Catholic Treasury
Rediscovering our Catholic roots.
Rooted and grounded faith. All things Catholic.
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Catholic Treasury
Rediscovering our Catholic roots.
Rooted and grounded faith. All things Catholic.
Find in this page the following content. Scroll down for more interesting reads.
Buttons witih live links (in maroon font) will take you to a resource page.
Catholic, Monthly
To keep track of ALL the feasts of the Catholic liturgical year, stay familiar with the universal Catholic themes per month. It will allow you to focus your reading or your prayers on a different aspect of faith every season of the year.
January: The Holy Name of Jesus
February: The Holy Family
March: St. Joseph
April: The Blessed Sacrament
May: Mary
June: The Sacred Heart of Jesus
July: The Precious Blood
August: Immaculate Heart of Mary
September: The Seven Sorrows of Mary
October: The Holy Rosary
November: The Poor Souls in Purgatory
December: The Immaculate Conception
Catholic, Daily
In the Catholic tradition, each day of the week (Monday through Saturday) is traditionally assigned a specific spiritual focus, devotion, or theme to guide daily prayer, reflection, and intentions.
The traditional daily dedications for the week are as follows:
Monday: The Holy Spirit & The Holy Souls in Purgatory
Prayers are directed toward the Holy Spirit for guidance and to the Holy Souls in Purgatory, asking for their purification and entry into heaven. Mondays are for prayers for the dead.Tuesday: The Holy Angels
Dedicated to the veneration of the holy angels, especially Guardian Angels and St. Michael the Archangel, for protection and guidance. Tuesdays, in addition to honoring the Angels, are the day for honoring the Holy Face and honoring St. Anthony of Padua. On the Tuesday after St. Anthony's death, the day his funeral cortege took his body to the church, many miracles took place, so this day is commemorated in his honor. A special Novena to St. Martha is also made on nine consecutive Tuesdays (or on all Tuesdays) by some Catholics.Wednesday: St. Joseph
Devoted to St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, honoring him as the patron of workers, families, and a happy death. On Wednesdays, many Catholics make a special devotion to St. Joseph by going to Mass on the first Wednesdays of nine consecutive months and offering their Communions in his honor and for the salvation of the dying.Thursday: The Holy Eucharist & The Priesthood
A day to center reflections on the institution of the Last Supper, the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and to pray for priests. On Thursdays, many Catholics make "Holy Hour," that is, they spend an hour in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament as an aspect of devotion to the Sacred Heart. Some do the "Gethsemana Hour" of St. Gemma Galgani. On the fifteen consecutive Thursdays before the May 22, many Catholics make the "Fifteen Thursdays of St. Rita" devotion.Friday: The Passion of Christ & The Sacred Heart
A traditional day of penance and sacrifice dedicated to the Passion and Death of Jesus on the Cross, and His Sacred Heart. Fridays are penitential days and Catholics are to keep in mind Christ's suffering and to sacrifice something for the sake of penance and discipline. The traditional way to do this is to abstain from meat. On this day also, many Catholics make what is known as the "First Fridays Devotion" in honor of the Sacred Heart. This entails going to Mass and receiving Communion in reparation to the Sacred Heart on the first Friday of the month for nine consecutive months. Another Friday practice is to kneel and pray five Paters and five Aves, especially at 3:00pm, the hour Christ died on the Cross.Saturday: The Blessed Virgin Mary
Saturdays are traditionally set aside to honor Our Lady, reflecting on her sorrows, joys, and her Immaculate Heart. Saturdays are, traditionally, the days Catholics go to Confession in preparation for receiving the Eucharist on Sundays (some Catholics might make a habit of going to Confession on Saturdays; other might go before Mass on Sunday, and, of course, as always, whenever needed). Also on Saturdays, many Catholics make what is called the "First Saturdays Devotion" which entails going to Mass and receiving Communion on the first Saturday of the month for 5 consecutive months in reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary.Sunday: The Resurrection & The Holy Trinity
The "Lord's Day" is the primary day of worship, centering on the Resurrection of Christ, the Holy Trinity, and a day of rest. Sundays are, of course, the day for renewing Christ's once and for all Sacrifice during the Sacrifice of the Holy Mass. Because Christ rose from His tomb on Sunday, Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sundays, or "the Lord's Day." On this day we fulfill God's Third Commandment, to "remember the sabbath day (which means "rest", not "Saturday"), to keep it holy." We refrain from unecessary servile work and fulfill our "Sunday Obligation" to attend Mass.
