Achieving Weight Loss
through the Prayers of the
Divine Office of the Virgin Mary

Compiled and Edited by John P. Gross

Travel writer and co-author with wife, Donna, of
Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation

Author of

Rosary Meditations: A Bouquet of Roses for Our Lady

Remember me in your prayers!

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To read the book online, click here. To download the entire book (144 pages) to your computer as one file, right click on this link and save to to your desktop.

To read or download each day's prayers separately, click on the appropriate link
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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We are fortunate to live near Emmitsburg, Maryland which is the home of the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Saint Mary's Seminary, and the National Shrine Grotto of Lourdes. The Grotto, known affectionately as "Mary's Mountain," is a replica of the shrine in Lourdes, France and draws thousands of visitors from around the world who come to pay homage annually to our Blessed Mother. They are in much need of funds to build a Visitors Welcome Center. If you feel that our prayer book has been of value to you and would like to show your appreciation, we invite you to make a donation to their wonderful cause securely online at https://www.msmary.edu/support-mount/givingform/giving_form. Choose "Grotto Fund" as your gift purpose. Thanks and may God bless you!

Disclaimer: Please seek professional medical advice before starting any weight loss or exercise program. We assume no legal responsibility for any information provided.

Copyright © 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

+ This symbol in the text indicates that the reader should make the sign of the cross.

WEDNESDAY

Morning Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Hail, bright star of ocean,
God's own Mother blest,
Ever sinless Virgin,
Gate of heavenly rest.

Taking that sweet Ave
Which from Gabriel came,
Peace confirm within us,
Changing Eva's name.

Break the captives' fetters,
Light on blindness pour,
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother;
May the Word Divine,
Born for us thy Infant,
Hear our prayers through thine.

Virgin all excelling,
Mildest of the mild,
Freed from guilt, preserve us,
Pure and undefiled.

Keep our life all spotless,
Make our way secure,
Till we find in Jesus,
Joy forevermore.

Through the highest heaven
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.

Ave Maris Stella
Unknown origin. 9th century

.Antiphon 1
O Lady, they who hope in thee will be clothed with light: joy and perpetual rejoicing will be mine when I reach my ideal weight.

Psalm 89

O Lady, thou art made unto us refreshment: in all our needs. The diffusion of thy grace produces thy holy operations in us: and the gentle dropping of thy sweetness maketh holy affections. I will be mindful, O Lady, of thy tender mercies: I will sing unto thee a sacrifice of praise and a song of joy. They who honor thee will obtain a perennial crown for ashes: and the mantle of praise for the spirit of mourning. They who hope in thee will be clothed with light: joy and perpetual rejoicing will be their lot.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, they who hope in thee will be clothed with light: joy and perpetual rejoicing will be mine when I reach my ideal weight.

Antiphon 2
He that dwelleth in the help of the Mother of God: will abide under her protection. She will defend me against the negative thoughts that threaten to undermine my success.

Psalm 90

He that dwelleth in the help of the Mother of God: will abide under her protection. The concourse of enemies will not harm him: the flying arrow will not touch him. For she will deliver him from the snare of the hunter: and under her wings she will protect him. Cry out to her in thy dangers: and the scourge will not come nigh thy dwelling. He who has placed his hope in her, will find the fruit of grace: the gate of paradise will be opened to him.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
He that dwelleth in the help of the Mother of God: will abide under her protection. She will defend me against the negative thoughts that threaten to undermine my success.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art our model of humility and heaven rejoices when we imitate thee. I humbly place my life in God's hands trusting that He will heal my food addiction.

Psalm 91

It is good to give praise to the Virgin Mary: and to sing glory to her is the prosperity of the mind. To declare her merits rejoices the mind: and to imitate her works makes glad the angels of God. He who obtains her favor: is recognized by the dwellers in Paradise. And he who shall bear the character of her name, shall be written in the book of life. Arise, O Lady, and judge our cause: and deliver us from those who rise up against us. Withdraw not thy right hand from the sinner: and meet with thy sword the darts of the destroyer.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art our model of humility and heaven rejoices when we imitate thee. I humbly place my life in God's hands trusting that He will heal my food addiction.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

O Lady, help me to overcome my addiction to food so I can lose my excess weight.
- O Lady, help me to overcome my addiction to food so I can lose my excess weight.
Mother Mary, I want to honor God in my body.
- help me to lose my excess weight.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
-
O Lady, help me to overcome my addiction to food so I can lose my excess weight.

