54-Day Totus Tuus Rosary Novena

08-30-2020Letter from the PastorFr. Don Kline, V.F.

Dear Family of God,

Peace and Joy in Our Lord Jesus Christ!

This Gospel reminds us that we are called to proclaim the love of God whether it is convenient or not. Our duty includes a call to personal holiness and salvation as well as a willingness to speak the love of God to those who do not know God. A few weeks ago, I spoke about the how we are obliged to protect the fundamental rights of the citizens and their freedom to live out the Faith in the way that they – and not the government – see fit.

We have the incredible opportunity and freedom (for now) to engage in the battle and to make our voices heard here on earth and in heaven. As part of our preparation for our important work in the public square and as we prepare to participate in one of the most important elections in our lifetime, I want to encourage you to pray the 54-Day Totus Tuus Rosary Novena which begins on August 30th, the Memorial of St. Jeanne Jugan, Foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor—through October 22nd, the Feast of St. John Paul II.

The origin and importance of inviting Our Blessed Mother to intercede for us is very much a part of the Catholic way of life. Our Lady’s powerful and loving presence is needed perhaps more now than ever in the history of our nation. Let us pray as though lives depend on us because lives DO depend on us. You and I are called to defend our religious liberty and speak out for those who have no voice – our unborn brothers and sisters. Prayer works!

I share this story of the power of 54-Day Totus Tuus Rosary Novena. The daughter of Commander Fortuan Agrelli had endured much physical suffering. She and her relatives began a novena of Rosaries. The Queen of the Holy Rosary, upon hearing these prayers appeared to the young girl. Mary, sitting upon a high throne, surrounded by luminous figures, held the divine Child on her lap, and in her hand a Rosary. The Virgin Mother and the Holy Infant wore gold embroidered garments. They were accompanied by Saint Dominic and Saint Catherine of Siena. The throne was decorated with flowers and the beauty of Our Lady was transcendent.

Mary looked upon the sufferer with caring tenderness and the patient saluted her with the words: “Queen of the Holy Rosary, be gracious to me; restore me to health! I have already prayed to thee in a novena O Mary, but have not yet experienced thy aid. I am so anxious to be cured!”

“Child”, responded the Blessed Virgin, “thou hast invoked me by various titles and hast always obtained favors from me. Now, since thou hast called me by that title so pleasing to me, ‘Queen of the Holy Rosary’, I can no longer refuse the favor thou dost petition; for this name is most precious and dear to me. Make three novenas, and thou shalt obtain all.”

Once more the Queen of the Holy Rosary appeared to her and said: “Whoever desires to obtain favors from me should make three novenas of the prayers of the Rosary, and three novenas in thanksgiving.”

This miracle of the Rosary made a very deep impression on Pope Leo XIII, and greatly contributed to the fact that in so many letters, he urged all Christians to love the Rosary and say it fervently.

The 54-Day Rosary Novena consists of five decades of the Rosary each day for 27 days in petition; then immediately five decades each day for 27 days in thanksgiving.

The meditations vary from day to day. On the first day meditate on the Joyful Mysteries; on the second day the Sorrowful Mysteries; on the third day the Glorious Mysteries and on the fourth day the Luminous Mysteries; and so on throughout the 54 days.

This is an arduous novena, but it is a novena of love. No prayer ever went unheard and Our Blessed Lady has never been known to fail.

Look upon each Hail Mary as a rare and beautiful rose which you lay at Mary’s feet. These spiritual roses, bound in a wreath with Spiritual Communions, will be a most pleasing and acceptable gift to Her and will bring down upon you and our nation special graces.

God Bless,
Father Don Kline, V.F.

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