Holy Family holy hour : Holy Family devotion, vocation prayers, engagement ceremony, renewing marriage vows, parental blessing for church and home n&l^ family /lo/tj FAMIL' HOLY HOUR hour ASAm? (0eo>) HOLY FAMILY DEVOTION VOCATION PRAYERS ENGAGEMENT CEREMONY RENEWING MARRIAGE VOWS PARENTAL BLESSING FOR CHURCH AND HOME (see back cover) Nihil Obstat: Rev. Andrew A. Martin Censor Liborum Imprimatur: IJlMost Rev. Christopher J. Weldon, D.D Bishop of Springfield, Mass. COPYRIGHT - 1959 Rev. P. Henry Sullivan Holy Family League Holyoke (or Pittsfield), Mass. This booklet was arranged so that ALL attending a Church (or home) service can take a more active part by vocally joining in the prayers and hymns; The heavy print indentifies each (V) title to be recited by the priest or leader. Prayers and hymns are complete, and indicated for all present. 1st Printing - 1955 50.000 2nd Printing - 1956 100.000 3rd Printing - 1959 100,000 PRINTED BY THE STOBBS PRESS, INC. 25 FOSTER ST. — WORCESTER, MASS. HOLY FAMILY HOLY HOUR a Church Service during which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for the entire devotion, starts here: O SALUTARIS 0 Salutaris Hostia! Quae coeli pandis ostium, Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino Nobis donet in Patria. (turn to next page) A HOLY FAMILY DEVOTION IN CHURCH during which the Blessed Sacrament is not exposed until Benediction, starts on the next page. OR by a family—a couple — a group — or an individual, starts on next page. Ddadtiffied In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. V. (Priest) ACT OF CONSECRATION TO THE HOLY FAMILY. R. (People) Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!* I, * (Name), in the presence of all the court of heaven, * choose you on this day for my patrons and protectors; * I offer you * and solemnly consecrate to you in this Association, * my body, * my soul, * all that I have and all that I am, * I promise you to live as a good Christian, * that I may die the death of the elect. * What a happiness for me * to pass one day * from the arms of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in this world, * into the arms of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in heaven; * and that for all eternity! * Such is my hope. Amen. I pray for the following intentions: (Pause; think of your intentions.) Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * I give you my heart and my soul. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * assist me in my last agony. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * may I breathe forth my soul in peace with you. 2 V. CONSECRATION OF THE FAMILY TO THE HOLY FAMILY. R. O most loving Jesus, * Who didst hallow by Thy surpassing virtues, * and the example of Thy home life, * the household Thou didst choose to live in while upon earth, * mercifully look down upon this family, * whose members, humbly prostrate before Thee * implore Thy protection. * Re- member that we are Thine * bound and consecrated to Thee by a special devotion. * Protect us in Thy mercy; * deliver us from danger; * help us in our necessities * and impart to us strength * to persevere always in the imitation of Thy Holy Family * so that by serving and loving Thee faithfully during this mortal life, * we may at length give Thee eternal praise in heaven. O Mary, * dearest Mother, * we im- plore thy assistance, * knowing that thy divine Son will harken to thy petitions. And do thou most glorious patriarch, St. Joseph, * help us with thy powerful patronage * and place our petitions in Mary's hands, * that she may offer them to Jesus Christ. s V. MEMORARE TO THE HOLY FAMILY. R. Remember, O most merciful Jesus, * Immaculate Mary * and glorious St. Joseph * that no one ever had recourse to your protection, * or implored your assistance * without ob- taining relief. * Animated with a like confidence * but weighed down by my sins, * I prostrate myself before you. * O! reject not my petitions, * but graciously hear and grant them. Amen. R. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph * teach me how to pray. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * teach me how to work. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * teach me how to play. