4:00 a.m. - Mass

4:37 a.m. - Morning Offering & Prayers

4:49 a.m. - Children's Rosary December 25, 1994

5:23 a.m. - Soothing Mary Songs

5:51 a.m. - Mary's Message

5:58 a.m. - Songs in Spanish sung by Fernando

6:20 a.m. - 6:20 prayers led by Father Carter
                 Holy Spirit Novena
                 Shepherds of Christ Prayer Manual
                 Rosary

7:24 a.m. - Songs

7:58 a.m. - Live Rosary from December 13, 1996

9:21 a.m. - Songs from Jesus

10:14 a.m. - Morning Offering

10:18 a.m. - Mary's Message

10:24 a.m. - Nursing Home #4

11:06 a.m. - Seven Sorrows

11:21 a.m. - Children's Rosary March 20, 1997

12:07 p.m. - Songs

1:27 p.m. - Special Messages from Jesus 
                    given to Father Carter

1:55 p.m. - Newsletter 2000 Issue 2 
                    (Suffering: A Source of Life)

3:29 p.m. - Songs

4:00 p.m. - Mass

4:37 p.m. - Songs & Messages October 24, 1995

5:41 p.m. - Mary's Message

5:47 p.m. - Mysteries of Light July 10, 2003 #1

6:20 p.m. - 6:20 prayers led by Father Carter
                 Holy Spirit Novena
                 Shepherds of Christ Prayer Manual
                 Rosary

7:24 p.m. - Glorious Rosary April 16, 1995

8:08 p.m. - Tell My People read by Father Carter

9:39 p.m. - Daily Messages December 11-12, 1998

11:08 p.m. - Mary's Message

11:14 p.m. - Songs

12:34 a.m. - The Spirituality of Fatima 
                     read by Father Carter & Rita Ring

1:16 a.m. - Instrumental Songs

1:49 a.m. - Nursing Home #2

2:26 a.m. - Sorrowful Rosary Aves

2:58 a.m. - Morning Offering

3:02 a.m. - Mary's Message

3:08 a.m. - Children praying the 
                   Shepherds of Christ prayers

3:26 a.m. - Songs

4:00 a.m. - Mass

        

November 5, 2003

Jesus speaks:      I am a God of justice.

                            I ask you to obey Me.

Jesus speaks:      I gave you this prayer:

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      I have called you to commit as

                                Apostles, Servants and Handmaids of

                                My Sacred Heart.

LEVELS OF COMMITMENT

There are seven levels of commitment in the Shepherds of Christ Movement.

1. There are Associates who gather and pray at least once monthly as a group and also help with donations to support the Shepherds of Christ priestly newsletter. They can be tremendously involved. They give as they feel they are able.

2. Apostles are members who have restricted their apostolic activity to the Shepherds of Christ. They literally act as a body of lay people who have given their lives in their present living situation to do all that they can to bring about the Reign of the Sacred Heart and the triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart.

3. Prayer Apostles are often shut-ins, some are able to go to church and pray. They spend much of their lives praying for the Movement.

4. Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus are those who spend at least two separate hours weekly before the Blessed Sacrament praying for the following:

1. For the spread of the devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary culminating in the reign of the Sacred Heart and the triumph of the Immaculate Heart.

2. For the Pope.

3. For all bishops of the world.

4. For all priests.

5. For all sisters and brothers in the religious life.

6. For all members of the Shepherds of Christ Movement, and for the spread of this Movement to the world.

7. For all members of the Catholic Church.

8. For all members of the human family.

9. For all souls in purgatory.

5. Handmaids of the Good Shepherd are young and older women who have given their lives in community primarily to pray for the Shepherds of Christ Movement and intentions and to be special spouses of Jesus. Some have more duties than others. All have the primary duty of prayer and the desire to be a special spouse of our Lord. One of the functions of the handmaids is the involvement in praying for and helping to circulate the priestly newsletter. The handmaids are not members of a religious order.
     
     
     

6. Servants of the Good Shepherd are men who live in community with a lifestyle and purpose similar to that of the handmaids. The servants are not members of a religious order.
     
    
     
   
      

7. We wish to form a special congregation of priests who will realize their great oneness with Christ. They will be consecrated deeply to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary and support the Shepherds of Christ Movement as holy priests.

   Whatever one's level of commitment in the Shepherds of Christ Movement, all share in promoting the overall goal of the Movement. This goal is to help in the spiritual renewal of the Church and the world. All varied ministries of the Movement are directed toward this purpose. The spirituality which the Shepherds of Christ Movement presents to its members and to those outside the Movement through its various ministries is very basic. This spirituality is explicitly Trinitarian and Christocentric. Our spirituality helps others, especially priests, to develop a very deep union with Jesus, this Jesus Who leads us to the Father in the Holy Spirit with Mary at our side. Our spirituality is deeply Eucharistic. We stress very much participation in the Mass and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. We also emphasize the extremely important role of prayer in the spiritual life. Devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, especially consecration to Their Hearts, is also a most important and central element. We are very much interested in helping to bring the Fatima message to completion, a message which has consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary at its very core.

President, Servant of the Good Shepherd
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Head handmaid of the Good Shepherd
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Servant of the Good Shepherd

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Servant of the Good Shepherd

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Died September 23, 2003
   

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart (Vice President)
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart (Treasurer)
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

  Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Handmaid of the Good Shepherd

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Apostle of the Sacred Heart
Shepherds of Christ Movement

Doris J.

What has Shepherds of Christ and being a Handmaid done for my life and for my relationship with Jesus?

I first heard of Shepherds of Christ from a letter received concerning a rosary gathering at Tom’s Farm in October 1996. My family already had plans for the 13^th. When I received a notice for November 13^th my brother and I went not knowing much about Shepherds of Christ, but if it was praying the rosary-it had to be good. It was the most powerful rosary I ever attended. I didn’t go for several months, but felt drawn to this ministry and compelled to pray the prayers and read the blue books. Jesus was talking directly to me through them and it was great.

Jesus has always worked slowly in my heart. Pain and suffering in my early adult life brought me to realize that God was the only one I could turn to in my need. God alone was my strength.

In July 1997, news came that the department where I worked was being phased out by the parent company on the east coast. I was disenchanted with my job and I only continued working there to live, so I wasn’t concerned about the lack of a job.

During this same time, I felt pulled in my heart to pray with Shepherds of Christ as a body. I was shy and I would just come, sit, pray and be silent, not really talking to anyone very much.

I knew from my childhood that I would never marry. The pull Jesus had on me was stronger than the world’s, though I didn’t realize the source. For the past year I had become closer to Jesus and I felt what I would do with my life, next, would be for him alone.

On August 13, 1998, I went to China, Indiana, to the monthly rosary knowing something was going to happen-but not knowing what. During the rosary the president of Shepherds of Christ started reading a letter from Jesus about women being called as handmaids and their way of life. I felt the power of the Holy Spirit descend on my head and I was glad to be sitting. I knew Jesus was calling me to become a handmaid, a call that I had been waiting patiently for, for over two years.

After the rosary I acted on the Holy Spirit’s prompting immediately-knowing if I didn’t, I would find excuses not to. Jesus’ hand is very strong in my life. I was accepted as a candidate for a handmaid within a few days and gave two weeks notice at work. I found myself in Clearwater, Florida, within three weeks.

As a Handmaid of the Good Shepherd my life is very prayerful and very one on one with Jesus as His spouse. He is the Bridegroom of my Soul. Just being with him after Mass and in front of the tabernacle is candy to my soul and leaves me speechless. Being a handmaid has brought the joy, love and peace of my Divine Bridegroom into my life to an extent I didn’t even know could exist.

He calls me to constant change and growth. I cannot remain the same, for my life and love for him would stagnate. I live to serve him. I have only scratched the surface of the depth to which my soul craves union with my Lord and Savior. Any life in God is hard work, but the rewards are unbounded.

Jesus loves each and everyone of us on a personal level. He died on the cross to save each soul. He, the living God, is truly waiting in the tabernacle for us, to love us, if we would only come and sit with him.

Since my move to Clearwater, Florida, in 1998, I have recently traveled to China, Indiana, for a stay and I am currently in Morrow, Ohio, doing the work Jesus has called me to do. Jesus knows where I will be next, even though I do not.

There is nothing boring about being on Jesus’ roller coaster. The ride is into eternity! I can’t wait to see you there!

Mary G.

 
How has being a member of Shepherds of Christ has changed my life?

When I was a baby, we lived next door to a convent and I had 12 years of Catholic education. I married and lived Cincinnati eventually. After my civil divorce, my three younger children and I moved back to Price Hill in Cincinnati where I grew up. This time brought me the Catholic Charismatic experience.

Dad died in '86, and I moved away to a small town. Though I tried, I thought no Catholic church or prayer group met my needs so I attended Protestant prayer meetings and services. I found ministers and prayer groups that deeply love the Lord Jesus, and I would still be in these circles except that I went back to Cincinnati to visit. I hadn't told my old friends that I was no longer a practicing Catholic so I joined them when they attended charismatic functions. At one of these I was given Blue Book I.

Actually, someone tried to give it to me and I wouldn't take it saying, I had too much to read , so it was given to the friend I was staying with. When we got home and she was out of the room, I opened the book so I could congratulate myself for not accepting it.

That's Jesus! Jesus is speaking in this book! I read almost the whole book that night, then I ate humble pie and phoned the lady who had pressed me to accept it. I received it in a few days.

Back home I read and reread it. Jesus was speaking loud and clear and I went to the nearest church and made a confession and resumed my long neglected practice of daily Mass. I also began to go to the Shepherds of Christ chapter meetings in Morrow, Ohio, where I heard the call for volunteers to come to the Virgin Mary Site in Clearwater, Florida.

How well I understand God's words, "Your thoughts are not My thoughts!".

Changing my thoughts and my ways comes more slowly than changing my address, which is now Clearwater, Florida.

Though retirement isn't at all what I thought it would be, I wouldn't trade places with anyone at all.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving
(To be recited daily at the end of the day)

O God, on behalf of Shepherds of Christ Ministries and Our Lady of Light Ministry, we offer up these prayers of thanksgiving:

Thank You Father for Your love, patience, and understanding. We know we are not worthy of such gifts, but that You give them anyway - because of Your great love for souls.

Thank You Jesus for the many gifts and graces You give us as members of Your Movement - Shepherds of Christ. We offer You our love and gratitude through Your Mother's Immaculate Heart.

Thank You Holy Spirit for Your special gifts. Please inspire us to be grateful for what we have been given. Please help us to give ourselves in love to You and all we meet.

Thank You Holy Trinity for Your boundless love and mercy. Please help us to nurture Your presence within us. Help us to be obedient to Your commands and give all the glory to You - Our loving God. We especially thank You for the gift of our Heavenly Mother, Mary.

Thank you Mary for your example while on earth, and for your constant intercession today. Please help us to grow in holiness and put into action all that your Son Jesus asks of us.

We thank St. Michael and the Holy Angels for their prayers, help, and protection. Finally, we thank the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory for their prayers. We ask them to unite with us in giving thanks and praise to the most Holy Trinity - Our Heavenly Father, Our Lord Jesus, and our Comforter- the Holy Spirit.

We love You! We love You! We love You! Amen.

Song by Joe Lee Servant of the Good Shepherd

Cling to Me

May 13, 1993 

Jesus speaks:  My dear child, if you stay close to Me, then I live in you and you live in Me. I am He Who created you and I love you with such an intensity that you will never know. My words are your truth. You must abide in My heart in all things. There is no room for doubt. My ways are steadfast, direct, and without error.

    You must stay rooted in Me to ward off the power of the evil one. His grip is paralyzing and crippling. His power is stronger every day.

    When you live in Me, I am in your heart and he has no power over Me. I am your God. I am your true lover. I want to protect you. I want to guard you from this force. Stay rooted firmly in Me and he will have no power.

    I am He Who comforts you. My hand is upon you. Hold tight to Me, My child. My eyes are fixed right on you. You are My most precious child. I love you as no other can. My arms are about you. My tenderness surrounds you. My love is in your heart. You go not alone. I walk with you.

    I share every aspect of your life with you. Cling to Me, feel My presence. It is warm and secure within your chest. There is no room for fear, for I cast out fear and bring you comfort and joy.

end of May 13, 1993 message

In My Heart

composed by C. Ring
written up by Joe Lee

Prayer for Union with Jesus

    Come to me, Lord, and possess my soul. Come into my heart and permeate my soul. Help me to sit in silence with You and let You work in my heart.

    I am Yours to possess. I am Yours to use. I want to be selfless and only exist in You. Help me to spoon out all that is me and be an empty vessel ready to be filled by You. Help me to die to myself and live only for You. Use me as You will. Let me never draw my attention back to myself. I only want to operate as You do, dwelling within me.

    I am Yours, Lord. I want to have my life in You. I want to do the will of the Father. Give me the strength to put aside the world and let You operate my very being. Help me to act as You desire. Strengthen me against the distractions of the devil to take me from Your work.

    When I worry, I have taken my focus off of You and placed it on myself. Help me not to give in to the promptings of others to change what in my heart You are making very clear to me. I worship You, I adore You and I love You. Come and dwell in me now.

          

Oración Para Unión con Jesús

Ven a mi, Señor, y toma posesión de mi alma. Ven a mi corazón y empapa mi alma. Ayúdame a sentarme en silencio contigo y permitirte que actúes en mi corazón.

Yo soy tuyo para que tomes posesión de mí. Soy tuyo para que te valgas de mí. Quiero ser generoso y existir solo en ti. Ayúdame a vaciar todo lo que soy, y a convertirme en una vasija vacía, lista para ser llenada por ti. Ayúdame a morir a mí mismo, y vivir sólo para ti. Utilízame según Tus deseos. No permitas que mi atención vuelva a posarse en mí. Solamente deseo actuar como tú lo haces, haciendo morada en mí.

Yo soy tuyo, Señor. Quiero que mi vida esté en ti. Quiero cumplir la voluntad del Padre. Dame la fuerza para hacer a un lado este mundo, y dejar que tú manejes lo más infinito de mi ser. Ayúdame a actuar según tus deseos. Fortaléceme contra las distracciones del demonio que tratan de apartarme de tu obra.

Cuando estoy preocupado, es porque que he puesto mi atención fuera de ti, y la he colocado sobre mí. Ayúdame a no entregarme a las insinuaciones de otros que traten de cambiar lo que en mi corazón tu estás aconsejándome con claridad. Yo te alabo, te adoro y te amo. Ven y vive ya en mi.

  

Prière pour Demander l’Union à Jésus

Viens à moi, Seigneur, et prends possession de mon âme. Viens en mon coeur et pénètre toute mon âme. Aide-moi à garder silence en ta présence et à te laisser envahir mon coeur.

Je suis tout entier à toi. Dispose de moi selon ta volonté. Je ne désire rien pour moi-même si ce n’est d’habiter en toi. Aide-moi à me vider de moi-même et à devenir un vase prêt à être rempli par toi, à mourir à moi-même et à ne vivre que pour toi. Dispose de moi selon ton bon plaisir. Ne permete pas que je ne pense qu’à moi-même. Je veux seulement agir comme tu le fais, présent en moi.

Je suis tout à toi Seigneur et je désire que ma vie soit toute en toi afin de faire la volonté du Père en tout. Donne-moi la force d’èviter ce qui est trop mondain, mais de te laisser agir en moi pour que ma vie soit toujours conforme à ta volonté. Protège-moi des distractions du démon qui veut me détourner d’accomplir ton oeuvre.

Quand je m’inquiète, c’est parce que je me détourne de toi pour ne penser qu’a moi-même. Aide-moi à ne pas écouter le suggestions de ceux qui voudraient que je m’écarte de l’inspiration que tu manifestes clairement à mon coeur. Je t’aime et je t’adore. Viens habiter en moi.

Oração para União com Jesus

Vinde a mim, Senhor, e possui minha alma. Vinde ao meu coração e penetrai a minha alma. Ajudai-me a sentar em silêncio convosco e deixar-vos trabalhar em meu coração.

Eu sou vosso para que Vós me possuais. Eu sou vosso para que Vós me useis. Eu quero ser generoso e somente viver em Vós. Ajudai-me a retirar de mim o meu egoísmo e ser um vaso vazio pronto para ser repleto pôr Vós. Ajudai-me a morrer para mim mesmo. Eu somente quero fazer o que Vós fazeis, vivendo dentro de mim.

Eu sou vosso, Senhor, eu quero que minha vida esteja em Vós. Eu quero fazer a vontade do Pai. Dai-me a força para pôr de lado o mundo e deixar que Vós opereis no meu ser. Ajudai me a agir como Vós quereis. Fortalecei-me contra as distrações do demônio para me tirar do Vosso trabalho.

Quando eu estou preocupado, eu tiro a minha atenção em Vós para colocá-la em mim mesmo. Ajudai-me a não ceder as sugestões dos outros para mudar o que está em meu coração. Vós estais fazendo tudo muito claro para mim. Eu Vos adoro e eu Vos amo. Vinde e habitai em mim agora.

Song from Jesus received October 7, 1994

November 5, 2003 message continues

Messenger:      Fernando has translated the songs, Mass book

                            Parents and Children's Book ——

                            all have the Imprimatur.

Apostle of the Sacred Heart

November 5, 2003 message continues

Messenger:      From the Mass Book  

Excerpt from the Mass Book

December 26, 1996

THE PRIEST AND THE MASS

I know this mystical union with Christ through the holy priest.

It is there, in the Mass, I encounter Him. I know Him in deepest intimacy.

It is through the hands of the holy priest, the ones consecrated to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary, that we receive an immense outpouring of His grace, His divine life.

Oh, not only through the holy priest; through the hands of any priest His great life flows.

But, oh, when a priest is so holy, in his oneness with Christ, the grace flows and flows.