Indulgences, Treasury of Graces
Indulgences are part of the Church’s infallible teaching. This means that no Catholic is at liberty to disbelieve in them. The Council of Trent stated that it “condemns with anathema those who say that indulgences are useless or that the Church does not have the power to grant them”(Trent, session 25, Decree on Indulgences). Trent’s anathema places indulgences in the realm of infallibly defined teaching. (Catholic Answers)
An indulgence is obtained through the Church who, by virtue of the power of binding and loosing granted her by Christ Jesus, intervenes in favor of individual Christians and opens for them the treasury of the merits of Christ and the saints to obtain from the Father of mercies the remission of the temporal punishments due for their sins. Thus the Church does not want simply to come to the aid of these Christians, but also to spur them to works of devotion, penance, and charity. (CCC 1478)
The Bible and Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church are the rule books/guide books. They cover in great detail all the dos and don’ts and the whys and why nots of our faith. The Manual of Indulgences is more like a playbook. It’s specific things to do on specific days or in specific circumstances. While the prayers and practices recommended also have indulgences attached to them that can be applied to ourselves or to the holy souls in purgatory, the fact of their being included in the manual shows that these are the prayers and practices that the Catholic Church believes will be the most beneficial to us.
Back to basics . . . The following are the indulgences available to Catholics as of the 1999 Manual of Indulgences. The suggested prayers are required to be an approved version/translation. For an expanded list of indulgences, and more details about conditions and specific actions required, and the full text of prayers, be sure to consult the latest issuance of the Catholic church.
The Usual Conditions for Indulgences
Indulgences can be plenary (full) or partial, and so remove either all or part of the temporal punishment due to sins.
Indulgences can be gained for yourself, or applied to the holy souls in purgatory, but not to another living person.
To gain an indulgence, you must be a baptized Catholic, not excommunicated, and not in a state of mortal sin at the time of the actions taken for the indulgence.
You must have the intention of gaining the indulgence, and perform the required actions in the required amount of time and in a devout manner.
You can gain many partial indulgences, but only one plenary indulgence per day, except that you can gain a second plenary indulgence at the point of death.
If the indulgence requires visiting a church or oratory, you should devoutly recite the Our Father and the Creed during the visit.
To gain a plenary indulgence you must be free from all attachment from sin, even venial sin.
You must perform the required actions, receive Holy Communion, make a sacramental confession, and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father.
It is preferred that you receive communion and pray for the intentions of the Holy Father on the same day that you perform the actions, but within within several days (about 20) before or after is acceptable. These must be performed for each indulgence sought.
Confession should be made within within several days (about 20) before or after the actions for the indulgence. One confession can apply to many indulgences.
The usual prayers offered for the intentions of the Holy Father are one Our Father and one Hail Mary.
If all the conditions are not met, the indulgence becomes partial, rather than plenary.
Things that we are obliged to do, like Mass attendance, are understood to confer graces and are not enhanced with indulgences.
Plenary Indulgences
Spend thirty minutes or more in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Participate in the Stations of the Cross, using fourteen stations, marked by at least crosses, progressing from one to the next.
Recite the five decades of the Rosary in a church, religious community, or family, or while listening live to the Holy Father’s Rosary.
Read or listen to Sacred Scripture for at least thirty minutes, preference is given to reading.
Make a three day retreat.
At the point of death, pray, ideally before a crucifix or cross (requires that you have been in the habit of praying during your life).
Participate in a parish mission and its conclusion.
Attend a ceremony in honor of a new saint during the first year after canonization (available once).
For priests, and those in attendance, a priest’s first Mass, and the jubilee celebrations for priests and bishops renewing their vocational promises.
Visit the church during a diocesan synod.
Assist during a pastoral visit.
Make a pilgrimage to one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas in Rome.
Plenary Indulgences Associated with Particular Feast Days
Visit a basilica, cathedral, parish church, or approved shrine on its titular feast day.
Receive the Papal Urbi et Orbi blessing (usually given on Christmas and Easter) in person, on the radio, on TV, or online.
Recite the Te Deum on December 31st in thanksgiving for the year.
Recite the Veni Creator on January 1st as a prayer for the beginning of the year, and/or on Pentecost.
Participate in special celebrations for days universally designated for particular intentions (like Day of Prayer for Peace on January 1st, or Day of Prayer for Vocations on Good Shepherd Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter).
Participate in the services of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: January 18-25.
Recite the Look Down Upon Me, Good and Gentle Jesus before a crucifix, after communion, on a Friday during Lent.
Recite the Tantum Ergo on Holy Thursday before the Altar of Repose.
Adore the cross on Good Friday.
Renew your baptismal promises at the Easter Vigil and/or on the anniversary of your baptism.
Take part in special services held on Divine Mercy Sunday, or, before the Blessed Sacrament on that day, pray the usual prayers and “Merciful Jesus, I trust in you.”
Participate in a Eucharistic Procession on Corpus Christi.
Recite the Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in a church, religious community, or family.
Use an article Blessed by the Holy Father or any bishop on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
Visit a basilica or cathedral on the Feast of Sts. Peter and Paul.
