Feast of St. Joan of Arc

PRAYER TO SAINT JOAN OF ARC IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

Composed by Andrea Oefinger

SAINT JOAN OF ARC, GIVE ME STRENGTH!

In this, my time of need, I beg thee to come to my aid.

I humbly ask thee to help me bear my trials with honor,

As I remember you in your earthly agonies.

BLESSED JOAN, DUTY BOUND TO GOD, GIVE ME COURAGE!

You who left family and friends to enter into God’s service,

Devout and valiant to uphold righteousness to the end,

While being insulted and harmed by your enemies.

HOLY JOAN, DAUGHTER OF GOD, GIVE ME FORTITUDE!

Help me to prevail in life and death over evil,

While bearing my injuries with the dignity you showed

When wounded in the breast, head, thigh, and heel.

PIOUS JOAN, HELP ME TO BE FEARLESS!

Abandoned by the king you yourself had crowned,

Captured and sold to the highest bidder,

You put your trust in the King of Heaven to deliver you.

VENERABLE JOAN, HELP ME TO BE UNWAVERING IN MY FAITH!

Beaten, bruised, questioned and accused,

You were denied that which you loved most:

Communion, confession, mass and public prayer.

HEROIC JOAN, HELP ME TO UPHOLD JUSTICE!

Imprisoned, neglected, threatened and condemned,

Sentenced to die as a heretic the most cruelest death,

To die by the fire and be raised up in heaven!

GLORIOUS VIRGIN, PLEASE INTERCEDE FOR ME.

Hear this petition and my heartfelt plea.

Pray for me in this, my time of need,

For I believe God will deny you nothing. Amen.

(Here mention you specific request.)

PRAYER TO SAINT JOAN OF ARC FOR HEALING

Composed by Andrea Oefinger

Holy Saint Joan, compassionate to the sick and wounded, who, while on earth, nursed so many back to health, hear me.

You who wished to see no one injured or in discomfort, pray for me and guide me through this difficult time.

Daughter of God, wounded many times in battle, I petition you for healing (mention your request here) so that I may be better able to serve God in whatever capacity HE wishes. Intercede for me.

It may not be in God’s will for my body to be healed, for my sufferings may help another or my own soul. If my request is not granted, help me to remain strong, and instead be healed emotionally and spiritually. Amen.

The Litany of St. Joan of Arc
Composed by Louis, Bishop of Saint Dié

Lord, have mercy on us!
Jesus Christ, have mercy on us!
Lord, have mercy on us!
Jesus Christ, hear us!
Jesus Christ, graciously hear us!

Our Heavenly Father, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Son, Savior of the world, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Spirit, Who art God, have mercy on us!
Holy Trinity, Who art God, have mercy on us!

Holy Mary, virgin Mother of God, pray for us.
Our Lady of the Assumption, principal patron of France, pray for us.
Saint Michael the Archangel, patron and special protector of France, pray for us.

Saint Catherine of Alexandria, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Margaret of Antioch, virgin and Martyr, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, chosen by God at Domremy, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, informed [of her mission] by Saint Michael, the Archangel and his Angels, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compliant to the call of God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, confidant [in] and submissive to her voices, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of family life and labor, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, faithfully devoted to Our Lady, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, who delighted in the Holy Eucharist, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of generosity in the service to God, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, example of faithfulness to the Divine vocation, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of union with God in action, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, virgin and soldier, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, model of courage and purity in the field [of battle], pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, compassionate towards all who suffer, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, the pride of Orleans, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, glory of Reims, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, liberator of the Country, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, abandoned and imprisoned at Compiegne, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, pure and patient in thy prison, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, heroic and valiant before thy judges, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, alone with God at the hour of torment, pray for us.
Saint Joan of Arc, Martyr of Rouen, pray for us.

Saint Joan or Arc and Saint Therese of Lisieux patronesses of France, pray for us.
All the Saints of France, intercede for us.

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
ave mercy on us, Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
graciously hear us, Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, 
have mercy on us, Lord.

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us, that we may become worthy of the promises of Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Let us pray.

Oh God, Who hast raised up in an admirable manner, the virgin of Domremy, Saint Joan of Arc, for the defense of the faith and [our] country, by her intercession, we ask Thee that the Church [may] triumph against the assaults of her enemies and rejoice in lasting peace; through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen

How You Can Get Plenary Indulgences This Summer

Summer presents many possibilities to gain many plenary indulgences, on vacation or at home

Joseph Pronechen

Summer presents a spiritual surprise. Several plenary indulgences are possible for you, your family and friends to gain for yourself or to apply to any soul in purgatory.

These indulgences are in addition to those particular ones the Church allows on a daily basis — and which so few people realize are available. We’ve discussed daily ones before and will review them later, but let’s begin with those falling during summer.

