JANUARY 15, FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR

JANUARY 15, FEAST OF OUR LADY OF PROMPT SUCCOR The original statue of Our Lady of Prompt Succor was brought from France to the pioneer Ursuline convent in New Orleans. When the British Army threatened New Orleans in 1815, the Urslines and the relatives of the American soldiers implored the help of Our Lady of prompt Succor. The subsequent American victory caused General Andrew Jackson to visit the convent to thank the Sisters for their prayers. Our Lady of Prompt Succor was later designated by Papal degree as special patroness of the State of Louisiana. ENTRANCE HYMN Let us all rejoice in the Lord as we celebrate the feast in honor of the blessed ever-Virgin Mary, upon which the angels rejoice and praise the Son of God. Ps. 44:2. My heart overflows with good tidings; I sing my song to the king. V. Glory be . . . PRAYER O most gentle Jesus, You have entrusted the treasury of Your mercy to Your Mother Mary. May she shield us from all evil of body and soul; who lives and rules with God the Father . . . NOVENA PRAYER Our Lady of Prompt Succor, ever Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ our Lord and God, you are most powerful against the enemy of our salvation. The divine promise of a Redeemer was announced right after the sin of our first parents; and you, through your Divine Son, crushed the serpent's head. Hasten, then, to our help and deliver us from the deceits of Satan. Intercede for us with Jesus that we may always accept God's graces and be found faithful to Him in our particular states of life. As you once saved our beloved City (New Orleans) from ravaging flames, and our Country from an invading army, have pity on us and obtain for us protection from hurricanes and all other disasters. (Silent pause for individual petitions.) Assist us in the many trials which beset our path through life. Watch over the Church and the Pope as they uphold with total fidelity the purity of faith and morals against unremitting opposition. Be to us truly Our Lady of Prompt Succor now and especially at the hour of our death, that we may gain everlasting life through the merits of Jesus Christ Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen. -prayer from the National Shrine of Our Lady of Prompt Succor   ... In this world I cannot see the most high Son of God with my own eyes except for His most holy Body and Blood. Everyday He humbles Himself just as He did when He came from His heavenly throne into the Virgin's womb . . . When He descends from the bosom of the Father into the hand of the priest at the altar. (St. Francis of Assisi)