The Portiuncula Indulgence of St. Francis of Assisi: with a contrite heart, visit any church on August 2nd (or the first Sunday of August if the church isn’t open every day).
Pray for the dead in a cemetery November 1-8 (applicable only to the souls in purgatory).
Pray for the dead in a church on All Souls’ Day (applicable only to the souls in purgatory).
Recite the Act of Dedication to Christ the King on the Feast of Christ the King in a church, religious community, or family.
Partial Indulgences
Use a properly blessed crucifix, cross, rosary, scapular, or medal.
Use pious invocations throughout the day, mentally or out loud (i.e. “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph,” “Heart of Jesus, I trust in you,” “Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.”)
Pray to the merciful heart of Jesus.
Perform charitable works or charitable giving.
Make a voluntary Christian witness to others.
Teach or study Christian doctrine.
Visit the Blessed Sacrament for any amount of time.
Recite a Rosary alone, or recite a partial Rosary.
Make an Examination of Conscience.
Attend a monthly recollection.
Spend time in mental prayer.
Listen to preaching of the Word of God.
Visit a cemetery and pray for the dead any time of year.
Visit the catacombs.
Make the sign of the cross using the customary words.
Renew your baptismal vows at any time.
Partially Indulged Prayers
Click on the link for the text of the prayer.
Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory for Every Day of the Week
For Sunday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed in the garden, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that soul amongst them all which is most destitute of spiritual aid; and vouchsafe to bring it to Thy glory, there to praise and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Monday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son Jesus shed in His cruel scourging, deliver the souls in purgatory, and that soul especially amongst them all which is nearest to its entrance into Thy glory; that so it may forthwith begin to praise and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Tuesday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which thy Divine Son Jesus shed in His bitter crowning with thorns, deliver the souls in purgatory, and in particular that one amongst them all which would be the last to depart out of those pains, that it may not tarry so long a time before it come to praise Thee in Thy glory and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Wednesday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which thy Divine Son Jesus shed in the streets of Jerusalem, when He carried the Cross upon His sacred shoulders, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that soul which is richest in merits before Thee; that so, in that throne of glory which awaits it, it may magnify Thee and bless Thee for ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Thursday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Body and Blood of thy Divine Son Jesus, which He gave with His own hands upon the eve of His Passion to His beloved Apostles to be their meat and drink, and which He left to His whole Church to be a perpetual sacrifice and the life-giving food of His own faithful people, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one which was most devoted to this mystery of infinite love, that it may with the same thy Divine Son, and with Thy Holy Spirit, ever praise Thee for Thy love therein in eternal glory. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Friday
O Lord God Almighty, I pray Thee, by the Precious Blood which Thy Divine Son shed on this day upon the wood of the Cross, especially from His most sacred hands and feet, deliver the souls in purgatory, and in particular that soul for which I am most bound to pray; that no neglect of mine may hinder it from praising Thee in Thy glory and blessing Thee for ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
For Saturday
O Lord God Almighty, I beseech Thee, by the Precious Blood which gushed forth from the side of thy Divine Son Jesus, in the sight of, and to the extreme pain of His most holy Mother, deliver the souls in purgatory, and especially that one amongst them all which was the most devout to her; that it may soon attain unto Thy glory, there to praise Thee in her, and her in Thee, world without end. Amen.
Pray a Pater, an Ave, and the De Profundis (the 129th Psalm)
De Profundis
Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord: Lord hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplication.
If Thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
But there is forgiveness with Thee: because of Thy law I wait for Thee, O Lord.
My soul waiteth on His word: my soul hopeth in the Lord. ;
From the morning watch even until night let Israel hope in the Lord:
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plentiful redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel, from all their iniquities.
Prayers Against the 7 Deadly Sins
Against Pride
O Lord Jesus Christ, Pattern of humility, Who didst empty Thyself of Thy glory, and take upon Thee the form of a servant: root out of us all pride and conceit of heart, that, owing ourselves miserable and guilty sinners, we may willingly bear contempt and reproaches for Thy sake, and, glorying in nothing but Thee, may esteem ourselves lowly in Thy sight. Not unto us, O Lord, but to Thy name be the praise, for Thy loving mercy and for Thy truth’s sake. Amen.
Against Covetousness
O Lord Jesus Christ, Who though Thou wast rich yet for our sakes didst become poor, grant that all over-eagerness and covetousness of earthly goods may die in us, and the desire of heavenly things may live and grow in us: keep us from all idle and vain expenditures, that we may always have to give to him that needeth, and that giving not grudgingly nor of necessity, but cheerfully, we may be loved of Thee, and be made through Thy merits partakers of the riches of Thy heavenly treasure. Amen.