To be at a Mass where the priest is so one with Christ is to be at a Mass where I really feel Christ's presence in the priest. At every Mass, I am so aware of Christ celebrating the Mass through the priest. But when a very holy priest celebrates the Mass, I feel an immense presence of Christ there. I feel the flow of His grace and I am moved deeply within my heart and I cry from this immense presence of God. I am in awe. I unite to Jesus in every move of the priest, every word, when he is so united to Christ. I feel Christ so alive in Him. Every gesture, every word spoken, is as though Christ is present offering the sacrifice and I am fed with His divine life.

I love God so much. Through the hands of His holiest priests, I am taken into ecstasy in the Mass for I am so wrapped in His divine love.

Oh, I want Him so much. I yearn for this intense oneness I get in the Mass, when I receive Him in the Eucharist. My heart burns to receive my Divine King.

I see the hands, the hands of a man, a priest, and I see Christ celebrating the Mass in the priest. Oh, the merger of Christ and the priest in this Holy Sacrifice is one that takes me to the heights of heaven.

I am in awe of the Almighty God truly present through the hands of the priest. Oh, God, I love You. If you would ever take away the gift of the Mass, of the Eucharist, I would be in such suffering. Oh, this gift I love so much. I live each day to attend the Mass and receive the Eucharist. I am yearning for this. My whole day is centered around the Mass, and my reception of the Holy Eucharist. Oh I love Him, my beloved, in the Eucharist. I see this merger between Our Divine Lord and the priest and I love God so much.

God comes to me in the hands of a man, but I see this immense merger in every action of the priest, in every word between him and Jesus. It is a place I go to in the Mass, a place as heaven to me.

The Mass starts and my soul is filled with such love of God, and I long for Him so much to unite and be one with Him. This place I know, as no other on the earth, a place with intense presence of God, flowing from the priest to me. I love Him, my God, so much. So much of this love has come from attending the Mass, celebrated by a holy priest, one who has consecrated his heart to Jesus and Mary and has a very deep union with Christ.

My heart burns for this Mass. When he, His holy priest, celebrates Mass, I see this merger between Our Divine Lord and the priest and I love God so much. The Sacraments are special encounters with Christ to give divine life.

Oh life, Oh, divine life, Oh, fountain of His divine life that flows through the hands of a holy priest! I long, I thirst, I want this great gift given from God.

He shares His life with me and I know Him.

I have developed this immense love affair with My God through the hands of a holy priest celebrating Mass and through adoration before the tabernacle.

I fell in love with Jesus in these most intimate moments in the Mass, especially after Communion when He gives Himself to me.

I fell in love with my precious One as He remained hidden behind the tabernacle, but oh, His presence and His life! He poured out His life to me and I fell in love with my Divine God.

Oh, how to write, for to write is to limit this great gift of God Himself to a paper and pen, and it is nothing as how it truly is.

Oh, I want Him so much. I want these precious moments in the Mass when I encounter Christ so vividly as He gives Himself to me.

How Our Lord is treated, and He gives us Himself and He gives us His love!

Oh, the Mass, from the beginning to the end, I love it so much. I long for the Mass. I want to be there and I pray for the greatest grace to unite so deeply with Our Lord.

Why are there not more vocations, with such a great honor God gives to his priest?

Being a priest is the greatest honor God gives to a man. God gives a man the power to change bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ.

God gives to a priest the power to Baptize, to elevate a human nature to one in which the person shares divine life.

God gives to a priest the power to take away sins, which makes the difference to a soul dead in sin.

God gives such power to a priest, such a great gift given to a priest.

Why are not more young men priests?

Many priests do not realize the great gift that God gives them.

I sit in the pew and I am fed by Christ, Who celebrates the Mass through the priest. I am taken into ecstasy as I see the priest merge with Christ and feel Christ celebrating the Mass through the priest.

Oh, I am fed. Oh, I am so sensitive to every gesture, every way he speaks the Word of God. I feel Christ speak to me as the priest reads the Gospel. The Word feeds me. The words spoken by a holy priest penetrate my heart and my soul. It is as a two-edged sword. I feel all the words in my being, every word in the depth of my soul.

I love God so much and I love the priest. I love the Eucharist. I love the hands that give my God to me. The Mass is the greatest gift of God's love!

So why are there not vocations? The priest must give himself in consecration to Jesus and Mary to be so one with Christ.

When the priest is in love with Jesus with his whole heart, his whole mind and his whole soul, the man being called to the priesthood will see the great honor it is to be a priest and men will flock to the seminary. The modeling isn't there.

Oh, priests wear your priesthood proudly. You are given the greatest honor bestowed to a man-the title of a priest!

The priest must love God with a burning heart and love his people with the Heart of Jesus.

It is powerful to be loved by the priest in the Mass. The priest must love his flock, that he would die for them. He must love Christ so much he gives himself totally to Him and holds nothing back.

Love is giving. The priest must give himself completely to God to have proper union with Him.

Oh, how the Mass unites us in one body, in the Body of Christ. I become one in Him. You become one in Him. We are one body in Him. His life flows through His body, the Church.

Oh, fountain of life, the Church - flowing on God's people. His abundant grace flows through the Mass.

Life flows from the Father, in the Holy Spirit, through the pierced Heart of Jesus, through the heart of Mary, to us.

We are one body. The life flows through us. It feeds us and makes us whole.

His life flows in His Church through the Mass and the Sacraments. Oh, God, protect what your right hand has planted.

Ps. 80:14-18:

God Sabaoth, come back, we pray,
look down from heaven and see,
visit this vine;
protect what your own hand has planted.
They have thrown it on the fire like dung,
the frown of your rebuke will destroy them.
May your hand protect those at your side,
the child of Adam you have strengthened for yourself!
Never again will we turn away from you,
give us life and we will call upon your name.

Jn. 15:5-6:

I am the vine,
you are the branches.
Whoever remains in me, with me in him,
bears fruit in plenty;
for cut off from me you can do nothing.
Anyone who does not remain in me
is thrown away like a branch
-and withers;
these branches are collected
and thrown on the fire
and are burnt.

God is the vine, we are the branches. We need His life or we wither and die.

The people feast copiously on His divine life abundantly flowing through the hands of the holy priest in the Mass.

His life flows as a fountain on His holy people.

The priest is like the opening through which this spring pours forth.

When a priest has given his heart to Mary, this divine life flows as a shower through her Immaculate Heart, watering the earth with His glistening grace.

Oh, how abundantly doth your grace flow, Lord.

It will flow in proportion to our giving ourselves to Jesus and Mary.

At Fatima Mary told Jacinta: "Tell everybody that God gives graces through the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Tell them to ask grace from her, and that the Heart of Jesus wishes to be venerated together with the Immaculate Heart of Mary."¹

  1. Our Lady of Fatima's Peace Plan from Heaven [Rockford: TAN Books and Publishers, Inc., 1983], pp. 9-10. [The words in brackets are added for clarification].

26 de Diciembre de 1996

El Sacerdote y la Misa
 

     Conozco esta mística unión con Cristo a través del sacerdote santo.

     Es ahí, en la Misa, donde me encuentro con Jesús.  Lo conozco muy  íntimamente.

     Es a través de las manos de los sacerdotes santos , los que están consagrados a los Corazones de Jesús y María, que recibimos una inmensa derrama de la gracia de Dios, su vida divina.

     Oh, no sólo a través de los sacerdotes santos ; la vida de Dios fluye a través de cualquier sacerdote.

     Oh, pero cuando un sacerdote es muy santo, en su unidad con Cristo, la gracia fluye y fluye.

     El estar en una Misa en donde el sacerdote está profundamente unido con Cristo, es estar en una Misa en donde siento verdaderamente la presencia de Cristo en el sacerdote.  En toda Misa, estoy muy consciente de que es Cristo el que la celebra por medio del sacerdote.  Pero cuando un sacerdote muy santo celebra la Misa, siento ahí una presencia inmensa de Cristo.  Siento la corriente de su gracia y mi corazón se conmueve profundamente y lloro por esta inmensa presencia de Dios.  Estoy admirada.  Yo me uno a Jesús en cada movimiento del sacerdote, en cada palabra, cuando el sacerdote está muy  unido a Cristo.  Siento a Cristo tan vivo en él.  Cada gesto, cada palabra que se dice, es como si Cristo está presente ofreciendo el sacrificio y me alimento con su vida divina.

     Amo tanto a Dios.  A través de las manos de los sacerdotes más santos , caigo en éxtasis en la Misa porque estoy tan envuelta en su amor divino.

     Oh, quiero tanto a Dios.  Anhelo por esta intensa unidad que recibo en la Misa, cuando recibo a Cristo en la Eucaristía.  Mi corazón arde por recibir a mi Rey Divino.

     Veo las manos, las manos de un hombre, un sacerdote, y veo a Cristo en el sacerdote celebrando la Misa.  Oh, la unión de Cristo y el sacerdote en este Santo Sacrificio es algo que me transporta a las alturas del cielo.

     Estoy admirada del Dios omnipotente que está verdaderamente presente a través de las manos del sacerdote.  Oh Dios, te amo.  Si tú quitaras el regalo de la Misa y la Eucaristía, yo sufriría mucho.  Oh, amo tanto este regalo.  Yo vivo cada día para asistir a Misa y recibir la Eucaristía.  Ansío por ésto.  Mi día entero se centra en la Misa y en mi recepción de la Santa Eucaristía.  Oh lo amo, a mi amado, en la Eucaristía.  Yo veo esta fusión entre Nuestro Divino Señor y el sacerdote y amo tanto a Dios.

     Dios viene a mí en las manos de un hombre, pero veo esta inmensa fusión en cada acción del sacerdote, en cada palabra entre él y Jesús.  En Misa voy a un lugar, un lugar que para mí es como el cielo.

     La Misa comienza y mi alma se llena de gran amor a Dios,  y deseo tanto unirme y ser uno con él.  Yo conozco este lugar, como ningún otro en la tierra, un lugar que contiene una inmensa presencia de Dios, que fluye del sacerdote hacia mí.  Amo tanto a mi Dios.  Mucho de este amor ha venido por asistir a la Misa, celebrada por un sacerdote santo, uno que ha consagrado su corazón a Jesús y María y tiene una unión muy profunda con Cristo.

     Mi corazón arde por esta Misa.  Cuando él, el sacerdote santo de Dios, celebra la Misa, veo esta fusión entre Nuestro Divino Señor y el sacerdote y amo tanto a Dios.  Los Sacramentos son encuentros especiales con Cristo para dar vida divina.

     ¡Oh vida, Oh, vida divina, Oh, fuente de la vida divina de Cristo que fluye a través de las manos de un sacerdote santo!  Yo anhelo, tengo sed, quiero este gran regalo dado de Dios.

     Cristo comparte su vida conmigo y lo conozco.

     He desarrollado esta gran relación de amor con Mi Dios a través de las manos de un sacerdote santo celebrando la Misa y por la adoración ante el sagrario.

     Me enamoré de Jesús en estos momentos más íntimos en la Misa, especialmente después de la Comunión cuando él se entrega a mí.

     Me enamoré de mi precioso Jesús mientras él permanecía oculto en el sagrario, oh pero, ¡su presencia y su vida!  El derramó su vida hacia mí y me enamoré de mi Dios Divino.

     Oh, cómo escribir, porque el escribir es limitar este gran regalo de Dios mismo a un papel y una pluma  y eso no es nada comparado a lo que es en realidad.

     Oh,  quiero tanto a Jesús.  Quiero estos preciosos momentos en la Misa cuando me encuentro tan vivamente con Cristo al entregarse a mí.

     ¡Cómo se le trata a Nuestro Señor y él se entrega a nosotros y nos da su amor!

     Oh la Misa, la amo tanto de principio a fin.  Anhelo la Misa.  Quiero estar ahí y pido la mayor gracia para unirme muy profundamente a Nuestro Señor.

     ¿Por qué no hay más vocaciones, con ese honor tan grande que Dios les da a su sacerdotes?

     Ser sacerdote es el honor más grande que Dios le concede a un hombre.  Dios le da al hombre el poder de convertir el pan y el vino en el Cuerpo y en la Sangre de Cristo.

     Dios le da al sacerdote el poder de Bautizar, de elevar una naturaleza humana hacia una en la cual la persona participa de la vida divina.

     Dios le da al sacerdote el poder para perdonar los pecados, lo que hace la diferencia para una alma muerta en pecado.

     Dios le da semejante poder al sacerdote, grandioso regalo le ha sido dado al sacerdote.

     ¿Por qué no hay más jóvenes sacerdotes?

     Muchos sacerdotes no se dan cuenta del gran regalo que Dios les da.

     Me siento en la banca de la iglesia y soy alimentada por Cristo, quien celebra la Misa por medio del sacerdote.  Entro en éxtasis al ver al sacerdote fusionarse con Cristo y siento a Cristo celebrando la Misa a través del sacerdote.

     Oh, soy alimentada.  Oh, soy tan susceptible a cada gesto, a la manera  en que el sacerdote pronuncia la Palabra de Dios.  Yo siento a Cristo hablarme mientras el sacerdote lee las escrituras.  La Palabra me alimenta.  Las palabras dichas por un sacerdote santo penetran en mi corazón y en mi alma .  Es como una espada de dos filos.  Siento todas las palabras en mi ser, cada palabra en lo más hondo de mi ser.

     Amo mucho a Dios y amo al sacerdote.  Amo la Eucaristía.  Amo las manos que me dan a mi Dios.  ¡La Misa es el regalo más grande del amor de Dios!

     ¿Entonces por qué no hay vocaciones?  El sacerdote debe entregarse en la consagración a Jesús y María para estar muy unido con Cristo.

     Cuando el sacerdote ame a Jesús con todo su corazón, con toda su mente y con toda su alma , el hombre que está siendo llamado al sacerdocio verá el gran honor que es ser un sacerdote y los hombres se congregarán en el seminario. 

     ¡Oh sacerdotes lleven su sacerdocio con orgullo!  A ustedes se les ha dado el honor más grande otorgado a un hombre - el título de sacerdote! 

     El sacerdote debe amar a Dios con un corazón ardiente y amar a su gente con el Corazón de Jesús.

     Es maravilloso ser amados por el sacerdote en la Misa.  El sacerdote debe amar su rebaño, a tal grado que moriría por ellos.  Debe amar tanto a Cristo que se entrega totalmente a él sin reservas.

     Amor es dar.  El sacerdote debe entregarse totalmente a Dios para tener una unión apropiada con él.

     Oh,  cuánto nos une la Misa en un solo cuerpo, en el Cuerpo de Cristo.  Yo me hago uno en él.  Usted se hace uno en él.  Somos un cuerpo en él.  Su vida fluye a través de su cuerpo, la Iglesia.

     Oh, fuente de vida, la Iglesia - fluyendo sobre el pueblo de Dios.  Su abundante gracia fluye a través de la Misa.

     La vida fluye del padre, en el Espíritu Santo , a través del Corazón traspasado de Jesús, por medio del corazón de María, a nosotros.

     Nosotros somos un cuerpo.  La vida fluye a través de nosotros.  Nos alimenta y nos hace íntegros.    

     La vida de Dios fluye en su Iglesia por medio de la Misa y los Sacramentos.

Oh, Dios, protege lo que tu mano derecha ha plantado.

Sal. 80:14-18:

       ¡Oh Dios Sabaot, es hora de que regreses;
       mira de lo alto del cielo y contempla,
       visita esta viña
       y protégela, ya que tu derecha la plantó!
       Los que le prendieron fuego como basura,
       que perezcan al reproche de tu mirada.
       Que tu mano apoye al hombre que hace tus obras,
       al hijo del hombre que has hecho fuerte para ti.
       Ya no nos apartaremos más de ti,
       nos harás revivir y tu nombre invocaremos.

 

Jn. 15:5-6:

      Yo soy la vid
       y ustedes las ramas.
       El que permanece en mí y yo en él,
       ése da mucho fruto,
       pero sin mí no pueden hacer nada.
       Al que no permanece en mí
       lo tiran
       —y se seca;
       como las ramas, que las amontonan,
       se echan al fuego
       y se queman.

     Dios es la viña, nosotros somos las ramas.  Necesitamos su vida o nos secaremos y moriremos.

     La gente celebra copiosamente la vida divina de Dios que fluye abundantemente a través de las manos del sacerdote santo en la Misa.

     La vida de Dios fluye como una fuente sobre su pueblo santo.

     El sacerdote es como la abertura por la cual esta fuente se derrama. 

     Cuando un sacerdote ha entregado su corazón a María, esta vida divina fluye como una regadera a través de su Inmaculado Corazón, bañando la tierra con la gracia resplandeciente de Cristo.

     Oh, qué abundantemente fluye tu gracia, Señor.

     Esta fluirá en proporción a nuestra entrega a Jesús y María.

     En Fátima María le dijo a Jacinta:  "Di a todos que Dios concede gracias a través del Inmaculado Corazón de María.  Diles que pidan gracia de ella y que el Corazón de Jesús desea ser venerado junto con el Inmaculado Corazón de María."

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      The Prayer Chapters are very important.

                            Here is a message I gave December 6, 1996.

                                11 days before Mary appeared.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      Here is another message I gave

                                December 7, 1996 — 10 days before Mary

                                    appeared on the building in Clearwater,

                                    on the anniversary of Pearl Harbor.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      Extended adoration will be

                                November 10, 2003 until November 14, 2003

                                China, Indiana —

                            Please come and participate.

                            Please come for the adoration.

                            Mass on November 10, 2003  1:30 PM.

                            Please come and pray for the Movement,

                                the priests, the Church and the world.

                            Pray for all the souls of the earth.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      I want the 24 hour adoration in China.

                            I am calling servants and handmaids

                                and apostles to respond.

                            I want the Nursing Home Ministry to blossom.

                            I am asking for the School Rosary Program to blossom.

                            At the beginning of 2004 a mailing will go to

                                the priests of Fr. Carter's writings. I want

                                all to pray hourly for this.

                            I am asking for a donation so the building

                                can be owned outright by the Shepherds of

                                Christ to continue these ministries.

October 13, 1994

The Birth of the Full Ministries
of the Shepherds of Christ

Message given to Fr. Carter

July 31, 1994

Words of Jesus to Members
of Shepherds of Christ Associates:

    "My beloved priest-companion, I intend to use the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ, and the movement, Shepherds of Christ Associates, in a powerful way for the renewal of My Church and the world.