CANTICLE TO MARY

Antiphon+
O Lady, thou hast brought about our redemption so that we may serve God in peace. Free me from the anxiety that causes me to overeat.

Blessed be thou, O Lady and Mother of my God of Israel: who by thee hath quickened and hath wrought the redemption of His people. And hath raised up a horn of salvation of thy chastity: in the house of David, His servant. As he spoke by the mouth of Isaias: and others of his holy prophets. Give us salvation from our enemies, O Virgin of virgins: from the hand of those who hate us, give us peace. And do thy mercy for us and our relations: that thou mayest be mindful of the testament of the Almighty God, Which he hath sworn to our fathers: to Abraham and his seed forever; That thus, being delivered from the hand of our enemies: we may serve Him in peace. In sanctity and justice before thee: all our days.

And thou, O Mary, shalt be called the Prophet of God: for thou hast known that He hath regarded the humility of His handmaid. By whom He hath given the knowledge of salvation to His people: in the remission of their sins. By the bowels of the multitude of thy mercies: visit us, O Morning Star, the Orient from on high. Enlighten the darknesses of those who sit in the shadow of death, and deign to instill into them the light of thy most Beloved Son. Have mercy, O Mother of Mercies, on us miserable sinners, who neglect to do penance for our past sins: and daily commit so much that deserves penance.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Antiphon
O Lady, thou hast brought about our redemption so that we may serve God in peace. Free me from the anxiety that causes me to overeat.

INTERCESSIONS

O Mother of Perpetual Help, whom I honor today with my prayers, grant the petitions I have humbly placed before thee:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let us ask our Heavenly Father for our daily bread:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

CONCLUSION

O Lady, thou art our refuge in all our needs: and a most powerful force bruising and crushing our enemy. The world is full of thy benefits: they surpass the heavens and penetrate the depths. By the fullness of thy grace those who were in the abyss rejoice to find themselves liberated. By the power of thy virginal fecundity, those who were above this world: rejoice to find themselves freed. By the glorious Son of thy most holy virginity: men are made companions and fellow-citizens of the angels.

Psalm 45

+ May God have mercy on us and bless us. Let thy grace, O Lady, ever protect me: let thy presence give light to my end.
- Amen.

Psalm 66

WEDNESDAY

Midmorning Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Mary mother, meek and mild,
Fro shame and sin that ye us shield,
For great on ground ye go with child,
1Gabriele nuncio.

Mary mother, be not adread,
Jesu is in your body bred,
And of your breast He will be fed,
2Cum pudoris lilio.

Mary mother, the fruit of thee
For us was nailed on a tree,
In heaven is now His majesty,
Cum pudoris lilio.

Mary mother, the thirde day
Up He rose, as I you say,
To hell He took the righte way,
3Motu fertus proprio.

Mary mother, after thy Son,
Up thou styest4 with him to wone;5
The angels were glad when thou were come,
6In celi palacio.

1"From Gabriel the messenger."
2"With the lily of chastity."
3"He is borne by His own motion."
4Ascendest.
5 Dwell
6"In the palace of heaven."

Ave Maris Stella, Part 2
Unknown origin. 9th century

Antiphon 1
O Lady, do thou uphold those who are fainting away in their temptations. Help me to avoid those foods that I can not stop eating.

Psalm 92

The Lord hath reigned, He is clothed with beauty: He hath crowned His Mother with the ornaments of virtues. May the Mother of peace fulfill in us his propitiation: and may she teach her servants the way of equity. Ye who desire the wisdom of Christ: serve His Mother with a reverent soul. Who will suffice to relate thy works, O Lady? and who shall search out the treasures of thy mercy? Do thou uphold those who are fainting away in their temptations: and appoint them a lot in truth.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, do thou uphold those who are fainting away in their temptations. Help me to avoid those foods that I can not stop eating.

Antiphon 2
Serve her reverently with rejoicing: and the Most Blessed Fruit of her womb shall heal thee. Help me, Lord, to overcome the fears that I try to soothe with food.