Against Lust
O Lord Jesus Christ, Guardian of chaste souls, and lover of purity, Who wast pleased to take our nature and to be born of an immaculate Virgin: mercifully look upon my infirmity. Create in me a clean heart, O God: and renew a right spirit within me; help me to drive away all evil thoughts, to conquer every sinful desire, and so pierce my flesh with the fear of Thee that, this worst enemy being overcome, I may serve Thee with a chaste body and please Thee with a pure heart. Amen.
Against Anger
O most meek Jesus, Prince of Peace, who when Thou wast reviled, didst not revile, and on the Cross didst pray for Thy murderers: implant in our hearts the virtues of gentleness and patience, that, restraining the fierceness of anger, impatience, and resentment, we may overcome evil with good, for Thy sake love our enemies, and as children of our heavenly Father seek Thy peace and evermore rejoice in Thy love. Amen.
Against Gluttony
O Lord Jesus Christ, Mirror of abstinence, Who, to teach us the virtue of abstinence, didst fast forty days and forty nights, grant that, serving Thee and not our own appetites, we may live soberly and piously with contentment, without greediness, gluttony, or drunkenness, that Thy will being our meat and drink, we may hunger and thirst after justice, and finally obtain from Thee that food which endureth unto life eternal. Amen
Against Envy
O most loving Jesus, Pattern of charity, Who makest all the commandments of the law to consist in love towards God and towards man, grant to us so to love Thee with all our heart, with all our mind, and all our soul, and our neighbor for Thy sake, that the grace of charity and brotherly love may dwell in us, and all envy, harshness, and ill-will may die in us; and fill our hearts with love, kindness, and compassion, so that by constantly rejoicing in the happiness and success of others, by sympathizing with them in their sorrows, and putting away all harsh judgements and envious thoughts, we may follow Thee, who art Thyself the true and perfect love. Amen.
Against Sloth
O Lord Jesus, eternal Love, Who in the garden didst pray so long and so fervently that Thy sweat was, as it were, drops of blood falling down to the ground: put away from us, we beseech Thee, all sloth and inactivity both of body and mind; kindle within us the fire of Thy love; strengthen our weakness, that whatsoever our hand is able to do we may do earnestly, and that, striving heartily to please Thee in this life, we may have Thee hereafter as our reward exceedingly great.
Recommended, Weekly Prayers
Daily Prayers for the Days of the Week
Sunday: The Most Blessed Trinity
ANT. Blessed be the holy Creator and Ruler of all things, the sacred and undivided Trinity, now and always, through infinite ages and ages.
V. Let us bless the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
R. Let us praise and exalt Him forever.
Let us pray. Almighty and everlasting God, Who hast given Thy servants, in the confession of the true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the Eternal Trinity, and, in the power of Thy majesty, to adore the Unity, we beseech Thee that, by stead-fastness in the same faith, we may always be defended from all adversities. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayer to the Blessed Trinity
O power of the Father, support my weakness and deliver me from the abyss of my misery; O wisdom of the Son, do Thou direct all my thoughts, words, and works; O love of the Holy Ghost, penetrate all the operations of my soul so that they may be ever in harmony with Thy divine pleasure. Amen.
Canticle of the Seraphim
Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts! the heavens and earth are full of Thy glory. Glory be to the Father, glory be to the Son, glory be to the Holy Ghost.
Monday: The Souls in Purgatory
ANT. I am the Resurrection and the Life. He that believeth in Me, even though he die, shall live; and every one that liveth and believeth in Me shall not die forever.
V. I heard a voice from heaven saying to me
R. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Let us pray. O God, the Creator and Redeemer of all the faithful, give unto the souls of Thy servants and handmaids the remission of all their sins, that through pious supplication they may obtain the pardon they have ever wished for. Who livest and reignest with God the Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever. Amen.
Ejaculation
Lord, give unto them eternal rest, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Amen.
Tuesday: The Holy Angels
ANT. Angels, Archangels, Thrones and Dominations, Principalities and Powers, Virtues of heaven, Cherubim and Seraphim, bless the Lord forever.
V. All ye angels of the Lord, bless the Lord.
R. Sing a hymn and exalt Him above all forever.
Let us pray. O God, Who in a wonderful manner dost distribute the ministries of angels and men, mercifully grant that as Thy holy angels ever wait upon Thee and do Thee service in heaven, so our lives may be defended by them upon earth. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Invocation of the Nine Choirs of Angels
O Holy Angels, watch over us at all times during this perilous life;
O holy Archangels, be our guides on the way to heaven;
O heavenly choir of the Principalities, govern us in soul and body;
O mighty Powers, preserve us against the wiles of the demons;
O celestial Virtues, give us strength and courage in the battle of life;
O powerful Dominations, obtain for us dominion over the rebellion of our flesh;
O sacred Thrones, grant us peace with God and man;
O brilliant Cherubim, illumine our minds with heavenly knowledge;
O burning Seraphim, enkindle in our hearts the fire of charity. Amen.