    "I will use the newsletter and the chapters of Shepherds of Christ Associates as a powerful instrument for spreading devotion to My Heart and My Mother's Heart.

    "I am calling many to become members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. To all of them I will give great blessings. I will use them as instruments to help bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the reign of My Sacred Heart. I will give great graces to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. I will call them to be deeply united to My Heart and to Mary's Heart as I lead them ever closer to My Father in the Holy Spirit."

- Message from Jesus to Father Edward J. Carter, S.J., Founder, as given on July 31, 1994,
feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      The prayer manual is available in 4 languages

                                with the Imprimatur on the internet.

                                These are My prayers for the priests, the

                                    Church and the world.

                                Also available in other languages with

                                    the Imprimatur.

Shepherds of Christ Associates

PRAYER MANUAL

  

© Copyright 2002 Shepherds of Christ Publications
Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted:
May be copied in its entirety, but neither re-typed nor edited.

The Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Handbook is available from

Shepherds of Christ Ministries
PO BOX 193
Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193

Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451
FAX: (513) 932-6791

First Printing, September 1994
Second Printing, November 1994
Third Printing, November 1995
Fourth Printing, March 1996

  

Chapter Meeting Prayer Format

The prayer format below should be followed at chapter meetings of Shepherds of Christ Associates. All prayers, not just those said specifically for priests, should include the intention of praying for all the needs of priests the world over.

1. Hymns. Hymns may be sung at any point of the prayer part of the meeting.

2. Holy Spirit Prayer. Come, Holy Spirit, almighty Sanctifier, God of love, who filled the Virgin Mary with grace, who wonderfully changed the hearts of the apostles, who endowed all Your martyrs with miraculous courage, come and sanctify us. Enlighten our minds, strengthen our wills, purify our consciences, rectify our judgment, set our hearts on fire, and preserve us from the misfortunes of resisting Your inspirations. Amen.

3. The Rosary.

4. Salve Regina. "Hail Holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope. To you do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To you do we send up our sighs, our mourning, our weeping in this vale of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary."

5. The Memorare. "Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen."

6. Seven Hail Marys in honor of the Seven Sorrows of Mary. Mary has promised very special graces to those who do this on a daily basis. Included in the promises of Our Lady for those who practice this devotion is her pledge to give special assistance at the hour of death, including the sight of her face. The seven sorrows are:

(1) The first sorrow: the prophecy of Simeon (Hail Mary).

(2) The second sorrow: the flight into Egypt (Hail Mary).

(3) The third sorrow: the loss of the Child Jesus in the temple (Hail Mary).

(4) The fourth sorrow: Jesus and Mary meet on the way to the cross (Hail Mary).

(5) The fifth sorrow: Jesus dies on the cross (Hail Mary).

(6) The sixth sorrow: Jesus is taken down from the cross and laid in Mary's arms (Hail Mary).

(7) The seventh sorrow: the burial of Jesus (Hail Mary).

7. Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us. Christ, graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God, the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.

Holy Mary, pray for us (repeat after each invocation).
Holy Mother of God,
Holy Virgin of virgins,
Mother of Christ,
Mother of the Church,
Mother of divine grace,
Mother most pure,
Mother most chaste,
Mother inviolate,
Mother undefiled,
Mother most amiable,
Mother most admirable,
Mother of good counsel,
Mother of our Creator,
Mother of our Savior,
Virgin most prudent,
Virgin most venerable,
Virgin most renowned,
Virgin most powerful,
Virgin most merciful,
Virgin most faithful,
Mirror of justice,
Seat of wisdom,
Cause of our joy,
Spiritual vessel,
Vessel of honor,
Singular vessel of devotion,
Mystical rose,
Tower of David,
Tower of ivory,
House of gold,
Ark of the Covenant,
Gate of heaven,
Morning star,
Health of the sick,
Refuge of sinners,
Comforter of the afflicted,
Help of Christians,
Queen of angels,
Queen of patriarchs,
Queen of prophets,
Queen of apostles,
Queen of martyrs,
Queen of confessors,
Queen of virgins,
Queen of all saints,
Queen conceived without original sin,
Queen assumed into heaven,
Queen of the most holy rosary,
Queen of families,
Queen of peace,

Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God, that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: Grant, we beseech You, O Lord God, that we Your servants may enjoy perpetual health of mind and body and, by the glorious intercession of the blessed Mary, ever virgin, be delivered from present sorrow, and obtain eternal joy. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

We fly to your patronage, O holy Mother of God. Despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.

8. Prayer to St. Joseph. St. Joseph, guardian of Jesus and chaste spouse of Mary, you passed your life in perfect fulfillment of duty. You supported the Holy Family of Nazareth with the work of your hands. Kindly protect those who trustingly turn to you. You know their aspirations, their hardships, their hopes; and they turn to you because they know you will understand and protect them. You too have known trial, labor, and weariness. But, even amid the worries of material life, your soul was filled with deep peace and sang out in true joy through intimacy with the Son of God entrusted to you, and with Mary, His tender Mother. Amen. --(Pope John XXIII)

9. Litany of the Sacred Heart, promises of the Sacred Heart.

Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us (repeat after each invocation).
God the Son, Redeemer of the world,
God the Holy Spirit,
Holy Trinity, one God,
Heart of Jesus, Son of the eternal Father,
Heart of Jesus, formed by the Holy Spirit in the womb of the Virgin Mother,
Heart of Jesus, substantially united to the Word of God,
Heart of Jesus, of infinite majesty,
Heart of Jesus, sacred temple of God,
Heart of Jesus, tabernacle of the Most High,
Heart of Jesus, house of God and gate of heaven,
Heart of Jesus, burning furnace of charity,
Heart of Jesus, abode of justice and love,
Heart of Jesus, full of goodness and love,
Heart of Jesus, abyss of all virtues,
Heart of Jesus, most worthy of all praise,
Heart of Jesus, king and center of all hearts,
Heart of Jesus, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,
Heart of Jesus, in whom dwells the fullness of divinity,
Heart of Jesus, in whom the Father is well pleased,
Heart of Jesus, of whose fullness we have all received,
Heart of Jesus, desire of the everlasting hills,
Heart of Jesus, patient and most merciful,
Heart of Jesus, enriching all who invoke You,
Heart of Jesus, fountain of life and holiness,
Heart of Jesus, propitiation for our sins,
Heart of Jesus, loaded down with opprobrium,
Heart of Jesus, bruised for our offenses,
Heart of Jesus, obedient even to death,
Heart of Jesus, pierced with a lance,
Heart of Jesus, source of all consolation,
Heart of Jesus, our life and reconciliation,
Heart of Jesus, victim of sin,
Heart of Jesus, salvation of those who hope in You,
Heart of Jesus, hope of those who die in You,
Heart of Jesus, delight of all the saints,
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Yours.

Let us pray: O almighty and eternal God, look upon the Heart of Your dearly beloved Son and upon the praise and satisfaction He offers You in behalf of sinners and, being appeased, grant pardon to those who seek Your mercy, in the name of the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

Promises of Our Lord to those devoted to His Sacred Heart
(these should be read by the prayer leader):

(1) I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.

(2) I will establish peace in their homes.

(3) I will comfort them in all their afflictions.

(4) I will be their refuge during life and above all in death.

(5) I will bestow a large blessing on all their undertakings.

(6) Sinners shall find in My Heart the source and the infinite ocean of mercy.

(7) Tepid souls shall grow fervent.

(8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.

(9) I will bless every place where a picture of My Heart shall be set up and honored.

(10) I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.

(11) Those who promote this devotion shall have their names written in My Heart, never to be blotted out.

(12) I promise you in the excessive mercy of My Heart that My all-powerful love will grant to all those who communicate on the first Friday in nine consecutive months the grace of final penitence; they shall not die in My disgrace nor without receiving their sacraments; My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment.

10. Prayer for Priests. "Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the Flock, we pray that in the great love and mercy of Your Sacred Heart You attend to all the needs of Your priest-shepherds throughout the world. We ask that You draw back to Your Heart all those priests who have seriously strayed from Your path, that You rekindle the desire for holiness in the hearts of those priests who have become lukewarm, and that You continue to give Your fervent priests the desire for the highest holiness. United with Your Heart and Mary's Heart, we ask that You take this petition to Your heavenly Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen"

11. Prayer for all members of the Shepherds of Christ Associates. "Dear Jesus, we ask Your special blessings on all members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. Continue to enlighten them regarding the very special privilege and responsibility you have given them as members of Your movement, Shepherds of Christ Associates. Draw them ever closer to Your Heart and to Your Mother's Heart. Allow them to more and more realize the great and special love of Your Hearts for each of them as unique individuals. Give them the grace to respond to Your love and Mary's love with an increased love of their own. As they dwell in Your Heart and Mary's Heart, abundantly care for all their needs and those of their loved ones. We make our prayer through You to the Father, in the Holy Spirit, with Mary our Mother at our side. Amen"

12. Prayer for the spiritual and financial success of the priestly newsletter. "Father, we ask Your special blessings upon the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. We ask that You open the priest-readers to the graces You wish to give them through this chosen instrument of Your Son. We also ask that You provide for the financial needs of the newsletter and the Shepherds of Christ Associates. We make our prayer through Jesus, in the Holy Spirit, with Mary at our side. Amen"

13. Prayer for all members of the human family. "Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessings on all Your children the world over. Attend to all their needs. We ask Your special assistance for all those marginalized people, all those who are so neglected and forgotten. United with our Mother Mary, we make this petition to You through Jesus and in the Holy Spirit."

14. Prayer to St. Michael and our Guardian Angels:

"St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our safeguard against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."

"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God's love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen."

15. Pause for silent, personal prayer. This should last at least five minutes.

16. Act of consecration to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

"Lord Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock, I consecrate myself to Your most Sacred Heart. From Your pierced Heart the Church was born, the Church You have called me, as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, to serve in a most special way. You reveal Your Heart as a symbol of Your love in all its aspects, including Your most special love for me, whom You have chosen as Your companion in this most important work. Help me to always love You in return. Help me to give myself entirely to You. Help me always to pour out my life in love of God and neighbor! Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You!

"Dear Blessed Virgin Mary, I consecrate myself to your maternal and Immaculate Heart, this Heart which is symbol of your life of love. You are the Mother of my Savior. You are also my Mother. You love me with a most special love as a member of Shepherds of Christ Associates, a movement created by your Son as a powerful instrument for the renewal of the Church and the world. In a return of love, I give myself entirely to your motherly love and protection. You followed Jesus perfectly. You are His first and perfect disciple. Teach me to imitate you in the putting on of Christ. Be my motherly intercessor so that, through your Immaculate Heart, I may be guided to an ever closer union with the pierced Heart of Jesus, Chief Shepherd of the flock."

17. Daily Prayers. All members should say the Holy Spirit prayer daily and make the act of consecration daily. They should also pray the rosary each day. They are encouraged to use the other above prayers as time allows.

Asociados

de los Pastores de Cristo

MANUAL DE ORACIONES

   

Formato para la Oración en las Reuniones de los Grupos

El siguiente es el formato de oración que se deberá seguir en las reuniones de los capítulos de los de los Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo. Todas las oraciones-y no solo las que se hacen específicamente por los sacerdotes-deberán hacerse con la intención de orar por todas las necesidades de los sacerdotes del mundo entero.

1. Himnos. Los himnos podrán ser cantados en cualquier momento del tiempo dedicado a la oración en la reunión.

2. Oración al Espíritu Santo. "Ven, Espíritu Santo, Santificador todopoderoso, Dios de amor, que llenaste a la Virgen María de gracias, que cambiaste admirablemente los corazones de los apóstoles, que le comunicaste a tus mártires un milagroso valor, ven y santifícanos. Ilumina nuestras mentes, fortalece nuestras voluntades, purifica nuestras conciencias, rectifica nuestro juicio, pon fuego en nuestros corazones, y presérvanos de la desgracia de no hacerle caso a tus inspiraciones. Amén."

3. El Rosario.

4. La Salve. "Dios te salve, Reina y Madre, Madre de Misericordia, Vida y dulzura y esperanza nuestra. Dios te salve, a ti llamamos los desterrados hijos de Eva. A Ti suplicamos gimiendo y llorando en este valle de lágrimas. Ea, pues, Señora y abogada nuestra. Vuelve a nosotros Tus ojos misericordiosos, y después de este destierro muéstranos a Jesús, fruto bendito de Tu vientre. ¡Oh clemente! ¡Oh piadosa! ¡Oh dulce Virgen María! Ruega por nosotros, santa Madre de Dios. No desprecies las súplicas que te dirigimos en nuestras necesidades. Antes bien, líbranos de todo peligro, Virgen gloriosa y bendita. Ruega por nosotros, santa Madre de Dios para que seamos dignos de alcanzar las promesas de nuestro Señor Jesucristo. Amén."

5. El Acordados. "Acordaos, oh piadosísima Virgen María, que jamás se ha oído decir que ninguno de los que han acudido a vuestra protección, implorando vuestro auxilio, reclamando vuestra asistencia, haya sido desamparado. Animado por esta confianza, a vos acudo oh Madre Virgen de las Vírgenes, y gimiendo bajo el peso de mis pecados me atrevo a comparecer ante Vos, Madre de Dios. No desechéis mis súplicas, antes bien escuchádlas y acogedlas benignamente. Amén."

6. Siete Avemarías en honor de los siete dolores de María. María ha prometido gracias muy especiales para aquellos que la honran de esta manera diariamente. Incluida entre estas promesas de Nuestra Señora para aquellos que practican esta devoción, está su compromiso de otorgar especial asistencia a la hora de la muerte, incluso de ver su faz. Los siete dolores son:

(1) Primer dolor: La profecía de Simeón (Ave María).

(2) Segundo dolor: La huida a Egipto (Ave María).

(3) Tercer dolor: La perdida del niño Dios en el Templo (Ave María).

(4) Cuarto dolor: Jesús y María se encuentran en el camino a la Cruz (Ave María).

(5) Quinto dolor: Jesús muere en la Cruz (Ave María).

(6) Sexto dolor: Jesús es bajado de la Cruz y puesto en los brazos de María (Ave Maria).

(7) Séptimo dolor: Jesús es enterrado (Ave María).

7. Letanías de la Santísima Virgen.

Señor, ten piedad de nosotros. Cristo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Señor, ten piedad de nosotros. Cristo, óyenos.Cristo, escúchanos.
Padre Celestial, ten piedad de nosotros.
Dios Hijo, Redentor del mundo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Dios Espíritu Santo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Santísima Trinidad, que eres un solo Dios, ten piedad de nosotros.
Santa María, ruega por nosotros (se repite despuéde cada invocación).
Santa Madre de Dios,
Santa Virgen de las vírgenes,
Madre de Cristo,
Madre de la Iglesia
Madre de la divina gracia,
Madre Purísima,
Madre castísima,
Madre siempre virgen,
Madre inmaculada,
Madre amable,
Madre admirable,
Madre del Buen Consejo,
Madre del Creador,
Madre del Salvador,
Madre de la Iglesia,
Virgen prudentísima,
Virgen digna de veneración,
Virgen digna de alabanza,
Virgen poderosa,
Virgen clemente,
Virgen fiel,
Espejo de justicia,
Trono sabiduría,
Causa de nuestra alegría,
Templo del Espíritu Santo,
Templo lleno de gloria,
Modelo de entrega a Dios,
Rosa mística,
Torre de David,
Torre de marfil,
Casa de oro,
Arca de la Nueva Alianza,
Puerta del cielo,
Estrella de la mañana,
Salud de los enfermos,
Refugio de los pecadores,
Consoladora de los afligidos,
Auxilio de los cristianos,
Reina de los ángeles,
Reina de los patriarcas,
Reina de los profetas,
Reina de los apóstoles,
Reina de los mártires,
Reina de los confesores,
Reina de las vírgenes,
Reina de los santos,
Reina concebida sin pecado original,
Reina elevada a los cielos,
Reina del Santísimo Rosario,
Reina de familias
Reina de la paz,
Cordero de Dios, que quitas el pecado del mundo, perdónanos, Señor.
Cordero de Dios, que quitas el pecado del mundo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Ruega por nosotros, Santa Madre de Dios, para que nos hagamos dignos de las promesas de Cristo.

Oración: Concede, Señor y Dios nuestro, a tus siervos gozar de perpetua salud de alma y cuerpo; y por la gloriosa intercesión de la bienaventurada siempre Virgen María, líbranos de las tristezas presentes y llévanos a gozar de las alegrías eternas. Te lo pedimos por Cristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.

Bajo tu amparo nos acogemos, oh Santa Madre de Dios, no desprecies las súplicas que te dirigimos en nuestras necesidades, antes bien, líbranos siempre de todos los peligros, oh Virgen gloriosa y bendita. Amén.

