliant sunshine -- how beautiful is God's creation! And how beautiful is Our Blessed Mother!

 

1. The Resurrection of Jesus from the Dead

 

How blessed were Mary Magdalene and the Apostles to witness Our Lord Jesus Christ, risen from the bonds of death! His victory over death and obliteration is Our Victory, as well. Life is NOT finite, limited, confined to material space. God embraces the whole universe, infinite time, and eternal existence. He is our destiny, our life, our hope. Jesus' resurrection confirms that this is so.

 

2. The Ascension of Jesus into Heaven

 

Jesus told his apostles that his kingdom is not of this world. The Romans could not comprehend this statement because they were attached to a material existence, indifferent to their own pantheon of gods and goddesses. What a gloomy way of living, fearing the darkness and finality of the grave. Jesus went home to His Kingdom, where he awaits our arrival with expectation and joy. Should we feel anything less? Do Not Fear Death, for Our Lord and Savior awaits!

 

3. The Descent of the Holy Spirit

 

True to His word, Jesus appeared to His apostles after the resurrection, revealing His true nature. He exhorted them to believe, to have faith, and to spread the message to people everywhere. His believers became the body of Christ on earth. We become one with Jesus when we take the Eucharistic wafer at mass. We become one with Our Lord when we love one another and strive to act as one body. Unite! Do not allow the forces threatening our country and our world to be victorious.

 

4. The Assumption of Our Lady into Heaven

 

Mary consented to be the vessel of God's will. She carried His love and message into the world. She encouraged her son, Jesus, to begin His great ministry at Cana. How right, then, that God should make a special place for her in Heaven! 

 

5. The Crowning of Mary, Queen of Heaven and Earth

 

And so we come again to the May crowning, when we remember our Spiritual Mother as the Mother of God. We love her, embrace her, turn to her for comfort. She is the mother of the world, ready to embrace all mankind. And she will stand next to her Son with open arms when we enter the gates of Heaven.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Copyright 2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved. 



Meditations on the Sorrowful Mysteries

 

The First Sorrowful Mystery: The Agony in the Garden

 

When Mary agreed to be the mother of Jesus, did she understand the great mission He would fulfill?

 

The agony in the garden represents Jesus' moment of Truth. He has come to the end of His ministry and the beginning of the fulfillment of His great destiny. He has agreed to become a willing sacrifice to the Great Work of God, His father.

 

What are we willing to sacrifice in our own lives for God?

 

The Second Sorrowful Mystery: The Scourging at the Pillar

 

Jesus suffers pain, loss, and humiliation at the hands of His enemies. From the moment of Judas' betrayal, Jesus is stripped of His dignity, humbled, and punished.

 

 How many times have we been betrayed by a friend, a husband, a lover, a family member? We remember the pain, the humiliation, the loss of dignity and self-respect.

 

Jesus forgave His enemies. Do we have the strength to do the same? 

 

The Third Sorrowful Mystery: The Crowning with Thorns

 

When Jesus is crowned with thorns, His enemies believed they were humiliating Him and making fun of Him. But this crowning foreshadows Jesus' ultimate victory.

 

We too will achieve ultimate victory over our enemies and our sins, if we are humble, steadfast, and patient.

 

The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery: The Carrying of the Cross

 

Such weight! Such burden! Jesus carried the sins of mankind on His back, along with the Cross. He stumbled and fell but never wavered on His journey.

 

What burdens do we carry on our backs? What crosses do we bear? Do we bear them happily and willingly, for the sake of God? Or, do we grumble and fret, looking to free ourselves?

 

Love God and trust in His mercy.

 

The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion

 

Mary stood at the foot of the Cross, weeping, as her beloved son's life slipped away. Darkness filled the world. But Mary never gave up hope. She trusted in God's will while waiting for Her son's resurrection. She forgave His enemies and gave comfort to the apostles. She became a mother to all mankind.

 

We honor Mary for her love, strength, and devotion. She raises us up, just like she raised her beloved son, Jesus.

 

Dawn Pisturino

Copyright 2015 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.

 

Meditations on the Joyful Mysteries

 

by Dawn Pisturino

 

 

 

THE FIRST JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Annunciation

 

 

There would be no Christmas without Mary and Joseph.

 

Mary answered the call to serve God by agreeing to become the mother of Jesus.  She supported Jesus throughout his ministry, suffering as He suffered, and growing in her faith, despite the terrible death of her son. 

 

Joseph overcame his doubts and fears and accepted the responsibility of becoming a stepfather to Mary's son. He loved and protected the blessed infant and his mother. He stands as a role model for all men everywhere. 

 

THE SECOND JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Visitation

 

 

What joy Elizabeth felt when she recognized the special gift growing in Mary's womb! What joy she felt when her own son, John, leapt in her own womb!  Both women, blessed by God, helped to change the world. This is the special gift of all mothers, that their children have the power to create a better world for all God's children.

 

 

THE THIRD JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Nativity

 

The King arrives as a simple child, guileless, innocent, and vulnerable. His complete purity of mind, heart, and body reminds us that we, too, were born innocent. The world takes away that innocence, and it is in worshipping the small, innocent child that we regain our own purity. Kneel down to the King and worship Him.

 

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

 

THE FOURTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Presentation of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Mary fulfilled her duties and presented her child to the Temple and to God, his father. So, too, can we fulfill our duties by attending Mass and presenting ourselves to God, our father.

 

THE FIFTH JOYFUL MYSTERY: The Finding of the Child Jesus in the Temple

 

Just as Jesus got about His father's business in the Temple, so, too, must we educate ourselves, be familiar with the Gospels and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and be about our Father's business.

 

PRAY THE ROSARY DAILY

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Dawn Pisturino

 

copyright 2014 Dawn Pisturino. All Rights Reserved.