Wednesday: St. Joseph
ANT. In whatever tribulation they shall cry to me, I will hear them and be their protector always.
V. Obtain for us, O Joseph, to lead an innocent life.
R. And may it ever be safe through thy patronage.
Let us pray.O God, Who in Thine unspeakable providence didst vouchsafe to choose blessed Joseph to be the husband of Thy most holy Mother, mercifully grant that, as we venerate him for our protector on earth, we may deserve to be aided by his intercession in heaven. Who livest and reignest forever and ever. Amen.
Memorare to St. Joseph
Remember, O most pure spouse of Mary ever Virgin, my loving protector, Saint Joseph, that never has it be known that anyone ever invoked thy protection, or besought aid of thee, without being consoled. In this confidence I come before thee; I fervently recommend myself to thee. Despise not my prayer, foster-father of our Redeemer, but do thou in thy pity graciously receive it. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph
Guardian of virgins, and holy father, St. Joseph, to whose faithful custody Christ Jesus, Innocence itself, and Mary, Virgin of virgins, were committed, I pray and beseech thee, by these dear pledges, Jesus and Mary, that being preserved from all uncleanness, I may with spotless mind, pure heart and chaste body, ever serve Jesus and Mary most chastely all the days of my life. Amen.
Thursday: The Most Blessed Sacrament
ANT. O sacred banquet in which Christ is received, the memory of His Passion is recalled, the soul is filled with grace, and the pledge of future glory is given us.
V. Thou hast given them Bread from heaven,
R. Containing all manner of sweetness.
Let us pray. O God, Who hast left us, in this wonderful Sacrament, a perpetual memorial of Thy Passion, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to reverence the sacred mysteries of Thy Body and Blood that we may ever find in our souls the fruit of Thy Redemption, Who livest and reignest, forever and ever. Amen.
Ave Verum Corpus Natum
Hail to Thee! true Body, sprung
From the Virgin Mary’s womb!
The same that on the Cross was hung,
And bore for man the bitter doom!
Thou, Whose side was pierced, and flow’d
Both with Water and with Blood;
Suffer us to taste of Thee,
In our life’s last agony.
Son of Mary, Jesu blest!
Sweetest, gentlest, holiest!
Sing My Tongue | Pange Lingua
Sing, my tongue, the Saviour’s glory,
Of His Flesh, the mystery sing;
Of His Blood, all price exceeding,
Shed by our immortal King,
Destin’d for the world’s redemption
From a noble Womb to spring.
Of a pure and spotless Virgin
Born for us on earth below,
He, as Man, with man conversing,
Stay’d the seeds of truth to sow;
Then He closed in solemn order
Wondrously His Life of woe.
On the night of that Last Supper,
Seated with His chosen band,
He, the Paschal Victim eating,
First fulfils the Lord’s command;
Then as Food to all His brethren,
Gives Himself with His own Hand.
Word-made-Flesh, the bread of nature
By His Word to Flesh He turns;
Wine into His Blood He changes:
What though sense no change discerns!
Only be the heart in earnest,
Faith her lesson quickly learns.
Down in adoration falling,
Lo! the sacred Host we hail!
Lo! o’er ancient forms departing,
Newer rites of grace prevail;
Faith for all defects supplying,
When the feebler senses fail.
To the Everlasting Father,
And the Son Who reigns on high,
With the Holy Ghost proceeding
Forth from each eternally,
Be salvation, honour, blessing,
Might and endless majesty. Amen.
Friday: The Passion of Christ
ANT. O all ye who pass by the way, attend and see if there is any sorrow like unto my sorrow.
V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we bless Thee.
R. Because by Thy holy Cross Thou hast redeemed the world.
Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, Who at the sixth hour didst mount the gibbet of the Cross for the Redemption of the world and didst shed Thy Precious Blood that our sins might be washed away, we humbly beseech Thee that after our death Thou wouldst suffer us to pass with joy through the gates of heaven. Who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
O God, Who to redeem the world didst vouchsafe to be born amongst men, to be circumcised, rejected by the Jews, betrayed by the traitor Judas with a kiss, to be bound with cords, and as an innocent lamb to be led to the slaughter; Who didst suffer Thyself to be shamelessly exposed to the gaze of Annas, Caiphus, Pilate and Herod; to be accused by false witnesses, tormented by scourges and insults, crowned with thorns, smitten with blows, defiled with spittings, to have Thy divine countenance covered, to be struck with a reed, to be stripped of Thy clothes, nailed to and raised high upon a Cross between two thieves, to be given gall and vinegar to drink, and then pierced with a lance; do Thou, O LORD, by these most sacred sufferings, which I, unworthy as I am, yet dare to contemplate, by Thy holy Cross and by Thy bitter Death, free me from the pains of hell, and vouchsafe to bring me to Paradise, whither Thou didst lead the thief who was crucified with Thee, my Jesus, Who with the Father and the Holy Ghost livest and reignest, God forever and ever. Amen.