Psalm 93

The Lord is a God to whom revenge belongeth: but thou, O Mother of mercy, inclinest Him to mercy. Thy magnificence, O Lady, is preached forever: and they who venerate thee shall find the way of peace. Serve her reverently with rejoicing: and the Most Blessed Fruit of her womb shall heal thee. Look, O Lady, upon the humility of thy servants: and they shall praise thee in the generations of ages. Magnify thy name in the multiplication of thy graces: and permit not thy servants to be subject to perils.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
Serve her reverently with rejoicing: and the Most Blessed Fruit of her womb shall heal thee. Help me, Lord,  to overcome the fears that I try to soothe with food.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, obtain for us a full pardon, stand for us before the tribunal of God. He loves me and is ready to help me overcome my eating disorder.

Psalm 94

Come, let us rejoice to Our Lady: let us joyfully sing to the saving Mary, our Queen. Let us come before her presence with joy: and in canticles let us all praise her together. Come, let us adore, and fall down before her: let us confess our sins to her with tears. Obtain for us a full pardon, stand for us before the tribunal of God. Receive our souls at our end: and lead us into eternal rest.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, obtain for us a full pardon, stand for us before the tribunal of God. He loves me and is ready to help me overcome my eating disorder.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Let us embrace the footprints of Mary
-
and cast ourselves at her blessed feet.

Psalm 14

WEDNESDAY

Midday Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Hail! Holy Queen, enthroned above, O Maria!
Hail, Queen of mercy and of love, O Maria.

Triumph all ye Cherubim,
Sing with us ye Seraphim,
Heav'n and earth resound the hymn;
Salve, Salve, Salve Regína!

The cause of joy to all below, O Maria.
The spring through which all graces flow, O Maria. Triumph...

O gentle, loving, holy one, O Maria.
The God of light became thy Son, O Maria. Triumph...

Our life, our sweetness here below, O Maria.
Our hope in sorrow and in woe, O Maria. Triumph...

Turn then, most gracious advocate, O Maria.
Toward us thine eyes compassionate, O Maria. Triumph...

O clement, gracious, Mother sweet, O Maria.
O Virgin Mary, we entreat, O Maria. Triumph...

Hail! Holy Queen, enthroned above, O Maria.
Most holy Mother full of love, O Maria. Triumph...

Unknown

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou hast reconciled us to the Father who will fill our hearts with food and gladness. (Acts: 14:16)

Psalm 95

Sing a new song to her who is full of grace: sing to Mary all ye of the earthly world. For she excels in sanctity all the angels: and those born of women in her wonders and miracles. Beauty and glory are in her countenance: and grace is in her eyes. Bring ye to her glory, ye fathers of the peoples: rejoice in her, all ye creatures of God. Thou has an admirable exchange worked by her means: by reason of which thou art called the sons of the Most High God.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, thou hast reconciled us to the Father who will fill our hearts with food and gladness. (Acts: 14:16)

Antiphon 2
O Lady, thou art Queen of heaven and earth. Have mercy on thy people and help us in our hour of need.

Psalm 96

The Lord hath reigned, let Mary rejoice: in all the empire under her rule. Adore her, all ye citizens of the heavenly commonwealth: exalt her, ye fair virgins, her daughters. For she is raised above principalities and dominations: she is exalted above angels and the embassies of archangels. Patriarchs and prophets, break forth in her praise: make a harmony, Apostles and martyrs of Christ. Confessors and virgins, sing canticles to her from the songs of Sion: and congratulate her, holy monks, for the triumphs she has won.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, thou art Queen of heaven and earth. Have mercy on thy people and help us in our hour of need.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art merciful, patient and full of compassion. Comfort me when I am tempted to overeat to feel better.

Psalm 97

Sing to Our Lady a new song: for she hath done wonderful things. In the sight of nations she hath revealed her mercy: her name is heard even to the ends of the earth. Be mindful, O Lady, of the poor and the wretched: and support them by the help of thy holy refreshment. For thou, O Lady, art sweet and true: exceedingly patient and full of compassion. Tread upon the enemies of our souls: and crush with thy holy arm their disobedience.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, thou art merciful, patient and full of compassion. Comfort me when I am tempted to overeat to feel better.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Shining orbs adorn thy throne
-
the morning stars glorify thee forever.

Psalm 23

WEDNESDAY

Midafternoon

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Hail, thou Star of the ocean!
Portal of the sky!
Ever Virgin Mother
Of the Lord Most High!

Oh! by Gabriel's Ave,
Uttered long ago,
Eva's name reversing,
Establish peace below.

Break the captives' fetters;
Light on blindness pour;
All our ills expelling,
Every bliss implore.

Show thyself a Mother;
Offer Him our sighs,
Who for us Incarnate
Did not thee despise.