8. Invocación a San José. "San José, guardián de Jesús y casto esposo de María, tu empleaste toda tu vida en el perfecto cumplimiento de tu deber. Tu mantuviste a la Sagrada Familia de Nazaret con el trabajo de tus manos. Protege bondadosamente a los que se vuelven confiadamente a ti. Tu conoces sus aspiraciones y sus esperanzas. Ellos se dirigen a ti porque saben que tu los comprendes y proteges. Tu también supiste de pruebas, cansancio y trabajo. Pero, aun dentro de las preocupaciones materiales de la vida, tu alma estaba llena de profunda paz y cantó llena de verdadera alegría debido al íntimo trato que gozaste con el Hijo de Dios que te fue confiado a ti a la vez a María, su tierna Madre. Amén." -- El Papa Juan XXIII

9. Letanías al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, Promesas del Sagrado Corazón.

Señor, ten piedad de nosotros. Cristo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Señor, ten piedad de nosotros. Cristo, óyenos. Cristo, escúchanos.
Dios, Padre Celestial, ten piedad de nosotros (se repite despué de cada invocación).
Dios Hijo, Redentor del mundo,
Dios, Espíritu Santo,
Santísima Trinidad, que eres un solo Dios,
Corazón de Jesús, Hijo del Eterno Padre,
Corazón de Jesús, formado en el seno de la Virgen Madre por el Espíritu Santo,
Corazón de Jesús, unido sustancialmente al Verbo de Dios,
Corazón de Jesús, templo santo de Dios,
Corazón de Jesús, tabernáculo del Altísimo,
Corazón de Jesús, casa de Dios y puerta del cielo,
Corazón de Jesús, horno ardiente de caridad,
Corazón de Jesús, santuario de la justicia y del amor,
Corazón de Jesús, lleno de bondad y de amor,
Corazón de Jesús, abismo de todas las virtudes,
Corazón de Jesús, digno de toda alabanza,
Corazón de Jesús, formado en el seno de la Virgen Madre por el Espíritu Santo,
Corazón de Jesús, unido sustancialmente al Verbo de Dios,
Corazón de Jesús, templo santo de Dios,
Corazón de Jesús, tabernáculo del Altísimo,
Corazón de Jesús, casa de Dios y puerta del cielo,
Corazón de Jesús, horno ardiente de caridad,
Corazón de Jesús, santuario de la justicia y del amor,
Corazón de Jesús, lleno de bondad y de amor,
Corazón de Jesús, abismo de todas las virtudes,
Corazón de Jesús, digno de toda alabanza,
Corazón de Jesús, Rey y centro de todos los corazones,
Corazón de Jesús, en quien se hallan todos los tesoros de la sabiduría, y de la ciencia,
Corazón de Jesús, en quien reside toda la plenitud de la divinidad,
Corazón de Jesús, en quien el Padre se complace,
Corazón de Jesús, de cuya plenitud todos hemos recibido,
Corazón de Jesús, deseado de los eternos collados,
Corazón de Jesús, paciente y lleno de misericordia,
Corazón de Jesús, generosos para todos los que te invocan,
Corazón de Jesús, fuente de vida y santidad,
Corazón de Jesús, propiciación por nuestros pecados,
Corazón de Jesús, triturado por nuestros pecados,
Corazón de Jesús, hecho obediente hasta la muerte,
Corazón de Jesús, traspasado por una lanza,
Corazón de Jesús, fuente de todo consuelo,
Corazón de Jesús, vida y resurrección nuestra,
Corazón de Jesús, paz y reconciliación nuestra,
Corazón de Jesús, víctima por los pecadores,
Corazón de Jesús, salvación de los que en ti esperan,
Corazón de Jesús, esperanza de los que en ti mueren,
Corazón de Jesús, delicia de todos los santos,
Cordero de Dios, que quitas el pecado del mundo, perdónanos Señor.
Cordero de Dios, que quitas el pecado del mundo, ten piedad de nosotros.
Jesús, manso y humilde de Corazón, haz nuestro corazón semejante al tuyo.

Oración: Oh Dios todopoderoso y eterno, mira el Corazón de tu amantísimo Hijo, las alabanzas y satisfacciones que en nombre de los pecadores te ofrece y concede el perdón a éstos que piden misericordia en el nombre de tu mismo Hijo, Jesucristo, el cual vive y reina contigo por los siglos de los siglos. Amén.

Promesas de Nuestro Señor para los devotos de su Sagrado Corazón
(deberán ser leídas por el que guía la oración):

(1) Les daré todas las gracias necesarias en su estado de vida.

(2) Estableceré la paz en sus hogares.

(3) Los consolaré en todas sus aflicciones.

(4) Seré su refugio en su vida y sobre todo en la muerte.

(5) Bendeciré grandemente todas sus empresas.

(6) Los pecadores encontrarán en Mi Corazón la fuente y el océano infinito de misericordia.

(7) Las almas tibias crecerán en fervor.

(8) Las almas fervorosas alcanzarán mayor perfección.

(9) Bendeciré el hogar o sitio donde esté expuesto Mi Corazón y sea honrado.

(10) Daré a los sacerdotes el don de tocar a los corazones más empedernidos.

(11) Los que propaguen esta devoción, tendrán sus nombres escritos en Mi Corazón, y de El, nunca serán borrados.

(12) Yo les prometo, en el exceso de la infinita misericordia de mi Corazón, que Mi amor todopoderoso le concederá a todos aquellos que comulguen nueve primeros viernes de mes seguidos, la gracia de la penitencia final; no morirán, en Mi desgracia ni sin recibir los sacramentos; Mi divino Corazón será su refugio seguro en este último momento.

10. Oración por los Sacerdotes. "Señor Jesús, Pastor Supremo del rebaño, te rogamos que por el inmenso amor y misericordia de Tu Sagrado Corazón, atiendas todas las necesidades de tus sacerdotes, pastores del mundo entero. Te pedimos que retomes en Tu Corazón todos aquellos sacerdotes que se han alejado de tu camino, que enciendas de nuevo el deseo de santidad en los corazones de aquellos sacerdotes que han caído en la tibieza, y que continúes otorgando a Tus sacerdotes fervientes el deseo de una mayor santidad. Unidos a tu Corazón y el Corazón de María, te pedimos que envíes esta petición a Tu Padre celestial en la unidad del Espíritu Santo. Amén."

11. Oración por todos los Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo. "Amado Jesús, Te pedimos tus bendiciones especiales sobre todos los Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo. Continua iluminándolos sobre el privilegio y responsabilidad tan especial que les has otorgado a los miembros de este movimiento tuyo: Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo. Atráelos todavía más cerca de Tu Corazón y del de tu Madre. Permíteles que comprendan más y más el gran y especial amor de Sus Corazones por cada uno de ellos como individuos únicos. Concédeles la gracia de corresponder a tu amor y al amor de María con un mayor amor de parte suya. Al habitar en tu Corazón y en el Corazón de María, atiende abundantemente todas sus necesidades y las de sus seres queridos. Hacemos esta plegaria por Ti al Padre, en el Espíritu Santo, con María nuestra Madre a nuestro lado. Amén."

12. Oración por el éxito espiritual y financiero del Boletín Sacerdotal. "Padre, te pedimos tu bendición especial sobre el Boletín Sacerdotal, Pastores de Cristo. Te pedimos que abras los corazones de los sacerdotes que lo lean a las gracias que deseas concederles a través de este instrumento escogido de Tu Hijo. También te pedimos que nos proporciones los medios económicos necesarios para editar el boletín y Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo. Hacemos nuestra oración por Jesús, en el Espíritu Santo con María a nuestro lado. Amén."

13. Oración por todos los miembros de la familia humana. "Padre Celestial, te pedimos tus bendiciones sobre todos los niños del mundo entero. Atiende todas sus necesidades. Te pedimos tu especial asistencia para todos los marginados, los que están descuidados y olvidados. Unidos con nuestra Madre María, te hacemos esta petición a Ti, por Jesús, en el Espíritu Santo. Amén."

14. Oración a San Miguel y nuestros Angeles de la Guardia:

"San Miguel Arcángel, defiéndenos en la lucha. Sé nuestro amparo contra las asechanza y perversidad del demonio. Reprímale Dios, pedimos suplicantes, y tu príncipe de la milicia celestial arroja al infierno a Satanás y a demás espíritus malignos que vagan por el mundo para la perdición de las almas. Amén."

"Ángel de mi Guardia, mi dulce compañía, no de desampares ni de noche ni de día. Amén."

15. Pausa para oración personal y en silencio. Que tenga una duración de al menos cinco minutos.

16. Acto de consagración al Sagrado Corazón de Jesús y al Inmaculado Corazón de María.

"Señor Jesús, Supremo Pastor, yo me consagro a tu Sagrado Corazón. De tu Corazón traspasado nació la Iglesia, la Iglesia a la cual me has llamado, como miembro de los Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo, a servir en una forma muy especial. Tú revelas Tu Corazón como un símbolo de Tu amor en todos los aspectos, incluyendo Tu amor muy especial hacia mi, a quien has escogido como Tu compañero en éste tan importante trabajo. Ayúdame a corresponder siempre a Tu amor. Ayúdame a entregarme totalmente a Ti. Ayúdame siempre a derramar mi vida en amar a Dios y mi prójimo! Corazón de Jesús, pongo mi confianza en Ti!

"Amada y bendita Virgen María, yo me consagro a tu maternal e inmaculado Corazón, este Corazón que es símbolo de tu vida de amor. Tú eres la Madre de mi Salvador. Tú eres también mi Madre. Tú me amas con amor muy especial como miembro de Asociados de los Pastores de Cristo, una cruzada creada por Tu Hijo, como un instrumento poderoso para la renovación de la Iglesia y el mundo. Correspondiendo al amor, yo me entrego totalmente a tu amor maternal y protección. Tú seguiste a Jesús perfectamente. Tú eres Su primer y perfecto discípulo. Enséñame a imitar en ante poner a Cristo. Sé mi maternal intercesora, para que, a través de tu Corazón Inmaculado, sea conducida a una unión más cercana al Corazón herido de Jesús, Pastor Supremo del rebaño."

17. Oraciones diarias. Todos los miembros deberán hacer el acto de consagración diariamente. También deberán rezar el rosario cada día. Los exhortamos a que recen las oraciones aquí mencionadas, si el tiempo lo permite.
 

Les Associés des Pasteurs du Christ

Les Publicacions Pasteurs du Christ
China, Indiana - U.S.A.
El Paso, Texas - U.S.A.
Moncton, New Brunswick - Canada

Réunion du Chapitre Format de prières

Le format de prières que l’on trouvera ici est celui qui doit être normalement suivi aux réunions de chapitre des Associés des Pasteurs du Christ. Les prières devraient toujours être faites aux intentions de tous les prêtres du monde, et non seulement à celles spécifiquement recommandées pour certains prêtres.

1. Hymnes. Les hymnes peuvent être chantés à n’importe quel moment durant la réunion réservé à la prière.

2. Prière au Saint-Esprit. Viens, Esprit Saint, Sanctificateur tout puissant, Dieu d’amour, qui remplit de grâces la Vierge Marie, qui changea le coeur des apôtres de façon magnifique, qui dota tous tes martyrs d’un courage miraculeux, viens nous sanctifier. Eclaire nos pensées, fortifie notre volonté, purifie notre conscience, rend droit nos jugements, réchauffe notre coeur et préserve nous de résister à tes inspirations. Amen.

3. Le chapelet.

4. Le Salve Regina. "Salut, ô Reine, Mère de miséricorde, notre vie, notre doceur et notre espérance, salut. Enfants d’Eve, malheureux exilés, nous élevons nos cris vers toi; nous soupirons vers toi, gémissant et pleurant dans cette vallée de larmes. Ô notre avocate, tourne donc vers nous tes regards miséricordieux, et au sortir de cet exil montre-nous Jésus, le fruit béni de tes entrailles. Ô clémente, ô charitable, ô douce Vierge Marie. Amen."

5. Le Memorare. "Souviens-toi, ô très pieuse Vierge Marie, qu’on n’a jamais entendu dire qu’aucun de ceux qui ont eu recours à ta protection, qui ont imploré ton assistance et réclamé ton secours, ait été abandonné. Animé d’une pareille confiance, je resours à toi ô Vierge des vierges. Je me présente devant toi, pécheur repentant. Ne rejette pas mes prières, ô Mère du Verbe, mais écoute-les favorablement et daigne les exaucer. Amen."

6. Les Sept "Je te salue Marie" en honneur des Sept Douleurs de Marie. A ceux et celles qui s’acquittent de cette dévotion tous les jours, Marie a promis de les assister au moment de la mort. Voici les sept douleurs de Marie:

Note: On récite le "Je te salue Marie" après chaque invocation.

(1) Première douleur: la prophétie de Siméon.

(2) Deuxième douleur: la fuíte en Egypte.

(3) Troisième douleur: l’égarement de Jésus au Temple.

(4) Quatrième douleur: La rencontre de Jésus et Marie sur le Chemin de la Croix.

(5) Cinquième douleur: Jésus meurt sur la croix.

(6) Sixième douleur: Jésus est descendu de la croix et remis à sa Mère..

(7) Septième douleur: Jésus est mis au tombeau.

7. Litanies de la Sainte Vierge Marie.

Seigneur, prends pitié de nous. Ô Christ, prends pitié de nous.

Seigneur, prends pitié de nous. Christ, écoute-nous. Ô Christ, exauce-nous.

Père céleste qui es Dieu, prends pitié de nous.

Fils, rédempteur de monde, qui es Dieu, prends pitié de nous.

Esprit Saint, qui es Dieu, prends pitié de nous.

Trinité sainte, qui es un seul Dieu, prends pitié de nous

Sainte Marie, prie pour nous. (repris après chaque invocatíon).

Sainte Mère de Dieu,

Sainte Vierge des vierges,

Mère du Christ,

Mère de l’Eglise,

Mère de la divine grâce,

Mère très pure,

Mère très chaste,

Mère toujours vierge,

Mère sans tache,

Mère aimable,

Mère admirable,

Mère du bon conseil,

Mère du Créateur,

Mère du Sauveur,

Vierge très prudente,

Vierge vénérable,

Vierge digne le louange,

Vierge puissante,

Vierge clémente,

Vierge fidèle,

Miroir de justice,

Trône de la sagesse,

Cause de notre joie,

Vase spirituel,

Vase d’honneur,

Vase insigne de dévotion,

Rose mystique,

Tour de David,

Tour d’ivoire,

Maison d’or,

Arche d’alliance,

Porte du ciel,

Etoile du matin,

Salut des infirmes,

Refuge des pécheurs,

Consolatrice des affligés,

Secours des chrétiens,

Reine des anges,

Reine des patriarches,

Reine des prophètes,

Reine des apôtres,

Reine des martyrs,

Reine des confesseurs,

Reine des vierges,

Reine de tous les saints et saintes,

Reine conçue sans le péché originel,

Reine du très saint Rosaire,

Reine des familles,

Reine de la paix,

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlèves le péché du monde, pardonne-nous Seigneur.

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlèves le péché du monde, exauce-nous, Seigneur.

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlèves le péché du monde, aies pitié de nous.

Prie pour nous Sainte Mère de Dieu, afin que nous soyons dignes des promesses du Christ.

Prions: Nous te prions, Seigneur, de nous accorder, à nous tes servíteurs, de jouir toujours de la santé de l’âme et du corps, et, par l’intercession de la bienheureuse Marie toujours vierge, d’être délivrés des tristesse du temps présent et du goûter les joies éternelles. Par Jésus Christ, notre Seigneur. Amen.

Ô glorieuse et Sainte Mère de Dieu, nous implorons ta protection. Ne rejette pas les prières que nous t’adressons dans nos difficultés, mais délivre-nous toujours de tout danger. Amen.

8. Prière à Saint Joseph. Bienheureux Saint Joseph, gardien de Jésus et chaste époux de Marie, tu t’es appliqué ta vie durant à accomplir la volonté du Père. Tu as pourvu aux besoins de la Sainte Famille par le travail de tes mains. Nous te prions de protéger ceux qui se tourne vers toi en toute confiance. Tu connais leurs aspirations, leurs difficultés et leurs espoirs; et ils se tournent vers toi parce qu’ils savent que tu les comprends et que tu les protégeras. Toi aussi, tu as connu les épreuves, le labeur et les ennuis. Mais, malgré les inquiétudes de la vie quotidienne, ton âme était rempli d’une paix profonde et éprouvait une joie sincère dans l’intimité du Fils de Dieu dont tu avais la garde, et avec Marie sa très Sainte Mère. Amen. —(Le Pape Jean XXIII)

9. Litanies et promesses du Sacré Coeur.

Seigneur, prends pitié de nous. Christ, prends pitié de nous.

Seigneur, prends pitié de nous. Christ, écoute-nous. Christ, exauce-nous.

Père céleste qui es Dieu, prends pitié de nous. (repris après chaque invocation).

Fils, rédempteur du monde, qui es Dieu,

Esprit Saint, qui es Dieu;

Trinité sainte, qui es un seul Dieu,

Coeur de Jésus, Fils du Père éternel,

Coeur de Jésus, formé par le Saint Esprit dans le sein de la Vierge Mère,

Coeur de Jésus, uni substantiellement au Verbe de Dieu,

Coeur de Jésus, majesté infinie,

Coeur de Jésus, temple saint du Seigneur,

Coeur de Jésus, tabernacle du Très-Haut,

Coeur de Jésus, maison de Dieu et porte du ciel,

Coeur de Jésus, fournaise ardente de charité,

Coeur de Jésus, sanctuaire de la justice et de l’amour,

Coeur de Jésus, plein d’amour et de bonté,

Coeur de Jésus, abîme de toutes les vertus,

Coeur de Jésus, très digne de toutes des louanges,

Coeur de Jésus, roi et centre de tous les coeurs,

Coeur de Jésus, dans lequel se trouvent tous les trésors de la sagesse et de la science,

Coeur de Jésus, dans lequel réside toute la plénitude de la divinité,

Coeur de Jésus, objet des complaisances du Père,

Coeur de Jésus, dont la plénitude se répand sur nous,

Coeur de Jésus, le désiré des collines éternelles,

Coeur de Jésus, patient et très miséricordieux,,

Coeur de Jésus, libéral pour tous ceux qui t’invoquent,

Coeur de Jésus, source de vie et de sainteté,

Coeur de Jésus, propiciation pour nos péchés,

Coeur de Jésus, rassasié d’opprobres,

Coeur de Jésus, broyé à cause de nos péchés,

Coeur de Jésus, obéissant jusqu’à la mort,

Coeur de Jésus, percé par la lance,

Coeur de Jésus, source de toute consolation,

Coeur de Jésus, notre vie et notre résurrection,

Coeur de Jésus, notre paix et notre réconciliation,

Coeur de Jésus, victime des pécheurs,

Coeur de Jésus, salut de ceux qui espèrent en toi,

Coeur de Jésus, espérance de ceux qui meurt dans ton amour,

Coeur de Jésus, délices de tous les saints,

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlève les péchés du monde, pardonne-nous, Seigneur.

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlève les péchés du monde, exauce-nous, Seigneur.

Agneau de Dieu, qui enlève les péchés du monde, prends pitié de nous.