Pray a Pater Noster, Ave Maria, and Gloria five times
Invocation of St. Thomas Aquinas
The Cross is my sure salvation;
the Cross I ever adore;
the Cross of my Lord is with me;
the Cross is my refuge.
Saturday: The Blessed Virgin Mary
ANT. O glorious Mother of God, Mary, ever Virgin, who alone wast found worthy to bear the Lord of all, and though a virgin, to nurse the King of angels; be graciously mindful to us, we beseech thee, and pray to Christ for us, that we, being upheld by thy care, may deserve to attain to the heavenly kingdom.
V. Holy Mary, Mother of Christ.
R. Hear thy humble servants who implore thee.
Let us pray. Grant, we beseech Thee, O Lord God, that we, Thy servants, may enjoy continual health of mind and body; and that through the glorious intercession of blessed Mary, ever Virgin, we may be delivered from present sorrow, and attain eternal happiness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Inviolata
Thou art inviolate, undefiled and chaste, O Mary.
Though hast been made the resplendent gate of heaven.
O loving and dearest Mother of Christ,
Accept our devout acclamations in praise of thee.
That our minds and bodies may be pure,
Devoted hearts and lips now implore thee.
Through thy sweetest sounding prayers,
Gain us pardon forever.
O kind one, who alone didst remain inviolate.
The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother; to thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in thy clemency hear and answer me. Amen.
Prayers for Each Day Day of the Week
For prayers for each day of the week centered around the above devotions, see the final set of prayers on the Prayers for Every Day of the Week page.
The first three sets of prayers below come from the 1910 Raccolta, but are otherwise unrelated aside from the fact that each set consists of prayers for every day of the week -- Sunday through Saturday. I couldn't resist including them on this site.
The first set is made of prayers by St. Alphonsus to the Blessed Virgin to beg her pity, dedicate oneself to her, and ask for her help at death. The second set consists of prayers to St. Philip Neri, asking him to help one obtain humility, patience, purity, love of God, love of neighbor, detachment from the world, and perseverance. The third set is of prayers for the souls in Purgatory.
The fourth set of prayers isn't strictly designed to be for "every day," but there are seven of them nonetheless -- each pertaining to one of the seven deadly sins.
The fifth set consists of meditations for every day of the week. They come from "The Golden Manual: Being a Guide to Catholic Devotion, Public and Private," published in 1850.
The sixth set consists of prayers related to how the day of the week is dedicated (e.g., Sunday is dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, Monday to the Souls in Purgatory, Wednesday to St. Joseph, Thursday to the Blessed Sacrament, Friday to Christ's Passion, and Saturday to the Blessed Virgin).
I offer them all below, with the options to download each separately in pdf format.
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Prayers of St. Alphonsus Liguori for Every Day of the Week
Prayers to St. Philip Neri for Every Day of the Week
Prayers for the Souls in Purgatory for Every Day of the Week
Prayers Against the Seven Deadly Sins
Meditations for Every Day in the Week
Recommended, Weekly Prayers
Meditations for Every Day of the Week
For Sunday: On Eternal Happiness
Preparation:
1. Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
2. Picture to yourself, as well as you are able, the spacious and most beautiful mansions of the blessed, and in them God, with His holy angels, etc.
3. Ask grace of God, that, as far as may be, you may be able to see and appreciate that heavenly glory.
First Point for Consideration: Consider what the happiness of heaven is. It is the perfect combination of every good, without any admixture of evil, in which the blessed repose securely in the fullest satisfaction of all their desires. According to Psalm 16: "I shall be satisfied when Thy glory shall appear."
Affections: What have I in heaven, and what do I desire upon the earth, besides Thee?
Second Point of Consideration: Consider how sweet, in that heavenly city (the brightness of whose walls and gates and streets are described in Apocalypse 21), will be the society of Christ, and of the blessed Virgin Mary, and of the Apostles, and the other saints, when all shall be united to God, and God shall be in all; where the highest will embrace the lowest without the least admixture of contempt, and the lowest embrace the highest without any envy of their superiority.
Affections: "How lovely are Thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts! My soul longeth and fainteth for the courts of the Lord," etc. Psalm 83.
Third Point of Consideration: Consider the differences of glory. I Corinthians 15:41: "One is the glory of the sun, another the glory of the moon, and another the glory of the stars. For star differeth from star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead." For the glory of each one shall be greater in proportion as he has this life done or suffered more for the sake of God.
Affections: And shall I, then, seek to escape from labours and the cross, although the sufferings of this world are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come?