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, * help me in all my needs. R. May the souls of my departed * and the souls of all the faithful de- parted * through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen. 4 (I or II or both may be omitted) I (Priest) TO JESUS, CHILD OF THE HOLY FAMILY. (Youths) Dear Jesus, I love You, * I thank you for all that I have; * my life, my faith, my health, my family and my friends. * You, too, were my age long ago, * and so You know what is good for me. Stay always in my soul * so that I shall never do anything which would displease You * and which would make my parents sad. * Help me to obey my father and mother, * to work hard at my studies, * to pray better, * always to get along well with my parents and friends, * and to remain pure. * With Your help * I will make my parents proud of everything I do and say. * Now, and when I am older, * I want to be a blessing to them as they are to me. Please send the graces * that all of us need to save our souls. * Help our Holy Father, the Pope, * our Bishops, priests and teachers. * Bless my father and mother, * my relatives and friends. * Show mercy to sinners. * Help the sick and dying. * And please, dear Lord, * free the poor souls in purgatory. 5 n (Priest) TO MARY AND ST. JOSEPH, MOTHER AND FOSTER-FATHER OF THE HOLY FAMILY. (Parents) Dear Blessed Mother and St. Joseph, * in appreciation for the privilege of parenthood, * and in order to fulfill its responsibility, * we resolve to follow your example. * Obtain for us strength * to bear patiently whatever is difficult * and to reject quickly what- ever is wrong * that we may find peace and satisfaction in our home and family. * By your intercession and ex- ample * may we recognize and will- ingly accept * the proper way to act and speak; * may we know when to be silent, * when to approve or forbid * so that we will not weaken our children through softness * but will strengthen them through good example and effec- tive discipline. * May we love them * with the same strong and unselfish love you had for the Child Jesus in your happy home at Nazareth. May the Holy Family bless our home and our child(ren). * May Jesus, Mary, and Joseph be with us on our way — today and always. (FOR CHURCH: Here — instruction, sermon, announcements, intentions, favors or meditation.) (FOR HOME: Go to next page.) 6 (Sung bv Congregation) HYMN TO THE HOLY FAMILY 1 ^ j f J ^ I J- i::.j HAP-PY WE, WHO. THUS U - NIT - ED. JOIN IN CHEER -FUL MEL - O - DY. m PRAIS-ING JE-SUS. MA-RY. JO-SEPH. i --J m i J j i IN THE ”HO • LY FA - MI . LY." Chorus: JE - SUS, MA - RY. JO - SEPH. HELP US. j-J- r — J 1 J J g THAT WE EV-ER TRUE MAY BE 3 TO THE PRO - MIS - ES THAT BIND US J j I J j jigi TO THE ”HO -LY FA - Ml • LY.*' (Verses II, III, and IV on next page.) 2. Dearest Jesus! make us patient And obedient for Thy sake; Teach us to be chaste and gentle All our stormy passions break. CHORUS 3. Mother Mary! make us humble For Thy Son will take His rest In the poor and lowly dwelling Of a humble sinner's breast. CHORUS 4. Faithful Joseph, Foster Father, Show to us a father's love; Lead us safe from ev'ry danger Till we meet in Heaven above. CHORUS SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING Prayer for Vocations, page 16 Choice of a State of Life, page 17 Husbands-to-be, page 18 Brides-to-be, page 19 Engagement Ceremony, page 19 Renewal of Marriage Vows, pages 20-23 Holy Family Prayer for Family Blessing, page 21 Rosary, especially during Lent, May and October. (If time at public services will allow only for one or a few decades, all present can complete the Rosary later — probably at night prayers.) or A PRAYER INTENTION PERIOD (Select about 6 or 8 intentions on next page. Recite one "Our Father" or one "Hail Mary" for each intention.) 8 (FOR CHURCH: Congregation on Gospel side could recite the first part of each "Our Father" or "Hail Mary" while all on Epistle side respond with second part. Priest announces each intention. Some priests find it helpful to give a short explanation for each intention.) (FOR HOME: Leader announces intention and recites first part of each prayer.) Suggested intentions: Increase in attendance at this devotion Our Holy Father, the Pope Our Bishop — or priests — or nuns Civic — or state — or national officials Individuals in military service A just and lasting peace All buried in the local cemetery — or from parish church Souls in purgatory , especially our departed The sick in local hospitals — or in parish All here who have a birthday this month Youngest and oldest person present Anyone present in serious sin The most saintly person present The one present who is in greatest need Thanksgiving for all our blessings Careless or fallen away Catholics we know Any existing emergency (name it) Conversion of Russia Vocations to Priesthood — or Religious life A happy home life For parents — or children — or relatives Courage — or health — or guidance (These dashes — above indicate that each is a separate intention.) (In place of above, other intentions could be substituted.) (FOR CHURCH: Benediction on next page.) (FOR HOME: End with Divine Praises and Act of Contrition, pages 11 and 12.) 