Virgin of all virgins!
To thy shelter take us:
Gentlest of the gentle!
Chaste and gentle make us.

Still, as on we journey
Help our weak endeavor,
Till with thee and Jesus
We rejoice for ever.

Through the highest heaven,
To the Almighty Three,
Father, Son, and Spirit,
One same glory be. Amen.

Variation of "Ave, Maris stella
Late 8th or early 9th century

Antiphon 1
To them whom thou shalt help, O Lady, will be the refreshment of peace. After years of struggling and failing to control my weight, I surrender myself into thy care. Give me rest.

Psalm 99

Sing with joy to Our Lady, ye men of the earth: serve her in joy and pleasantness. With all thy soul draw nigh unto her: and in all thy strength keep her ways. Search her out, and she will be manifested to thee: be clean of heart, and thou will take hold of her. To them whom thou shalt help, O Lady, will be the refreshment of peace: and they from whom thou turnest away thy face shall have no hope of salvation. Be mindful of us, O Lady, and let evil not take hold of us: help us in the end, and we shall find eternal life.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
To them whom thou shalt help, O Lady, will be the refreshment of peace. After years of struggling and failing to control my weight, I surrender myself into thy care. Give me rest.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, I pray thee, let me not be defrauded of my hope and good confidence. The road to recovery is long but success is assured with thy assistance.

Psalm 100

To thee, O Lady, will I sing mercy and judgment: I will sing to thee in joy of heart, when thou shalt have made my soul glad. I will praise thee and thy glory: and thou shalt bestow refreshment upon my soul. I have been zealous for thy love and thy honor: therefore wilt thou defend my cause before the judge of ages. I am drawn by thy goodness and grace: I pray thee, let me not be defrauded of my hope and good confidence. Strengthen thou my soul in my last days: and in this my flesh make me to behold my Savior.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, I pray thee, let me not be defrauded of my hope and good confidence. The road to recovery is long but success is assured with thy assistance.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, hear my prayer and I shall be healed.

Psalm 101

O Lady, hear my prayer: and let my cry come unto thee. Turn not thy sacred countenance away from me: nor hate me because of my uncleanness. Forsake me not in the thought and counsel of mine enemies: and permit me not to fall in their wicked attacks. Those who trust in thee, will not fear the tortuous snake: and those who exalt thee in praises will escape the infernal regions. By thy virginal conception give me a good confidence in thee: and by thy admirable delivery rejoice my soul.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
O Lady, hear my prayer and I shall be healed.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

+ Blessed be thou, O Lady
-
to the uttermost ends of the earth.

Psalm 27

WEDNESDAY

Evening Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

HYMN

Come behold the Virgin Mother
Fondly leaning on her child,
Nature shews not such another,
Glorious, holy, meek, and mild:
Bethlehem's ancient walls enclose him,
Dwelling place of David once;
Now no friendly homestead knows him,
Tho' the noblest of his sons.

Many a prophecy before him
Publish'd his bright advent long,
Guardian Angels low adore him
In a joyous heavenly song;
Eastern Sages see with wonder
His bright Star illume the day,
O'er the volumes old they ponder,
Volumes of dark prophecy.

Royal Bethlehem how deserted,
All his pomp and splendor lost;
Is a stable, vile and dirty,
All the welcome you can boost?
For they travel, of inquiring
Where the wondrous babe is born?
On they came with great desiring,
Although others treat with scorn.

See, a babe of days and weakness
Heaven's Almighty now appears,
Liable to death and sickness,
Shame and agony and tears.
Sovereign he and great Creator,
He who form'd the heav'ns and earth,
Yet takes on him human nature,
Angels wonder at his birth.

Why, ah, why this condescension,
God with mortal man to dwell?
Why lay by his grand pretension,
He who does all thrones excell?
'Tis to be a man, a brother,
With us sinners of mankind:
Vain we search for such another,
Ne'er we love like this shall find.

'Tis to make himself an offering
As a pure atoning lamb,
Souls redeeming by his suffering,
That in human flesh he came;
As a God he could not suffer,
He a body true must have;
As a man what he might offer
Could not satisfy or save.

Tho' an infant now you view him,
He shall fill his Father's throne,
Gather all the Nations to him;
Every knee shall then bow down;
Foes shall at his presence tremble,
Great and small, and quick and dead,
None can fly, none dare dissemble,
None find where to hide his head.