Colloquy: Give thanks to God, that He has prepared a great reward for such slight services as we can render unto Him. Reproach thyself for thine own ingratitude and negligence. Commend the whole of this act and devotion to the protection of the blessed Virgin Mary; and say, We fly to thy patronage, etc.
For Monday: On Death
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Imagine yourself in your last agony, lying on your bed, with a crucifix in one hand and a taper in the other.
First Point of Consideration: Consider that "it is appointed to all men once to die" (Hebrews 9); but that the day and hour is uncertain. For "the day of the Lord shall so come as a thief in the night. For when they shall say peace and security, then shall sudden destruction come upon them." I Thessalonians 5:3 The wise man truly observes (Ecclesiastes 9): "As fishes are taken with the hook, and as birds are caught with the snare, so men are taken in the evil time."
Affections: Why, then, do I not hold myself in readiness every day and every hour, as Christ exhorteth? Matthew 24: "Be ye ready, for ye know now at what hour the Son of man will come."
Second Point of Consideration: Consider how great may be at that time your bodily pain: on account of which, you may neither be able to pray, or to repent, or even to remember your sins. For that shall be fulfilled. Psalm 40: "Thou has turned all his couch in his sickness."
Affections: "Therefore, while we have time let us do good" Galatians 6:10 But, concerning this present time, it is said (II Corinthians 6:2): "In an accepted time have I heard thee, and in the day of salvation have I helped thee: behold now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation."
Third Point of Consideration: Consider in what great straits will thy soul then be, when it is about to leave the body, and knows not "whether it is worthy of hatred or love;" whether it is to be received into heaven or thrust down into hell. The sould of Hilarion, who had served Christ for nearly seventy years, trembled at its departure from the body. "Why art thou afraid, O my soul, to depart?" said he. Job, also, at the prospect of death, says (Job 10:20)," Suffer me that I may lament my sorrows a little before I go, and return no more to a land that is dark, and covered with the mists of death." How much more cause for fear have you! "But the souls of the just are in the hands of God, and the torments of death shall not touch them." Wisdom 3:1
Affections: Would that I might so ponder these things, and so arrange my life, that I might be able to say, "To me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21
Colloquy: Accuse yourself to Christ of having neglected meditation on death, and promise Him to amend.
For Tuesday: On Judgment
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Imagine that you are standing as a debtor before Christ, seated on His throne of judgment, and about to give an account of your life unto Him.
First Point of Consideration: Consider how the soul, released from the bonds of the flesh, and forsasken by all, must stand before Christ its Judge, when neither prayers nor tears shall avail, nor any excuse be admitted, and when your guardian angel and the devil shall produce your good and evil deed, etc. What shall I, a sinner, plead?
Affections: And shall I still be so careless? "If we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." I Corinthians 11:31
Second Point of Consideration: Consider that you must give account not only of your grievous sins, but for every idle word. Then, perhaps, shall that writing appear against you (Daniel 5:25): "Mane, Thecel, Phares. Mane: God hath numbered thy kingdom, and hath finished it. Thecel: Thou art weighed in the balance, and art found wanting. Phares: Thy kingdom is divided, and is given to the Medes and Persians."
Affections: And shall I not fear? "Pierce thou my flesh with thy fear, for I am afraid of thy judgments." Psalm 118. "Enter not into judgment with thy servant." Psalm 142.
Third Point of Consideration: Consider with what fear and trembling each one will await the sentence of the Judge, which can never be reversed; "Come, ye blessed," etc. or "Depart, ye wicked," etc.
Affections: And shall I hereafter take any pleasure in sin? I will speak in the bitterness of my soul; I will say unto God, Do not condemn me.
Colloquy: Give thanks to Christ, that He has so long granted, and still grants to thee, the time of grace.
For Wednesday: On Hell
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Imagine to yourself some vast and horrid cavern, full of serpents and other monsters, and from whence issue frightful howlings, with smoke and flames, etc.
First Point of Consideration: Consider what eternal damnation is, viz. a never-ending unchangeable condition, in which the reprobate are tormented without pity or hope of mercy; with torments so great, that the mind of man cannot understand or imagine them; of which the lake burning with brimstone and fire (Apocalypse 14:10) is but a part, and, as it were, a figure.
Affections: Truly does Isaias say (Isaias 33): "Which of you can dwell with devouring fire? Which of you can dwell with everlasting burnings?" O Lord, punish me here with fire and sword, rather than hereafter and through eternity.
Second Point of Consideration: Consider well the punishment of the senses, in the eternal torment of the soul as well as the body. The eyes shall be tormented with spectres; the ears with howlings, weeping, and blasphemies; the nostrils with intolerable stench; the tongue and the palate, with the liquid pitch and sulphur; the hands, the brest, and the rest of the body, with unendurable tortures; the memory and the intellect shall gnaw the heart with the remembrance and consideration of the neglected time of grace; the will must endure the frusration and contradiction of all its desires. "As much as she hath glorified herself, and lived in delicacies, so much torment and sorrow give ye to her." Apocalypse 18:7
Affections: Oh, the blindness of men, who, for one drop of honey, fear not the full draught of so much gall and bitterness.