9 BENEDICTION (If already sung, omit this hymn.) 0 SALUTARIS 0 Salutaris Hostia! Quae coeli pandis ostium, Bella premunt hostilia, Da robur fer auxilium. Uni trinoque Domino Sit sempiterna gloria, Qui vitam sine termino. Nobis donet in Patria. TANTUM ERGO Tantum ergo sacramentum Veneremur cemui, Et antiquum documentum Nova cedat ritui; Praestet fides supplementum Sensuum defectui. Genitori, Genitoque Laus et jubilatio, Salus, honor, virtus quoque Sit et benedictio; Procedenti ab utroque Compar sit laudatio. Amen. 10 V. PANEM DE COELO PRAESTITISTI EIS. (ALLELUIA) R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. (Alleluia) V. Oremus: Deus qui nobis sub Sacra- mento mirabib passionis tuae memoriam reliquisti: tribue, quaesumus, ita nos Corporis et Sanguinis tui sacra mysteria ven- erari; ut redemptionis tuae fructum in nobis jugiter sentiamus; Qui vivis et regnas in saecula saeculorum. R. Amen. When Jesus is raised in the form of a cross to bless you, look at Him, the White Host, and say, “My Lord and My God V — then make the Sign of the Cross. THE DIVINE PRAISES Can be chanted or recited. Blessed be God. Blessed be His Holy Name. Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man. Blessed be the Name of Jesus. Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart. Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the altar. 11 Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy. Blessed be her Holy and Immaculate Conception. Blessed he her glorious Assumption. Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother. Blessed be St. Joseph, her most chaste Spouse. Blessed he God in His Angels, and in His Saints. HOLY GOD! WE PRAISE THY NAME Holy God! We praise Thy Name, Lord of all, we bow before Thee, All on earth Thy sceptre claim, All in Heaven above adore Thee; :Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy Name.: Hark! The loud celestial hymn, Angel choirs above are singing Cherubim and Seraphim In unceasing chorus praising; :Fill the Heavens with sweet accord. Holy! Holy! Holy Lord!: la LAUDATE DOMINUM Laudate Dominum, omnes gentes: Laudate Eum, omnes populi. Quoniam confirmata est super nos misericordia ejus: Et veritas Domini manet in aeternum. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. Sicut erat in principio, et nunc et semper, Et in saecula saeculorum. Amen. O SANCTISSIMA 0 sanctissima, 0 piissima, Dulcis Virgo Maria, Mater amata, intemerata, Ora, ora pro nobis. Tota pulchra es, 0 Maria, Et macula non est in te; Mater amata, intemerata, Ora, ora pro nobis. 13 SWEET SAVIOUR BLESS US 1. Sweet Saviour bless us ere we go; Thy word into our minds instill And make our lukewarm heart to glow With lowly love and fervent will. Chorus: Through life’s long day, And death’s dark night :0 gentle Jesus, he our light.: 2. The day is done, its hours have run, And Thou hast taken count of all, The scanty triumphs grace has won The broken vow, the frequent fall. Chorus: 3. Grant us, dear Lord, from evil ways True absolution and release. And bless us more than in past days. With purity and inward peace. Chorus: 4. Sweet Saviour! bless us, night is come; Mary and Joseph near us be, Good angels watch above our home, And we are one day nearer Thee. Chorus: 14 MAGNIFICAT Magnificat * anima mea Dominum; Et exsultavit spiritus meus * in Deo salvatore meo, Quia respexit humilitatem ancillae suae: * ecce enim ex hox beatem me dicent omnes generationes. Quia fecit mihi magna qui potens est, * et sanctum nomen ejus, Et misericordia ejus a progenie in progenies * timentibus eum. Fecit potentiam brachio suo; * dispersit superbos mente cordis sui. Deposuit potentes de sede, * et exaltavit humiles. Esurientes implevit bonis, * et divites dimisit inanes. Suscepit Israel, servum suum, * recordatus misericordiae suae, Sicut