Friends! Oh then in chearful voices
They shall shout with glad acclaim,
While each rising saint rejoices,
Saints of high or lowest fame.
Then what different appearing
We 'mong mortal tribes shall find;
Groaning those who now are sneering,
Triumphing the humble mind.

May we now, that day forestalling,
Hear the word, and read and pray,
Listen to the Gospel calling,
And with humble heart obey,
Give us hearty true repentance,
Life in faith and holiness;
then we need not fear thy sentence,
But may trust thy saving grace.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Praise the Lord.

Come Behold The Virgin Mother
William Sandys, 1833

Antiphon 1
By her mercy maladies are healed. She will relieve the stress that leads to my out of control eating.

Psalm  102

Bless, O my soul, the Mother of Jesus Christ: and all that is within me, glorify her name. Forget not her benefits: nor her grace and consolation. By her grace sins are forgiven: and by her mercy maladies are healed. Bless her, all ye powers of Heaven: glorify her, ye choirs of the Apostles and Prophets. Bless her, O ye sea, and the islands of the nations: sing a hymn to her, all ye heavens and the dwellers therein.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
By her mercy maladies are healed. She will relieve the stress that leads to my out of control eating.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, fill us, thy servants, with holy virtues: especially temperance, the virtue of moderation and self-restraint.

Psalm 103

Bless, O my soul, the Virgin Mary: her honor and her magnificence forever. Thou hast clothed thyself with beauty and comeliness: thou art clad, O Lady, with a shining garment. From thee proceeds the healing of sins: and the discipline of peace, and the fervor of charity. Fill us, thy servants, with holy virtues: and let the wrath of God not come nigh unto us. Give eternal joy to thy servants: and forget them not in the death struggle.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 2
O Lady, fill us, thy servants, with holy virtues: especially temperance, the virtue of moderation and self-restraint.

Antiphon 3
Sing gloriously unto Mary, declaring her virtues: her humility teaches me that I cannot control my eating without God's help.

Psalm  104

Give praise to Our Lady and call upon her name: sing gloriously unto her, declaring her virtues. Praise and exalt her, O Virgins, daughters of Sion: because she will espouse to thee the King of Angels. Honor ye the Queen full of all grace: and contemplate with reverence her most holy countenance. Eternal salvation is in thy hand, O Lady: those who honor thee worthily will receive it. Thy clemency will not fail in the eternal years: and thy mercy is from generation to generation.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 3
Sing gloriously unto Mary, declaring her virtues: her humility teaches me that I cannot control my eating without God's help.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

O Lady, thou art our model of the holy virtue of forgiveness. Help me to forgive myself when I eat more than I should.
-
O Lady, thou art our model of the holy virtue of forgiveness. Help me to forgive myself when I eat more than I should.
Mother Mary, I want to honor God in my body.
-
help me to forgive myself when I eat more than I should.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
-
O Lady, thou art our model of the holy virtue of forgiveness. Help me to forgive myself when I eat more than I should.


CANTICLE TO MARY

Antiphon+
He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. She refreshes my soul and restores my body.

My heart has rejoiced in the Lord: and my heart has exalted in my Lady. For He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. There is no one holy as is Our Lady: who alone has surpassed all. Let the old things depart from our mouth: and let us speak with new tongues. Exalt and praise Mary, O Sion and Jerusalem: for she is great amongst the ladies of Israel. She makes poor and she enriches: she humbles and she exalts. She is higher than the heavens: she is wider than the earth: is this Lady of ours.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Antiphon
He who is mighty has done great things to me: by Mary His Mother. She refreshes my soul and restores my body.

INTERCESSIONS

O Mother of Perpetual Help, whom I honor today with my prayers, grant the petitions I have humbly placed before thee:

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Let us ask our Heavenly Father for our daily bread:

Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

CONCLUSION

Hear my prayer, O Lady, and my supplication: and let mine enemies pine away. Have mercy on me from Heaven and from the height of thy throne: and permit me not to be troubled in the valley of misery. Keep my foot, lest it should be injured: and may thy grace be with my end.

Psalm 38

I ask this through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

+ May God have mercy on us and bless us. Let thy grace, O Lady, ever protect me: let thy presence give light to my end.
- Amen.

Psalm 66

WEDNESDAY

Night Prayer

+ O Lady, come to my assistance: and by the light of thy mercy enlighten me.

