THE PEOPLE OF TODAY ARE OFTEN OPPRESSED BY FEAR AND DISTRESS; POPE PAUL VI, EVANGELII NUNTIANDI

 

EVANGELII NUNTIANDI

APOSTOLIC EXHORTATION OF HIS HOLINESS 
POPE PAUL VI

TO THE EPISCOPATE, TO THE CLERGY  AND TO ALL THE FAITHFUL 
OF THE ENTIRE WORLD

December 8, 1975

 

"Venerable brothers and dear sons and daughters: 
health and the apostolic blessing.

1. There is no doubt that the effort to proclaim the Gospel to the people of today, who are buoyed up by hope but at the same time often oppressed by fear and distress, is a service rendered to the Christian community and also to the whole of humanity.

For this reason the duty of confirming the brethren - a duty which with the office of being the Successor of Peter we have received from the Lord, and which is for us a "daily preoccupation," a program of life and action, and a fundamental commitment of our Pontificate - seems to us all the more noble and necessary when it is a matter of encouraging our brethren in their mission as evangelizers, in order that, in this time of uncertainty and confusion, they may accomplish this task with ever increasing love, zeal and joy.

2. This is precisely what we wish to do here, at the end of this Holy Year during which the Church, "striving to proclaim the Gospel to all people," has had the single aim of fulfilling her duty of being the messenger of the Good News of Jesus Christ - the Good News proclaimed through two fundamental commands: "Put on the new self" and "Be reconciled to God."

We wish to do so on this tenth anniversary of the closing of the Second Vatican Council, the objectives of which are definitively summed up in this single one: to make the Church of the twentieth century ever better fitted for proclaiming the Gospel to the people of the twentieth century." 

Flame of faith, lantern of hope

Inspired by Evangelii Nuntiandi

Pope Paul the Sixth, with vision clear,

Wrote words the Church must ever hear;

Evangelii Nuntiandi was the name,

Of exhortation to spread the gospel flame.

For twentieth-century hearts he wrote,

A message borne on faith's own boat.

Yet in this age, so tossed and tried,

We need its truth to be our guide.

Twenty-first century calls anew,

To spread the gospel ever true;

To strengthen every heart and soul,

With Christ's mission as our highest goal.

Let us be steadfast, undeterred,

Devoted servant of the Word;

With faithful hearts, let us proclaim

The saving Power of Jesus' Name.

May we be faithful to message given,

The living Word that leads to Heaven;

Preach it whole, pure and true

To all entrusted to our view.

Let not gospel truth be dimmed or shorn,

But let its light shine every morn;

For we are servants, called to share

The gospel's hope with loving care.

May Christ's own gospel burn within,

A flame of faith that conquers sin;

And through our lives its radiance glow,

Like lanterns lighting all below.

Beacons of hope, of truth, of light,

To guide the lost through darkest night;

May all we meet through us discern

The love of Christ for Whom we yearn.

In the footsteps of sainted Pope,

May we walk the faith's steep slope;

As we proclaim the Kingdom, far and wide

With Christ our Truth, Hope, and Guide.

'Til all the world of Saviour learns,

And for holiness in His Service yearns;

May we with courage, love and grace

Bring Christ's good news to every place.

https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_p-vi_exh_19751208_evangelii-nuntiandi.html

With thanks to vatican.va

Image courtesy of ChatGPT with CN Whittle

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH IS AT ALL NIGHT PRAYER VIGIL. WHY NOT JOIN?

  

Prayer Service at the Grotto of Lourdes

Prayer service through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Mother of Mercy and Health of the Sick

To pray before the grotto at Lourdes, 

please click in the following link

https://directfromlourdes.com/lourdes_live_tv

Opening Prayer

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Heavenly Father, we gather online at the grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, remembering the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to Saint Bernadette. With humble hearts, we place before You our needs, and our prayers for the world.

Through the loving intercession of Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, may we grow in faith, and find comfort in our trials. Help us to discover renewed hope in Your Mercy. May all who come to this holy place experience the Peace of Christ, and the assurance that they are never forgotten by You.

Our Lady of Lourdes; pray for us

Saint Bernadette; pray for us.

Prayer of Intercession

Response: Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us

For each intention, the leader may pause briefly before inviting the congregation to respond.

1. Lat us pray for the Church: that the Holy Father, clergy, religious and all in need, may be strengthened in holiness and fidelity to the gospel.