Let’s start by reviewing the general requirements necessary for any plenary indulgence. The requirements and indulgences are spelled out in the Enchiridion Indulgentiarum, or Manual of Indulgences, Fourth Edition.

To gain a plenary indulgence you must:

            Be baptized and in the state of grace, at least at the time the indulgenced work is done.

            Have “the interior disposition of complete detachment from sin, even venial sin.”

            Otherwise, the indulgence becomes partial, not plenary.

And fulfill these three conditions:

            Sacramentally confess your sins

            Receive Holy Communion. (“It is certainly better to receive it while participating in Holy Mass, but for the indulgence only Holy Communion is required”).

            Pray for the intentions of the Holy Father. One Our Father and one Hail Mary fully satisfies this.

One sacramental confession suffices for gaining several plenary indulgences, but a separate Holy Communion and separate prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father are required for each plenary indulgence. According to the most recent Church guidelines on the subject, “it is sufficient that these sacred rites and prayers be carried out within several days (about 20) before or after the indulgenced act.”

Of course, you must also:

            Perform the prescribed work to which the indulgence is attached.

            Have at least a general intention to gain the indulgence. You can’t receive an indulgence unintentionally or by accident.

If any part of the requirements is missing, then the indulgence becomes partial. Heaven determines the degree of the partial indulgence.

            A plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who —

On Summer’s Specific Dates:

On June 3 this year, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, “devoutly participate in a solemn Eucharistic procession, held inside or outside a church, of greatest importance on the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ” (Corpus Christi Sunday).

On June 8 this year, the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. “On the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, publicly recite the act of reparation Jesu dulcissime (a partial indulgence is granted for its use in other circumstances, such as private recitation. See the form of the prayer carried in the Manual below).

June 29, Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. On this solemnity “make prayerful use of an article of devotion, as defined by Norm 15, that has been blessed by the Supreme Pontiff or by any bishop, provided the faithful also make a Profession of Faith using any legitimate formula.” Norm 15 identifies the articles to be “a crucifix or cross, rosary, scapular, or medal.”

August 2, the “Portiuncula” indulgence. See the specific places necessary to attend reading on.

Floating Summer Dates

First Communions are usually held this time of year. “The faithful who receive Holy Communion for the first time or devoutly assist at the first Holy Communion of others” can receive a plenary indulgence.

Retreats which people do attend during the summer (any time of year actually) have a plenary indulgence available for the faithful who spend at least three entire days in the spiritual exercises of a retreat.

First Mass of a newly ordained priest.  Both the “priest celebrating his first Mass before the people on a chosen day; [and] the faithful who devoutly assist at such a Mass” can receive the indulgence.

Ordination Anniversary of a priest presents another occasion to receive a plenary indulgence. The manual states those who can gain the indulgence are “priests celebrating the 25^th, 50^th, 60^th, 70^th anniversary of their priestly ordinations, who renew before God their promise of faithfully fulfilling the duties of their vocation; bishops celebrating the 25^th, 40^th, and 50^th anniversary of their episcopal ordination, who renew before God their promise of faithfully fulfilling the duties of their office; the faithful who devoutly assist at jubilee Mass celebrations.”

At Home or On Vacation

Going on vacation? Staying close to home? Near or far, many locations also offer opportunities for gaining a plenary indulgence by

Visiting Sacred Places “and there devoutly recite an Our Father and the Creed.” The specific places with lots of latitude built-in are:

1 — if abroad, one of the four Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, either as part of a group making a pilgrimage to the basilica, or at least with the purpose of expressing during the visit filial submission to the Roman Pontiff

2 — A Minor Basilica — search one out near you or your vacation destination. When?

A – On the Solemnity of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29)

B – On the solemnity of its Titular

C – On Aug. 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence

D – Once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful

3 —  The Cathedral Church gives you the opportunity to stay in your diocese,

           A –  On the solemnity of the holy Apostles Peter and Paul (June 29)

            B –  On the solemnity of it Titular – if it happens to be during the summer. For example, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption in San Francisco (Aug. 15), and St. Augustine Cathedral in Bridgeport, Connecticut (Aug. 28). Most do not fall during the summer.

            C –  On Aug. 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence

                  (There are two other of these visit times, but they’re not during summer: on the

                  liturgical celebration of the Chair of St. Peter, the Apostle and on the dedication of

                  the Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior (known as St. John Lateran.)

4 — An International, National, or Diocesan Shrine Established by Competent Authority.

Why not make one or more of these your summer vacation destination, or part of your planned trip? When to visit?