locutus est ad patres nostros, * erga Abraham et sermen ejus in saecula. IS PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS 0 Jesus, Thou desirest that we pray the Lord of the harvest that He send zealous laborers into His harvest. Deign to raise up in Thy Church, and especially in this diocese, numerous and holy priests and religious, who, taking Thy Divine Heart as their Model, will in the exercise of their religious duties promote the glory of Thy Heavenly Father and the salvation of those souls whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy Precious Blood. If it be Thy Will, 0 Jesus, to choose one from this family kneeling before Thee, we will render heartfelt thanks eternally for so great a blessing. Amen. Mary, Queen of the Clergy, pray for us. Obtain for us many and holy priests and religious. 16 (On making the right choice of a state of life will determine the happiness of your soul and the souls of others.) CHOICE OF A STATE OF LIFE 0 most clement Virgin, * behold me here at thy feet * to obtain through thee * the very important grace of knowing what I should do. * I desire nothing * but to accomplish per- fectly the Will of thy Divine Son * during the whole course of my life. * Mother of Good Counsel, * let me hear thy voice; * it will remove all doubt from my mind. * I am con- fident * that since thou art the Mother of my Saviour, * thou also will be the Mother of my salvation. 0 Mary, * if thou will not send me a ray of the Divine Sim, * what light will enlighten me? * Who will direct me, if thou refusest, * thou who art the Mother of the uncreated Wisdom? * Listen therefore to my humble prayers. * Let me not go astray through my doubts and instability. * Lead me safely along the path that ends in eternal life. Thou art my only hope, * In thy hands are the abundant treasures of virtue and of life, * and thence thou pourest forth fruits of honor and holiness. (300 days Indulgences once a day) 17 FOR A HUSBAND-TO-BE O Heavenly Father, * behold the woman Thou gavest me as my companion for this life’s journey. * I thank Thee for joining our paths. * I know that she is Thy gift to me, * and I will love her, * treasure her, * and keep her with unswerving fidelity until my dying breath. May the love which knits our souls together * never lose its ardor, its charm, its sweetness, * and may spiritual wisdom and maturer under- standing * ever strengthen our holy bond as the days roll by. In joy and sorrow, * in triumph and failure, * I will stand by her side, * not as her lord and master, * but as a devoted friend and protector, * sharing with her lovingly all I have and hold. Grant, 0 Heavenly Father, * that Jesus, Mary and Joseph may be our constant guests. * May our Divine Saviour fashion our mutual love * after that pure love which He bore to His Bride, our Holy Church; * and as He presented “to Himself the Church in all her glory, * not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing,” * so may I be permitted some day * to present to Thee my bride-to-be * to whom I pledge constant fidelity. (Whenever an engaged couple [or even before their actual engagement] get together for an evening,. AT LEAST these prayers on pages 18-19 should be recited, in Church, at home or even while driving along in an auto.) (Husbands could recite above prayer, changing only "Bride-to-be" to “Bride." For next prayer, the same for wives, changing word “start" to “perform.") 18 FOR A BRIDE-TO-BE O Father, * my heart is filled with a happi- ness so wonderful, I am almost afraid. * Thou hast sent me one who seems all worthy of my deepest regard. * Grant unto me the power to keep him * ever true and loving as now. * May I prove indeed a helpmate, * a sweetheart, * a friend, * a steadfast guiding star * among all the temptations that beset this impulsive heart of mine. Give me skill to make home the best-loved place of all. * Let me, I pray Thee, * meet the little misunderstandings and cares of life more bravely. Be with me as I start my mission of woman- hood, * and stay Thou my path from failure all the way. * Walk with us even unto the end of our journey. * And when all my youthful charms are gone, * and cares and lessons have left their traces, * let physical fascination give way to the greatest charm of companionship. And so may we walk hand in hand * down the highway of the valley of the shadow * which we hope to lighten with the sunshine of good and happy lives. (St. Anthony's Guild, Patterson, N. J., has leaflet prayers for a Bride and Groom from which we composed our "To-be" prayers.) (For a Canonical Church Engagement the ceremony is in "Weller's Roman Ritual," page 588. Also the "Pio Dicimo Press" of St. Louis, Missouri, prints a form of regulations for the Ecclesiastical Engagement with a document to be read, signed and given to the engaged couple.) 