Response

2. Let us pray for peace in the world: that wars may cease and violence may end. May nations find reconciliation, and the dignity of every human person be respected.

Response

3. Let us pray for the sick and suffering, especially those living with serious illnesses and chronic pain. We pray for those who live with disability, and conditions that are difficult to bear. May they receive healing where it is God's Will, and strength in their suffering. May others be inspired to assist them with compassionate care.

Response

4. Let us pray for those who seek healing at Lourdes: that pilgrims and all who pray may receive consolation and healing.

Response

5. Let us pray for families: that marriages may be strengthened, and parents supported. May children be protected, and broken relationships healed through forgiveness and love.

Response

6. Let us pray for children and youth: that they may be protected from abuse and exploitation. May they be protected from violence, and harmful influences. May children and youth grow in faith and wisdom, May they grow in hope.

Response

7. Let us pray for the poor and vulnerable: that those experiencing poverty and hunger may find practical assistance and loving support from others. May those who suffer from homelessness receive assistance. May those who are lonely, be comforted by the Love of God, and receive support from others.

Response

8. Let us pray for those who have lost hope: that people experiencing grief or fear may encounter God's compassionate Presence and kindness from those around them. May those who suffer from discouragement or despair be comforted by Almighty God.

Response

9. Let us pray for the unemployed and those seeking work: that suitable opportunities may open. Let us pray that workers may be treated justly, and that every person may find dignity and purpose in life.

Response

10. Let us pray for those who have died: especially our deceased family members and friends. Let us pray for benefactors, and all who have no one to pray for them. May they experience the Peace of Christ.

Response

11. Let us pray for reconciliation and forgiveness: that divisions within families and communities may be overcome through humility and charity. 

Response

12. Let us pray for vocations for the following of Jesus Christ: that generous hearts may respond to God's Call and serve His people with faithfulness and joy.

Response

13. Let us pray for our own personal intentions: that Our Lady may present our needs to her Son, Jesus Christ, and help us trust in His Wisdom and Loving Providence.

Response

14. Let us pray for all pilgrims who visit this grotto online or in person: that their faith may be renewed, and their burdens lightened. May their hearts be drawn closer to Christ.

Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed by Thy Name;

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done,

On earth as It is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

But deliver us from evil, Amen.

For Thine is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory,

For ever and ever, Amen.

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.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,

As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

World without end, Amen.

Prayer for the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes

"O Most Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, Mother of tenderness and hope, you appeared to Saint Bernadette in humility and simplicity. You called all people to prayer and conversion.

Look kindly upon all who come to this grotto with troubled hearts, and desperate needs. We bring our quiet hopes and prayers before you; please intercede for us with Your Son, Jesus Christ.. 

Bring the sick to the healing Love of your Son. Comfort those who grieve. Strengthen those who struggle. Guide those who have lost their way.

Dear Mother Mary, please teach us to pray with faith. Help us to serve with compassion. Help us to forgive generously. Guide us to accept God's Will with trusting hearts. May we follow your example of obedience and love. May our discipleship help to guide others to Jesus, the Source of our salvation."

Our Lady of Lourdes; pray for us

Saint Bernadette; pray for us.

Closing Prayer

"Father of mercies, we thank You for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and for the witness of Saint Bernadette. Receive the prayers we have offered at this grotto; both those spoken aloud and those held silently within our hearts.

May we leave this holy place with renewed faith, carrying Your Peace. Help us to bring Your Love into our homes and parishes. May we bear witness to Christ within our daily lives. Help us to become instruments of Your Compassion, and to bring hope to the sorrowful. May we give assistance to the needy, and bring love to those who feel forgotten.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

To pray the most holy rosary, please click in the following link;

https://www.comepraytherosary.org/

Please pray in silence for some time.

Final hymn

The Lourdes hymn

With thanks to Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qsC8uEUUSM

HOLY SOULS CAMPAIGN - WHY NOT ADD NAMES OF YOUR LOVED ONES TO THE HOLY SOULS MASS REGISTRY, FOR PRAYER?

 

The Holy Souls Mass Registry is a powerful act of mercy

Our departed loved ones are never forgotten. Christians believe that our prayers and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass can assist the Holy Souls in Purgatory. 

It is a holy custom to pray especially for our departed family members and friends, at this time of the year.