            A –  On the solemnity of its Titular. For example, St. Anne’s Church & Shrine in Fall

                    River, Massachusetts. or at the Isle La Motte, Vermont, on July 26; National

                    Shrine of Saint Philomena in Briggsville, Wisconsin, Aug. 11; National Shrine of

                    St. Anthony in Cincinnati, Ohio; National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

                    On July 16.

            B –  Once a year, on a day chosen by the Christian faithful. (Any day during your

                    Summer vacation or day-trip. Plan on Mass there too.)

            C –  As often as they assist in a group pilgrimage visiting the shrine.

5 — A Parish Church. This is nearest of all.  When?

            A – On the solemnity of its Titular. (Might not work during summer if your parish is

                   named after a saint whose feast falls during other times of the year. Or named

                   after St. Joseph or one of the Blessed Mother’s titles celebrated later or earlier.

                   Check the liturgical calendar for the feast date of your pariah’s namesake.)

            B – On Aug. 2, the day of the “Portiuncula” indulgence. This works for every parish.

6 — A church or altar on the day of its dedication. Exceptional circumstance, yet

               possible.

7 — Consecration of the Family. Although for anytime during the year, why not during summer? The Manual says the members of the family gain a plenary indulgence “on the day on which it is first consecrated, if at all possible by a priest or deacon, to the Sacred Heart of Jesus or to the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph if they devoutly recite the duly approved prayer before an image of the Sacred Heart or the Holy Family.”

Remember the Normal Daily Ones 

Even with this list geared toward summer travel, day trips, and vacations, don’t forget a plenary indulgence can be obtained “each day of the year,” but “no more than once a day.” That’s means all summer.

The four ways, together with the three basic conditions of Confession, receiving Holy Communion, and praying for the Holy Father’s intentions, are —

            Eucharistic Adoration. “Visit the Blessed Sacrament for adoration lasting at least a half hour.”

            Praying the Rosary. “Devoutly recite the Marian Rosary in a church or oratory, or in a family, a religious community, or an association of the faithful, and in general when several of the faithful gather for some honest purpose…”

            Reading or listening to Sacred Scriptures. “Read the Sacred Scriptures as spiritual reading, from a text approved by a competent authority, and with the reverence due to the divine word, for at least a half an hour; if the time is less, the indulgence will be partial.” Or listen to it being read.

            Pious exercise of the Way of the Cross. Walk them in church or where legitimately erected.

May your summer be a joyful blessed one.

From Above: The Jesu dulcissime prayer for the Feast of the Sacred Heart. There are shorter versions, but this is the one printed in the latest official Manual of Indulgences.

            Most sweet Jesus, whose overflowing charity for men is requited by so much forgetfulness, negligence, and contempt, behold us prostrate before you, eager to repair by a special act of homage the cruel indifference and injuries to which your loving Heart is everywhere subjected.

            Mindful, alas! That we ourselves have had a share in such great indignities, which we now deplore from the depths of our hearts, we humbly ask your pardon and declare our readiness to atone by voluntary expiation, not only for our own personal offenses, but also for the sins of those who, straying from the path of salvation, refuse in their obstinate infidelity to follow you, their Shepherd and Leader, or, renouncing the promises of their Baptism, have cast off the sweet yoke of your law.

            We are now resolved to expiate each and every deplorable outrage committed against you; we are determined to make amends for the manifold offenses against Christian modesty in indecent dress and behavior, for all the foul seductions laid to ensnare the feet of the innocent, for the frequent violations of Sundays and holydays, and for the shocking blasphemies uttered against you and your Saints. We wish also to make amends for the insults to which your Vicar on earth and your priests are subjected, for the profanation, by conscious neglect or terrible acts of sacrilege, of the very Sacrament of your divine love, and lastly for the public crimes of nations who resist the rights and teaching authority of the Church which you have founded.

            Would that we were able to wash away such abominations with our blood. We now offer, in reparation for these violations of your divine honor, the satisfaction you once made to your Eternal Father on the cross and which you continue to renew daily on our altars; we offer it in union with the acts of atonement of your Virgin Mother and all the saints and of the pious faithful on earth; and we sincerely promise to make recompense, as far as we can with the help of your grace, for all the neglect of your great love and for the sins we and others have committed in the past. Henceforth, we will live a life of unswerving faith, of purity of conduct, of perfect observance of the precepts of the Gospel and especially that of charity. We promise to the best of our power to prevent others from offended you and to bring as many as possible to follow you.

            O loving Jesus, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mother, our model of reparation, deign to receive the voluntary offering we make of this act of expiation; and by the crowning gift of perseverance keep us faithful unto death to our duty and the allegiance we owe to you, that we may all one day come to that happy home, where with the Father and the Holy Spirit you live and reign, for ever and ever. Amen.