19 PARENTAL BLESSING (The ancient custom of parents bestowing a blessing upon their children is well worth restoring. As children prepare for bed — or leave home for school, work or journey — or in sickness — or when grown children ere visiting and are about to depart, parents [probably placing hands on head of each] could bless them with these words:) May the Holy Family bless our home and you our child(ren). or May Jesus. Mary, and Joseph be with you on your way — today and always. or Combine both above prayers. RENEWAL OF MARRIAGE VOWS (The Salutary renewal of marriage vows is becoming an annual event in the lives of many married couples. In some parishes all married people are invited to renew their marriage promises at a public church service each year on retreat, a Holy Hour or some other special occasion. Also, many couples individually select their exact anni- versary date to renew their nuptial promises; sometimes in the presence of a priest who offers Mass for them — or — privately at home.) (FOR CHURCH: The priest may wish to start with a talk on the sacrament of matrimony or to read "sermon" on page 24.) (FOR HOME: Entire service can be conducted by family.) 20 TO THE HOLY FAMILY FOR FAMILY BLESSINGS (To be recited by all present.) O God, Who in Thy divine wisdom and solicitude for mankind, * didst institute mar- riage for the continuation of the human race * and for the mutual earthly and eternal happiness of men and women, * deign to bestow Thy divine blessing * on the homes of our beloved country. Give to the manhood of the nation, * who share in Thy Divine Fatherhood, * a fuller understanding of the dignity and responsibility of their calling. * Make them careful providers, * gentle protectors * and shining examples of Christian virtue in their homes. Give to the women of America * a true realization of the dignity and purpose of motherhood; * let the beautiful example of Thy most holy Mother * inspire them with a deep loyalty * and constant devotion to their homes. * May the life of Thy Divine Son * inspire a spirit of love, respect and obedience * in the souls of our children. * Grant that fathers, * mothers and children may have charity, * which is the bond of per- fection. * May the peace of Christ reign in their hearts and homes * so that, * instructed by the example of Thy Holy Family, * they may be received by Thee * into their eternal home, * through Christ our Lord. Amen. 21 (Husbands and wives stand and join right hands.) (Husbands recite:) “I, your husband, * re- affirm my marriage vows to you, my lawful wife, * to have and to hold, * from this day forward, * for better, for worse, * for richer, for poorer, * in sickness and in health, * until death do us part.” (Wives recite:) “I, your wife, * reaffirm my marriage vows to you, my lawful husband, * to have and to hold, * from this day forward, * for better, for worse, * for richer, for poorer, * in sickness and in health, * until death do us part.” (Instead of above, priest may use the Blessing in the new ritual, "Collectio Rituum" of the Confraternity of Christian (All couples together:) MY CREED OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY I believe that the union of husband and wife endures until death. I accept without reservation the command of Christ, “What God has joined together, let no man put asunder. I renew my deep reverence for fatherhood and motherhood. I believe that in family life, parents are co- operators with God. I believe that the child is paramount in family I abhor and condemn every sinful interference with the role of parenthood. Doctrine, 1955.) life. 22 FOR VIRTUES NEEDED IN MARRIED LIFE (Couples kneel and continue.) O God, * Who has ordained and sanctified the holy state of matrimony * for replenishing the earth, * for mutual consolation, * and as a type of union of Christ and His Church, * give to us who have this day renewed our marriage bond, * grace both thankfully to accept its blessings and faithfully to