Jésus, doux et humble de coeur, rends nos coeurs semblables au tien.

Prions: Dieu tout-puissant et éternel, regarde le Coeur de ton Fils bien-aimé; sois attentif aux louanges et aux satisfactions qu’il te rend au nom des pécheurs. Apaisé par ces divins hommages, pardonne à ceux qui implorent ta miséricorde, au nom de ce même Jésus Christ, ton Fils, qui vit et règne avec toi pour les siècles des siècles. Amen.

Promesses de Notre Seigneur aux dévots de Son Sacré Coeur 
(à être récités par celui ou celle qui préside la prière):

(1) Je leur donnerai toutes les grâces nécessaires pour leur état de vie.

(2) J’établirai la paix dans leurs foyers.

(3) Je les consolerai dans leurs malheurs.

(4) Je serai leur refuge durant leur vie et surtout à leur mort.

(5) Je bénirai de façon spéciale toutes leurs entreprises.

(6) Mon Coeur sera pour les pécheurs une source infinie de miséricorde.

(7) Les âmes tièdes deviendront ferventes.

(8) Les âmes ferventes atteindront les sommets de la perfection.

(9) Je bénirai tous les lieux où un portrait de mon Divin Coeur sera exposé et honoré.

(10) J’accorderai aux prêtres le don de toucher les coeurs les plus endurcis.

(11) Ceux qui feront la promotion de cette dévotion seront inscrits dans mon Coeur de façon permanente.

(12) En vertu de mon amour tout puissant, je promets d’accorder à tous ceux qui communieront neuf premiers vendredis du mois consécutifs la grâce de ne pas mourir impénitents; ils ne mourront pas éloignés de moi et sans recevoir les sacrements. Mon divin Coeur sera leur refuge aux derniers moments de leur vie.

10. Prière pour les prêtres. "Seigneur Jésus, Grand Pasteur du troupeau, nous prions pour que dans l’amour et la miséricorde de ton Sacré Coeur, tu assistes tes prêtres-pasteurs du monde entier. Nous te prions d’attirer à ton Coeur tous les prêtres qui se sont éloignés de ta voie. Donne aux tièdes le désir de sainteté et aux fervents, le désir d’une sainteté plus grande. Unis à ton Divin Coeur et au Coeur Immaculé de Marie, nous te prions de porter notre demande à ton Père céleste dans l’unité du Saint Esprit. Amen."

11. Prière pour tous les membres Associés des Pasteurs du Christ. "Jésus, nous te demandons de bénir tous les membres du mouvement Associés des Pasteurs du Christ. Continue à les instruire des privilèges et des responsabilitiés que tu as assignés à ce mouvement. Rends-les toujours plus près de ton Coeur et du Coeur de ta Sainte Mère Marie. Fais qu’ils réalisent toujours plus l’unique et grand amour de ton Coeur pour chacun d’eux. Accorde-leur la grâce de correspondre à ton amour et à celui de Marie, par un amour grandissant. Que leur présence dans ton Coeur et celui de Marie obtienne pour eux-mêmes et pour les leurs un soutien assuré dans tous leurs besoins. Nous te prions de soumettre notre demande à ton Père du ciel, par l’Esprit Saint et avec Marie notre Mère. Amen."

12. Prière pour le succès spirituel et financier de la Lettre aux Prêtres. "Père, nous implorons tes bénédictions spéciales pour notre Bulletin aux prêtres, Pasteurs du Christ. Nous te prions d’accorder aux prêtres qui le lisent les grâces que tu leur destines par l’intermédiaire de cet instrument de choix de ton Fils. Nous te prions également de pouvoir être assurés du support financier nécessaire pour le maintien de notre Bulletin et du mouvement Associés des Pasteurs du Christ. Nous te prions par Jésus Christ et l’Esprit Saint, en union avec la Vierge Marie. Amen."

13. Prière pour tous les membres de la famille humaine. "Notre Père du ciel, nous te prions de bénir tous tes enfants du monde entier et de subvenir à tous leurs besoins. Nous te prions spécialement pour toutes les personnes marginalisées, et celles qui sont négligées et laissées pour compte. Unis à notre Mère Marie, nous te prions par Jésus et l’Esprit Saint. Amen."

14. Prière à St. Michel et à notre Ange Gardien:

"St. Michel Archange, défends nous dans le combat. Sois notre protecteur contre la méchanceté et les embûches du démon. Que Dieu lui commande, nous t’en supplions. Et toi, Prince de la milice céleste, par le pouvoir qui t’a été confié, précipite au fond des enfers Satan et les autres esprits mauvais qui parcourent le monde pour la perte des âmes. Amen."

"Et toi, Ange du ciel, que Dieu a chargé de veiller sur moi, sois mon compagnon pour me conduire et me protéger, sois ma lumière et mon gardien aujourd’hui. Amen."

15. Moment de silence pour une prière personnelle. - au moins cinq minutes. 

16. Acte de consécration au Sacré Coeur de Jésus et au Coeur Immaculé de Marie.

"Seigneur Jésus, Pasteur de ton troupeau, je me consacre tout entier à ton Sacré Coeur. L’Eglise est née de ton Coeur transpercé, cette Eglise que tu m’a appellé à servir de façon spéciale, en tant que membre des Associés des Pasteurs du Christ. Tu nous révèle ton Coeur comme symbole de ton amour inépuisable, et de ton amour pour moi que tu as choisi comme ton compagnon pour cette oeuvre importante. Aide-moi à toujours t’aimer comme je dois. Aide-moi à me donner tout entier à toi. Aide-moi à me dépenser par amour de Dieu et du prochain. Coeur de Jésus, je mets ma confiance en Toi.

"Bienheureuse Vierge Marie, je me consacre à ton Coeur Immaculé et maternel, symbole de ta vie d’amour pour nous. Tu es la Mère de mon Sauveur, et ma Mère. Tu m’aimes spécialement comme membre des Associés des Pasteurs du Christ, un mouvement créé par ton Fils pour être un instrument puissant du renouveau de l’Eglise et du monde. En retour de cet amour, je me consacre entièrement à ton amour et à ta protection maternelle. En suivant Jésus parfaitement, tu es devenue son premier et parfait disciple. Enseigne-moi comment revêtir le Christ. Que la médiation maternelle de ton Coeur Immaculé m’obtienne d’être de plus en plus intimement uni au Coeur transpercé de Jésus, éminent Pasteur de son troupeau."

17. Prières quotidiennes. Tous les membres devraient réciter la prière au Saint-Esprit et l’acte de consécration tous les jours, ainsi que le Chapelet. On suggère qu’ils se servent des autres prières selon le temps disponible.

Associados dos Pastores de Cristo

Publicações dos Pastores de Cristo
Madison, Indiana - U.S.A.
El Paso, Texas - U.S.A.
Moncton, New Brunswick - Canada|
Paraíba do Sul - R.J. - Brasil

Orações para Encontros Capitulares

Estas orações abaixo devem ser observadas nas reuniões capitulares dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo. Todas as orações, e não somente aquelas que são rezadas especificamente pelos sacerdotes, devem incluir a intenção de rezar por todas as necessidades dos sacerdotes do mundo inteiro.

1. Hinos. Os hinos podem ser cantados a qualquer momento das orações durante a reunião.

2. Oração ao Espírito Santo. Vinde, Espírito Santo, Santificador Todo-Poderoso, Deus de Amor, que inundastes de graça a Virgem Maria, que maravilhosamente transformastes os corações dos apóstolos, que dotastes os mártires com uma coragem milagrosa, vinde e santificai-nos. Iluminai nossas mentes, fortalecei nossas vontades, purificai nossas consciências, retificai nossas decisões, abrasai nossos corações e livrai-nos do infortúnio de resistir às vossas inspirações. Amém.

3. O Terço do Rosário

4. Salve Rainha. Salve, Rainha, Mãe de Misericórdia, vida, doçura e esperança nossa, salve! A vós bradamos, os degredados filhos de Eva. A vós suspiramos, gemendo e chorando neste vale de lágrimas. Eia, pois, advogada nossa, esses vossos olhos misericordiosos a nós volvei, e, depois deste desterro, mostrai-nos Jesus, bendito fruto do vosso ventre, ó clemente, ó piedosa, ó doce sempre Virgem Maria. Rogai por nós, santa Mãe de Deus, para que sejamos dignos das promessas de Cristo. Amém.

5. Memorare. "Lembrai-vos, ó piedosíssima Virgem Maria, que jamais se ouviu dizer que algum daqueles que têm recorrido à vossa proteção, implorado o vosso socorro e invocado o vosso auxílio, fosse por vós desamparado. Animado, pois, com igual confiança, a vós, ó Virgem, entre todas singular, como minha Mãe recorro; de vós me valho e, gemendo sob o peso dos meus pecados, me prostro a vossos pés. Não desprezeis as minhas súplicas, ó Mãe do Filho de Deus humanado, mas dignai-Vos ouví-las propícia e alcançar-me o que vos rogo. Amém."

6. Sete Ave Marias em honra das sete Dores de Maria. Maria prometeu graças muito especiais àqueles que fizerem esta oração diariamente. Incluídas nas promessas de Nossa Senhora para aqueles que praticarem esta devoção está a sua garantia de uma assistência especial na hora da morte, incluindo a visão de sua face. As sete dores são:

(1) A primeira dor: a profecia de Simeão (Ave Maria)
(2) A segunda dor: a fuga para o Egito (Ave Maria)
(3) A terceira dor: a perda do Menino Jesus no templo (Ave Maria)
(4) A quarta dor: o encontro de Jesus e Maria no caminho da cruz (Ave Maria)
(5) A quinta dor: Jesus morre na cruz (Ave Maria)
(6) A sexta dor: Jesus é descido da cruz e colocado nos braços de Maria (Ave Maria).
(7) A sétima dor: o sepultamento de Jesus (Ave Maria)

7. A Ladainha de Nossa Senhora:

Senhor, tende piedade de nós.
    Jesus Cristo, tende piedade de nós.
Senhor, tende piedade de nós. Jesus Cristo, ouvi-nos.
    Jesus Cristo, atendei-nos.
Deus Pai do céu, tende piedade de nós.
Deus Filho, redentor do mundo, tende piedade de nós.
Deus Espírito Santo, tende piedade de nós.
Santíssima Trindade, que sois um só Deus,
    tende piedade de nós.

Santa Maria, rogai por nós (repita depois de cada invocação)
Santa Mãe de Deus,
Santa Virgem das virgens,
Mãe de Jesus Cristo,
Mãe da divina graça,
Mãe puríssima,
Mãe castíssima,
Mãe imaculada,
Mãe intacta,
Mãe amável,
Mãe admirável,
Mãe do bom conselho,
Mãe do Criador,
Mãe do Salvador,
Mãe da Igreja,
Virgem prudentíssima,
Virgem venerável,
Virgem louvável,
Virgem poderosa,
Virgem benigna,
Virgem fiel,
Espelho de justiça,
Sede de sabedoria,
Causa de nossa alegria,
Vaso espiritual,
Vaso honorífico,
Vaso insigne de devoção,
Rosa mística,
Torre de marfim,
Casa de ouro,
Arca da aliança,
Porta do céu,
Estrela da manhã,
Saúde dos enfermos,
Refúgio dos pecadores,
Consoladora dos aflitos,
Auxílio dos cristãos
Rainha dos anjos,
Rainha dos patriarcas,
Rainha dos profetas,
Rainha dos apóstolos,
Rainha dos mártires,
Rainha dos confessores,
Rainha das virgens,
Rainha de todos os santos,
Rainha concebida sem pecado original,
Rainha assunta ao céu,
Rainha do santo rosário,
Rainha das famílias,
Rainha da paz

Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo,
    perdoai-nos, Senhor.
Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo,
    ouvi-nos, Senhor.
Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo,
    tende piedade de nós, Senhor.
Rogai por nós, Santa Mãe de Deus,
    Para que sejamos dignos das promessas de Cristo.

Oremos: Concedei a Vossos servos, nós Vo-lo pedimos, Senhor Deus, que possamos sempre gozar da saúde da alma e do corpo e, pela gloriosa intercessão da bem-aventurada Virgem Maria, sejamos livres da presente tristeza e alcancemos a eterna alegria. Por Cristo Nosso Senhor. Amém

Nós recorremos à vossa proteção, ó Santa Mãe de Deus. Não desprezeis as nossas súplicas em nossas necessidades, mas livrai-nos sempre de todos os perigos, ó Gloriosa e Bendita Virgem. Amém.

8. Oração a São José. São José, guardião de Jesus e casto esposo de Maria, vós passastes vossa vida no perfeito cumprimento do dever. Vós sustentastes a Santa Família de Nazaré com o trabalho de vossas mãos. Protegei bondosamente aqueles que cheios de confiança se voltam para vós. Vós conheceis seus desejos, suas dificuldades, suas esperanças; e eles se voltam para vós porque sabem que vós os compreendereis e protegereis. Vós, também, conhecestes as provações, trabalhos e cansaços. Mas, mesmo no meio das preocupações da vida material, a vossa alma estava cheia de profunda paz e cantava a verdadeira alegria através de uma grande intimidade com o Filho de Deus a vós confiado, e com Maria, sua Mãe compassiva. Amém. —(Papa João XXIII)

9. Ladainha do Sagrado Coração de Jesus.

Senhor, tende piedade de nós. Jesus Cristo, tende piedade de nós.
Senhor, tende piedade de nós. Jesus Cristo, ouvi-nos. Jesus Cristo, atendei-nos.
Pai Celeste, que sois Deus, tende piedade de nós. (repetir depois de cada invocação)

Filho, Redentor do mundo, que sois Deus,
Espírito Santo, que sois Deus,
Santíssima Trindade, que sois um só Deus,
Coração de Jesus, Filho do Pai Eterno,
Coração de Jesus, formado pelo Espírito Santo no seio da Virgem Mãe,
Coração de Jesus, unido substancialmente ao Verbo de Deus,
Coração de Jesus, de majestade infinita,
Coração de Jesus, templo santo de Deus,
Coração de Jesus, tabernáculo do Altíssimo,
Coração de Jesus, casa de Deus e porta do Céu,
Coração de Jesus, fornalha ardente de caridade,
Coração de Jesus, receptáculo de justiça e de amor,
Coração de Jesus, cheio de bondade e de amor,
Coração de Jesus, abismo de todas as virtudes,
Coração de Jesus, digníssimo de todo o louvor,
Coração de Jesus, rei e centro de todos os corações,
Coração de Jesus, no qual estão todos os tesouros da sabedoria e ciência,
Coração de Jesus, no qual habita toda a plenitude da divindade,
Coração de Jesus, no qual o Pai põe todas as suas complacências,
Coração de Jesus, de cuja plenitude todos nós participamos,
Coração de Jesus, desejado desde toda a eternidade,
Coração de Jesus, paciente e de muita misericórdia,
Coração de Jesus, rico para todos os que Vos invocam,
Coração de Jesus, fonte de vida e de santidade,
Coração de Jesus, propiciação por nossos pecados,
Coração de Jesus, saturado de opróbrios,
Coração de Jesus, esmagado de dor por causa de nossos pecados,
Coração de Jesus, feito obediente até a morte,
Coração de Jesus, atravessado pela lança,
Coração de Jesus, fonte de toda consolação,
Coração de Jesus, nossa vida e ressurreição,
Coração de Jesus, nossa paz e reconciliação,
Coração de Jesus, vítima dos pecadores,
Coração de Jesus, salvação dos que em vós esperam,
Coração de Jesus, esperança dos que morrem em Vós,
Coração de Jesus, delícia de todos os santos,

Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo, perdoai-nos, Senhor.
Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo, ouvi-nos, Senhor.
Cordeiro de Deus, que tirais os pecados do mundo, tende piedade de nós, Senhor.
Jesus, manso e humilde de Coração, fazei nosso coração semelhante ao vosso.

Oremos: Deus onipotente e eterno, olhai para o Coração de Vosso Filho diletíssimo e para os louvores e satisfações que Ele, em nome dos pecadores, vos tributa; e aos que imploram a vossa misericórdia, concedei benigno o perdão em nome do Vosso mesmo Filho Jesus Cristo, que Convosco vive e reina em união com o Espírito Santo, Deus por todos os séculos dos séculos. Amém.

Promessas de Nosso Senhor aos devotos do seu Sacratíssimo Coração (estas promessas devem ser lidas pelo líder das orações):

(1) Eu darei aos devotos do meu Coração todas as graças necessárias a seu estado.

(2) Trarei e conservarei a paz em suas famílias.

(3) Consolá-los-ei em todas as suas aflições.

(4) Ser-lhes-ei refúgio seguro na vida e principalmente na morte.

(5) Lançarei bênçãos abundantes sobre seus empreendimentos.

(6) Os pecadores acharão em meu Coração a fonte e o oceano das misericórdias.

(7) As almas tíbias tornar-se-ão fervorosas.

(8) As almas fervorosas elevar-se-ão em pouco tempo, a uma alta perfeição.

(9) A minha benção pousará sobre as casas em que se achar exposta e venerada a imagem do meu Sagrado Coração.

(10) Darei aos Sacerdotes o poder de tocar os corações mais endurecidos.

(11) As pessoas que propagarem esta devoção terão seus nomes inscritos para sempre em meu Coração.

(12) Eu te prometo na excessiva misericórdia do meu Coração que o meu Todo-Poderoso Amor concederá a todos que comungarem na primeira Sexta-feira de nove meses consecutivos a graça da penitência final; eles não morrerão o meu desagrado, nem sem receber os Sacramentos; o meu Coração será para eles um refúgio seguro naquele último momento.

10. Oração pelos Sacerdotes. "Senhor Jesus, Pastor-Chefe do Rebanho, nós pedimos no grande amor e misericórdia do Vosso Coração que atendais a todas necessidades dos Vossos Pastores-Sacerdotes em todo o mundo. Nós pedimos que o Senhor atraia de volta ao Vosso Coração todos aqueles sacerdotes que seriamente se extraviaram do Vosso caminho, que possais reacender o desejo de santidade nos corações daqueles sacerdotes que se tornaram mornos, e que continueis a dar aos Vossos Sacerdotes fervorosos o desejo da mais alta santidade. Unidos ao Vosso Coração e ao Coração de Maria, Vos pedimos que leveis este pedido ao Pai Celestial que vive na unidade do espírito Santo. Amém."