Canada Needs Our Lady has a wonderful online "Holy Souls Mass Registry" in which you can entrust the names of your departed loved ones.

Why not add their names to the Registry, for special prayers. When you add their names, they will be remembered through;

30 Holy Masses

Their names will be remembered in 30 Holy Masses offered by a priest for the intentions of the Holy Souls enrolled in the Registry.

Ongoing prayers throughout the year

They will also be remembered throughout the year by members and supporters of Canada Needs Our Lady.

It is a privilege to pray for your loved ones.

The names you submit to "Canada needs Our Lady" will remain private and will not be published.

TO ACCESS THE HOLY SOULS CAMPAIGN, PLEASE CLICK IN THE FOLLOWING LINK;

https://cnol.org/holy-souls-campaign/

With thanks to cnol.org

STOP SATANIC MONUMENT FROM BEING ERECTED IN TEXAS; ALLEGED NEWS. WHY NOT SIGN THE PETITION?

 

                Jesus always. If we do not stand for Him, the very stones will cry out

THE SATANIC TEMPLE IS PETITIONING TO ERECT A SATANIC MONUMENT INSIDE THE CITY HALL, AMARILLO, TEXAS; ALLEGED NEWS. [1] The satanists claimed that they are doing this to push back against a Ten Commandments monument that was erected there a few months ago; Alleged News. [1]

Why not sign the petition to tell Amarillo's Mayor to stop the satanic monument from being erected; Alleged News. [1]

ACCESS THE PETITION AT

https://www.returntoorder.org/petition/stop-satanic-monument-from-being-erected-in-texas/

With thanks to returntoorder.org

HAPPY FEAST OF ARCHANGELS MICHAEL, GABRIEL AND RAPHAEL; SEPTEMBER 29

 

Saint Michael; "Who is like God?"

Saint Michael appears in Daniel, Jude, and Revelation as the heavenly spiritual warrior against the dragon, satan. The Church invokes him as defender against the wickedness and snares of the devil. Pope Leo XIII composed the famous St. Michael Prayer after a vision of spiritual battle.

Saint Gabriel; Messenger of the Incarnation

Saint Gabriel ("God is my strength") announced Saint John the Baptist's impending birth to Zechariah, and the Incarnation to Mary at the Annunciation (Luke 1). He is the Archangel of God's Word and vocation. His intercession is often sought for clarity in decisions, for communicators, and for those preparing for marriage or religious life.

Saint Raphael; Guide and healer

Saint Raphael ("God heals") appears in the Book of Tobit, guiding young Tobias, healing Tobit's blindness, and protecting the marriage of Tobias and Sarah. He is patron of travellers, the sick, and happy meetings.

THE ROSARY OF SAINT MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Saint Michael the Archangel, with his spiritual sword, is known as Champion of Warriors of the Eternal Army, Commander of the fight against satan, demons and evil. We can pray to St Michael in different ways such as by prayer, prayer chapel, novena or by rosary. These prayers are intercession for grace from God, and powerful protection against satan.

The rosary to St Michael is prayed upon a special rosary with 39 beads, and a medal of Saint Michael the Archangel.

Begin the rosary with four Our Fathers, one for St Michael, another in honour of St Gabriel, one for St Raphael and finally one for our dear guardian angel. Then we begin the intercessions.

The rosary is divided into nine intercessions, following which we recite:

- One Our Father

- Three Hail Maries

1st intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of the Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen."

2nd intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the heavenly choir of the Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to surrender the path of sin and to run in the path of Christian perfection. Amen." 

3rd intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the Heavenly Choir of Thrones, may the Lord breathe into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen." 

4th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Dominations, may the Lord give us the grace to dominate our senses and to subdue our undisciplined passions. Amen." 

5th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of the Powers, may the Lord deign to protect our souls from the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen." 

6th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the admirable choir of the Heavenly Virtues, may the Lord protect us from evil and protect us from temptation." 

7th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience." 

8th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, so that we may gain the glory of paradise. Amen." 

9th intercession;

"Through the intercession of Saint Michael and the celestial choir of all the angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and then led to eternal glory. Amen." 

Concluding prayer

Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in the hour of battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God restrain him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust down into hell satan and all the other wicked spirits who wander through the world for the ruin of souls. Amen.