Psalm 69

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Examination of Conscience
Followed by an Act of Contrition:

O Lady, let not the Lord rebuke me in His anger: obtain for us pardon for our sins. Let all our desire be in thy sight: our hope and our confidence. My heart is troubled within me: light departs from my interior. Enlighten with thy brightness my blindness: sweeten with thy sweetness my contrite heart. Forsake us not, O Lady, Mother of God: let thy grace and thy power be at my right hand.

Psalm 37

HYMN

Gabriel, from heaven's king
Sent to the maiden sweet,
Brought to her blissful tiding
And fair 'gan her to greet.
'Hail be thou, full of grace aright!
For so God's Son, the heaven's light,
Loves man, that He | a man will be | and take
Flesh of thee, maiden bright,
Mankind free for to make
Of sin and devil's might.'

Gently to him gave answer
The gentle maiden then:
'And in what wise should I bear
Child, that know not man?'
The angel said: 'O dread thee nought.
'Tis through the Holy Ghost that wrought
Shall be this thing | whereof tidings | I bring:
Lost mankind shall be bought
By thy sweet childbearing,
And back from sorrow brought.'

When the maiden understood
And the angel's words had heard,
Mildly, of her own mild mood,
The angel she answered:
'Our Lord His handmaiden, I wis,
I am, that here above us is:
And touching me |fulfilled be | thy saw;
That I, since His will is,
Be, out of nature's law
A maid with mother's bliss.'

The angel went away thereon
And parted from her sight
And straightway she conceived a Son
Through th' Holy Ghost His might.
In her was Christ contained anon,
True God, true man, in flesh and bone;
Born of her too | When time was due; | who then
Redeemed us for His own,
And bought us out of pain,
And died for us t'atone.

Filled full of charity,
Thou matchless maiden-mother,
Pray for us to him that He
For thy love above other,
Away our sin and guilt should take,
And clean of every stain us make
And heaven's bliss, | when our time is | to die,
Would give us for thy sake;
With grace to serve him by
Till He us to him take. Amen.

Gabriel, From Heaven's King
Gerald Manley Hopkins, S.J. (1844-1889)

Antiphon 1
O Lady, point out the way of understanding to thy servants. Help me to see that a successful weight loss diet has God in it.

Psalm 106

Give praise to the Lord, for He is good: give praise to His Mother, for her mercy endureth for ever. Show us, O Lady, the innocence and the way of prudence: and point out the way of understanding to thy servants. The fear of God enlightens the mind: and thy love rejoices it. Blessed is the man whose speech is pleasing to thee: his bones shall be fattened with marrow and fatness. Thy word shall uphold the feeble soul: and thy lips shall refresh the thirsty soul.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon 1
O Lady, point out the way of understanding to thy servants. Help me to see that a successful weight loss diet has God in it.

FIRST READING  
Christ-oriented texts

SECOND READING
Mary-oriented texts

RESPONSORY

When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Lead it to the harbor of salvation: there let it await securely the coming of the Redeemer.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
 - When my spirit shall go forth, Lady, let it be commended to thee.

Psalm 145

Antiphon
+ I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me. He will satisfy my hunger with good things.

I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me: and has consoled me. Behold, Lady, thou art my savior: I will deal confidently in thee, and will not be confounded. For thou art my strength and my praise in the Lord: and thou hast become salvation unto me. I will draw waters in joy from the rivulet: and I will always invoke thy name. Make known among the peoples the virtues of Our Lady: for her name is exceedingly sublime. Exalt her and praise her, all the human race: because the Lord my God has given to thee such a mediatrix.

Canticle in Honor of Mary
The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and will be forever. Amen.

Antiphon
I will praise thee, O Lady, because by thee the Lord has been rendered favorable unto me. He will satisfy my hunger with good things.

CONCLUSION

Lady of the angels, Queen of the world: purify my heart with the fire of love and of thy charity. Thou art the mother of the illumination of my heart: thou art the nurse who refreshes my mind. My mouth longs to praise thee: my mind devoutly aspires to venerate thee with ardent affection. My soul longs to pray to thee: because the whole of my being commends itself to thy guidance and teaching.

Psalm 40

I ask this through Jesus Christ, thy Son, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

+ Intercede for me, O Lady, with thy Christ: neither do thou forsake me in death or in life.
- Amen.

Psalms 83

Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.


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Copyright © 2009 by John P. Gross. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this material must be done in its entirety with the copyright notice intact. This book is not for sale, but is offered to the public free of charge in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the glory of God.

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