11. Oração por todos os membros dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo "Querido Jesus, nós vos pedimos Vossas graças especiais para todos os membros dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo. Continuai a iluminá-los quanto ao privilégio e responsabilidade especiais que o Senhor lhes concedeu como membros do Vosso movimento, Associados dos Pastores de Cristo. Atraia-os sempre para mais perto do Vosso Coração e do Coração de Vossa Mãe. Concedei-lhes que possam sempre mais compreender o amor tão grande e especial dos Vossos Corações por cada um deles individualmente. Dê-lhes a graça de corresponder ao Vosso amor e ao amor de Maria com um amor que lhes é próprio cada vez maior. Amém."

12. Oração pelo sucesso espiritual e financeiro do boletim informativo sacerdotal. "Pai, nós Vos pedimos Vossas bênçãos especiais sobre o boletim informativo sacerdotal, Pastores de Cristo. Nós Vos pedimos que o Senhor abra os sacerdotes-leitores às graças que o Senhor quereis lhes dar através deste instrumento escolhido de Vosso Filho. Nós, também, Vos pedimos que Vós providencieis pelas necessidades financeiras do boletim informativo e dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo. Nós Vos pedimos por Jesus, no Espírito Santo, com Maria ao nosso lado. Amém."

13. Oração por todos os membros da família humana. "Pai Celestial, nós Vos pedimos Vossas bênçãos por todos os vossos filhos espalhados por todo o mundo. Cuidai de todas as suas necessidades. Nós Vos pedimos a vossa ajuda especial por aquelas pessoas marginalizadas, por todos que são negligenciados e esquecidos. Unidos a vossa Mãe Maria, nós Vos queremos fazer este pedido por Jesus e no Espírito Santo. Amém."

14. Oração a São Miguel e aos nossos Anjos Guardiães.

"São Miguel Arcanjo, defendei-nos na batalha. Sede nossa salvaguarda contra as maldades e armadilhas do demônio. Que Deus o repreenda, nós humildemente Vos pedimos, e vós, príncipe das milícias celestes, pelo poder de Deus, lançai no inferno Satanás e todos os outros espíritos malignos que andam pelo mundo procurando a ruína das almas. Amém."

"Anjo de Deus, meu querido guardião, a quem o amor de Deus me confiou, esteja hoje e sempre ao meu lado para me iluminar e guardar, governar e guiar. Amém."

15. Pausa para silencio e oração pessoal. Deve-se ficar pelo menos uns cinco minutos.

16. Ato de consagração ao Coração de Jesus e Imaculado Coração de Maria.

"Senhor Jesus, Pastor-Chefe do Rebanho, eu me consagro ao vosso Sacratíssimo Coração. Do vosso coração traspassado a Igreja nasceu, a Igreja que Vós me chamaste, como membro dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo, a servir de maneira muito especial. Vós revelastes o Vosso Coração como símbolo do Vosso Amor em todo os aspectos, incluindo o Vosso Amor especialíssimo por mim, que Vós escolhestes como Vosso companheiro neste trabalho importante. Ajude-me sempre a vos amar em retorno. Ajude-me a dar-me inteiramente a Vós. Ajude-me sempre a dar minha vida pelo amor a Deus e ao próximo. Coração de Jesus, eu coloco a minha confiança em Vós".

"Querida e Bendita Virgem Maria, eu me consagro ao Vosso Coração Imaculado e Maternal, este Coração que é um símbolo de Vossa vida de Amor. Vós sois a Mãe do meu Salvador. Vós sois também, minha Mãe. Vós me amais com um Amor especial como membro dos Associados dos Pastores de Cristo, um movimento criado pelo Vosso Filho como poderoso instrumento de renovação da Igreja e do mundo. Em retorno de Amor, eu me dou inteiramente ao Vosso Amor e proteção maternais. Vós seguistes Jesus perfeitamente. Vós sois a sua primeira e mais perfeita discípula. Ensinai-me a Vós imitar neste revestir-se de Cristo. Sede minha intercessora materna, através do Vosso Coração Imaculado, para que eu possa ser conduzido a uma união sempre mais íntima com o coração traspassado de Jesus, o Pastor-Chefe do Rebanho."

17. Orações Diárias. Todos os membros deve rezar diariamente a oração ao Santo Espírito e fazer um ato de consagração diário. Eles devem, também rezar o Terço do Rosário cada dia. Eles são animados a usar as orações acima conforme o tempo permita.

Shepherds of Christ Associates

SPIRITUALITY HANDBOOK

Contents

• Words of Jesus for Members of Shepherds of Christ Associates
• Chapter 1: Introduction How It All Began
• Chapter 2: Guidelines
• Chapter 3: A Way of Spiritual Life for Shepherds of Christ Associates
  • An Overview of the Spiritual Life
  • Consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary
  • Our Personal Relationship With Jesus
  • Mary Our Mother
  • The Mass and the Sacraments
  • Life in the Holy Spirit
  • Life Within the Church
  • The Spiritual Life and the Christian Virtues
  • Prayer
  • The Cross Leads to Life
  • Relationship with Others and the World-at-large
  • Devotion to St. Joseph, Other Saints and the Angels
  • Summary

We recognize and accept that the final authority regarding these messages rests
with the Holy See of Rome, to whose judgment we willingly submit.

© Copyright 1995 Shepherds of Christ Publications
Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted:
May be copied in its entirety, but neither re-typed nor edited.

The Shepherds of Christ Spirituality Handbook is available from

Shepherds of Christ Ministries
P.O. Box 193
Morrow, Ohio 45152-0193

Telephone: (toll free) 1-888-211-3041 or (513) 932-4451
FAX: (513) 932-6791

       

Words of Jesus to Members of Shepherds of Christ Associates:

"My beloved priest-companion, I intend to use the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ, and the movement, Shepherds of Christ Associates, in a powerful way for the renewal of My Church and the world.

"I will use the newsletter and the chapters of Shepherds of Christ Associates as a powerful instrument for spreading devotion to My Heart and My Mother's Heart.

"I am calling many to become members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. To all of them I will give great blessings. I will use them as instruments to help bring about the triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the reign of My Sacred Heart. I will give great graces to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. I will call them to be deeply united to My Heart and to Mary's Heart as I lead them ever closer to My Father in the Holy Spirit."

- Message from Jesus to Father Edward J. Carter, S.J., Founder, as given on July 31, 1994, feast of Saint Ignatius Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits)

  

1

Introduction: How It All Began

During the summer of 1993, Father Edward J. Carter, S.J., Professor of Theology at Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio, began to receive mystical locutions (messages) from Jesus and Mary on a regular basis.

In a message given on May 31, 1994, Jesus asked Father Carter to begin the publication of a spirituality newsletter for priests. To be sent to more than 60,000 priests in the U.S.A., and also to priests in other countries, the newsletter is published by Shepherds of Christ Publications, an arm of Shepherds of Christ Ministries, and will be distributed bi-monthly. The title of the newsletter is Shepherds of Christ.

Jesus has asked that chapters be formed to pray for the needs of priests around the world. The chapters are to pray in a special way for the spiritual success of the priestly newsletter, as well as to aid in the financial support of this publication. The chapters and members are to be called Shepherds of Christ Associates.

Our Lord has stressed that Shepherds of Christ Associates become an international movement.

   

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Chapter Guidelines for Shepherds of Christ Associates

1. A primary purpose of the chapters of Shepherds of Christ Associates is to pray for all priests throughout the world in all their needs. A coequal purpose is to provide a spiritual way of life for members of the chapters. The chapters are to pray in a special way for the spiritual success of the priestly newsletter, Shepherds of Christ. Prayer for the acquisition of monetary funds to publish the letter is also in order. The chapters are to meet on a regular basis, with the members of each chapter to determine the exact frequency of meetings. All chapters are encouraged to meet on a weekly basis. If for various other reasons certain chapters cannot meet weekly, they should meet at least once a month.
     
2. All persons--lay persons, diocesan clergy, and priests, brothers, and sisters in religious life--are invited to become members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. Those who are already committed to a certain way of spiritual life may adapt the spirituality of Shepherds of Christ Associates to their own particular spirituality.
     
3. In addition to the purpose of the chapters as put forth above, the members of each chapter are encouraged to help raise money to defray some of the newsletter publication costs and some of the financial needs of the Shepherds of Christ Associates movement. One way for chapters to financially aid the newsletter is to pledge to pay for a certain number of newsletters each year. Our Lord has asked that the newsletter be sent to the priests free of charge, although donations may be requested in the newsletter itself.
    
4. A further purpose of the chapters is to undertake those activities which Jesus, through the Spiritual Director, further reveals to be His will.
    
5. The formation of as many chapters as is reasonably possible is to be encouraged. Multiple chapters may exist in the same city or area. Each chapter is to have its own local coordinator, and each country its own national coordinator.
    
6. A periodic newsletter for associates will be published to help establish the desired bond or union between all chapters and all members.
    
7. Members of Shepherds of Christ Associates pledge their loyal support to the Holy Father, the Pope, and to the teaching authority of the Church.
    
8. Shepherds of Christ Associates exists under Church law as provided in canons 298 and 299.
    
9. The existence and activity of all chapters is to be placed under the special protection and guidance of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Chapters exist so that they may, according to the mission of Shepherds of Christ Associates, help to establish the triumph of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the reign of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. All chapter members are strongly encouraged to consecrate themselves to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary.

  

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A Way of Spiritual Life

The way of spiritual life proposed to the members of Shepherds of Christ Associates is centered in consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. All aspects of the spiritual life discussed below should be viewed as means to help members develop their lives in consecration to Christ, the Sacred Heart, and to Mary, the Immaculate Heart.

An Overview of the Spiritual Life

The Christian life is rooted in the great event of the Incarnation. We must consequently always focus our gaze upon Christ, realizing that everything the Father wishes to tell us has been summed up in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It only remains for us, then, to strive to understand with greater insight the inexhaustible truth of the Word Incarnate: "In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days He has spoken to us by a Son, Whom He appointed the heir of all things, through Whom also He created the world." (Heb. 1: 1-2) (1)

What was the condition of the human race at the time of Christ's coming? In some ways, people were much the same as we are today. There were those just being born into this world of human drama. There were those who, in death, were leaving it, some of whom had grasped but little of life's meaning. There were those who were healthy and vigorous. There were those who were sick and lame. Some especially felt the burdens, the grief, the suffering of the human condition. Others were ebullient and desired all the pleasures life could provide. There was some good being accomplished. Immorality, however, was rampant. What St. Paul tells us concerning the time that immediately followed Christ's existence certainly could also be applied to the time of His entrance into the world. It is, in short, an ugly picture that St. Paul depicts for us (Rom. 1: 22-32).

Into such a depraved condition Jesus entered, with a full and generous Heart, to lead the human race from the depths of sinfulness to the vibrant richness of a new life in Himself. Through His enfleshment, this Christ became the focal point of all history. The authentic hopes and dreams of the human family, now so overshadowed by the ugliness of sin, came converging upon this Christ. He would gather them up in Himself, give them a new luster and brilliance and dynamism, and would lead the human family back to the Father in the Holy Spirit.

Christ was radically to release us from the dominion of sin and elevate us to a new level of existence. This life Christ has given us is not a type of superstructure which is erected atop human existence. Although nature and grace are distinct, they do not lie side by side as separate entities. Rather, grace permeates nature. The Christian is one graced person. The Christian is one who has been raised up, caught up, into a deeper form of life in Christ Jesus. Nothing that is authentically human in the life of the Christian has been excluded from this new existence. Whatever is really human in the life of the Christian is meant to be an expression of the Christ-life. The simple but deep joys of family life, the wonderment at nature's beauty, the warm embrace of a mother for her child, the agony of crucial decision making, the success or frustration that is experienced in one's work, the joy of being well received by others, and the heartache of being misunderstood--all these experiences are intended to be caught up in Christ and made more deeply human because of Him.

Jesus has come, then, not to destroy anything that is authentically human, but to perfect it by leading it to a graced fulfillment. This is the meaning of the Word's becoming flesh, the meaning of the Incarnation. The more God-like we become through Christ, the more human we become.

We, through our incorporation into Christ which occurs at Baptism, are meant to relive the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In doing so, we are not only accomplishing our own salvation, but we are assisting in the salvation of others also. The Incarnation continues all the time. Christ, of course, is the one Who fundamentally continues the Incarnation. But He enlists our help. The world no longer sees Jesus, no longer is able to reach out and touch Him. We are the ones who now, in some way, make Christ visible and tangible. In union with the invisible, glorified Christ, and depending on Him as our source of life, we continue the Incarnation in its visible and temporal dimensions. This is our great privilege. This is our great responsibility.

The Christian is initiated into the mystery of Christ, into his or her role in prolonging the Incarnation, through Baptism. In the words of St. Paul: "Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by Baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." (Rom. 6: 3-4).

It is not sufficient, however, that we be incorporated into Christ through Baptism. All forms of life require nourishment. So, too, our life in Christ must be continually nourished. How can we continually keep in contact with Christ? There are various ways. We contact Christ in a most special way through the liturgy, above all in the Eucharistic liturgy. Here the entire course of salvation history, as centered in Jesus, is sacramentally renewed and continued. Through our most special and most personal meeting with Jesus in the Mass, we are more deeply incorporated into Christ. Also, we should remember that all the sacraments make up part of the Church's liturgy.

The reading of Scripture provides another special opportunity for meeting Jesus. This is true for both Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament prefigures the New Testament and leads to it. It is obvious, however, that we meet Christ especially in the pages of the New Testament. How true it is to say that not to be familiar with Scripture is not to know Jesus properly. We should resolve to read from Scripture daily.

We also meet Jesus in our interaction with others. Everyone we meet, everyone we serve, is in the image of Jesus. We have to take the means to grow in this awareness. If I truly believe that everyone has been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, how should I treat everyone?

These, then, are some of the ways we keep in contact with Jesus. Common to the various ways of meeting Jesus is a certain degree of prayerful reflection. Our contact with Jesus in the liturgy, in Scripture, and in our interaction with others, and so forth, will not be all that it should be unless we are persons of prayer. The light and strength of prayer enables us to keep in contact with Jesus as we should.

We live out our Christ-life in an atmosphere of love. Indeed, the life Jesus has given us is centered in love. It has its origins in the mysterious love of God: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life" (Jn 3: 16).

Our new life in Jesus has arisen out of God's fathomless love. Christ, in His descent into human flesh, has established a milieu of love. The life He came to give can flourish only in the framework of love. Indeed, we can summarize the meaning of the Christian life by stating that it is our loving response to God's love. The pierced Heart of Jesus, this Heart which shed its last drop of blood in the greatest love for each one of us, is the symbol of God's tremendous love for us. Christ's Heart also calls us to respond by giving ourselves in love to God and neighbor. Yes, Jesus invites us to respond to God's love by giving ourselves in love to Him in an ever closer union. The more closely we are united to Him, the greater is our capacity to love God and neighbor. The more closely we are united with Jesus, the more closely He unites us to the Father in the Holy Spirit, with Mary our Mother at our side.

Consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary

We have already spoken of how we are incorporated into Christ at Baptism. Now we shall speak of the life which comes to us in Baptism in terms of consecration:

"To consecrate means to make sacred, to make holy. Only God can make a being holy. So to speak of our consecration is to speak of God's activity in making us holy, His activity of giving us a share in His own holiness. At Baptism we receive a share in God's life, a share in His holiness. Christ is the Mediator of this grace life. We are baptized into Christ, into His death and resurrection. In Baptism we become holy by sharing in the holiness of Christ. We become consecrated, sealed with the divine holiness. We belong to the Father, through Christ, in the Holy Spirit.

"On our part, we must respond to God's consecration of us. We must live out the consecration of Baptism. We must realize what God has done for us in Christ and live according to this awareness. We need to live the life of holiness and grow in it. In other words, we must develop the life of grace, the Christ-life.

"What God has done for us in Christ involves Mary. God has given us a Christ-life, our life of grace, and Mary is the Mother of this Christ-life. Consequently, living out our life of consecration to God--living out the Christ-life--includes allowing Mary to increasingly be the Mother of our Christ-life.

"Consecration to Mary, therefore, is an aspect of our consecration to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is entrusting ourselves entirely to her maternal love so that she can bring us ever closer to Jesus, so that we can increasingly live out our consecration to God in Christ.

"At Fatima, Our Lady asked that we consecrate ourselves to her Immaculate Heart. Mary shows us her heart as a symbol of her love for God and us. She asks us to make a return of love to her, to consecrate ourselves to her, to give ourselves to her completely. She wants us to entrust ourselves to her completely so that she may help us love God and neighbor.

"As stated above, consecration to Mary is an aspect of our consecration to God in Christ and she has asked for consecration to her Heart so that she may assist us. Christ, in turn, invites us to live out this consecration to Him through consecration to His Sacred Heart. We see the divine symmetry: consecration to the Immaculate Heart helps us to live out consecration to Christ Who reveals His Heart as symbol of His life of love in all its aspects, including His tremendous love for each of us individually. His Heart also asks for our love in return, a return which ideally is summed up in consecration to Jesus' Heart. Through this consecration we give ourselves completely to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart. In this consecration to Jesus, we promise to strive to live according to His Father's will in all things." (2)

Our Personal Relationship With Jesus

He hung upon a cross on a hill called Calvary. Death was near. How much Jesus had already suffered! He had been brutally scourged. Much of His sacred body was a bloody, open wound. He had been derisively crowned with thorns. In a terribly weakened condition, He carried the heavy cross to the hill of Golgotha. There He was stripped of His garments and mercilessly nailed to the cross. Try to imagine the excruciating pain Jesus suffered as the nails penetrated His sacred hands and feet! After all this brutal and agonizing suffering--of body and spirit--Jesus finally died.