This rosary is powerful protection against evil

This rosary is a powerful prayer and protection against evil. We can meditate during the rosary on the holy truths contained therein, and receive many spiritual benefits. This angelic crown (another name for the rosary to St Michael the Archangel) is powerful in the case of spiritual battles. St Michael is the archangel who successfully led the war in heaven against satan and his followers. It is wonderful to lean on the strength, power and holiness of the Commander of the Angels in our daily battle towards our own holiness, and our fight against evil. Let us rely on St Michael the Archangel's intercession for us before Almighty God.

This rosary is also a powerful prayer for the early release from purgatory of the deceased person/people for whom we recite this prayer.

Prayer chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2026/08/prayer-chapel-of-saint-michael-archangel.html

Prayer chapel of Saint Gabriel;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2026/08/prayer-chapel-of-archangel-gabriel.html

Prayer chapel of Saint Raphael;

https://churchinterfaith.blogspot.com/2026/08/prayer-chapel-of-saint-raphael-archangel.html

Image source unknown. With thanks to the image artist

PRAYER CHAPEL OF POPE SAINT PIUS X

 

PRAYER CHAPEL OF SAINT POPE PIUS X

POPE OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST, SERVANT OF CHRIST, RENEWER OF THE CHURCH

Theme: Love of the Holy Eucharist, fidelity to Christ and His Church, holiness through the Sacraments, sound Christian teaching and renewal of faith.

Entrance Prayer

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, You called Saint Pope Pius X from humble beginnings to serve Your Church as priest, bishop and shepherd of Your people. You gave him a deep love for the Holy Eucharist. You granted Saint Pope Pius X a mission that Your people might draw close to You, especially through Holy Communion.

As we gather in this chapel dedicated to his honour, grant us the grace to love You more deeply. Help us to receive You worthily in the Blessed Sacrament, and to remain faithful to the teachings of Your Church. Grant they we may live our Christian vocation with humility and holiness.

Through the intercession of Saint Pope Pius X, renew our faith and strengthen our families. Enlighten our minds with the truth, and draw our hearts ever closer to Your Sacred Heart.

Amen."

Scripture Reading:  John 6:35

"Jesus said to them: I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."

Reflection

Saint Pope Pius X had a profound love for Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist. As a priest and shepherd, he desired that the faithful should not view Holy Communion as distant or reserved for a select few. Rather, Saint Pius X encouraged all to approach the Eucharistic Lord with proper preparation, love, and profound reverence.

His pastoral ministry placed the Holy Eucharist at the heart of Christian life. Saint Pius X encouraged the faithful - including children who were properly prepared - to receive Holy Communion and to draw spiritual strength from Christ.

Saint Pius X also understood that love of the Eucharist must be accompanied by sound faith. He devoted himself to Christian instruction so that people would know what the Church teaches and live according to the gospel.

The life of Saint Pius X reminds us that renewal begins with Christ. When Christ is placed at the centre of our hearts, families, parishes and communities, our lives can be transformed by His grace.

Saint Pius X teaches us to approach Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament with humility and faith. He further taught that we approach Jesus with love, and to allow the Eucharistic Lord to lead us towards holiness.

LITANY OF SAINT POPE PIUS X

Response: Pray for us.

Saint Pius X, 

Response

Saint Pius X, faithful servant of Jesus Christ, 

Response

Saint Pius X, devoted priest of God, 

Response

Saint Pius X, loving shepherd of souls, 

Response

Saint Pius X, Pope devoted to the Holy Eucharist, 

Response

Saint Pius X, of great devotion and love of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, 

Response

Saint Pius X, who encouraged frequent Holy Communion, 

Response

Saint Pius X, protector of the young and defender of their faith, 

Response

Saint Pius X, teacher of Christian doctrine, 

Response

Saint Pius X, faithful guardian of the teachings of the Church, 

Response

Saint Pius X, humble servant of God's people, 

Response

Saint Pius X, promoter of sacred worship and sacred music, 

Response

Saint Pius X, devoted son of the Blessed Mother Mary, 

Response

Saint Pius X, example of priestly holiness, 

Response

Saint Pius X, zealous for the salvation of souls, 

Response

Saint Pius X, faithful servant of Christ and His Church, 

Response

Saint Pius X, guide us towards holiness, 

Response

Prayer for Love of the Holy Eucharist

"Saint Pius X, teach us to love Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament with a sincere and devoted heart.