fulfill its duties. * Accompany our union with Your constant as- sistance, * to enable us to live together in peace and love, * in the careful discharge of all our duties to You and to each other. Deliver us from all evil temper, * from every heedless action, * which may in any way em- bitter or weaken the tie by which You have bound us together. * Make us true and affec- tionate, * studious to please, * and ready to deny our own will and inclination in all things. * Let not the trials and crosses of this life induce us to murmur, * nor let our earthly prosperity cause us to forget You, * the Author and Giver of all blessings; * but by patience and meekness, * by prayer and thankfulness, * may all blessings be sanctified unto us, * and fit us for an eternal union with You. * Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Now back to Benediction, page 10 23 SERMON My dear Friends: On a day, perhaps, a long time ago, perhaps only recently, you were joined together in a sacred union. It was sacred because God Himself was the Author of that union. This union our Divine Saviour consecrated in a special manner giving to it a character of sanctity which placed it among the holiest institutions of religion. He knew the dangers which surround us and the weakness of human nature. He knew our need for constant encouragement in the dis- charge of the duties which have been imposed on us. For this reason He annexed to the worthy reception of this sacrament bountiful graces which serve to dispose the married couple to respect the sacred bond they have formed and to enable them to overcome the various obstacles and difficulties they may encounter in the discharge of the duties of life. Your marriage day was one of the most im- portant events in your life and most intimately connected with your temporal and eternal welfare. The young couple who invited Jesus and Mary to attend their wedding at Cana were blessed and favored. With confidence then in the promise of our Blessed Saviour, Who con- descended to honor with His Divine Presence the happy nuptials of Cana, we have invited Him to come and preside on this auspicious occasion. We ask Him again to bless the con- tract by which you became one, and to remind you that by His grace it is still a true emblem of that sacred union which exists between Him and His Church ; a union of sentiment and action formed in virtue and love of God; a union not only for time but for eternity. 24 Love - Happiness - Success HOW? 1. Morning, night, and frequently during the day recite silently the powerful Holy Family prayer, page 2. 2. After evening meal gather the family in the living room for the short Holy Family De- votion starting on page 2. 3. Display prominently in your home a Holy Family picture, statue or shrine. 4. Have your family represented at Mass each morning by AT LEAST ONE MEMBER. 5. Observe family customs as: say regularly, the Angelus and meal prayers — before the principal meal, read aloud the Gospel of the day, or any section of New Testament. G. Celebrate religious milestones; anniversary of marriage (page 20), anniversaries of Bap- tisms, feast days of patron Saints. 7. Promote family recreation — such as family picnics. 8. Prepare for Sunday by reading and explain- ing the Sunday Mass to the children. 9. Bestow the parental blessing on your chil- dren, page 20. LOVE - HAPPINESS - SUCCESS starts in THE HOME FAMILY DEVOTIONS and PRAYERS for church or home • Holy Hour — page 1 • Holy Family Devotion — page 2 • Double Novena (18) or Novena (9) or Tridium (3 days or weeks) — page 1 or 2 • Weekly parish or Lenten Devotions— p 2 or 1 • Benediction of Blessed Sacrament — page 10 • Hymn to Holy Family — page 7 * * * * • Evening Home Devotion — page 2 • Morning and Night Prayers — page 2 * * * * • Choice of State of Life — page 17 • Prayer for Vocations — page 16 • Husband-to-be — page 18 • Bride-to-be — page 19 • Engagement Ceremony — p 19 bottom • Annual Renewal of Marriage Vows — p 20 * * * * • Personal Consecration to Holy Family — p 2 • Family Consecration to Holy Family — p 3 * * * * • Child's Prayer to Holy Family — page 5 • Parents Prayer to Holy Family — page 6 • For Virtues needed in Married Life — page 23 • For Family Blessings — page 21 • Marital Sermon or Meditation — - page 24 PARENTS BLESSING CHILD(REN) — page 20 FAMILY DEVOTION Keeps your family closer to God and Closer to each other PRICE 1 5 CENTS