And He did it all for you! Yes, you can truly say that Jesus did it all for you. I can say that Jesus did it all for me. He suffered and died for the whole human race, but He did it in a way which makes it true to say He also did it for each individual. When He was undergoing all the brutal and horrible suffering, He knew you and He knew me by name. He was loving each of us with the most tender, and tremendous, and unique love! He gave the last drop of His precious blood for you individually and for me individually!

What should be our return to this magnificent Heart of Jesus which gave until there was no more to give? No less than our entire selves. No less than a total consecration to this tremendous Lover, to this magnificent and tender Heart! No less than a day-by-day resolve to strive to live our consecration with the deepest faith, hope, and love. No less than the deepest desire to develop the most intimate, personal relationship with Jesus. The total and the most tender love of Jesus' magnificent Heart for you and for me deserves nothing less!

Mary Our Mother

As Jesus hung upon the cross in His excruciating suffering, He gave Mary to us as our spiritual Mother:

"…standing by the cross of Jesus were His Mother, and His Mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His Mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing near, He said to His Mother, 'Woman, behold, your son!' Then He said to the disciple, 'Behold, your Mother!'" (Jn 19: 25-26).

Yes, John, the disciple, represented all of us. Jesus, in giving Mary to John as His Mother, was giving her to all of us as our spiritual Mother. We can never thank Jesus sufficiently for this great gift. Mary is your Mother and she is my Mother. Pope John Paul II tells us how Mary is Mother to each of us according to each one's uniqueness:

"Of the essence of motherhood is the fact that it concerns the person. Motherhood always establishes a unique and unrepeatable relationship between two people: between mother and child and between child and mother. Even when the same woman is the mother of many children, her personal relationship with each one of them is of the very essence of motherhood…

"It can be said that motherhood 'in the order of grace' preserves the analogy with what 'in the order of nature' characterizes the union between mother and child." (3)

Let us always thank Mary that she is the Mother of each of us according to each one's uniqueness. I can truly say that Mary is my Mother in an unrepeatable way, and you can truly say that she is your Mother in an unrepeatable way. Realizing what a great and unique love Mary has for each of us, what reason could we ever have for not always going to her? What reason could we ever have for not asking her to take us as her beloved children and to hold us close to her maternal and Immaculate Heart where we always experience the love, the warmth, the tenderness of this magnificent Mother?

The Mass and the Sacraments

The best way to return love to Jesus is through participation in the Mass. Indeed, the Mass is the chief source for growth in our life of consecration. Everything in the life of the Church, including the sacraments--centers around the Eucharistic Sacrifice.

All the faithful are privileged to be able to enter into the offering of the Mass:

"The sacrifice of the Mass, as we well know, makes truly present the sacrifice of Calvary. At His sacrifice on Calvary, Christ was Priest and Victim. We obviously did not offer together with Him. At the Mass, however, Christ, although He is the chief Priest and Victim, does not act alone. Through God's gracious design, at Mass all the members of the Church are priests and victims together with Christ. To be sure, there is a very significant difference between the priesthood of bishops and priests and the priesthood of the faithful. The point we wish to stress, however, is that the universal priesthood, given in Baptism to all the faithful, is a real participation in Christ's priesthood.

"Vatican II has stressed this concept of the priesthood of all the Church's members. Speaking of the Mass, the Council says: 'The Church, therefore, earnestly desires that Christ's faithful, when present at this mystery of faith, should not be there as strangers or silent spectators. On the contrary, through a proper appreciation of the rites and prayers, they should participate knowingly, devoutly, and actively. They should be instructed by God's word and be refreshed at the table of the Lord's body; they should give thanks to God; by offering the Immaculate Victim, not only through the hands of the priest, but also with him, they should learn to offer themselves too. Through Christ the Mediator, they should be drawn, day-by-day, into ever closer union with God and with each other, so that finally God may be all in all.'

"During all our Christ-like activities, we are living the Mass. Working, recreating, laughing, weeping, enjoying success but also experiencing failure, enjoying the beauties of nature--through all such activities, we are living the Mass. We are continually offering ourselves in loving conformity to the Father's will. From time to time during the day, we should make a conscious act of uniting ourselves and our activities with the sacrifice of Calvary as it is made present throughout the world through the Mass.

"A very precious time during the Mass is, of course, our reception of Jesus in Holy Communion. We should make the most of these special moments. Let's properly thank Jesus for coming to us with His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Let's thank Jesus for the tremendous suffering He experienced in order to be able to give us the Eucharist. As Jesus dwells within us in this precious way at Communion time, the very Heart of Christ--this Heart which is symbol of His great love--dwells within. This Heart cries out for our love in return.

"One of the great means God has given us to help prepare ourselves for better participation in the Mass is the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our Lady of Medjugorje asks us to go to Confession at least once a month.

"Indeed, we should use all available means to prepare ourselves for a more fruitful participation in the Eucharistic Sacrifice. It is a great privilege to be able to be present at, and to participate in, the Mass. We should show Jesus our appreciation for such a great gift by preparing ourselves as best we can, and in this way we will gain the greatest possible benefit from the Mass, both for ourselves and for others.

"Included in our devotion to the Eucharist should be our desire to make Eucharistic reparation. One way to do this is to say often the following Fatima prayer: 'Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, I adore You profoundly. I offer You the most precious Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ, present in all the tabernacles of the world, in reparation for the outrages, sacrileges, and indifferences by which He is offended. By the infinite merits of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and (the intercession of) the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I beg of Thee the conversion of sinners.'" (4)

Besides saying the above prayer, there are other acts of Eucharistic reparation we can make. One of these is to be sure we make adequate thanksgiving after Mass. One of the intentions we should have at this time is to help make reparation for the lack of proper thanksgiving on the part of many. Pope Pius XII speaks about the duty of spending the proper time in thanksgiving:

"When at Mass, which is subject to special rules of the liturgy, is over, the person who has received Holy Communion is not thereby freed from his duty of thanksgiving; rather, it is most becoming that, when the Mass is finished, the person who has received the Eucharist should recollect himself and, in intimate union with the Divine Master, hold loving and fruitful converse with Him. Hence they have departed from the straight way of truth who, adhering to the letter rather than the sense, assert and teach that, when Mass has ended, no such thanksgiving should be added, not only because the Mass is itself a thanksgiving, but also because this pertains to a private and personal act of piety and not to the good of the community." (5)

Life in the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is given to us to transform us in the likeness of Christ. This is an ongoing process. Here is a message of Jesus which speaks to the issue:

"My beloved friend, tell My people to pray daily to the Holy Spirit. They are to pray for an increase in His gifts. My people must realize that the Holy Spirit comes to transform them. The Spirit desires to transform you more and more according to My image. Those who are docile to His touch become increasingly shaped in my likeness. He performs this marvel within My Mother's Heart. The more one dwells in My Mother's Heart, the more active are the workings of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit leads Mary to place you within My Heart. In both of Our Hearts, then, your transformation continues. The more you are formed after My own Heart, the more I lead you to the bosom of My Father. Tell My people all this. Tell them to pray daily for a greater appreciation of these wondrous gifts. I am Lord and Master! All who come to My Heart will be on fire to receive the gifts of the Spirit in ever greater measure! I love and bless My people!" (Message of Jesus given to Father Carter).(6)

Life Within the Church

God calls us to live Christian existence, the spiritual life, within the Church--the Church which Christ has established. This Church is a many splendored reality. It has many different names, images and dimensions that variously attest to and manifest this multifaceted richness. All of them, however, speak of the one, same reality. Here is a message of Jesus which speaks of His Church:

"My beloved priest-companion, remind My people that the Church was born from My Heart, pierced with the soldier's lance on Calvary. From My pierced Heart the Church and her sacraments were born. Two of these sacraments, the Eucharist and Baptism, were symbolized by the blood and water which flowed from My pierced side.

"As the Church was born from My pierced Heart, so does the Church's life grow from the graces I continually give to her from My pierced Heart, this Heart which is now glorified.

"I call all the members of My Church to help build up My Body, the Church, by coming to My pierced Heart. United to My Heart and dwelling within It, I will give to each the light and strength to carry out My Father's will in the building up of My Church.

"Mary is Mother and Model of the Church. As Mother of the Church, she intercedes for all the graces the members need to contribute to the building up of My Church. As Model of the Church, as perfect imitator of Me, she shows the children of the Church how all, individually and collectively, are to be increasingly formed in My image. As all come to My Heart for the building up of My Church, let them do so united in the Heart of Mary.

"My Church is experiencing critical and difficult times. There are many divisions within My Church. There are many false teachings, including some put forth by certain theologians. These false teachings occur because those responsible for such are not in proper union with My vicar, the Pope, and the Church's Magisterium. I want all My children to pray daily for the cure of the many and serious ills of the Church. With the increase of prayers and sacrifices for the health of the Church, that day will soon come when the Church will be purified and revitalized. When that day comes, the renewed Church will be characterized by the triumph of the Immaculate Heart and the reign of My Sacred Heart. Thus the message of Fatima will have reached its completion.

"I am Lord and Master. I request that all My people listen to My words and respond to them. I love My people with a tremendous love and, in this great love, I give them this message!"(Message from Jesus given to Father Carter). (7)

The Spiritual Life and the Christian Virtues

The life of sanctifying grace expresses itself through the various Christian virtues. Let us take a brief look at this life:

"The Persons of the Blessed Trinity have communicated Themselves to us in lavish love. When a person is in the state of grace, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit dwell within that person in an extraordinary fashion.

"Such is the intimacy of this Trinitarian communication that the Persons of the Trinity imprint Their image upon us. This image is our life of grace, our created participation in the life of the Trinity. We receive this life at Baptism, and our privilege and responsibility are to develop it as fully as possible during our earthly journey before experiencing its culmination in eternal life.

"Because Christ in His humanity is Mediator of our life of grace, it possesses not only a Trinitarian dimension, but a Christic aspect as well. We can readily understand, then, why our grace-life is very appropriately also called the Christ-life.

"Our Christ-life is centered in faith and love. Christian faith gives us an extraordinary capacity to know realities about God and the things of God. The virtue of Christian love allows us to accompany this faith-knowledge with an appropriate love-response. Christian hope is the chief support of faith and love. Finally, all the other Christian virtues are variously connected with these three main Christian capacities." (8)

We hear much about faith and love, the two main Christian virtues. However, hope is also extremely important. One of the aspects of the virtue of hope is trust. Let's listen to a message of Jesus regarding trust:

"My beloved priest-companion, tell my people to trust Me unreservedly. I am Lord and Master. I am God. So many fail to trust Me as they should. I love all My people much more than they love themselves! The great love I have for each person should encourage all to trust Me! The more you realize how much a friend loves you, the more you place your trust in that person. I am your perfect Friend. I love you much, much more than your best earthly friend! Tell My people to trust Me completely. Tell them to say often, 'Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You.'" (Message of Jesus as given to Father Carter). (9)

Prayer

Here is a message from Mary on prayer. She tells us of the great importance of prayer regarding the spiritual life:

"My beloved priest-son, many times I have taught you the great importance of prayer. I have obtained for you the grace so that you love to pray, not only during your set periods of prayer, but also during the day in a way which permits you to perform your daily duties. I have taught you to always be aware that all prayer should be made in union with the Mass. Indeed, the Eucharistic sacrifice is itself the greatest prayer. All other prayer should be consciously united with the Mass which is constantly being offered throughout the world. I have taught you the great importance of praying before the tabernacle. My Son is present there in the Eucharist--Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. Special graces are given to those who pray before the tabernacle.

"There is much to pray for in these most critical times. The Church and the world exist in most difficult times. I desire that all my children pray daily for all the needs of the Church and the world. I ask for special prayer for the conversion of sinners.

"I ask that my children pray the rosary each day. Very special graces are given to those who do so. During these days of great purification, I promise special protection to those who regularly pray the rosary. I also promise protection to their loved ones.

"Whatever form of prayer my children use, it should always be made in union with my Immaculate Heart. The more my children are united to me, the more I lead them to make their prayer in the Heart of my Son, Jesus. He, in turn, places all prayers in the bosom of the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

"My dear son, keep reminding all my little ones of the great importance of prayer for their own needs and the needs of all others. Keep telling them of the great necessity of prayer for growth in love of God and neighbor. I love all my children with the most tender love. I desire that all listen to my words and live them in their daily lives!" (Message of Mary as given to Father Carter). (10)

The Cross Leads to Life

Our incorporation into Christ at Baptism, and the gradual nurturing in that life, is centered in the pattern of death-resurrection. Indeed, the theme of death-resurrection is at the heart of salvation history. Let us briefly consider its place in the Old Testament, in the New Testament, and in our own lives, always remembering that any form of death--that is, any form of suffering--is meant to lead to greater life, greater peace, greater happiness.

The theme of death-resurrection is at the heart of Old Testament history. The Jewish people, under the leadership of Moses, experienced death-resurrection as they were formed into the people of the covenant, God's people. In the great Exodus event, they escaped Egyptian slavery, went on to Mt. Sinai where the covenant was ratified, and then progressed to the Promised Land. As members of the Mosaic covenant, as God's people, the Jews experienced religious transition. They passed over to a higher level of religious existence, to a more intimate union with God.

This religious transition contained death-resurrection. For the Jews to become people of the covenant, to remain so, and to grow in the life of the covenant, it was necessary that they undergo a mystical or spiritual death. In short, the Jewish people had to be willing to bear that which was difficult in covenant life. They had to be willing to die to that which was not according to God's will. This mystical death, however, had a very positive purpose. It was directed at life in the covenant and at growth in that life. This spiritual death, in other words, was aimed at resurrection.

Christ perfectly fulfilled the Old Testament theme of death-resurrection. In doing so, He, too, was experiencing a religious transition. He was passing over--gradually at first, then definitively in His death--to a new kind of existence, to the life of His resurrection, which He achieved not only for Himself, but for the entire human race. To achieve this newness of life, Jesus was willing to pay the price. Jesus was willing to suffer, even unto death. That it had to be that way, that the only way Christ could have achieved resurrection was through suffering and death, was pointed out by Jesus Himself to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus: "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His Glory?" (Lk 24: 25-26).

Christ has structured the Christian life by the way He lived, died, and rose from the dead. It is obvious, then, that the pattern of death-resurrection must be at the heart of the Church's life. Individually and collectively, we continually die with Christ so that we may continually rise with Him. Thus we pass over, in a process of continued religious transition, to a greater participation in Jesus' resurrection. It is true that our participation in Jesus' resurrection will reach its completion only in eternal life. Nevertheless, we begin the life of resurrection here on earth, in the here and now of human life, in the midst of joy and pain, in the experience of success and failure, in the sweat of our brow, in the enjoyment of all of God's gifts. As Christians, we should have a sense of growth concerning our here-and-now life of resurrection. Some seem to have a rather static view of the Christian life. They do not seem to have a vital and efficacious realization that the spiritual life, centered in death-resurrection, should become more conscious, more experiential, more dynamically relative to daily existence.

We cannot maintain the life of resurrection--our newness of life in Christ--without a willingness to suffer, a willingness to follow Jesus in the carrying of the cross. This does not mean that we need to feel overwhelmed and heavily burdened by the suffering in our lives. The greater portion of suffering for most Christians seems to be an accumulation of ordinary hardships, difficulties, and pains. At times, however, deep suffering, even suffering of agonizing proportions, can enter one's life. Whether our sufferings are of either the ordinary variety or the extreme and rare type, we must convince ourselves that to properly relate to the cross is to grow in resurrection. And to grow in resurrection ourselves means that we have an increased capacity to help give resurrection to others.

The pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary are the great symbols reminding us that to love God and neighbor requires a willingness to suffer. How much Jesus and Mary suffered for love of you and me! Our consecration to Their Hearts includes a willingness to carry the cross, not as an end in itself, but as a means to greater life. As we bear the cross in loving conformity to the Father's will, we grow in the Christ-life. With Mary at our side we come closer to Christ. Jesus, in turn, leads us closer to the Father in the Holy Spirit. And as we ourselves grow in the Christ-life, we become more apt instruments in helping to channel this life to others. Yes, the cross of Christ always points to life!

Relationship with Others and the World-at-large

The true Christian is imbued with a proper consciousness of others. That is to say, the true Christian is keenly aware that a great part of God's plan for us tells us that we must, according to His will, relate in various ways to our fellow human beings. Indeed, the Christian imperative tells us that we are to walk life's path, not in isolation, but hand in hand with our brothers and sisters of the human family.

To relate to others according to God's will, we must be properly aware of who they really are. We must, in short, be able to go beneath surface appearances, which may or may not be appealing to us, and contact others in their core existence. When we are truly in touch with others at the core of their beings, we are aware of their awesome dignity. We are conscious that these persons are created and redeemed by God's love. We are conscious that our merciful and loving Jesus shed His last drop of blood for each of them, that His Heart was pierced on the cross because He loved each of them without measure! We are conscious that this magnificent, pierced Heart, now in Its glorified state, still beats with the most special love for each individual upon this earth. Realizing all this, and doing so consistently, gives us the basis and the motivation to try to relate to all--both those we directly contact and those billions we never physically meet--with the greatest love.

In order to be in touch with the inner self of others, we must be aware of, or in touch with, our own true self. This awareness is a realization that our self is likewise made in the image of God, that we have been redeemed by Christ, and that we can only find true happiness through the constant effort to grow in love of God and neighbor. Here, then, we can see the profound interaction among the three awarenesses and loves--awareness and love of God, neighbor, and self. As Christians, consequently, we should have a maturing sense of how our existence is, in varied ways, profoundly linked with the existence of others. Again, this feeling of union with others is not limited to those we directly meet, but, in various ways, is directed to all members of the human family.