Help us to approach the altar with faith and humility. Guide us to show reverence and dress modestly before the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.. Teach us to prepare our hearts to receive Jesus and to remain close to Him in prayer after Holy Communion.

May the Eucharist become the centre of our Christian lives, the source of our strength. We pray that Christ may nourish our souls through the Eucharistic sacrament.  

Obtain for us the grace to remain faithful to Christ, especially in times of difficulty. Help us to carry Christ's love from the altar to our families and all in our daily lives.

Amen."

Prayer for Families and Communities

"Saint Pius X, intercede for our families and our parishes. Interced for our communities.

Pray that parents may teach their children to know and love Jesus Christ. Pray that children may grow in faith and virtue. Please pray that our homes may become places of prayer, forgiveness and Christian love.

Pray for religious leaders and teachers, that they may faithfully proclaim the gospel and guide souls towards Christ.

May our communities be united in faith, and strengthened by the Sacraments. May they be nourished by the Holy Eucharist.

Help us to bring the Light of Christ into a world in need of truth, peace and hope.

Amen."

Closing Prayer

"O God, Who raised up Saint Pius X to shepherd Your Church with humility and love, grant that through his intercession we may grow in faith and holiness.

Teach us to love Your Son, Jesus Christ, truly present in the Holy Eucharist. Help us to receive the Holy Eucharist with reverence. Help us to remain faithful to Christ's teaching. Guide us to live our lives according to the truth of the gospel.

May we, like Saint Pius X, seek not our own glory but the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen."

Saint Pius X; pray for us

Jesus, Bread of Life; we trust in You

Our Lady, Mother of the Church; pray for us

Saint Joseph, Guardian and Patron of the Church; pray for us.

NOVENA TO SAINT POPE PIUS X

The novena to Saint Pius X is a time of prayer and reflection in which we ask his intercession for ourselves. We pray for intercession for our families, religious leaders and the whole Church. We pray especially for a deeper love of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. We pray for greater faithfulness to the teachings of the Church. We ask for growth in Christian knowledge, and the grace to live holy lives.

"In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Eternal Father, You called Saint Pius X to serve Your Church as priest, bishop and Supreme Pontiff. You filled him with love for Your Son Jesus Christ, and with a deep desire that Your people should receive Him in the Holy Eucharist.

Through the intercession of Saint Pius X, send Your Holy Spirit upon me. Enlighten my mind that I may know the truth You have revealed. Strengthen my heart that I may remain faithful to You. Deepen my love for Jesus Christ, Your Son.

Saint Pius X, faithful shepherd of the Church, pray for me.

Saint Pius X, devoted to the Holy Eucharist, help me to draw closer to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Teach me to approach Holy Communion with a pure and humble heart. Help me to remain united with Christ after receiving Him.

(Here say your intention.)

Saint Pius X, you devoted your life to the renewal of Christian faith and for the salvation of souls. Obtain for me the grace I need to remain faithful in my daily life.

Help me to grow in prayer, and to learn the teachings of my Christian faith. Help me to love the Sacraments, and to live according to the gospel.

Pray for my family, that we may remain united in faith and charity. Pray for our children and youth, that they may know Jesus Christ and remain close to Him. Pray for our religious leaders and all who teach the faith, that they may proclaim the truth with wisdom, and humility.

Dear Saint Pius X, help me to understand that true renewal begins with the human heart. Lead me to the altar of Christ. Lead me to the Sacred Scriptures. Guide me to prayer and to the Sacraments.

When I am discouraged, strengthen me.

When my faith is weak, pray for me.

When I am tempted to turn away from Christ, lead me back to Him.

When I receive Jesus in Holy Communion, help me to remember that I am receiving the Bread of Life and the Source of Grace.

Saint Pius X, plead for me before the Throne of Almighty God, that I may receive the grace for which I now pray, if it is according to God's Holy Will.

Help me to become more faithful to Christ, and more devoted to His Church. Help me to become more loving towards my neighbour, and more determined to live a holy Christian life.

May Mother Mary, whom you loved and honoured, lead me always closer to her Divine Son.

May Saint Joseph, Guardian and Protector of the Church, pray for me.

Thank you, dear Saint Pius X, for your prayers and intercession. Remain near me throughout my life and help me to remain faithful to Jesus Christ until the day when I may behold Him forever in the glory of Heaven.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

 

Image courtesy of ChatGPT and CN Whittle "Saint Pope Pius X"