Third Point of Consideration: Consider the pain of loss, which is eternal exclusion from the vision of God and the society of the saints, by far the greatest and most intolerable of all punishments.
Affections: Oh, that I might never forget these things! "Cast me away not from Thy face, O Lord." Psalm 1 Let your colloquy be the deprecation of so great misery.
Thursday: On the Mercies of God
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Imagine to yourself all the gifts of God brought together at one time, and placed before your eyes.
First Point of Consideration: Consider that God, from all eternity, set His eyes upon you, and decreed that you should be created out of nothing unto everlasting salvation. Jeremias 31:3: "I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore have I drawn thee, taking pity on thee." Then, that He brought you forth in the time of grace, placed you in the Catholic Church, and gave you pious parents, etc.; that He spared you going on in sin, delivered you from many dangers, and drew you into the way of salvation, etc.
Affections: "The mercies of the Lord I will sing for ever." Psalm 80. Shall I ever offend, by any sin, so great a Benefactor?
Second Point of Consideration: Consider that God appointed the sacraments of baptism and penance that we might be delivered from our sins, not for His own, but for our sakes, for He has no need of us; He might, without injury, have condemned us to eternal damnation, etc.
Affections: "Bless the Lord, oh, my soul; and let all that is within me bless His holy name." Psalm 102.
Third Point of Consideration: Consider the incomprehensible love of God towards us, in the institution of the most Holy Eucharist, in which He gave HImself to us for our food. "There is no other nation so great, that hath God so nigh them, as our God is present to us." Deuteronomy 4.
Affections: Where is our love in return? "What shall I render unto the Lord or all the things He hath rendered to me?" Psalm 115
Colloquy: Beg of God not to withdraw His mercies from you.
Friday: On the Passion and Death of Christ
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Picture to yourself the Mount of Olives, at the foot of which Christ sweat blood; Mount Sion, on which was situated the city of Solyma, where He was accused, scourged, and condemned; and Mount Calvary, where He was crucified.
First Point of Consideration: Consider what passed in the garden, the agony, the bloody sweat, the prayer.
Affections: Who will not suffer with Him, and take from His hand the cup of His passion which He giveth to drink?
Second Point of Consideration: Consider what He suffered in the city, before Annas, Caiphas, Pilate, etc.; the mockery, the buffetings, scourgings, etc.
Affections: Here none need be suggested.
Third Point of Consideration: Consider what He endured on Mount Calvary, in being stripped of His garments, having His hands and feet pierced. Consider also His words on the Cross, etc.
Affections: "Look upon the wounds of thy Saviour, as He hangs on the cross; look on the blood, which, dying, He sheds for thee, the price of thy redemption. His head is bent to kiss thee; His heart is opened to love thee; His arms stretched out to embrace thee. Consider these things, how great they be; weigh them in the balance of thy heart, that He may be wholly fixed in thy heart, who, for thee, was wholly fastened to the cross" -- St. Augustine.
Colloquy: Jesus crucified will suggest it.
Saturday: On the Blessed Virgin Mary
Preparation: Having put away all earthly cares and affections, say: "Come, Holy Ghost, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy love."
Prayer: "O God, Who hast taught the hearts of the faithful, by the light of Thy Holy Spirit, grant us, by the same Spirit, to have a right understanding in all things, and continue to rejoice in his consolation; through Christ our Lord."
Place before thy mind the Queen of heaven and earth, exalted above all the hosts of heaven, and crowned by the blessed Trinity.
First Point of Consideration: Consider both the outward and inward loveliness of that blessed Virgin, of whom the spouse in the Canticle saith, "Thou art all fair, oh, my love, and there is not a spot in thee." How should she not be most beautiful, who brought forth Him Who was "beautiful above the sons of men"? Assuredly, "The most High hath sanctified His own tabernacle." Psalm 45
Affections: Shall not I, at so glorious a vision of Christian perfection, cleanse my soul from its stains? O most pure Virgin, obtain for me grace to do this.
Second Point of Consideration: Consider with what privileges and honours the blessed Trinity glorifies her. The Father loves her as His daughter; the Son honours her as His mother; the Holy Ghost embraces Her as His bride.
Affections: How can I sufficiently praise thee?
Third Point of Consideration: Consider the mercy and tenderness of this mother towards all in misery; and although the mercy of God be infinitely greater, yet infinite also is His justice, in which Mary has no part.
Affections: Hail holy Queen, mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us. And after this our exile show unto us the blessed Fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Amen.
Colloquy to the blessed Virgin Mary, may be gathered from the Affections.