The world in which we live is an amazing mixture of that which is good and beautiful and brilliant and that which is sinful and ugly and dreadful. We have the privilege and responsibility of shaping this contemporary world according to its Christological imprint. Jesus put this image of Himself upon the world order by the way He lived and died and rose. We have to help in directing our fellow humans and their values along the path which has been made by the footprints of Jesus of Nazareth--a task that is not always easy. There are so many forces in today's world that work against Christ, His message, and the order He came to establish! But are we going to allow the forces of evil to discourage us from doing all we possibly can to make this a better world according to the designs of Christ? Jesus paid a terrible price to redeem the world. His Heart, which was pierced on the cross for our redemption, cries out to us in His great love for us. He asks us to do our part in helping make the world better reflect His image. In response to the great love which the Heart of Jesus has for each of us, let us, in union with Mary our Mother, often ask ourselves, "What have I done for Christ, what am I now doing for Christ, what am I going to do for Christ?"

Devotion to St. Joseph, Other Saints and the Angels

St. Joseph is Patron of the Universal Church. His power of intercession is indeed great. Joseph, while on earth, enjoyed extraordinary closeness to Jesus and Mary. And His union with them in heaven is even greater. Let us each day pray to St. Joseph to obtain for us the grace to come ever closer to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

We should also pray to the other saints in heaven, especially our favorite saints. The saints are members of the Church triumphant. We should also pray for the souls in purgatory and to them (they can help us). The souls in purgatory are members of the Church suffering. We, who are members of the Church militant here on earth, make up one Church with the saints in heaven and the souls in purgatory. We should be aware of the common bond which unites us in Christ.

We should also pray to the angels for help, especially to the archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, and to our own guardian angels.

Summary

We have given a proposed way of spiritual life for members of Shepherds of Christ Associates. All aspects of this way of life center in the living out of the act of consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Making and living out this consecration is our return of love to Jesus and Mary and, through them, our return of love to the Father and the Holy Spirit. Indeed, our consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary is also consecration to the Father and the Holy Spirit. We should always remember that our consecration to the Sacred Heart and to the Immaculate Heart is the way according to which Jesus and Mary invite us to live out our baptismal consecration, the consecration which originally made us belong to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let us always remember that we go to the Father through Christ, in the Holy Spirit, with Mary our Mother at our side.

We strongly encourage members of Shepherds of Christ Associates to reread regularly all of the above in a prayerful manner. This will provide an ongoing aid to help members grow in their consecration to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Notes:

1. Scripture quotations are taken from The Revised Standard Version of the Bible, Catholic Edition, St. Ignatius Press, San Francisco.

2. Edward Carter, S.J., Mother at Our Side, Faith Publishing, Milford, Ohio, 1993, pp. 15-17.

3. Pope John Paul II, The Mother of the Redeemer (Redemptoris Mater), United States Catholic Conference, Washington, D.C., 1987, No. 38.

4. Edward Carter, S.J., The Spirituality of Fatima and Medjugorje, Faith Publishing, Milford, Ohio, 1994, pp. 89-92. Vatican II quotations are from The Documents of Vatican II, America Press edition.

5. Pope Pius XII, Mediator Dei, No. 123.

6. From Tell My People, Shepherds of Christ Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1994, p. 9.

7. Ibid.

8. Edward Carter, S.J., Prayer Perspectives, Alba House, Staten Island, New York, 1987, p. 12.

9. Tell My People, op. cit.

10. Ibid.

MINISTRIES

1. PRIMARY MINISTRY - CIRCULATING PRIESTLY NEWSLETTERS TO PRIESTS ALL OVER THE WORLD IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH to promote priestly holiness.
2. PRAYER CHAPTERS praying for the priests and the renewal of the Church and the world.
3. School Rosary Program and Junior Shepherds of Christ Ministry.
4. Nursing Home Ministry.
5. Special retreats and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament.
6. Apostles of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus.
7. Promoting the rosary to all, rosary meditations.
8. Prison Ministry to promote prayer and spiritual renewal.
9. Handmaids and Servants of the Good Shepherd.
10. Audio/Video Departments (priestly newsletters on tape).
11. Prayer books, newsletters, newsletter books, and other spiritual aids.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Messenger:             Please join us.

                                Please help us.

                                Please remember us in your will.

Jesus speaks:      This is My Movement given to Fr. Carter

                                on this November 5, 2003, I ask this

                                message be downloaded and circulated

                                to encourage others to join and

                                existing members to become more

                                fervent.

                            Join in by broadcast on the 5ths and the

                                Sidney Rosary and the 13ths.

                            These big prayer services when all

                                are united by broadcast please

                                Me so very much.

I Call You to Holiness

May 4, 1994 4:30a.m.

Dear ones, I am calling you to love your brothers. I have loved you. Would you, dear ones, lay down your lives for your brothers? How are you loving this day? Are you following Christ in your actions? I am the Way, I am the Truth, I am the Life. You must constantly put the world aside and look to the Master for all your directions. I call you, My little ones, to holiness. I call you to pure hearts, hearts that are full of love and empty of hate and anger. I call you to guard your hearts and watch that they stay forever holy. You, My precious bride, I want your soul white.

Do you criticize your dear brothers? I gave the last beat of My Heart and the last drop of My blood for the soul you are displeased with. I would die for them this day. Will you not love them for Me? They are so precious to Me!

Quit sizing up your brothers. You do such unloving things in your mind. You do not even know how unloving are your thoughts. You judge your brothers by their exteriors, by their education, by their money. You do not see the beautiful creation of God the Father. He created your brothers just perfectly and He loves His creation. Who are you to criticize His creation? Love your brothers when they are hurting. It is in your loving the hurting ones that they will see the reflection of Christ in you.

Do not hold on to foolish things. One moment and your days on this earth have ended. All that remains is how you loved. Did you love God? Did you love your neighbor? Love is not selfish. It gives of itself. Its whole purpose is to draw the other closer to Jesus.

Study the crucifix. It is such a comfort! I loved you so. I died for you. I would die for you alone this very day, little ones! Look at Me dying on the cross! The way to Me is to follow Me. Be Christ-like in your ways. You must study Me to know My ways. Do not give in to yourselves. My way is love. Will you be the reflection of the love of God within you? My way is the way of the cross. They persecuted Me, they hurt Me, they tore My flesh and spit on Me. They did this to Me for My love given to all! This world is not your end. You follow My ways and you move as you should toward your goal.

I am Jesus, I am the Son of God. I love you so ardently. I died and shed My blood, My beautiful blood, for love of you. I await you this day, My little ones. I loved you so I remain with you in the Eucharist. I await, I long for you to come and share in our love. I am the tenderest of Hearts. No man can be close to you as I. I love you so. I want to dwell and live within you. I want to fill you with all My love and radiate My love to your beloved brothers. I want to shine from your souls.

Oh, little ones, take Me seriously. I am truly here, begging for you to live in My love.

You are the light that will shine in this dark world. You will light up the darkest night with My love.

The best gift you can give to this world is to busy yourself about your love affair with Me. I love you, My little ones. I love you and I want to share this love with you.

Love your brothers. Do not let Satan talk in your heads and make them wrong and you right. Love them as I have loved you. Do not look at your brothers and size them up. See them with the eyes of God, the beautiful creations of the Father.

Will you love My beloved ones for Me this day, or will you say "no" to My call? Love your brothers in darkness. They need your love. I am calling you to love them for Me this very day. They may scoff at you and persecute you, but you will plant a seed that I Myself will water and give sunlight to. Plant seeds of love. This is the most important seed you will plant, a seed of love. Watch it grow as I provide it with water and nourishment. I will shine on your brothers through you if you stay in My love. Be the light that shines on this dark world. They are crying out for the love of God. They are suffering. They need your love.

Put yourselves aside. Die to yourselves. Live only for the love of God. If the world goes one way, you stay focused on My love. Do not follow the world. Follow the risen Christ!

I love you so, little ones. I bring you new life. I fill your hearts with My love. Pray to the Holy Spirit for His gifts. Pray the Our Father. Let My mother mother you as she mothered Me. She loved you so. She suffered so for love of you. She appears to bring you back to her beloved Son. Will you answer her call? She is calling you to put God first in your life. She is calling you to love, love of God, love of one another.

Forgive your brothers. Empty your hearts of hate and anger and let go. Let all your anger go. Give Me your resentments and let Me heal your hearts. Forgiveness is the way to peace. Let go. Do not size up your brothers. Love them all. Pray for them. Unite in My love. Love is a miracle cure. Say you are sorry. Be gentle in your ways. Pray for your needs. I love you, little ones. I am with you this day.

Will you answer the call and love for Me? I love you. I am your beloved Jesus. I would die this day just for you. I love you the same as I did the day I died. Turn to Me and give Me your life. I will care for you and love you. I am your Savior. I am Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God. Let Me live in your heart!

end of May 4, 1994 message

You Love Always

March 18, 1994 7:15 a.m.
At All Saints, After Communion

R. Dear Jesus, how holy is my soul? I do not see it as you desire. Do I judge my brothers? Do I compare myself to them and tell myself that I am right and they are wrong? Why do I judge at all? My job is to love, to love You with all my heart. My job is to preach Your gospel, to emit Your love from my very being!

When I am caught up in being wronged by my brother, how can Your love radiate to anyone? I am a clogged vessel and the love You want to give to those around me is trapped behind my anger.

Oh Lord, open my heart to Your ways. How easy for Satan to talk in my head and tell me how I should be feeling when I have a job to do. This job is more serious than any worldly job. This job is to spread Your love to a world that is hurting. When I am a clogged vessel, all those around me suffer from the loss of love they would receive if my heart were open and love were flowing out to them.

Oh, how Satan is so crafty as to steal our hearts away and fill them with such impurities, thoughts of anger at our brothers! How easily I comply. This is the self in me. Have I been wronged? Have I been threatened? Will someone think badly of me? Lord, help me to be selfless, to live only for love of You and to know You truly love me, to want not to answer any accusations of others, to remain silent when attacked unless You prompt me to speak.

Control my tongue as the doorway from my heart. Control my heart. Keep it full of Your love and free of all impurities. I want a heart that is free of hate and anger. I have a job to do, Lord, and it is to spread Your love. This job is a top priority. I receive all my love and support from You, Lord. Is that not enough or am I not thinking of how immense is the love of God?

Jesus: Come to Me, all who are weary and heavily burdened and I give you rest. I fill you with such love. I am God. I am love. Why focus on your suffering brothers? Because they are suffering from the evil of this world. You need not suffer if you turn to Me. I have all you need. I never abandon you or leave you. I am by your side. I, Jesus, walk with you where you go, and with such love. The love of God is all-encompassing. When I am by your side, why do you fret because of your ailing brothers? Pray for them. Some are in total darkness. How will My light shine from you if you are clogged with any anger or hatred? You must remain fixed only in love--love of God, love of one another!

Put your anger aside and look to My suffering face. I loved you all to My death. I did not count the cost. I did not number your sins. I loved you. I forgave you. I loved you unconditionally. I gave My all for you. Can you not do this for your brothers? I suffered for the sins of men and I was silent. I speak of My love. I do not speak of your sins. Who of you are sinless? If you expect Me to forgive you, can you not forgive your brothers when they have wronged you?

I am the light that shines through you to the dark world. I want to shine from your hearts. To have the least taint of hate and anger blocks My light from your souls. Clean out your hearts every minute. Let the hate and anger go! Do not let it fester and grow in your hearts. Keep your hearts pure only in the love of God. When your brother wrongs you, forgive him instantly. Do not let Satan talk in your head. Do not let self come to the front lines. Be ready to withstand the attack. Remain selfless and unattached.

I live in you and you live in Me. You are immersed in a vat of My love. My might shines from your being. Your brothers are suffering. Love them, watch them in their suffering and see them as My precious ones in need of My love. They are hurting so. Will you not tend to their bleeding wounds? Or will you scoff at them and go on your way?

This world is suffering. The only cure is the love of God. You have the opportunity to spread My love or act like the world. How can I love My sick ones if you act as they do? Did I argue on the way to Calvary? Did I answer their accusations and say, "Oh, I didn't do that?" I was silent! Can you not remain silent when you are accused? Can you not turn to Me and pick up your cross and see My suffering face?

I suffer for how they are hurting you. But to strike back in anger is not the way of love. This is not My way. My way is to love. I loved those who whipped Me. I loved those who crowned My head with thorns. I loved those who spit at Me and yelled obscenities at Me. I loved you all in all your sins! I loved you to My death! I showed you the way to love. I showed you the way to forgive. I showed you the way.

Why do you look to the ways of the suffering? If they scoff at and persecute you and yell any slander against you, focus on the love of your Father in heaven Who gave His only Son for love of you! The way of God is the way of love. Any taint of anger, of hatred, of getting even, of being wronged and making yourself right, is the way of the evil one.

My ways are steadfast and direct. I operate from love. Stay rooted firmly in the love of God. See Me suffering, beaten, bloodied, crowned, slapped, kicked, slandered--and every vile thing yelled at Me. See Me, see Me and then see Me dying on the cross in sweet surrender, arms outstretched, hanging by nails, head hanging--all out of great and ardent love for you!

I showed you how to love. Can you not forgive your suffering brothers? Can you not love? I loved to My death. Can you not let go of such little things coming from them who are hurting? You are My soldiers in this cold war. Your weapons are your hearts filled with the ardent, on-fire love of Jesus. Your hearts are powerful. God has all the power. Love finds the way. The only way to warm a cold heart is through the warmth of love, true love, unconditional love, that I give to you. Love always. I loved you to My death. Will you love My hurting ones for Me? Can I use you to light the dark world? I call this day. Will you answer?

The way to Me is the Way of the Cross. Do you see your life as the way to Me? Each day is a day on the way to the end which is heaven, hell or purgatory. Do you see yourself as making it for this life or for everlasting life? Oh, if only children were taught to see their lives in their entirety, from beginning to end, only to go to another place. If only children were taught to see that this is a "layover", not the end in itself!

Look at your life. You are on your way to somewhere else. This is a journey to get you to another place. If you are traveling, you do not camp out on the train, or try to make your vehicle an end in itself. You are in transit to another life. You have not arrived. You have not come to your destiny.

I am the Way. I am the Truth. I am the Life. To have eternal life you must model yourself after the Master. I loved you to My death. I love you this much this day. I gave My life for you. Do you not believe that to turn to Me is to give you all you need?

Follow Me. I show you the Way. You need to be led to the kingdom that waits for you. If you follow other leaders, they take you from the correct way. Only one way leads to My kingdom. It is the way I showed you. It is the way I show you this day. Would you go to a tour guide who knows the way or to one who is guessing?

Your brothers are following paths that lead to destruction. I show you the way to the kingdom of heaven. Why would you follow an amateur who knows not the way? You pay the price for your foolishness. My way is the Way of the Cross. If you try to find another way more to your liking, you get off course. The way to My kingdom is led by Me. I am with you this day in the Eucharist and in the tabernacle. Will you come and sit with Me in silence and listen when I give you your directions or will you go to a bad guide and try to find a short cut?

There is no short cut to My kingdom. My way is the only way. Pick up your cross and follow Me. Do not try to put your crosses down. Accept what I send you as coming from Him Who loves you. It is in this acceptance that you grow in your relationship with Me. My hand is in everything you experience.

See Me clothed in a white tunic, My love radiating from My being. See My hand outstretched as I walk before you and say, "Sweet one, this is the way to My kingdom. I bring you such love along the way. You will suffer, but My love will see you through. Come and follow as I lead. I walk before you backwards, right in front of you. Do you not see Me? Keep your eyes on Me, sweet one. I love you so. I will never lead you off the right road. I lead you with such love and peace. You will not know all My love here, sweet one, but when we get to My kingdom, what a reward for following Me! My house has many mansions. I have a place prepared just for you. I ardently love you. I am your Jesus, Son of the Living God. I come, you follow. We will live in My kingdom soon."

9:45 a.m.

Jesus: Unless a grain of wheat dies, it does not produce fruit. Such dying must be cultivated by obedience and your covenant with God, rooted in love and forgiveness. Die to yourself and live in My love, child. Child, I love you. Do you know now?

R. Jesus, I believe. Jesus, I believe. Jesus, I believe. I believe in you.

You know that what I tell you is truth. Do not even think. I will bring them to you. You remain set in your place. Pray all day. Be busy about My work. I need you to do My work for Me.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      I have given many messages

                                that can be used as all-day or

                                weekend retreats with a mixture

                                of messages and writings from your

                                founder and My messenger, Rita Ring.

                            I ask Shepherds of Christ retreats and renewal programs be

                                made all over using only these materials,

                                these rosary meditations, writings for

                                the spiritual life by Fr. Carter.

                            Apostles and members can do this using these

                                materials provided they use only

                                Shepherds of Christ materials,

                                that others do not talk adlib

                                or in the "spirit".

                            These prayer retreats are to

                                be conducted using

                                Shepherds of Christ discerned

                                materials as 

                                guides to help others

                                to pray and become more

                                spiritually aware.

                            Retreats for married couples, children,

                                elderly, priests can be conducted

                                from these published, discerned 

                                materials.

                            Do not mix other works with My works, for

                                the purity of the Movement must be

                                maintained. Use the discerned

                                materials, videos, disc, tapes,

                                messages ONLY.

                            Plays for Christmas, Easter and

                                the Passion can be done

                                by children using

                                the Red Rosary 

                                Book, but you

                                are never to change

                                My Messages and words

                                in any way.

                            These messages and writings must be

                                used as given and the credits

                                given to the Shepherds of Christ Ministries 

                                on all programs.

                            This approval can be gotten by calling

                                the Morrow Center.

                            My children will profit from the

                                Rosaries from the Hearts

                                of Jesus and Mary.

                            Dress them in 

                                costumes —

                            They must speak the 

                                words exactly.

                            I want My children to act out

                                the stations.

                            This can be a project for lent.

                  I love you.

                  I beg you to reach the children with these writings.

November 5, 2003 message continues

Jesus speaks:      I beg children and elderly in

                                the assisted living and

                                retired priests 

                                especially

                                to begin prayer 

                                chapters.

                                Junior Shepherds of Christ Prayer Chapters

                                Retired Priests Prayer Chapters.

                                Sisters Prayer Chapters

                                Elderly Prayer Chapters —

                            Reach Africa and India and you will reach the

                                world. They are willing to pray,

                                pray for funds to supply them with

                                the prayers and rosaries.

                            Send mission rosaries to the

                                Shepherds of Christ Movement.

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