Monday, May 04, 2009

First Friday: St Joseph the Workman

St JosephI've just put up a post on the Schola blog about our successful first Mass of term, the First Friday Mass at SS Gregory & Augustine. We usually sing the feast of the day, rather than a Votive Mass of the Sacred Heart; for two Mays running it has been the Feast of St Joseph the Worker. Notice the new plinth for the statue of St Joseph, below. (Here are more pictures of the Mass.)
St Joseph3
The First Fridays Masses were an initiative of Fr John Saward when he took over at SS Gregory & Augustine. They have been invaluable in providing an opportunity for a schola to sing and servers to serve missa cantata, although they don't attract especially large congregations. Perhaps people should reflect more on the promises Our Lord made to those who take part in this devotion to the Sacred Heart.

1. I will give them all the graces necessary for their state of life.
2. I will give peace in their families.
3. I will console them in all their troubles.
4. I will be their refuge in life and especially in death.
5. I will abundantly bless all their undertakings.
6. Sinners shall find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
7. Tepid souls shall become fervent.
8. Fervent souls shall rise speedily to great perfection.
9. I will bless those places wherein the image of My Sacred Heart shall be exposed and venerated.
10. I will give to priests the power to touch the most hardened hearts.
11. Persons who propagate this devotion shall have their names eternally written in my Heart.
12. In the excess of the mercy of my Heart, I promise you that my all powerful love will grant to all those who will receive Communion on the First Fridays, for nine consecutive months, the grace of final repentance: they will not die in my displeasure, nor without receiving the sacraments; and my Heart will be their secure refuge in that last hour.


Here is Fr Saward's sermon, for those who missed it.

No comments:

Post a Comment